bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EU's Conservation Efforts Need More Strategic Investment to Meet Continental Commitments
Authors: Hermoso Virgilio , Clavero Miguel , Villero Dani , Brotons Lluís 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe European Union (EU) has made significant conservation efforts in the last two decades, guided by the Birds and Habitats Directives, currently under evaluation. Despite these efforts a large proportion of priority species are still in unfavorable condition and continue declining. For this reason, a thoughtful review of the implementation of conservation efforts in Europe is needed to identify potential causes behind this poor effectiveness. We compiled information on the distribution of all conservation funds under the LIFE‐Nature, the main financial tool for conservation in Europe. We found that LIFE‐Nature has not adequately covered continental conservation needs. The majority of funds have been directed toward nonthreatened species or regions of low conservation priority. Given the limited resources available, two key aspects are in urgent need for revision and improvement. First, the distribution of funds should be guided by continental and global conservation needs and planned at the EU scale. Second, new mechanisms are required to set conservation priorities in a dynamic fashion, rather than relying on fixed lists (i.e., the Directives’ Annexes) that may rapidly become outdated. These improvements would require new mechanisms to set priorities and redistribution of conservation efforts, supported by adequate policy and a more effective top‐down control on investment.
Ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity is associated with long‐term prognosis in ulcerative colitis patients treated with infliximab
Authors: Saigusa Keiichiro , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Sugimoto Shinya , Arai Mari , Kiyohara Hiroki , Takeshita Kozue , Mizuno Shinta , Mori Kiyoto , Nanki Kosaku , Takeshita Tatsuya , Nakazato Yoshihiro , Yajima Tomoharu , Naganuma Makoto , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Ogata Haruhiko , Iwao Yasushi , Kanai Takanori 
Published: March 2016

Background and AimUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by periods of remission and episodes of relapse. Mucosal healing is an emerging therapeutic target in UC and various scoring systems have been used. The UC endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) is the only validated endoscopic index at present, with minimum interobserver variation. Correlation of UCEIS scores after treatment and clinical outcomes of UC has not been examined. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of UCEIS after treatment with infliximab.MethodsThe medical records of 82 UC patients, treated with infliximab at Keio University Hospital between October 2010 and July 2013, were reviewed retrospectively. Endoscopic findings were evaluated based on the UCEIS.ResultsMean pre‐therapeutic UCEIS score was 5.1. Pre‐therapeutic UCEIS scores were not associated with short‐term outcomes. Forty‐five patients underwent colonoscopy at 3–12 months after starting treatment; mean post‐therapeutic UCEIS score was 2.4, with a score of 0–1 in 16 (35.6%) patients, 2–4 in 19 (42.2%) patients, and 5–8 in 10 (22.2%) patients. Importantly, a post‐therapeutic UCEIS score of 0 or 1 after treatment was associated with a favorable long‐term outcome.ConclusionUCEIS score is a useful instrument for evaluating endoscopic improvement in UC patients treated with infliximab, and mucosal healing may be defined with a UCEIS score of 0 or 1.
Sex‐specific incidence rates and risk factors of insulin resistance and β–cell dysfunction: a decade follow‐up in a Middle Eastern population
Authors: Derakhshan A. , Tohidi M. , Hajebrahimi M. A. , Saadat N. , Azizi F. , Hadaegh F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo examine the incidence of and risk factors for insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction in a representative Iranian population over a median follow‐up of 9.2 years.MethodsIn total, 3662 people (1528 men) without known diabetes with a baseline homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA–IR) level < 75th percentile and, when β–cell dysfunction was the outcome of interest, 3664 people (1530 men) with a homeostasis model assessment of β–cell function (HOMA‐β) level ≥ 25th percentile were included in the study (HOMA–IR < 2.20 and HOMA–β ≥ 64.3 among men, and HOMA–IR < 2.39 and HOMA–β ≥ 81.7 among women).ResultsThe incidence rates of insulin resistance and β–cell dysfunction were 56.3 and 33.6/1000 person‐years among men and 48.6 and 50.3/1000 person‐years among women, respectively. Applying multivariable Cox regression in both sexes, fasting insulin, triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio and lower education were positive predictors of insulin resistance, whereas age was a negative predictor. Moreover, fasting plasma glucose, waist‐to‐height ratio, wrist circumference and lower hip circumference were significantly associated with incident insulin resistance only among women (all P < 0.05). Considering β–cell dysfunction in both sexes, age and fasting plasma glucose increased the risk, whereas 2‐h post‐challenge plasma glucose was a positive predictor only among men, and waist‐to‐height ratio and triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio were negative predictors only among women (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsModifiable risk factors are related to the incidence of insulin resistance and β–cell dysfunction, which can be prevented with proper strategies although the difference between men and women should be taken into account.
Performance and safety of an integrated bihormonal artificial pancreas for fully automated glucose control at home
Authors: Blauw H. , van Bon A. C. , Koops R. , DeVries J. H. ,   , on behalf of the PCDIAB consortium
Published: March 2016

AimsTo assess the performance and safety of an integrated bihormonal artificial pancreas system consisting of one wearable device and two wireless glucose sensor transmitters during short‐term daily use at home.MethodsAdult patients with type 1 diabetes using an insulin pump were invited to enrol in this randomized crossover study. Treatment with the artificial pancreas started with a day and night in the clinical research centre, followed by 3 days at home. The control period consisted of 4 days of insulin pump therapy at home with blinded continuous glucose monitoring for data collection. Days 2–4 were predefined as the analysis period, with median glucose as the primary outcome.ResultsA total of 10 patients completed the study. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] glucose level was similar for the two treatments [7.3 (7.0–7.6) mmol/l for the artificial pancreas vs. 7.7 (7.0–9.0) mmol/l for the control; p = 0.123]. The median (IQR) percentage of time spent in euglycaemia (3.9–10 mmol/l) was longer during use of the artificial pancreas [84.7 (82.2–87.8)% for the artificial pancreas vs. 68.5 (57.9–83.6)% for the control; p = 0.007]. Time in hypoglycaemia was 1.3 (0.2–3.2)% for the artificial pancreas and 2.4 (0.4–10.3)% for the control treatment (p = 0.139). Separate analysis of daytime and night‐time showed that the improvements were mainly achieved during the night.ConclusionsThe results of this pilot study suggest that our integrated artificial pancreas provides better glucose control than insulin pump therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes at home and that the treatment is safe.
A Novel Index Combining Diastolic and Systolic Tissue Doppler Parameters for Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Authors: Ari Hasan , Ari Selma , Sarigül O. Yaşar , Coşar Selvi , Doğanay Kübra , Emlek Nadir , Tütüncü Ahmet , Kivanç Eylem , Çamci Sencer , Aktaş Ibrahim , Karakuş Alper , Zengin Ismet , Bozat Tahsin , Melek Mehmet 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveIdentification of patients at risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence with using simple and objective parameters may be helpful in tailoring the treatment. In this study, we investigated whether E/(Ea×Sa) and Ea/(Aa×Sa) could be a predictor of AF recurrence after cardioversion. (E = early diastolic transmitral velocity, Ea = early diastolic mitral annular velocity, Aa = late diastolic mitral annular velocity, Sa = systolic mitral annular velocity).MethodsIn total, 127 patients with persistent AF were evaluated for this study and 73 patients were included according to the study criteria. Sinus rhythm (SR) was achieved for 70 patients after electrical direct‐current cardioversion. E, Sa, Ea, and Aa were determined at mitral medial and lateral site and average values obtained. E/(Ea×Sa) and Ea/(Aa×Sa) were calculated (medial, lateral, average). Heart rate and rhythm were followed with an electrocardiography (ECG) monitor and 12‐lead ECG at first week and first month.ResultsAt one month, 53 patients (75.7%) were in SR, whereas 17 patients (24.3%) reverted to AF. According to precardioversion E/(Ea×Sa) lateral, E/(Ea×Sa) medial, E/(Ea×Sa) average (P ≤ 0.01 for all the indices), 24‐hour echocardiographic evaluation E/(Ea×Sa) lateral, E/(Ea×Sa) medial, E/(Ea×Sa) average, Ea/(Aa×Sa) lateral, Ea/(Aa×Sa) medial, and Ea/(Aa×Sa) average (P ≤ 0.01 for all the indices), indices were significantly higher in the AF recurrence group than in the SR group. Furthermore, the ROC analysis showed that all the E/(Ea×Sa) and Ea/(Aa×Sa) parameters predict the AF recurrence. The AUC values range from 70% to 81% (P ≤ 0.01 for all the parameters). In subgroup analysis of the patients, precardioversion mitral medial E/Ea ratio was between 8 and 15, and the ROC analysis showed that the novel indices predict the AF recurrence. The AUC values range from 72% to 86% (P ≤ 0.02 for all the parameters).ConclusionsWe found that E/(Ea×Sa) and Ea/(Aa×Sa) indices are novel predictors of AF recurrence.
Social integration and substance use: assessing the effects of an early intervention programme for youth
Authors: Brand Amélie , Guillod Line , Habersaat Stéphanie , Panchaud Evelyne , Stéphan Philippe , Urben Sébastien 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimAppropriate social integration has been shown to be a protective factor against substance use among adolescents and associated negative consequences. Promoting social integration through early intervention with adolescents using substances is thus necessary and is the aim of the Identification, Assessment and Follow‐up of Adolescents with Substance Use (in French, Dépistage ‐ évaluation ‐ parrainage d'adolescents consommateurs de substances (DEPART) programme. The present study aimed to describe this programme and its participants from 2009 to 2013 as well as to assess its effects on social integration.MethodsData from 398 adolescents using substances who attended the DEPART programme were analysed.ResultsThe results showed that almost 80% of the adolescents admitted to the DEPART programme were boys, with a large proportion using cannabis. Globally, social integration did not increase from admission to discharge from the programme, but a shift was observed for school and professional integration. Additionally, after the intervention, we observed that social integration was more important in younger patients.ConclusionsThis study showed that adolescents with problematic substance use mostly consumed soft drugs and that those who were integrated into the DEPART programme at a younger age were more likely to be socially integrated at the end of the programme.
The transcription factor Pf‐POU3F4 regulates expression of the matrix protein genes Aspein and Prismalin‐14 in pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata)
Authors: Gao Jing , Chen Yan , Yang Yi , Liang Jian , Xie Jun , Liu Jun , Li Shiguo , Zheng Guilang , Xie Liping , Zhang Rongqing 
Published: March 2016

Matrix proteins play key roles in shell formation in the pearl oyster, but little is known about how these proteins are regulated. Here, two POU domain family members, Pf‐POU2F1 and Pf‐POU3F4, were cloned and characterized. Functional domain analysis revealed that both them have conserved POUS and POUH domains; these domains are important for transcription factor function. The tissue distributions of Pf‐POU2F1 and Pf‐POU3F4 mRNAs in pearl oyster revealed different expression patterns, and the expression of Pf‐POU3F4 mRNA was relatively high in the mantle. The promoters of the matrix protein genes Aspein and Prismalin‐14 were cloned using genome‐walking PCR. Relatively high transcriptional activities of these promoters were detected in HEK‐293T cells. In transient co‐transfection assays, Pf‐POU3F4 greatly up‐regulated the promoter activities of the Aspein and Prismalin‐14 genes in a dose‐dependent manner. Structural integrity of Pf‐POU3F4 was essential for its activation function. One region of the Aspein gene promoter, −181 to −77 bp, and two binding sites in the Prismalin‐14 gene promoter, −359 to −337 bp and −100 to −73 bp, were required for activation of Pf‐POU3F4. An electrophoresis mobility shift assay demonstrated that Pf‐POU3F4 directly bound these sites. Pf‐POU3F4 knockdown led to a decrease in Aspein and Prismalin‐14 gene expression. Furthermore, expression levels for the Pf‐POU3F4 gene were similar to those of the Aspein and Prismalin‐14 genes during five development stages. Taken together, these results suggest that the transcription factor Pf‐POU3F4 regulates expression of the matrix protein genes Aspein and Prismalin‐14 in pearl oyster.DatabaseThe nucleotide sequence data of Pf‐POU2F1 is available in the GenBank databases under the accession number KM588196. The nucleotide sequence data of Pf‐POU3F4 is available in the GenBank databases under the accession number KM519606. The nucleotide sequence data of Aspein gene promoter is available in the GenBank databases under the accession number KM519607. The nucleotide sequence data of Prismalin‐14 gene promoter is available in the GenBank databases under the accession number KM519601.
Classification of patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease using rapid immunoassay of serum type IV collagen compared with liver histology and other fibrosis markers
Authors: Mizuno Masayuki , Shima Toshihide , Oya Hirohisa , Mitsumoto Yasuhide , Mizuno Chiemi , Isoda Satoshi , Kuramoto Mizue , Taniguchi Masanori , Noda Masashi , Sakai Kyoko , Koyama Noriyuki , Okanoue Takeshi 
Published: March 2016

AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can progress to non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We investigated the association among serum type IV collagen level, liver histology, and other fibrosis markers in NAFLD progression.MethodsWe evaluated 184 patients diagnosed with NAFLD following biopsy, including 89 males and 95 females with an average age of 52.6 and 62.6 years, respectively. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was classified as NAFL or NASH using Matteoni's classification, and the grade and stage of NASH were assessed using Brunt's classification. Serum type IV collagen was measured by a rapid and sensitive latex particle‐enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay.ResultsForty‐two patients with NAFL and 142 patients with NASH were included in this study. Compared with patients with NAFL, patients with NASH showed more significant liver function disorder and increased expression of fibrosis markers including type IV collagen, collagen 7S, Mac2‐binding protein (M2BP), and hyaluronic acid (HA). Expression of type IV collagen and collagen 7S, but not M2BP and HA, was more significantly elevated in patients with stage 1 NASH than in patients with NAFL, indicating that type IV collagen and collagen 7S may be better discriminators of NASH and NAFL than M2BP and HA at an early stage of fibrosis. When patients were stratified by NAFLD activity score, type IV collagen and collagen 7S were significantly elevated as NAFLD activity score progressed, whereas M2BP and HA expression were not significantly elevated.ConclusionType IV collagen may be a useful measure of NASH severity as latex particle‐enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay‐based rapid type IV collagen assay can be carried out routinely.
Partner Selection for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Bates Claire , Terry Louise , Popple Keith 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe aim of this research was to understand the characteristics that adults with intellectual disabilities look for in a partner. There have been numerous studies that have explored partner selection for people without intellectual disabilities, but no research that specifically identified the traits valued in a partner by people with intellectual disabilities.MethodIn‐depth interviews were conducted with eleven participants across two UK sites. All participants were adults with an intellectual disability who had been in a relationship with a partner for over a year. The narratives were analysed utilizing hermeneutic phenomenology, guided by the theory of Van Manen (1990).ResultsThe findings highlighted that, regardless of age, participant's relationships typically developed within a segregated environment for people with intellectual disabilities over the past 10 years. People with intellectual disabilities expressed a wish to be loved, to be treated kindly and to have companionship. However, they did not place high value on attributes such as financial security, social status or intelligence.ConclusionsThe research demonstrated how poorly integrated people with intellectual disabilities are within mainstream society. Desired characteristics and expectations for participant's relationships were rooted in a shared history and culture, which was shaped by their intellectual disability and support needs.
Clinical outcomes and prevalence of cancer in patients with possible groove pancreatitis
Authors: Lekkerkerker Selma J , Nio Chung Y , Issa Yama , Fockens Paul , Verheij Joanne , Busch Olivier R , van Gulik Thomas M , Rauws Erik A , Boermeester Marja A , van Hooft Jeanin E , Besselink Marc G 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimData on non‐surgical treatment of groove pancreatitis (GP) and the risk of cancer are lacking. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of cancer in patients in whom the diagnosis GP was considered, and to evaluate symptom improvement after treatment.StudyPatients referred with possible GP (2001–2014) were retrospectively included. An experienced radiologist reassessed imaging. GP patients received questionnaires evaluating their symptoms.ResultsFrom the 38 possible GP patients, 10 had cancer (26%) and 28 GP (74%). Compared with cancer patients, GP patients more frequently had cysts (2/10 vs. 18/28, P = 0.03), less often jaundice (6/10 vs 3/27, P < 0.01), an abrupt caliber change of the CBD (5/10 vs. 2/28, P < 0.01) or suspicious cytology (5/9 vs 2/20, P = 0.02).Of the 28 GP patients, 14 patients were treated conservatively of whom 12 reported symptom improvement after a median follow‐up of 45 months (range 7–127 months). All 6 patients treated endoscopically and 7/8 patients treated surgically reported symptom improvement. Surgery, performed because of treatment failure (3/8) or inability to exclude malignancy (5/8), caused mortality in 1/8 patients.ConclusionsSuspicion of pancreatic cancer should be high in patients presenting with possible GP. Conservative, endoscopic and surgical treatment can all lead to symptom improvement, suggesting a ‘step‐up approach’ to GP once cancer is excluded.
Social Enterprise Emergence from Social Movement Activism: The Fairphone Case
Authors: Akemu Ona , Whiteman Gail , Kennedy Steve 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEffectuation theory invests agency – intention and purposeful enactment – for new venture creation in the entrepreneurial actor(s). Based on the results of a 15‐month in‐depth longitudinal case study of Amsterdam‐based social enterprise Fairphone, we argue that effectual entrepreneurial agency is co‐constituted by distributed agency, the proactive conferral of material resources and legitimacy to an eventual entrepreneur by heterogeneous actors external to the new venture. We show how in the context of social movement activism, an effectual network pre‐committed resources to an inchoate social enterprise to produce a material artefact because it embodied the moral values of network members. We develop a model of social enterprise emergence based on these findings. We theorize the role of material artefacts in effectuation theory and suggest that, in the case, the artefact served as a boundary object, present in multiple social words and triggering commitment from actors not governed by hierarchical arrangements.
Textural Complexity Model Foods Assessed with Instrumental and Sensory Measurements
Authors: Tang Jingyuan , Larsen Danaé S. , Ferguson Lynnette , James Bryony J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe term textural complexity is associated with a range of different perceivable textures and sensations occurring from first bite through to swallow. The aim of this study was to develop gel‐based model foods with “built‐in” levels of textural complexity for use in a wider study of the impact of texture on satiation and satiety. The model foods needed to be quantified for textural complexity and that assessment was conducted using instrumental and sensory measurements model foods of different structural complexity (based on inclusions and layers with differing mechanical properties) resulted in puncture curves with differing numbers of peaks caused by the sequential puncture of structural features, and in differing lengths; in general higher complexity led to a greater number of peaks and greater length. Consistent with the definition of textural complexity, more texturally complex samples generated a greater number of descriptors during the “chewdown” phase in descriptive sensory analysis. Temporal dominance of sensation (TDS) analysis gave different information on the dynamics of texture perception during chewing sequence compared to descriptive analysis but confirmed the levels of textural complexity of the model foods. In particular TDS indicates the evolution of the number of texture attributes perceived, and the number of times the dominant texture changed.Practical ApplicationsThese gel‐based model foods with different textural complexity, similar nutritional densities and comparable chewing time can be used for investigating the hypothesized relationship between textural complexity and satiation. The instrumental and sensory tests used in this study proved capable of differentiating levels of textural complexity. The findings of Quantitative Descriptive Analysis and Temporal Dominance of Sensation, and using the number of peaks and length of a puncture curve to quantify textural complexity could be expanded on in the future to create standardised tests.