bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Top soil removal reduces water pollution from phosphorus and dissolved organic matter and lowers methane emissions from rewetted peatlands
Authors: Zak Dominik , Goldhammer Tobias , Cabezas Alavaro , Gelbrecht Jörg , Gurke Robert , Wagner Carola , Reuter Hendrik , Augustin Jürgen , Klimkowska Agata , McInnes Robert 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

A valid strategy to mitigate the eutrophication of water bodies due to non‐point source phosphorus (P) pollution and to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases is the rewetting of degraded peatlands. However, long‐term drainage and intensive agricultural use make it unlikely that the original sink functions for nutrients and carbon (C) as well as low‐nutrient conditions can be re‐established within a human time perspective.

We hypothesized that the removal of the upper degraded peat layer can be a suitable measure to avoid the negative implications of excess mobilization of P and C after rewetting. To evaluate the effect of top soil removal (TSR) we performed lab and field experiments in six inundated peatlands in northern Germany without TSR compared to six inundated sites with TSR. In addition, we included data from a rewetted peatland where the degraded peat had been removed from about half of the area and groundwater level was just beneath the soil surface.

The results emphasized that following inundation newly formed detritus mud layers overlying the former peat surface are the dominating source for P and methane in particular in sites without TSR but also in sites with TSR, although at significantly lower rates. Although highly decomposed peat released more or less no methane, dissolved organic matter mobilization was highest in this substrate while less decomposed peat was characterized in general by lowest rates of mobilization.

Synthesis and applications. Top soil removal prior to rewetting can be a suitable method to avoid the negative consequences of the excess release of phosphorus (P) and carbon post‐rewetting. We developed a simple decision support schematic to assist the peatland restoration process and to better understand the implications of top soil removal. Despite the potential benefits, top soil removal should not be declared as a universal method, as it requires detailed consideration prior to application. However, this and other research demonstrate that it is inevitable that without any further management interventions high mobilization of P, dissolved organic matter and methane may persist for centuries following rewetting of peatlands.
Proteomic analysis of oral cancer reveals new potential therapeutic targets involved in the Warburg effect
Authors: Huang Yi‐Ping , Chang Nai‐Wen 
Published: April 2017

SummaryActivation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) has been reported to disrupt tumour metabolism and to promote anticancer activity through interfering with the Warburg effect. This study is to investigate whether Warburg effect‐related proteins also could be identified in oral tumour lesions and to explore the functional significance of PPARα in metabolic shift. Five pairs of tongue tumour tissues and adjacent reference tissues obtained from 4‐NQO/arecoline induced mouse model were analyzed by 2‐d‐gel‐electrophoresis and LC‐MS. Further, the hexokinase II level, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, and metabolites of glycolysis and TCA cycle were all examined in order to validate the effect of PPARα on metabolic shift. Changes in protein expression levels revealed that seven proteins, which were involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the respiratory chain, were down‐regulated in tumour tissues. We found that activation of PPARα through fenofibrate could inhibit oral cancer cell growth and switch the way of energy production from the Warburg effect to oxidative phosphorylation. Fenofibrate induced a reduction of hexokinase II protein levels, increases in PDH activity and metabolites of the TCA cycle, and an impairment of ATP production. These findings suggested that activation of the PPARα to reprogram the metabolic pathway might impair the Warburg effect and trigger cancer cell death. The study provides a novel view of changes in protein expression profiles involved in the Warburg effect during oral tumourigenesis. Activation of the PPARα to impair the Warburg effect might offer a new strategy for oral cancer treatment.
Naringenin prevents ischaemic stroke damage via anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant effects
Authors: Wang Kaihua , Chen Zhenzhen , Huang Jianmin , Huang Longjian , Luo Ning , Liang Xiulin , Liang Mingkun , Xie Wei 
Published: April 2017

SummaryApoptosis and oxidative stress are considered to be the major factors associated with the development and progression of many ischaemic cerebrovascular diseases. Naringenin (NAR) is an abundant flavanone in citrus plants and has been found to exhibit anti‐oxidant, anti‐carcinogenic and anti‐apoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant effects of naringenin on ischaemic stroke. In vitro, cortical neuron cells isolated from the brains of neonatal Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/Rep), NAR‐L, NAR‐M and NAR‐H groups. MTT and RT‐PCR were used for cell proliferation and apoptosis‐related proteins analyses. The effects of NAR on the Nrf2 signalling pathway were investigated using transfection approaches. Differences in mitochondrial dysfunction were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vivo, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was prepared and neurological defects and the brain wet/dry (W/D) ratio were assessed and recorded; apoptosis was measured based on the TUNEL assay. Additionally, biochemical indices were detected both in vitro and in vivo. NAR promoted cortical neuron cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis and oxidative stress, and regulated the localization of Nrf2 protein (P<.05). Furthermore, silencing and overexpression of Nrf2 affected cortical neuron cell proliferation and apoptosis (P<.05). In vivo, NAR could alleviate cerebral oedema, improve neurological defects, and reduce apoptosis and oxidative stress (P<.05). These findings demonstrated that NAR could reduce apoptosis and oxidative stress and that Nrf2 signalling pathway is involved in this regulatory process. NAR has health‐promoting properties because of its anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant effects in cases of ischaemic stroke.
Critical thinking, curiosity and parsimony in (emergency) medicine: ‘Doing nothing’ as a quality measure?
Authors: Keijzers Gerben 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCurrent medical decision‐making is influenced by many factors, such as competing interests, distractions, as well as fear of missing an important diagnosis. This can result in ordering tests or providing treatments that can be harmful. Unnecessary tests are more likely to lead to false positive diagnosis or incidental findings that are of uncertain clinical relevance. Estimates indicate that almost one‐third of all health spending is wasteful. The ‘Choosing Wisely’ campaign has identified many of these wasteful tests and treatments. This perspective proposes some suggestions to focus on our critical thinking, embrace shared decision‐making and stay curious about the patient we are treating. Most importantly, ‘doing nothing’ could be a quality indicator for EDs, and ACEM supported audits and research to develop benchmarks for certain tests and procedures in the ED are important to achieve a cultural change.
Synergetic Use of Principal Component Analysis Applied to Normed Physicochemical Measurements and GC × GC‐MS to Reveal the Stabilization Effect of Selected Essential Oils on Heated Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Sghaier Lilia , Cordella Christophe B. Y. , Rutledge Douglas N. , Lefèvre Fanny , Watiez Mickaël , Breton Sylvie , Sassiat Patrick , Thiebaut Didier , Vial Jérôme 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLipid oxidation leads to the formation of volatile compounds and very often to off‐flavors. In the case of the heating of rapeseed oil, unpleasant odors, characterized as a fishy odor, are emitted. In this study, 2 different essential oils (coriander and nutmeg essential oils) were added to refined rapeseed oil as odor masking agents. The aim of this work was to determine a potential antioxidant effect of these essential oils on the thermal stability of rapeseed oil subject to heating cycles between room temperature and 180 °C. For this purpose, normed determinations of different parameters (peroxide value, anisidine value, and the content of total polar compounds, free fatty acids and tocopherols) were carried out to examine the differences between pure and degraded oil. No significant difference was observed between pure rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil with essential oils for each parameter separately. However, a stabilizing effect of the essential oils, with a higher effect for the nutmeg essential oil was highlighted by principal component analysis applied on physicochemical dataset. Moreover, the analysis of the volatile compounds performed by GC × GC showed a substantial loss of the volatile compounds of the essential oils from the first heating cycle.
Emergency Physicians Are Able to Detect Right Ventricular Dilation With Good Agreement Compared to Cardiology
Authors: Rutz Matt A. , Clary Julie M. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Russell Frances M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveFocused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) is a useful tool in evaluating patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute dyspnea. Prior work has shown that right ventricular (RV) dilation is associated with repeat hospitalizations and shorter life expectancy. Traditionally, RV assessment has been evaluated by cardiologist‐interpreted comprehensive echocardiography. The primary goal of this study was to determine the inter‐rater reliability between emergency physicians (EPs) and a cardiologist for determining RV dilation on FOCUS performed on ED patients with acute dyspnea.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study at two urban academic EDs; patients were enrolled if they had acute dyspnea and a computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram without acute disease. All patients had an EP‐performed FOCUS to assess for RV dilation. RV dilation was defined as an RV to left ventricular ratio greater than 1. FOCUS interpretations were compared to a blinded cardiologist FOCUS interpretation using agreement and kappa statistics.ResultsOf 84 FOCUS examinations performed on 83 patients, 17% had RV dilation. Agreement and kappa, for EP‐performed FOCUS for RV dilation were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80–95%) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.48–0.88), respectively.ConclusionsEmergency physician sonographers are able to detect RV dilation with good agreement when compared to cardiology. These results support the wider use of EP‐performed FOCUS to evaluate for RV dilation in ED patients with dyspnea.
Predicting which tropical tree species are vulnerable to forest disturbances
Authors: Babweteera Fred , Ssekuubwa Enock 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTropical forest management often focuses on a few high‐value timber species because they are thought to be the most vulnerable in logged forests. However, other tree species may be vulnerable to secondary effects of logging, like loss of vertebrate dispersers. We examined vulnerability of tree species to loss of vertebrate dispersers in Mabira, a heavily disturbed tropical rainforest in Uganda. Fruit characteristics and shade tolerance regimes of 269 tree species were compiled. Stem densities of tree species producing fruits of various sizes and having different shade tolerance regimes were computed for Mabira and compared with densities of conspecifics in Budongo, a less disturbed forest with similar floral composition. Seventy per cent of tree species in Mabira are animal‐dispersed, of which 10% are large‐fruited light demanders. These species are the most vulnerable because they rarely recruit beneath adult conspecifics and are exclusively dispersed by large vertebrates, also vulnerable in heavily disturbed forests. Comparison of densities between Mabira and Budongo showed that large‐fruited light demanders had a lower density in Mabira. Other categories of tree species had similar densities in both forests. It is plausible that the low density of large‐fruited light demanders is due to limited recruitment caused by dispersal limitations.
Effects of pruning on the concentration of trace elements in Colophospermum mopane leaves
Authors: Makhado Rudzani A. , Potgieter Martin J. , Luus‐Powell Wilmien J. , Mapaure Isaac 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDespite the nutritional value of Colophospermum mopane to browser's diets, there is still insufficient knowledge on the effect of browsers on concentrations of these trace elements. A field experiment was conducted in Musina Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa, to determine the effect of pruning on the concentration of trace elements in mopane leaves. Samples were analysed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), fluoride (F) and selenium (Se) using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry technique. The effect of pruning was tested using the two‐tailed t‐test: two‐sample assuming equal variance and two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test. Results showed that the concentration of trace elements in the control and pruned trees varies slightly through the year. Fe, Mn, Mo, Cu, Zn and Se are higher during leaf flush, but declined as the leaves matured and aged. This study concluded that simulated browsing had no significant effect on the concentration of trace elements in the mopane leaves. Seasonal variation in the amount of trace elements has implications on the distribution of browsers in the mopane woodland.
Current population estimate and distribution of the African buffalo in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Megaze Aberham , Balakrishnan Mundanthra , Belay Gurja 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAn investigation into the population status and distribution of the African buffalo (Syncerus cafferSparrman, 1779) in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia, was carried out during the wet and dry seasons of 2012–2015. This study tested the hypothesis that buffalo would demonstrate seasonal habitat preferences and changes in population density. Sample counts were carried out in an area of 1215 km2. The estimated buffalo population was 5193 individuals, with the population density of 4.3/km2. The population showed an increase from 2617 to 5194 individuals during 2006–2015. Males comprised 42.6%, while females 46.7% of the population. Age structure was dominated by adults, which constituted 52.5% of the total population. Subadults comprised 24.3% and young 12.4% of the population. Larger herds of up to 30 individuals were observed during the wet season, and smaller herds of a minimum of four individuals were seen during the dry season. The mean herd sizes during the wet and dry seasons were 29.59 and 16.95, respectively. They were observed more in the riverine vegetation types during the dry season. Of the total, 57.6% utilized riverine habitat during the dry season, whereas 39.8% used this habitat during the wet season. Relative abundance of food sources, green vegetation cover and availability of water were the major factors governing their distribution in the present study area.
Clinical and patient‐reported outcomes of SPARE – a randomised feasibility study of selective bladder preservation versus radical cystectomy
Authors: Huddart Robert A. , Birtle Alison , Maynard Lauren , Beresford Mark , Blazeby Jane , Donovan Jenny , Kelly John D. , Kirkbank Tony , McLaren Duncan B. , Mead Graham , Moynihan Clare , Persad Raj , Scrase Christopher , Lewis Rebecca , Hall Emma 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo test the feasibility of a randomised trial in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and compare outcomes in patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) or selective bladder preservation (SBP), where definitive treatment [RC or radiotherapy (RT)] is determined by response to chemotherapy.Patients and MethodsSPARE is a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing RC and SBP in patients with MIBC staged T2–3 N0 M0, fit for both treatment strategies and receiving three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were randomised between RC and SBP before a cystoscopy after cycle three of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with ≤T1 residual tumour received a fourth cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in both groups, followed by radical RT in the SBP group and RC in in the RC group; non‐responders in both groups proceeded immediately to RC following cycle three. Feasibility study primary endpoints were accrual rate and compliance with assigned treatment strategy. The phase III trial was designed to demonstrate non‐inferiority of SBP in terms of overall survival (OS) in patients whose tumours responded to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included patient‐reported quality of life, clinician assessed toxicity, loco‐regional recurrence‐free survival, and rate of salvage RC after SBP.ResultsTrial recruitment was challenging and below the predefined target with 45 patients recruited in 30 months (25 RC; 20 SBP). Non‐compliance with assigned treatment strategy was frequent, six of the 25 patients (24%) randomised to RC received RT. Long‐term bladder preservation rate was 11/15 (73%) in those who received RT per protocol. OS survival was not significantly different between groups.ConclusionsRandomising patients with MIBC between RC and SBP based on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not feasible in the UK health system. Strong clinician and patient preferences for treatments impacted willingness to undergo randomisation and acceptance of treatment allocation. Due to the few participants, firm conclusions about disease and toxicity outcomes cannot be drawn.
Family engagement within the context of assessment in child protection practice: The case of Estonia
Authors: Välba Egle , Toros Karmen , Tiko Anne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEngagement in the context of child protection is of significant international interest, as the participation of family is a central notion in child and family social work. Drawing on in‐depth, semistructured interviews with a sample of 26 child protection workers in 1 region in Estonia, this article reports the findings of the participants' perspectives on family engagement in the context of child protection assessment. Child protection workers perceive the engagement related to 3 aspects: first, it is associated to the acts of the worker; second, it is associated to parental part of actions—depending on parents themselves; and third, engagement was seen as “doing together” with the family, referring to partnership. The aim of the engagement was mainly considered in the terms of empowerment—empowering family to cope on their own and to take charge of their lives. The negative image of child protection was recognised as one of the main barriers to the family engagement. Understanding the family and their situation was seen as the basis for a trusting relationship, being the most crucial factor to promoting family engagement.
Cost‐effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine as add‐on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes in China
Authors: Gu Shuyan , Wang Xiaoyong , Qiao Qing , Gao Weiguo , Wang Jian , Dong Hengjin 
Published: April 2017

AimsTo estimate the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily as add‐on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsThe Cardiff Diabetes Model was used to simulate disease progression and estimate the long‐term effects of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. Patient profiles and treatment effects required for the model were obtained from literature reviews (English and Chinese databases) and from a meta‐analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials comparing exenatide twice daily with insulin glargine once daily add‐on to OADs for T2DM in China. Medical expenditure data were collected from 639 patients with T2DM (aged ≥18 years) with and without complications incurred between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 from claims databases in Shandong, China. Costs (2014 Chinese Yuan [¥]) and benefits were estimated, from the payers’ perspective, over 40 years at a discount rate of 3%. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsPatients on exenatide twice daily + OAD had a lower predicted incidence of most cardiovascular and hypoglycaemic events and lower total costs compared with those on insulin glargine once daily + OAD. A greater number of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs; 1.94) at a cost saving of ¥117 706 gained was associated with exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. (i.e. cost saving of ¥60 764/QALY) per patient.ConclusionsIn Chinese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled by OADs, exenatide twice daily is a cost‐effective add‐on therapy alternative to insulin glargine once daily, and may address the problem of an excess of medical needs resulting from weight gain and hypoglycaemia in T2DM treatment.
Low CREBBP expression is associated with adverse long‐term outcomes in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhang Rui‐Dong , Liu Shu‐Guang , Zhao Xiao‐Xi , Cui Lei , Yue Zhi‐Xia , Li Wei‐Jing , Chen Zhen‐Ping , Li Zhi‐Gang , Rao Qing , Wang Min , Zheng Hu‐Yong , Wang Jian‐Xiang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesCREBBP alterations are associated with many diseases including leukaemia. However, CREBBP expression and its clinical relevance in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have not been elucidated.MethodsWe studied CREBBP mRNA expression in 349 patients treated with either the BCH‐2003 or CCLG‐2008 protocol. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, patients were divided into low‐ or high‐CREBBP. The association among clinicobiological characteristics, outcomes and CREBBP level was analysed.ResultsLow expression of CREBBP (<1.0) at diagnosis was found in 97.7% of patients and increased significantly after complete remission. Low‐CREBBP patients were associated with unfavourable clinical presentations, poor prednisone response and high minimal residual disease (>10−2) after induction. We found significantly poorer event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in low‐CREBBP group whether administered BCH‐2003 or CCLG‐2008. Low‐CREBBP was an inferior independent prognostic factor in BCH‐2003; patients with low‐CREBBP had better outcomes on an intermediate‐risk regimen than a standard‐risk regimen involving the CCLG‐2008 protocol. Patients stratified to high‐risk with low‐CREBBP had the worst EFS and OS.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that low‐CREBBP is predictive of unfavourable outcomes; thus, a more intensive treatment protocol is necessitated for standard‐risk patients with insufficient CREBBP and that a specific target therapy is necessitated for high‐risk patients.