bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet and bite force in red foxes: ontogenetic and sex differences in an invasive carnivore
Authors: Forbes‐Harper J. L. , Crawford H. M. , Dundas S. J. , Warburton N. M. , Adams P. J. , Bateman P. W. , Calver M. C. , Fleming P. A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBite force is often used as a predictive indicator of an animal's feeding ecology, although the premise that there is a direct link between diet and cranial morphology can be difficult to test empirically. Studies that have examined this question tend to rely on generalizations of a species’ diet, and age and sex differences are rarely considered. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are introduced predators in Australia, allowing large sample size collection through culling for comparison of skull morphology (size, morphometry, weight), demographics (age, sex) and diet (stomach contents). Over half (57%) of the 540 animals we sampled were juveniles (<1 year old; dispersing from their natal sites) and most variation in skull morphometry was driven by age; adults had significantly more robust skulls than juveniles, with greater estimated bite force. Sexual dimorphism (body mass and body length) was reflected in longer, heavier skulls of males. We also recorded significant sex and age differences in diet. Sheep carrion comprised 47–65% of diet volume; however, adult females ate less sheep but had more mice and invertebrates in their diet than males or juveniles of both sexes. This dietary separation for adult females does not appear to be directly due to estimated bite force constraints, but probably rather prey availability, which may reflect feeding behaviour and space use patterns. Juveniles (both sexes) showed as much consumption of sheep carrion as adult males, despite their lower estimated bite force than adults. This is the first study that directly compares ontogenetic and sex differences in the diet of a carnivore together with their cranial morphology and estimated bite force, and highlights limitations of inferring diet partitioning from skull morphology alone.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver and advanced fibrosis in the elderly: Results from a community‐based Polish survey
Authors: Hartleb Marek , Barański Kamil , Zejda Jan , Chudek Jerzy , Więcek Andrzej 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsDevelopment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is dependent on metabolic factors occurring at an increased frequency with advancing age. Until now, few studies have explored the prevalence of NAFL in aged populations. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFL and advanced fibrosis in the elderly population participating in a national survey of a community‐based elderly cohort.MethodsA total of 3003 participants (mean age 79.6 years, 46.8% male) were enrolled in the study, after applying the following exclusion criteria: individuals younger than 65 years old (n=829) and those with positive serological biomarkers of HBV or HCV infection (n=391), chronic alcohol ingestion (n=727) or incomplete data records (n=745). Based on the fatty liver index (FLI), the participants were classified into three categories: FLI<30 (no NAFL), 30≤FLI<60 (borderline) and FLI≥60 (NAFL). According to the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (NFS), the participants were divided into three advanced fibrosis risk categories: NFS<−1.455 (low risk), −1.455≤NFS≤0.676 (intermediate risk) and NFS>0.676 (high risk).ResultsThe prevalence of NAFL in the general population was 37.2%; the prevalence reached 51.4% in participants 65‐70 years of age and decreased with advancing age (P<.0001). The prevalence of advanced fibrosis was 7.79% (14.8% in the NAFL population) and increased with advancing age (P<.005).ConclusionsThe prevalence of NAFL and metabolically driven advanced fibrosis are relatively common in the elderly population, and these hepatic conditions run in adverse directions with advancing age.
The impact of endotoxin on jejunal tissue oxygenation
Authors: Pajk Werner , Stadlbauer Karl‐Heinz , Kleinsasser Axel , Kotzinger Oskar , Ulmer Hanno , Hasibeder Walter , Knotzer Hans 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveWe examined the effects of systemic ETX on jejunal mucoal microcirculatory parameters in anesthetized pigs.MethodsJejunal mucosal tissue PO2 was measured employing Clark‐type surface oxygen electrodes. Oxygen saturation of jejunal microvascular hemoglobin was determined by tissue reflectance spectrophotometry. Jejunal microcirculatory blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Microvascular conductance and rhythmical oscillation of the tissue PO2 were calculated. Systemic hemodynamic variables, mesenteric venous and systemic acid base and blood gas variables, and lactate measurements were recorded. Measurements were taken at BL and after Escherichia coli LPS administration in 20 minutes intervals for 110 minutes.ResultsETX infusion led to a significant (P<.05) decrease of PO2muc (from 24±4 to 8±4 mm Hg) and microvascular HbO2 (from 41±13 to 24±12%). Microcirculatory conductivity increased in ETX animals, microvascular blood flow remained unchanged (PU; from 228±45 to 232±58). ETX induced an increase in oscillation frequency of mucosal tissue oxygenation.ConclusionsEndotoxinemia resulted in a significant depression of mucosal tissue oxygenation despite a constant microcirculatory blood flow. This impairment of tissue oxygenation resulted in an increase in the vasomotion pattern in a futile attempt to counteract the undersupply of oxygen to the jejunal tissue.
Artocarpin‐enriched (Artocarpus altilis) Heartwood Extract Provides Protection Against UVB‐induced Mechanical Damage in Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Tiraravesit Narisara , Humbert Philippe , Robin Sophie , Tissot Marion , Viennet Céline , Viyoch Jarupa 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of artocarpin‐enriched (Artocarpus altilis) heartwood extract on the mechanical properties of UVB‐irradiated fibroblasts. Human skin fibroblasts were pretreated with 50 μg/mL−1 extract and later irradiated with UVB (200 mJ/cm−2). They were then cultured within three‐dimensional of free‐floating and tense collagen lattices. The pretreatment of fibroblasts with the extract prior to UVB radiation showed cells protection against UVB‐induced suppression of α‐SMA expression, fibroblast migration and contraction. These results reveal that the extract prevents mechanical damages induced by UVB irradiation in fibroblast‐embedded collagen lattices, and therefore, has a potential as a natural photo‐protectant.
A Boron 2‐(2′‐pyridyl) Imidazole Fluorescence Probe for Bovine Serum Albumin: Discrimination over Other Proteins and Identification of Its Denaturation
Authors: Liu Chunlin , Yang Wei , Du Jinya , Shen Ping , Yang Changying 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBoron 2‐(2′‐pyridyl) imidazole complex (BOPIM) derivatives, BOPIM‐1 and BOPIM‐2, involving twisted intra‐molecular charge transfer (TICT) characteristic, were investigated to probe bovine serum albumin (BSA). BOPIM‐1 was demonstrated to be an efficient fluorescence probe to discriminate BSA from other proteins including human serum albumin (HSA). The encapsulation of BOPIM‐1 in the hydrophobic subdomain IIA of BSA inhibited the TICT state and resulted in 70‐fold emission enhancement of BOPIM‐1. Besides, it was found that BOPIM‐1 could distinguish denatured BSA from the native, due to the difference of 15 nm emission wavelength at least. The denaturation of BSA leads to the exposure of binding sites and resulted in an increase in the accessibility of the fluorophore to the BSA cavity, which made a great contribution to the further restraint of TICT state of BOPIM‐1. The tracking of BSA denaturizing process was easily achieved, through the change of BOPIM‐1 emission wavelength from 485 to 465 nm. Thus, a promising pharmacological dual‐functional probe was provided for both the selective recognization of BSA and the identification of denatured BSA from the native.
Reliability of resting intramuscular fiber conduction velocity evaluation
Authors: Methenitis S. , Karandreas N. , Terzis G. 
Published: May 2017

Characterization of the least number of muscle fibers analyzed for a quick and reliable, evaluation of intramuscular fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) is of importance for sport scientists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of vastus lateralis' intramuscular MFCV measuring either 25 or 50 different muscle fibers per participant, as well as to compare intramuscular MFCV measured in 25 (C25), 50 (C50), or 140 (C140) muscle fibers. Resting vastus lateralis' MFCV was measured in 21 young healthy males (age 22.1±2.4 years) using intramuscular microelectrodes in different days. Test‐retest reliability of MFCV's parameters was calculated for C25 and C50, while MFCV was compared among C25, C50, and C140. Significant differences of MFCV parameters were observed between C25 condition and those of C50 and C140. The differences in MFCV values between conditions C50 and C140 were non‐significant. A close correlation was found for MFCV between C50 and C140 (r=0.884‐0.988, P=.000). All reliability measures of MFCV measured with 50 fibers were high (eg, ICC=0.813‐0.980, P=.000), in contrast to C25 (eg, ICC=0.023‐0.580 P>.05). In conclusion, an average of 50 different fibers per subject is sufficient to provide a quick and reliable intramuscular evaluation of vastus lateralis MFCV.
Chemosensitive Phox2b‐expressing neurons are crucial for hypercapnic ventilatory response in the nucleus tractus solitarius
Authors: Fu Congrui , Xue Jinyu , Wang Ri , Chen Jinting , Ma Lan , Liu Yixian , Wang Xuejiao , Guo Fang , Zhang Yi , Zhang Xiangjian , Wang Sheng 
Published: May 2017

Key points
Central hypercapnic hypoventilation is highly prevalent in children suffering from congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS).
Mutations of the gene for paired‐like homeobox 2b (Phox2b) are aetiologically associated with CCHS and Phox2b is present in central components of respiratory chemoreflex, such as the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS).
Injection of the neurotoxin substance P‐saporin into NTS destroys Phox2b‐expressing neurons. Impaired hypercapnic ventilatory response caused by this neurotoxin is attributable to a loss of CO2‐sensitive Phox2b‐expressing NTS neurons.
A subgroup of Phox2b‐expressing neurons exhibits intrinsic chemosensitivity. A background K+ channel‐like current is partially responsible for such chemosensitivity in Phox2b‐expressing neurons.
The present study helps us better understand the mechanism of respiratory deficits in CCHS and potentially locates a brainstem site for development of precise clinical intervention.
AbstractThe nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neurons have been considered to function as central respiratory chemoreceptors. However, the common molecular marker defined for these neurons remains unknown. The present study investigated whether paired‐like homeobox 2b (Phox2b)‐expressing NTS neurons are recruited in hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) and whether these neurons exhibit intrinsic chemosensitivity. HCVR was assessed using whole body plethysmography and neuronal chemosensitivity was examined by patch clamp recordings in brainstem slices or dissociated neurons from Phox2b‐EGFP transgenic mice. Injection of the neurotoxin substance P‐saporin (SSP‐SAP) into NTS destroyed Phox2b‐expressing neurons. Minute ventilation and tidal volume were both reduced by 13% during exposure to 8% CO2 in inspired air when ∼13% of the Phox2b‐expressing neurons were eliminated. However, a loss of ∼18% of these neurons was associated with considerable decreases in minute ventilation by ≥18% and in tidal volume by≥22% when challenged by ≥4% CO2. In both cases, breathing frequency was unaffected. Most CO2‐activated neurons were immunoreactive to Phox2b. In brainstem slices, ∼43% of Phox2b‐expressing neurons from Phox2b‐EGFP mice displayed a sustained or transient increase in firing rate during physiological acidification (pH 7.0 or 8% CO2). Such a response was also present in dissociated neurons in favour of an intrinsic property. In voltage clamp recordings, a background K+ channel‐like current was found in a subgroup of Phox2b‐expressing neurons. Thus, the respiratory deficits caused by injection of SSP‐SAP into the NTS are attributable to proportional lesions of CO2/H+‐sensitive Phox2b‐expressing neurons.
A New Player in the Biorefineries Field: Phasin PhaP Enhances Tolerance to Solvents and Boosts Ethanol and 1,3-Propanediol Synthesis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mezzina Mariela P. , Álvarez Daniela S. , Egoburo Diego E. , Díaz Peña Rocío , Nikel Pablo I. , Pettinari M. Julia 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The microbial production of biofuels and other added-value chemicals is often limited by the intrinsic toxicity of these compounds. The phasin PhaP from the soil bacterium
Azotobacter
sp. strain FA8 is a polyhydroxyalkanoate granule-associated protein that protects recombinant
Escherichia coli
against several kinds of stress. PhaP enhances growth and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis in polymer-producing recombinant strains and reduces the formation of inclusion bodies during overproduction of heterologous proteins. In this work, the heterologous expression of this phasin in
E. coli
was used as a strategy to increase tolerance to several biotechnologically relevant chemicals. PhaP was observed to enhance bacterial fitness in the presence of biofuels, such as ethanol and butanol, and other chemicals, such as 1,3-propanediol. The effect of PhaP was also studied in a
groELS
mutant strain, in which both GroELS and PhaP were observed to exert a beneficial effect that varied depending on the chemical tested. Lastly, the potential of PhaP and GroEL to enhance the accumulation of ethanol or 1,3-propanediol was analyzed in recombinant
E. coli
. Strains that overexpressed either
groEL
or
phaP
had increased growth, reflected in a higher final biomass and product titer than the control strain. Taken together, these results add a novel application to the already multifaceted phasin protein group, suggesting that expression of these proteins or other chaperones can be used to improve the production of biofuels and other chemicals.

IMPORTANCE
This work has both basic and applied aspects. Our results demonstrate that a phasin with chaperone-like properties can increase bacterial tolerance to several biochemicals, providing further evidence of the diverse properties of these proteins. Additionally, both the PhaP phasin and the well-known chaperone GroEL were used to increase the biosynthesis of the biotechnologically relevant compounds ethanol and 1,3-propanediol in recombinant
E. coli
. These findings open the road for the use of these proteins for the manipulation of bacterial strains to optimize the synthesis of diverse bioproducts from renewable carbon sources.
Experience of living with cancer and comorbid illness: protocol for a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Cavers Debbie , Cunningham-Burley Sarah , Watson Eila , Banks Elspeth , Campbell Christine 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionThere are an increasing number of people living with and beyond cancer, whose experience is further complicated by additional long-term health conditions in the context of an ageing population. The supportive care needs of this growing patient group should be recognised and addressed. There is a need to explore the experience of living with cancer and comorbid illness in order to develop optimal models of patient-centred care. This protocol describes a systematic review that aims to identify the qualitative evidence relating to the experience of cancer and comorbid illness for patients, informal carers and professionals, and to highlight areas where more research is needed.Methods and analysisA systematic review following PRISMA guidance will be undertaken. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, SCOPUS, OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases will be systematically searched for articles relevant to patient, carer and professional experiences. Two independent reviewers will screen articles for inclusion and evaluate them according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Extracted data will be combined using recognised methods of qualitative synthesis to offer new insights into the topic area and for a patient-centred model of care.Ethics and disseminationThe review does not require formal ethical review as no direct patient contact or patient identifiable data is used. Conduct of the review has been approved internally by the University of Edinburgh Centre for Population Health Sciences Ethics Review Committee. Results of the review will be published in a generalist peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant conference in addition to informing subsequent empirical work by the authors on this topic area.
Deriving literature-based benchmarks for surgical complications in high-income countries: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Brindle Mary E , Roberts Derek J , Daodu Oluwatomilayo , Haynes Alex Bernard , Cauley Christy , Dixon Elijah , La Flamme Claude , Bain Paul , Berry William 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionTo improve surgical safety, health systems must identify preventable adverse outcomes and measure changes in these outcomes in response to quality improvement initiatives. This requires understanding of the scope and limitations of available population-level data. To derive literature-based summary estimates of benchmarks of care, we will systematically review and meta-analyse rates of postoperative complications associated with several common and/or high-risk operations performed in five high-income countries (HICs).Methods and analysisAn electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, the NHS Economic Evaluations Database and Health Technology Assessment database will be performed to identify studies reviewing national surgical complication rates between 2000 and 2016. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and full texts of potentially relevant studies to determine eligibility for inclusion in the systematic review. We will include English-language publications using data from health databases in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. We will include studies of patients who underwent hip or knee arthoplasty, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, oesophagectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve replacement or coronary artery bypass graft. Outcomes will include mortality, length of hospital stay, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, sepsis or septic shock, reoperation, surgical site infection, wound dehiscence/disruption, blood transfusion, bile duct injury, stroke and myocardial infarction. We will calculate summary estimates of cumulative incidence, incidence rate, prevalence and occurrence rate of complications using DerSimonian and Laird random effects models. Heterogeneity in these estimates will be examined using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. We will correlate findings within contemporary clinical databases.Ethics and disseminationThis study of secondary data does not require ethics approval. It will be presented internationally and published in the peer-reviewed literature. Results will inform a future quality improvement tool and provide benchmarks of surgical complication rates within HICs.Trial registrationInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Registration number CRD42016037519.
The impact of demand management strategies on parents’ decision-making for out-of-hours primary care: findings from a survey in The Netherlands
Authors: Giesen Marie-Jeanne , Keizer Ellen , van de Pol Julia , Knoben Joris , Wensing Michel , Giesen Paul 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the potential impact of demand management strategies on patient decision-making in medically non-urgent and urgent scenarios during out-of-hours for children between the ages of 0 and 4 years.Design and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey with paper-based case scenarios. A survey was sent to all 797 parents of children aged between 0 and 4 years from four Dutch general practitioner (GP) practices. Four demand management strategies (copayment, online advice, overview medical cost and GP appointment next morning) were incorporated in two medically non-urgent and two urgent case scenarios. Combining the case scenarios with the demand management strategies resulted in 16 cases (four scenarios each with four demand management strategies). Each parent randomly received a questionnaire with three different case scenarios with three different demand strategies and a baseline case scenario without a demand management strategy.ResultsThe response rate was 47.4%. The strategy online advice led to more medically appropriate decision-making for both non-urgent case scenarios (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.58) and urgent case scenarios (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.32). Overview of medical cost (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.92) and a GP appointment planned the next morning (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.97) had some influence on patient decisions for urgent cases, but not for non-urgent cases. Copayment had no influence on patient decisions.ConclusionOnline advice has the highest potential to reduce medically unnecessary use. Furthermore it enhanced safety of parents' decisions on seeking help for their young children during out-of-hours primary care. Valid online information on health symptoms for patients should be promoted.
Patient flow within UK emergency departments: a systematic review of the use of computer simulation modelling methods
Authors: Mohiuddin Syed , Busby John , Savović Jelena , Richards Alison , Northstone Kate , Hollingworth William , Donovan Jenny L , Vasilakis Christos 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesOvercrowding in the emergency department (ED) is common in the UK as in other countries worldwide. Computer simulation is one approach used for understanding the causes of ED overcrowding and assessing the likely impact of changes to the delivery of emergency care. However, little is known about the usefulness of computer simulation for analysis of ED patient flow. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the different computer simulation methods and their contribution for analysis of patient flow within EDs in the UK.MethodsWe searched eight bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, WEB OF SCIENCE, CINAHL, INSPEC, MATHSCINET and ACM DIGITAL LIBRARY) from date of inception until 31 March 2016. Studies were included if they used a computer simulation method to capture patient progression within the ED of an established UK National Health Service hospital. Studies were summarised in terms of simulation method, key assumptions, input and output data, conclusions drawn and implementation of results.ResultsTwenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 19 used discrete event simulation and 2 used system dynamics models. The purpose of many of these studies (n=16; 76%) centred on service redesign. Seven studies (33%) provided no details about the ED being investigated. Most studies (n=18; 86%) used specific hospital models of ED patient flow. Overall, the reporting of underlying modelling assumptions was poor. Nineteen studies (90%) considered patient waiting or throughput times as the key outcome measure. Twelve studies (57%) reported some involvement of stakeholders in the simulation study. However, only three studies (14%) reported on the implementation of changes supported by the simulation.ConclusionsWe found that computer simulation can provide a means to pretest changes to ED care delivery before implementation in a safe and efficient manner. However, the evidence base is small and poorly developed. There are some methodological, data, stakeholder, implementation and reporting issues, which must be addressed by future studies.