bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Bringing respite in the burden of illness’ – dog handlers’ experience of visiting older persons with dementia together with a therapy dog
Authors: Swall Anna , Ebbeskog Britt , Lundh Hagelin Carina , Fagerberg Ingegerd 
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectivesTo illuminate meanings of the lived experiences of dog handlers’ when visiting older persons with dementia with their therapy dog.BackgroundStudies indicate that care of persons with dementia should focus on a person‐centred approach with the person's interests in the centre. Animal‐assisted therapy using a therapy dog in the care of persons with dementia has been shown to increase well‐being and decrease problematic behaviours associated with the illness.DesignA qualitative lifeworld approach was adopted for this study.MethodsData were collected from open‐ended interviews with nine dog handlers, and the analysis conducted using the phenomenological hermeneutical method.ResultsThe structural analysis resulted in one theme, ‘Respite from the burden of illness for persons with dementia’.ConclusionsVisiting a person with dementia can be seen as an act of caring, providing temporary respite from their illness, and creating a special relationship between handler and patient. A therapy dog visit can represent a moment of communion between the handler and the person with dementia.Implication for clinical practiceDog handlers use their skills and knowledge to promote a situation that reduces symptoms of illness and encourages healthier behaviour. The results of this study may be of interest to researchers, clinical practitioners, caregivers and dog handlers who care for persons with dementia using therapy dog teams on prescription as an alternative method to minimise behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Building resilience in the face of adversity: navigation processes used by older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults living in Ireland
Authors: Higgins Agnes , Sharek Danika , Glacken Michele 
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore resilience processes among older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults.BackgroundOlder lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities have frequently been viewed from a deficit, vulnerability and pathological perspective; consequently, the natural resilience processes that underpin the lives of many older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people goes unrecognised, with few studies focusing on the processes they use in building resilience.DesignThe design of the study is qualitative and exploratory.MethodsData were collected through in‐depth, face‐to‐face interviews. Thirty‐six lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people participated in the interviews. The mean age of the interview participants was 60·3 years. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsNine processes were identified that enhanced participants resilience, namely: ‘Making a decision to accept oneself and not be defined by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identity’; ‘Acquiring an empowering perspective’; ‘Learning to let go and moving on’; ‘Leaving oppressive social environments’; ‘Experiencing affirming relationships with family and others’; ‘Accessing formal supports’; ‘Maintaining connections with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people’; ‘Remaining positive and being thankful for life’ and ‘Remaining active and keeping busy’. These processes fostered the development of characteristics, such as: courage and strength; a positive sense of self and an optimistic outlook on life.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the considerable strength among this group of people, highlighting how adversity has engendered in participants a set of resilience skills, adding to the emerging body of research into resilience and older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses not only need to be aware of the life histories of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people but they also need to assess their strengths and offer sensitive services that promote and support resilience among this population.
Thoracic laminectomy with spinal fixation in a nonambulatory patient with metastatic vertebral tumor from endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Takeshita Sho , Todo Yukiharu , Okamoto Kazuhira , Minobe Shinichiro , Kato Hidenori 
Published: June 2016

AbstractVertebral metastasis from endometrial cancer is a rare event and requires emergency treatment at the onset of neurologic symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. We report a case of a metastatic vertebral tumor, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification, of stage IVb endometrial cancer with multiple lung metastases. Emergency irradiation to the spinal tumor was conducted as a result of a loss of ambulation. Thoracic laminectomy with spinal fixation was subsequently performed because the patient remained nonambulatory and her neurological function deteriorated. Spinal decompression surgery enabled her to regain the ability to walk. Complete remission was achieved by subsequent pelvic surgery followed by combined chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel and carboplatin. Finally, the patient had no evidence of disease 45 months after the initial treatment. Early recognition and expeditious treatment is crucial for neurological recovery from metastatic spinal cord compression.
Basel III Versus Solvency II: An Analysis of Regulatory Consistency Under the New Capital Standards
Authors: Laas Daniela , Siegel Caroline Franziska 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis article provides a critical analysis of the consistency of the standard approaches for market and credit risks under Solvency II and the current and forthcoming Basel III standards. The comparability is assessed both theoretically via a detailed comparison of the capital standards and in a numerical analysis that contrasts the capital charges for a stylized portfolio. Our examination reveals substantial discrepancies in the design of the frameworks. These lead to vastly differing capital requirements for the same risks. Moreover, the analysis indicates higher charges for banks than insurers, especially under the proposed new Basel III standard approaches.
Crisis Sentiment in the U.S. Insurance Sector
Authors: Irresberger Felix , König Fee Elisabeth , Weiß Gregor N. F. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe use Internet search volume data to measure idiosyncratic and market‐wide crisis sentiment to explain insurer stock return volatility. We find that market‐level crisis sentiment was a significant predictor of stock return volatility of U.S. insurers between 2006 and 2010. Higher levels of crisis sentiment are associated with higher levels of price uncertainty. This effect is strongest for insurers with less exposure to the adverse effects of the financial crisis. Further, crisis sentiment also affects the cross‐section of movements in insurer stock prices. Our results imply that investors exited insurer stocks mainly due to crisis sentiment rather than a rational assessment of the insurers’ actual exposure to the crisis.
The effect of dietary supplementation with rumen‐protected methionine alone or in combination with rumen‐protected choline and betaine on sheep milk and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Tsiplakou E. , Mavrommatis A. , Kalogeropoulos T. , Chatzikonstantinou M. , Koutsouli P. , Sotirakoglou K. , Labrou N. , Zervas G. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of rumen‐protected methionine alone or in combination with rumen‐protected choline and betaine on: (i) milk yield, chemical composition and fatty acids (FA) profile and (ii) blood plasma glutathione transferase (GST) activity of periparturient ewes. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] were also determined in plasma and milk of ewes. Thus, 45 ewes were divided into three equal groups. Each animal of the control group fed daily with a basal diet. The same diet was offered also in each animal of the other two groups. However, the concentrate fed to M group was supplemented with 2.5 g/kg rumen‐protected methionine, while the concentrate fed to MCB group with 5 g/kg of a commercial product which contained a combination of methionine, choline and betaine, all three in rumen‐protected form. The results showed that the M diet, compared with the control, increased significantly the ewe's milk fat and the total solids content. Likewise, a tendency for higher milk fat and total solids content in ewes fed the MCB diet was also observed. Both M and MCB diets had not noticeable impact on ewes milk FA profile. Significantly higher FRAP values in the blood plasma of ewes fed the MCB and in the milk of ewes fed with the M diet compared with the control were found. Additionally, significantly higher GST activity in the blood plasma of ewes fed the M diet, compared with the control, was observed. Moreover, a significant increase (by 20%) and a tendency for increase (by 16.72%) in the growth rate of lambs nursing ewes fed with M and MCB diets, respectively, compared to controls, were found.
Transport of fatty acids within plasma lipoproteins in lactating and non‐lactating cows fed on fish oil and hydrogenated palm oil
Authors: Vargas‐Bello‐Pérez E. , Íñiguez‐González G. , Garnsworthy P. C. , Loor J. J. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of dietary fish oil (FO) and a blend of FO and hydrogenated palm oil (FOPO) on transport of fatty acids (FA) within plasma lipoproteins in lactating and non‐lactating cows. Two trials were conducted (one with lactating and another with non‐lactating dairy cows) in two 3 × 3 Latin squares that included three periods of 21 days. Dietary treatments for lactating cows consisted of a basal diet (Control; no fat supplement), and fat‐supplemented diets containing FO (500 g/day/cow) and FOPO (250 FO + 250 g/day/cow hydrogenated palm oil). For non‐lactating cows, dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (Control; no fat supplement), and fat‐supplemented diets containing FO (170 g/day/cow) and FOPO (85 FO + 85 hydrogenated palm oil g/day/cow). In lactating cows, compared with control and FOPO, FO increased C16:0, C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11 and total saturated and polyunsaturated FA in plasma and increased C16:0, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11, total polyunsaturated and total polyunsaturated n‐6 in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), whereas in non‐lactating cows, compared with control and FOPO, FO increased C16:0, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:2 trans‐9, 12, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11, C20:5 n‐3 and total saturated and polyunsaturated FA in plasma; C16:0, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:1 cis‐9, C18:2 trans‐9, 12, C20:5 n‐3 and total monounsaturated FA in HDL; and C18:1 trans‐6‐8, C18:1 trans‐9, C18:1 trans‐10, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15 and C20:5 n‐3 in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). FO increased C20:5 n‐3 in plasma and lipoproteins in non‐lactating cows and increased C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15 in plasma (in lactating cows) and LDL (in non‐lactating cows). We concluded from results of this study that in bovine plasma, the LDL fraction appears to be the main lipoprotein transporting C18:1 trans isomers and is more responsive than other lipoprotein fractions to variation in supply of dietary lipids.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effects of Oligosaccharides on Transfer of Passive Immunity in Neonatal Dairy Calves
Authors: Short D.M. , Moore D.A. , Sischo W.M. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundBacterial contamination of colostrum is common and can decrease IgG absorption in neonatal calves. Strategies that mitigate this situation without complicating colostrum management will benefit dairy calf health and survival.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of supplementing colostrum with oligosaccharides (OS) on serum IgG concentration and apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG (AEA%) in calves fed unpasteurized colostrum and characterize these outcomes with respect to colostrum bacterial exposures.AnimalsOne hundred twenty‐three neonatal dairy calves.MethodsRandomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial conducted at a commercial dairy operation. Calves were enrolled at birth in 1 of 4 treatment groups. Data were complete for 123 calves, which were distributed across the treatment groups as follows: mannan‐oligosaccharides (MOS), n = 33; Saccharomyces galacto‐oligosaccharides (SGOS), n = 31; Bifidobacterium galacto‐oligosaccharides (BGOS), n = 28; and lactose control (CON), n = 31. A commercial radial immunodiffusion kit was used to determine colostrum and serum IgG concentrations. Conventional microbiology methods were used to enumerate colostrum bacterial counts.ResultsBacterial counts were not significantly different among treatment groups. Total bacterial plate counts (TPC) were relatively low for the majority of colostrum samples, but TPC had a significant negative effect on serum IgG concentration and AEA% in the lactose‐supplemented control group but not the OS treatment groups.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese results suggest that a complement of OS structures may mitigate adverse effects of bacteria on transfer of passive immunity (TPI).
Tracheobronchoscopic Assessment of Exercise‐Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Airway Inflammation in Barrel Racing Horses
Authors: Léguillette R. , Steinmann M. , Bond S.L. , Stanton B. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundPoor performance is often suspected to be associated withEIPHin barrel racing horses; however, there are no published reports ofEIPHfor this discipline. The prevalence ofEIPHin barrel racing horses is also unknown.ObjectivesThis study was performed to determine the prevalence ofEIPHand signs of airway inflammation in barrel racing horses under normal racing conditions in Alberta.AnimalsAbout 170 barrel racing horses.MethodsObservational cross‐sectional study. Tracheobronchoscopic examinations were performed at least 30 minutes postrace. Video recordings were scored off‐site independently by two observers forEIPHand tracheal mucus accumulation (TMA). Horses with anEIPHscore ≥2 were not assessed forTMA. Interobserver agreement was calculated by weighted κ statistics. Run times, environmental variables, and clinical information were also recorded for analysis.Results77/170 (45.3%) of horses examined showed evidence ofEIPH(grade ≥ 1). Interobserver agreement was 0.94. 140/141 (99.3%) of horses assessed forTMAshowed evidence of tracheal mucus accumulation (grade ≥ 1) with 104/141 (73.8%) having aTMAscore ≥ 2. Interobserver agreement was 0.73. A weak positive association was found betweenEIPHscores and average run speed, the presence of cough at rest reported by the riders, increased recovery time, exercise intolerance, and outdoor pattern.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe high prevalence ofEIPHobserved in the sampled population indicates that barrel racing induces substantial stress on the lungs. The presence ofEIPHdid not impact negatively on performance. Factors such as environmental dust and frequent traveling might have contributed to the high prevalence ofTMAobserved.
An Epichloë festucae homologue of MOB3, a component of the STRIPAK complex, is required for the establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne
Authors: Green Kimberly A. , Becker Yvonne , Fitzsimons Helen L. , Scott Barry 
Published: June 2016

SummaryIn both Sordaria macrospora and Neurospora crassa, components of the conserved STRIPAK (striatin‐interacting phosphatase and kinase) complex regulate cell–cell fusion, hyphal network development and fruiting body formation. Interestingly, a number of Epichloë festucae genes that are required for hyphal cell–cell fusion, such as noxA, noxR, proA, mpkA and mkkA, are also required for the establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. To determine whether MobC, a homologue of the STRIPAK complex component MOB3 in S. macrospora and N. crassa, is required for E. festucae hyphal fusion and symbiosis, a mobC deletion strain was generated. The ΔmobC mutant showed reduced rates of hyphal cell–cell fusion, formed intrahyphal hyphae and exhibited enhanced conidiation. Plants infected with ΔmobC were severely stunted. Hyphae of ΔmobC showed a proliferative pattern of growth within the leaves of Lolium perenne with increased colonization of the intercellular spaces and vascular bundles. Although hyphae were still able to form expressoria, structures allowing the colonization of the leaf surface, the frequency of formation was significantly reduced. Collectively, these results show that the STRIPAK component MobC is required for the establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic association between E. festucae and L. perenne, and plays an accessory role in the regulation of hyphal cell–cell fusion and expressorium development in E. festucae.
Comparison of equations for dosing of medications in renal impairment
Authors: Khanal Aarati , Peterson Gregory M , Jose Matthew D , Castelino Ronald L 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to determine the concordance among the Cockcroft‐Gault, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equations in hypothetical dosing of renally cleared medications.MethodsA total of 2163 patients prescribed at least one of the 31 renally cleared drugs under review were included in the study. Kidney function was estimated using the three equations. We compared actual prescribed dosages of the same drug with recommended dosages based on the kidney function as calculated by each of the equations and applying dosing recommendations in the Australian Medicines Handbook.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the kidney function values estimated from the three equations (P < 0.001). Despite the good overall agreement in renal drug dosing, we found selected but potentially important discrepancies among the doses rendered from the equations. The CKD‐EPI equation non‐normalized for body surface area had a greater rate of concordance with the Cockcroft‐Gault equation than the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation for renal drug dosing.ConclusionsThere is need for a long‐term multi‐centre study in a diverse population to define the clinical effects of the discrepancies among the equations for drug dosing. Given the greater concordance of the non‐normalized CKD‐EPI equation with the Cockcroft‐Gault equation for dosing, the recommendation by Kidney Health Australia and the United States National Kidney Disease Education Program that ‘dosing based on either eCrCl or an eGFR with body surface area normalization removed are acceptable’ seems suitable and practicable for the purpose of dosing of non‐critical drugs in the primary care setting.
Adaptive evolution and functional innovation of Populus‐specific recently evolved microRNAs
Authors: Xie Jianbo , Yang Xiaohui , Song Yuepeng , Du Qingzhang , Li Ying , Chen Jinhui , Zhang Deqiang 
Published: June 2016

Summary

Lineage‐specific microRNAs (miRNAs) undergo rapid turnover during evolution; however, their origin and functional importance have remained controversial. Here, we examine the origin, evolution, and potential roles in local adaptation of Populus‐specific miRNAs, which originated after the recent salicoid‐specific, whole‐genome duplication.

RNA sequencing was used to generate extensive, comparable miRNA and gene expression data for six tissues. A natural population of Populus trichocarpa and closely related species were used to study the divergence rates, evolution, and adaptive variation of miRNAs.

MiRNAs that originated in 5′ untranslated regions had higher expression levels and their expression showed high correlation with their host genes. Compared with conserved miRNAs, a significantly higher proportion of Populus‐specific miRNAs appear to target genes that were duplicated in salicoids. Examination of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Populus‐specific miRNA precursors showed high amounts of population differentiation. We also characterized the newly emerged MIR6445 family, which could trigger the production of phased small interfering RNAs from NAC mRNAs, which encode a transcription factor with primary roles in a variety of plant developmental processes.

Together, these observations provide evolutionary insights into the birth and potential roles of Populus‐specific miRNAs in genome maintenance, local adaptation, and functional innovation.
Transcript levels of plastin 3 and neuritin 1 modifier genes in spinal muscular atrophy siblings
Authors: Yener İnci Hande , Topaloglu Haluk , Erdem‐Özdamar Sevim , Dayangac‐Erden Didem 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn single gene disorders, patients with the same genotype may have variations in severity. One of the main factors affecting disease severity is modifier genes. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by degeneration of alpha motor neurons. Plastin 3 (PLS3) is a phenotypic modifier of SMA, and neuritin 1 (NRN1) has also been suggested as a possible modifier gene. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyze PLS3 and NRN1 expression in SMA siblings in four families.MethodsThe study group consisted of four SMA families with seven with discordant phenotype and two affected siblings. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood. PLS3 and NRN1 expression was analyzed on quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsIn family 1 only NRN1 expression was increased in the mildly affected sister. In family 2 only PLS3 had a modifier effect. Family 3, which had type III siblings with identical clinical phenotypes, had similar PLS3 expression between the siblings but no NRN1 expression. In family 4, neither PLS3 nor NRN1 had any correlation with severity.ConclusionOn analysis of the expression of NRN1 in SMA patients for the first time, NRN1 could be a potential modifier gene. PLS3 expression does not always modify SMA phenotype. In patients with no modifier effect of known genes, genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis are promising for the identification of novel modifiers and understanding of SMA pathophysiology.
U–Pb and Re–Os Geochronology of the Hucunnan Copper–Molybdenum Deposit in Anhui Province, Southeast China, and its Geological Implications
Authors: Yang Heming , Du Yangsong , Lu Yinghuai , Chen Linjie , Zheng Zejun , Zhang Yun 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe Middle–Lower Yangtze Region (MLYR) is one of the most important metallogenic belts in China that hosts numerous Cu–Fe–Au–S deposits. The Hucunnan deposit in the central part of MLYR is a newly discovered porphyry–skarn‐type copper–molybdenum deposit during recent drilling exploration. Laser ablation ICP–MS analysis carried out in this study yields U–Pb isotopic ages of 137.5 ± 1.2 Ma for the Cu–Mo bearing granodiorite rock and 125.0 ± 1.5 Ma for the Cu‐bearing quartz diorites. The Re–Os isotopic dating of seven molybdenite samples gave an isochron age of 139.5 ± 1.1 Ma, suggesting a syn‐magma mineralization of molybdenite in the Hucunnan deposit. Since porphyry‐type molybdenum deposits are rare in central MLYR, the discovery of the Hucunnan deposit suggests possible molybdenite mineralizations in the deep places of the Cu–Mo bearing granitoids. In addition, the U–Pb isotopic age of 125 Ma for the Cu‐bearing quartz diorites implies a new Cu mineralization period for the MLYR that was rarely reported by previous studies.