bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intentions Toward Physical Activity and Resting Behavior in Pregnant Women: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior Framework in a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Newham James J. , Allan Carly , Leahy‐Warren Patricia , Carrick‐Sen Debbie , Alderdice Fiona 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundPregnant women are recommended to 1) perform daily moderate‐intensity physical activity and 2) limit the amount of sedentary time. Many women do not meet these recommendations. Reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior may result from women actively intending to rest during pregnancy. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been used to assess attitudes (e.g., positive/negative beliefs), subjective norms (e.g., perception of others' views), perceived behavioral control (PBC) (e.g., self‐efficacy), and intention toward exercising while pregnant but has not been applied to aspects pertaining to resting during pregnancy.MethodsPregnant women (n = 345) completed a cross‐sectional questionnaire that included two TPB Questionnaires where the target behaviors were 1) being physically active and 2) resting. Bootstrapped paired t tests, ANOVA, and linear hierarchal regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of intentions and whether intentions toward the two behaviors varied at different stages of pregnancy.ResultsAs women progressed in their pregnancy, their attitude, PBC, and intention toward being physically active all significantly declined. A positive attitude, subjective norms, and intention toward resting all significantly increased with the advancing trimester. Self‐reported health conditions predicted lower intention for physical activity but not for resting.DiscussionThe significantly inverse relationship between physical activity and resting across time suggests that women feel they should focus on one behavior at the expense of the other. Finding that women generally do not perceive these behaviors as mutually compatible has implications in strategizing as to how to encourage women to be active during pregnancy.
Approaches Used to Evaluate the Social Impacts of Protected Areas
Authors: de Lange Emiel , Woodhouse Emily , Milner‐Gulland E.J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractProtected areas are a key strategy in conserving biodiversity, and there is a pressing need to evaluate their social impacts. Though the social impacts of development interventions are widely assessed, the conservation literature is limited and methodological guidance is lacking. Using a systematic literature search, which found 95 relevant studies, we assessed the methods used to evaluate the social impacts of protected areas. Mixed methods were used by more than half of the studies. Almost all studies reported material aspects of wellbeing, particularly income; other aspects were included in around half of studies. The majority of studies provided a snapshot, with only one employing a before‐after‐control‐intervention design. Half of studies reported respondent perceptions of impacts, while impact was attributed from researcher inference in 1/3 of cases. Although the number of such studies is increasing rapidly, there has been little change in the approaches used over the last 15 years, or in the authorship of studies, which is predominantly academics. Recent improvements in understanding of best practice in social impact evaluation need to be translated into practice if a true picture of the effects of conservation on local people is to be obtained.
HIV testing and sero‐prevalence among methamphetamine users seeking substance abuse treatment in Cape Town
Authors: Gouse Hetta , Joska John A. , Lion Ryan R. , Watt Melissa H. , Burnhams Warren , Carrico Adam W. , Meade Christina S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsMethamphetamine use is highly prevalent in parts of South Africa, and there is concern this will contribute to the country's substantial HIV epidemic. We examined the feasibility of implementing routine HIV testing at a community‐based substance abuse treatment centre in Cape Town and determined the HIV sero‐prevalence among methamphetamine users seeking treatment at this site.Design and MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 293 participants completed measures of demographics, substance use and HIV treatment. HIV sero‐prevalence was determined by a rapid finger‐prick HIV test, and prior HIV diagnosis was confirmed via clinic records.ResultsThe majority of participants were male and self‐identified as ‘Coloured’, with a mean age of 28 years. The HIV sero‐prevalence was 3.8%. Of the 11 participants who tested HIV positive, four were newly diagnosed. HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative participants were comparable on demographic and substance use factors. Uptake of HIV testing among all clients at the drug treatment centre increased from <5% prior to study initiation to 89% after study completion. Measures implemented to ensure high rates of HIV testing were regarded as sustainable.Discussion and ConclusionsOur study suggests that integrating routine HIV testing into substance abuse treatment is feasible in a community‐based health centre. The low HIV prevalence among this sample of treatment‐seeking methamphetamine users highlights the potential benefits of supporting expanded efforts to optimise HIV prevention with this young adult population. [Gouse H, Joska JA, Lion RR, Watt MH, Burnhams W, Carrico AW, Meade CS. HIV testing and sero‐prevalence among methamphetamine users seeking substance abuse treatment in Cape Town. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:580–583]
Extracellular superoxide dismutase deficiency impairs wound healing in advanced age by reducing neovascularization and fibroblast function
Authors: Fujiwara Toshihiro , Duscher Dominik , Rustad Kristine C. , Kosaraju Revanth , Rodrigues Melanie , Whittam Alexander J. , Januszyk Michael , Maan Zeshaan N. , Gurtner Geoffrey C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAdvanced age is characterized by impairments in wound healing, and evidence is accumulating that this may be due in part to a concomitant increase in oxidative stress. Extended exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to lead to cellular dysfunction and organismal death via the destructive oxidation of intra‐cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD/SOD3) is a prime antioxidant enzyme in the extracellular space that eliminates ROS. Here, we demonstrate that reduced SOD3 levels contribute to healing impairments in aged mice. These impairments include delayed wound closure, reduced neovascularization, impaired fibroblast proliferation and increased neutrophil recruitment. We further establish that SOD3 KO and aged fibroblasts both display reduced production of TGF‐β1, leading to decreased differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Taken together, these results suggest that wound healing impairments in ageing are associated with increased levels of ROS, decreased SOD3 expression and impaired extracellular oxidative stress regulation. Our results identify SOD3 as a possible target to correct age‐related cellular dysfunction in wound healing.
Comparison of morphologic criteria for actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma using in vivo multiphoton tomography
Authors: Klemp Marisa , Meinke Martina C. , Weinigel Martin , Röwert‐Huber Hans‐Joachim , König Karsten , Ulrich Martina , Lademann Juergen , Darvin Maxim E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe routine diagnostic procedure of actinic keratosis (AK) and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a histological examination after taking a biopsy. In the past decades, non‐invasive optical methods for skin examination have been developed. Patients with clinical diagnosis of AK or SCC were examined. The morphological criteria were determined for healthy, AK and SCC skin and compared for statistically significant differences. In this study, the applicability of multiphoton tomography (MPT) as an in vivo diagnostic tool for AK and SCC was evaluated. Changes in the morphology of the keratinocytes such as broadened epidermis, large intercellular spaces, enlarged nucleus and a large variance in cell shape could easily be recognized. The cell nuclei of AK and SCC were significantly larger compared to healthy skin cells in all cell layers. The nucleus–cytoplasm ratio was also significantly higher for AK and SCC than for the healthy skin cells. It was even higher in SCC compared to spinous and basal cell layer of AK. The cell density in AK and SCC was significantly lower than in the basal and spinous cell layers of healthy skin. In SCC, the cell density was significantly lower than in AK. Concerning the intercellular spaces, significant differences were found for AK and healthy skin in spinous and basal cell layer and for SCC compared to AK and healthy skin. In this study, MPT proved to be a valuable non‐invasive imaging method for in vivo detection and discrimination of AK and SCC from healthy skin.
Maternal IL‐6 can cause T‐cell‐mediated juvenile alopecia by non‐scarring follicular dystrophy in mice
Authors: Smith Stephen E. P. , Maus Rachel L. G. , Davis Tessa R. , Sundberg John P. , Gil Diana , Schrum Adam G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAiming to decipher immunological mechanisms of the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata (AA), we hypothesized that interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) might be associated with juvenile‐onset AA, for which there is currently no experimental model. Upon intramuscular transgenesis to overexpress IL‐6 in pregnant female C57BL/6 (B6) mice, we found that the offspring displayed an initial normal and complete juvenile hair growth cycle, but developed alopecia around postnatal day 18. This alopecia was patchy and reversible (non‐scarring) and was associated with upregulation of Ulbp1 expression, the only mouse homolog of the human AA‐associated ULBP3 gene. Alopecia was also associated with inflammatory infiltration of hair follicles by lymphocytes, including alpha‐beta T cells, which contributed to surface hair loss. Despite these apparently shared traits with AA, lesions were dominated by follicular dystrophy that was atypical of human AA disease, sharing some traits consistent with B6 alopecia and dermatitis. Additionally, juvenile‐onset alopecia was followed by complete, spontaneous recovery of surface hair, without recurrence of hair loss. Prolonging exposure to IL‐6 prolonged the time to recovery, but once recovered, repeating high‐dose IL‐6 exposure de novo did not re‐induce alopecia. These data suggest that although substantial molecular and cellular pathways may be shared, functionally similar alopecia disorders can occur via distinct pathological mechanisms.
Association between levels of urinary heavy metals and increased risk of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Chang Chao‐Hsiang , Liu Chiu‐Shong , Liu Huei‐Ju , Huang Chi‐Ping , Huang Chao‐Yuan , Hsu Hui‐Tsung , Liou Saou‐Hsing , Chung Chi‐Jung 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate possible sources of exposure to heavy metals in the general population, and to determine the association between urinary heavy metals and urothelial carcinoma risk.MethodsWe recruited 205 patients with urothelial carcinoma and 406 control participants for a case–control study between June 2011 and December 2013. The control participants were frequency‐matched with cases according to sex and age. We measured the urinary levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We collected environmental exposure‐related information through questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression and 95% confidence intervals were applied to estimate the urothelial carcinoma risk and potential effects of urothelial carcinoma‐related risk factors on the levels of urinary heavy metals.ResultsPatients with urothelial carcinoma showed higher urinary levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead than the controls. After considering other potential risk factors, a significantly increased risk for urothelial carcinoma was observed in patients with increased urinary levels of cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead. Smokers showed a high urinary cadmium level. In addition to cadmium, a high urinary lead level was associated with cumulative cigarette smoking and herbal medicine use.ConclusionEnvironmental factors might contribute to higher urinary levels of heavy metals and ultimately result in urothelial carcinoma carcinogenesis. These findings can promote proper environmental surveillance of exposure to heavy metals in the general population.
Mortality and sexuality after diagnosis of penile cancer: a participative study
Authors: Branney Peter , Witty Karl , Braybrook Debbie , Bullen Kate , White Alan , Eardley Ian 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTSurvival for penile cancer is high but treatment can have a long‐term detrimental effect on urological function and quality of life. Owing to its rarity, it is difficult to include men with penile cancer in research about their condition. The aim of this study was to identify aspects of their diagnosis and treatment that they would want explored in penile cancer research. The study employed a participative, mixed qualitative methods design; it utilized focus groups and patient‐conducted interviews, combined into a 1 day ‘pilot workshop’. The data were analysed using framework analysis. ‘Early signs and seeking help’, ‘disclosure of a ‘personal’ cancer’ and ‘urological (dys)function’ emerged as three key themes. Men with penile cancer want research about their condition to explore early signs and helping seeking, disclosure of a ‘personal’ cancer and urological (dys)function. Research could use methodologies that include consideration of the chronological narrative of the experiences of men with penile cancer, which could be applied in clinical practice by integrating opportunities to explore specific aspects of their experiences at appropriate times along the care pathway.
Tablet use in schools: a critical review of the evidence for learning outcomes
Authors: Haßler B. , Major L. , Hennessy S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe increased popularity of tablets in general has led to uptake in education. We critically review the literature reporting use of tablets by primary and secondary school children across the curriculum, with a particular emphasis on learning outcomes. The systematic review methodology was used, and our literature search resulted in 33 relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A total of 23 met the minimum quality criteria and were examined in detail (16 reporting positive learning outcomes, 5 no difference and 2 negative learning outcomes). Explanations underlying these observations were analysed, and factors contributing to successful uses of tablets are discussed. While we hypothesize how tablets can viably support children in completing a variety of learning tasks (across a range of contexts and academic subjects), the fragmented nature of the current knowledge base, and the scarcity of rigorous studies, makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The generalizability of evidence is limited, and detailed explanations as to how, or why, using tablets within certain activities can improve learning remain elusive. We recommend that future research moves beyond exploration towards systematic and in‐depth investigations building on the existing findings documented here.
Insights into the Regulation of mRNA Processing of Polycistronic Transcripts Mediated by DRBD4/PTB2, a Trypanosome Homolog of the Polypyrimidine Tract‐Binding Protein
Authors: De Gaudenzi Javier G. , Jäger Adriana V. , Izcovich Ronan , Campo Vanina A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTrypanosomes regulate gene expression mostly by posttranscriptional mechanisms, including control of mRNA turnover and translation efficiency. This regulation is carried out via certain elements located at the 3′‐untranslated regions of mRNAs, which are recognized by RNA‐binding proteins. In trypanosomes, trans‐splicing is of central importance to control mRNA maturation. We have previously shown that TcDRBD4/PTB2, a trypanosome homolog of the human polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein splicing regulator, interacts with the intergenic region of one specific dicistronic transcript, referred to as TcUBP (and encoding for TcUBP1 and TcUBP2, two closely kinetoplastid‐specific proteins). In this work, a survey of TcUBP RNA processing revealed certain TcDRBD4/PTB2‐regulatory elements within its intercistronic region, which are likely to influence the trans‐splicing rate of monocistronic‐derived transcripts. Furthermore, TcDRBD4/PTB2 overexpression in epimastigote cells notably decreased both UBP1 and UBP2 protein expression. This type of posttranscriptional gene regulatory mechanism could be extended to other transcripts as well, as we identified several other RNA precursor molecules that specifically bind to TcDRBD4/PTB2. Altogether, these findings support a model in which TcDRBD4/PTB2‐containing ribonucleoprotein complexes can prevent trans‐splicing. This could represent another stage of gene expression regulation mediated by the masking of trans‐splicing/polyadenylation signals.
Phylogeny of the Highly Divergent Echinosteliales (Amoebozoa)
Authors: Kretzschmar Martin , Kuhnt Andreas , Bonkowski Michael , Fiore‐Donno Anna Maria 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMyxomycetes or plasmodial slime molds are widespread and very common soil amoebae with the ability to form macroscopic fruiting bodies. Even if their phylogenetic position as a monophyletic group in Amoebozoa is well established, their internal relationships are still not entirely resolved. At the base of the most intensively studied dark‐spored clade lies the order Echinosteliales, whose highly divergent small subunit ribosomal (18S) RNA genes represent a challenge for phylogenetic reconstructions. This is because they are characterized by unusually long variable helices of unknown secondary structure and a high inter‐ and infraspecific divergence. Current classification recognizes two families: the monogeneric Echinosteliaceae and the Clastodermataceae with the genera Barbeyella and Clastoderma. To better resolve the phylogeny of the Echinosteliales, we obtained three new small subunit ribosomal (18S) RNA gene sequences of Clastoderma and Echinostelium corynophorum. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested the polyphyly of the family Clastodermataceae, as Barbeyella was more closely related to Echinostelium arboreum than to Clastoderma, while Clastoderma debaryanum was the earliest branching clade in Echinosteliales. We also found that E. corynophorum was the closest relative of the enigmatic Semimorula liquescens, a stalkless‐modified Echinosteliales. We discuss possible evolutionary pathways in dark‐spored Myxomycetes and propose a taxonomic update.
MONITORING IN SMALL BUSINESS LENDING: HOW TO OBSERVE THE UNOBSERVABLE
Authors: Sampagnaro Gabriele , Meles Antonio , Verdoliva Vincenzo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this article we investigate the determining factors of bank monitoring in small business lending. Unlike previous studies that rely on proxies of a bank's monitoring effort, we use a large and unique data set that includes the number of monitoring contacts per year between a European bank and a large number of small firms from 2009 to 2012. Our main results highlight that the frequency of a bank's monitoring effort is negatively related to the firm's reputation and the strength of the bank–firm relationship, and positively related to the bank–borrower proximity and the borrower's credit risk level.
Building Energy Management Systems: Global Potentials and Environmental Implications of Deployment
Authors: Beucker Severin , Bergesen Joseph D. , Gibon Thomas 
Published: December 2015

SummaryOne of the key drivers that influence building energy consumption is the demand for space heating. Particularly in countries with cold climates and a large stock of residential buildings with central heating, building energy management systems (BEMS) are an option to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These systems can be combined with existing space heating technologies and other efficiency measures, such as building insulation. They are ideal for retrofitting purposes owing to their low up‐front costs. A prospective life cycle assessment model is used to analyze the environmental impacts of the technology today, in 2030, and in 2050. This allows for a first‐ever, order‐of‐magnitude assessment of the environmental impacts of BEMS over their life cycle. The assessment is based on manufacturer information and generic life cycle inventory data for electronic components. Future impacts are based on changes in electricity generation following the International Energy Agency's 2 degree and 6 degree scenarios, and are used to assess the contribution of BEMS to global energy and GHG saving goals. Results show substantially lower life cycle GHG emissions and higher savings of environmental impacts per kilowatt‐hour of heating when compared to natural gas or electric heating. Potential net emissions savings range from approximately 0.4 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2‐eq) when avoiding natural gas heating to over 1 kg CO2‐eq when avoiding electric heating in regions with GHG‐intensive electricity generation. At present, BEMS can avoid at least 40 times the GHG emissions that they require for production and use, when deployed in regions with cold climates.
Declined hTERT expression of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells in oral lichen planus correlated with clinical parameter
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wei Ming‐hui , Lu Rui , Du Ge‐fei , Zhou Gang 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory autoimmune disease. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a catalytic subunit bearing the enzymatic activity of telomerase, may have a unique function in regulating the activation, proliferation, and function of T lymphocytes. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of hTERT in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients with OLP and its correlation with clinical parameter.MethodsThe disease severity of OLP was assessed by RAE (reticular, atrophic, erosive) scoring system. Expressions of hTERT in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells isolated from peripheral blood of patients with OLP were detected by real‐time PCR, and their correlations with clinical features were analyzed.ResultshTERT mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells of OLP were significantly lower than that of controls, while the levels in CD8+ T cells showed no statistical difference. The expression of hTERT in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells was neither associated with disease severity nor gender. CD4+ T cells of OLP patients with the age ≤50 had markedly decreased hTERT levels compared with controls, but CD8+ T cells did not.ConclusionsA divergent hTERT pattern between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was implicated in OLP. Decreased hTERT in CD4+ T cells might be responsible for the immune dysfunction in OLP.