bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can exotic pine trees assist in restoration?
Authors: Norton David A. , Forbes Adam 
Published: March 2013

AbstractInvasive exotic woody species, including conifers escaped from plantations, are usually regarded as serious threats to native biodiversity. Becerra & Montenegro (Applied Vegetation Science, 16, 2013, 2) present an interesting example of invasive Pinus radiata facilitating native woody regeneration in semi‐arid central Chile. However, the positive value of invasive conifers for restoration and conservation will not necessarily apply in all situations.
Genetic variants in the region of the C1q genes are associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Trouw L A , Daha N , Kurreeman F A S , Böhringer S , Goulielmos G N , Westra H J , Zhernakova A , Franke L , Stahl E A , Levarht E W N , Stoeken-Rijsbergen G , Verduijn W , Roos A , Li Y , Houwing-Duistermaat J J , Huizinga T W J , Toes R E M 
Published: March 2013

SummaryRodent models for arthritis implicate a role for complement in disease development and progression. In humans, complement deposition has been observed in inflamed synovia of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. In this study we analysed whether genetic variants of complement component C1q predispose to RA. We genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in and around the C1q genes, C1qA, C1qB and C1qC, in a Dutch set of 845 RA cases and 1046 controls. Replication was sought in a sample set from North America (868 cases/1193 controls), and a meta-analysis was performed in a combined samples set of 8000 cases and 23 262 controls of European descent. We determined C1q serum levels in relation to C1q genotypes. In the discovery phase, five of the 13 SNPs tested in the C1q genes showed a significant association with RA. Additional analysis of the genomic area around the C1q genes revealed that the strongest associating SNPs were confined to the C1q locus. Within the C1q locus we observed no additional signal independent of the strongest associating SNP, rs292001 [odds ratio (OR) = 0·72 (0·58–0·88), P = 0·0006]. The variants of this SNP were associated with different C1q serum levels in healthy controls (P = 0·006). Interestingly, this SNP was also associated significantly in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from the North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium study, confirming the association with RA [OR = 0·83 (0·69–1·00), P = 0·043]. Combined analysis, including integrated data from six GWAS studies, provides support for the genetic association. Genetic variants in C1q are correlated with C1q levels and may be a risk for the development of RA.
Plasma‐free vs deconjugated metanephrines for diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Pamporaki Christina , Därr Roland , Bursztyn Michael , Glöckner Stephan , Bornstein Stefan R. , Lenders Jacques W. M. , Pacak Karel , Krinner Axel , Eisenhofer Graeme 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma is commonly performed by the measurements of plasma‐free normetanephrine and metanephrine. Plasma‐deconjugated normetanephrine and metanephrine have been proposed as alternative, equivalent, but easier to measure biomarkers.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of plasma‐free vs deconjugated normetanephrine and metanephrine in patients tested for phaeochromocytoma.MethodsThe study population included a reference group of 262 normotensive and hypertensive volunteers, 198 patients with phaeochromocytoma and 528 patients initially suspected of having the tumour, but with negative investigations after at least 2 years of follow‐up. Measurements were performed using liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.ResultsPlasma concentrations of free normetanephrine were 17‐fold higher in patients with phaeochromocytoma than in the reference population, a 72% larger (P < 0·001) difference than that for the 10‐fold higher levels of plasma‐deconjugated normetanephrine. In contrast, relative increases in plasma concentrations of free and deconjugated metanephrine were similar. Using upper cut‐offs established in the reference population, measurements of plasma‐free metabolites provided superior diagnostic performance than deconjugated metabolites according to measures of both sensitivity (97% vs 92%, P = 0·002) and specificity (93% vs 89%, P = 0·012). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the free metabolites was larger than that for the deconjugated metabolites (0·986 vs 0·965, P < 0·001).ConclusionMeasurements of plasma‐free normetanephrine and metanephrine are superior to the deconjugated metabolites for diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma.
PROSPER: a randomised comparison of surgical treatments for rectal prolapse
Authors: Senapati A. , Gray R. G. , Middleton L. J. , Harding J. , Hills R. K. , Armitage N. C. M. , Buckley L. , Northover J. M. A. ,   the PROSPER Collaborative Group
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimRectal prolapse is a profoundly disabling condition, occurring mainly in elderly and parous women. There is no accepted standard surgical treatment, with previous studies limited in methodological quality and size. PROSPER aimed to address these deficiencies by comparing the relative merits of different procedures.MethodIn a pragmatic, factorial (2 × 2) design trial, patients could be randomised between abdominal and perineal surgery (i), and suture vs resection rectopexy for those receiving an abdominal procedure (ii) or Altemeier's vs Delorme's for those receiving a perineal procedure (iii). Primary outcome measures were recurrence of the prolapse, incontinence, bowel function and quality of life scores (Vaizey, bowel thermometer and EQ‐5D) measured up to 3 years.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety‐three patients were recruited: 49 were randomised between surgical approaches (i); 78 between abdominal procedures (ii); and 213 between perineal procedures (iii). Recurrence rates were higher than anticipated, but not significantly different in any comparison: Altemeier's vs Delorme's 24/102 (24%) and 31/99 (31%) [hazard ratio (HR) 0.81; 95% CI 0.47, 1.38; P = 0.4]; resection vs suture rectopexy 4/32 (13%) and 9/35 (26%) (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.14, 1.46; P = 0.2); perineal vs abdominal 5/25 (20%) and 5/19 (26%) (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.24, 2.86; P = 0.8). Vaizey, bowel thermometer and EQ‐5D scores were not significantly different in any of the comparisons.ConclusionNo significant differences were seen in any of the randomised comparisons, although substantial improvements from baseline in quality of life were noted following all procedures.
Perturbations in cortical development and neuronal network excitability arising from prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines in mice
Authors: Haas Matilda , Qu Zhengdong , Kim Tae Hwan , Vargas Ernesto , Campbell Kenneth , Petrou Steven , Tan Seong‐Seng , Reid Christopher A. , Heng Julian 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDuring brain development, many factors influence the assembly and final positioning of cortical neurons, and this process is essential for proper circuit formation and normal brain function. Among many important extrinsic factors that guide the maturation of embryonic cortical neurons, the secreted neurotransmitter GABA has been proposed to influence both their migratory behaviour and their terminal differentiation. The full extent of the short‐term and long‐term changes in brain patterning and function caused by modulators of the GABA system is not known. In this study, we specifically investigated whether diazepam, a commonly used benzodiazepine that modulates the GABAA receptor, alters neuronal positioning in vivo, and whether this can lead to lasting effects on brain function. We found that fetal exposure to diazepam did not change cell positioning within the embryonic day (E)14.5 mouse cerebral cortex, but significantly altered neuron positioning within the E18.5 cortex. In adult mice, diazepam treatment affected the distribution of cortical interneurons that express parvalbumin or calretinin, and also led to a decrease in the numbers of calretinin‐expressing interneurons. In addition, we observed that neonatal exposure to diazepam altered the sensitivity of mice to a proconvulsant challenge. Therefore, exposure of the fetal brain to benzodiazepines has consequences for the positioning of neurons and cortical network excitability.
Writing New York’s Twentieth Century Jewish History: A Five Borough Journey
Authors: Gurock Jeffrey S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe most significant works that follow the journey of New York’s Jews through the five boroughs of Gotham in the 20th century have focused on the lives Jews lived, the nature of group identification and their relationships with other immigrant, ethnic and racial groups with whom they shared the city’s streets. When, some 60 years ago, professional work began on the Lower East Side, the first stop in this Jewish journey, the emphasis of studies on that iconic community was on downtown’s socialist tradition and labor activities. Subsequently, historical writing shifted largely to exploring religious and other aspects of communal existence. An important recent work has called upon scholars to reconsider the importance of the radical tone that permeated the immigrant quarter. Another new and important contribution has refocused attention on Jewish relations with other immigrants and Christians within and without the enclave.When, scholars, in the mid‐1970s, began following Jewish peregrinations out of downtown into Upper Manhattan, and eventually to the outer boroughs, much of the emphasis was on analyzing the textures of ethnic identification among Jews‐ particularly the children of immigrants‐ who settled in new neighborhoods. A concomitant major theme was their relationships with fellow New Yorkers, primarily the Germans, Italians and Irish around them.During the early post‐war period, New York Jews decided whether or not to depart older enclaves for suburbia or to cities far away from Gotham. Writers have engaged their decision‐making process. More importantly, studies of those who stayed continued to examine the question of ethnic persistence while delving into their relationships, not only with other White ethnic groups, but with African Americans with whom now Jews often struggled.Finally, the literature on the last decades of 20th century Gotham examines the position of Jews within different neighborhoods of the city and their sense of belonging in a metropolis that experienced periods of dramatic economic and social decline, and revival.
Inmate Governance in Brazilian Prisons
Authors: Darke Sacha 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPrisons in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are run not so much by prison guards as by inmates. In circumstances of severe overcrowding and acute staff shortage, prisoners are recruited or organise themselves, not only to perform clerical and janitorial work, but also to provide for welfare, discipline and security. Such inmate governance is as much a defining feature of Brazilian prison life as are inhumane living conditions. In recent years the roles played by inmates in managing the day‐to‐day running of Brazilian prisons have been largely subsumed by prison gangs. However, staff‐inmate relations remain characterised less by conflict and power as by accommodation and reciprocity.
Measurement and visualization of file‐to‐wall contact during ultrasonically activated irrigation in simulated canals
Authors: Boutsioukis C. , Verhaagen B. , Walmsley A. D. , Versluis M. , van der Sluis L. W. M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAim(i) To quantify in a simulated root canal model the file‐to‐wall contact during ultrasonic activation of an irrigant and to evaluate the effect of root canal size, file insertion depth, ultrasonic power, root canal level and previous training, (ii) To investigate the effect of file‐to‐wall contact on file oscillation.MethodologyFile‐to‐wall contact was measured during ultrasonic activation of the irrigant performed by 15 trained and 15 untrained participants in two metal root canal models. Results were analyzed by two 5‐way mixed‐design anovas. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Additionally, high‐speed visualizations, laser‐vibrometer measurements and numerical simulations of the file oscillation were conducted.ResultsFile‐to‐wall contact occurred in all cases during 20% of the activation time. Contact time was significantly shorter at high power (P < 0.001), when the file was positioned away from working length (P < 0.001), in the larger root canal (P < 0.001) and from coronal towards apical third of the root canal (P < 0.002), in most of the cases studied. Previous training did not show a consistent significant effect. File oscillation was affected by contact during 94% of the activation time. During wall contact, the file bounced back and forth against the wall at audible frequencies (ca. 5 kHz), but still performed the original 30 kHz oscillations. Travelling waves were identified on the file. The file oscillation was not dampened completely due to the contact and hydrodynamic cavitation was detected.ConclusionConsiderable file‐to‐wall contact occur‐red during irrigant activation. Therefore, the term ‘Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation’ should be amended to ‘Ultrasonically Activated Irrigation’.
Validation and modification of the phosphorus loss index as applied to a small catchment
Authors: Troitiño F. , Trasar‐Cepeda C. , Leirós M. C. , Gil‐Sotres F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEnvironmental legislation in many countries requires the development of phosphorus indices to determine the risk of P loss from soils to water. The concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), molybdate‐reactive phosphorus (MRP) and particulate phosphorus (PP) and the movement of these P forms were determined in a small catchment in Galicia (north–west Spain) with the aim of establishing an index of P loss. The discharges and concentrations of the different P forms were measured at different points in the river basin. The information was used to estimate the accuracy of a P index derived from the model described by Gburek et al. (2000). The amount of P lost over the 5‐month period of study was ca. 60 g/ha; in essence, the overall loss was low. The P losses differed throughout the study period and between sampling points, and some areas of the catchment acted as P sinks. This was probably associated with the transport of deposited material by the rivers. Of the two components included in the index, the source factor was consistent with the source areas in the catchment as identified by water analysis. However, the transport factor was not very consistent with the field data and must be reconsidered.
Perinatal bereavement: a principle‐based concept analysis
Authors: Fenstermacher Kimberly , Hupcey Judith E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo report an analysis of the concept of perinatal bereavement.BackgroundThe concept of perinatal bereavement emerged in the scientific literature during the 1970s. Perinatal bereavement is a practice‐based concept, although it is not well‐defined in the scientific literature and is often intermingled with the concepts of mourning and grief.DesignConcept Analysis.Data sourcesUsing the term ‘perinatal bereavement’ and limits of only English and human, Pub Med and CINAHL were searched to yield 278 available references dating from 1974–2011. Articles specific to the experience of perinatal bereavement were reviewed. The final data set was 143 articles.Review methodsThe methods of principle‐based concept analysis were used. Results reveal conceptual components (antecedents, attributes and outcomes) which are delineated to create a theoretical definition of perinatal bereavement.ResultsThe concept is epistemologically immature, with few explicit definitions to describe the phenomenon. Inconsistency in conceptual meaning threatens the construct validity of measurement tools for perinatal bereavement and contributes to incongruent theoretical definitions. This has implications for both nursing science (how the concept is studied and theoretically integrated) and clinical practice (timing and delivery of support interventions).ConclusionsPerinatal bereavement is a multifaceted global phenomenon that follows perinatal loss. Lack of conceptual clarity and lack of a clearly articulated conceptual definition impede the synthesis and translation of research findings into practice. A theoretical definition of perinatal bereavement is offered as a platform for researchers to advance the concept through research and theory development.
Feasibility of Mitral Isthmus and Left Atrial Roof Linear Lesions Using an 8 mm Tip Cryoablation Catheter
Authors: BETTS TIMOTHY R. , JONES MICHAEL , WONG KELVIN C.K. , QURESHI NORMAN , RAJAPPAN KIM , BASHIR YAVER 
Published: March 2013

Left Atrial Linear CryoablationBackgroundLeft atrial linear lesions are part of the ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency (RF) energy is the standard energy modality. Pulmonary vein (PV) balloon cryoablation has similar success rates to RF energy but is unsuitable for linear lesions. This study assessed the feasibility and safety of left atrial linear lesions using an 8 mm tip cryoablation catheter.Methods and ResultsConsecutive patients undergoing left atrial ablation procedures for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation were studied. An 8 mm tip focal cryoablation catheter was used to create mitral isthmus and left atrial roof linear lesions and compared to a matched cohort undergoing RF ablation. A total of 21 patients (54 ± 11 years, 14 male), 15 undergoing de novo procedures using a dual console technique (simultaneous focal catheter and cryoballoon PV ablation) and 6 redo procedures (single console and focal catheter) were studied. Mitral isthmus ablation was successful in 19/21 (91%) with a mean total ablation time of 32.5 ± 2.9 minutes. Roof line ablation was successful in 18/19 with a mean ablation time of 15.6 ± 6.0 minutes. Success rates were similar but ablation times were longer than those in the matched RF group. Epicardial ablation in the coronary sinus was required less often with cryoablation (11/21 vs 17/21, P < 0.05). There were no complications.ConclusionLeft atrial linear lesions with an 8 mm tip cryoablation catheter are feasible and safe with a high acute success rate. The need for coronary sinus ablation is reduced. A dual console technique is possible. Long‐term durability of linear lesions remains to be determined.
Demographic parameters of the two main fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species attacking mango inCentralTanzania
Authors: Salum J. K. , Mwatawala M. W. , Kusolwa P. M. , Meyer M. D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most important pests damaging fruit crops growing in Tanzania. Demographic parameters forCeratitis cosyra(Walker) andBactrocera invadens(Drew, Tsuruta & White) are reported and compared. These include pre‐adult survival and development rates, adult survival and fecundity and population parameters such as the intrinsic rate of increase, and mean generation time. Population and biological parameters of theC. cosyraandB. invadenswere measured in an environmental chamber at 25°C and 30°C with 75%RHand at room temperature ranging 23–28°C. The results showed thatB. invadenshad shorter embryonic, larval and pupal development times thanC. cosyraindependent of temperature. Life expectancy of maleB. invadenswas significantly greater than that ofC. cosyra, while life expectancy of femaleB. invadenswas greater than that ofC. cosyrabut not significantly. Average net fecundity was higher forB. invadensthan forC. cosyra. Both species attained their highest intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate at 30°C.B. invadensexhibited higher intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate thanC. cosyraat all temperatures tested.
Issues and challenges associated with nurse‐administered procedural sedation and analgesia in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory: a qualitative study
Authors: Conway Aaron , Rolley John , Page Karen , Fulbrook Paul 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore issues and challenges associated with nurse‐administered procedural sedation and analgesia in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory from the perspectives of senior nurses.BackgroundNurses play an important part in managing sedation because the prescription is usually given verbally directly from the cardiologist who is performing the procedure and typically, an anaesthetist is not present.DesignA qualitative exploratory design was employed.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with 23 nurses from 16 cardiac catheterisation laboratories across four states in Australia and also New Zealand were conducted. Data analysis followed the guide developed by Braun and Clark to identify the main themes.ResultsMajor themes emerged from analysis regarding the lack of access to anaesthetists, the limitations of sedative medications, the barriers to effective patient monitoring and the impact that the increasing complexity of procedures has on patients' sedation requirements.ConclusionsThe most critical issue identified in this study is that current guidelines, which are meant to apply regardless of the clinical setting, are not practical for the cardiac catheterisation laboratory due to a lack of access to anaesthetists. Furthermore, this study has demonstrated that nurses hold concerns about the legitimacy of their practice in situations when they are required to perform tasks outside of clinical practice guidelines. To address nurses' concerns, it is proposed that new guidelines could be developed, which address the unique circumstances in which sedation is used in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses need to possess advanced knowledge and skills in monitoring for the adverse effects of sedation. Several challenges impact on nurses' ability to monitor patients during procedural sedation and analgesia. Preprocedural patient education about what to expect from sedation is essential.
Environmental predictors of decapod species richness and turnover along an extensive Australian continental margin (13–35° S)
Authors: McCallum Anna W. , Poore Gary C.B. , Williams Alan , Althaus Franziska , O'Hara Tim 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe use of environmental data in biogeographic studies of the deep sea is providing greater insight into the processes underlying large‐scale patterns of diversity. Recent surveys of Australia's western continental margin (~100–1100 m) provide systematic sampling of invertebrate megafauna along a gradient of 22° of latitude (13–35° S). Diversity patterns of decapod crustaceans were examined and we investigated the relative importance of environmental and spatial predictor variables on both species richness (alpha diversity) and species turnover. Distance‐based linear models (DistLM) indicated a suite of variables were important in predicting species turnover, of which temperature and oxygen were the most influential. These reflected the oceanographic features that dominate distinct depth bathomes along the slope. The numbers of species within samples were highly variable; a small but significant increase in diversity towards the tropics was evident. Replicated sampling along the margin at ~100 m and ~400 m provided an opportunity to compare latitudinal patterns of diversity at different depths. On the shallow upper slope (~400 m) temperature was disassociated from latitude and the latter proved to be the best predictor of sample species richness. The predictive power of latitude over other variables indicates that proximity to the highly diverse Indo‐West Pacific (IWP) may be important, especially considering that almost 40% of species in this study had a wide IWP distribution. In the management of Australia's marine environments, geomorphic surrogates have been emphasised when defining areas for protection. We found sea‐floor characteristics were relatively less important in predicting richness or community composition.