bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence‐based practice in physical therapy in Austria: current state and factors associated with EBP engagement
Authors: Diermayr Gudrun , Schachner Herbert , Eidenberger Margit , Lohkamp Monika , Salbach Nancy M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesResearch examining the use of evidence‐based practice (EBP) in physical therapy in many countries has revealed positive attitudes, varying degrees of EBP use and barriers at practitioner, patient and organizational levels. In contrast to these countries, Austria does not have an academic or research tradition in physical therapy. Engagement in EBP in countries such as Austria is unknown. The objectives of the study were to describe the current state of EBP engagement and identify factors associated with EBP engagement among Austrian physical therapists (PTs).MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted. Existing questionnaires and the theory of planned behaviour guided questionnaire development. Face and content validity and ease of use of the questionnaire were evaluated in pilot tests. Item‐level response frequencies and percentages were determined. Simple and multiple regressions were used to identify factors associated with EBP engagement.ResultsThe final sample size was 588 (response rate: 17.5%). Ten percent of participants fully agreed that they regularly use guidelines and standardized assessment tools in clinical practice. While 49.9% reported not using electronic databases for literature searching, 41.9% reported reading research articles 2–5 times per month. Most frequently cited barriers to EBP engagement were lack of scientific skills, lack of time and insufficient organizational support. Research awareness, attitude, behavioural control, involvement in research and degree level were final correlates of EBP engagement.ConclusionAustrian PTs show a low level of engagement in EBP. Initiatives to advance EBP in Austria and other countries with no academic or research tradition should primarily target practitioner‐level factors.
Association of Porphyromonas gingivalis with high levels of stress‐induced hormone cortisol in chronic periodontitis patients
Authors: Ardila Carlos M. , Guzmán Isabel C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the occurrence of periodontopathogens with cortisol levels in chronic periodontitis patients.MethodsSeventy‐five chronic periodontitis patients were invited to participate in the present study. Cortisol levels in serum were measured using an immunoassay method. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were detected by polymerase chain reaction using primers designed to target the respective 16S rRNA gene sequences.ResultsSevere chronic periodontitis patients showed higher mean levels of cortisol (P < 0.05). Twenty‐six patients had hypercortisolemia. High cortisol levels showed a positive significant correlation with P. gingivalis (r = 0.237, P < 0.01). Of the 26 patients with hypercortisolemia, 81% had P. gingivalis, of which 86% had severe chronic periodontitis (P < 0.001). There were higher levels of cortisol with the presence of P. gingivalis (478.65 ± 122.57 vs 402.58 ± 139.60, P = 0.01). The adjusted logistic regression model showed a significant association between high cortisol levels and P. gingivalis (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.6–1.8).ConclusionsThis research offers support for the association between P. gingivalis and higher levels of cortisol in chronic periodontitis patients. These results suggest that high levels of cortisol could increase the occurrence of P. gingivalis in the biofilm.
Life Cycle Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Automobiles Using Aluminum in China
Authors: Ding Ning , Gao Feng , Wang Zhihong , Yang Jianxin 
Published: July 2015

SummaryTransportation is a major part of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Aluminum (Al) as a light metal can reduce vehicle weight, energy consumption, and pollutant emissions, but Al production is energy intensive. The main contents of this study are the following: (1) create the life cycle inventory of Al parts based on the energy background in China and (2) evaluate the energy savings and GHG reduction for the vehicle when steel parts are replaced by Al parts. Although there is a considerable reduction in energy consumption of per tonne Al in China owing to continuing development of process technology in recent years, energy consumption is higher than the world average level and European level. Over the vehicle's life cycle driving of 200,000 kilometers, the vehicle was found to avoid 1,447 to 1,590 liters of gasoline consumption when six typical steel parts were replaced by Al parts. Based on the current technology, the breakeven distance was calculated, resulting in a net energy benefit to use the lightweight Al parts compared with steel parts. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to show different energy savings by considering secondary weight reduction and different driving distance. The results indicate that weight reduction by using Al is quite effective to reduce the energy consumption and GHG of transportation.
MRI‐determined lumbar muscle morphometry in man and sheep: potential biomechanical implications for ovine model to human spine translation
Authors: Valentin Stephanie , Licka Theresia F. , Elliott James 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe sheep is a commonly used animal model for human lumbar spine surgery, but only in vitro investigations comparing the human and ovine spine exist. Spinal musculature has previously not been compared between man and sheep. This additional knowledge could further indicate to what extent these species are biomechanically similar. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate spinal muscle morphometric properties using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in different age groups of healthy human participants and sheep in vivo. Healthy human participants (n = 24) and sheep (n = 17) of different age groups underwent T1‐weighted MRI of the lumbar spine. Regions of interest of the muscles erector spinae (ES), multifidus (M) and psoas (PS) were identified. The ratio of flexor to extensor volume, ratio of M to ES volume, and muscle fat relative to an area of intermuscular fat were calculated. Sheep M to ES ratio was significantly smaller than in the human participants (sheep 0.16 ± 0.02; human 0.37 ± 0.05; P < 0.001), although flexor to extensor ratio was not significantly different between species (human 0.39 ± 0.08; sheep 0.43 ± 0.05; P = 0.06). Age did not influence any muscle ratio outcome. Sheep had significantly greater extensor muscle fat compared with the human participants (M left human 40.64%, sheep 53.81%; M right human 39.17%, sheep 51.33%; ES left human 40.86%, sheep 51.29%; ES right human 35.93%, sheep 44.38%; all median values; all P < 0.001), although PS did not show any significant between‐species differences (PS left human 36.89%, sheep 33.67%; PS right human 32.78%, sheep 30.09%; P < 0.05). The apparent differences in the size and shape of sheep and human lumbar spine muscles may indicate dissimilar biomechanical and functional demands, which is an important consideration when translating to human surgical models.
The brain and the braincase: a spatial analysis on the midsagittal profile in adult humans
Authors: Bruner Emiliano , Amano Hideki , de la Cuétara José Manuel , Ogihara Naomichi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe spatial relationships between brain and braincase represent a major topic in surgery and evolutionary neuroanatomy. In paleoneurology, neurocranial landmarks are often used as references for brain areas. In this study, we analyze the variation and covariation of midsagittal brain and skull coordinates in a sample of adult modern humans in order to demonstrate spatial associations between hard and soft tissues. The correlation between parietal lobe size and parietal bone size is very low, and there is a marked individual variation. The distances between lobes and bones are partially influenced by the dimensions of the parietal lobes. The main pattern of morphological variability among individuals, associated with the size of the precuneus, apparently does not influence the position of the neurocranial sutures. Therefore, variations in precuneal size modify the distance between the paracentral lobule and bregma, and between the parietal lobe and lambda. Hence, the relative position of the cranial and cerebral landmarks can change as a function of the parietal dimensions. The slight correlation and covariation among these elements suggests a limited degree of spatial integration between soft and hard tissues. Therefore, although the brain influences the cranial size and shape during morphogenesis, the specific position of the cerebral components is sensitive to multiple effects and local factors, without a strict correspondence with the bone landmarks. This absence of correspondent change between brain and skull boundaries suggests caution when making inferences about the brain areas from the position of the cranial sutures. The fact that spatial relationships between cranial and brain areas may vary according to brain proportions must be considered in paleoneurology, when brain anatomy is inferred from cranial evidence.
Brazilian green propolis induced apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells through mitochondrial-mediated pathway
Authors: Frión-Herrera Yahima , Díaz-García Alexis , Ruiz-Fuentes Jenny , Rodríguez-Sánchez Hermis , Sforcin José Maurício 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Propolis effect on the growth and apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma (A549 cells) was investigated as well as its mechanisms.

Methods
Cells were incubated with propolis for 72 h, and 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays were employed to assess cell viability and the inhibitory concentration (IC). Apoptosis was detected by Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining after 24 and 48 h of incubation with ¼ IC50 of propolis by testing the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Noxa, Puma and p21) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Key findings
Propolis displayed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but it did not suppress the growth of normal Vero cells. An enhanced apoptosis was seen in A549 propolis-treated cells after 48 h compared with the control cells. Propolis decreased mitochondrial membrane potential by overexpression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Noxa) and reduction of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-XL. The expression level of other genes remained unchanged (p53, Caspse-3 and Bax), whereas p21 expression was increased. Propolis induced caspase-independent apoptosis through a p53-independent mitochondrial pathway, and cell cycle arrest by upregulation of p21.

Conclusions
Although propolis induces apoptosis mainly by p53-independent manner, it may be induced by another pathway, and new insights may arise for preventing or treating lung cancer.
Prevalence of canine infectious respiratory pathogens in asymptomatic dogs presented atUSanimal shelters
Authors: Lavan R. , Knesl O. 
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVESTo determine the prevalence of nine canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) pathogens in asymptomatic dogs presented at animal shelters across the United States.METHODSOcular and oronasal swabs from asymptomatic dogs (n= 503) were tested usingqPCRassay forBordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV‐2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine herpesvirus type 1 (CHV), canine influenza virus (CIV), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV),Mycoplasma cynosandStreptococcus equisubspzooepidemicus.RESULTSA total of 240 (47 · 7%) asymptomatic dogs werePCR‐positive for at least oneCIRDpathogen. Prevalence of two‐, three‐, four‐, and five‐pathogen cases was 12 · 7, 3 · 8, 1 · 8, and 0 · 4%, respectively.Mycoplasma cynos(29 · 2%),B. bronchiseptica(19 · 5%),CAV‐2 (12 · 5%),CDV(7 · 4%) andCPIV(3 · 2%) were the most commonly detected pathogens.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe prevalence of traditional and newly emerging pathogens associated withCIRDis poorly defined in clinically healthy dogs. This study determined that a high percentage of asymptomatic shelter dogs harborCIRDpathogens, including the newly emerging pathogenM. cynosand the historically prevalent pathogenB. bronchiseptica.
Penile Prosthesis First and Replacement Surgeries: Analysis of Patient and Partner Satisfaction
Authors: Lledó-García Enrique , Jara-Rascón José , Moncada Iribarren Ignacio , Piñero-Sánchez Javier , Aragón-Chamizo Juan , Hernández-Fernández Carlos 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. Prosthesis replacement has become an accepted procedure in the event of device malfunction or complications, but to our knowledge, there are no data regarding the impact of implant replacement on patients and partner satisfaction.

Aim
The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with a first or second penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), in men with refractory erectile dysfunction and their partners.

Methods
A survey study based on a five-item questionnaire was carried out at our center between January 1999 and January 2012.

Main outcome measures
The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after PPI.

Results
Of the 190 eligible patients, 149 (78%) completed the survey (110 underwent a first implant and 39 a reimplant). Seventy-nine percent of first-time implanted patients and 80% of the reimplanted patients (P &gt; 0.05; not significant [ns]) reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied), while 74% and 80% of their partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (P &gt; 0.05; ns). Overall, 73.7% of first implants and 70% of second implants reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the PPI failed (P &gt; 0.05; ns). With regards to cosmetic aspects, 13% of the first implants' and 15% of second implants' partners reported either penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of first implants and 1% of reimplanted patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device.

Conclusions
PPI is successful in returning the ability for satisfactory sexual intercourse to both first implant and reimplanted patients and their respective partners.
A preterm lifeline: Early discharge programme based on family‐centred care
Authors: Brødsgaard Anne , Zimmermann Renathe , Petersen Mette 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeTo present an Early Discharge Programme model for preterm infants based on family‐centred care, and to describe its impact on the infants and families.Design and MethodsMethods included longitudinal growth assessments of 218 premature infants and a qualitative synthesis of two focus group interviews with 15 parents.ResultsThe main finding was the experience of “parents in control with lifeline to neonatal intensive care unit” based on five syntheses.Practice ImplicationsAn early discharge programme based on family‐centred care has been implemented and integrated into our neonatal intensive care unit that could be implemented by other hospitals.
Using remotely sensed data to model suitable habitats for tree species in a desert environment
Authors: Campos Valeria E. , Cappa Flavio M. , Viviana Fernández Maldonado , Giannoni Stella M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuestionsCan the species–environment relationship be understood using current remote sensing techniques? Can the derived indicators of remotely sensed data serve as a proxy for variables that affect habitat suitability of plant species? Which remote sensing predictors are best associated with woody species occurrence in a desert environment? How well do models with derived indicators of remotely sensed data predict the occurrence of these species? What are the potential distributions of Ramorinoa girolae, Prosopis spp. and Bulnesia retama in the study area?LocationIschigualasto Provincial Park, San Juan province, Argentina.MethodsWe selected random field points from a Landsat 8 OLI to determine presence/absence of trees species. We calculated Brightness index (BI) using the same image and used this index to calculate texture measures on a 3 × 3 moving window size. We used the following subset of texture measures: (1) first‐order: range, (2) second‐order: mean, variance, contrast, entropy, second moment and correlation. We also calculated Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), slope angle and slope aspect from Global Digital Elevation Model.Results and ConclusionSecond‐order mean of BI had an important effect on the occurrence of target trees species. TWI was an important variable for Prosopis spp. and B. retama, whereas slope angle was important for R. girolae and B. retama. In addition, the occurrence of R. girolae was affected by second‐order variance of BI and slope aspect; and the presence of B. retama was affected by second‐order contrast of BI. All the variables that had important effects on the occurrence of tree species provide environmental information about their different habitat requirements; therefore, our findings indicate that the remote sensing data are reliable to derive indicators of tree species presence in our study area.
Transcriptomic differences between day and night in Acropora millepora provide new insights into metabolite exchange and light‐enhanced calcification in corals
Authors: Bertucci A. , Forêt S. , Ball E. E. , Miller D. J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe evolutionary success of reef‐building corals is often attributed to their symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium, but metabolic interactions between the partners and the molecular bases of light‐enhanced calcification (LEC) are not well understood. Here, the metabolic bases of the interaction between the coral Acropora millepora and its dinoflagellate symbiont were investigated by comparing gene expression levels under light and dark conditions at the whole transcriptome level. Among the 497 differentially expressed genes identified, a suite of genes involved in cholesterol transport was found to be upregulated under light conditions, confirming the significance of this compound in the coral symbiosis. Although ion transporters likely to have roles in calcification were not differentially expressed in this study, expression levels of many genes associated with skeletal organic matrix composition and organization were higher in light conditions. This implies that the rate of organic matrix synthesis is one factor limiting calcification at night. Thus, LEC during the day is likely to be a consequence of increases in both matrix synthesis and the supply of precursor molecules as a result of photosynthetic activity.
Molecular mechanisms of xylose utilization by Pseudomonas fluorescens: overlapping genetic responses to xylose, xylulose, ribose and mannitol
Authors: Liu Yunhao , Rainey Paul B. , Zhang Xue‐Xian 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBacterial degradation of xylose is sequentially mediated by two enzymes – an isomerase (XutA) and a xylulokinase (XutB) – with xylulose as an intermediate. Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, though capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source, encodes only one degradative enzyme XutA at the xylose utilization (xut) locus. Here, using site‐directed mutagenesis and transcriptional assays, we have identified two functional xylulokinase‐encoding genes (xutB1 and xutB2) and further show that expression of xutB1 is specifically induced by xylose. Surprisingly, xylose‐induced xutB1 expression is mediated by the mannitol‐responsive regulator MtlR, using xylulose rather than xylose as the direct inducer. In contrast, expression of the xutA operon is regulated by XutR – a transcriptional activator of the AraC family – in a xylose‐, xylulose‐ and ribose‐dependent manner. Detailed genetic and biochemical analyses of XutR, including DNase I footprinting assays, suggest an unconventional model of XutR regulation that does not involve DNA‐looping, a mechanism typically found for AraC‐type regulators from enteric bacteria. XutR functions as a dimer and recognizes two inverted repeat sequences, but binding to one half site is weak thus requiring an inducer molecule such as xylose for activation.
Intraspecific variation in the use of water sources by the circum‐Mediterranean conifer Pinus halepensis
Authors: Voltas Jordi , Lucabaugh Devon , Chambel Maria Regina , Ferrio Juan Pedro 
Published: July 2015

Summary

The relevance of interspecific variation in the use of plant water sources has been recognized in drought‐prone environments. By contrast, the characterization of intraspecific differences in water uptake patterns remains elusive, although preferential access to particular soil layers may be an important adaptive response for species along aridity gradients.

Stable water isotopes were analysed in soil and xylem samples of 56 populations of the drought‐avoidant conifer Pinus halepensis grown in a common garden test.

We found that most populations reverted to deep soil layers as the main plant water source during seasonal summer droughts. More specifically, we detected a clear geographical differentiation among populations in water uptake patterns even under relatively mild drought conditions (early autumn), with populations originating from more arid regions taking up more water from deep soil layers. However, the preferential access to deep soil water was largely independent of aboveground growth.

Our findings highlight the high plasticity and adaptive relevance of the differential access to soil water pools among Aleppo pine populations. The observed ecotypic patterns point to the adaptive relevance of resource investment in deep roots as a strategy towards securing a source of water in dry environments for P. halepensis.
The stratigraphy of mass extinction
Authors: Holland Steven M. , Patzkowsky Mark E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPatterns of last occurrences of fossil species are often used to infer the tempo and timing of mass extinction, even though last occurrences generally precede the time of extinction. Numerical simulations with constant extinction demonstrate that last occurrences are not randomly distributed, but tend to cluster at subaerial unconformities, surfaces of forced regression, flooding surfaces and intervals of stratigraphical condensation, all of which occur in predictable stratigraphical positions. This clustering arises not only from hiatuses and non‐deposition, but also from changes in water depth. Simulations with intervals of elevated extinction cause such clusters of last occurrences to be enhanced within and below the interval of extinction, suggesting that the timing and magnitude of extinctions in these instances could be misinterpreted. With the possible exception of the end‐Cretaceous, mass extinctions in the fossil record are characterized by clusters of last occurrences at these sequence stratigraphical horizons. Although these clusters of last occurrences may represent brief pulses of elevated extinction, they are equally likely to form by stratigraphical processes during a protracted period (more than several hundred thousand years) of elevated extinction rate. Geochemical proxies of extinction causes are also affected similarly, suggesting that many local expressions of mass extinction should be re‐evaluated for the timing of extinction and its relation to environmental change. We propose three tests for distinguishing pulses of extinction from clusters of last occurrences produced by stratigraphical processes.