bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of interprofessional student‐led beds on emergency department performance indicators
Authors: Meek Robert , Morphet Julia , Hood Kerry , Leech Michelle , Sandry Kate 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe study aims to compare ED performance indicators between patients managed by students in an inter‐professional learning (IPL) programme and comparable patients receiving usual ED care.MethodsAn IPL programme ran for five separate 2 week periods during 2012. Four student‐led beds were managed by four final year students (two medical, two nursing). Four control beds were matched for patient acuity. Data were gathered electronically from the ED information system. Comparisons of baseline characteristics and a range of ED performance indicators were made between patients managed in the student‐led and control beds. Patient satisfaction with student care was surveyed.ResultsCharacteristics of the 369 study and 365 control patients were similar. Median times to being seen by a nurse and a doctor were not significantly different between student‐led and control beds, at 50 (19–103) versus 45 (20–93) min, and 84 (28–162) versus 91 (41–165) min, respectively. Median time to inpatient referral for admitted patients was significantly longer in student‐led compared with control beds, being 142 (65–249) versus 101.5 (48–200) min, respectively. Median lengths of stay were similar between the student‐led and control groups, being 263 (201–343) versus 303.5 (204–384) min for discharged patients, and 866 (571–1238) versus 745.5 (487–1168) min for inpatient ward admissions. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with student care.ConclusionThere was little difference in performance indicators between patients managed by student teams as part of an IPL programme and a similar group receiving usual ED care.
Food in the City: Urban Food Geographies and ‘Local’ Food Sourcing in Melbourne and San Diego County
Authors: Mcgirr Heather Kaye , Batterbury Simon P.J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPerceptions of food systems and food acquisition decisions are grounded in specific socio‐economic and environmental contexts. Working in two relatively affluent urban communities in Melbourne, Australia and San Diego County, USA, this article explores the ways that individuals perceive their food systems, where they acquire food, and their definitions of ‘local’ sourcing. Surveys and interviews reveal a clear discrepancy between the ideals and the reality of food acquisition decision‐making, particularly the desire to eat ‘local food’. Survey respondents' realities do not live up to their expectations. These practices can largely be explained by the interplay between the respondents' perceived priorities, food preferences, dietary requirements, and decision‐making constraints in particular urban geographies. Further research is needed on the role of perceptions in food decision‐making in specific geographic contexts.
Telmisartan combined with probucol effectively reduces urinary protein in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled multicenter clinical study
Authors: Zhu Hanyu , Chen Xiangmei , Cai Guangyan , Zheng Ying , Liu Moyan , Liu Wenhu , Yao Hebin , Wang Yaping , Li Wenge , Wu Hua , Lun Lide , Zhang Jianrong , Guan Xiaohong , Yin Shinan , Zhuang Xiaoming , Li Jijun , Liu Yanjun , Zhou Chunhua 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPersistent proteinuria is an important factor contributing to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The present randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled multicenter clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of telmisartan combined with the antioxidant probucol in reducing urinary protein levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsPatients with T2D and 24‐h proteinuria 0.5–3 g were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of two groups: a telmisartan or a probucol + telmisartan group. Both groups were given telmisartan 80 mg q.d. for 48 weeks. The probucol + telmisartan group was given probucol 500 mg b.i.d. for the first 24 weeks, with the dosage then reduced to 250 mg b.i.d. for the remaining 24 weeks. The telmisartan group was given probucol placebo.ResultsIn all, 160 patients were enrolled in the present study. The 24‐h proteinuria levels were significantly reduced in the probucol + telmisartan compared with telmisartan group. For patients with baseline 24‐h proteinuria levels <1.0 g, both treatments resulted in significant reductions in 24‐h proteinuria levels after 48 weeks treatment. However, in patients with baseline 24‐h proteinuria levels ≥1.0 g, 24‐h proteinuria levels after 48 weeks treatment were only reduced in the probucol + telmisartan group. There was no significant difference between the two groups for either adverse cardiovascular or other events.ConclusionsIn patients with diabetic nephropathy, probucol combined with telmisartan more effectively reduces urinary protein levels than telmisartan alone.
Assessment of a 16S rRNA amplicon Illumina sequencing procedure for studying the microbiome of a symbiont‐rich aphid genus
Authors: Jousselin E. , Clamens A.‐L. , Galan M. , Bernard M. , Maman S. , Gschloessl B. , Duport G. , Meseguer A. S. , Calevro F. , Coeur d'acier A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe bacterial communities inhabiting arthropods are generally dominated by a few endosymbionts that play an important role in the ecology of their hosts. Rather than comparing bacterial species richness across samples, ecological studies on arthropod endosymbionts often seek to identify the main bacterial strains associated with each specimen studied. The filtering out of contaminants from the results and the accurate taxonomic assignment of sequences are therefore crucial in arthropod microbiome studies. We aimed here to validate an Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing protocol and analytical pipeline for investigating endosymbiotic bacteria associated with aphids. Using replicate DNA samples from 12 species (Aphididae: Lachninae, Cinara) and several controls, we removed individual sequences not meeting a minimum threshold number of reads in each sample and carried out taxonomic assignment for the remaining sequences. With this approach, we show that (i) contaminants accounted for a negligible proportion of the bacteria identified in our samples; (ii) the taxonomic composition of our samples and the relative abundance of reads assigned to a taxon were very similar across PCR and DNA replicates for each aphid sample; in particular, bacterial DNA concentration had no impact on the results. Furthermore, by analysing the distribution of unique sequences across samples rather than aggregating them into operational taxonomic units (OTUs), we gained insight into the specificity of endosymbionts for their hosts. Our results confirm that Serratia symbiotica is often present in Cinara species, in addition to the primary symbiont, Buchnera aphidicola. Furthermore, our findings reveal new symbiotic associations with Erwinia‐ and Sodalis‐related bacteria. We conclude with suggestions for generating and analysing 16S rRNA gene sequences for arthropod‐endosymbiont studies.
Evaluation of interferon‐gamma release assay (T‐SPOT.TB™) for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in rheumatic disease patients
Authors: Jiang Bin , Ding Huihua , Zhou Li , Chen Xiaoxiang , Chen Sheng , Bao Chunde 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimPatients with rheumatic diseases are at higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the T‐SPOT.TB assay (T cell enzyme‐linked immuno‐spot assay), for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in rheumatic disease patients in China.MethodsProspectively enrolled patients came from the Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between July 2008 and Aug 2012 for TB screening. Subjects' histories of TB infection, previous TB contact or bacille Calmette‐Guérin vaccination and concurrent immunosuppressive therapy, were reviewed carefully and recorded in detail. TST (tuberculin skin test) and TSPOT.TB assay were performed on the subjects. A prospective evaluation by Chi‐square test was used for sensitivity and specificity of both TST and T‐SPOT assay.ResultsA total of 311 subjects included 114 (36.66%) male and 197 (63.34%) female subjects, with a median age of 37.7 ± 12.6 years (range 17–72). Thirty‐two patients (10.29%) had a history of TB infection or previous TB contact; 256 patients (82.32%) were using glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants; 28 patients (9.0%) were clinically diagnosed as having TB infection. The sensitivity and specificity of TST for TB screening in rheumatic disease patients was 81.82% (9/11) and 67% (67/100), respectively. However, the sensitivity and specificity of T‐SPOT assay was statistically higher at 92.86% (26/28) and 93.64% (265/283), respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionAs a new immunoassay for TB diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of T‐SPOT is higher than TST. It is of great importance in the diagnosis of active or latent TB infection in rheumatic disease patients.
Methylation and gene expression of histone deacetylases 6 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fang Tzu‐Jung , Lin Yuan‐Zhao , Liu Ching‐Ching , Lin Chia‐Hui , Li Ruei‐Nian , Wu Cheng‐Chin , Ou Tsan‐Teng , Tsai Wen‐Chan , Yen Jeng‐Hsien 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of methylation in the histone deacetylases 6 (HDAC6) promoter and HDAC6 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodDirect bisulfite‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing was performed to detect the HDAC6 promoter methylation in 33 patients with SLE and 35 healthy controls. The HDAC6 mRNA expression was measured in 93 SLE patients and 84 healthy controls by using the method of quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsThis study demonstrated that the methylation rates at HDAC6‐680, ‐660 and ‐658 were significantly increased in the SLE patients compared with healthy controls (P = 0.041, 0.034 and 0.029, respectively). The SLE patients also had lower HDAC6 mRNA expression than the controls (P = 0.031). However, there was no significant difference in HDAC6 mRNA expression between patients with active and inactive SLE.ConclusionThe SLE patients had higher methylation in the HDAC6 promoter and lower HDAC6 mRNA expression than the controls. These changes may be related to the susceptibility of SLE. However, they are not associated with the disease activity of SLE.
On the Measurement of Social Progress and Wellbeing: Some Further Thoughts
Authors: Fitoussi Jean‐Paul , Stiglitz Joseph E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSince 2008, the world has experienced several dramatic events: the financial crisis of 2007–08, the earthquake in Japan, the sovereign debt crisis and the revolutions in the Arab world. All of these developments have called into question not just our current policies, but also the measurement systems on which we base their configuration. What we measure affects what we do. Increasingly, there is a demand to go beyond measures of market activity (GDP) and towards measures of wellbeing. Reductions in wellbeing (following deteriorations in people's physical and psychological health, community life or employment status, or in the provision of environmental goods) that are accepted in the name of maximization of material wealth results in totally misguided policies. This article surveys some recent and clear instances in which our measurements have gone wrong, and suggests revisions that may translate into better informed and more sustainable policies.
Multipurpose habitat networks for short‐range and long‐range connectivity: a new method combining graph and circuit connectivity
Authors: Rayfield Bronwyn , Pelletier David , Dumitru Maria , Cardille Jeffrey A. , Gonzalez Andrew 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBiodiversity conservation in landscapes undergoing climate and land‐use changes requires designing multipurpose habitat networks that connect the movements of organisms at multiple spatial scales. Short‐range connectivity within habitat networks provides organisms access to spatially distributed resources, reduces local extinctions and increases recolonization of habitat fragments. Long‐range connectivity across habitat networks facilitates annual migrations and climate‐driven range shifts.We present a method for identifying a multipurpose network of forest patches that promotes both short‐ and long‐range connectivity. Our method uses both graph‐theoretic analyses that quantify network connectedness and circuit‐based analyses that quantify network traversability as the basis for identifying spatial conservation priorities on the landscape.We illustrate our approach in the agroecosystem, bordered by the Laurentian and Appalachian mountain ranges, that surrounds the metropolis of Montreal, Canada. We established forest conservation priorities for the ovenbird, a Neotropical migrant, sensitive to habitat fragmentation that breeds in our study area. All connectivity analyses were based on the same empirically informed resistance surface for ovenbird, but habitat pixels that facilitated short‐ and long‐range connectivity requirements had low spatial correlation. The trade‐off between connectivity requirements in the final ranking of conservation priorities showed a pattern of diminishing returns such that beyond a threshold, additional conservation of long‐range connectivity had decreased effectiveness on the conservation of short‐range connectivity. Highest conservation priority was assigned to a series of stepping stone forest patches across the study area that promote traversability between the bordering mountain ranges and to a collection of small forest fragments scattered throughout the study area that provide connectivity within the agroecosystem.Landscape connectivity is important for the ecology and genetics of populations threatened by climate change and habitat fragmentation. Our method has been illustrated as a means to conserve two critical dimensions of connectivity for a single species, but it is designed to incorporate a variety of connectivity requirements for many species. Our approach can be tailored to local, regional and continental conservation initiatives to protect essential species movements that will allow biodiversity to persist in a changing climate.
Phosphate solubilisation and plant growth promoting potential by stress tolerant Bacillus sp. isolated from rhizosphere of apple orchards in trans Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Mehta P. , Walia A. , Chauhan A. , Kulshrestha S. , Shirkot C. K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPhosphate‐solubilising ability and co‐production of plant growth promoting traits of stress tolerant Bacillus subtilis CB8A isolated from apple rhizosphere was tested under in vitro conditions against a wide range of temperature (30–45°C), pH (7–9) and salt (0–5%) stresses. Under the extremes of temperature (45°C), pH‐9 and salt concentration (5%), production of soluble phosphate, indole acetic acid, siderophore and antifungal activity against Dematophora necatrix were reduced by 71.09%, 75.29%, 90.3% and 88.47%, respectively. Per cent decrease in P‐solubilisation at extreme temperature (45°C) and normal pH (7) without salt concentration was 36.23%; at extreme pH (9) and normal temperature (37°C) without salt concentration was 23.45% and at extreme salt concentration (5%), optimum temperature (37°C) and pH (7) was 36.7%. P‐solubilisation by CB8A was inversely correlated with pH (r = −0.78) and positively correlated with siderophore production (r = 0.81), indole acetic acid (r = 0.58) and antifungal activity (r = 0.63). Gluconic acid (1.43%) and citric acid (0.67%) were detected as major organic acids. P‐solubilisation and nitrogen fixing abilities of B. subtilis CB8A were confirmed by amplification of gdh and nifH genes. The ability of CB8A showing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits at a wide range of temperature, pH and varying salt concentration can be exploited for developing multifunctional biofertiliser in apple orchards.
Glove imprint templating: A versatile tool in skin graft surgery and more
Authors: Pagliaro Thomas , Coates Dougal 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMeasurement of the shape and size of skin lesions is an important component of skin excision and repair, especially in full‐thickness skin grafting. Current templating methods can be time‐consuming and may lead to inaccurate sizing of both full‐thickness and split‐thickness skin grafts. A novel, accurate, and time‐efficient method has been employed for 10 years in a dermatology clinic, in addition demonstrating utility in additional applications. A surgical glove is used to gain an imprint of a marked surgical incision site, to transcribe to the donor site for graft harvest. Further, the size of lesions in difficult‐to‐see areas of the body can be shown to patients. This method has been found to be clinically useful in reducing procedure times and providing accurate graft templates, as well as improving patients' satisfaction by helping them to understand the procedure. This method is also advantageous in obtaining informed consent by helping to clearly demonstrate the size of simple elliptical excisions.
Characterization of IL‐22 and IL‐17 Expressing Leukocytes in the Cervix
Authors: Makinde Hadijat M. , Lurain Nell , Bitterman Pincas , Martinson Jeff , Plants Jill , Landay Alan L. , Spear Greg T. 
Published: October 2015

ProblemIdentification of the types of cells that produce IL‐17 and IL‐22 in the genital tract can clarify the roles that these cytokines play in responses to pathogens.Method of studyWe isolated and stimulated cells from cervical tissue to identify and characterize cytokine‐producing cells.ResultsUpon stimulation of CD3+ CD4+ endocervical cells, 1.6, 3.4, and 1.5% were induced to produce IL‐22, IL‐17, and both cytokines, respectively. Stimulation of CD3+ CD4+ ectocervical cells resulted in 3.3% IL‐22+, 5.5% IL‐17+ and 2.6% IL‐22+ IL17+ cells. CD45+ CD3− cells had relatively high endogenous levels of cytokine expression that did not increase upon stimulation. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) made up 5.7–8% of CD45+ cervical cells and stimulation caused increases in IL‐17 and IL‐22.ConclusionThese studies show that the majority of the CD45+ leukocytes that can be induced to produce IL‐22 and IL‐17 in cervix are CD3+ CD4+, but ILCs are also present and can make both cytokines.
Diabetic major amputation in Far North Queensland 1998–2008: What is the Gap for Indigenous patients?
Authors: O'Rourke Sharon , Steffen Christina , Raulli Alexandra , Tulip Fiona 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo examine demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients undergoing diabetes‐related major amputation in Far North Queensland to identify those at risk.DesignA cohort was examined for differences between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous groups in age, co‐morbidities, indication for amputation and mortality. Attendance at the High Risk Foot Service was also reported.SettingFar North Queensland.Participantsindividuals with major amputations between 1998 and 2008.Main outcome measuresDiabetes‐related major amputations and mortality.ResultsOf the 143 individuals who underwent major amputation during the study period, 52% were Indigenous. On average, Indigenous amputees were 14 years younger than non‐Indigenous amputees. There were more female Indigenous amputees compared with Indigenous male amputees. Indigenous amputees were more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease (P < 0.000) and reside in a remote community (P < 0.000). Sepsis as an indication for amputation was more frequent in Indigenous subjects (P = 0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality related to the procedure between Indigenous and non‐indigenous amputees.ConclusionIndigenous patients with renal disease living in remote communities are at higher risk of developing limb‐threatening diabetic foot complications. Further improvements in self‐care, diabetes management and foot‐care are required to reduce major amputation rates, particularly for those residing in remote areas.
Very low birthweight infants face an increased risk of bloodstream infections following the removal of umbilical catheters
Authors: Lindquist Simon , Hentz Elisabet , Tessin Ingemar , Elfvin Anders 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThis study examined whether there was a temporal association between removing umbilical catheters and bloodstream infections (BSI) in a neonatal intensive care unit, as this is an area of research that has not received sufficient attention.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective study of all neonates receiving umbilical catheters during 2011 and 2012 in the neonatal intensive care unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. The time from umbilical catheter removals to the first subsequent BSI was recorded.ResultsA total of 372 infants had umbilical catheters inserted and 146 of these had a birthweight of <1500 g. Antibiotics were discontinued when umbilical catheters were removed in 67 of these low birthweight infants and 20 of them needed to be retreated for BSI within 72 hours. We found that very low birthweight infants had a significantly increased risk of developing BSI if antibiotics were discontinued at the same time as umbilical catheters were removed, rather than being continued after removal (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis NICU study demonstrated a temporal association between removing umbilical catheters and BSI in very low birthweight infants weighting <1500 g.
Perceived Characteristics of Innovative Nonprofit and Government Organizations in South Korea, China, and Argentina
Authors: Jaskyte Kristina , Yoo Sun‐Young , de Riobó María Susana R.M. 
Published: October 2015

This article describes the characteristics of innovative organizations as perceived by employees of nonprofit and government organizations in three quite different countries, South Korea, China, and Argentina. A total of 44 employees participated in the studies (13 from South Korea; 16 from China; and 13 from Argentina). At the first stage of the study they were asked to free list characteristics of innovative organizations. At the second stage of the study, country‐specific measures containing characteristics of innovative organizations were created, and participants were asked to rate each characteristic on a Likert scale (1 = not characteristic at all of an innovative organization; 5 = extremely characteristic of an innovative organization). This task produced ratings of perceived characteristics of innovative organizations for each country. Cultural consensus analysis widely used in the field of cognitive anthropology was employed next to assess the degree of agreement among the participants on what consistutes an innovative organization. Among the common perceived characteristics of innovative organizations were participation in decision making, teamwork, responsiveness to emerging client and societal needs, adaptability, employee support and value, and accepting failure. While the characteristics produced through the free listing technique showed a lot of similarities, the importance of those characteristics was rated quite differently across the three samples.