bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isotopic evidence for the occurrence of biological nitrification and nitrogen deposition processing in forest canopies
Authors: Guerrieri Rossella , Vanguelova Elena I. , Michalski Greg , Heaton Timothy H. E. , Mencuccini Maurizio 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study examines the role of tree canopies in processing atmospheric nitrogen (Ndep) for four forests in the United Kingdom subjected to different Ndep: Scots pine and beech stands under high Ndep (HN, 13–19 kg N ha−1 yr−1), compared to Scots pine and beech stands under low Ndep (LN, 9 kg N ha−1 yr−1). Changes of NO3‐N and NH4‐N concentrations in rainfall (RF) and throughfall (TF) together with a quadruple isotope approach, which combines δ18O, Δ17O and δ15N in NO3− and δ15N in NH4+, were used to assess N transformations by the canopies. Generally, HN sites showed higher NH4‐N and NO3‐N concentrations in RF compared to the LN sites. Similar values of δ15N‐NO3− and δ18O in RF suggested similar source of atmospheric NO3− (i.e. local traffic), while more positive values for δ15N‐NH4+ at HN compared to LN likely reflected the contribution of dry NHx deposition from intensive local farming. The isotopic signatures of the N‐forms changed after interacting with tree canopies. Indeed, 15N‐enriched NH4+ in TF compared to RF at all sites suggested that canopies played an important role in buffering dry Ndep also at the low Ndep site. Using two independent methods, based on δ18O and Δ17O, we quantified for the first time the proportion of NO3− in TF, which derived from nitrification occurring in tree canopies at the HN site. Specifically, for Scots pine, all the considered isotope approaches detected biological nitrification. By contrast for the beech, only using the mixing model with Δ17O, we were able to depict the occurrence of nitrification within canopies. Our study suggests that tree canopies play an active role in the N cycling within forest ecosystems. Processing of Ndep within canopies should not be neglected and needs further exploration, with the combination of multiple isotope tracers, with particular reference to Δ17O.
Effects of neutrality, geometric constraints, climate, and habitat quality on species richness and composition of Atlantic Forest small‐mammals
Authors: Dambros Cristian S. , Cáceres Nilton C. , Magnus Luiza , Gotelli Nicholas J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo compare the fit of models of climate, habitat quality, neutral processes, and geometric constraints to species richness and composition of small mammal assemblages.LocationThe South American Atlantic Forest biome.MethodsUsing neutral models and mid‐domain effect models, we simulated species spread in a spatially explicit array of grid cells representing the Atlantic Forest domain. We compared empirical patterns of species richness and composition with predictions of the neutral and mid‐domain effect models. We also modeled individual species responses to climatic conditions and forest integrity, a measure of habitat quality.ResultsHabitat quality was the single best predictor of local species richness (α‐diversity), but was a poor predictor of local species composition and of the decay in species similarity with distance (β‐diversity). The neutral and mid‐domain models generated very similar predictions, and were better predictors of species composition than of species richness. Climate variables were also strongly associated with overall species composition, but not with species richness.Main ConclusionsThe species richness of small‐mammal assemblages in the Atlantic Forest is best explained by variation in habitat quality. In contrast, the composition of small‐mammal assemblages is best explained by models of limited dispersal (neutral and mid‐domain) and effects of climate on local species composition. Collectively, these results suggest that regional patterns of species richness may be uncoupled from patterns of species composition. Both species richness and composition should be considered when evaluating the predictions of neutral and mid‐domain effect models, and of correlations of community structure with climatic or habitat variables.
Comparison of Gene Expression Between Pediatric and Adult Gastric Mucosa with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Obayashi Naho , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Hosoi Kenji , Ikuse Tamaki , Jimbo Keisuke , Aoyagi Yo , Fujii Tohru , Kudo Takahiro , Asaoka Daisuke , Hojo Mariko , Nagahara Akihito , Watanabe Sumio , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Helicobacter pylori infection among adults is a major risk factor for the development of gastric cancer and initial infection with H. pylori may occur before 5 years of age, the direct effects of H. pylori infection since childhood on gastric mucosa are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate gene expression in the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa of children.MethodsGastric mucosal samples were obtained from 24 patients (12 adults and 12 children) who had undergone endoscopic evaluation of chronic abdominal complaints and were examined by the adult and pediatric gastroenterologists at Juntendo University Hospital. Six adult and pediatric patients with and six without H. pylori infection were enrolled. Their gastric mucosal samples obtained from the antrum and corpus were used for microarray, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemical analyses to examine the expression of inflammatory carcinogenic molecules.ResultsThe expression of inflammatory molecules was upregulated in the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa from both adults and children. The expression of olfactomedin‐4 was only upregulated in adult patients, while that of pim‐2, regenerating islet‐derived 3 alpha, lipocalin‐2, and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 was equally upregulated in the infected gastric mucosa of both adults and children.ConclusionsBecause several carcinogenic molecules are upregulated in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa even in children, early eradication therapy from childhood may be beneficial to decrease the incidence of gastric cancer. Although increased expression of olfactomedin‐4 can be important in suppressing gastric cancer in adults, the increase was not detected in children.
Opioid use and risk of liver fibrosis in HIV/hepatitis C virus‐coinfected patients in Canada
Authors: Brunet L , Moodie EEM , Cox J , Gill J , Cooper C , Walmsley S , Rachlis A , Hull M , Klein MB ,   Canadian Coinfection Cohort Study Investigators
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesOpioid use and opioid‐related mortality have increased dramatically since the 1990s in North America. The effect of opioids on the liver is incompletely understood. Some studies have suggested that opioids cause liver damage and others have failed to show any harm. HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected persons may be particularly vulnerable to factors increasing liver fibrosis. We aimed to describe opioid use in an HIV/HCV‐coinfected population in Canada and to estimate the association between opioid use and liver fibrosis.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional descriptive analysis of the Canadian Co‐infection Cohort Study data to characterize opioid use. We then conducted a longitudinal analysis to assess the average change in aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) score associated with opioid use using a generalized estimating equation with linear regression. We assessed the progression to significant liver fibrosis (APRI ≥ 1.5) associated with opioid use with pooled logistic regression.ResultsIn the 6 months preceding cohort entry, 32% of the participants had received an opioid prescription, 28% had used opioids illicitly and 18% had both received a prescription and used opioids illicitly. Neither prescribed nor illicit opioid use was associated with a change in the median APRI score [exp(β) 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82, 1.12) and exp(β) 0.95 (95% CI 0.81, 1.10), respectively] or with faster progression to liver fibrosis [hazard odds ratio (HOR) 1.20 (95% CI 0.73, 1.67) and HOR 1.09 (95% CI 0.63, 1.55), respectively].ConclusionsAlthough opioids were commonly used both legally and illegally in our cohort, we were unable to demonstrate a negative impact on liver fibrosis progression.
Structural activity relationship analysis (SAR) and in vitro testing reveal the anti‐ageing potential activity of acetyl aspartic acid
Authors: Gillbro J. M. , Lundahl M. , Westman M. , Baral R. , Al‐Bader T. , Mavon A. 
Published: July 2015

SynopsisBackgroundAcetyl aspartic acid (A‐A‐A) was discovered through gene array analysis with corresponding connectivity mapping (Cmap), aiming for identification of new compounds with anti‐ageing properties.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to use structural activity relationship (SAR) analysis to identify a predictive mechanism of action of A‐A‐A. The findings from SAR will be further characterized by in vitro activity testing. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the role of polymerized filamentous F‐actin in ageing fibroblasts and to evaluate the effect of A‐A‐A on this model.MethodsTo predict the mode of action of A‐A‐A, we used the PASS computer program as a SAR model. In vitro, scratch motility tests with immortalized keratinocytes were used as a model for wound healing potential. Matrix metalloproteinase 1‐3 (MMP 1‐3) was analysed using multiplex protein assays (Luminex), and polymerized actin was detected by phalloidin staining in dermal fibroblasts (HDF).ResultsSAR analysis predicted that A‐A‐A would possess both epidermal and dermal activities with identification of wound healing and MMP inhibition potential. Further in vitro studies confirmed the wound healing potential using keratinocyte scratch motility assays. We were also able to confirm the dermal activities predicted by inhibition of MMP (MMP 1–3) in HDF by A‐A‐A. In addition, we found a positive relationship between age and F‐actin expression. We also discovered that stimulation of HDF with A‐A‐A for 72 h significantly reduced the polymerized cytoskeletal network as visualized by inhibition of F‐actin expression. In fact, A‐A‐A leveraged the expression of F‐actin in middle‐aged female fibroblasts (50 years of age) to the level of young female fibroblasts (30 years of age), corresponding to a 40% reduction in F‐actin expression.ConclusionUsing an in silico and in vitro approach, we were able to demonstrate that A‐A‐A has the capacity to target different compartments of the skin through keratinocyte regeneration, MMP inhibition and relief in fibroblasts stiffness by reduction of F‐actin cytoskeletal network in HDF.
How does the theory of consumption values contribute to place identity and sustainable consumption?
Authors: Lee Christina K. C. , Levy Deborah S. , Yap Crystal Sheau Fen 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe importance of consumers’ role in sustainable consumption is reflected in the vision of the Sustainable Development Education Panel: To educate consumers to make informed consumption decisions, to take responsibility for their actions and to realize the impact of consumption decisions on future generations. However, educating and informing consumers alone is unlikely to change deeply entrenched unsustainable consumption behaviour. A multi‐faceted approach is required – enforcing sustainable development initiatives through legislation, promoting corporate social responsibility programs on the part of business, and (most importantly), supporting communities that engage in sustainable consumption. This study examines the proposition that individuals who identify with their community (i.e. the residential suburb or a locality where identity is understood geographically) are more likely to engage in sustainable consumption. Specifically, it examines how consumption value (i.e. the perceived value of living in a particular residential suburb) contributes to place identity and to environmental attitudes and sustainable consumption behaviour. Structural equation modelling is used to verify the conceptual model using data from a telephone survey of 561 residents from two inner city suburbs in Auckland, New Zealand. The results support the proposition that environmental attitude and sustainable consumption behaviour is enhanced by consumption values through place identity. Residents who enjoy living in their community, value a clean and healthy environment and believe their suburbs are unique tend to develop a stronger identity with their residential suburb, and are more positive towards sustainable consumption. The results have important implications for social marketers, property marketers and city councils who strive to encourage sustainable consumption among its citizens.
A combined age‐and‐stock‐based policy for ordering blood units in hospital blood banks
Authors: Lowalekar Harshal , Ravichandran N. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper analyses the performance of an ordering policy for hospital blood banks (HBBs) that takes into account the information regarding the on‐hand stock along with the remaining life of blood products. The blood items are assumed to start aging as soon as they have been collected. We develop a simulation model to show that the combined age‐and‐stock‐based policy would outperform some of the popular periodic reviews and continuous review policies in controlling total costs by about 5% on an average basis. Our results show that the suggested policy will reduce the total operational cost of managing platelets, which have a very short shelf life, by about 27% at a real‐life HBB. The policy will also lead to about 7% reduction in the total cost of the negative blood groups, which are characterized by extremely erratic demand patterns. The implementation of the ordering policy will help HBBs to reduce their operational costs while ensuring a minimum desirable level of the availability of critical blood products.
Recognizing and managing a deteriorating patient: a randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of clinical simulation in improving clinical performance in undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Stayt Louise Caroline , Merriman Clair , Ricketts Barry , Morton Sean , Simpson Trevor 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo report the results of a randomized controlled trial which explored the effectiveness of clinical simulation in improving the clinical performance of recognizing and managing an adult deteriorating patient in hospital.BackgroundThere is evidence that final year undergraduate nurses may lack knowledge, clinical skills and situation awareness required to manage a deteriorating patient competently. The effectiveness of clinical simulation as a strategy to teach the skills required to recognize and manage the early signs of deterioration needs to be evaluated.DesignThis study was a two centre phase II single, randomized, controlled trial with single blinded assessments.MethodData were collected in July 2013. Ninety‐eight first year nursing students were randomized either into a control group, where they received a traditional lecture, or an intervention group where they received simulation. Participants completed a pre‐ and postintervention objective structured clinical examination. General Perceived Self Efficacy and Self‐Reported Competency scores were measured before and after the intervention. Student satisfaction with teaching was also surveyed.ResultsThe intervention group performed significantly better in the post‐objective structured clinical examination. There was no significant difference in the postintervention General Perceived Self Efficacy and Self‐Reported Competency scores between the control and intervention group. The intervention group was significantly more satisfied with their teaching method.ConclusionSimulation‐based education may be an effective educational strategy to teach nurses the skills to effectively recognize and manage a deteriorating patient.
Psychosocial adaptation: an evolutionary concept analysis exploring a common multidisciplinary language
Authors: Londono Yenly , McMillan Diana E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo provide the first known concept analysis of psychosocial adaptation, exploring its evolution from the concept adaptation. We also determine how psychosocial adaptation is conceptualized across nursing, health, sociobehavioural and education disciplines.BackgroundPsychosocial adaptation is an important conceptual term that is poorly defined in nursing and other health, sociobehavioural and education disciplines. A thorough understanding of the concept's application in nursing and across disciplines can help to clarify its meaning, facilitate a more effective common language between disciplines and inform future psychosocial adaptation research.DesignRodger's evolutionary view guided this concept analysis.Data sourcesPeer‐reviewed English and Spanish manuscripts published between 2011–2013 were retrieved from the following databases: CINAHL, Psych INFO, PubMed, Scopus and LILACS.Review methodsEighty‐nine articles related to psychosocial adaptation were included in the analysis. Findings identify key attributes, antecedents and consequences associated with the use of the concept. Findings were compared vis‐a‐vis reported characteristics of adaptation.ResultsThe attributes characterizing psychosocial adaptation are: change, process, continuity, interaction and influence. In psychosocial adaptation, new life conditions serve as antecedents, while consequences are good or bad outcomes. Important features of the evolution of this concept include its broad appropriation across the reviewed disciplines. The attributes of psychosocial adaptation, have some similarities to those of general adaptation. Both concepts include an aspect of change, but unlike adaptation, psychosocial adaptation has branched away from biological descriptors, such as homeostasis and tends to focus on relational characteristics, such as interaction and influences.
Long‐QT Syndrome and Therapy for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: ZHANG CLAIRE , KUTYIFA VALENTINA , MOSS ARTHUR J. , MCNITT SCOTT , ZAREBA WOJCIECH , KAUFMAN ELIZABETH S. 
Published: July 2015

ADHD Therapy in LQTSIntroductionStimulants are the mainstay therapy for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are associated with adrenergic side effects. There are limited data on the clinical course of patients treated for ADHD who have long‐QT syndrome (LQTS), for which β‐blockade is the goal of therapy.MethodsLQTS patients from the Rochester‐based LQTS Registry (open‐enrollment between 1979 and 2003; follow‐up from 1979 to present) treated with stimulant or nonstimulant ADHD medications (n = 48) were compared to a 2:1 age‐, gender‐, and QTc‐duration matched LQTS control group not exposed to ADHD medications (n = 96). Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate risk of cardiac events (syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death) in LQTS patients treated with ADHD medications.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up of 7.9 ± 5.4 years after initiation of ADHD medication at a mean age 10.7 ±7.3 years, there was a 62% cumulative probability of cardiac events in the ADHD treatment group compared to 28% in the matched LQTS control group (P < 0.001). Time‐dependent use of ADHD medication was associated with an increased risk for cardiac events (HR = 3.07; P = 0.03) in the multivariate Cox model adjusted for time‐dependent β‐blocker use and prior cardiac events. Subgroup gender analyses showed that time‐dependent ADHD medication was associated with an increased risk in male LQTS patients (HR = 6.80, P = 0.04).ConclusionsLQTS patients treated with ADHD medications have increased risk for cardiac events, particularly syncope, and this risk is augmented in males. The findings highlight the importance of heightened surveillance for LQTS patients on ADHD medications.
Comparison between Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty and Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantation for the Treatment of Stent Fracture
Authors: Mitomo Satoru , Naganuma Toru , Takagi Kensuke , Costopoulos Charis , Nakamura Shotaro , Hozawa Koji , Kurita Naoyuki , Tahara Satoko , Ishiguro Hisaaki , Nakamura Sunao 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stent fracture (SF).BackgroundSF has been reported as a predictor of in‐stent restenosis (ISR) and stent thrombosis (ST).MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2012, consecutive SF cases treated with either drug‐eluting stent (DES) or plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The study endpoints were all‐cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), ST, re‐stent fracture (re‐SF), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as the composite of cardiac death, MI, and TLR.ResultsOf 135 SF cases, 67 (49.6%) cases were treated with DES, whereas 68 (50.4%) cases with POBA. Median follow‐up period was 1,401 (IQR: 967–1,771) days. The estimated MACE rate at 3 years was significantly lower in the DES group as compared with the POBA group largely driven by less TLR (25.7 vs. 55.8%, P < 0.001). Moreover, 1‐year landmark analysis after PCI for SF revealed that MACE continued to occur even after 1 year irrespective of the treatment option (P = 0.47). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, POBA and large post‐procedure angle (Δ) defined as the degree difference between the end systolic and diastolic angle were identified as independent predictors for TLR.ConclusionsDES implantation for SF is associated with better clinical outcomes as compared to POBA alone, due to a lower need for TLR. Large post‐procedural angle (Δ) appears to be an independent predictor of TLR.
Ordinary Social Interaction and the Main Effect Between Perceived Support and Affect
Authors: Lakey Brian , Vander Molen Randy J. , Fles Elizabeth , Andrews Justin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRelational regulation theory hypothesizes that (a) the main effect between perceived support and mental health primarily reflects ordinary social interaction rather than conversations about stress and how to cope with it, and (b) the extent to which a provider regulates a recipient's mental health primarily reflects the recipient's personal taste (i.e., is relational), rather than the provider's objective supportiveness. In three round‐robin studies, participants rated each other on supportiveness and the quality of ordinary social interaction, as well as their own affect when interacting with each other. Samples included marines about to deploy to Afghanistan (N = 100; 150 dyads), students sharing apartments (N = 64; 96 dyads), and strangers (N = 48; 72 dyads). Perceived support and ordinary social interaction were primarily relational, and most of perceived support's main effect on positive affect was redundant with ordinary social interaction. The main effect between perceived support and affect emerged among strangers after brief text conversations, and these links were partially verified by independent observers. Findings for negative affect were less consistent with theory. Ordinary social interaction appears to be able to explain much of the main effect between perceived support and positive affect.