bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of fragmentation and landscape matrix on the nesting success of grassland birds in the Pampas grasslands of Argentina
Authors: Pretelli Matías G. , Isacch Juan P. , Cardoni Daniel A. 
Published: July 2015

The loss of grasslands in southeastern South America has negatively affected grassland birds, leading to marked declines in their populations. However, the extent to which habitat transformation impacts on their reproductive performance, and whether the magnitude of these effects may be modulated by landscape matrices, is unknown. We assessed the effect of fragmentation on grassland bird reproduction by comparing the combined influence of fragmentation and landscape matrix on nesting success, brood parasitism and productivity of the Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus and the Brown‐and‐yellow Marshbird Pseudoleistes virescens. Surveys were undertaken in small grassland patches embedded within different landscape matrices (urban and agro‐ecosystem) and in a large patch within a reserve. Reproductive performance was adversely affected by fragmentation. However, these effects were conditioned by matrix type, and the response was not the same for the two species. For Brown‐and‐yellow Marshbird, fragmentation resulted in higher rates of brood parasitism and lower productivity regardless of the matrix type, whereas for Spectacled Tyrant, we found a negative effect only in an agricultural matrix. The lack of extensive grasslands makes small patches important; however, knowing the effects of different matrix types is critical to predicting the conservation value of grassland patches, and the response of different species is not uniform.
Preliminary safety assessment of C–8 xylitol monoester and xylitol phosphate esters
Authors: Silveira J. E. P. S. , Pereda M. C. V. , Nogueira C. , Dieamant G. , Cesar C. K. M. , Assanome K. M. , Silva M. S. , Torello C. O. , Queiroz M. L. S. , Eberlin S. 
Published: July 2015

SynopsisObjectivesMost of the cosmetic compounds with preservative properties available in the market pose some risks concerning safety, such as the possibility of causing sensitization. Due to the fact that there are few options, the proper development of new molecules with this purpose is needed. Xylitol is a natural sugar, and the antimicrobial properties of xylitol‐derived compounds have already been described in the literature. C‐8 xylitol monoester and xylitol phosphate esters may be useful for the development of skincare products. As an initial screen for safety of chemicals, the combination of in silico methods and in vitro testing can aid in prioritizing resources in toxicological investigations while reducing the ethical and monetary costs that are related to animal and human testing. This study was designed to evaluate the safety of C‐8 xylitol monoester and xylitol phosphate esters regarding carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, skin and eye irritation/corrosion and sensitization through alternative methods.MethodsFor the initial safety assessment, quantitative structure‐activity relationship methodology was used. The prediction of the parameters carcinogenicity/mutagenicity, skin and eye irritation/corrosion and sensitization was generated from the chemical structure. The analysis also comprised physical–chemical properties, Cramer rules, threshold of toxicological concern and Michael reaction. In silico results of candidate molecules were compared to 19 compounds with preservative properties that are available in the market. Additionally, in vitro tests (Ames test for mutagenicity, cytotoxicity and phototoxicity tests and hen's egg test – chorioallantoic membrane for irritation) were performed to complement the evaluation.ResultsIn silico evaluation of both molecules presented no structural alerts related to eye and skin irritation, corrosion and sensitization, but some alerts for micronucleus and carcinogenicity were detected. However, by comparison, C‐8 xylitol monoester, xylitol phosphate esters showed similar or better results than the compounds available in the market. Concerning experimental data, phototoxicity and mutagenicity results were negative. As expected for compounds with preservative activity, xylitol‐derived substances presented positive result in cytotoxicity test. In hen's egg test, both molecules were irritants.ConclusionOur results suggested that xylitol‐derived compounds appear to be suitable candidates for preservative systems in cosmetics.
Physical disruption of oral biofilms by sodium bicarbonate: an in vitro study
Authors: Pratten J , Wiecek J , Mordan N , Lomax A , Patel N , Spratt D , Middleton AM 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivesSodium bicarbonate has been shown clinically to be efficacious at removing dental plaque; however, its effect of mechanism against biofilms has not been evaluated in vitro. Here, we used a well‐established in vitro plaque biofilm model to investigate the disruption of dental plaque biofilms.MethodsBiofilms were grown in a constant depth film fermentor for up to 14 days. The fermentor was inoculated with pooled human saliva and growth maintained with artificial saliva. After various time points, replicate biofilms were removed and subjected to treatment at varying concentrations of sodium bicarbonate. Disruption of the plaque was assessed by viable counts and microscopy.ResultsThe viable count results showed that younger biofilms were less susceptible to the action of sodium bicarbonate; however, biofilms of 7 days and older were increasingly susceptible to the material with the oldest biofilms being the most susceptible. Sixty‐seven percentage of sodium bicarbonate slurry was able to reduce the number of organisms present by approx. 3 log10. These quantitative data were corroborated qualitatively with both confocal and electron microscopy, which both showed substantial qualitative removal of mature biofilms.ConclusionsThe results from this study have shown that sodium bicarbonate is able to disrupt mature dental plaque grown in vitro and that its reported efficacy in maintaining oral hygiene may be related to this key factor.
The extent and magnitude of formalin adulteration in fish sold in domestic markets of Bangladesh: a literature review
Authors: Rahman Sayeeda , Majumder Md Anwarul Azim , Ahasan Rabiul , Ahmed SM Moslehuddin , Das Palash , Rahman Nuzhat 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBangladesh has been suffering from rampant food adulteration for the last few decades. Dishonest businessmen use formalin illegally as preservative to prevent spoilage and increase shelf‐life of fish. Prolonged consumption of formalin adulterated fish may cause serious health hazards (i.e. cancers) which lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of the review was to examine the extent and magnitude of illegal formalin treatment in fish sold in domestic markets of Bangladesh. A systematic review was conducted using conventional databases and non‐conventional approaches to identify the relevant studies. Out of nine studies, eight confirmed the presence of formalin in fish collected from the markets of four main cities. Large and imported fishes were found to be mainly affected. Formalin adulterated fish was reported in seven studies. The fish were tested using a locally developed kit, and the amount of formalin treated fish ranged between 0.5 and 50%. Two other studies used the spectrophotometric method and reported specific formalin levels. The study conducted in Dhaka found mean levels of formalin to be 402.35 mg/kg in imported fishes and 118.60 mg/kg in local fishes which were much higher than the WHO recommended levels. In another study conducted in Mymensingh, formalin levels ranged between 1.4 and 7.3 mg/kg in both marketed and freshly caught pond fishes. The use of accurate, simple, specific and sensitive techniques is therefore highly recommended. The government and other agencies should address the issue as a priority basis by formulating effective policies and programs to safeguard the health of the public.
Increased risk of anxiety among patients with urolithiasis: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lien Chi‐Shun , Huang Chi‐Ping , Chung Chi‐Jung , Lin Cheng‐Li , Chang Chao‐Hsiang 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate whether patients with urolithiasis are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression.MethodsWe used universal insurance claims data in Taiwan from 2000 to 2011 to identify patients with newly diagnosed urolithiasis (n = 32 617) and those without urolithiasis (n = 130 465). Incidences, hazard ratios, and incidence rate ratios of anxiety and depression were determined in both cohorts in terms of baseline demographic characteristics and comorbidities until December 2011.ResultsThe urolithiasis cohort yielded a higher incidence of anxiety (11.9 vs 6.91 per 1000 person‐years) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval 1.42–1.57) than the non‐urolithiasis cohort. The urolithiasis cohort also showed a higher incidence of depression (5.79 vs 3.95 per 1000 person‐years) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.18–1.35) than the non‐urolithiasis cohort. Regardless of the patients' baseline comorbidities, patients with urolithiasis showed a higher incidence rate ratio of anxiety and depression than those without urolithiasis (with no comorbidities: adjusted hazard ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.49–1.76] for anxiety and adjusted hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.23–1.54 for depression).ConclusionUrolithiasis is recurrent, and significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Therefore, urologists should diagnose patients suspected with this disease and provide proper medical care.
Are specialist nurse‐led check flexible cystoscopy services as effective as doctor‐led sessions?
Authors: Smith Thomas , Streeter Edward , Choi William , Evans Hugh , Eddy Benjamin , Krishnan Rajeshwar , Shrotri Nitin 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe demands on service provision have led to an increasing number of check flexible cystoscopies being performed by urology nurse specialists as opposed to doctors. We aimed to compare the performance of urology nurse specialists, in a nurse‐led service, with doctor‐led sessions. Retrospective case note analysis was performed on patients who required further treatment following their check flexible cystoscopies. Data was collected in two separate 3‐month time periods: first (1 October 2012–31 December 2012) all cases that were performed by doctors, second (1 March 2013–31 September 2013) all cases that were performed by nurse specialists. Details recorded included the findings at check flexible cystoscopy, treatment and initial and subsequent histology results. A total of 137 episodes were included in the study (71 – nurse, 66 – doctor). Correct reporting at initial check cystoscopy with subsequent confirmation of TCC, CIS or dysplasia occurred in 99 of 137 (72.3%) of episodes (55 – nurse, 44 – doctor). Over reporting at initial check flexible cystoscopy with findings later showing any variant of inflammation/cystitis, reactive changes, atypia or no lesion occurred in 38 of 137 (27.7%) episodes (16 – nurse, 22 – doctor). The nurse‐led service correctly reported 55 of 71 (77.5%) episodes and over‐reported 16 of 71 (22.5%). The doctors correctly reported 44 of 66 (66.7%) episodes and over reported 22 of 66 (33.3%). This study provides evidence that nurse led check flexible cystoscopy sessions are comparable in quality to doctor‐led sessions and supports the use of these services. This has clear implications on the delivery of a cost effective service to meet current financial demands.
Surveying patients about their experience with a urinary catheter
Authors: Darbyshire Daniel , Rowbotham Daniel , Grayson Sarka , Taylor Julia , Shackley David 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTAbout 15–20% of hospital inpatients are catheterized, and it has been estimated that in an average sized hospital 10–15 patients will die each year from catheter‐related sepsis. Reducing catheterization rates or indwell times has been shown to reduce associated sepsis. This study examined patient experience of catheterization; the rationale for the study was to broaden understanding of catheter impact as part of a wider quality improvement agenda. Fifty patients completed a detailed catheter‐experience patient questionnaire. The patients were all inpatients from 17 wards across a range of specialties. Data were sought on demographics, catheter status, experience and their knowledge of and involvement in the catheter care. Fifty percent gender split. Median catheter time was 5 d (range 2 h to long term). Median age 72 years (range 22–92). Thirty‐four percent (n = 17) of patients did not have the process and options discussed before catheterization. Eighteen percent did not know why they were catheterized. Patients experienced leaking (32%), ‘pain’ (26%), inconvenience (26%), embarrassment (24%), blocking (24%) with 8% finding their catheters ‘restrictive’. Fourteen percent felt they could have coped without the catheter. Urinary catheters have a profound and often negative effect on the inpatient experience. This information can help support and empower colleagues to push for less urinary catheter use in the non‐urological inpatient population and start to better understand the patient experience.
Protein kinase C in the immune system: from signalling to chromatin regulation
Authors: Lim Pek Siew , Sutton Christopher Ray , Rao Sudha 
Published: July 2015

SummaryProtein kinase C (PKC) form a key family of enzymes involved in signalling pathways that specifically phosphorylates substrates at serine/threonine residues. Phosphorylation by PKC is important in regulating a variety of cellular events such as cell proliferation and the regulation of gene expression. In the immune system, PKCs are involved in regulating signal transduction pathways important for both innate and adaptive immunity, ultimately resulting in the expression of key immune genes. PKCs act as mediators during immune cell signalling through the immunological synapse. PKCs are traditionally known to be cytoplasmic signal transducers and are well embedded in the signalling pathways of cells to mediate the cells' response to a stimulus from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. PKCs are also found to transduce signals within the nucleus, a process that is distinct from the cytoplasmic signalling pathway. There is now growing evidence suggesting that PKC can directly regulate gene expression programmes through a non‐traditional role as nuclear kinases. In this review, we will focus on the role of PKCs as key cytoplasmic signal transducers in immune cell signalling, as well as its role in nuclear signal transduction. We will also highlight recent evidence for its newly discovered regulatory role in the nucleus as a chromatin‐associated kinase.
Reflections on Information Systems Journal's thematic composition
Authors: Love James , Hirschheim Rudy 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis article analyses the scholarly output of Information Systems Journal (ISJ) in relation to its seven peer journals in the Association for Information Systems Senior Scholars' Basket of Eight journals (SSB8) since ISJ's inception in 1991. To do so, cluster analyses are generated using metadata (i.e. titles, keywords and abstracts) from the articles published. The analysis results reveal commonalties and some distinguishing differences between ISJ and its peer journals. The findings illuminate that ISJ has published articles in the area of information systems development at a much higher rate than its counterparts. The analyses also illustrate that ISJ has embraced broader philosophical and methodological underpinnings than other SSB8 journals.
Old and New Cultivars of Soya Bean (Glycine max L.) Subjected to Soil Drying Differ in Abscisic Acid Accumulation, Water Relations Characteristics and Yield
Authors: He J. , Du Y.‐L. , Wang T. , Turner N. C. , Xi Y. , Li F.‐M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTwo old (Huangsedadou and Longxixiaohuangpi (LX)) and two new (Jindou 19 (JD) and Zhonghuang 30 (ZH)) soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars were used to investigate the influence of soil drying on the abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in leaves, stomatal conductance (gs), leaf water relations, osmotic adjustment (OA), leaf desiccation tolerance, yield and yield components. The greater ABA accumulation was induced by soil drying, which also inducing gs decreased at higher soil water contents (SWC) and leaf relative water content (RWC) significantly decreased at lower SWC in the new soya bean cultivars than in the old soya bean cultivars. The soil water threshold between the value at which stomata began to close and the RWC began to decrease was significantly broader in the new cultivars than in the old cultivars. The new cultivars had significantly higher OA and lower lethal leaf water potential than old cultivars when the soil dried. The old cultivars had greater biomass, but lower grain yield than the new cultivars in well‐watered, moderate stress and severe stress conditions. Thus with soil drying, the new soya bean cultivars demonstrated greater adaptation to drought by inducing greater ABA accumulation, stomatal closure at higher SWC, enhanced OA and better water relations, associated with increased leaf desiccation tolerance, greater water use efficiency and higher yield.
Investigating the impact of a falls prevention community of practice in a residential aged‐care setting: a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Francis‐Coad Jacqueline , Etherton‐Beer Christopher , Bulsara Caroline , Nobre Debbie , Hill Anne‐Marie 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to facilitate the implementation and operation of a falls prevention Community of Practice in a residential aged‐care organization and evaluate its effect on falls outcomes.BackgroundFalls are a substantial concern across the residential aged‐care sector with half its older population falling annually. Preventing falls requires tailoring of current evidence for reducing falls and adoption into daily activity, which is challenging for diversely skilled staff caring for a frailer population. Forming a community of practice could provide staff with the opportunity to share and develop their expertise in falls prevention and innovate change.DesignA mixed methods design based on a realist approach conducted across 13 residential care facilities (N = 779 beds).MethodStaff will be invited to become a member of the community of practice with all sites represented. The community of practice will be supported to audit falls prevention activity and identify gaps in practice for intervention. The impact of the community of practice will be evaluated at three levels: individual member level, facility level and organizational level. A pre–post design using a range of standardized measures supported by audits, surveys, focus groups and interviews will determine its effect on falls prevention practice. Falls outcomes will be compared at five time intervals using negative binomial regression and logistic regression. The study is funded 2013–2017.ConclusionFindings from this research will assist residential aged‐care providers to understand how to effectively translate evidence about falls prevention into clinical practice.
Blinded by the bright: a lack of congruence between colour morphs, phylogeography and taxonomy for a cosmopolitan Indo‐Pacific butterflyfish, Chaetodon auriga
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Waldrop Ellen , Rocha Luiz A. , Craig Matthew T. , Berumen Michael L. , Bowen Brian W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimWe assess genetic differentiation among biogeographical provinces and colour morphs of the threadfin butterflyfish, Chaetodon auriga. This species is among the most broadly distributed butterflyfishes in the world, occurring on reefs from the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean to French Polynesia and Hawai'i. The Red Sea form lacks a conspicuous ‘eye‐spot’ on the dorsal fin, which may indicate an evolutionary distinction.LocationRed Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.MethodsSpecimens were obtained at 17 locations (n = 358) spanning the entire range of this species. The genetic data included 669 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b and allele frequencies at six microsatellite loci. Analysis of molecular variance, structure plots, haplotype networks and estimates of population expansion time were used to assess phylogeographical patterns.ResultsPopulation structure was low overall, but significant and concordant between molecular markers (mtDNA: ΦST = 0.027, P < 0.001; microsatellites: FST = 0.023, P < 0.001). Significant population‐level partitions were only detected at peripheral locations including the Red Sea and Hawai'i. Population expansion events in the Red Sea and Socotra are older (111,940–223,881 years) relative to all other sites (16,343–87,910 years).Main conclusionsWe find little genetic evidence to support an evolutionary partition of a previously proposed Red Sea subspecies. The oldest estimate of population expansion in the Red Sea and adjacent Gulf of Aden indicates a putative refuge in this region during Pleistocene glacial cycles. The finding of population separations at the limits of the range, in the Red Sea and Hawai'i, is consistent with peripheral speciation.
Method for Setting Environmental Targets in Product Development: Incorporating Use‐Phase Impact by Subsystem
Authors: Collado‐Ruiz Daniel , Ostad‐Ahmad‐Ghorabi Hesamedin 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIn order to address environmental aspects during redesign, the product specification must include related targets that are reachable and challenging. To do so, this article presents a stepwise approach for combining benchmarking information and component impact, out of life cycle assessment (LCA) scaling. This approach requires allocating environmental impacts to each subsystem, which is not commonly done for some life cycle phases in LCAs, most particularly for use phases. This article includes a methodology for allocating such impacts. The underlying criterion is avoiding complex calculations, to make the method more agile. This methodology is presented in a full case study of a complex product: a knuckle boom crane. The case study results in the percentage of impact reduction needed to meet the market average or best competitors. In particular, the results show that the cylinders of the crane have a high contribution to environmental impact, not only because of their weight, but also because of the active power consumed to activate them.