bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoration of Riparian Buffer Function in Reclaimed Surface Mine Soils
Authors: Rahe Nathan H. , Williard Karl W.J. , Schoonover Jon E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEcosystem processes such as water infiltration and denitrification largely determine how riparian buffers function to protect surface water quality. Reclaimed mine areas offer a unique opportunity to study the restoration of riparian function without the confounding influence of past land use. Between 1980 and 2000 in southern Illinois, agricultural fields with forest buffers were established along three restored stream reaches in reclaimed mine land. Our research objective was to compare common indicators of soil quality (infiltration, soil C and N, bulk density, and soil moisture) between forest and cultivated riparian zones to determine if riparian function was being restored. Soil bulk density was significantly lower in the forest buffers compared to the agricultural fields. The forest buffers had greater soil total C, total N, and moisture levels than agricultural fields likely due to greater organic matter inputs. Soil total C and N levels in forest buffers were positively related to age of restoration, indicating soil quality is gradually being restored in the buffers. Restoration success of riparian buffers should not be estimated by the return of structure alone; it also includes reestablishment of functions such as nutrient cycling and water retention that largely determine water quality benefits. Watershed planning efforts can expect a lag time on the order of decades between riparian restoration activities and surface water quality improvement.
Effects of the Galanin Receptor Antagonist M40 on Cardiac Function and Remodeling in Rats with Heart Failure
Authors: Chen Ao , Li Min , Song Lei , Zhang Yunhe , Luo Zhangyuan , Zhang Wenzan , Chen Yingmin , He Ben 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundSympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal are important characteristics of heart failure. Recent studies demonstrate that galanin reduces the discharge of acetylcholine and inhibits vagal bradycardia by acting on galanin receptor type 1 (GalR1). We speculated that blocking GalR1 is beneficial for heart failure.MethodsRats with heart failure were induced by myocardial infarction. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with galanin receptor antagonist M40 solution (30 nmol/kg) or saline for 4 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in plasma. The ratio of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW), hematoxylin–eosin (HE), and Masson trichrome stain was used to evaluate cardiac remodeling. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in plasma, and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA2) in heart tissue were detected to confirm the mechanism of the cardioprotection effect.ResultsCompared with rats injected with saline, M40 effectively improved cardiac function of contraction; decreased BNP, IL‐6, and HW/BW (all P < 0.05); attenuated cardiac fibrosis; and upregulated SERCA2 (P < 0.05).ConclusionM40 improves cardiac function and attenuates remodeling, suggesting that galanin receptor antagonist may be a potential therapeutic agent for HF.
Integrating patient reported outcome measures and computerized adaptive test estimates on the same common metrics: an example from the assessment of activities in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Doğanay Erdoğan Beyza , Elhan Atilla Halİl , Kaskatı Osman Tolga , Öztuna Derya , Küçükdeveci Ayşe Adile , Kutlay Şehim , Tennant Alan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to explore the potential of an inclusive and fully integrated measurement system for the Activities component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), incorporating four classical scales, including the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT).MethodsThree hundred patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) answered relevant questions from four questionnaires. Rasch analysis was performed to create an item bank using this item pool. A further 100 RA patients were recruited for a CAT application. Both real and simulated CATs were applied and the agreement between these CAT‐based scores and ‘paper‐pencil’ scores was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Anchoring strategies were used to obtain a direct translation from the item bank common metric to the HAQ score.ResultsMean age of 300 patients was 52.3 ± 11.7 years; disease duration was 11.3 ± 8.0 years; 74.7% were women. After testing for the assumptions of Rasch analysis, a 28‐item Activities item bank was created. The agreement between CAT‐based scores and paper‐pencil scores were high (ICC = 0.993). Using those HAQ items in the item bank as anchoring items, another Rasch analysis was performed with HAQ‐8 scores as separate items together with anchoring items. Finally a conversion table of the item bank common metric to the HAQ scores was created.ConclusionA fully integrated and inclusive health assessment system, illustrating the Activities component of the ICF, was built to assess RA patients. Raw score to metric conversions and vice versa were available, giving access to the metric by a simple look‐up table.
Cardiac arrhythmias as the initial manifestation of adult primary Sjögren's syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liang Minrui , Bao Liwen , Xiong Nanqing , Jin Bo , Ni Huanchun , Zhang Jinjin , Zou Hejian , Luo Xinping , Li Jian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTwo middle‐aged female patients presenting with heart palpitation and electrocardiogram revealed complex cardiac arrhythmias. A review of systems was positive for dry mouth and transient arthralgia, while laboratory and instrumental tests enabled us to make the diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Cardiac electrophysiology revealed atrioventricular node dysfunction and impaired intraventricular conduction. Prednisone therapy induced a significant improvement in symptoms and electrocardiographic readings. The diagnosis of pSS should be considered in a patient presenting with complex cardiac arrhythmias.
Genome‐wide expression and methylation profiles reveal candidate genes and biological processes underlying synovial inflammatory tissue of patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Jianxun , Wang Ning 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to identify osteoarthritis (OA)‐related biological markers and processes.MethodsThe gene expression profile GSE46750 including 12 normal and 12 inflammatory synovial membrane samples, as well as the DNA methylation profile GSE43269, including 18 normal samples and 23 OA samples, were used. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were screened. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis together with protein–protein interaction (PPI) and microRNA (miRNA) regulatory networks of DEGs or DMGs were performed. Integrated analysis of DEGs and DMGs was conducted.ResultsA total of 662 DEGs, including 419 up‐ and 243 down‐regulated genes as well as 198 DMGs, including 115 hypomethylated and 83 hypermethylated genes, were screened. GO terms and pathways enriched by up‐regulated DEGs were mainly related to immune and inflammatory response. Down‐regulated DEGs were entirely enriched in the cell cycle. Genes such as CDK1 (cyclin‐dependent kinase 1) and MAD2L1 (MAD2 mitotic arrest deficient‐like 1) were highlighted in PPI and the miRNA regulatory network. In addition, 14 overlapping genes between DEG and DMG lists, including CCL3L3 (chemokine C–C motif ligand 3) and IL‐8 (interleukin 8) were obtained. Most of them were up‐regulated and enriched in the immune and inflammatory response.ConclusionCell cycle and its related genes, including CDK1 and MAD2L1 (down‐regulated), may contribute to the development of OA. Methylation, particularly hypomethylation of genes including IL‐8 and CCL3L3 could make positive effects on OA progress. However, further studies are still needed to confirm our results.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus: a review of 123 cases in China
Authors: Li Yi‐qun , Wang Qian , Luo Yan , Zhao Yan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo analyze the clinical features, outcomes and prognosis of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) in China.MethodWe reviewed 12 NLE cases at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and compared the data with 111 cases reported in China between 1990 and 2014. The Chinese medical journal search engines used in this study were Wanfang.data and Science China.ResultsNo gender dominance in NLE incidence was found. Cutaneous lesions were present in more than 96% of patients, while cardiac, hematological and hepatobiliary manifestations were seen in 12.61%, 45.53% and 17.89% of cases, respectively. Congenital heart block (CHB) tended to be more persistent, with two cases showing CHB for 1 year and three cases persisting for 7–10 years. In this study more than 90% of mothers were anti‐Sjögren's syndrome A positive, and 65.04% were asymptomatic prior to the pregnancy.ConclusionThese results indicate that clinicians, especially dermatologists, in China should improve their recognition of this disease to avoid misdiagnosis, and more attention should be paid to the follow‐up of NLE patients and their asymptomatic mothers.
Central arterial characteristics of gout patients with chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Celik Gulperi , Yilmaz Sema , Kebapcilar Levent , Gundogdu Ali 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between central blood pressure, arterial stiffness parameters and renal function parameters in gout patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and withoutCKD.MethodsThe study enrolled 48 gout patients and 32 control subjects. Central blood pressure, arterial stiffness parameters and renal function parameters in gout patients were investigated. The vascular measurements were performed with an arteriograph.ResultsOf the gout patients, 40.1% hadCKD. The 24‐h pulse pressure (PP) (P < 0.001), central systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P < 0.001), central diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P < 0.001), cardiac output (CO) (P < 0.001) and peripheral resistance (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in the all patients with gout compared to healthy control subjects. Moreover, when the gout patients with and withoutCKDwere compared, the gout patients withCKDhad higher 24‐hPP(P = 0.009), 24‐h augmentation index standardized to a heart rate of 75 beats per min (AIx@75) (P < 0.023), daytimePP(P = 0.001), daytimeAIx@75 (P = 0.027), and nighttimePP(P = 0.035) than the gout patients withoutCKD.ConclusionsIn our study, gout patients withCKDhad worse and more emphasized evidence of arterial stiffness than gout patients withoutCKD. Further investigations with large sample sizes are needed to evaluate the effect ofCKDon the arterial stiffness of gout patients.
Ovarian reserve is preserved in Behçet's disease
Authors: şahİn Ali , Karakuş Savaş , Durmaz Yunus , Yildiz Çağlar , Aydin Hüseyin , Cengİz Ahmet Kıvanç 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo compare ovarian reserve with anti‐müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle counts (AFCs) and ovarian volume in patients with Behçet's disease (BD) and healthy subjects.MethodThis study included 35 women with BD (mean age: 34.4 ± 5.3 years) and 35 healthy controls (mean age: 34.1 ± 6.0 years). Venous blood samples collected from groups on menstrual cycle Days 2–4 were analyzed using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL) and AMH levels. The AFCs and ovarian volumes were estimated by ultrasonography on the same day. The body mass index (BMI), duration and severity of the disease, medications, and number of children were recorded.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the mean age, median gravida/para/abortus and the number of live births and mean BMI between the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). No statistically significant difference in the median FSH, LH, E2, PRL levels, right and left ovarian volumes, and right and left ovarian AFCs was observed among the patients and the controls (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean AMH levels (P = 0.468). Bonferroni correction showed no statistically significant correlation between AMH levels and age, BMI, FSH, LH, E2, PRL levels, right and left ovarian AFCs, right and left ovarian volume (P > 0.025) among the controls and the patients.ConclusionOur study results suggest that ovarian reserve is preserved in patients with BD. In addition, AMH levels of the BD patients were similar to levels of healthy subjects.
Latent tuberculosis infection detection and active tuberculosis prevention in patients receiving anti‐TNF therapy: an Italian nationwide survey
Authors: Cantini Fabrizio , Lubrano Ennio , Marchesoni Antonio , Mathieu Alessandro , Olivieri Ignazio , Salvarani Carlo , Scarpa Raffaele , Spadaro Antonio 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsPrimary: to investigate Italian rheumatology practice regarding latent tubercular infection (LTBI) detection and tuberculosis (TB) prevention in patients requiring anti‐tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy. Secondary: to assess the overall number of TB cases over 10 years and their distribution by drug.MethodsAn anonymous, 24 multiple‐response questionnaire was completed by 393/449 (87.5%) rheumatologists prescribing anti‐TNF therapy. Six questions provided setting information, and 18 the compliance with recommendations and the recorded TB cases.ResultsThe Italian recommendations were used by 323 (82%) and other sets by 60 (15%). TB specialists were always consulted by 81 (21%) and occasionally by 73 (19%). LTBI screening was made using chest radiograph (CR) by 5%, tuburculin skin test (TST) by 5.3%, CR + TST by 35.6%, interferon‐gamma release assay (IGRA) by 7.4%, CR + IGRAs by 26% and CR + TST + IGRA by 20.6%. Isoniazid was initiated in the presence of positivity of TST by 97 (24.7%), TST + IGRA by 101 (25.7%) and IGRA by 195 (49.6%). Anti‐TNF starting delay was 1 month in 63.1% of the cases, 3 months in 27.7%, concomitantly in 5.6%. Overall, 317 TB reactivation cases occurred in 39 353 patients, with an incidence rate of 80.5 cases/100 000/year (10 times higher than in the Italian general population). TB occurred during TB prophylaxis in 192 (60.6%). TB cases incidence rate divided by drug was: etanercept (ETN) 51 (16%), 28/100 000/year, adalimumab (ADA) 98 (31%), 89/100 000/year, infliximab (IFX) 137 (43.2%), 211/100 000/year, with a significantly lower frequency in the ETN group compared to ADA and IFX groups (χ2 = P < 0.001).ConclusionItalian rheumatologists are highly aware of anti‐TNF‐related TB risk with variable LTBI screening and TB prevention strategies. TB outcome was significantly lower in the ETN group.
The controversial relationship between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis: an update on hand subtypes
Authors: Ramonda Roberta , Sartori Leonardo , Ortolan Augusta , Frallonardo Paola , Lorenzin Mariagrazia , Punzi Leonardo , Musacchio Estella 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo compare hand osteoarthritis (HOA) subtypes and to examine possible links with local bone mineral density (BMD).MethodFifty‐five patients with erosive hand osteoarthritis (EHOA) and 21 patients with nodal hand osteoarthritis (NOA) fulfilling American College of Rheumatology criteria for HOA were evaluated. Subjects showing at least two erosions of the interphalangeal joints were assigned to the EHOA group; the others were considered NOA. Disease duration, number of active joints and radiological scores were assessed. All patients and 174 controls underwent phalangeal radiographic absorptiometry (pRA) of the middle phalanges of the non‐dominant hand to assess BMD, T‐ and Z‐scores.ResultsBMD was higher in EHOA with respect to NOA and controls (P = 0.05); T‐ and Z‐scores were significantly higher in EHOA (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01). Values suggestive of osteopenia were found in 32% of EHOA and 22% of NOA patients, and in 44% of controls (P = 0.05 EHOA vs. NOA); a T‐score < −2.5 standard deviations was present in 15% of EHOA and 28% of NOA patients, and in 21% of controls (P = 0.05 EHOA vs. NOA).ConclusionPhalangeal BMD was higher in EHOA compared to NOA and controls. This characteristic could potentially be exploited to differentiate the two hand OA subtypes.
Musculoskeletal manifestations in diabetic versus prediabetic patients
Authors: Fatemi Alimohammad , Iraj Bijan , Barzanian Jafar , Maracy Mohammadreza , Smiley Abbas 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThis study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations in a sample of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and those with prediabetes and compare the findings between the two groups.MethodsOne hundred and eighty‐eight patients with DM and 125 prediabetic subjects were randomly enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Demographic data and past history were recorded. Musculoskeletal physical examinations were done by a single rheumatologist. Regression analyses were employed to assess the crude and adjusted effects of determinants on DM musculoskeletal manifestations (DMMMs).ResultsFemale/male ratio was not significantly different between diabetic and prediabetic patients (4.4 vs. 4.7, respectively, P = 0.9). However, diabetic patients were significantly older than the prediabetic ones (56.6 vs. 52 years, respectively, P = 0.0001); 83.5% of diabetic patients and 52.8% of prediabetic ones had at least one musculoskeletal manifestation (P = 0.0001). The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and shoulder involvement were almost two times more common (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.015) in diabetic patients than in prediabetic ones (73.4% vs. 38% and 21.2% vs. 9.5%, respectively). Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was 48% and 36.5% in patients with diabetes and prediabetes, respectively (P = 0.053). Multivariate backward regression analysis showed age, sex, BMI (body mass index) and DM as the significant determinants in development of musculoskeletal manifestations in all subjects. Age and BMI were the only significant factors associated with musculoskeletal manifestations in both diabetic and prediabetic patients.ConclusionDiabetic and prediabetic patients may show high prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations. In non‐diabetic patients diagnosed with CTS, prediabetes might be ruled out.
The Development and Evolution of R2P as International Policy
Authors: Thakur Ramesh 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis article traces the arc of global public policy development by using the responsibility to protect (R2P) as a case study and the central role and place of the United Nations in that story. The arc has seven way‐stations: policy setting (nonintervention as the entrenched norm of the postcolonial order despite an increasingly internationalised human conscience among many western peoples and governments and the episodic practice of humanitarian intervention); policy challenge (the need to respond to mass atrocity crimes against the unacceptability both of inaction and unilateral intervention); policy innovation (R2P); policy development (an iterative process since 2005 engaging multiple actors); policy implementation (in Libya in 2011); policy paralysis (in Syria since 2011); and the emerging policy parameters (how to ensure interventions are done with due responsibility).
Accuracy of a prey‐specific DNA assay and a generic prey‐immunomarking assay for detecting predation
Authors: Hagler James R. , Blackmer Felisa , Spurgeon Dale W. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Predator gut examinations are useful for detecting arthropod predation events. The accuracy and reproducibility of two different gut assays are tested on various predator species that consumed Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) that was externally labelled with rabbit immunoglobulin (IgG).

Each predator homogenate was examined in triplicate for prey remains by both a conventional PCR assay to detect for C. carnea DNA and a generic ELISA to detect for rabbit IgG‐marked prey. The ability of each method to detect predation over time was compared among predators, and between assay types were determined using a novel three‐dimensional contingency table approach.

Both assays reliably detected prior predation (e.g. at least one of the three subsamples yielded a positive reaction) for 6–12 h after feeding. However, the generic ELISA was more reproducible (e.g. all three subsamples yielded the same outcome) than the PCR.

This shows that it was important to assay the predators in triplicate by PCR to avoid a high occurrence of false‐negative reactions. Conversely, reproducible results from the ELISA procedure were not dependent on duplicate subsamples. Overall, the generic immunomarking gut assay procedure proved an effective method to assess predation.
Alfentanil during rapid sequence induction with thiopental 4 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg: tracheal intubation conditions
Authors: Abou‐Arab M. H. , Feiner J. R. , Spigset O. , Heier T. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundOpioids have become an integral part of anaesthesia induction. We aimed to determine the dose of alfentanil needed to obtain perfect tracheal intubation conditions during rapid sequence induction with standard doses of thiopental and rocuronium, where laryngoscopy was initiated 55 s after commencement of drug administration. The influence of covariates (sex, body weight, age, alfentanil plasma concentration at laryngoscopy) was tested.MethodsEighty‐four healthy individuals were randomly assigned to receive one of the seven assessor‐blinded alfentanil doses (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 μg/kg) in conjunction with thiopental 4 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. For drug administration, 15 s was allowed. Laryngoscopy was initiated 40 s after rocuronium and tracheal intubation concluded within 70 s after commencement of drug administration. Alfentanil doses associated with 50%, 90% and 95% probability of perfect intubation conditions were determined with logistic regression. Multiple logistic regressions were used to test the influence of covariates. The relationship between alfentanil dose and concentration at laryngoscopy was analysed with linear regression. The effects of covariates on plasma concentrations of alfentanil were tested with multiple linear regressions.ResultsPerfect intubation conditions of 95% probability was obtained with 56 μg/kg (confidence intervals 44–68). None of the covariates were significant predictors of perfect intubation conditions. Alfentanil plasma concentration correlated with dose and increased with increasing body weight (1.7 ng/ml/kg).ConclusionPerfect intubation conditions during rapid sequence induction can be obtained with clinically relevant doses of alfentanil in most healthy patients anaesthetized with thiopental 4 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg.
Management incentives to recognise intangible assets
Authors: Russell Mark 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe paper examines whether the introduction of the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) in Australia changed management incentives to recognise intangible assets. We examine post‐IFRS changes in managerial opportunism and economic benefits associated with the recognition of intangible assets. We find evidence after IFRS of significant change in intangible asset recognition concurrent with share issues. We also find that the association between economic benefits and intangible assets changed following IFRS. Evidence is provided that the economic benefits associated with goodwill were enhanced by IFRS, whereas IIA and E&E asset information became less useful to financial report users.