bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) through the different stages of pig manure composting plants
Authors: García M. , Fernández‐Barredo S. , Pérez‐Gracia M. T. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryHepatitis E virus (HEV) is an increasing cause of acute hepatitis in industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HEV in pig manure composting plants located in Spain. For this purpose, a total of 594 samples were taken in 54 sampling sessions from the different stages of composting treatment in these plants as follows: slurry reception ponds, anaerobic ponds, aerobic ponds, fermentation zone and composting final products. HEV was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐nested PCR) in four (80%) of five plants studied, mainly in the first stages of the process. HEV was not detected in any final product (compost) sample, destined to be commercialized as a soil fertilizer, suggesting that composting is a suitable method to eliminate HEV and thus, to reduce the transmission of HEV from pigs to humans.
Protein biomarkers in vernix with potential to predict the development of atopic eczema in early childhood
Authors: Holm T. , Rutishauser D. , Kai‐Larsen Y. , Lyutvinskiy Y. , Stenius F. , Zubarev R. A. , Agerberth B. , Alm J. , Scheynius A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundAtopic eczema (AE) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which has increased in prevalence. Evidence points toward lifestyle as a major risk factor. AE is often the first symptom early in life later followed by food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Thus, there is a great need to find early, preferentially noninvasive, biomarkers to identify individuals that are predisposed to AE with the goal to prevent disease development.ObjectiveTo investigate whether the protein abundances in vernix can predict later development of AE.MethodsVernix collected at birth from 34 newborns within the Assessment of Lifestyle and Allergic Disease During INfancy (ALADDIN) birth cohort was included in the study. At 2 years of age, 18 children had developed AE. Vernix proteins were identified and quantified with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsWe identified and quantified 203 proteins in all vernix samples. An orthogonal projections to latent structures‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) model was found with R2 = 0.85, Q2 = 0.39, and discrimination power between the AE and healthy group of 73.5%. Polyubiquitin‐C and calmodulin‐like protein 5 showed strong negative correlation to the AE group, with a correlation coefficient of 0.73 and 0.68, respectively, and a P‐value of 8.2 E‐7 and 1.8 E‐5, respectively. For these two proteins, the OPLS‐DA model showed a prediction accuracy of 91.2%.ConclusionThe protein abundances in vernix, and particularly that of polyubiquitin‐C and calmodulin‐like protein 5, are promising candidates as biomarkers for the identification of newborns predisposed to develop AE.
Exposure to Bisphenol A Affects Lipid Metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Williams Michael J. , Wang Yi , Klockars Anica , Monica Lind P. , Fredriksson Robert , Schiöth Helgi B. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractExposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in rodents was shown to induce obesity, yet the mechanism by which BPA might induce obesity is still unclear. We employed the genetically tractable model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to test the effects of raising them on food containing various concentrations of BPA. Of note, raising males on food containing BPA were susceptible to starvation, possibly by inhibiting their ability to perform lipolysis during starvation, leading to significantly increased lipid content after 24 hr of fasting. Furthermore, feeding males with BPA significantly inhibited the expression of insulin‐like peptides. From these results, we conclude that BPA may inhibit lipid recruitment during starvation in Drosophila.
Jaguar Panthera onca Habitat Modeling in Landscapes Facing High Land‐use Transformation Pressure—Findings from Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Zeilhofer Peter , Cezar Adelaine , Tôrres Natália M. , de Almeida Jácomo Anah T. , Silveira Leandro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe modeling of top predators' habitats and the understanding of their environmental requirements in landscapes facing high land‐use transformation pressure have long‐standing importance for the development of conservation strategies. Multi‐distance spatial cluster analysis and logistic regression with environmental weighting for pseudo‐absence designation were applied to understand spatial patterns of jaguar occurrence in Mato Grosso state (Central Western Brazil). This location has been under intense deforestation pressure since the 1970s and is historically one of the most important jaguar habitats in the world. By using a model of five independent variables, we were able to achieve a 73.2 percent success rate of case/non‐case classification and indicate not only a general loss of habitat suitability, but also an increasing interruption of potential migration corridors in the state. Our analysis on a regional scale demonstrates the importance of forest and savannah woodland for jaguar habitat maintenance in the Mato Grosso state. The jaguar species demonstrates a sensitivity to landscape fragmentation, which can be parameterized for improved model building by metrics such as edge density and patch size. Comparisons with previous studies in South America show that parameter selection for jaguar habitat modeling is highly scale‐dependent and that habitat suitability in partially transformed landscapes could be maintained if fragmentation is minimized. Recent land‐use transformation, however, has significantly weakened the conservation status of the Pantanal‐Amazon corridor.
Decision‐making in rectal surgery
Authors: MacDermid E. , Young C. J. , Young J. , Solomon M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThe decision to create a stoma after anterior resection has significant consequences. Decisions under uncertainty are made with a variety of cognitive tools, or heuristics. Past experience has been shown to be a powerful heuristic in other domains. Our aim was to identify whether the misfortune of recent anastomotic leakage or surgeon propensity to take everyday risks would affect their decision to defunction a range of anastomoses.MethodQuestionnaires were sent to members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand. Participants were asked for demographic information, questions regarding risk‐taking propensity, when their last anastomotic leakage occurred and whether they would defunction a range of hypothetical rectal anastomoses grouped according to height, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and use of preoperative radiotherapy. Scores were derived for hypothetical patient likelihood of having a stoma created and individual surgeon propensity for stoma formation. Hazard regression analysis was used to assess demographic predictors of stoma formation.ResultsIn total, 110 (75.3%) of 146 surveyed surgeons replied; 72 (65.5%) reported anastomotic leakage within the last 12 months. Surgeons' propensity for risk‐taking was comparable (24.6 vs 27.53, 95% confidence interval, Mann–Whitney‐U) to previously studied participants in economic models. Surgeon age (< 50 years) and lower propensity for risk‐taking were demonstrated to be independent predictors of stoma formation on regression analysis.ConclusionAlthough the decision to create a stoma after anterior resection may be made in the belief that its foundation derives from rational thought, it appears that other unrecognized operator factors such as age and risk‐taking exert an effect.
Myocardial infarct size measurement using geometric angle calculation
Authors: Lichtenauer Michael , Schreiber Catharina , Jung Christian , Beer Lucian , Mangold Andreas , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Podesser Bruno Karl , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn basic cardiovascular research focusing on animal models of myocardial infarction (MI), the measurement of infarct size is performed by planimetry of histological sections of the heart. However, in the setting of chronic MI with ongoing changes in ventricular geometry caused by wall thinning and hypertrophy, the scar area tends to become smaller.Materials and MethodsHere, in this study we compared infarct measurements in tissue sections (of rat and porcine hearts) based on three different calculation approaches, that is, infarct area, infarct lengths and infarct angles utilizing the centroid of the left ventricle using a newly developed calculation approach.ResultsInfarct sizes from all three measurement approaches showed significant correlation with parameters of cardiac function. However, results derived from area measurements were significantly smaller than those obtained using the other two measurement approaches due to scar thinning (infarct size area: 14·81% ± 1·27 SEM, length: 23·94% ± 2·04 SEM, angle: 24·75% ± 2·13 SEM, P < 0·0001, n = 30). Moreover, results from angle measurements evidenced a much better correlation with parameters of cardiac function in a small animal model of chronic MI (e.g. ejection fraction, angle: r = −0·73; length: r = −0·64; area: r = −0·59, n = 30) as well as in a large animal model of acute MI (angle: r = −0·82; area: r = −0·67, n = 10).ConclusionsWe concluded that area‐, length‐ and angle‐based measurements can be used to determine the relative infarct size in acute MI models, although an area‐based measurement might be less accurate in the setting of chronic MI. Our new method of infarct angle measurement is a reliable and simple way to calculate infarct size compared with conventional measurement approaches.
Image analysis of soil thin sections for a non‐destructive quantification of aggregation in the early stages of pedogenesis
Authors: Jangorzo N. S. , Schwartz C. , Watteau F. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryOne major challenge facing soil micromorphology is the direct quantification of aggregation. This study proposes a generic protocol to quantify aggregation properties directly in undisturbed soil samples by image analysis of soil thin sections. We worked on a constructed Technosol proposed as an experimental model with controlled characteristics. Two sampling campaigns were conducted in 2008 and 2010 on an in situ plot, where 24 undisturbed soil samples were collected each year. Thin sections were prepared, scanned to generate images and processed using the protocol developed. Aggregates from 50 to 2000 µm equivalent diameters were monitored. Six aggregate properties were quantified: number, area, perimeter, eccentricity, shape and equivalent diameter. A synthetic mean index of aggregation (MIAia) was calculated from image analysis. We confirmed that aggregation is closely related to porosity, as highlighted by the MIAia. Three aggregate properties: number, area and shape were selected as the indicators most representative of aggregation evolution during the early stages of pedogenesis. In further developments, direct (image analysis) and indirect (stability tests) methods for the quantification of aggregation could be proposed as complementary ways of describing and quantifying total quantities of stable macroaggregates in soils.RésuméL'un des défis de la micromorphologie en sciences du sol est de pouvoir quantifier globalement et de manière directe l'agrégation. Cette étude propose un protocole générique de quantification directe des paramètres d'agrégation par analyse d'images de lames minces d'échantillons de sols non perturbés. Nous avons travaillé sur un Technosol construit proposé comme un modèle expérimental présentant des caractéristiques connues. Deux campagnes d'échantillonnage ont été conduites en 2008 et 2010 sur une parcelle expérimentale in situ, au cours desquelles 24 échantillons non perturbés de Technosols ont été collectés chaque année. Des lames minces ont été réalisées, scannées et les images obtenues ont été analysées à l'aide du protocole spécifiquement développé. Les agrégats de diamètres compris entre 50 et 2000 µm ont été suivis au cours du temps. Pour cela six paramètres ont été quantifiés : nombre, surface, périmètre, excentricité, forme et diamètre équivalent. Un indice synthétique : Indice Moyen d'Agrégation en analyse d'image (IMAai) a été calculé. Nous avons confirmé que l'agrégation est étroitement corrélée à la porosité, cette relation étant plus marquée en utilisant l'IMAai. Trois paramètres descriptifs des agrégats sont sélectionnés comme indicateurs de l'évolution de l'agrégation dans les stades précoces de la pédogenèse. Des perspectives de développement résident dans l'utilisation complémentaire de méthodes directes (analyse d'images) et indirectes (tests de stabilité) de quantification de l'agrégation pour décrire et quantifier l'ensemble des macroagrégats et leur fraction stable dans les sols.
The Dominican Order in Late Medieval and Early Modern History
Authors: Vose Robin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFirmly established by the 14th century throughout much of Europe, men and women associated with the Dominican Order emerged as leading voices within the Roman Catholic Church during its difficult yet also creative and expansive transition from late medieval to early modern times. Dominican friars, nuns, and growing numbers of lay penitents who accepted their supervision all contributed to the emergence of new spiritual directions and cultural productions, while also in many instances firmly upholding conservative and strictly disciplined versions of Catholic orthodoxy. This essay briefly surveys recent approaches to the Dominican legacy as it unfolded from the crisis years of Black Death and Schism, through the challenges of Observant, Protestant, and Tridentine reform movements, to the dawning of a global colonial age.
Interdependence of Stroke Outcome Scales: Reliable Estimates from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA)
Authors: Goldie F. C. , Fulton R. L. , Frank B. , Lees K. R. 
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose Clinical deficits from stroke are diverse, prompting measurement in trials by a range of outcome scales. Statistical and clinical advantage can be gained by combining scales into a global outcome provided combinations are chosen with limited correlations. We aimed to clarify the interdependence of outcome scales by systematic review of published data and by novel analysis of data from completed acute trials. Summary of Review We systematically searched ScienceDirect and PubMed to summarize published data on correlations between stroke outcome scales. We generated new data on correlations among salient scales at 90 days poststroke in patients from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA). We calculated Pearson and Spearman-Rank correlation coefficients for continuous and ordinal measures, respectively. We also assessed partial correlations, adjusted for baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and age. Published estimates of interdependence were limited to small single-trial cohorts and gave divergent results. From the more extensive VISTA dataset, we found that the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days poststroke explained 80.8% of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at 90 days poststroke and 86·5% of the European Stroke Scale. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale explained 75.9% of the Barthel Index and 81·2% of the Scandinavian Stroke Scale. After adjustment, modified Rankin Scale explained 56.6% of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, 75.2% of Barthel Index. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale explained 60.2% of Barthel Index. Conclusion Correlations and partial correlations among stroke outcome scales in trial datasets are higher than previously reported. The new estimates are more reliable for trial planning due to the sample size and diversity.
Prevention of Poststroke Cognitive Decline: ASPIS – a Multicenter, Randomized, Observer-Blind, Parallel Group Clinical Trial to Evaluate Multiple Lifestyle Interventions – Study Design and Baseline Characteristics
Authors: Brainin Michael , Matz Karl , Nemec Matthias , Teuschl Yvonne , Dachenhausen Alexandra , Asenbaum-Nan Susanne , Bancher Christian , Kepplinger Berthold , Oberndorfer Stefan , Pinter Michaela , Schnider Peter , Tuomilehto Jaakko 
Published: November 2013

Background Cognitive impairment after stroke is a considerable burden to patients and their caregivers and occurs in one-third of stroke survivors. No strategy to prevent cognitive decline after stroke exists thus far. Established vascular risk factors have been associated with cognitive decline and may be a target for therapeutic interventions in stroke survivors. Aim To test whether intensive multifactorial non-pharmacologic interventions based on lifestyle modification can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in patients who recently suffered ischemic stroke. Methods A randomized, controlled, multicenter, observer-blind trial was designed. The reference group obtains stroke care according to standard guidelines. The intervention group additionally receives intensive control and motivation for better compliance with prescribed evidence-based medication, regular blood pressure measurements, healthy diet, regular physical activity and cognitive training. Primary outcomes are the rate of cognitive decline at 24 months, assessed by a neuropsychological test battery and the cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale. Results 202 patients (29% women), aged 62 ± 9 years, were recruited during 2010 to 2012. Stroke related impairment at inclusion was low (mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 1.9±1.8, median modified Rankin Scale: 1 (0-1)). At baseline, groups did not differ significantly in demographic, clinical or lifestyle characteristics. Conclusion The recruitment was successful and the groups are balanced regarding potential confounding variables. The study will provide essential data about the feasibility and efficacy of lifestyle intervention after stroke in order to develop a new approach to prevent cognitive decline in patients with mild ischemic stroke.
STroke imAging pRevention and Treatment (START): A Longitudinal Stroke Cohort Study: Clinical Trials Protocol
Authors: Carey Leeanne M. , Crewther Sheila , Salvado Olivier , Lindén Thomas , Connelly Alan , Wilson William , Howells David W. , Churilov Leonid , Ma Henry , Tse Tamara , Rose Stephen , Palmer Susan , Bougeat Pierrick , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Christensen Soren , Macaulay S. Lance , Favaloro Jenny , Collins Victoria O' , McBride Simon , Bates Susan , Cowley Elise , Dewey Helen , Wijeratne Tissa , Gerraty Richard , Phan Thanh G. , Yan Bernard , Parsons Mark W. , Bladin Chris , Barber P. Alan , Read Stephen , Wong Andrew , Lee Andrew , Kleinig Tim , Hankey Graeme J. , Blacker David , Markus Romesh , Leyden James , Krause Martin , Grimley Rohan , Mahant Neil , Jannes Jim , Sturm Jonathan , Davis Stephen M. , Donnan Geoffrey A. ,   START Research Team (http://www.START.csiro.au)
Published: November 2013

Rationale Stroke and poststroke depression are common and have a profound and ongoing impact on an individual's quality of life. However, reliable biological correlates of poststroke depression and functional outcome have not been well established in humans. Aims Our aim is to identify biological factors, molecular and imaging, associated with poststroke depression and recovery that may be used to guide more targeted interventions. Design In a longitudinal cohort study of 200 stroke survivors, the START – STroke imAging pRevention and Treatment cohort, we will examine the relationship between gene expression, regulator proteins, depression, and functional outcome. Stroke survivors will be investigated at baseline, 24 h, three-days, three-months, and 12 months poststroke for blood-based biological associates and at days 3–7, three-months, and 12 months for depression and functional outcomes. A sub-group ( n = 100), the PrePARE: Prediction and Prevention to Achieve optimal Recovery Endpoints after stroke cohort, will also be investigated for functional and structural changes in putative depression-related brain networks and for additional cognition and activity participation outcomes. Stroke severity, diet, and lifestyle factors that may influence depression will be monitored. The impact of depression on stroke outcomes and participation in previous life activities will be quantified. Study Outcomes Clinical significance lies in the identification of biological factors associated with functional outcome to guide prevention and inform personalized and targeted treatments. Evidence of associations between depression, gene expression and regulator proteins, functional and structural brain changes, lifestyle and functional outcome will provide new insights for mechanism-based models of poststroke depression.
Validation of a TIA Recognition Tool in Primary and Secondary Care: Implications for Generalizability
Authors: Lasserson Daniel S. , Mant David , Hobbs F. D. Richard , Rothwell Peter M. 
Published: November 2013

Background In spite of public education campaigns, patients with transient ischemic attack still present to primary care where accurate recognition of transient ischemic attack is essential so that specialist referral can be expedited to reduce stroke risk. The complex task of diagnosing transient ischemic attack is challenging in time-limited settings in primary care yet the potential for a transient ischemic attack recognition tool to improve diagnosis has not been determined. Aims We set out to examine the potential utility in primary care of the only existing transient ischemic attack recognition tool. Methods All primary care referrals with suspected transient ischemic attack from a total population of 91 000 people were analyzed over a four-year period from 2002 to 2006. Clinical and research records from the transient ischemic attack clinic and consultation notes and referral letters from primary care physicians were used to populate the Dawson recognition score. Results Of 513 referrals, 209 (47%) had a clinic confirmed diagnosis of transient ischemic attack. Agreement between primary care assessments and specialist assessments was greater for speech disturbance (kappa 0·68) than for unilateral facial weakness (0·58) and unilateral limb weakness (0·51). The Dawson score had greater accuracy in diagnosing all transient ischemic attack in specialist assessments than in primary care assessments (c statistics 0·80 vs. 0·70, P < 0·0001) and performed particularly poorly in primary care for detecting posterior circulation territory transient ischemic attack with a c statistic (95% confidence interval) of 0·52 (0·43–0·61). Conclusion The Dawson transient ischemic attack recognition score is less accurate in primary care than in its derivation setting of specialist care. Improving the recognition of transient ischemic attack by providers of first contact health care requires derivation of rules in the clinical setting in which they are to be used.