bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa S. , Abd El‐Maksoud Marwa A. E. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryDiabetic nephropathy is a clinical syndrome characterized by albuminuria, hypertension and progressive renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats were orally treated with three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of strawberry leaf extract for 30 days. Nephropathy biomarkers in plasma and kidney were examined at the end of the experiment. The three doses of strawberry leaf extract significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, kidney injury molecule (Kim)‐1, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐ 6 and caspase‐3 in diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the levels of plasma insulin, albumin, uric acid, renal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) were significantly elevated in diabetic rats treated with strawberry leaf extract. These results indicate the role of strawberry leaves extract as anti‐diabetic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy.
Understanding and improving the use of allopurinol in a teaching hospital
Authors: Hmar R. C. , Kannangara D. R. W. , Ramasamy S. N. , Baysari M. T. , Williams K. M. , Day R. O. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAn emphasis on renal function in deciding maintenance doses of allopurinol to prevent allopurinol hypersensitivity has resulted in ineffective prevention of attacks of gout. New therapeutic guidelines for gout have shifted the focus back to titrating maintenance doses to reach a serum uric acid (SUA) concentration target of ≤0.36 mmol/L.AimsTo examine trends in the prescribing of allopurinol in a teaching hospital and their concordance with the new guidelines for gout management, and to explore prescribers' approaches and attitudes to the use of allopurinol.MethodsAn audit was conducted of all inpatients prescribed allopurinol at a teaching hospital between January 2008 and December 2012. Allopurinol dose, SUA, serum creatinine concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rates were extracted from the hospital databases. Doctors from medical units who regularly prescribed allopurinol were interviewed.ResultsThe allopurinol dose prescribed in gout patients most commonly was a continuation of the pre‐admission dosage. Dosage change during admission was rarely observed. Dosages reflected a consideration of renal function. SUA concentrations were measured in only 21% (n = 269) of gout patients. Prescriber interviews (n = 12) reflected adequate knowledge regarding allopurinol use, but most maintained that the primary care setting was more suitable for the management of dose titration in gout.ConclusionsSUA concentrations were not routinely measured in the majority of admitted gout patients taking allopurinol. Without SUA measurements and allopurinol dose titration, patients with SUA > 0.36 mmol/L are at increased risk for acute attacks of gout in hospital.
Origin of the forest steppe and exceptional grassland diversity in Transylvania (central‐eastern Europe)
Authors: Feurdean Angelica , Marinova Elena , Nielsen Anne B. , Liakka Johan , Veres Daniel , Hutchinson Simon M. , Braun Mihaly , Timar‐Gabor Alida , Astalos Ciprian , Mosburgger Volker , Hickler Thomas 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThe forest steppe of the Transylvanian Plain is a landscape of exceptionally diverse steppe‐like and semi‐natural grasslands. Is this vegetation a remnant of a once continuous temperate forest extensively cleared by humans, or has the area, since the last glacial, always been a forest steppe? Understanding the processes that drive temperate grassland formation is important because effective management of this biome is critical to the conservation of the European cultural landscape.LocationLake Stiucii, north‐western Romania, central‐eastern Europe.MethodsWe analysed multi‐proxy variables (pollen, coprophilous fungi, plant macroremains, macrocharcoal) from a 55,000 year discontinuous sequence (c. 55,000–35,000; 13,000–0 cal. yr bp), integrating models of pollen‐based vegetation cover, biome reconstruction, global atmospheric simulations and archaeological records.ResultsNeedleleaf woodland occurred during glacial Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3, but contracted at the end of this period. Forest coverage of c. 55% (early Holocene) and 65% (mid‐Holocene) prevailed through the Holocene, but Bronze Age humans extensively cleared forests after 3700 cal. yr bp. Forest coverage was most widespread between 8600 and 3700 cal. yr bp, whereas grasses, steppe and xerothermic forbs were most extensive between 11,700 and 8600 cal. yr bp and during the last 3700 cal. yr bp. Cerealia pollen indicate the presence of arable agriculture by c. 7000 cal. yr bp.Main conclusionsWe have provided the first unequivocal evidence for needleleaf woodland during glacial MIS 3 in this region. Extensive forests prevailed prior to 3700 cal. yr bp, challenging the hypothesis that the Transylvanian lowlands were never wooded following the last glaciation. However, these forests were never fully closed either, reflecting dry growing season conditions, recurrent fires and anthropogenic impacts, which have favoured grassland persistence throughout the Holocene. The longevity of natural and semi‐natural grasslands in the region may explain their current exceptional biodiversity. This longer‐term perspective implies that future climatic warming and associated fire will maintain these grasslands.
The causes of southern African spatial patterns in species richness: speciation, extinction and dispersal in the Danthonioideae (Poaceae)
Authors: Linder H. Peter , Bouchenak‐Khelladi Yanis 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimFour factors (time, dispersal, extinction and speciation) shape the differences in species richness within a clade between two regions. The southern African summer‐rainfall ‘Highveld’ is less species rich than the adjacent winter‐rainfall ‘Greater Cape Floristic Region’. In many clades, this may be the result of a Cape origin of these temperate clades, with later dispersal to the cool uplands of the Highveld. We explored an alternative scenario of a widespread southern African Miocene temperate flora, which survived in the Cape. We used these four factors to seek the more likely scenario for the Danthonioideae.LocationSouthern Africa.MethodsWe used a rate‐corrected and dated phylogeny including 118 of 134 species of African Danthonioideae (Poaceae), and assigned the species to be either winter rainfall (Cape) or summer rainfall (Highveld). We inferred speciation and extinction rates using TreePar and bamm for the whole clade and also for each rainfall regime, transition direction using BayesTraits and Lagrange, and integrated speciation–extinction–migration using BiSSE.ResultsWe found no differences in the speciation rates between the two areas, and no clear indication of the ancestral area of the clade. However, one of the most likely BiSSE models found a lower extinction rate in the Cape, and another found a higher transition rate from summer rainfall to winter rainfall.Main conclusionsWe found more support for the scenario of a southern African rather than a Cape origin of the danthonioids. The winter rainfall Cape became differentiated from the rest of southern Africa in the late Miocene. Late Miocene extinction, possibly driven by the expansion of C4 grasses, may have decimated the Highveld lineages, whereas the Cape lineages continued to diversify. Exploring some other Cape clades may reveal more instances of the Cape acting as a ‘museum’ of southern African temperate diversity.
Out of Himalaya: the impact of past Asian environmental changes on the evolutionary and biogeographical history of Dipodoidea (Rodentia)
Authors: Pisano Julie , Condamine Fabien L. , Lebedev Vladimir , Bannikova Anna , Quéré Jean‐Pierre , Shenbrot Gregory I. , Pagès Marie , Michaux Johan R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimWe assessed the influence of past environmental changes, notably the importance of palaeogeographical and climatic drivers, in shaping the distribution patterns of Dipodoidea (Rodentia), the superfamily most closely related to the large species‐rich superfamily Muroidea (c. 1300–1500 species). Dipodoids are suitable for testing several biogeographical hypotheses because of their disjunct distribution patterns in the Northern Hemisphere and the numerous species distributed in Asian deserts.LocationHolarctic.MethodsWe inferred molecular phylogenetic relationships for Dipodoidea (34 out of 51 species and 15 out of 16 genera) based on five coding genes. A time‐calibrated phylogeny was estimated using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock with four fossil calibrations. A cross‐validation procedure was adopted to examine the impact of each fossil on our estimates. The ancestral area of origin and biogeographical scenarios were reconstructed using time‐stratified dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis models.ResultsPhylogenetic analyses recovered a well‐resolved and supported topology. The divergence between Dipodoidea and Muroidea occurred in the late Palaeocene (c. 57.72 Ma) and modern Dipodoidea diversified during the middle Eocene (c. 40.62 Ma). Similar results were found with each calibration strategy used with the cross‐validation procedure. The reconstruction of ancestral areas and biogeographical events indicated that modern Dipodoidea originated in the Himalaya‐Tibetan and Central Asian region.Main conclusionsAt the time when Dipodoidea diversified (middle Eocene), the Central Asia and Himalaya‐Tibetan Plateau region experienced major uplift episodes due to the collision of India with Asia, which also induced diversification events in many other groups. Other important diversification events (e.g. divergence between Zapodidae and Dipodidae in Central Asia) took placed during the Eocene–Oligocene transition when the global temperature decreased significantly and rodent/lagomorph‐dominant faunas replaced Eocene perissodactyl‐dominant faunas. All of these climatic and geological disruptions in the Central Asia and Himalaya‐Tibetan Plateau region modified landscapes and offered new habitats that favoured diversification events, thus triggering the evolutionary history of Dipodoidea.
Prevalence of Taking Actions to Control Blood Pressure Among Adults With Self‐Reported Hypertension in 18 States and the District of Columbia, 2009
Authors: Ayala Carma , Fang Jing , Yuan Keming 
Published: February 2015

The authors used 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to assess the prevalence of taking actions to control hypertension among adults with self‐reported hypertension. Differences by descriptive characteristics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, access to health care, medication adherence), presence of other health risk factors (overweight/obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, inadequate fruit/vegetable intake, and physical inactivity), and comorbidities (diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, and stroke) were compared. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.6%, and 75.0% of these patients reported taking antihypertensive medications, 73.1% changed eating habits, 72.8% decreased the use of salt, 78.8% reduced alcohol consumption, and 69.9% increased their physical activity. Overall, 87.2% reported taking two or more actions to reduce blood pressure. Patients taking antihypertensive medications were more likely to take two or more actions than their counterparts (90.6% vs 79.4%, P<.01). Those with at least one other health risk factor were 1.85 times as likely to take two or more actions as their counterparts (95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.92 times). More than 80% of hypertensive adults reported taking two or more actions to control blood pressure. The prevalence of taking actions differed significantly by descriptive characteristics, the presence health risk factors, and comorbidities.
The power of caring and generativity in building strategic adaptability
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Jones Carla D. , Binyamin Galy 
Published: February 2015

In this study, we integrate relational theory and the upper echelon perspective to explore how and why caring and generative relationships in top management teams (TMTs) can be a source for building strategic adaptability. We argue that when TMT members care for each other's inner needs, a generative psychological space (which allows members to experience positivity and produce enduring transformative outcomes) is nurtured. This generative psychological space, in turn, helps to build a capacity to respond proactively to the external environment and adapt well to environmental jolts. The results lend support to our hypothesized model in which caring among TMT members nurtures generativity, which in turn enhances strategic adaptability. In so doing, we aim to further cultivate discussion on the micro‐foundations of strategic management in general and increase interest in the micro‐relational foundations of strategic capabilities in particular.Practitioner points

Strategic adaptability is crucial for a firm's viability, but top management teams (TMTs) struggle to navigate and adapt successfully in ever‐changing environments.

Caring defines those relationships in which TMT members show genuine interest in and concern for each other's needs, and can be a conducive force for building strategic capabilities, such as the capacity to adapt to environmental jolts.

Work relationships among members are powerful; thus, organizations should devote efforts to finding ways to go beyond instrumental‐driven connections to cultivate more humanistic‐driven connections where the inner needs of each member are considered, and to shaping a generative psychological space that helps to enhance adaptability and nurture growth.

A focus on micro‐relational mechanisms in a TMT is important for organizations, because the TMT plays a fundamental role in building strategic capabilities and helping organizations to thrive in the marketplace.
Reliability and validity of a single‐item physical activity measure for adolescents
Authors: Scott Joseph J , Morgan Philip J , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Lubans David R 
Published: February 2015

AimsThe aim of this study was to examine the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of an adolescent single‐item physical activity measure by comparing it with the existing Oxford Physical Activity Questionnaire (OPAQ) and accelerometer output.MethodsParticipants were 123 adolescents (14.7 ± 0.5 years) from three secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia. To determine reliability, participants completed both questionnaires on two occasions separated by 2 weeks. To assess validity, participants wore Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers for a 7‐day monitoring period and completed both physical activity questionnaires. Bivariate correlations between self‐reported moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and accelerometer MVPA min/day were calculated.ResultsThe single‐item (intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64–0.83, P < 0.001) ) and the OPAQ (ICC = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69–0.86, P < 0.001) were both found to have moderate‐to‐strong reliability. Correlations between self‐reported and objectively measured MVPA were similar for the single‐item measure (r = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.24–0.63, P < 0.001) and the OPAQ (r = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.30–0.65, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggest the single‐item measure can provide a reliable and valid assessment of youth physical activity.
International trial of online auditory training programme for distinguishing innocent and pathological murmurs
Authors: Finley John P , Caissie Rachel , Nicol Pam , Hoyt Brian 
Published: February 2015

AimRecognition of normal and abnormal heart sounds and murmurs is an important but declining clinical skill among practitioners. Current teaching methods are often ineffective. This may result from inadequate repetition and normal–abnormal comparisons needed for auditory recognition. This paper describes a rapid new method of teaching murmur recognition using principles of auditory training.MethodsParticipants were 120 Australian and 42 Canadian medical students. The medical students were randomised to intervention and control (no intervention) groups. The 1‐h online programme structured like a computer game used auditory training methodology to teach students to distinguish between innocent and pathological murmurs. Participants underwent pre‐ and post‐testing on 20 paediatric murmurs. Post‐testing occurred immediately following training and after 2 months. Twenty‐two Canadian medical students were retested 1 year later with a brief mastery‐style reinforcement programme.ResultsMedian pre‐ and post‐test scores improved in about 1 h from 75–95% (P < 0.001) for Australian students and 85–95% (P = 0.004) for Canadian students. Two‐month post‐test scores declined for Australian students to 85% (P = 0.001), and for Canadian students to 85% (P = 0.02). Australian controls had no significant change during the study period, whereas Canadian controls improved slightly. The group receiving reinforcement after 1 year had a median final score of 90%.ConclusionsThis auditory training programme rapidly teaches students to distinguish innocent and pathological murmurs with at least 90% accuracy. The skill declines within 2 months but can be restored with brief mastery reinforcement 1 year later.
Preterm infant outcomes in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Bolisetty Srinivas , Legge Nele , Bajuk Barbara , Lui Kei ,   New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory Neonatal Intensive Care Units' Data Collection
Published: February 2015

AimThis study aimed to provide updated information on gestation‐specific hospital outcomes of extreme to very preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.MethodsA population‐based retrospective cohort study of infants born between 23+0 and 31+6 weeks gestation and admitted to a network of neonatal intensive care units between 2007 and 2011 in a well‐defined geographic area of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Main outcome measures were survival and major morbidities prior to hospital discharge.ResultsOf 4454 infants included, hospital survival rates based on gestational age alone were 27%, 59%, 76%, 85%, 91% and over 95% at 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28–31 weeks, respectively. Survival rates for each week up to 29 weeks gestation differed by at least 5% when perinatal risk factors including birthweight percentile, exposure to antenatal steroids, birth outside a tertiary hospital and gender were included in the survival estimation. All the major outcome figures were then simplified and displayed in a simple, easy‐to‐understand preterm outcome table for counselling purposes.ConclusionWe report the latest hospital outcomes of extreme to very preterm infants in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Survival rates based on gestational age alone may not provide the true estimate as the survival for these infants can vary based on the presence or absence of other relevant perinatal factors.
Thymoquinone improves the kidney and liver changes induced by chronic cyclosporine A treatment and acute renal ischaemia/reperfusion in rats
Authors: Farag Mahmoud M , Ahmed Ghada O , Shehata Rowaida R , Kazem Amani H 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment and acute renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) on the kidney and liver in thymoquinone (TQ)-treated rats.

Methods
In the CsA study, adult male rats were divided into control, CsA (25 mg/kg per day), TQ (10 mg/kg per day) and CsA + TQ groups, and rat treatment was for 28 days. In the I/R study, adult male rats were divided into sham-operated, I/R (renal ischaemia for 60 min followed by 60 min reperfusion) and TQ + I/R (TQ 10 mg/kg, 24 h and 1 h before ischaemia) groups.

Key findings
CsA treatment and renal I/R caused kidney and liver dysfunction as evaluated by histopathological changes and biochemical parameters. TQ treatment reduced elevated serum indices back to control levels and ameliorated CsA-induced kidney and liver histopathological changes. In renal and hepatic tissues, CsA and renal I/R induced significant increases in malondialdehyde levels with significant decreases in reduced glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activities. Such changes in oxidative stress markers were counteracted by TQ treatment.

Conclusions
Kidney and liver injury due to CsA or renal I/R can be significantly reduced by TQ, which resets the oxidant/antioxidant balance of the affected organs through scavenging free radicals and antilipoperoxidative effects.
Next generation vaccines: single-dose encapsulated vaccines for improved global immunisation coverage and efficacy
Authors: Walters Adam A , Krastev Christos , Hill Adrian V S , Milicic Anita 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Vaccination is considered the most successful health intervention; yet incomplete immunisation coverage continues to risk outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases worldwide. Vaccination coverage improvement through a single-dose prime-boost technology would revolutionise modern vaccinology, impacting on disease prevalence, significantly benefiting health care and lowering economic burden of disease.

Key findings
Over the past 30 years, there have been efforts to develop a single-dose delayed release vaccine technology that could replace the repeated prime-boost immunisations required for many current vaccines. Biocompatible polymers have been employed to encapsulate model vaccines for delayed delivery in vivo, using either continuous or pulsed release. Biomaterial considerations, safety aspects, particle characteristics and immunological aspects of this approach are discussed in detail.

Summary
Despite many studies showing the feasibility of vaccine encapsulation for single-dose prime-boost administration, none have been translated into convincing utility in animal models or human trials. Further development of the encapsulation technology, through optimising the particle composition, formulation, antigen loading efficacy and stability, could lead to the application of this important approach in vaccine deployment. If successful, this would provide a solution to better global vaccination coverage through a reduction in the number of immunisations needed to achieve protection against infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of single-dose vaccination in the context of today's vaccine needs and is derived from a body of literature that has not been reviewed for over a decade.