bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet of lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in El Rey National Park, Salta, Argentina
Authors: CHALUKIAN Silvia C. , de BUSTOS M. Soledad , LIZÁRRAGA R. Leonidas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the largest herbivore in the Neotropics and, in Argentina, it inhabits a variety of habitats from 100 to 2100 m asl. Lowland tapirs importantly influence their habitat structure because they are selective browsers, seed predators and long‐distance seed dispersers. However, increased knowledge of tapir ecology is necessary to support the conservation and management of the species in natural and human‐modified environments. Between Jun 2002 and Dec 2008 we assessed the tapir's diet in El Rey National Park, Salta, northwestern Argentina. We collected fresh feces and recorded browsing signs, and we recorded direct observations of tapirs while they were feeding. We analyzed 88 feces samples that had been dried and subsequently weighed. Feces were dominated by fibers and leaves (84.09%), while fruit parts represented a small proportion of the weight (15.91%). During the dry months, a greater percentage of seeds were found in the feces, mainly due to the availability of 3 species of Fabaceae fruits. We recorded a total of 57 plant species from 26 families. Tapirs are adapted to extreme habitats, switching their diet from frugivory to herbivory when fruits are scarce. Considering this, forest remnants and even secondary growth fields should be protected from deforestation.
Decrease in Fruit Moisture Content Heralds and Might Launch the Onset of Ripening Processes
Authors: Frenkel Chaim , Hartman Thomas G. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  It is known that fruit ripening is a genetically programmed event but it is not entirely clear what metabolic cue(s) stimulate the onset of ripening, ethylene action notwithstanding. Here, we examined the conjecture that fruit ripening might be evoked by an autonomously induced decrease in tissue water status. We found decline in water content occurring at the onset of ripening in climacteric and nonclimacteric fruit, suggesting that this phenomenon might be universal. This decline in water content persisted throughout the ripening process in some fruit, whereas in others it reversed during the progression of the ripening process. Applied ethylene also induced a decrease in water content in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers. In ethylene‐mutant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit (antisense to1‐aminocyclopropane carboxylate synthase), cold‐induced decline in water content stimulated onset of ripening processes apparently independently of ethylene action, suggesting cause‐and‐effect relationship between decreasing water content and onset of ripening. The decline in tissue water content, occurring naturally or induced by ethylene, was strongly correlated with a decrease in hydration (swelling) efficacy of cell wall preparations suggesting that hydration dynamics of cell walls might account for changes in tissue moisture content. Extent of cell wall swelling was, in turn, related to the degree of oxidative cross‐linking of wall‐bound phenolic acids, suggesting that oxidant‐induced wall restructuring might mediate cell wall and, thus, fruit tissue hydration status. We propose that oxidant‐induced cell wall remodeling and consequent wall dehydration might evoke stress signaling for the onset of ripening processes.Practical Application:  This study suggests that decline in fruit water content is an early event in fruit ripening. This information may be used to gauge fruit maturity for appropriate harvest date and for processing. Control of fruit hydration state might be used to regulate the onset of fruit ripening.
WARFARIN MANAGEMENT IN HAEMODIALYSIS—ARE WE MEETING BRITISH HAEMATOLOGY SOCIETY STANDARDS?
Authors: Parker Kathrine , Vincent Marc , Mitra Sandip 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYBackground: We evaluated current oral anticoagulant management at our main dialysis unit and three satellite units against British Haematology Society (BHS) standards. These standards include patients meeting their target INR 60.5 INR units for 60% of the time with an appropriate frequency of monitoring.Methods: Data were collected on anticoagulant prescribing and monitoring over one month.Results: None of the four haemodialysis centres were able to achieve BHS standards for all patients. There was wide variability in monitoring frequency, some patients had 13 INRs and up to 10 dose changes. Satellite C had the most patients (63%) meeting BHS target. Satellite A and B both had 50% of patients meeting target. However, Satellite A, where all patients were dosed by anticoagulant clinic, had the least frequent blood sampling and no patients exceeded the therapeutic INR.Conclusion: Units that employed dosing by anticoagulant clinics demonstrated best outcome for INR target with the least frequency of sampling. Service design set up and monitoring pathways play a crucial role in achieving warfarin therapeutic targets in haemodialysis units.
High Prevalence of the c.74A>CSPINK1Variant in Miniature and Standard Schnauzers
Authors: Furrow E. , Armstrong P.J. , Patterson E.E. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundVariants in the serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene have been associated with pancreatitis in Miniature Schnauzers. Replication of the association in an independent population is necessary to determine if genetic screening forSPINK1variants should be considered in clinical practice.HypothesisAn association between theSPINK1exonic variant c.74A > C and pancreatitis exists in Miniature Schnauzers. In addition, the variant is absent or rare in Standard Schnauzers, a related breed that is not reported to have an increased risk for pancreatitis.AnimalsCase‐control study. Seventeen Miniature Schnauzers with pancreatitis (cases), 60 mature Miniature Schnauzers with no substantial history of gastrointestinal signs in their lifetime (controls), and 31 Standard Schnauzers of unknown pancreatitis status.MethodsAPCR‐RFLPassay was used to genotype dogs for the c.74A > CSPINK1variant. Allele and genotype frequencies were reported for Schnauzers and compared between case and control Miniature Schnauzers.ResultsThe c.74A > C variant was the major allele in both Schnauzer breeds with a frequency of 0.77 in Miniatures and 0.55 in Standards. The allele and genotype frequencies were similar between Miniature Schnauzers with and without a history of pancreatitis and did not impart an increased risk for pancreatitis.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceGenotyping a larger population of the Miniature Schnauzer breed than a previous study, along with a Standard Schnauzer cohort, demonstrated that theSPINK1c.74A > C variant is a common polymorphism in the Schnauzer lineage. Furthermore, we were unable to confirm a relationship between the variant and clinically detectable pancreatitis in Miniature Schnauzers.
Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms and Externalizing Behaviors across Adolescence: Associations with Histories of Suicide Attempt and Ideation in Early Adulthood
Authors: Kerr David C. R. , Reinke Wendy M. , Eddy J. Mark 
Published: October 2012

We examined associations between adolescent problem trajectories and suicide risk outcomes in 361 community participants. Depressive symptoms (self‐report) and externalizing behaviors (parent report) were assessed six times from grades 5 to 10. Parallel process linear growth curves indicated that lifetime suicide attempt history assessed to age 25 was associated with higher intercept (grade 5) and slope (increases from grades 5 to 10) of depressive symptoms and higher slope of externalizing behaviors. Both problem intercepts predicted suicidal ideation at ages 18 to 25 years. Adolescent depressive and externalizing symptom trajectories showed independent associations with suicide risk. Preventive intervention that occurs prior to the developmental period in which suicidal thoughts and behaviors show peak prevalence is expected to prevent suicide.
Eugenosedin-A prevents high-fat diet increased adhesion molecules through inhibition of MAPK- and p65-mediated NF-κB pathway in rat model
Authors: Lin Hui-Li , Shen Kuo-Ping , Chang Wen-Tsan , Lin Jou-Chun , An Li-Mei , Chen Ing-Jun , Wu Bin-Nan 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Previous studies have shown eugenosedin-A, a 5-HT1B/2A and α1/α2/β1-adrenergic blocker, is able to decrease cholesterol levels, hyperglycaemia and inflammation in hyperlipidaemic mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The aim of this study is to examine the effects of eugenosedin-A on the inhibition of adhesion molecules of platelets, the aorta and acyl-coenzymeA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) of macrophages in a hyperlipidaemic rat model.

Methods
Six-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two control and treatment groups. The control rats received either a regular diet or HFD and the treatment groups were fed HFD with either 5 mg/kg eugenosedin-A or atorvastatin for a 10-week period.

Key findings
Compared with the two control groups, the HFD group had lower levels of high-density lipoprotein, higher concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and insulin. The expression of adhesion molecules in platelets, aorta and monocyte-macrophage were enhanced by HFD. HFD also increased upstream proteins and their phosphorylated form in the aorta. In treatment groups, eugenosedin-A and atorvastatin improved HFD-induced hyperlipidaemia and levels of insulin. Eugenosedin-A reduced the upregulation of P-selectin, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, VCAM, PECAM in platelets and inhibited E-selectin, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, VCAM and PECAM protein levels in the aorta. Eugenosedin-A reduced the ACAT-1 protein expression of monocyte-macrophages. The expression of PKCα, MAPKs, IKKα and p65 and their phosphorylated form were reduced in treatment groups.

Conclusions
Taken together, hyperlipidaemia enhances the expression of adhesion molecules and ACAT-1 protein, and eugenosedin-A ameliorates those increases. Through inhibition of MAPK- and p-65-mediated NF-κB pathway, eugenosedin-A decreases the quantity of adhesion molecules.
Abnormalities of autobiographical memory of patients with depressive disorders: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xianhua , Li Li , Xiao Jing , Yang Juan , Jiang Xiangqi 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundPrevious studies on the autobiographical memory (AM) of depressed patients had inconsistent findings. Various severities of depression in patients in these studies may lead to conflicting results. However, the differences in the procedure of the autobiographical memory tests (AMTs) may also influence the AM results.ObjectiveIn this study, we analyse the results published so far to research the AM characteristics of patients with depressive disorders and identify moderators that affect the assessment results while using AMT in this field.MethodA systematic search was conducted using following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cnki, and Google Scholar, yielding 22 studies of patients with depressive disorders and autobiographical memory published between 1986 and 2010.ResultsThe results of meta‐analysis showed that, compared with the control group, the patients with depressive disorders reported less specific AMs (g = −1.051) and more overgeneralized AMs (g = 1.115). The patients with depressive disorders also recalled more slowly (g = 0.400). The effect sizes of overgeneral memory could be predicted by the self‐reported depression score of the depressed patients (B = −.329, p < .01). The mean effect sizes of AMT indices were affected by the AMT characteristics (i.e., number of cue word, max response time, prompting, presentation of cue word, taping, and so on).ConclusionsOur results suggest that overgeneralization and response lag are the AM deficits in patients with depressive disorders. The parameters of AMT are important factors, which are related to the inconsistency in the assessment of AM in patients with depressive disorders. Some recommendations on AMT and programme research design are given for future research.Practitioner Points

This paper provides new insight into the current understanding of the AM deficits in patients with depressive disorders.

This paper gives new recommendations on AMT and program research design for future clinical implications.
Women's experiences following severe perineal trauma: a meta‐ethnographic synthesis
Authors: Priddis Holly , Dahlen Hannah , Schmied Virginia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsThis article presents a meta‐ethnographic synthesis of studies on women's experiences of sustaining a third or fourth degree tear during childbirth.BackgroundIt has been reported that for women who sustain third or fourth degree perineal tears (severe perineal trauma) some may experience extensive physical and psychological outcomes.DesignA meta‐ethnographic synthesis.Data sourcesThe CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, MD Consult, and SocIndex with Full Text databases were searched for the period January 1996–June 2011. Out of 478 papers retrieved four met the review aim.Review methodsA meta‐ethnographic synthesis approach was undertaken using analytic strategies and theme synthesis techniques of reciprocal translation and refutational investigation. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool.FindingsFour qualitative papers were included, with three major themes identified: ‘I am broken and a failure’, ‘Dismissed, devalued and disregarded’, and ‘The practicalities of the unpredictable perineum’.ConclusionThere is evidence to suggest that for women who experience severe perineal trauma during childbirth the physical and psychological outcomes can be complex, with some women experiencing social isolation and marginalization due to their ongoing symptomatology. Severe perineal trauma appeared to affect not only physiological and psychological well‐being but also altered the women's understanding of their identity as sexual beings. Health professionals should be mindful of the language that they use and their actions during suturing and the postpartum period to avoid causing unnecessary distress.
Selection, optimization, and compensation in nursing: exploration of job‐specific strategies, scale development, and age‐specific associations to work ability
Authors: Müller Andreas , Weigl Matthias , Heiden Barbara , Herbig Britta , Glaser Jürgen , Angerer Peter 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAims(1) To explore ‘successful ageing’ strategies in terms of selection, optimization and compensation in nursing; (2) To develop a scale that measures these strategies in nursing; (3) To investigate the association between these strategies in nursing and work ability of nurses and the moderating effects of age on this relationship.BackgroundStudies indicate impaired work ability of older nurses. Research is needed to examine if ‘successful ageing’ strategies can promote the work ability especially in older nurses.DesignThe investigation applied a mixed method design: Study (1) Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore selection, optimization and compensation in nursing; (Study 2) A cross‐sectional survey was used to test the association between selection, optimization and compensation in nursing and work ability.MethodsData were collected in 2010 and 2011. Study 1: 17 nurses ≥45 years were interviewed; Study 2: 438 nurses (21–63 years) participated. A selection, optimization and compensation‐in‐nursing‐scale was applied that was developed on the basis of study 1. Work ability was measured with the Work Ability Index (Dimension 1).ResultsStudy 1, the majority of reported ageing strategies were identified as selection, optimization and compensation in nursing. Study 2, selection, optimization, and compensation in nursing was positively related with work ability. The positive relationship was stronger for older nurses.ConclusionSelection, optimization and compensation in nursing contributes positively to work ability, particularly in older nurses. This finding is relevant for the development of measures that promote work ability of nurses over the course of their professional careers.
Functional recovery of older people with hip fracture: does malnutrition make a difference?
Authors: Li Hsiao‐Juan , Cheng Huey‐Shinn , Liang Jersey , Wu Chi‐Chuan , Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo report a study of the effects of protein‐energy malnutrition on the functional recovery of older people with hip fracture who participated in an interdisciplinary intervention.BackgroundIt is not clear whether protein‐energy malnutrition is associated with worse functional outcomes or it affects the interdisciplinary intervention program on the functional recovery of older people with hip fracture.DesignA randomized experimental design.MethodsData were collected between 2002–2006 from older people with hip fracture (N = 162) in Taiwan. The generalized estimating equations approach was used to evaluate the effect of malnutrition on the functional recovery of older people with hip fracture.ResultsThe majority of older patients with hip fracture were malnourished (48/80, 60% in the experimental group vs. 55/82, 67% in the control group) prior to hospital discharge. The results of the generalized estimating equations analysis demonstrated that subjects suffering from protein‐energy malnutrition prior to hospital discharge appeared to have significantly worse performance trajectories for their activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and recovery of walking ability compared with those without protein‐energy malnutrition. In addition, it was found that the intervention is more effective on the performance of activities of daily living and recovery of walking ability in malnourished patients than in non‐malnourished patients.ConclusionHealthcare providers should develop a nutritional assessment/management system in their interdisciplinary intervention program to improve the functional recovery of older people with hip fracture.
The influence of the location of the lesion on the absolute risk of the development of skin cancer in a patient with actinic keratosis
Authors: Smit P. , Plomp E. , Neumann H.A.M. , Thio H.B. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to answer the clinical question whether the location of the lesion in an individual patient with actinic keratosis (AK) influences the absolute risk of the development of skin cancer. Between 0.025% and 16% of AK lesions advance towards squamous cell carcinoma per year. It is not well known whether this risk differs between locations on the body. A systematic search of available literature resulted in seven articles of which the two highest scoring on relevance and validity were selected. These two studies indicate that the absolute risk on the development of skin cancer in patients with AK differs between locations of the lesion and that time to progression from AK to squamous cell carcinoma is not different among the locations of the lesions. However, both studies have very limited sample sizes.
Efficacy and safety of diphenylcyclopropenone among Chinese patients with steroid resistant and extensive alopecia areata
Authors: Luk N.M. , Chiu L.S. , Lee K.C. , Chau C.T.S. , Lee V.W.Y. , Chang M. , Lam Y.K. , Lee H.C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  Topical immunotherapy has recently been found useful in the treatment of chronic and extensive Alopecia Areata (AA).Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) use among Chinese patients with steroid resistant and extensive AA in our institute.Methods  The medical records of 31 Chinese patients treated with DPCP were analysed retrospectively. The efficacy, adverse effects, and relapse rate of DPCP treatment were reviewed.Results  Thirty‐one (16 male, 15 female) Chinese patients with extensive, steroid resistant Alopecia Areata and a mean age of 28.9 years (SE 10.4) were treated. The mean age of onset was 17.8 years (SE 8.8) with an average disease duration of 11.2 years (SE 7.7). Ten patients had a history of atopy and 4 had a history of thyroid disease. Nail changes were found in 14 patients and a family history of AA was found in 2 patients. Thirteen patients (41.9%) had experienced total hair loss. Two patients abandoned the treatment due to severe side effects. Of the remaining 29 patients, 4 (13.8%), 7 (24.1%), 5 (17.2%), and 13 (44.8%) achieved >90% complete response, >50–90% partial response, >10–50% minimal response, and <10% no response hair regrowth, respectively. Adverse effects included pruritus, erythema, vesiculation, scaling, cervical lymphadenopathy, dyspigmentation and urticarial reactions. Relapse occurred (>25% hair loss) in 69.23% of patients after 18 months of follow up.Conclusions  DPCP is an effective and tolerable treatment for Chinese patients with extensive, steroid resistant AA.
Sensory and Physicochemical Properties of Sweet Potato Chips Made by Vacuum‐Belt Drying
Authors: Xu Suxuan , Pegg Ronald B. , Kerr William L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSweet potato chips were produced by vacuum‐belt drying and compared to deep‐fat fried (DFF) chips. Two thicknesses (0.8 and 1.5 mm) and four drying temperatures (100, 120, 140C and mixed temperature [T‐mix] = 100/120/140C) were investigated. Vacuum‐belt dried (VBD) chips exhibited a similar texture to those DFF while maintaining their natural color and β‐carotene content. T‐mix chips were found to have the greatest likability. VBD products prepared at the lower temperatures maintained L* C* h values closest to unprocessed sweet potatoes. Environmental scanning electron microscopy micrographs demonstrated that T‐mix chips possessed the most uniform cell structure. VBD chips prepared at the T‐mix conditions, along with DFF chips, had the lowest degree of hardness but exhibited high fracturability. The former gave a hardness of 504.7 g force with 7.75 fracture peaks, while the latter had a hardness of 500.6 g force and 9.25 fracture peaks. VBD chips manufactured at the lower temperatures retained 55.5 to 65.9% of the sweet potato's β‐carotene content, while those prepared at 140C or by frying retained only 33.1 to 34.2%.Practical ApplicationsSweet potatoes are a major world food crop, and a valuable source of carotenoids, vitamin C and dietary fiber. Drying and other thermal processes have been employed to preserve sweet potatoes and to convert them into an ingredient form that is convenient for use in food products. Furthermore, there has been a rising demand for low‐fat, healthy fruit‐ and vegetable‐based snack items. This study examines the applicability of relatively low‐temperature vacuum drying as a process to remove water without substantially altering the vegetable's phytonutrients, yet, can create a structure that produces crispness. Vacuum‐belt drying at 100–120C, or at a specific temperature combination, can yield sweet potato chips that are crisp, have good color, retain a marked quantity of β‐carotene and are well‐liked by consumers.