bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ptolemeba n. gen., a Novel Genus of Hartmannellid Amoebae (Tubulinea, Amoebozoa); with an Emphasis on the Taxonomy of Saccamoeba
Authors: Watson Pamela M. , Sorrell Stephanie C. , Brown Matthew W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHartmannellid amoebae are an unnatural assemblage of amoeboid organisms that are morphologically difficult to discern from one another. In molecular phylogenetic trees of the nuclear‐encoded small subunit rDNA, they occupy at least five lineages within Tubulinea, a well‐supported clade in Amoebozoa. The polyphyletic nature of the hartmannellids has led to many taxonomic problems, in particular paraphyletic genera. Recent taxonomic revisions have alleviated some of the problems. However, the genus Saccamoeba is paraphyletic and is still in need of revision as it currently occupies two distinct lineages. Here, we report a new clade on the tree of Tubulinea, which we infer represents a novel genus that we name Ptolemeba n. gen. This genus subsumes a clade of hartmannellid amoebae that were previously considered in the genus Saccamoeba, but whose mitochondrial morphology is distinct from Saccamoeba. In accordance with previous research, we formalize the clade as distinct from Saccamoeba. Transmission electron microscopy of our isolates illustrate that both molecularly discrete species can be further differentiated by their unique mitochondrial cristal morphology.
Development of a two‐step, non‐probed multiplex real‐time PCR for surveilling Vibrio anguillarum in seawater
Authors: Hickey M E , Richards G P , Lee J‐L 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVibrio anguillarum is an aggressive and halophilic bacterial pathogen most commonly originating from seawater. Vibrio anguillarum presence in fisheries and aquaculture facilities causes significant morbidity and mortality among aquaculture species primarily from haemorrhaging of the body and skin of the infected fish that eventually leads to death, collectively recognized as the disease vibriosis. This study served to develop a non‐probe, multiplex real‐time PCR assay to rapidly detect V. anguillarum presence in seawater. Specific primers targeting genes vah1, empA and rpoN of V. anguillarum were selected for multiplex reaction among 11 different primer sets and the extension step was eliminated. Primer concentration, denaturation time as well as annealing time and temperature of DNA amplification were optimized, thus reducing reaction duration. The two‐step, non‐probed multiplex real‐time PCR set forth by this study detects as little as 3 CFU mL−1 of V. anguillarum presence in sea water, without enrichment cultivation, in 70 min with molecular precision and includes melting curve confirmation.
An Evidence‐Based Program to Improve Analgesic Practice and Pain Outcomes in Residential Aged Care Facilities
Authors: Savvas Steven M. , Toye Chris M. , Beattie Elizabeth R. A. , Gibson Stephen J. 
Published: July 2014

Pain is common in individuals living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs), and a number of obstacles have been identified as recurring barriers to adequate pain management. To address this, the Australian Pain Society developed 27 recommendations for comprehensive good practice in the identification, assessment, and management of pain. This study reviewed preexisting pain management practice at five Australian RACFs and identified changes needed to implement the recommendations and then implemented an evidence‐based program that aimed to facilitate better pain management. The program involved staff training and education and revised in‐house pain‐management procedures. Reviews occurred before and after the program and included the assessment of 282 residents for analgesic use and pain status. Analgesic use improved after the program (P < .001), with a decrease in residents receiving no analgesics (from 15% to 6%) and an increase in residents receiving around‐the‐clock plus as‐needed analgesics (from 24% to 43%). There were improvements in pain relief for residents with scores indicative of pain, with Abbey pain scale (P = .005), Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (P = .001), and Non‐communicative Patient's Pain Assessment Instrument scale (P < .001) scores all improving. Although physical function declined as expected, Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Survey bodily pain scores also showed improvement (P = .001). Better evidence‐based practice and outcomes in RACFs can be achieved with appropriate training and education. Investing resources in the aged care workforce using this program improved analgesic practice and pain relief in participating sites. Further attention to the continued targeted pain management training of aged care staff is likely to improve pain‐focused care for residents.
Abbreviated Care‐Process Quality Indicator Sets Linked with Survival and Functional Status Benefit in Older Adults Under Ambulatory Care
Authors: Min Lillian , Reuben David , Karlamangla Arun , Naeim Arash , Prenovost Katherine , Lee Pearl , Wenger Neil 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo identify subsets of ambulatory care (outpatient only) quality indicators (QIs) associated with better survival and physical function outcomes.DesignObservational cohort study.SettingPooled data from the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE)‐1 study, which measured quality of care using 140 care‐process QIs, and the subsequent ACOVE‐2 study, which reduced the QIs to 69 ambulatory care QIs.ParticipantsOlder adults receiving ambulatory care (N = 1,015).MeasurementsTo prioritize and reduce the QIs into subsets, an expert panel rated each of 69 ambulatory care QIs for the strength of the link between process and benefit, defined as direct trial evidence on older adults or high expectation of benefit if a trial were conducted in older adults. This resulted in three reduced QI sets, reflecting their intended benefit: 17 QIs for survival (ACOVE Quality for Survival (AQS)‐17), five QIs to preserve function (AQF‐5), and 16 QIs to improve quality‐of‐life related to physical health and symptoms (AQQ‐16). Whether AQS‐17 would predict 3‐year survival was first tested in 1,015 pooled ACOVE‐1 and ACOVE‐2 participants. Second, whether AQF‐5 (n = 74) and AQQ‐16 (n = 359) would predict change in the Physical Component Summary (PCS) score of the Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item Short‐Form Survey at 1 year was tested in the ACOVE‐2 cohort. Control variables were age, function‐based vulnerability, and comorbidity.ResultsEach 20‐percentage‐point increment in AQS‐17 was associated with survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.83, P = .01) up to 500 days but not thereafter. AQF‐5, but not AQQ‐16, predicted 1‐year improvement in PCS score (1.13‐points per 20%‐point increment in AQF‐5, P = .02).ConclusionSubsets of care processes can be linked with outcomes important to older adults. The AQS‐17 and AQF‐5 are potential tools for improving ambulatory care of older adults.
Depression, Antidepressants, and Bone Health in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gebara Marie Anne , Shea Marcie L. O. , Lipsey Kim L. , Teitelbaum Steven L. , Civitelli Roberto , Müller Daniel J. , Reynolds Charles F. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Lenze Eric J. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the association between depression, antidepressant use, and bone health in older adults and the implications for treatment.DesignSystematic review.SettingAll studies that measured depression or antidepressant exposure and bone mineral density (BMD).ParticipantsAdults aged 60 and older.MeasurementsAge, site of BMD measurement using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), measure of depression or depressive symptoms, association between BMD changes, and depression or antidepressant use.ResultsNineteen observational studies met the final inclusion criteria; no experimental studies were found. Several cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies found that depression or depressive symptoms were associated with a decrease in BMD. Few studies and only two longitudinal studies addressed the association between serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressant use and a decrease in BMD and they had conflicting results.ConclusionDepression and depressive symptoms are associated with low bone mass and accelerated bone loss in older adults; putative mechanisms underlying this relationship are discussed. There is insufficient evidence that SRI antidepressants adversely affect bone health. Thus, a change in current recommendations for the use of antidepressants in older adults is not justified at the present time. Given the high public health significance of this question, more studies are required to determine whether (and in whom) antidepressants may be deleterious for bone health.
Complete forelimb myology of the basal theropod dinosaur Tawa hallae based on a novel robust muscle reconstruction method
Authors: Burch Sara H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe forelimbs of nonavian theropod dinosaurs have been the subject of considerable study and speculation due to their varied morphology and role in the evolution of flight. Although many studies on the functional morphology of a limb require an understanding of its musculature, comparatively little is known about the forelimb myology of theropods and other bipedal dinosaurs. Previous phylogenetically based myological reconstructions have been limited to the shoulder, restricting their utility in analyses of whole‐limb function. The antebrachial and manual musculature in particular have remained largely unstudied due to uncertain muscular homologies in archosaurs. Through analysis of the musculature of extant taxa in a robust statistical framework, this study presents new hypotheses of homology for the distal limb musculature of archosaurs and provides the first complete reconstruction of dinosaurian forelimb musculature, including the antebrachial and intrinsic manual muscles. Data on the forelimb myology of a broad sample of extant birds, crocodylians, lizards, and turtles were analyzed using maximum likelihood ancestral state reconstruction and examined together with the osteology of the early theropod Tawa hallae from the Late Triassic of New Mexico to formulate a complete plesiomorphic myology for the theropod forelimb. Comparisons with previous reconstructions show that the shoulder musculature of basal theropods is more similar to that of basal ornithischians and sauropodomorphs than to that of dromaeosaurids. Greater development of the supracoracoideus and deltoideus musculature in theropods over other bipedal dinosaurs correlates with stronger movements of the forelimb at the shoulder and an emphasis on apprehension of relatively large prey. This emphasis is further supported by the morphology of the antebrachium and the intrinsic manual musculature, which exhibit a high degree of excursion and a robust morphology well‐suited for powerful digital flexion. The forelimb myology of Tawa established here helps infer the ancestral conformation of the forelimb musculature and the osteological correlates of major muscle groups in early theropods. These data are critical for investigations addressing questions relating to the evolution of specialized forelimb function across Theropoda.
‘Planning ahead’ among community‐dwelling older people from culturally and linguistically diverse background: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Jeong Sarah , Ohr Seok , Pich Jacqueline , Saul Peter , Ho Alan 
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectivesTo explore preparedness of end‐of‐life care planning among community‐dwelling older persons of culturally and linguistically diverse background.BackgroundTo improve end‐of‐life care through advance care planning, the key concept ‘Planning ahead’ has been promoted in Australia. However, since the introduction of the model in 2008, it is not known whether ‘Planning Ahead’ practice by older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds has improved.DesignA cross‐sectional survey.MethodsA total of 453 community older adults (65+) who attended 17 day care centres in a region were invited to participate in the study. A total of 229 people completed the survey with a response rate of 50·5%. The questions relevant to this study include: (1) awareness of enduring guardian, advance care directive and advance care planning, (2) the preference for substitute decision‐makers and (3) the challenges experienced with advance care planning.ResultsAwareness of advance care planning was low, and completion of advance care directive was very low. 37·5% of Anglo Celtic group had an enduring guardian, compared with 15·5, 24·1 and 13·3% from Mediterranean, Eastern European and Asia/Pacific group, respectively. Children were the most preferred substitute decision‐makers more for Asia/Pacific group than Anglo Celtic, Mediterranean and Eastern Europeans. The various difficulties experienced included being time‐consuming, difficult to understand terms and forms, and do not know how to do it.ConclusionRegardless of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, a low level of ‘Planning ahead’ practices was apparent because of a lack of understanding of the concept, the forms and the processes involved. The gap identified between the existing legal/ethical frameworks and the preferences of older people as substitute decision‐makers adds new knowledge for further discussion.Relevance to clinical practiceNursing professionals are provided with an opportunity to improve their practice to meet the needs of older persons and their families in planning ahead for future treatment options.
Functional Neuroscience of Psychopathic Personality in Adults
Authors: Seara‐Cardoso Ana , Viding Essi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPsychopathy is a personality disorder that involves a constellation of traits including callous‐unemotionality, manipulativeness, and impulsiveness. Here we review recent advances in the research of functional neural correlates of psychopathic personality traits in adults. We first provide a concise overview of functional neuroimaging findings in clinical samples diagnosed with the PCL‐R. We then review studies with community samples that have focused on how individual differences in psychopathic traits (variously measured) relate to individual differences in brain function. Where appropriate, we draw parallels between the findings from these studies and those with clinical samples. Extant data suggest that individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits show lower activity in affect‐processing brain areas to emotional/salient stimuli, and that attenuated activity may be dependent on the precise content of the task. They also seem to show higher activity in regions typically associated with reward processing and cognitive control in tasks involving moral processing, decision making, and reward. Furthermore, affective‐interpersonal and lifestyle‐antisocial facets of psychopathy appear to be associated with different patterns of atypical neural activity. Neuroimaging findings from community samples typically mirror those observed in clinical samples, and largely support the notion that psychopathy is a dimensional construct.
A Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Protocol for in planta Detection of Fusicladium eriobotryae, Causal Agent of Loquat Scab
Authors: González‐Domínguez Elisa , León Maela , Armengol Josep , Berbegal Mónica 
Published: July 2014

AbstractScab caused by the fungus Fusicladium eriobotryae is the most serious disease affecting loquat in Spain. Isolation of F. eriobotryae from infected tissue on culture media can be difficult due to its slow growth. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based protocol was developed for F. eriobotryae‐specific identification from pure culture or infected loquat tissues. The primer set was designed in the elongation factor 1‐α gene (EF1‐α), and specificity and sensitivity for single and nested PCR were validated. The nested PCR assay resulted in 100% positive detection of F. eriobotryae in naturally and artificially infected tissues. This protocol can be useful for routine diagnosis, disease monitoring programmes and epidemiological research.
Hepatitis A virus in the Middle East and North Africa region: a new challenge
Authors: Melhem N. M. , Talhouk R. , Rachidi H. , Ramia S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryDuring the past three decades, a gradual shift in the age of infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) from early childhood to adulthood has been observed. There is a general lack of updated data onHAVburden of disease, incidence and age‐specific seroprevalence in countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The aim of this article is to review the published data on anti‐HAVseroprevalence, an important tool to monitor infections rates, in countries of theMENAregion and associated risk factors including water and socioeconomic data when available. Data on anti‐HAVseroprevalence were found for 12 of 25MENAcountries. We show thatMENAcountries, similar to other areas in the world, have a clear shift inHAVincidence with a decline among young age groups and an increase among adults and older individuals. This would likely be associated with increased morbidity and increased risks of outbreaks among younger age groups. Consequently, the continuous surveillance of hepatitis A cases and the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccine in the expanded immunization programmes are needed in countries of theMENA.
Association of low numbers of CD206‐positive cells with loss of ICC in the gastric body of patients with diabetic gastroparesis
Authors: Bernard C. E. , Gibbons S. J. , Mann I. S. , Froschauer L. , Parkman H. P. , Harbison S. , Abell T. L. , Snape W. J. , Hasler W. L. , McCallum R. W. , Sarosiek I. , Nguyen L. A. B. , Koch K. L. , Tonascia J. , Hamilton F. A. , Kendrick M. L. , Shen K. R. , Pasricha P. J. , Farrugia G. ,   the NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium (GpCRC)
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is increasing evidence for specific cellular changes in the stomach of patients with diabetic (DG) and idiopathic (IG) gastroparesis. The most significant findings are loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), neuronal abnormalities, and an immune cellular infiltrate. Studies done in diabetic mice have shown a cytoprotective effect of CD206+ M2 macrophages. To quantify overall immune cellular infiltrate, identify macrophage populations, and quantify CD206+ and iNOS+ cells. To investigate associations between cellular phenotypes and ICC.MethodsFull thickness gastric body biopsies were obtained from non‐diabetic controls (C), diabetic controls (DC), DG, and IG patients. Sections were labeled for CD45, CD206, Kit, iNOS, and putative human macrophage markers (HAM56, CD68, and EMR1). Immunoreactive cells were quantified from the circular muscle layer.Key ResultsSignificantly fewer ICC were detected in DG and IG tissues, but there were no differences in the numbers of cells immunoreactive for other markers between patient groups. There was a significant correlation between the number of CD206+ cells and ICC in DG and DC patients, but not in C and IG and a significant correlation between iNOS+ cells and ICC in the DC group, but not the other groups. CD68 and HAM56 reliably labeled the same cell populations, but EMR1 labeled other cell types.Conclusions & InferencesDepletion of ICC and correlation with changes in CD206+ cell numbers in DC and DG patients suggests that in humans, like mice, CD206+ macrophages may play a cytoprotective role in diabetes. These findings may lead to novel therapeutic options, targeting alternatively activated macrophages.
The addition of tramadol to the standard of IV acetaminophen and morphine infusion for postoperative analgesia in neonates offers no clinical benefit: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Olischar Monika , Palmer Greta M. , Orsini Francesca , Davidson Andrew J. , Perkins Elizabeth J. , Lee Katherine J. , Everest Neil J. , Cranswick Noel E. , Hunt Rod W. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundTramadol is used following neonatal cardiac and general surgery. However, its ability to opioid‐spare or facilitate earlier extubation in postoperative neonates is unquantified.ObjectiveThis randomized placebo‐controlled trial aimed to assess whether tramadol's addition to standard analgesia resulted in earlier extubation or reduced analgesic/sedative requirements in postsurgical neonates.MethodsNeonates born ≥32 weeks postmenstrual age received either tramadol [T] 2 mg·kg−1 or placebo [P] 6‐hourly for up to 5 days postthoracoabdominal surgery in addition to morphine (commenced at 20 mcg·kg−1·h−1) and 6‐hourly IV acetaminophen. Time to extubation, morphine and midazolam amounts, hourly pain scores, and seizure activity were compared using an intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analysis.ResultsSeventy‐one neonates participated. Median survival time to extubation was similar between the groups (T 67 h [95% CI 51, 84] vs P 52 h [95%CI 43, 65]; P = 0.4), and similar numbers were extubated by 96 h (T 69% vs P 77%; difference −8%, 95%CI −28, 13%). Morphine and midazolam exposure was similar, with low pain scores in both groups (mean percentage of time with a pain score >5/20 during the 5 days: T 13% vs P 11%, difference in means 2.8 [95% CI −1.8, 7.6], P = 0.20). Most participants had normal cranial ultrasounds (T 86% vs P 86%); no seizures occurred clinically or electroencephalographically.ConclusionTramadol's addition to standard analgesia in this small group of postsurgical neonates did not appear to have any positive effect on time to extubation, morphine or midazolam exposure, or pain scores. This questions the benefit of tramadol for postsurgical neonates. Importantly, no seizures occurred in these ill neonates who may potentially be at greater risk of tramadol toxicity compared with adults.
Diel growth patterns of young soybean (Glycine max) leaflets are synchronous throughout different positions on a plant
Authors: FRIEDLI MICHAEL , WALTER ACHIM 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLeaf growth is controlled by various internal and external factors. Leaves of dicotyledonous plants show pronounced diel (24 h) growth patterns that are controlled by the circadian clock. To date, it is still uncertain whether diel leaf growth patterns remain constant throughout the development of a plant. In this study, we followed growth from the primary leaves to leaflets of the seventh trifoliate leaf of soybean (Glycine max) on the same plants with a recently developed imaging‐based method under controlled conditions and at a high temporal resolution. We found that all leaflets displayed a consistent diel growth pattern with maximum growth towards the end of the night. In some leaves, growth maxima occurred somewhat later – at dawn – as long as the leaves were still in a very early developmental stage. Yet, overall, diel growth patterns of leaves from different positions within the canopy were highly synchronous. Therefore, the diel growth pattern of any leaf at a given point in time is representative for the overall diel growth pattern of the plant leaf canopy and a deviation from the normal diel growth pattern can indicate that the plant is currently facing stress.