bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limiting antenatal weight gain improves maternal health outcomes in severely obese pregnant women: findings of a pragmatic evaluation of a midwife‐led intervention
Authors: McGiveron A. , Foster S. , Pearce J. , Taylor M. A. , McMullen S. , Langley‐Evans S. C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAntenatal obesity in pregnancy is associated with complications of pregnancy and poor obstetric outcomes. Although most guidance on pregnancy weight is focused on the prepregnancy period, pregnancy is widely viewed as a period where women are open to lifestyle change to optimise their health.MethodsThe hospital‐based Bumps and Beyond intervention invited all pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg m−2 to take part in a programme of health education around diet and exercise, accompanied by one‐to‐one guidance and monitoring of dietary change. This service evaluation compares 89 women who completed at a programme of seven sessions with healthy lifestyle midwives and advisors (intervention) versus a group of 89 women who chose not to attend (non‐intervention).ResultsMean (SD) weight gain in the intervention group [4.5 (4.6) kg] was less than in the non‐intervention group [10.3 (4.4) kg] between antenatal booking and 36 weeks of gestation (< 0.001). This was associated with a 95% reduction in the risk of gestational hypertension during pregnancy and a general reduction in pregnancy complications. There was no effect of the intervention upon gestational diabetes or complications in labour other than post‐partum haemorrhage (reduced by 55%). The impact of the intervention on gestational weight gain was greater in women with BMI >40 kg m−2 at booking. There were no adverse effects of the intervention, even though 21% of the intervention group lost weight during their pregnancy.ConclusionsIntensive, personalised weight management intervention may be an effective strategy for the prevention of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
A ‘lost life’: coming to terms with haemodialysis
Authors: Monaro Susan , Stewart Glenn , Gullick Janice 
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectivesTo describe the essence of the lived experience of patients and families in the early phase of long‐term haemodialysis therapy.BackgroundPast qualitative research has taken a long‐term view describing established haemodialysis therapy as it impacts on physical limitations and changes in self‐concept, psychosocial well‐being and sense of dignity with subsequent consequences for family roles and financial status.DesignThis study used the qualitative approach of Heideggerian phenomenology.MethodsEleven patients with end‐stage kidney disease who had recently initiated haemodialysis and five family carers engaged in semi‐structured interviews. These were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using an hermeneutic framework.ResultsThe essence of the early dialysis experience was a ‘lost life’, and participants were overwhelmed by shock and grief. This appeared to result from a lack of mental and physical preparation for dialysis as a long‐term management strategy. A loss of sense of self, loss of spontaneity and personal freedom and loss of social connectedness challenged the participants' ability to contribute to family and community. Changed body sensations ranged from improved wellness to a sense of depletion and fatigue. Family caregivers found the caring role was unremitting and required intense vigilance.ConclusionsPatients and family members in the early phase of dialysis may have difficulty perceiving a positive future.Relevance to clinical practiceA greater focus on preparation for the possibility of dialysis and frameworks of care that support adjustment to this new way of life are of vital importance. Family presence during haemodialysis and support groups for patients and family should be actively facilitated.
Home recovery following day surgery: a patient perspective
Authors: Mitchell Mark 
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectivesTo investigate aspects of care potentially most influencing home recovery following day surgery.BackgroundElective surgery undertaken on a day‐case basis is expanding. Many medical aspects of recovery have been investigated although less is known about the psychosocial view of postdischarge recovery. Greater insight into such issues is required for the development of a more coordinated nurse‐led approach.DesignCross‐sectional questionnaire.MethodAs part of a larger study, questionnaires were distributed to 2401 adult patients on the day of operation (September 2010–October 2011) to examine patients' experiences of psychosocial recovery. Participants were requested to complete and return the questionnaire by mail one week after surgery with 684 returned.ResultsEighty‐five per cent were fully prepared for all events during home recovery. Satisfaction with pre‐ and postoperative surgical information was high although less so anaesthetic information. Using factor analysis, preoperative information, pain management, postdischarge information, anxiety management, postoperative nausea and vomiting, help and rest once home were central features. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated pre‐ and postoperative information provision to have a statistically significant positive association with patients' being ‘fully prepared for all events during home recover’. Unsatisfactory pain management, increased anxiety and reduced help once home had a statistically significant negative association with patients' being ‘fully prepared for all events during home recovery’.ConclusionFocusing on the delivery of surgical and anaesthetic information, managing pain and anxiety and ensuring support once home may help to enhance recovery. A more comprehensive plan embracing such aspects could help enhance the day surgery patients' experience.Relevance to clinical practiceIncreased satisfaction and surgical/anaesthetic information are central to the continued success of minimal‐stay surgery. A broader hospital/home strategy is required as too frequently nursing care can become fragmented between the preoperative outpatient visit, preassessment, day of surgery and postoperative outpatient visit.
Corpus Callosum Atrophy Correlates with Gray Matter Atrophy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Klawiter Eric C. , Ceccarelli Antonia , Arora Ashish , Jackson Jonathan , Bakshi Sonya , Kim Gloria , Miller Jennifer , Tauhid Shahamat , von Gizycki Christian , Bakshi Rohit , Neema Mohit 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVEAtrophy of the corpus callosum is a recognized characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS). We describe a new reliable method for measuring corpus callosum atrophy and correlate this with global cerebral atrophy measures.METHODSWhole brain 3T MRI was performed in 38 relapsing‐remitting MS subjects and 21 healthy controls (HC). Brain global gray and white matter volumes were segmented with SPM8. The contour of the corpus callosum was outlined on the midline of 3‐D T1‐weighted images by a semiautomated edge‐detection technique to determine the corpus callosum area (CCA). Normalized CCA was correlated with other brain atrophy measures in MS subjects.RESULTSCCA was disproportionately lower in MS subjects vs. HC (20.1% mean decrease; P < .001), with a large effect size (d = .62) when compared with global atrophy measures. In MS subjects, CCA correlated with brain parenchymal fraction (r = .55; P < .001) and gray matter fraction (r = .45; P = .005) but not white matter fraction (r = .18; P = .29). An inverse correlation with FLAIR hyperintense lesion volume (r = −.40; P = .01) was detected for CCA.CONCLUSIONMeasurement of atrophy of the corpus callosum can have sensitivity as a useful imaging biomarker in patients with MS, even in patients with low disability levels. Both gray and white matter involvement in MS contribute to corpus callosum atrophy.
Characterization of Bacillus altitudinis as a New Causative Agent of Bacterial Soft Rot
Authors: Elbanna Khaled , Elnaggar Sameh , Bakeer Abdelradi 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA total of 67 bacterial isolates were obtained from apple and pear fruits with signs of soft rot collected from Egyptian markets. Pathogenicity tests showed that 25 isolates (37%) were pathogenic to apple and pear fruits, with considerable variation of virulence. Among these isolates, 16 (64%) were Gram‐positive, motile, spore‐forming long rods and were identified as members of the genus Bacillus based on an API test. In addition, five isolates (20%) were Gram‐negative, non‐spore‐forming, motile, oxidase and catalase‐positive short rods and were identified as members of the genus Pseudomonas. Furthermore, four isolates (16%) were Gram‐negative, non‐spore‐forming, motile, catalase‐positive and oxidase negative short rods and were identified as belonging to the genus Erwinia. All selected isolates showed a wide host range and could cause soft rot of all representative fruits and vegetables tested. The three most virulent isolates, AB4, AB6 and PB6, exhibited the highest soft rot severity on different apple and pear cultivars, and apple cv. Anna (116) was the most susceptible to infection by isolates AB4 and AB6, with soft rot severities of 63.33 and 60.67%, respectively. Also, pear cv. Le‐Conte was most susceptible to infection by isolate AB6, with a soft rot severity of 89.9%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains AB4 and AB6 were very similar to one another and also showed a similarity of 99% to Bacillus altitudinis, and strain PB6 revealed a similarity of 99% to Bacillus pumilus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. altitudinis as a soft rot pathogen for both apple and pear fruits.
Characterization of Prorocentrum elegans and Prorocentrum levis (Dinophyceae) from the southeastern Bay of Biscay by morphology and molecular phylogeny
Authors: David Helena , Laza‐Martínez Aitor , García‐Etxebarria Koldo , Riobó Pilar , Orive Emma 
Published: May 2014

Benthic Prorocentrum species can produce toxins that adversely affect animals and human health. They are known to co‐occur with other bloom‐forming, potentially toxic, benthic dinoflagellates of the genera Ostreopsis, Coolia, and Gambierdiscus. In this study, we report on the presence of P. elegans M.Faust and P. levis M.A.Faust, Kibler, Vandersea, P.A. Tester & Litaker from the southeastern Bay of Biscay. Sampling was carried out in the Summer‐Autumn 2010–2012 along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, but these two species were only found in the northeastern part of the Peninsula. Strains were isolated from macroalgae collected from rocky‐shore areas bordering accessible beaches. Morphological traits of isolated strains were analyzed by LM and SEM, whereas molecular analyses were performed using the LSU and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1‐5.8S‐ITS2 regions of the rDNA. A bioassay with Artemia fransciscana and liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry analyses were used to check the toxicity of the species, whose results were negative. The strains mostly corresponded to their species original morphological characterization, which is supported by the phylogenetic analyses in the case of P. levis, whereas for P. elegans, this is the first known molecular characterization. This is also the second known report of P. elegans.
Temporal dynamics of prokaryotic communities in the marine sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus
Authors: Hardoim Cristiane C. P. , Costa Rodrigo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn spite of their putative relevance to host functioning, in‐depth knowledge of sponge microbiome stability over time is scarce. This study tackles the temporal maintenance of bacterial and archaeal assemblages in the model host Sarcotragus spinosulus along three successive years. Prokaryotic communities were profiled by polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) and 454‐pyrosequencing of S. spinosulus‐derived 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Prevailing bacterial phyla were Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Poribacteria, PAUC34f, Chloroflexi and Bacteroidetes, with Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Poribacteria showing different abundances over the years. At the approximate species level (operational taxonomic units, OTUs, defined at 97% sequence similarity), no major changes in bacterial richness and composition were found through time. Nearly 50% of all detected bacterial symbionts (96 in 205 OTUs) were recovered from all sampling years, whereas a taxonomically equivalent community of less dominant bacteria characterized the transient sponge microbiota. Despite the evidence for temporal symbiont maintenance, an intriguing cumulative degree of variation between individuals was unravelled, with all the surveyed sponge specimens sharing only 27 bacterial OTUs. Archaeal communities were dominated by one single symbiont of the candidate genus Nitrosopumilus (Thaumarchaeota), known for its ability to aerobically oxidize ammonia to nitrite. Only few bacterial ammonia oxidizers consistently occurred in S. spinosulus across the years as documented by PCR‐DGGE fingerprinting. In conclusion, prokaryotic symbionts of S. spinosulus display a state of dynamic stability shaped by the interplay between the maintenance of dominant players and turnover of less prevalent community members, in time and across host individuals, with no apparent consequences to holobiont functioning.
An ‘Upp'‐turn in bacteriocin receptor identification
Authors: Cotter Paul D. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBacteriocins are gene encoded, bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides that have been the focus of considerable scientific interest but which are relatively underutilized by the food, veterinary and medical industries. One means via which the latter issue can be overcome is through a better understanding of how these peptides work or, more specifically, the identification of bacteriocin receptors and the subsequent application of such information to enhance the potency, and commercial value, of bacteriocins. For a time since the identification of lipid II and subunits of the mannose phosphotransferase system as receptors for several class I (modified) and class II (unmodified) bacteriocins, respectively, there were relatively few developments in this area. However, a number of recent studies have addressed this issue, resulting in the identification of a maltose ABC transporter and metallopeptidase as the targets for the garvicin ML (class IIc) and LsbB (class IId) bacteriocins, respectively, and, most recently, the identification of UppP as the receptor for lactococcin G and enterocin 1071 (both class IIb). In addition to these exciting discoveries, the development, and further application, of new strategies to facilitate receptor identification has the potential to lead to even further breakthroughs in bacteriocin research.
The Role of Hierarchy in Face‐to‐Face and E‐Supported Mediations: The Use of an Online Intake to Balance the Influence of Hierarchy
Authors: Bollen Katalien , Euwema Martin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of hierarchical differences on mediation satisfaction in e‐supported mediations compared to face‐to‐face mediations. Specifically, we compare face‐to‐face mediations and mediations in which an online intake is used before the joint face‐to‐face session (hybrid types of mediation). We assume that the use of an online intake before the joint mediation mitigates the effects of hierarchy on parties' satisfaction with the mediation. To test our hypotheses, we use data from real mediation cases dealing with hierarchical labor conflicts in the Netherlands. In line with our hypothesis, results show that supervisors feel more satisfied with the mediation when involved in a face‐to‐face mediation, but subordinates and supervisors feel equally satisfied when an online intake is used before the mediation. Implications for mediation theory and practice are discussed.
The role of hope in conflict management and relational maintenance
Authors: MEROLLA ANDY J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRooted in hope theory, this study examined how dispositional and relationship‐specific hope influence communication in romantic relationships. In Study 1a, dispositional hope was positively associated with active and constructive conflict responses and negatively associated with passive and destructive conflict responses. In Study 1b, dispositional hope was mainly a positive predictor of active and constructive responses. Hope was also found to predict certain relational maintenance behaviors. Study 2 then examined the influence of hope in specific relational conflict episodes. Dispositional and relationship‐specific hope predicted unique variance in conflict goals and styles. High‐ relative to low‐hope individuals reported more prorelationship goals and fewer hostility‐domination goals. They also reported greater integrative problem solving and less personal attacking, withdrawal, and third‐party assistance.
Cardiac sensitivity in children: Sex differences and its relationship to parameters of emotional processing
Authors: Koch Anne , Pollatos Olga 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn adults, the level of ability to perceive one's own body signals plays an important role for many concepts of emotional experience as demonstrated for emotion processing or emotion regulation. Representative data on perception of body signals and its emotional correlates in children is lacking. Therefore, the present study investigated the cardiac sensitivity of 1,350 children between 6 and 11 years of age in a heartbeat perception task. Our main findings demonstrated the distribution of cardiac sensitivity in children as well as associations with interpersonal emotional intelligence and adaptability. Furthermore, independent of body mass index, boys showed a significantly higher cardiac sensitivity than girls. We conclude that cardiac sensitivity in children appears to show weaker but similar characteristics and relations to emotional parameters as found in adults, so that a dynamic developmental process can be assumed.
Relative incidences and outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection following transplantation of unrelated cord blood, unrelated bone marrow, and related peripheral blood in adult patients: a single institute study
Authors: Hosokawa K. , Takami A. , Tsuji M. , Araoka H. , Ishiwata K. , Takagi S. , Yamamoto H. , Asano‐Mori Y. , Matsuno N. , Uchida N. , Masuoka K. , Wake A. , Makino S. , Yoneyama A. , Nakao S. , Taniguchi S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundClostridium difficile is a major cause of nosocomial diarrhea. The incidence and prognosis of C. difficile‐associated diarrhea (CDAD) has not yet been assessed in adult patients after unrelated cord blood transplantation (uCBT).MethodsThe medical records of 135 adult unrelated cord blood transplant recipients were reviewed retrospectively to investigate the clinical features of CDAD after uCBT. These data were compared to medical records of 39 unrelated bone marrow transplant recipients and 27 related peripheral blood stem cell transplant recipients as controls.ResultsA total of 17 recipients developed CDAD, with onset occurring at a median of 22 days (range, 0–56 days) after transplantation. Among the unrelated cord blood transplant recipients, 11 (9%) developed CDAD. These results were comparable with those of CDAD after unrelated bone marrow transplantation (uBMT) (2/39, 6%) and related peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (rPBSCT) (4/27, 16%) (P = 0.37). Fifteen of the infected recipients were successfully treated with oral metronidazole, vancomycin, or cessation of antibiotics. The remaining 2 recipients who developed CDAD after uCBT died of other causes. The development of CDAD did not negatively affect overall survival after uCBT.ConclusionsThese data indicate that the incidence and prognosis of CDAD after uCBT are comparable with those after uBMT and rPBSCT.
Development of echinocandin‐resistant Candida albicans candidemia following brief prophylactic exposure to micafungin therapy
Authors: Ruggero M.A. , Topal J.E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEmpiric antifungal coverage is indicated in patients with graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) following a stem cell transplant (SCT) who are febrile and neutropenic for extended periods of time. Empiric antifungal coverage is indicated for patients with hematologic malignancies who have persistent fever and neutropenia as well as patients who have GVHD following SCT. Although the prophylactic use of antifungals is a cornerstone of the care for such patients, the selection of the particular antifungal is at the discretion of the clinician. We report a patient case whose surveillance blood cultures obtained 14 days after the switch from voriconazole to micafungin were positive for the growth of Candida albicans. Clinicians prescribing echinocandin therapy for antifungal prophylaxis must be aware of the risks of echinocandin resistance and possible breakthrough candidemia with C. albicans.
Elevated salicylic acid levels conferred by increased expression of ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 contribute to hyperaccumulation of SUMO1 conjugates in the Arabidopsis mutant early in short days 4
Authors: Villajuana‐Bonequi Mitzi , Elrouby Nabil , Nordström Karl , Griebel Thomas , Bachmair Andreas , Coupland George 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPost‐translational modification of proteins by attachment of small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) is essential for plant growth and development. Mutations in the SUMO protease early in short days 4 (ESD4) cause hyperaccumulation of conjugates formed between SUMO and its substrates, and phenotypically are associated with extreme early flowering and impaired growth. We performed a suppressor mutagenesis screen of esd4 and identified a series of mutants called suppressor of esd4 (sed), which delay flowering, enhance growth and reduce hyperaccumulation of SUMO conjugates. Genetic mapping and genome sequencing indicated that one of these mutations (sed111) is in the gene salicylic acid induction‐deficient 2 (SID2), which encodes ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE I, an enzyme required for biosynthesis of salicylic acid (SA). Analyses showed that compared with wild‐type plants, esd4 contains higher levels of SID2 mRNA and about threefold more SA, whereas sed111 contains lower SA levels. Other sed mutants also contain lower SA levels but are not mutant for SID2, although most reduce SID2 mRNA levels. Therefore, higher SA levels contribute to the small size, early flowering and elevated SUMO conjugate levels of esd4. Our results support previous data indicating that SUMO homeostasis influences SA biosynthesis in wild‐type plants, and also demonstrate that elevated levels of SA strongly increase the abundance of SUMO conjugates.