bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic interventions using the short double‐balloon endoscope in patients after incomplete colonoscopy
Authors: Hotta Kinichi , Katsuki Shinichi , Ohata Ken , Abe Takashi , Endo Masaki , Shimatani Masaaki , Nagaya Tadanobu , Kusaka Toshihiro , Matsuda Tomoki , Uraoka Toshio , Yamaguchi Yuichiro , Murakami Yoshitaka , Saito Yutaka 
Published: May 2014

Background and AimWe have previously reported excellent cecal intubation rates using a short double‐balloon endoscope in patients with a history of incomplete colonoscopy. However, data on the endoscopic treatment of colorectal tumors using a double‐balloon endoscope are limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic intervention of colorectal tumors using a short double‐balloon endoscope.MethodsWe analyzed data from a multicenter, prospective study on 110 patients (62 men, median age 66.5 years) who underwent total colonoscopy after incomplete colonoscopy to assess the characteristics of colorectal tumors, endoscopic interventions, and complications.ResultsIn all, 113 colorectal tumors were detected in 55 patients; 109 of the tumors were adenomas (24 advanced adenomas) and two each were intramucosal and advanced cancers. Locations of the lesions were eight in the cecum, 30 in the ascending colon, 18 in the transverse colon, 12 in the descending colon, 34 in the sigmoid colon, five in the rectosigmoid and six in the rectum. Average tumor diameter was 6.8 ± 6.3 mm. Fifty‐nine polypectomies, 22 endoscopic mucosal resections, four hot biopsies, and six cold biopsies were done. All endoscopic interventions were successfully completed and no complications were noted. Two advanced cancers were located in the ascending colon and only a double‐balloon endoscope could reach them to take a biopsy sample.ConclusionDouble‐balloon endoscopy is effective and safe for endoscopic intervention of colorectal tumors, irrespective of the location, in patients after incomplete colonoscopy.
Exercise mitigates diclofenac‐induced liver mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Santos‐Alves Estela , Marques‐Aleixo Ines , Coxito Pedro , Balça Maria M. , Rizo‐Roca David , Rocha‐Rodrigues Silvia , Martins Sandra , Torrella Joan R. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Moreno Antonio J. , Magalhães José , Ascensão António 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundSeveral strategies have been developed to counteract liver injury as a consequence of nonsteroid anti‐inflammatory drugs toxicity. Here, we aimed to determine whether physical exercise results in liver mitochondrial protection against in vitro diclofenac toxicity.Material and methodsMale adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into sedentary, 12‐week endurance training (ET) and voluntary activity (VPA). In vitro liver mitochondrial function as assessed by oxygen consumption, transmembrane electric potential (ΔΨ) and susceptibility to the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) was evaluated in the absence and presence of diclofenac. Mitochondrial oxidative stress markers [MnSOD, aconitase, ‐SH and MDA, SIRT3, p66shc(Ser36)/p66shc ratio] and apoptotic signalling (caspases 3, 8 and 9, Bax, Bcl‐2 and CypD) were assessed. Content of OXPHOS components and qualitative liver morphological evaluation were assessed.ResultsDespite no effects of ET and VPA on basal liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption or ΔΨ endpoints, exercised animals showed lower susceptibility to MPTP. Diclofenac‐induced decrease in ΔΨ, increased state 4 respiration and susceptibility to MPTP opening were all prevented by exercise. Under untreated conditions, VPA group showed higher aconitase activity, while ET decreased MDA and increased Bax content. VPA decreased p66shc(Ser36), complex III and V OXPHOS subunits. Both ET and VPA increased complex IV OXPHOS subunit, and SIRT3 and Bcl‐2 content and decreased caspase 9 activity. Unexpectedly, ET and VPA decreased ANT.ConclusionsBoth chronic physical exercise models augmented the resistance to in vitro diclofenac‐induced mitochondrial alterations, including increased MPTP susceptibility, possibly by modulating oxidative stress and MPTP regulators.
Elevated volatile concentrations in high‐nutrient plants: do insect herbivores pay a high price for good food?
Authors: LOW PETAH A. , McARTHUR CLARE , FISHER KEITH , HOCHULI DIETER F. 
Published: May 2014

1. A tritrophic perspective is fundamental for understanding the drivers of insect–plant interactions. While host plant traits can directly affect insect herbivore performance by either inhibiting or altering the nutritional benefits of consumption, they can also have an indirect effect on herbivores by influencing rates of predation or parasitism.2. Enhancing soil nutrients available to trees of the genus Eucalyptus consistently modifies plant traits, typically improving the nutritional quality of the foliage for insect herbivores. We hypothesised that resulting increases in volatile essential oils could have an indirect negative effect on eucalypt‐feeding herbivores by providing their natural enemies with stronger host/prey location cues.3. Eucalyptus tereticornis Smith seedlings were grown under low‐ and high‐nutrient conditions and the consequences for the release of volatile cues from damaged plants were examined. The influence of 1,8‐cineole (the major volatile terpene in many Eucalyptus species) on rates of predation on model caterpillars in the field was then examined.4. It was found that the emission of cineole increased significantly after damage (artificial or herbivore), but continued only when damage was sustained by herbivore feeding. Importantly, more cineole was emitted from high‐ than low‐nutrient seedlings given an equivalent amount of damage. In the field, predation was significantly greater on model caterpillars baited with cineole than on unbaited models.5. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that any performance benefits insect herbivores derive from feeding on high‐nutrient eucalypt foliage could be at least partially offset by an increased risk of predation or parasitism via increased emission of attractive volatiles.
Resource competition assays between the African big‐headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius) and the invasive Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr): mechanisms of inter‐specific displacement
Authors: MOTHAPO NATASHA P. , WOSSLER THERESA C. 
Published: May 2014

1. The spread of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile (Mayr), in introduced areas is mainly through the displacement of native ant species owing to high inter‐specific competition. In South Africa, L. humile has not established in the climatically suitable eastern and northern escarpments dominated by the African big headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), probably owing to local biotic resistance.2. Inter‐specific aggression, at the individual and colony level, and competition for a shared resource were evaluated in the laboratory.3. Aggression between the two ant species was very high in all of the assays. Both species suffered similar mortality rates during one‐on‐one aggression assays, however, during symmetrical group confrontations, L. humile workers showed significantly higher mortality rates than P. megacephala workers. During asymmetrical group confrontations both species killed more of the other ant species when they had numeric advantage. Both ant species located the shared resource at the same time; however, once P. megacephala discovered the bait, they displaced L. humile from the bait through high inter‐specific aggression, thereafter dominating the bait for the remainder of the trial.4. The results demonstrate the potential of P. megacephala to prevent the establishment and survival of incipient L. humile colonies through enhanced resource competition and high inter‐specific aggression. This is the first study to indicate potential biotic resistance to the spread of L. humile in South Africa.
Sex hormones and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A 9‐year follow up among elderly men in Finland
Authors: Salminen Marika , Vahlberg Tero , Räihä Ismo , Niskanen Leo , Kivelä Sirkka‐Liisa , Irjala Kerttu 
Published: May 2014

AimTo analyze whether sex hormone levels predict the incidence of type2 diabetes among elderly Finnish men.MethodsThis was a prospective population‐based study, with a 9‐year follow up period. The study population in the municipality of Lieto, Finland, consisted of elderly (age ≥64 years) men free of type 2 diabetes at baseline in 1998–1999 (n = 430). Body mass index and cardiovascular disease‐adjusted hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for type 2 diabetes predicted by testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone/luteinizing hormone were estimated.ResultsA total of 30 new cases of type 2 diabetes developed during the follow‐up period. After adjustment, only higher levels of testosterone (hazard ratio for one‐unit increase 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.87–0.99, P = 0.020) and free testosterone (hazard ratio for 10‐unit increase 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.91–1.00, P = 0.044) were associated with a lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes during the follow up. These associations (0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.87–1.00, P = 0.050 and 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.90–1.00, P = 0.035, respectively) persisted even after additional adjustment of sex hormone‐binding globulin.ConclusionHigher levels of testosterone and free testosterone independently predicted a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in the elderly men. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 559–564.
Recreational boating, landscape configuration, and local habitat structure as drivers of odonate community composition in an island setting
Authors: Hall Aaron M. , McCauley Shannon J. , Fortin Marie‐Josée 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Anthropogenic impacts to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are ubiquitous. Among these, local impacts to freshwater coastal wetlands from recreational boating are potentially severe. We determine the relative contribution of natural factors (local habitat structure and landscape configuration) and estimated impact from anthropogenic factors (i.e. pressure from recreational boating) to odonate community composition.

Odonate adults and exuviae were sampled from 17 islands within the 30 000 islands of the Georgian Bay Region of Lake Huron (Ontario, Canada). These islands experience a gradient of boating pressure from four marinas. The magnitude of impacts due to anthropogenic factors was estimated by marina dock space, proximity to marked boating channels, and proximity to a major highway.

Redundancy analyses and variance partitioning were utilised to quantify the relative influence of local habitat structure, landscape configuration, and anthropogenic pressures on the distribution of 18 odonate species.

Our results show that local habitat structure, landscape configuration, and boating pressures influence odonate community composition. Overall variance in the species composition explained was 36.5% for adults (25.3% landscape configuration and habitat structure, 6.0% boating pressure, 5.2% shared) and 21.9% for exuviae (13.2% landscape configuration and habitat structure, 6.9% boating pressure, 1.8% shared). We found that communities of adults and larvae (sampled as exuviae) are influenced by different factors.

Overall, we find evidence that odonate community composition is affected by boating pressures. This stresses the need to consider not only global‐scale human disturbances in conservation planning but also localised effects which differentially impact major life stages.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Phyllanthus emblica L. and evaluation of antioxidant activities
Authors: Tsai C.‐C. , Chou C.‐H. , Liu Y.‐C. , Hsieh C.‐W. 
Published: May 2014

SynopsisObjectiveThe objective of this study was to optimize ultrasound‐assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Phyllanthus emblica.MethodsExtracts obtained by UAE were evaluated for their antioxidant activities. Extraction experiments were carried out with three factors and three levels namely extraction time (varying from 15 to 60 min), ethanol concentration (varying from 50 to 90%) and frequency (varying from 28 to 56 kHz).ResultsThe results showed that the UAE optimal conditions of extracting total phenol components were as follows: 15 min of extraction time, 60°C of extraction temperature, 70% of ethanol concentration, 56 kHz of ultrasonic frequency and a 1: 50 solid to solvent ratio. Under optimal conditions, the leaching‐out rate of phenolic compounds was up to 55.34 mg g−1, and the yield of crude extract of P. emblica was up to 56.82%. The results reveal that the yield of phenolic compounds of UAE (56.82%) is higher than that of conventional solvent extraction (16.78%). Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts obtained by UAE were evaluated in terms of activities of DPPH (1,1'‐diphenyl‐2‐2'‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, metal chelating activity, and reducing power. P. emblica extracts obtained by UAE showed high antioxidant activity (26.00, 50.11 and 115.91 μg mL−1 of IC50 values for DPPH radicals, total antioxidant ability and chelating ability of ferrous ion).ConclusionThe result of this study showed that UAE was a suitable method for the extraction of total phenolic compounds. Moreover, the author's main finding in this work is the fact that phenolic compounds from P. emblica show excellent antioxidant activity in multi‐test systems.
Recent elevational range expansions in plethodontid salamanders (Amphibia: Plethodontidae) in the southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Moskwik Matthew 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimApproximately 32.5% of all amphibian species are globally threatened, and amphibian extinctions have been recorded worldwide. Individual studies rarely give full consideration to multiple potential drivers of observed biological change, instead tending to attribute changes to a single driver. Here, I tested for impacts of land use and climate change on range changes in a community of plethodontid salamanders living from 518 to 2036 m elevation in a global hotspot for amphibian diversity.LocationThe southern Appalachian Mountains.MethodsI resurveyed 18 elevational transects that had originally been surveyed by Nelson Hairston in 1940, 1947 and 1949. I recorded range changes for nine species that Hairston studied and determined the extent to which the recorded expansions or contractions could be attributed to changes in forest stand, climate and competition, singly or in combination.Results‘Montane’ species, which occur only on mountaintops, had expanded their lower elevational limits downwards. ‘Foothill’ species, which occur at lower elevations than montane species, had expanded their upper elevational limits upwards.Main conclusionsFor montane species these downward expansions appear to be the result of two processes: local cooling of the climate and maturation of forests after the cessation of large‐scale logging operationsc. 80 years ago. In contrast, changes in upper elevational range limits of foothill species are probably the result of a suite of complex and interacting drivers, including, but not limited to, maturation of forests, changes in climate, and interactions with other species.
A comparison of remotely sensed and pollen‐based approaches to mapping Europe's land cover
Authors: Woodbridge Jessie , Fyfe Ralph M. , Roberts Neil 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimRemote sensing coupled with direct observation allows recent changes in vegetation to be investigated but, in order to extend our understanding of land‐cover change further back in time, different proxies for vegetation are required. The pseudobiomization (PBM) approach has been developed to transform fossil pollen data into land‐cover classes (LCCs) in order to reconstruct broad‐scale anthropogenic land‐use change through time. The aim of this study was to test and refine the PBM approach through application to an extensive modern pollen dataset and comparison with remotely sensed CORINE land‐cover maps for Europe.LocationThe study area comprised 2471 modern pollen sites from across Europe.MethodsPollen sites were assigned to one of eight LCCs using the pollen‐based PBM method, which draws upon biomization techniques to transform pollen data into records of land‐cover change. Five of the LCCs were ‘pure’ classes (e.g. broad‐leaf forest) and three of them were mixed vegetation. Remotely sensed CORINE land‐cover maps were used to assign LCCs to sites, and the results were compared with pollen‐assigned LCCs.ResultsThe results revealed a good correspondence between the proportions of different LCCs that were registered using CORINE and pollen‐based PBM, when data were aggregated at a pan‐European scale. However, the match between the two datasets was much less close at a site‐specific level. The overall results were improved to c. 60% when the target was broadened to include similar as well as identical LCCs. The spatial correspondence was best across north‐central Europe and least good in south‐west Europe, the Mediterranean and northern Scandinavia.Main conclusionsThe ability of distinct data types to sense actual vegetation is limited by various sources of error; for example, both pollen and remote sensing vary in terms of spatial and temporal heterogeneity and taxonomic resolution. It is likely that many of the main sources of error are common to both methods, rather than being approach‐specific. We conclude that pollen‐based methods of intermediate complexity can be used as a proxy for broad‐scale land‐cover change across most of temperate Europe, but may be less reliable at a site‐specific scale.
Controversy Regarding the Association of High Calcium Intake and Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Chrysant Steven G. , Chrysant George S. 
Published: May 2014

Calcium intake has been shown to be associated with beneficial effects regarding hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), vascular disease, and stroke by several prospective cohort studies. However, recent studies have questioned the beneficial cardiovascular effects of calcium intake and instead have shown that high calcium intake is associated with an increased risk for CHD and stroke. These findings have created controversy and concern among physicians, because calcium is consumed by a large number of older men and women to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. Based on the methods of patient self‐reporting of calcium intake and cardiovascular events, the conclusions drawn from the studies may not be entirely valid. Therefore, until more confirmatory data are available, physicians should not be dissuaded from prescribing calcium supplements to their patients. The best candidates are patients with low calcium intake, but their calcium supplementation should not exceed the recommended 1200 mg/d to 1500 mg/d.
Is national socioeconomic status related to prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome?
Authors: Zhu Jin‐Zhou , Yan Tian‐Lian , Yu Chao‐Hui , Wan Xing‐Yong , Wang Yu‐Ming , Li You‐Ming 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground and AimThere are a multitude of cross‐sectional surveys that provide the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the community. However, the data regarding the influence of socioeconomic status on prevalence of IBS were sparse. This study is to investigate the possible relation between human development and prevalence of IBS, at national level.MethodsEMBASE Classic, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched (until October 2013) to identify population‐based studies that reported prevalence of IBS. Human Development Index (HDI) was chosen to assess socioeconomic status at national level.ResultsFirstly, no correlation was observed between prevalence of IBS and national HDI (P = 0.848). Specifically, there was no statistical significance in prevalence between developing and developed countries (P = 0.319). Moreover, prevalence of IBS failed to witness a downtrend in worldwide over the past two decades. Interestingly, the ratio of female/male prevalence was correlated with national HDI according to linear regression analysis (r = 0.395), and the ratio in the developing was significant lower than that in the developed (P = 0.0394). Lastly, except methods of data collection (P < 0.000), it shows no difference between developing and developed countries in diagnostic criteria, IBS subtypes, and age distribution (P = 0.119, 0.327, and 0.845 respectively).ConclusionsThis study is the first time to investigate the relation between IBS prevalence and national socioeconomic status, with consideration of years, gender, and other factors. It demonstrates that national development is not a direct indicator for prevalence of IBS.
Validation of a Certified Nurse‐Midwifery Database for Use in Quality Monitoring and Outcomes Research
Authors: DeJoy Susan , Pekow Penelope , Bertone‐Johnson Elizabeth , Chasan‐Taber Lisa 
Published: May 2014

IntroductionCertified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) attend 11% of US vaginal births, and CNM/CM databases include a rich source of information on the birth outcomes of women not generally available through obstetric electronic health records (oEHRs). Although CNM databases are in wide use, studies on their validity are sparse. We examined the validity of a practice‐specific CNM birth database compared with an oEHR in a large tertiary‐care facility.MethodsThe study population consisted of all 3133 births in a large CNM practice that were entered into a practice‐specific electronic birth database from 2001 to 2008. We assessed agreement with the oEHR overall and according to individual maternal demographic characteristics; obstetric, medical, and social risk factors; labor and birth information; and newborn characteristics. We also evaluated whether there were differences in agreement according to early versus later study periods and by years of CNM clinical experience.ResultsOverall agreement between the CNM birth database and the oEHR was 92.4%. Agreement between the CNM birth database and the oEHR was greater than 90% for maternal age, race/ethnicity, route and type of birth, major genital tract trauma, newborn weight, and primary clinician attending the birth. Lower agreement rates for smoking, total weight gain in pregnancy, beginning of pregnancy body mass index, and anesthesia for birth were due, in part, to missing information in the oEHR. Agreement did not vary significantly by early versus late study periods or by years of CNM clinical experience.DiscussionFindings indicate that a CNM/CM birth database is a valid data source for quality monitoring and outcomes research and may contain more complete information for some variables than the oEHR.