bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteraemia in sickle cell anaemia is associated with low haemoglobin: a report of 890 admissions to a tertiary hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Makani Julie , Mgaya Josephine , Balandya Emmanuel , Msami Khadija , Soka Deogratias , Cox Sharon E. , Komba Albert N. , Rwezaula Stella , Meda Elineema , Muturi David , Kitundu Jesse , Fegan Gregory , Kirkham Fenella J. , Newton Charles R. , Snow Robert W. , Lowe Brett 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBacteraemia is a leading cause of morbidity in sickle cell anaemia (SCA), but information from studies in Africa is limited. We evaluated 890 admissions from 648 SCA patients at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Bacteraemia was present in 43 admissions (4·8%); isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (12/43; 28%), non‐Typhi Salmonella (9/43; 21%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (3/43; 7%) and Salmonella Typhi (2/43; 5%). Compared to SCA patients without bacteraemia, SCA patients with bacteraemia had significantly lower haemoglobin [71 g/l vs. 62 g/l, odds ratio 0·72 (95% confidence interval 0·56–0·91), P < 0·01]. Further exploration is needed of the relationship between anaemia and bacterial infections in SCA in Africa.
Disturbance Winners or Losers? Plants Bearing Extrafloral Nectaries in Brazilian Caatinga
Authors: Leal Laura C. , Andersen Alan N. , Leal Inara R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPlants bearing extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) often have traits typical of pioneer species, and may be expected to proliferate in disturbed habitats. However, a negative effect of disturbance on visitation by attendant ants could preventEFN‐bearing plants from acting as disturbance winners. Here, we address the effects of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on the abundance ofEFN‐bearing plants and their interactions with attendant ants in Caatinga vegetation of northeastern Brazil. We recorded the abundance ofEFN‐bearing plants, proportion of plants visited by ants and composition of ant attendant species at 24 sites varying in levels of disturbance.EFN‐bearing plants as a whole did not behave as a disturbance winner group. The responses of the 13 species to increasing disturbance were highly variable, with three species declining in abundance (loser species). The richness of ant species attendingEFNs did not vary with disturbance, but species composition did. The overall proportion ofEFN‐bearing plants attended by ants per 5‐min period was not affected by disturbance. However, for the three loser species, attendance decreased from about 50 percent with low and moderate disturbance to half that with very high disturbance. We hypothesize that disturbed sites are more stressful for loser species compared with otherEFN‐bearing plants, with physiological stress resulting in lower production ofEFNsecretions and reduced attraction of ants. This would make such species double losers, with physiological stress at disturbed sites not only directly influencing their performance but also indirectly affecting it through the disruption of a key mutualism.
Quantification of Epstein–Barr virus DNA load in nasopharyngeal brushing samples in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in southern China
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Hui , Lu Li‐Xia , Li Xi‐Zhao , Jia Wei‐Hua 
Published: June 2015

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is highly incident in southern China, where 40% of world's new cases arise each year. Detection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA load in nasopharyngeal (NP) brush/swab samples has gradually been established as a method for diagnosis of NPC. However, its applicable value in NPC diagnosis has never been investigated in southern China. It is important to explore whether such a test could be applicable to our local population. A total of 245 consecutive participants undergoing NP brushing examination were recruited to obtain the NP brushing samples in this study. Quantitative PCR assays were used to obtain the EBV DNA load. Mann–Whitney, ANOVA and receiver operating characteristic tests were used to analyze its diagnostic value. NP brushing samples from NPC patients showed extremely high levels of EBV DNA load (mean = 46360 copy/ng DNA) compared to its expression from non‐NPC control (mean = 28 copy/ng DNA) and high‐risk control (mean = 50 copy/ng DNA) groups. It produced 96% sensitivity and 97% specificity, at the COV = 225 copy/ng DNA. Furthermore, EBV DNA load could reflect disease progress. Our data showed a better performance of EBV DNA load in NP brushing samples compared with an initial biopsy, immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody titers to viral capsid antigen in serum and EBV DNA load in plasma. Detection of EBV DNA load in NP brushing samples could be an effective supplement for NPC diagnosis. Being minimally invasive and low cost, NP brush sampling combined with EBV DNA detection demonstrates great potential for screening high‐risk populations for NPC.
The interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis in ankylosing spondylitis: new advances and potentials for treatment
Authors: Jethwa H , Bowness P 
Published: June 2015

Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the most common form of spondyloarthropathy, is a chronic, progressive multi-system inflammatory disorder characteristically affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial skeleton. Although the exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AS remain to be elucidated, the presence of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 is known to markedly increase its risk of development. Current treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. In recent years, the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 pathway has been shown to have significance in the pathogenesis of AS and treatment modalities targeting this pathway have been shown to be beneficial in various other inflammatory conditions. This review provides an overview of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in the pathogenesis of AS and summarizes new potential treatments for AS and related inflammatory diseases.
Dental Implants in an Aged Population: Evaluation of Periodontal Health, Bone Loss, Implant Survival, and Quality of Life
Authors: Becker William , Hujoel Philippe , Becker Burton E. , Wohrle Peter 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate aged partially and fully edentulous patients who received dental implants and were maintained over time. Further, to determine how the partially and edentulous ageing populations (65 and above) with dental implants maintain bone levels, proper oral hygiene, and perceive benefits of dental implants.Materials and MethodsSince 1995, patients receiving dental implants have been prospectively entered into an Access‐based computerized program (Triton Tacking System). Patient demographics (age, sex), bone quality, quantity, implant location, and type of surgery have been continuously entered into the database. The database was queried for patients receiving implants (first stage) between 66 and 93 years of age. Thirty‐one patients were within this age group. Twenty‐five patients returned to the clinic for periodontal and dental implant evaluation. The Periodontal Index was used to evaluate selected teeth in terms of probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque accumulation, and mobility. Using NIH Image J, radiographs taken at second stage and last examination were measured for changes in interproximal bone levels. Once identified, each patient anomalously filled out an abbreviated quality of health life form. Due to small sample size, descriptive statistics were used to compare clinical findings.ResultsFifteen males ranging from 78 to 84 (mean age 84 years) years and 16 females from 66 to 93 (mean age 83 years) (age range 66–93) were contacted by phone or mail and asked to return to our office for a re‐examination. For this group, the first dental implants were placed in 1996 (n = initial two implants) and continuously recorded through 2013 (n = last seven implants). Thirty‐one patients received a total of 84 implants. Two patients were edentulous, and the remaining were partially edentulous. Four implants were lost. Between implant placement and 6‐ to 7‐year interval, 13 patients with 40 implants had a cumulative survival rate of 94.6%. Of the original group (n = 33), three were deceased, two were in nursing homes, and three could not be located.ConclusionsAged patients receiving dental implants had excellent implant survival rates, low periodontal disease index scores with minimal changes in interproximal bone levels. Results from this study indicate that patients with advanced age, in reasonably good health, have excellent implant survival rates, excellent quality of life scores, and can be maintained in good oral health.
Using Twitter to communicate conservation science from a professional conference
Authors: Bombaci Sara P. , Farr Cooper M. , Gallo H. Travis , Mangan Anna M. , Stinson Lani T. , Kaushik Monica , Pejchar Liba 
Published: June 2015

AbstractScientists are increasingly using Twitter as a tool for communicating science. Twitter can promote scholarly discussion, disseminate research rapidly, and extend and diversify the scope of audiences reached. However, scientists also caution that if Twitter does not accurately convey science due to the inherent brevity of this media, misinformation could cascade quickly through social media. Data on whether Twitter effectively communicates conservation science and the types of user groups receiving these tweets are lacking. To address these knowledge gaps, we examined live tweeting as a means of communicating conservation science at the 2013 International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB). We quantified and compared the user groups sending and reading live tweets. We also surveyed presenters to determine their intended audiences, which we compared with the actual audiences reached through live tweeting. We also asked presenters how effectively tweets conveyed their research findings. Twitter reached 14 more professional audience categories relative to those attending and live tweeting at ICCB. However, the groups often reached through live tweeting were not the presenters’ intended audiences. Policy makers and government and non‐governmental organizations were rarely reached (0%, 4%, and 6% of audience, respectively), despite the intent of the presenters. Plenary talks were tweeted about 6.9 times more than all other oral or poster presentations combined. Over half the presenters believed the tweets about their talks were effective. Ineffective tweets were perceived as vague or missing the presenters’ main message. We recommend that presenters who want their science to be communicated accurately and broadly through Twitter should provide Twitter‐friendly summaries that incorporate relevant hashtags and usernames. Our results suggest that Twitter can be used to effectively communicate speakers’ findings to diverse audiences beyond conference walls.
Private Information in Executive Compensation: The Information Role vs. The Monitoring Role of the Board
Authors: Lo Kin , Wu Serena Shuo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper examines the effect of boards of directors’ characteristics on the use of private information in executive compensation.Research Findings/InsightsWe predict and find that boards’ competence both in information acquisition and in monitoring influences the extent to which boards use private performance measures in CEO compensation. Specifically, smaller and more independent boards with their CEOs as the board chair are found to rely more heavily on private performance measures. The documented effects of board characteristics disappear after the passage of SOX, likely due to the homogenized composition of boards and compensation committees brought by the legislated changes.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe paper extends the literature on the board's role in executive compensation. Although prior evidence is abundant on how boards affect the alignment of CEO compensation with public performance measures, little is known about boards’ use of private information to compensate CEOs. It also extends the literature on the role of corporate boards by examining both their monitoring and information roles.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study offers insights to regulators regarding the role of boards of directors in monitoring and their role in private information acquisition. It highlights the importance of considering the tradeoff between these two roles when regulating corporate governance rules.
Stairs instead of elevators at the workplace decreases PCSK9 levels in a healthy population
Authors: Kamani Christel H. , Gencer Baris , Montecucco Fabrizio , Courvoisier Delphine , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Meyer Philippe , Mach François 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgoundRegular physical activity is recommended to lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) in a healthy population. Inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) was shown to reduce (LDL‐C) levels; however, the impact of physical exercise on PCSK9 levels remains unclear.Materials and methodsWe used data from 67 healthy hospital employees who participated in a 6‐month intervention promoting active use of stairs instead of elevators during 3 months, followed by 3 months without recommendation. We confirmed the degree of physical activity with estimated aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and measured serum PCSK9 levels at baseline, 3 and 6 month. Using a multilevel regression model, we analysed changes of PCSK9 levels over time adjusting for age, gender, aerobic capacity, baseline LDL‐C, and LDL‐C and body mass index (BMI) changes.ResultsAt baseline, PCSK9 levels were associated with higher aerobic capacity (P‐value = 0·024). At 3 months, we observed a significant decrease in mean PCSK9 levels from 403·6 to 324·3 ng/mL (P‐value = 0·001), as well a significant decrease in mean LDL‐C levels from 3·5 to 3·3 mM (P‐value = 0·01). During this period, mean aerobic capacity (VO2 max) increased from 37·0 to 40·4 mL/kg/min (P‐value < 0·001). Physical activity was independently associated with a decrease in PCSK9 levels after adjustment for age, gender, baseline aerobic capacity, and LDL‐C and BMI changes.ConclusionDaily physical activity at the work place is independently associated with a decrease in PCSK9 levels over time.
Calcium‐binding proteins in focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Wieselthaler‐Hölzl Anna , Drexel Meinrad , Unterberger Iris , Luef Gerhard , Ortler Martin , Becker Albert J. , Trinka Eugen , Sperk Günther 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveAlterations in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic cortical neurons have been reported in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD)Ia/IIIa, a malformation of cortical development associated with drug‐resistant epilepsy. We compared numbers of neurons containing calcium‐binding proteins parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR) and densities of respective fibers in lateral temporal lobe surgical specimens of 17 patients with FCD with 19 patients who underwent anterior temporal lobe resection due to nonlesional temporal lobe epilepsy (non‐FCD) as well as with 7 postmortem controls.MethodsPV‐, CB‐, and CR‐immunoreactive (IR) neurons were quantitatively investigated with use of two‐dimensional cell counting and densitometry (reflecting mainly IR fibers) in cortical layers II, IV, and V.ResultsNumbers of PV‐IR neurons, ratios of PV‐containing to Nissl‐stained neurons (correcting for eventual cell loss), and densities of PV‐IR were higher in layer II of the cortex of FCD compared to non‐FCD patients. Similarly, densities of CB‐IR and CR‐IR were also higher in layers II and V, respectively, of FCD than of non‐FCD patients. Comparison with postmortem controls revealed significant higher cell numbers and fiber labeling for all three calcium‐binding proteins in FCD cortex, whereas numbers of Nissl‐stained neurons did not vary between FCD, non‐FCD, and postmortem controls. In non‐FCD versus postmortem controls, ratios of calcium‐binding protein‐IR cells to Nissl‐stained neurons were unchanged in most instances except for increased CB/Nissl ratios and CB‐IR densities in all cortical layers.SignificanceIncreased numbers of PV neurons and fiber labeling in FCD compared to nondysplastic epileptic temporal neocortex and postmortem controls may be related to cortical malformation, whereas an increased number of CB‐IR neurons and fiber labeling both in FCD and non‐FCD specimens compared with postmortem controls may be associated with ongoing seizure activity. The observed changes may represent increased expression of calcium‐binding proteins and thus compensatory mechanisms for seizures and neuronal loss in drug‐resistant epilepsy.
Similarities in butterfly emergence dates among populations suggest local adaptation to climate
Authors: Roy David B. , Oliver Tom H. , Botham Marc S. , Beckmann Bjorn , Brereton Tom , Dennis Roger L. H. , Harrower Colin , Phillimore Albert B. , Thomas Jeremy A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPhenology shifts are the most widely cited examples of the biological impact of climate change, yet there are few assessments of potential effects on the fitness of individual organisms or the persistence of populations. Despite extensive evidence of climate‐driven advances in phenological events over recent decades, comparable patterns across species' geographic ranges have seldom been described. Even fewer studies have quantified concurrent spatial gradients and temporal trends between phenology and climate. Here we analyse a large data set (~129 000 phenology measures) over 37 years across the UK to provide the first phylogenetic comparative analysis of the relative roles of plasticity and local adaptation in generating spatial and temporal patterns in butterfly mean flight dates. Although populations of all species exhibit a plastic response to temperature, with adult emergence dates earlier in warmer years by an average of 6.4 days per °C, among‐population differences are significantly lower on average, at 4.3 days per °C. Emergence dates of most species are more synchronised over their geographic range than is predicted by their relationship between mean flight date and temperature over time, suggesting local adaptation. Biological traits of species only weakly explained the variation in differences between space‐temperature and time‐temperature phenological responses, suggesting that multiple mechanisms may operate to maintain local adaptation. As niche models assume constant relationships between occurrence and environmental conditions across a species' entire range, an important implication of the temperature‐mediated local adaptation detected here is that populations of insects are much more sensitive to future climate changes than current projections suggest.
Nutritional care of elderly patients in acute care settings: A qualitative study
Authors: Gholizadeh Leila , Yazdi Khadijeh , Dehghan Nayeri Nahid , Mohammadi Eesa 
Published: June 2015

AimPoor nutritional status is common in older adult patients. The present study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to nutritional care of elderly patients in acute care settings.MethodsData were collected through individual face‐to‐face interviews with 12 registered nurses, and analyzed using interpretive description methodology.ResultsTwo core themes emerged from the analysis of data: (i) neglected care, with three subthemes of “support but also independence,” “unsupportive environment” and “responsibility of the family;” and (ii) a humanitarian ethic, with two subthemes of “respect and dignity” and “humanitarian care.”ConclusionsAs an integral part of holistic care, elderly patient nutrition should be emphasised in health professional education, and promoted through managerial support, multidisciplinary collaborations, and implementation of appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 374–379.
Electrical Resistivity Imaging of Seawater Intrusion into the Monterey Bay Aquifer System
Authors: Pidlisecky A. , Moran T. , Hansen B. , Knight R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe use electrical resistivity tomography to obtain a 6.8‐km electrical resistivity image to a depth of approximately 150 m.b.s.l. along the coast of Monterey Bay. The resulting image is used to determine the subsurface distribution of saltwater‐ and freshwater‐saturated sediments and the geologic controls on fluid distributions in the region. Data acquisition took place over two field seasons in 2011 and 2012. To maximize our ability to image both vertical and horizontal variations in the subsurface, a combination of dipole–dipole, Wenner, Wenner‐gamma, and gradient measurements were made, resulting in a large final dataset of approximately 139,000 data points. The resulting resistivity section extends to a depth of 150 m.b.s.l., and is used, in conjunction with the gamma logs from four coastal monitoring wells to identify four dominant lithologic units. From these data, we are able to infer the existence of a contiguous clay layer in the southern portion of our transect, which prevents downward migration of the saltwater observed in the upper 25 m of the subsurface to the underlying freshwater aquifer. The saltwater and brackish water in the northern portion of the transect introduce the potential for seawater intrusion into the hydraulically connected freshwater aquifer to the south, not just from the ocean, but also laterally from north to south.
Paradoxes of sustainable food and consumer coping strategies: a comparative study in France and Italy
Authors: Moruzzi Romina , Sirieix Lucie 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article aims to study consumer behaviour towards the paradoxes of Sustainable Food (SF). Consumers may perceive various paradoxes today affecting the sustainable marketing offer, e.g. the concept of the sustainable product, its environment and actors offering these products. Consequently, they cope with these perceptions through different strategies. By adapting Mick and Fournier's (1998) model to SF we investigate two main classes of coping mechanism: avoidance strategies and problem‐solving strategies. In order to understand what consumers perceive and how they act in everyday life, we conducted semistructured interviews in two specific countries (France and Italy) using two different consumer profiles: 84 non‐engaged individuals and 18 consumers who had already engaged in networks supporting local food purchases, such as members of the Association for the Preservation of Local Farming (AMAP) in France and the Solidarity Purchasing Groups (GAS) in Italy. Findings show different combinations of paradoxes and strategies between non‐engaged French and Italian consumers. Their discourses highlight the influence of the context and cultural conditions of each country, whereas participants in AMAP and GAS seem to be similar when they evoke paradoxes and the way they act on the basis of a common culture. In conclusion, the article presents contributions to the conceptual framework, the model adaptation and discusses barriers to Sustainable Consumption (SC) in France and Italy.