bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A programme based on repeated hypoxia–hyperoxia exposure and light exercise enhances performance in athletes with overtraining syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Susta Davide , Dudnik Elena , Glazachev Oleg S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryOvertraining syndrome (OTS) is a major concern among endurance athletes and is a leading cause in preventing them to perform for long periods. Intermittent exposure to hypoxia has been shown to be an effective way of improving performance without exercising. Aim of this pilot study was to evaluate intermittent hypoxia–hyperoxia training combined with light exercise as an intervention to facilitate athletes with OTS to restore their usual performance level. Thirty‐four track and field athletes were recruited: 15 athletes with OTS volunteered to participate and undertook a conditioning programme consisting of repeated exposures to hypoxia (O2 at 10%) and hyperoxia (O2 at 30%) (6–8 cycles, total time 45 min–1 h), three times a week, delivered 1·5–2 h after a low‐intensity exercise session (2 bouts of 30 min, running at 50% of VO2max with 10 min rest between bouts) over 4 weeks. Nineteen healthy track and field athletes volunteered to participate as a control group and followed their usual training schedule. Measurements before and after the intervention included exercise capacity, analysis of heart rate variability and hematological parameters. In athletes with OTS, a 4‐week light exercise combined with intermittent hypoxia–hyperoxia training improved exercise performance (191·9 ± 26·9 W versus 170·8 ± 44·8 W in exercise capacity test, P = 0·01). Heart rate variability analysis revealed an improved sympatho‐parasympathetic index (low frequency/high frequency ratio, 8·01 ± 7·51 before and 1·45 ± 1·71 after, P = 0·007). Hematological parameters were unchanged. Our pilot study showed that intermittent hypoxia–hyperoxia training and low‐intensity exercise can facilitate functional recovery among athletes with OTS in a relatively short time.
Postexercise heart rate variability following treadmill and cycle exercise: a comparison study
Authors: Esco Michael R. , Flatt Andrew A. , Williford Henry N. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to compare postexercise heart rate variability (HRV) immediately following acute bouts of treadmill (T) and cycle (C) exercise at 65% of mode‐specific maximal oxygen consumption reserve (65% VO2R). Fourteen apparently healthy men participated in this study. On two separate and randomized days, each participant performed 30 min of exercise at 65% VO2R on T and C. Supine HRV was evaluated as normalized and log‐transformed (ln) high‐frequency (HF) and low‐frequency (LF) spectral power, as well as the LF:HF ratio in 5‐min segments immediately before (PRE) and at 10–15 min (POST1) and 25–30 min (POST2) following each exercise bout. There were no significant differences in the HRV values at PRE between the modalities. Following each exercise bout, lnHF was significantly lower at POST2 following C compared to T. In addition, lnLF and LF:HF were significantly higher at POST1 and POST2 following C compared to T. All HRV metrics returned towards baseline 30 min following T but remained significantly different than PRE values after C. These results suggest that following exercise at 65% of mode‐specific VO2R, C is associated with a greater delay of postexercise HRV recovery than T in apparently healthy men.
Promoting health and reducing costs: a role for reform of self‐monitoring of blood glucose provision within the National Health Service
Authors: Leigh S. , Idris I. , Collins B. , Granby P. , Noble M. , Parker M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo determine the cost‐effectiveness of all options for the self‐monitoring of blood glucose funded by the National Health Service, providing guidance for disinvestment and testing the hypothesis that advanced meter features may justify higher prices.MethodsUsing data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre concerning all 8 340 700 self‐monitoring of blood glucose‐related prescriptions during 2013/2014, we conducted a cost‐minimization analysis, considering both strip and lancet costs, including all clinically equivalent technologies for self‐monitoring of blood glucose, as determined by the ability to meet ISO‐15197:2013 guidelines for meter accuracy.ResultsA total of 56 glucose monitor, test strip and lancet combinations were identified, of which 38 met the required accuracy standards. Of these, the mean (range) net ingredient costs for test strips and lancets were £0.27 (£0.14–£0.32) and £0.04 (£0.02–£0.05), respectively, resulting in a weighted average of £0.28 (£0.18–£0.37) per test. Systems providing four or more advanced features were priced equal to those providing just one feature. A total of £12 m was invested in providing 42 million self‐monitoring of blood glucose tests with systems that fail to meet acceptable accuracy standards, and efficiency savings of £23.2 m per annum are achievable if the National Health Service were to disinvest from technologies providing lesser functionality than available alternatives, but at a much higher price.ConclusionThe study uncovered considerable variation in the price paid by the National Health Service for self‐monitoring of blood glucose, which could not be explained by the availability of advanced meter features. A standardized approach to self‐monitoring of blood glucose prescribing could achieve significant efficiency savings for the National Health Service, whilst increasing overall utilisation and improving safety for those currently using systems that fail to meet acceptable standards for measurement accuracy.
Impacts of trails on plants, soil and their interactions in the subalpine meadows of Mount Jade Dragon, Northwestern Yunnan of China
Authors: Huang Xiaoxia , Sheng Zhilu , Zhang Yong , Ding Jiao , He Kejian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTrails are a type of tourism infrastructure that impact vegetation and soil, which are essential for sustainable recreation practices. There is limited recreation ecology research on the impact of trails in China, especially on Mount Jade Dragon, where it is characterized as a global biodiversity hotspot with high scenic value. Impacts of trails on vegetation, soil and their interaction were assessed for the subalpine meadow area of Mount Jade Dragon. The aims of this research were: (i) to assess trail effects on vegetation, soil and their interaction, and (ii) to evaluate the effects of the trail type and usage level on trail impacts. Vegetation and soil properties were measured at control and trailside sites along formal and informal trails of different usage levels. A three‐way analysis of variance was performed to determine the effects of site location, trail type and usage level. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to visualize species composition along trails and to ordinate species with respect to the soil variables. A multiple linear regression model was used to examine relationships between soil variables and vegetation cover. The results showed that trails led to vegetation cover, height and species richness reduction as well as soil organic matter and moisture content loss. Trails also affected soil‐vegetation relationships. Soil organic matter and soil moisture content played an important role in determining vegetation along trails at low‐usage sites. The soil‐vegetation relationships were weakened at high‐usage sites. Compared with informal trails, formal trails had a protective effect on vegetation cover, especially at high‐usage sites. These results suggest that park managers should limit the spread of informal trails at high‐usage sites, upgrade existing informal trails, and rehabilitate damaged areas. Further, greater recognition should be given to research on soil protection and soil‐vegetation relationships.
Comparative analyses of ion release, pH and multispecies biofilm formation between conventional and bioactive gutta‐percha
Authors: Carvalho C. N. , Wang Z. , Shen Y. , Gavini G. , Martinelli J. R. , Manso A. , Haapasalo M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo analyse the effect of commercial and experimental gutta‐percha with the addition of niobium phosphate glass on biofilm formation by oral bacteria from human dental plaque. Additional pH and elemental release of the materials were analysed.MethodologyThe multispecies biofilm was grown anaerobically from plaque bacteria on standardized discs of each material: hydroxyapatite (HA), gutta‐percha pellets (OBT) (Obtura pellets, Shoreline, CT, USA), ProTaper gutta‐percha (PTP) (ProTaper Universal Gutta‐Percha Points, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), EndoSequence BC gutta‐percha (GBC) (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA), experimental gutta‐percha associated with niobium phosphate glass (GNB) and niobium phosphate glass (NPG). Specimens (n = 5 per group and per incubation period) were incubated in brain–heart infusion broth for 3, 14 and 30 days, at 37 °C, and stained using live/dead viability assay. Images were analysed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and the total biovolume (mm3), viable bacteria biovolume (mm3), and live percentage (%) were quantified. For pH measurement, specimens of each material (n = 3) were immersed in phosphate‐buffered saline at 37 °C, and pH was monitored in multiple intervals, up to 30 days. For elemental analysis, additional specimens (n = 3) were immersed in deionized water and elemental release was analysed by ICP‐OES (inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry) at time intervals of 3, 14 and 30 days. Differences between groups were evaluated by the two‐way analysis of variation (anova) with Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.05).ResultsThe lowest total biovolume at 30 days was found in GNB, GBC and NPG. GNB had the lowest viable bacteria biovolume (mean value) at 30 days (P < 0.05), and the lowest live percentage of bacteria at 3 and 30 days (P < 0.05), whilst NPG had the lowest live percentage at 14 days (P < 0.05). GNB had the highest pH (8.45) after 30 days (P < 0.05), and the greatest Zn and Na release at all time intervals (P < 0.05). Both GBC and GNB had significantly higher Ca release at 14 and 30 days.ConclusionGNB and GBC reduced biofilm formation, GNB had the lowest amount of viable bacteria in biofilms with the highest pH, and high Zn and Na release values after 30 days.
Effect of sprouting on physicochemical, antioxidant and flavonoid profile of onion varieties
Authors: Majid Ishrat , Dhatt Ajmer Singh , Sharma Savita , Nayik Gulzar Ahmad , Nanda Vikas 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis study investigated the impact of sprouting in four Indian onion varieties (Punjab White, Punjab Naroya, PRO‐6 and Commercial). Results showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in protein, crude fibre, ascorbic acid content, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content and significant (P < 0.05) decrease in total carbohydrate, energy value and hardness due to sprouting in all the four varieties. HPLC analysis revealed irregular pattern of increase and decrease in flavonoid components. There was no particular trend observed within analysed flavonols due to sprouting in all the four varieties except with the maximum increase in quercetin (219.3–287.4 mg kg−1), kaempferol (13.8–17 mg kg−1), myricetin (34.6–40.9 mg kg−1), quercetin‐3ꞌ‐glucoside (2.9–4.1 mg kg−1) and quercetin‐4ꞌ‐glucoside (83–87.1 mg kg−1) in case of PRO‐6 variety only. The present research work implied sprouting to be beneficial in onion as nutritional and functional potential of all the four onion varieties was improved by sprouting.
Antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory potential of phenolics from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves induced by jasmonic, arachidonic and β‐aminobutyric acid elicitation
Authors: Złotek Urszula , Szymanowska Urszula , Karaś Monika , Świeca Michał 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe study presents changes in the phenolic levels, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of purple basil leaves caused by different chemical elicitors: arachidonic acid (AA), jasmonic acid (JA) and β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA). The application of the all tested elicitors increased the concentration of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids; especially, in comparison with control (457.62 μg g−1 FW), the rosmarinic acid level significantly increased after AA and JA treatment ‐ 705.0 and 596.5 μg g−1 FW, respectively. Phenolics from AA‐elicited plants showed the highest anti‐inflammatory activities designated as lipoxygenase (EC50 = 1.67 mg FW mL−1) and cyclooxygenase inhibition (EC50 = 0.31 mg FW mL−1). Elicitors' treatments (especially AA and JA) may be a very useful biochemical tool for improving the production of phenolic compounds in purple basil leaves.
Study of the impact of a new hurdle technology composed of electro‐activated solution and low heat treatment on the canned pea and corn quality and microbial safety
Authors: Liato Viacheslav , Labrie Steve , Benali Marzouk , Aïder Mohammed 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of sterilised canned pea and corn in electro‐activated brine solutions at moderate temperatures. The lowest change in vitamin C was associated with the lowest heat treatment, while the short treatment time resulted in significant changes in texture and colour of vegetables. Best texture profile was obtained with the acid electro‐activated brine solution for pea and corn. The neutral electro‐activated brine solution resulted in a less firm texture for pea and corn. The green colour and brightness of canned pea were higher when neutral solution was used (a* = −8.4 ± 0.3) than for the acidic one (a* = −3.7 ± 0.6). The yellowness of corn was better with the neutral electro‐activated brine solution (b* = 36.32 ± 1.24) than with the acidic one (b* = 28.44 ± 2.39). Thirty‐three percent decrease of energy consumption was obtained using the electro‐activation technology.
Interaction of β‐casein with (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate assayed by fluorescence quenching: effect of thermal processing temperature
Authors: He Zhiyong , Chen Jie , Moser Sydney E. , Jones Owen G. , Ferruzzi Mario G. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe interactions between the flavan‐3‐ol (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and bovine β‐casein in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) of pH 6.5 subjected to thermal processing at various temperatures (25–100 °C) were investigated using fluorescence quenching. The results indicated that different temperatures had different effects on the structural changes and EGCG‐binding ability of β‐casein. At temperatures below 60 °C, the β‐casein–EGCG interaction changed little (P > 0.05) with increasing temperature. At temperatures above 80 °C, native assemblies of β‐casein in solution dissociated into individual β‐casein molecules and unfolded, as demonstrated by a red shift of the maximum fluorescence emission wavelength (λmax) of up to 8.8 nm. The highest quenching constant (Kq) and the number of binding sites (n) were 0.92 (±0.01) × 1013 m−1 s−1 and 0.73 (±0.02) (100 °C), respectively. These results provide insight into the potential of interactions between β‐casein–EGCG that may modulate bioactivity or bioavailability to be altered during thermal process.
Price and Earnings Momentum, Transaction Costs, and an Innovative Practitioner Technique
Authors: Tajaddini Reza , Crack Timothy Falcon , Roberts Helen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe use an innovative practitioner technique to investigate the interplay between the ex post performance of momentum strategies and transaction costs, rebalancing frequency, turnover constraints, and fund size. We have three interrelated main results: first, the level of and correlation between active returns to price momentum and earnings momentum strategies vary dramatically with these factors; second, strategies that are fearful of ex ante transaction costs generate returns net of transaction costs that are far superior to the net returns of naive strategies; and third, obtaining better traction with the unique elements of each strategy yields a more profitable combined strategy.
Matrixx v. Siracusano and Student v. Fisher
Authors: Ziliak Stephen T. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
“Matrixx's argument rests on the premise that statistical significance is the only reliable indication of causation. This premise is flawed.” So ruled the US Supreme Court this year in a judgment of huge significance. As a drug company learns that it must disclose even statistically insignificant side effects, Stephen T. Ziliak congratulates the judges, and two giants of statistics fight on from their graves.
Cells on biomaterials – some aspects of elemental analysis by means of electron probes
Authors: TYLKO G. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryElectron probe X‐ray microanalysis enables concomitant observation of specimens and analysis of their elemental composition. The method is attractive for engineers developing tissue‐compatible biomaterials. Either changes in element composition of cells or biomaterial can be defined according to well‐established preparation and quantification procedures. However, the qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis appears more complicated when cells or thin tissue sections are deposited on biomaterials. X‐ray spectra generated at the cell/tissue–biomaterial interface are modelled using a Monte Carlo simulation of a cell deposited on borosilicate glass. Enhanced electron backscattering from borosilicate glass was noted until the thickness of the biological layer deposited on the substrate reached 1.25 μm. It resulted in significant increase in X‐ray intensities typical for the elements present in the cellular part. In this case, the mean atomic number value of the biomaterial determines the strength of this effect. When elements are present in the cells only, the positive linear relationship appears between X‐ray intensities and cell thickness. Then, spatial dimensions of X‐ray emission for the particular elements are exclusively in the range of the biological part and the intensities of X‐rays become constant. When the elements are present in both the cell and the biomaterial, X‐ray intensities are registered for the biological part and the substrate simultaneously leading to a negative linear relationship of X‐ray intensities in the function of cell thickness. In the case of the analysis of an element typical for the biomaterial, strong decrease in X‐ray emission is observed in the function of cell thickness as the effect of X‐ray absorption and the limited excitation range to biological part rather than to the substrate. Correction procedures for calculations of element concentrations in thin films and coatings deposited on substrates are well established in materials science, but little is known about factors that have to be taken into account to accurately quantify bioelements in thin and semi‐thick biological samples. Thus thorough tests of currently available quantification procedures are required to verify their applicability to cells or tissues deposited on the biomaterials.
Differential roles of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor‐containing neurons of the nucleus accumbens shell in behavioral sensitization
Authors: Kai Nobuyuki , Nishizawa Kayo , Tsutsui Yuji , Ueda Shuichi , Kobayashi Kazuto 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe nucleus accumbens (Nac) mediates the reinforcing and motor stimulating properties of psychostimulants. It receives dopaminergic afferents from the ventral midbrain and is divided into two distinct subregions: shell and core. Each of these contains two subtypes of medium spiny neurons, which express either dopamine D1 (D1R) or D2 (D2R) receptors. However, functional dissociation between the two subtypes in psychostimulant response remains to be elucidated. We performed selective ablation of each subtype in the Nac shell in mice, using immunotoxin‐mediated cell targeting, and examined the behavioral sensitization evoked by repeated administration of methamphetamine. The D1R cell‐ablated mice exhibited delayed induction of sensitized locomotion compared to control mice, whereas the D2R cell‐ablated mice showed a mildly enhanced rate of induction of sensitization. In vivo microdialysis revealed a marked blockade of the increase in extracellular dopamine in the Nac of the D1R cell‐ablated animals in response to methamphetamine, indicating that the observed delay in behavioral sensitization in these mice involves an impairment in accumbal dopamine release. Our results reveal differential roles of D1R‐ and D2R‐containing accumbal shell neurons in the development of behavioral sensitization to psychostimulants.image
Behavioral sensitization, enhanced motility by repetitive psychostimulant administration, is a model of drug addiction. Here, we show that the nucleus accumbens (Nac) shell neurons containing dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) or D2 receptor (D2R) play distinct roles in behavioral sensitization triggered by methamphetamine, and that D1R‐containing neurons enhance the induction of behavioral sensitization at the early phase, whereas D2R‐contianing neurons act to suppress the rate of development of the behavior.
Bullying and Its Prevention Among Intensive Care Nurses
Authors: Ganz Freda DeKeyser , Levy Hadassa , Khalaila Rabia , Arad Dana , Bennaroch Kochav , Kolpak Orly , Drori Yardena , Benbinishty Julie , Raanan Ofra 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeInternational studies report that nurse bullying is a common occurrence. The intensive care unit (ICU) is known for its high stress levels, one factor thought to increase bullying. No studies were found that investigated bullying in this population. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of ICU nurse bullying and what measures were taken to prevent bullying.DesignThis was a descriptive study of a convenience sample of 156 ICU nurses from five medical centers in Israel. Data collection was conducted over a 10‐month period in 2012 and 2013.MethodsAfter ethical approval, three questionnaires (background characteristics, Negative Acts Questionnaire‐Revised, and Prevention of Bullying Questionnaire) were administered according to unit preference. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all responses and a Pearson product moment correlation was calculated to determine the relationship between bullying and its prevention.FindingsMost of the nurses in the study were married, female staff nurses with a baccalaureate in nursing. No participant responded that they had been bullied daily, but 29% reported that they were a victim of bullying. The mean bullying score was 1.6 ± 1.4 out of 5. The mean prevention score was 2.4 ± 0.3 out of 4. Significant differences were found between hospitals on bullying, F (4,155) = 2.7, p = .039, and between hospitals, F (4,155) = 2.9, p = .026, and units, F (5,143) = 3.4, p = .006, on prevention. The Prevention Scale significantly correlated with the bullying scale (r = .58, p < .001). No other variables were found to be associated with either bullying or prevention scores.ConclusionsAn alarming percentage of nurses were victims of bullying. Levels of bullying were low to moderate. Level of prevention was weak or moderate. The higher the level of bullying, the lower the level of prevention. The work environment as opposed to individual characteristics seems to have an impact on bullying and its prevention.Clinical RelevanceMore measures must be taken to prevent bullying. Nurses must be educated to accept only a zero tolerance to bullying and to report bullying when confronted by bullying.