bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The action of allicin against Armillaria spp. in vitro
Authors: Beal E. J. , Henricot B. , Peace A. J. , Waghorn I. A. G. , Denton J. O. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe effect of allicin (a stabilized garlic extract product) at five different concentrations (0, 20, 30, 50 and 100 mg/l) was studied in vitro on the growth rate of 100 isolates of Armillaria gallica and A. mellea. Isolates were obtained from 41 host genera growing in gardens located in 39 counties in the United Kingdom. Agar plugs of the actively growing Armillaria isolates were added to the centre of malt agar plates infused with allicin, and radial mycelium growth was measured on days 7, 14 and 21. The total number of rhizomorphs and length of rhizomorphs were also measured. Relative growth rates were calculated as the growth rate relative to the controls (0 mg/ l). The relative growth of each isolate at each allicin concentration was used to estimate EC50 values for A. mellea and A. gallica populations as well as individual isolates. EC50 values for both Armillaria spp. increased over time. The mean EC50 values for A. mellea of 16.0, 26.4 and 102 mg/l (days 7, 14 and 21, respectively) were higher than those for A. gallica (8.8, 7.9 and 11.0 mg/l) and probably relate to the more aggressive nature of A. mellea. Isolates with higher EC50 values were also more likely to produce more rhizomorphs. At allicin concentrations of 20 and 30 mg/l, the production of rhizomorphs and the growth rates of A. mellea isolates were stimulated, when compared to the control treatments. From this study's findings, it appears that the field use potential of allicin is limited, due to better inhibition of the less virulent A. gallica, than the more aggressive A. mellea.
Effect of rim and web interaction on crack propagation paths in gears by means of XFEM technique
Authors: Curà F. , Mura A. , Rosso C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe objective of this work is to investigate the correlation between rim and web thickness on the crack propagation path in thin‐rimmed gears, referring to bending failures. To this aim, numerical simulations have been performed, based on the 3D extended finite element method. Results related to gear models with different web and rim thickness have been interpreted in ISO Standard environment, relating the crack path to the so called gear blank factor CR, useful in cases of mating gears consisting of rims and webs. Results show that the interaction between web and rim thickness may influence the crack propagation and the corresponding safe or catastrophic failure mode.
Blood pressure and disability‐free survival among community‐dwelling diabetic and non‐diabetic elderly patients receiving antihypertensive treatment
Authors: Higashikawa Toshihiro , Hamazaki Yuko , Iritani Osamu , Morita Takuro , Himeno Taroh , Okuno Tazuo , Yano Hiroshi , Watanabe Keisuke , Okuro Masashi , Kanda Tsugiyasu , Morimoto Shigeto 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveAlthough many large‐scale trials showed efficacies of antihypertensive treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension for reduction of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity/mortality, blood pressure (BP) targets in older hypertensive patients with diabetes still represent the object of debate. We investigated adequate BP targets with respect to the risk of incident disability or mortality in community‐dwelling elderly hypertensive patients with and without diabetes.MethodsWe analyzed 139 diabetic and 431 non‐diabetic patients receiving antihypertensive treatment aged 65 years or older. The end‐point was the composite outcome of first certification for support/care need or mortality. Relationships among each of four classes of systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP) and the risk of events were estimated using Cox hazards analysis.ResultsOver 4 years, diabetic patients showed significantly higher rates of all events including first certification for support/care need or mortality compared with the non‐diabetic subjects (29 [20.8%] and 48 [11.1%] cases, unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–3.16, P = 0.003). After adjustment for confounding variables, the risk of events was significantly higher in non‐diabetic subjects with SBP <120 mmHg (HR 3.90, 95% CI 1.32–11.5, P = 0.014) and SBP ≥160 mmHg (HR 3.42, 95% CI 1.22–9.57, P = 0.019), but only those with SBP ≥160 mmHg (HR 22.8, 95% CI 4.83–118, P < 0.001) in diabetic patients, compared with non‐diabetic control subjects with baseline SBP of 140–159 mmHg.ConclusionThese observations showed the critical importance of intensive control of SBP to <160 mmHg for disability‐free survival in elderly hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 365–373.
Understanding and reducing work‐related psychological distress in interns: a systematic review
Authors: Facey A. D. , Tallentire V. , Selzer R. M. , Rotstein L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to collate and evaluate studies investigating either the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress in postgraduate year one (PGY1) doctors or the strategies designed to reduce it. This is a systematic review conducted in May 2014. The data sources were key databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase) and manual searches of reference lists for relevant studies published in the last 15 years. This study is an empirical research designed either to elucidate the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress in PGY1 doctors, or examine the effects of an intervention designed to reduce it. Key information was extracted into an electronic data extraction form, which incorporated elements of Murphy's model of work stress factors. A total of 21 studies was included in the review; 16 studies had examined the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress, four studies had investigated strategies to reduce it, and a single study addressed both. Analysis of the findings of each individual study through the conceptual framework provided by Murphy's model revealed a discrepancy between the factors influencing work‐related psychological distress and the focus of strategies designed to reduce it. Factors such as career progression and a PGY1 doctor's role within the organisation were not addressed in the interventions identified. Significant sources of psychological distress in PGY1 doctors remain overlooked by current interventions. Strategies designed to prevent or reduce psychological distress should be broad‐based and grounded in both the literature exploring salient factors and existing theories of work‐related stress.
Electrical stimulation therapy for the treatment of pressure ulcers in individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lala Deena , Spaulding Sandi J , Burke Shauna M , Houghton Pamela E 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the effects of electrical stimulation therapy (EST) on healing pressure ulcers in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Nursing & Allied Health and Dissertation & Theses databases were searched for relevant English language articles from the date of inception to 31 January 2014. Separate searches were conducted in Google Scholar and academic journals specialised in wound care. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility. Studies were included if EST was used to treat pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI. A total of 599 articles were screened, and 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. A meta‐analysis with five studies demonstrated that EST significantly decreased the ulcer size by 1·32%/day [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·58–2·05, P < 0·001] compared to standard wound care (SWC) or sham EST. Another meta‐analysis conducted with four studies showed that EST increased the risk of wound healing by 1·55 times compared with standard wound care or sham EST (95% CI: 1·12 to 2·15, P < 0·0001). Because of the wide array of outcome measures across studies, a single meta‐analysis could not be conducted. EST appears to be an effective adjunctive therapy to accelerate and increase pressure ulcer closure in individuals with SCI.
The Apprentice: How to be Hired, not Fired
Authors: Stride Chris , Thomas Ffion 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
It is billed as the “the ultimate job interview”, but is The Apprentice a true test of business skill? Chris Stride and Ffion Thomas went in search of answers, using data from all 10 series of the show's UK edition
Is the reality TV show a true test of business skill? Chris Stride and Ffion Thomas dig into 10 series’ worth of data to find the answer
Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients Do Not Meet Traditional Cardiac Resynchronization Criteria
Authors: SCHILLER OFER , DHAM NITI , GREENE E. ANNE , HEATH DENEEN M. , ALEXANDER MARK E. , BERUL CHARLES I. 
Published: April 2015

Adult CRT Criteria for Pediatric Dilated CardiomyopathyIntroductionCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective device‐based intervention for adults with heart failure (HF) with specific indications, based on large, multicenter randomized clinical trials. The criteria for CRT in adult HF include significant symptoms, ventricular systolic dysfunction, prolonged QRS duration, and left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern on electrocardiogram (ECG). Despite having less data, CRT is also being widely utilized in children with HF. The shortage of evidence‐based CRT criteria in pediatrics prompted us to review a cohort of children with dilated cardiomyopathy and evaluate their potential eligibility for CRT using the traditional adult criteria.MethodsSingle‐center data of all pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were extracted from the heart failure registry and retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had at least 2 separate visits that included HF scoring, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram were included. Patients who were ventricular paced were excluded.ResultsData for 52 patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. The mean ejection fraction was 25% on the first clinical evaluation and 27% on the second visit. No patient and 2 patients met the adult criteria for prolonged QRS on the first and second encounters, respectively. No patients had an LBBB pattern on ECG.ConclusionsNone of the pediatric HF patients in our study met the published Class I criteria for CRT device therapy in adults. These findings suggest that extrapolation of adult HF data to pediatrics is not sufficient for CRT criteria. Specific guidelines for device implantation in children must be based on scientific investigation including pediatric clinical trials.
Determination of Quality and Spoilage of Milk by Synthesized Polypyrrole–Ag Nanocomposite Fiber at Room Temperature
Authors: Pirsa Sajad , Zandi Mohsen , Almasi Hadi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractConducting polypyrrole/silver (PPy–Ag) nanocomposite was synthesized by dip coating polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of silver nitrate as precursor and FeCl3 as oxidant on the polyester fibers at room temperature. Nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the effect of silver nanoparticles embedded into PPy on the morphology, structure and conductivity of the conducting polypyrrole. The SEM results show that the morphology of the PPy–Ag powder is of cabbage shape and porous, and PPy–Ag on the fiber surface is uniformly seeded and packed. The PPy–Ag fiber was used as a pH sensor in liquid phase for milk spoilage investigation. The PPy–Ag fiber used was a simple, low cost and reversible sensor for determination of water and milk pH from 3 to 7, so we can determine spoilage of milk by this sensor. Three same PPy–Ag sensors in different days were studied and relation standard deviation <5 was obtained.Practical ApplicationsPolypyrrole–Ag nanocomposite was chemically deposited on polyester fibers. When PPy–Ag fiber was exposed to H+, there was an increase in the current. The PPy–Ag was doped with Cl−, resulting in a conductive material suitable for application in milk pH sensors. The PPy–Ag fiber was used as a pH sensor in liquid phase for milk spoilage investigation. The sensors are easy to make, and the response was fast, reversible and reproducible. PPy–Ag fiber sensor includes detection based on the pH and current change levels. Simplicity of procedure, speed, range of detection, accuracy of results and cost of equipment are the critical factors in effectively discerning spoilage in milk that PPy–Ag fiber sensor has the most factors of milk spoilage determination.
Direct Stenting Versus Pre‐Dilation in ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: AZZALINI LORENZO , MILLÁN XAVIER , LY HUNG Q. , L'ALLIER PHILIPPE L. , JOLICOEUR E. MARC 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThis study aimed at comparing direct stenting (DS) versus stenting with pre‐dilation (SP) in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), using a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published evidence.BackgroundThere is conflicting evidence whether stenting strategy impacts clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI.MethodsWe searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL, from inception to December 2014. The primary endpoint was mortality. Secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), ST‐segment resolution, and angiographic outcomes.ResultsA total of 9,331 patients enrolled in 12 studies (3 randomized controlled trials, RCTs; 9 non‐randomized studies, NRSs) were included. DS was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.55; 95%CI: 0.33–0.94; P = 0.03) in NRSs, and overall (OR 0.56; 95%CI: 0.37–0.86; P = 0.008). Mortality was non‐significantly reduced in RCTs (OR 0.56; 95%CI: 0.26–1.23; P = 0.15). DS was also associated with lower MACE rate (OR 0.71; 95%CI 0.60–0.84; P < 0.0001) in NRSs, but not in RCTs (OR 0.99; 95%CI: 0.61–1.60; P = 0.96). ST‐segment resolution, no reflow, final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow and final TIMI myocardial perfusion or blush grade were significantly better with DS in NRSs, and non‐significantly better in RCTs.ConclusionsThe available evidence suggests that DS in STEMI might be associated with better clinical and procedural outcomes, as compared with SP. However, the fact that RCTs account for the minority of available data and that most of the available studies poorly reflect current clinical practice, as well as the existence of publication bias, preclude drawing definitive conclusions.
A Meta‐Analysis of Sex‐Related Differences in Outcomes After Primary Percutaneous Intervention for ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: CONROTTO FEDERICO , D'ASCENZO FABRIZIO , HUMPHRIES KARIN H , WEBB JOHN G , SCACCIATELLA PAOLO , GRASSO COSTANZA , D'AMICO MAURIZIO , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , GAITA FIORENZO , MARRA SEBASTIANO 
Published: April 2015

IntroductionThe increasing use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has improved clinical outcome in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, but the impact of sex on early and mid‐term outcomes remains to be defined.MethodsMedline, Cochrane Library, Biomed Central, and Google Scholar were searched for articles describing differences in baseline, periprocedural, and midterm outcomes after pPCI, by sex. The primary end point was all‐cause mortality at early and mid‐term follow‐up. Secondary endpoints included in‐hospital bleeding and stroke.ResultsSixteen studies were included. Women were older, had more frequent hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia, as well as longer ischemia time and more shock at presentation. Men were more likely to have had a previous myocardial infarction. Female sex emerged as independently associated to early mortality (OR 1.1; 95%CI, 1.02–1.18) but not to mid‐term mortality (OR, 1.01; 95%CI, 0.99–1.03). The pooled analysis showed a significantly higher risk of in hospital stroke (OR, 1.69; 95%CI, 1.11–2.56) and major bleeding (OR, 2.04; 95%CI, 1.51–2.77) in women.ConclusionsAs compared to men, women undergoing pPCI have more bleedings and strokes, and a worse early, but not mid‐term mortality. These findings may allow a better risk stratification of pPCI patients.
Inhibition of Botrytis cinerea by Epirodin: A Secondary Metabolite from New Zealand Isolates of Epicoccum nigrum
Authors: Alcock Albert , Elmer Philip , Marsden Ron , Parry Frank 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMany isolates of the saprophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum produce yellow compounds that diffuse readily into culture media. Historically, two such compounds have been identified; flavipin and epirodin both reported to have antimicrobial properties. Preliminary studies on 280 New Zealand isolates of E. nigrum confirmed that all but two produced a yellow, intensely pigmented substance in sufficient amounts to inhibit the germination of Botrytis cinerea conidia. The compound produced by the inhibitory isolates is epirodin, a polyene antibiotic. Five representative E. nigrum isolates were selected for further investigation. Two of these produced relatively large amounts of epirodin and, in a diffusible metabolite assay, reduced germination of B. cinerea conidia by up to 94%. Another isolate produced a trace amount of epirodin and had no effect on the germination of B. cinerea conidia or on germ tube morphology. The two remaining isolates produced intermediate amounts of epirodin and were only moderately inhibitory to the germination of B. cinerea conidia and to germ tube morphology. In slide dual‐culture experiments, epirodin appeared to concentrate in conidia and mycelia of B. cinerea. In acid conditions, as on dual‐culture slides of E. nigrum and B. cinerea, the yellow‐coloured epirodin underwent a hypsochromic shift, changing colour to become red. The relationship between epirodin production and the suppression of Botrytis growth and development was further investigated using necrotic kiwifruit leaf discs. The E. nigrum isolate that produced the greatest amount of epirodin almost completely inhibited the growth and development of B. cinerea on the leaf discs. In contrast, the efficacy of E. nigrum isolates which produced less epirodin ranged from 78% to just 23%. This is the first report of epirodin production by New Zealand isolates of E. nigrum, and we conclude that isolates that produce high concentrations of epirodin may have potential for plant disease control.
Oral health related quality of life: a novel metric targeted to young adults
Authors: Daneshvar Mitra , Devji Tehsina Fatemah , Davis Amy B. , White Marney A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe primary objective of the study was to develop an oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire for use among adults paralleling previously validated instruments, but addressing important age‐specific self‐perception issues in addition to physical and social impediments caused as a result of deficient oral health.MethodsAn initial item pool was generated based on adherence to the three established constructs of OHRQoL: social, psychological, and physical. Experts in the field of oral health provided feedback on this initial item pool. The revised items were administered to 553 adult participants via an online questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the final scale and subscales, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients and correlations coefficients were generated to determine the reliability and validity of the scale.ResultsThe reduced‐item questionnaire exhibited excellent psychometric properties (α = 0.902). Final subscales were assessed through factor loading scores and showed high reliability: a) social functioning (α = 0.852), b) physical functioning (α = 0.793), and c) self‐perception and anxiety (α = 0.875). Scores on the self‐perception and anxiety were the highest of the three subscales, followed by physical and social functioning. Of the exploratory items, tooth color appeared to be the most important concern.ConclusionOur OHRqOL measurement instrument tailored to young adults demonstrates initial psychometric properties of reliability and validity among a social‐network derived volunteer population.
Chemical composition, nitrogen degradability and in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins in vines harvested from four tropical sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties
Authors: Ali R. , Mlambo V. , Mangwe M. C. , Dlamini B. J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis study investigated the potential of vines from four sweet potato varieties (Tia Nong 57, Tia Nong 66, Ligwalagwala and Kenya) as alternative feed resources for ruminant livestock. The chemical composition [neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein (CP) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN)], in vitro ruminal nitrogen (N) degradability and in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins in the vines, harvested at 70 and 110 days after planting (DAP), were determined. Variety and harvesting stage did not (p > 0.05) influence CP and NDF content of the vines. Concentration of CP ranged from 104.9 to 212.2 g/kg DM, while NDF ranged from 439.4 to 529.2 g/kg DM across harvesting stages and varieties. Nitrogen degradability (ND) at 70 and 110 DAP was highest (p < 0.05) in Ligwalagwala (743.1 and 985.0 g/kg DM, respectively). Treatment of vines with tannin‐binding polyethylene glycol (PEG) increased (p < 0.05) in vitro ruminal cumulative gas production parameters (a, b and c). The in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins, as measured by increment in gas production parameters upon PEG inclusion, had a maximum value of 18.2%, suggesting low to moderate antinutritional tannin activity. Ligwalagwala vines, with highly degradable N, would be the best protein supplement to use during the dry season when ruminant animals consume low N basal diets and maintenance is an acceptable production objective. Tia Nong 66 and Kenya varieties, with less degradable N, may be more suitable for use as supplements for high‐producing animals such as dairy goats.
Use of bandage contact lenses for treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs
Authors: Grinninger P. , Verbruggen A. M. J. , Kraijer‐Huver I. M. G. , Djajadiningrat‐Laanen S. C. , Teske E. , Boevé M. H. 
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVETo determine whether polyxylon bandage contact lenses influence healing time and ocular comfort in the management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs.METHODSTwenty dogs with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects were included. All dogs were treated by debridement under topical anaesthesia at the first presentation. Ten dogs were assigned to the study group (application of a polyxylon bandage contact lens), and the remaining ten served as a control group. The healing time and ocular (dis)comfort were evaluated by assessment of the clinical findings and an owner‐based questionnaire. All dogs received the same topical and systemic medication.RESULTSHealing time for dogs in the study population was significantly shorter (mean 14±0 days) than for dogs in the control group (mean 36±17 days; P=0·005). The spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects had completely healed at the first recheck in all dogs with a polyxylon bandage contact lens. The duration of blepharospasm following debridement was significantly shorter in the study population (mean 4±4 days) than in the control group (mean 30±20 days; P=0·001).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe use of polyxylon bandage contact lenses is beneficial in the management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects.