bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climatic and biotic extreme events moderate long‐term responses of above‐ and belowground sub‐Arctic heathland communities to climate change
Authors: Bokhorst Stef , Phoenix Gareth K. , Berg Matty P. , Callaghan Terry V. , Kirby‐Lambert Christopher , Bjerke Jarle W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractClimate change impacts are not uniform across the Arctic region because interacting factors causes large variations in local ecosystem change. Extreme climatic events and population cycles of herbivores occur simultaneously against a background of gradual climate warming trends and can redirect ecosystem change along routes that are difficult to predict. Here, we present the results from sub‐Arctic heath vegetation and its belowground micro‐arthropod community in response to the two main drivers of vegetation damage in this region: extreme winter warming events and subsequent outbreaks of the defoliating autumnal moth caterpillar (Epirrita autumnata). Evergreen dwarf shrub biomass decreased (30%) following extreme winter warming events and again by moth caterpillar grazing. Deciduous shrubs that were previously exposed to an extreme winter warming event were not affected by the moth caterpillar grazing, while those that were not exposed to warming events (control plots) showed reduced (23%) biomass from grazing. Cryptogam cover increased irrespective of grazing or winter warming events. Micro‐arthropods declined (46%) following winter warming but did not respond to changes in plant community. Extreme winter warming and caterpillar grazing suppressed the CO2 fluxes of the ecosystem. Evergreen dwarf shrubs are disadvantaged in a future sub‐Arctic with more stochastic climatic and biotic events. Given that summer warming may further benefit deciduous over evergreen shrubs, event and trend climate change may both act against evergreen shrubs and the ecosystem functions they provide. This is of particular concern given that Arctic heath vegetation is typically dominated by evergreen shrubs. Other components of the vegetation showed variable responses to abiotic and biotic events, and their interaction indicates that sub‐Arctic vegetation response to multiple pressures is not easy to predict from single‐factor responses. Therefore, while biotic and climatic events may have clear impacts, more work is needed to understand their net effect on Arctic ecosystems.
Knowledge of predator–prey interactions improves predictions of immigration and extinction in island biogeography
Authors: Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Stouffer Daniel B. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimMacArthur and Wilson's original formulation of the theory of island biogeography (TIB) included the corollary hypothesis that species richness might affect immigration and extinction rates. Building on this, other researchers have suggested additional top‐down and bottom‐up effects. We compare these hypotheses to identify the strongest candidates for inclusion in a ‘trophic TIB’.LocationSix mangrove islands in the Florida Keys, USAMethodsWe studied a classic island biogeography time series featuring lists of species observed on six mangrove islands during roughly 16 censuses each across 700 days. We first used this time series to determine the number of opportunities for species to immigrate to an island for the first time (n = 18,420), to go locally extinct (n = 1943) or to re‐immigrate to an island after having previously gone extinct (n = 1813). We then leveraged information on the predators and prey of those species to estimate the potential for top‐down and bottom‐up interactions during each census period. Finally, we constructed statistical models to test for species richness, top‐down, and bottom‐up effects on per‐species immigration and extinction probabilities and validated them by comparing each model with a similar model based on the classic TIB.ResultsWe found that models including bottom‐up effects gave the greatest improvement over the classic TIB models. Extinction probability in particular decreased sharply for species with both basal resources and animal prey available. Species richness and top‐down effects had far weaker impacts on per‐species probabilities of immigration and extinction.Main conclusionsOur findings suggest that incorporating information on the trophic structure of island communities – particularly the species‐specific availability of resources – can substantially alter predictions of extinction probabilities. Immigration probability, on the contrary, appeared largely stochastic. Incorporating trophic information into predictions of extinction rates therefore represents the most promising and best‐supported way to extend the TIB.
Open synovectomy of the ankle joint in young haemophiliacs: mid‐term to long‐ term results of a single‐centre series of 32 procedures
Authors: Mingo‐Robinet J. , Odent T. , Elie C. , Torchet M.‐F. , Glorion C. , Padovani J.‐P. , Rothschild C. 
Published: June 2015

IntroductionIn haemophiliacs, recurrent hemarthrosis and chronic synovitis lead to chronic arthropathy. Synovectomy is indicated when medical treatment fails. Few studies report the results of open synovectomy of the ankle in haemophiliacs with a small number of procedures and also a limited follow‐up.AimThe aim of this paper is to report the long‐term results of open surgical synovectomy of the tibio‐talar joint.MethodsThirty‐two open synovectomies were performed in 21 young haemophiliacs in the same haemophilia center using an antero‐lateral and postero‐medial approaches. The median follow‐up was 15.4 years. Clinical (Petrini scores) and radiological evaluations (Pettersson scores) were made preoperatively and at each multidisciplinary follow‐up visit. Wilcoxon and Spearman's tests were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsPreoperative median Petrini score was 6 (range 3–12), and improved at 2 and 5 years follow‐up (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.0001 respectively). At 10 and 15 years follow‐ups, median score remained below preoperative score (median 3.5, range 0–11). Ten ankles had a follow‐up of more than 20 years. Preoperative median Petterson score presented a slight but continuous worsening in the first 2 and 5 years of follow‐ups (P = 0.02, P = 0.003), but not correlation between clinical and radiological results was observed.ConclusionOur long‐term results support that clinical scores are improved even if radiological scores progress. Open synovectomy retards the progression of the arthropathy, but not stops it. Bleeding and pain are controlled and even if recurrence of bleedings is frequent, it is less severe, less painful and requiring less factors replacement.
Differential inflammatory response of dental pulp explants and fibroblasts to saliva
Authors: Cvikl B. , Lussi A. , Moritz A. , Sawada K. , Gruber R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the inflammatory response of dental pulp fibroblasts and the respective explants to whole saliva.MethodologyExplants from human and porcine dental pulp tissue and isolated dental pulp fibroblasts were used to investigate the inflammatory response to sterile saliva. Cytokine and chemokine expression was assessed by RT‐PCR. Western blot analysis and pharmacologic inhibitors were used to determine the involvement of signalling pathways.ResultsDental pulp explants of human and porcine origin exposed to human saliva exhibited no major changes of IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA expression (P > 0.05). In contrast, isolated porcine and human dental pulp fibroblasts, when stimulated with human saliva, exhibited a vastly increased expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA (P < 0.05). In pulp fibroblasts, saliva also increased the expression of other cytokines and chemokines via activation of NFkappaB, ERK and p38 signalling. Notably, a significantly reduced inflammatory response was elicited when pulp fibroblasts were transiently exposed to saliva.ConclusionsSaliva has a potential impact on inflammation of dental pulp fibroblasts in vitro but not when cells are embedded in the intrinsic extracellular matrix of the explant tissue.
Longitudinal evaluation of 100% fruit juice consumption on BMI status in 2–5‐year‐old children
Authors: Shefferly A. , Scharf R. J. , DeBoer M. D. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackgroundObesity in childhood is related to multiple lifestyle factors. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between consumption of 100% fruit juice and weight status over time among pre‐school children.MethodsWe used linear and logistic multivariable regression to evaluate body mass index (BMI) z‐score and overweight/obese status as a function of 100% fruit juice intake for 8950 children examined at ages 2, 4 and 5 years as part of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort, a representative sample of the United States.ResultsCross‐sectional analysis at ages 4 and 5 years showed no difference in the prevalence of overweight and obesity between consistent juice drinkers and inconsistent/non‐drinkers. Longitudinal analysis found that children who drank 100% juice consistently at age 2 years had greater increases in BMI z‐score by age 4 years than infrequent/non‐drinkers (P < 0.0001), a difference driven by lesser increases in height z‐score (P = 0.0003) and slightly greater increases in weight z‐score (P = 0.0550) among consistent juice drinkers over the 2 to 4 year time period. Additionally, consistent juice drinkers at age 2 had higher odds of becoming overweight by age 4 (adjusted odds ratio 1.30; CI 1.06–1.60). These differences in growth parameters were not noted between ages 4 and 5 years.ConclusionsDrinking 100% fruit juice regularly at age 2 is associated with higher odds of becoming overweight between 2 and 4 years. Paediatricians and parents can discourage excessive fruit juice consumption as part of a larger effort to avoid unhealthy gain in BMI in young children.
The web‐based accumulated rainfall amount monitoring system by X‐band MP radar
Authors: Nishio M. , Mori M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFlood damage due to heavy rain is quite severe in Japan during the annual typhoon season, which causes death and serious destruction every year. Moreover, serious damage (flood damage and landslide disaster, etc.) by localised torrential rains and local heavy rains has increased in Japan in recent years. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan started the operation of an X‐band Multi‐Parameter (MP) radar system in February 2012, at 23 observation stations in Japan. Rainfall observations by the X‐band MP radar system are more detailed than by the past C‐band radar. However, now, applications of X‐band MP radar data are mostly only for displaying 1‐min rainfall images. The Japan Meteorological Agency is providing a standard of the rain situation (strength of rain), which shows hazard levels of the rainfall amount in 1 h. Those hazard levels of the accumulated rainfall amount are quite important to estimate disaster events. Thus, in the present study, an accumulated rainfall amount monitoring system is developed. The accumulated rainfall amount can be clearly shown on a PC monitor or a mobile terminal monitor. It takes up to 5 min to show the results on the web site after having observed rainfall in 1 h. It was shown that this is an effective system for local governments, etc. to monitor rainfall amount information, and to give flood warnings and evacuation orders to residents in the vicinity.
Association of claudin2 and PRSS1‐PRSS2 polymorphisms with idiopathic recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis: A case–control study from India
Authors: Avanthi Steffie Urmila , Ravi Kanth Vishnubhotla Venkata , Agarwal Jaya , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Gangineni Karthik , Rao Guduru Venkat , Reddy Duvurr Nageshwar , Talukdar Rupjyoti 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundGene polymorphisms, including those recently described in the claudin2 gene, have been implicated in recurrent acute (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). In India, RAP and CP have been associated with SPINK1 polymorphism. In this study, we evaluated the association of claudin2 and PRSS1‐PRSS2 polymorphisms with idiopathic RAP and CP.MethodsWe included 101 prospectively followed patients with documented idiopathic RAP (IRAP) and 96 patients who presented with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) without previous history of AP. Controls were 156 unrelated individuals undergoing master health check or with non‐specific symptoms. All the samples were genotyped for the SNPs rs7057398 in the claudin2 (CLDN2) gene and rs10273639 in the PRSS1 gene on Realtime polymerase chain reaction platform. Clinical data pertaining to patient and disease characteristics were recorded.ResultsClaudin2 and PRSS1 polymorphisms were seen in a significantly higher proportion of female patients (P = 0.01 and 0.039, respectively). Thirty‐three (32.7%) patients with IRAP developed features of early CP during follow‐up (mean [95% confidence interval, CI] duration of 11.3 [8.9–13.7] months). Female patients with claudin2 (rs7057398) CC genotype were at significantly higher risk for IRAP (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] 6.75 [1.82–23.67]; P = 0.004) and progression from IRAP to CP (OR [95% CI] 7.05 [1.51–33.01]; P = 0.007). CT genotype of PRSS1 (rs10273639) was associated IRAP (OR [95% CI] 2.59 [1.1–6.13]; P = 0.030), and both CT and CC genotypes with ICP in women (OR [95% CI] 2.86 [1.12–7.31]; P = 0.033 and 3.73 [1.03–13.59]; P = 0.048, respectively).ConclusionIn this study, we have demonstrated the association of claudin2 (rs7057398) polymorphism with IRAP and progression of IRAP to CP, and PRSS1 (rs10273639) polymorphism with IRAP and ICP.
Development of a comprehensive clinical performance assessment system for nursing students: A programmatic approach
Authors: Imanipour Masoomeh , Jalili Mohammad 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimEvaluation of achievement of learning objectives needs an accurate assessment program. Hence, nursing educators should move away from the use of individual assessment methods to apply a programmatic approach. The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive assessment system for nursing students in their critical care rotation based on a programmatic approach.MethodsThe population of this study was nursing students in their critical care course. The learning objectives of the course were determined using an expert panel and classified into three categories. Suitable assessment methods were identified for each category according to the consensus of experts. Then, the assessment tools were designed and the content validity was established using content validity ratio (CVR) and index (CVI). The reliability was determined by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The satisfaction of the participants was investigated using a questionnaire.ResultsAccording to the findings, all items of the assessment system had a high CVR (P < 0.05) and CVI ranged 0.93–0.97. The alpha coefficient of the whole system was more than 0.90 and for subsystems ranged 0.72–0.96. The findings showed that 87.5% of the instructors and 89.47% of students believed that the new assessment system had a positive impact on learning. In addition, the majority of them were satisfied with the new assessment system.ConclusionA programmatic approach should be used for effective evaluation of clinical performance of nursing students in critical care settings because of high validity and reliability, multidimensionality, positive educational impact, and acceptability.
Mutational analysis of Greek patients with suspected hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP): a 15‐year experience
Authors: Karadima Georgia , Koutsis Georgios , Raftopoulou Maria , Karletidi Karolina‐Maria , Zambelis Thomas , Karandreas Nikolaos , Panas Marios 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThere has been limited information from population studies regarding the overall frequency of the common 1.5‐Mb 17p11.2 deletion and even scarcer data regarding the overall frequency of PMP22 micromutations in patients with a clinical suspicion of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). We have analysed 100 consecutive Greek patients referred for HNPP genetic testing over a 15‐year period to our Neurogenetics Unit in Athens, a reference centre for all regions of Greece. All patients were screened for the 1.5‐Mb deletion and a selected subgroup of deletion‐negative patients for PMP22 micromutations. Mutation‐positive and mutation‐negative patients were compared for various clinical parameters. In total, 54 mutation‐positive patients were identified. In index cases, the deletion frequency was 47.8%, and the PMP22 micromutation frequency was 2.2%. Within mutation‐positive patients, the common deletion represented 95.7% and PMP22 micromutations 4.3% of cases. Two previously reported PMP22 micromutations (c.364_365delCC and c.79‐2A>G) were detected. HNPP index cases had a 2.8–1 male‐to‐female ratio, similar to mutation‐negative patients. A typical phenotype (recurrent or isolated palsies) was present in 82.4% of symptomatic HNPP cases, significantly higher than mutation‐negative patients. Sensitivity of proposed electrophysiological diagnostic criteria for HNPP was calculated at 95.7% and specificity at 80.5%. In conclusion, the common HNPP deletion accounts for ∼50% and PMP22 micromutations for ∼2% of cases in a large consecutive cohort of patients with suspected HNPP. The mutational and phenotypic spectrum of HNPP is similar in the Greek population compared with other populations. Proposed electrophysiological diagnostic criteria perform satisfactorily in everyday clinical practice.
Antagonistic Potential of Bacillus pumilus L1 Against Root‐Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria
Authors: Lee Yong Seong , Kim Kil Yong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis study was conducted to estimate the potential of Bacillus pumilus L1 against root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria, in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. B. pumilus L1 was found to produce both protease and chitinase. When various concentrations (1–10%) of the bacterial culture (BC) or 0.02–0.11 mg/ml of the crude enzymes produced by B. pumilus L1 were used to treat M. arenaria eggs and second‐stage juveniles (J2), inhibition of hatching and J2 mortality were significantly increased under in vitro conditions. In addition, the hatching inhibition and J2 mortality rate were improved with increasing concentrations of BC and the crude enzymes. Similarly, these effects also increased over time after treatment with BC. Moreover, the crude enzymes caused partial degradation of the eggshell and juvenile body when treated at 0.11 mg/ml. The pot experiment also demonstrated that the application of BC to potted soil caused significant reduction in the number of galls and egg masses in the plant roots and of the J2 population as compared to the untreated control 6 weeks after M. arenaria infestation. In addition, the simultaneous application of BC upon nematode inoculation proved more effective than application 2 days postinoculation with nematode. B. pumilus L1 inoculation (BC, BCs and BC2) also promoted tomato plant growth as compared to the controls (TW, Ne, GM and NeT). Thus, our results demonstrated the ability of B. pumilus L1 as a potential biocontrol agent against root‐knot nematode, with additional activity as a plant growth promoter for tomato.
Disease burden of chronic hepatitis C among immigrants in Canada
Authors: Chen W. , Krahn M. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryImmigrants with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Canada have doubled risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. To measure the burden of CHC among immigrants in Canada. A decision analytic model was developed to compare immigrants with CHC and age‐matched immigrants without CHC for survival years, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and medical costs per life year. Hepatitis C epidemiology among immigrants was based on hepatitis C prevalence in their home countries. A cohort of immigrant patients was retrospectively followed up to estimate fibrosis stage distribution, treatment patterns and prognosis of compensated cirrhosis. Other model variables were based on published sources. Base case analysis, one‐way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to measure the burden of CHC and assess the impact of uncertainty associated with model variables on the burden of CHC. CHC could reduce survival by 9.6 years [95% credible interval (CI): 8.0–10.9 years], reduce QALYs by 9.5 years (95% CI: 6.0–13.8 years) and increase medical costs per life year by $1950 (95% CI: $1518 to $2486, 2006 Canadian dollars). Because nearly half of immigrants with CHC were not diagnosed until the development of cirrhosis, the burden of CHC was highly sensitive to the risks of liver‐related complications and mortality but insensitive to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The burden of CHC among immigrants in Canada is substantial mainly due to liver‐related complications and mortality. The delay in diagnosis was another important contributor to the burden of CHC among immigrants.
Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Esophageal Strictures in 9 Horses
Authors: Prutton J.S.W. , Marks S.L. , Aleman M. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundMedical treatment of esophageal strictures in horses is limited and the use of balloon dilatation is described in few cases. Long‐term follow up after balloon dilatation and the use of intralesional corticosteroids has not been evaluated.ObjectivesTo describe the use of endoscopic guided, esophageal balloon dilatation in horses for cervical and thoracic esophageal strictures and administration of intralesional corticosteroids at the time of dilatation.AnimalsNine horses from the hospital population with benign esophageal strictures.MethodsRetrospective study: Medical records were reviewed from horses presented to the William R. Pritchard, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at UC Davis from 2002 to 2013. Records were searched using the key words: equine, horse, balloon dilatation, bougienage, and esophageal stricture.ResultsNine horses with esophageal strictures were treated with esophageal balloon dilatation. Five horses survived (survival at writing ranged from 2 to 11 years after discharge) and all nonsurvivors were <1 year of age and presented with concurrent problems or developed complications including megaesophagus, unresolved esophageal obstruction requiring esophagostomy, or severe aspiration pneumonia. Four horses were treated with intralesional corticosteroids with no adverse effects noted in the survivors (n = 3). Four horses available for long‐term follow up were alive at 2, 5, 6, and 11 years after presentation and 3 of these horses were being fed a hay‐based diet.ConclusionsResolution of esophageal strictures in the horse can be performed successfully, safely, and under standing sedation using balloon dilatation. Intralesional corticosteroids might reduce the incidence of recurrent strictures.