bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravenous nicotine injection induces rapid, experience‐dependent sensitization of glutamate release in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens
Authors: Lenoir Magalie , Kiyatkin Eugene A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAlthough numerous data suggest that glutamate (GLU) is involved in mediating the neural effects of nicotine, direct data on nicotine‐induced changes in GLU release are still lacking. Here, we used high‐speed amperometry with enzyme‐based GLU and enzyme‐free GLU‐null biosensors to examine changes in extracellular GLU levels in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens shell (NAcc) induced by intravenous nicotine in a low, behaviorally active dose (30 μg/kg) in freely moving rats. Using this approach, we found that the initial nicotine injection in drug‐naive conditions induces rapid, transient, and relatively small GLU release (~ 90 nM; latency ~ 15 s, duration ~ 60 s) that is correlative in the VTA and NAcc. Following subsequent nicotine injections within the same session, this phasic GLU release was supplemented by stronger tonic increases in GLU levels (100–300 nM) that paralleled increases in drug‐induced locomotor activation. GLU responses induced by repeated nicotine injections were more phasic and stronger in the NAcc than in VTA. Therefore, GLU is phasically released within the brain's reinforcement circuit following intravenous nicotine administration. Robust enhancement of nicotine‐induced GLU responses following repeated injections suggests this change as an important mediator of sensitized behavioral and neural effects of nicotine.
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By using high‐speed amperometry with glutamate (GLU) biosensors, we show that i.v. nicotine at a low, behaviorally relevant dose induces rapid GLU release in the NAcc and VTA that is enhanced following repeated drug injections. This is the first study reporting second‐scale fluctuations in extracellular GLU levels induced by nicotine in two critical structures of the motivation‐reinforcement circuit and rapid sensitization of GLU responses coupled with locomotor sensitization.
Striving for habitual well‐being in noninvasive ventilation: a grounded theory study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Sørensen Dorthe , Frederiksen Kirsten , Groefte Thorbjoern , Lomborg Kirsten 
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectivesTo present a theoretical account of the pattern of behaviour in patients with acute respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease while undergoing noninvasive ventilation in a hospital setting.BackgroundStrong evidence supports a positive effect of noninvasive ventilation, but successful treatment remains a challenge. Little attention has been given to patient intolerance to noninvasive ventilation as a cause of treatment failure. A better understanding of the patients' patterns of behaviour during noninvasive ventilation may improve treatment success.DesignA constant comparative classic grounded theory study was performed.MethodsData collection consisted of participant observation during the treatment of 21 patients undergoing noninvasive ventilation, followed by interviews with 11 of the patients after treatment completion. Data were collected from December 2009–January 2012.ResultsA substantive theory of striving for habitual well‐being was developed. The theory included three phases: initiation, transition and determination. Each phase contained a set of subcategories to indicate the dimensions of and variations in the participants' behaviour.ConclusionsThe substantive theory revealed that the patients' behaviour was related to their breathlessness, sensation of being restrained by the mask and head gear, and the side effects of noninvasive ventilation.Relevance to clinical practiceThis inter‐relationship should be addressed in the use of noninvasive ventilation for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to achieve treatment success.
Genetic Variability of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus on Ash Leaf Rachises in Leaf Litter of Forest Stands in Poland
Authors: Kraj Wojciech , Kowalski Tadeusz 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTwo hundred and thirty cultures of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus were obtained from ascospores created in apothecia on the previous years' ash leaf rachises in the stand floor. Fruiting bodies of the pathogen were collected in four regions of Poland differing by geographical location, the altitude above sea level and climatic conditions. Isolates were identified based on the sequences of ribosomal DNA (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) and the calmodulin gene. Only the presence of H. pseudoalbidus was identified in the decaying ash stands in Poland; morphologically similar, saprotrophic species of H. albidus was absent. Intrapopulation and interpopulation genetic variability of isolates was determined based on 84 RAMS markers obtained using four primers. Genetic variability of the fungus populations, measured by the Dice coefficient of genetic similarity and the Shannon coefficient of genetic diversity, decreased along with a decrease in the location of isolate collection area above sea level. A significant dependency was shown between intrapopulation genetic variability of isolates and altitude of regions above sea level. The Mantel test excluded existence of dependence between geographical and genetic distance among populations (r = −0.038, P = 0.55). A significant correlation was found between the genetic distances of individuals within populations and locations above sea level. Based on PCA and geographical location of populations, it was shown that populations create four distinct groups. amova showed that a majority of total genetic variability (65.80%) constitutes intrapopulation variability. Variability between populations was high (28.7%), and individual regions had a smallest influence (5.5%) on the level of total variability.
Woody vegetation communities of tidal freshwater swamps in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida (US) with comparisons to similar systems in the US and South America
Authors: Duberstein Jamie A. , Conner William H. , Krauss Ken W. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the general tree communities found in tidal freshwater swamps along four large coastal rivers in the southeastern United States (US)? How do these communities compare to other tidal freshwater swamps in the US and South America?LocationsTidal floodplains of major rivers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the southeastern US: Savannah, Altamaha, Suwannee and Apalachicola Rivers.MethodsAn extensive survey of trees and shrubs was conducted to describe the communities from a range of tidal freshwater swamps. River basins studied include micro‐tidal (Gulf coast) and meso‐tidal (Atlantic coast) regimes, and study areas were located both near and distant to primary channels. A total of 128 plots (100 m2 each) were inventoried, distributed evenly over the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers along the Atlantic coast, and the Suwannee and Apalachicola Rivers along the Gulf coast. Multivariate statistics helped discern communities and the significant indicator species in each.ResultsFour general communities were characterized and named according to the strongest individual indicator species in each: Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) Community, Swamp Tupelo (Nyssa biflora) Community, Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor) Community and Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto) Community.ConclusionsDescriptions of most tidal freshwater swamps in the southeastern US fit within the communities described in this study. Because studies that make inferences between environmental drivers (e.g. salinity, hydroperiod, hurricanes) and specific community types are best applied to the same communities (but perhaps different river systems), this work provides a framework by which tidal freshwater forested wetlands can be accurately compared based on their tree communities. We suggest that, within the broad range of our inventories, the four communities described identify the primary associations that should be tracked within most tidal freshwater swamps of the US. However, we identify some river basins in the US that do not fit this construct. Diversity of major tree communities in tidal freshwater swamps outside the US is generally much lower (with the notable exception of Amazonian hardwood tidal várzea), as are basal area values.
Functional traits of cryptogams inMediterranean ecosystems are driven by water, light and substrate interactions
Authors: Giordani Paolo , Incerti Guido , Rizzi Guido , Rellini Ivano , Nimis Pier Luigi , Modenesi Paolo 
Published: September 2013

AbstractQuestionPoikilohydric organisms can survive desiccation without damage and recover soon after re‐wetting. In this work we explore the realized niches of epilithic, poikilohydric organisms, i.e. lichenized and lichenicolous fungi and bryophytes, grouped into 15 functional guilds based on growth form, reproductive strategy and photosynthetic traits. We hypothesize that inMediterranean ecosystems, the distribution of these guilds is controlled by water availability and solar radiation, together with characteristics of the substrate.LocationWesternSardinia (Italy). The area hostsMediterraneanQuercus ilexforests on basaltic substrata within an agroforestry landscape.MethodsThe presence or absence of species from each guild was recorded in 1025 small quadrats (10 × 10 cm). Four environmental variables were measured: solar radiation, microtopography (potential water run‐off), substrate roughness and number of cracks. The occurrence of each guild was related to environmental variables using non‐parametric multiplicative regression, and ecological niches of the guilds were derived from those models.ResultsThe occurrence of all functional guilds varied significantly according to the selected environmental variables. In most cases, solar radiation was the most important variable;TIwas included first in the model of two sorediate guilds, whereas four sexually reproducing functional guilds had surface relief as first variable. The growth forms were separated along a gradient of increasing solar radiation, whereas water run‐off and surface roughness mainly discriminated reproductive strategies and photobionts. Vegetatively reproducing guilds with other photobionts thanEuphyta‐like pigments were confined to the border of the ecological space, defined by gradients of environmental factors, which was largely occupied by more competitive, sexually reproducing organisms.ConclusionsFunctional traits of epilithic poikilohydric organisms were associated with ecological adaptations to the stressful environment ofMediterranean outcrops. We showed that their response in terms of probability of occurrence is coherent with quantitative gradients of solar radiation and water availability at the micro‐scale.
Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish among US children 12–60 months of age
Authors: Keim Sarah A. , Branum Amy M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to estimate intake of individual polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), identify major dietary sources of PUFAs and estimate the proportion of individuals consuming fish among US children 12–60 months of age, by age and race and ethnicity. The study employed a cross‐sectional design using US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Representative sample of US population based on selected counties. Subjects: 2496 US children aged 12–60 months. Mean daily intake of n‐6 PUFAs and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) varied by age, with children 12–24 months of age having lower average intakes (mg or g day−1) than children 49–60 months of age and the lowest n6 : n3 ratio, upon adjustment for energy intake. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake was low (20 mg day−1) compared to typical infant intake and did not change with age. Compared to non‐Hispanic white children, Mexican American children had higher DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) intake. In the previous 30 days, 53.7% of children ever consumed fish. Non‐Hispanic black children were more likely than non‐Hispanic white children to have consumed fish (64.0% vs. 53.0%). Results indicate low prevalence of fish intake and key n‐3 PUFAs, relative to n‐6 fatty acids, which suggests room for improvement in the diets of US children. More research is needed to determine how increasing dietary intakes of n‐3 PUFAs like DHA could benefit child health.
Promoting positive attitudes to breastfeeding: the development and evaluation of a theory‐based intervention with school children involving a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Giles Melanie , Millar Samantha , Armour Cherie , McClenahan Carol , Mallett John , Stewart‐Knox Barbara 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to design, implement and evaluate an intervention based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to enhance young peoples' motivations to breastfeed/support a partner to breastfeed. Six semi‐structured focus groups were first conducted with 48 13–14‐year‐olds from two schools in Northern Ireland. The salient beliefs elicited were subsequently used to design a TPB‐based questionnaire that was then administered to 2021 13–14‐year‐old pupils (852 males; 1169 females) from 36 post‐primary schools to identify the most important determinants of breastfeeding. The results were used to inform the design and implementation of an intervention package that was subsequently evaluated using a cluster randomised controlled trial involving 44 randomly selected schools across Northern Ireland. Questionnaires were administered to 18 intervention and 26 control schools at baseline and again at 1 and 6 months post‐intervention to evaluate its effectiveness. Multi‐level modelling was employed to analyse the data. The results revealed significant effects on women's intention to breastfeed, β = 0.208, t(1275) = 2.715, P = 0.007; attitudes, β = 0.223, t(1275) = 4.655, P < 0.001; moral attitudes, β = 0.231, t(1275) = 4.211, P < 0.001; subjective norm, β = 0.118, t(1275) = 2.521, P = 0.012; and knowledge, β = 0.109, d.f. (1275) = 7.843, P < 0.001. However, for men, the results revealed significant effects on only the construct of knowledge, β = 0.104, t(541) = 4.345, P < 0.001.The research has provided evidence to support the need for breastfeeding education in schools and has shown how a theoretical framework may be used to inform the design and evaluation of a health behaviour intervention.
Inadequate status of iodine nutrition among pregnant women residing in three districts of Niamey, the Niger Republic's capital
Authors: Sadou Hassimi , Seyfoulaye Amina , Malam Alma Mousbahou , Daouda Hamani 
Published: September 2013

AbstractUniversal dietary salt iodisation (UDSI) programme was implemented in Niger in 1996. However, since 2000, there has been a slowdown in progress against iodine deficiency. The aim of our study was to assess the iodine status among pregnant women in a context where national controls are not effective at ensuring universal availability of adequately iodised salt. This is mainly to assess the impact of the slowdown in the fight against iodine deficiency in this vulnerable group. The study was centred on 240 healthy pregnant women volunteers recruited in three districts primary health centres. A control group of 60 non‐pregnant, non‐lactating healthy women was also studied and compared. Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of all pregnant women was 119 μg L−1, and 61.67% had UIC below 150 μg L−1. Median UIC for the first, second and third trimester were 144, 108 and 92 μg L−1, respectively. The percentage of pregnant women with UIC below 150 μg L−1 increased from 52% in the first trimester to 66% in the third trimester. The median UIC of the control group was 166 μg L−1, and 28.33% had UIC below 100 μg L−1. No significant relationship was found between nutritional iodine status and provenance, age and parity. However, significant relationship was found between iodine status and stage of pregnancy, gestational age and educational level (P < 0.05). Iodine nutrition status thus observed was inadequate in 61.67% of all the pregnant women. It is therefore urgent to revitalise implementation of the UDSI programme, and in the short term to consider iodine supplementation for pregnant women.
Dietary competition between the alien Asian Musk Shrew (Suncus murinus) and a re‐introduced population of Telfair's Skink (Leiolopisma telfairii)
Authors: Brown D. S. , Burger R. , Cole N. , Vencatasamy D. , Clare E. L. , Montazam A. , Symondson W. O. C. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractRe‐introduction of rare species to parts of their historical range is becoming increasingly important as a conservation strategy. Telfair's Skinks (Leiolopisma telfairii), once widespread on Mauritius, were until recently found only on Round Island. There it is vulnerable to stochastic events, including the introduction of alien predators that may either prey upon it or compete for food resources. Consequently, skinks have been introduced to Ile aux Aigrettes, another small Mauritian island that has been cleared of rats. However, the island has been invaded by Asian Musk Shrews (Suncus murinus), a commensal species spread by man well beyond its natural Asian range. Our aim was to use next‐generation sequencing to analyse the diets of the shrews and skinks to look for niche competition. DNA was extracted from skink faeces and from the stomach contents of shrews. Application of shrew‐ and skink‐specific primers revealed no mutual predation. The DNA was then amplified using general invertebrate primers with tags to identify individual predators, and then sequenced by 454 pyrosequencing. 119 prey MOTUs (molecular taxonomic units) were isolated, although none could be identified to species. Seeding of cladograms with known sequences allowed higher taxonomic assignments in some cases. Although most MOTUs were not shared by shrews and skinks, Pianka's niche overlap test showed significant prey overlap, suggesting potentially strong competition where food resources are limited. These results suggest that removal of the shrews from the island should remain a priority.
Quantitative transcriptional changes associated with chlorosis severity in mosaic leaves of tobacco plants infected with Cucumber mosaic virus
Authors: Mochizuki Tomofumi , Ogata Yoshiyuki , Hirata Yuki , Ohki Satoshi T. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryCucumber mosaic virus (CMV) causes mosaic disease in inoculated tobacco plants. Coat protein (CP) is one of the major virulence determinants of CMV, and an amino acid substitution at residue 129 in CP alters the severity of chlorosis, such as pale green chlorosis and white chlorosis, in symptomatic tissues of mosaic leaves of infected tobacco. In this study, we compared the transcriptomes of chlorotic tissues infected with the wild‐type pepo strain of CMV and two strains carrying CP mutants with diverse chlorosis severity. Differential gene expression analysis showed that CMV inoculation appeared to have similar effects on the transcriptional expression profiles of the symptomatic chlorotic tissues, and only the magnitude of expression differed among the different CMVs. Gene ontology analysis with biological process and cellular component terms revealed that many nuclear genes related to abiotic stress responses, including responses to cadmium, heat, cold and salt, were up‐regulated, whereas chloroplast‐ and photosynthesis‐related genes (CPRGs) were down‐regulated, in the chlorotic tissues. Interestingly, the level of CPRG down‐regulation was correlated with the severity of chlorosis. These results indicate that CP mutation governs the repression level and mRNA accumulation of CPRGs, which are closely associated with the induction of chlorosis.
Health‐related quality of life of patients awaiting kidney and simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplants
Authors: Myint Thida M , O'Shaughnessy Denise V , Marshall Samual , Vucak‐Dzumhur Mirna , Elder Grahame J 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAimPatients undergoing kidney and simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) transplants are younger and fitter than the general dialysis population. Intuitively these patients might have better quality of life (QOL) than the general dialysis population, but their QOL scores are not well characterized. The aim of this study was to compare QOL of patients about to undergo kidney or SPK transplants with Australian dialysis outcomes and practice patterns (DOPPS) data and multiple comorbidity and age‐adjusted general population data.MethodsPatients attending Westmead Hospital for transplants from August 2009 to December 2011 were invited to complete the Kidney Disease QOL‐SF™ 1.3 (KDQOL‐SF™ 1.3) questionnaire regarding their immediate pretransplant QOL. This QOL instrument is predictive of hospitalizations and mortality. The questionnaire was completed within 4 weeks of transplantation.ResultsOf 180 patients seen within 4 weeks of transplantation 95 (53%) responded, with no differences from non‐responders in age, sex, comorbidities or perioperative complications. Compared with DOPPS, these patients had better physical function and less pain, but significantly lower scores for role physical (CI: −19 to −4, P = 0.004) and role emotional (CI: −17 to −2, P = 0.018). Patients undergoing SPK transplants reported even poorer general health, energy, social support and function. Patients had lower emotional and social function than people with multiple comorbidities, with whom they shared poor general and mental health and vitality. Scores were markedly lower than the general population except for bodily pain (female).ConclusionYounger, fitter patients are more vulnerable to effects of their illness on social, emotional and physical interactions and may benefit from targeted support.
Small bowel strictures in Crohn's disease: a quantitative investigation of intestinal motility using MR enterography
Authors: Menys A. , Helbren E. , Makanyanga J. , Emmanuel A. , Forbes A. , Windsor A. , Punwani S. , Halligan S. , Atkinson D. , Taylor S. A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal stricturing and aberrant small bowel motility are common complications in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) leading to significant morbidity. A retrospective study was performed quantifying small bowel motility within and upstream of strictures in CD patients using magnetic resonance enterography (MRE).MethodsA total of 91 subjects with stricturing CD (mean age 36 range 18–88) and undergoing MRE with dynamic motility imaging were identified. Of this cohort, 84 subjects were scanned at 1.5 T field strength with the remainder at 3 T. Linear regions of interest (ROI) were placed at the stricture, immediately upstream of the stricture, and in a proximal normal segment of bowel. Maximum bowel calibre (mm) and motility (Arbitrary units) at each ROI were calculated using previously validated software. Diameters and motility were compared using repeat measures anova and diameter correlated with motility score. In 21 subjects with follow‐up MRE, ROIs were duplicated and percentage diameter and motility change across the two time points correlated.Key ResultsMean diameter within the normal, prestricture and strictured bowel was 20, 30, and 15 mm (p < 0.001) with motility score 0.43, 0.28, and 0.15 AU, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between prestricture bowel diameter and motility (Pearson's R = −0.47, p < 0.001). For patients with follow‐up MRE, there was a negative correlation between percentage change in prestricture diameter and motility, Spearman's Rho −0.6 p = 0.007.Conclusions & InferencesQuantified small bowel motility during MRE differs significantly between normal, prestricture, and strictured bowel. As prestricture bowel dilates, motility decreases, although this appears reversible in some.