bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic‐based regional‐scale factors most consistently explain plot‐level exotic diversity in grasslands
Authors: MacDougall Andrew S. , Bennett Joseph R. , Firn Jennifer , Seabloom Eric W. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Lind Eric M. , Orrock John L. , Harpole W. Stanley , Hautier Yann , Adler Peter B. , Cleland Elsa , Davies Kendi , Melbourne Brett , Prober Suzanne M. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Fay Philip A. , Jin Virginia L. , Kendig Amy , La Pierre Kimberly J. , Moore Joslin , Morgan John , Stevens Carly J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimEvidence linking the accumulation of exotic species to the suppression of native diversity is equivocal, often relying on data from studies that have used different methods. Plot‐level studies often attribute inverse relationships between native and exotic diversity to competition, but regional abiotic filters, including anthropogenic influences, can produce similar patterns. We seek to test these alternatives using identical scale‐dependent sampling protocols in multiple grasslands on two continents.LocationThirty‐two grassland sites in North America and Australia.MethodsWe use multiscale observational data, collected identically in grain and extent at each site, to test the association of local and regional factors with the plot‐level richness and abundance of native and exotic plants. Sites captured environmental and anthropogenic gradients including land‐use intensity, human population density, light and soil resources, climate and elevation. Site selection occurred independently of exotic diversity, meaning that the numbers of exotic species varied randomly thereby reducing potential biases if only highly invaded sites were chosen.ResultsRegional factors associated directly or indirectly with human activity had the strongest associations with plot‐level diversity. These regional drivers had divergent effects: urban‐based economic activity was associated with high exotic : native diversity ratios; climate‐ and landscape‐based indicators of lower human population density were associated with low exotic : native ratios. Negative correlations between plot‐level native and exotic diversity, a potential signature of competitive interactions, were not prevalent; this result did not change along gradients of productivity or heterogeneity.Main conclusionWe show that plot‐level diversity of native and exotic plants are more consistently associated with regional‐scale factors relating to urbanization and climate suitability than measures indicative of competition. These findings clarify the long‐standing difficulty in resolving drivers of exotic diversity using single‐factor mechanisms, suggesting that multiple interacting anthropogenic‐based processes best explain the accumulation of exotic diversity in modern landscapes.
Association of blood pressure with all‐cause mortality and stroke in Japanese hemodialysis patients: The Japan dialysis outcomes and practice pattern study
Authors: Inaba Masaaki , Karaboyas Angelo , Akiba Takashi , Akizawa Tadao , Saito Akira , Fukuhara Shunichi , Combe Christian , Robinson Bruce M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe association of low blood pressure (BP) with high mortality is a characteristic for hemodialysis patients. This analysis clarifies the association of BP with mortality and stroke in Japanese hemodialysis (HD) patients and examines the association separately for patients with and without antihypertensive medication (BP meds). We analyzed 9134 patients from Japan in phases 1–4 (1999–2011) of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), a prospective cohort study of in‐center HD patients. The association of patient systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality was assessed using adjusted Cox regression. A U‐shaped association between BP and all‐cause mortality was observed, with lowest mortality for baseline SBP 140–159 mmHg and DBP 65–74 mmHg. Both SBP and DBP were positively and monotonically associated with stroke‐related death: hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.24 (1.01–1.53) per 20 mmHg higher SBP and 1.23 (1.05–1.44) per 10 mmHg higher DBP. No evidence of interaction was found between SBP and use of BP meds regarding all‐cause mortality (P for interaction = 0.97); the association between SBP and stroke‐related death was slightly stronger among patients not on BP meds than patients on BP meds (P for interaction = 0.09). In Japanese HD patients, both low and high BP are associated with all‐cause mortality. This analysis also documents a positive and monotonic association of BP with stroke‐related deaths. Although our analysis indicates that the prescription of BP meds to hypertensive patients might protect against stroke‐related death, additional study is warranted.
Sperm protamine deficiency correlates with spermDNAdamage inBos indicusbulls
Authors: Fortes M. R. S. , Satake N. , Corbet D. H. , Corbet N. J. , Burns B. M. , Moore S. S. , Boe‐Hansen G. B. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe primary purpose of spermatozoa is to deliver the paternalDNAto the oocyte at fertilization. During the complex events of fertilization, if the spermatozoon penetrating the oocyte contains compromised or damaged sperm chromatin, the subsequent progression of embryogenesis and foetal development may be affected. Variation in spermDNAdamage and protamine content in ejaculated spermatozoa was reported in the cattle, with potential consequences to bull fertility. Protamines are sperm‐specific nuclear proteins that are essential to packaging of the condensed paternal genome in spermatozoa. SpermDNAdamage is thought to be repaired during the process of protamination. This study investigates the potential correlation between sperm protamine content, spermDNAdamage and the subsequent relationships between sperm chromatin and commonly measured reproductive phenotypes.Bos indicussperm samples (n = 133) were assessed by two flow cytometric methods: the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and an optimized sperm protamine deficiency assay (SPDA). To verify theSPDAassay for bovine sperm protamine content, samples collected from testis, caput and cauda epididymidis were analyzed. As expected, mature spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis had higher protamine content when compared with sperm samples from testis and caput epididymidis (p < 0.01). TheDNAfragmentation index (DFI), determined bySCSA, was positively correlated (r = 0.33 ± 0.08,p < 0.05) with the percentage of spermatozoa that showed low protamine content usingSPDA. Also,DFIwas negatively correlated (r = −0.21 ± 0.09,p < 0.05) with the percentage of spermatozoa with high protamine content. Larger scrotal circumference contributes to higher sperm protamine content and lower content of spermDNAdamage (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sperm protamine content and spermDNAdamage are closely associated. Protamine deficiency is likely to be one of the contributing factors toDNAinstability and damage, which can affect bull fertility.
Reduction of Foodborne Pathogens and Aflatoxins in Doenjang Samples Using Defined Meju
Authors: Park Hae‐Kyong , Shukla Shruti , Lee Jong Suk , Kim Jong‐Kyu , Kim Myunghee 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study was focused on the production of Doenjang samples using a combination of microbial strains such as Aspergillus oryzae J, Mucor racemosus 15, M. racemosus 42 and Bacillus subtilis TKSP 24 as starter cultures. Doenjang samples were examined for the presence of foodborne pathogens and total aflatoxin. As a result, coliforms were not present in any of the tested samples. Although preliminary colony count test on MYP agar media presumed the presence of B. cereus in all three tested Doenjang samples, confirmatory test using analytical profile test identification kit confirmed that there was no presence of B. cereus in laboratory made Doenjang samples. Also other foodborne pathogens including Staphylococus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. were not detected among the tested Doenjang samples. The amount of total aflatoxin detection in all the tested Doenjang samples was found below the limit of quantitation (<5 ppb).Practical ApplicationNowadays fermented food products (Doenjang) have gained vital importance because of their various health beneficial properties. Determination of hazardous components and foodborne pathogenic bacteria in fermented food products is very important in securing food safety and in providing consumers safe and nutritive food products. Detection of foodborne pathogens and aflatoxin levels can be a remarkable approach to determine the nutritive value and toxicological limit of food products. Hence, it is anticipated that use of Meju as starter culture might have potent industrial application to produce better quality fermented products with reduced microbial load and low level of aflatoxin content in order to secure the safety of fermented food products.
Comparison of microwave ablation and surgical resection for treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas conforming to Milan criteria
Authors: Shi Jingxiang , Sun Quan , Wang Yijun , Jing Xiang , Ding Jianmin , Yuan Qiang , Ren Chaoyi , Shan Shigang , Wang Yandong , Du Zhi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground and AimTo compare the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) and surgical resection (RES) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) conforming to Milan criteria.MethodsTwo hundred twenty‐four patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. One hundred and seventeen patients received MWA, and 107 patients underwent RES. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).ResultsThe 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS rates were 94%, 70%, 52% for the MWA group and 94%, 72%, 60% for the RES group (P = 0.513). The corresponding DFS rates for the two groups were 77%, 38%, 18% and 85%, 57%, 31% (P = 0.005). In subgroup analyses of patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm, there were no significant differences in OS rates and DFS rates between the two groups (P = 0.577 and P = 0.140). For patients with solitary HCC 3 to 5 cm, there was no significant differences in OS rates between the two groups (P = 0.820), the DFS rates was significantly higher in the RES group than in the MWA group (P = 0.014).ConclusionsMWA results in lower DFS rates than RES for HCC conforming to Milan criteria. However, the OS rates are comparable between the two therapies. For solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm, MWA is as effective as RES.
Hemoglobin combined with triglyceride and ferritin in predicting non‐alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Jiang Youzhao , Zeng Jun , Chen Bing 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground and AimThe red blood cells (RBC) count is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR), which is origin of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to investigate the correlation of RBC indices with NAFLD.MethodsA total of 977 cases including 446 NAFLD patients and 531 controls were enrolled and examined for biochemical and metabolic indices. RBC, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), insulin, and ferritin were detected. The IR indicator latest homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance and fatty liver index were calculated. The correlation analysis was assessed by Spearman's rank test. Receiver operating characteristic was used to evaluate diagnostic performance. After quartile classification of RBC indices, logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the odds ratios (OR) of NAFLD.ResultsRBC, HCT, and HGB levels were obviously higher in NAFLD group. RBC, HCT, and HGB showed significant positive correlation with homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance and NAFLD. Multivariate analysis revealed HGB, ferritin, and triglyceride (TG) as independent parameters associated with NAFLD. The predictive value after combination of HGB with ferritin and TG was equal to fatty liver index. After adjustment for age,body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, TG, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein and smoking, comparing the groups with the highest and lowest HGB, HCT, and RBC, the OR (95% confidence intervals) of NAFLD were 2.369 (1.279–4.368) (P < 0.05), 1.504 (0.819–2.713) (P > 0.05), and 2.332 (0.823–2.550) (P > 0.05) in men. In women, the OR were 2.541 (1.118–5.771), 3.578 (1.464–8.748), and 3.215 (1.387–7.455) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur data suggest that HGB combined with TG and ferritin may serve as the indicator of predicting NAFLD.
Linked and Situated: Grounded Knowledge
Authors: Ashwood Loka , Harden Noelle , Bell Michael M. , Bland William 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLocal knowledge registers prominently in scholarly efforts to resolve environmental problems, ushering in widespread use of participatory practices of deliberation. Without the incorporation of local knowledge, many scholars contend that environmental science and planning remain beholden to the unbridled reign of the expert, and the daunting complexity of environmental problems remains seemingly impossible to penetrate. Following in this vein of work, we formed our participatory research project on nonpoint water pollution in two watersheds around four action clusters. On the local side, we included a cluster of farmers and farmland owners and a cluster of general community members. On the expert side, we included a cluster of researchers and another of government officials. However, we found in our research that the development of democratic deliberation depended more on whether participants situated and linked their knowledge than whether it was local or expert in origin. We suggest grounded knowledge, situating one's experiences in a way that enables participants to actively link with other knowledge, as a concept useful for scholars to better understand which ways of knowing enable deliberation in the participatory processes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Environmental Strain UCM-V493
Authors: Kalburge S. S. , Polson S. W. , Boyd Crotty K. , Katz L. , Turnsek M. , Tarr C. L. , Martinez-Urtaza J. , Boyd E. F. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is the leading bacterial cause of seafood-related gastroenteritis in the world. Here, we report the complete genome sequence and annotation of an environmental strain of
V. parahaemolyticus
, UCM-V493, with the aim of understanding the differences between the clinical and environmental isolates of the bacteria. We also make some preliminary sequence comparisons with the clinical strain RIMD2210633.
FDA Perspective on Companion Diagnostics: An Evolving Paradigm
Authors: Mansfield Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Therapeutic products are now being developed that target particular molecular lesions found in various types of cancers. The ability to correctly identify patients whose cancers have targetable lesions generally depends on a well-validated diagnostic test. Development and use of diagnostic tests together with therapies in clinical trials yields the information necessary to make a regulatory determination that both products are safe and effective, likely have clinical utility when used together, and reach the market for patient benefit. This model, called co-development, has been developed relatively recently, and is being put to use in numerous cancer therapeutic development programs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has articulated a policy that requires the coapproval of a diagnostic with a therapeutic product when the diagnostic is essential to the safe and effective use of the therapeutic product. At the same time, FDA has implemented a number of processes to manage the model without slowing the approval of the co-developed products. New diagnostic technologies, together with a rapid uptick in interest in targeted drugs, will challenge the still-evolving regulatory paradigm, but will likely result in some simplified approaches presenting new challenges in determining safety and effectiveness, but all with the promise of greater benefit to patients with cancer.
See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “The Precision Medicine Conundrum: Approaches to Companion Diagnostic Co-development.”
Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1453–7. ©2014 AACR.
Plasma–Parathyroid Hormone Is Associated With Subclinical and Clinical Atherosclerotic Disease in 2 Community-Based Cohorts
Authors: Hagström Emil , Michaëlsson Karl , Melhus Håkan , Hansen Thomas , Ahlström Håkan , Johansson Lars , Ingelsson Erik , Sundström Johan , Lind Lars , Ärnlöv Johan 
Published: March 2014

Objective—
Cardiovascular risk factors have different impact on different arterial territories. Diseases with elevated circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) such as primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic renal failure have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, predominantly heart or cerebrovascular diseases. However, data on the associations between circulating PTH and peripheral atherosclerosis are limited.

Approach and Results—

Two prospective, community-based studies were used. In 306 men and women, who were 70 years old, from the Prospective investigation of the vasculature in Uppsala seniors (PIVUS) study, cross-sectional relations between PTH and atherosclerotic burden assessed by whole-body magnetic resonance angiography were investigated. In 998 men, who were 71 years old, from the Uppsala longitudinal study of adult men (ULSAM) study, the association between PTH concentration and risk of subsequent nonfatal atherosclerotic disease (excluding coronary or cerebrovascular disease) was investigated. Adjusting for established vascular risk factors, PTH was associated with burden of atherosclerosis (increase in total atherosclerotic score per SD PTH increase: 0.04, 0.003–0.08;
P
=0.03) in the PIVUS study. During follow-up in the ULSAM study (median 16.7 years), 89 men were diagnosed with nonfatal atherosclerotic disease. In Cox-regression analyses adjusting for established vascular risk factors and mineral metabolism, higher PTH was associated with an increased risk of nonfatal atherosclerotic disease (hazard ratio for 1 SD increase of PTH: 1.55, 1.33–1.88;
P
<0.0001). Results were similar when including fatal atherosclerotic disease in the outcome.

Conclusions—
In 2 independent community-based cohorts, PTH was associated to the degree of atherosclerosis and risk of clinically overt atherosclerotic disease, respectively. Our data confirm and extend previous studies supporting a role for PTH in the development of atherosclerotic disease.
Prophylactic Lead Extraction at Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Generator Change
Authors: Mendenhall G. Stuart , Saba Samir 
Published: March 2014

Background—
Current implantable cardiac devices have a finite battery life of ≈3 to 7 years for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. It is current practice to reuse all properly functioning intravascular leads. We tested the hypothesis that a strategy of prophylactic lead removal at the time of device change would be superior under some conditions to the current practice of lead reuse.

Methods and Results—
Using currently available data and a Monte Carlo microsimulation trial, we calculated the risks of leaving an indwelling lead until extraction is indicated because of malfunction versus an aggressive management strategy of prophylactic serial extraction at time of generator change. With a serial lead exchange strategy of leads at generator change, there is reduced overall extraction-related mortality because of fewer late complications attributable to extraction of leads with high dwell time because of infection, recall, or subsequent lead failure. This finding is limited to young patients or those with high expected indwell time of lead. This trend reverses for leads with <40 years expected dwell time. Sensitivity analysis shows high dependence on extraction performance and device longevity. In all cases, serial extraction would be expected to lead to increased adverse events related to the more complex procedure.

Conclusions—
A strategy of serial lead extraction, given best available current parameters, yields a lower procedural mortality risk in the long-term management of indwelling implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads in young patients (>40-year estimated dwell time) driven by high aggregate anticipated risk of lifetime lead complication.
Quantifying Contributions of the Cricopharyngeus to Upper Esophageal Sphincter Pressure Changes by Means of Intramuscular Electromyography and High-Resolution Manometry
Authors: Jones Corinne A. , Hammer Michael J. , Hoffman Matthew R. , McCulloch Timothy M. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: We sought to determine whether the association between cricopharyngeus muscle activity and upper esophageal sphincter pressure may change in a task-dependent fashion. We hypothesized that more automated tasks related to swallow or airway protection would yield a stronger association than would more volitional tasks related to tidal breathing or voice production. Methods: Six healthy adult subjects underwent simultaneous intramuscular electromyography of the cricopharyngeus muscle and high-resolution manometry of the upper esophageal sphincter. Correlation coefficients were calculated to characterize the association between the time-linked series. Results: Cricopharyngeus muscle activity was most strongly associated with upper esophageal sphincter pressure during swallow and effortful exhalation tasks (r = 0.77 and 0.79, respectively; P < .01). The association was also less variable during swallow and effortful exhalation. Conclusions: These findings suggest a greater coupling for the more automatic tasks, and may suggest less coupling and more flexibility for the more volitional, voice-related tasks. These findings support the important role of central patterning for respiratory- and swallow-related tasks.
Health Care Management in India
Authors: Khan Mohd Iqbal , Banerji Amit 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: The objective of this research is to study the developments in Indian health care sector and will torch upon the rising demand of health care sector in India. The study will evolve the concept of globalization, development of information technology, medical tourism, role of urbanization, growth of health care insurance sector, affordability of health care in India and the role played by major private health care firms in India. Study design: Descriptive design. Methods: Data used here is secondary data, and collection of data is done from different health care surveys in India, health care websites, journals, newspapers, health magazines and conferences. Results: Rising demand of health care in India. India is one among the leading developing countries in health care as the demand of this sector is expected to reach US$ 100 billion by 2015 from the current US$ 65 billion, growing at around 20 per cent a year, according to rating agency Fitch, and the major factors driving the growth in the sector include increasing population, growing lifestyle related health issues, cheaper costs for treatment, thrust in medical tourism, improving health insurance penetration, increasing disposable income, government initiatives and focus on Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models. Conclusion: With rising health care demand in India, private sector hospitals and health care firms started to come with the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by giving subsidized rates and rural coverage concepts in India, so that the poor people can afford for the necessary treatment, as 32.7 per cent of the total Indian people fall below the international poverty line of US$ 1.25 per day (PPP) while 68.7 per cent live on less than US$ 2 per day ( http://www.wikipedia.org ). Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) stated in 2010, that eight Indian states have more poor people than 26 poorest African nations combined which totals to more than 410 million poor in the poorest African countries.