bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the significance of belowground overyielding in temperate mixed forests: separating species identity and species diversity effects
Authors: Jacob Andreas , Hertel Dietrich , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: September 2012

Complementary soil exploration by the root systems of coexisting tree species has been hypothesised to result in a higher root biomass of mixed forests than of monocultures but the existing evidence for a belowground diversity effect in forests is scarce and not conclusive.In a species‐rich temperate broad‐leaved forest, we analysed the fine root biomass (roots ≤ 2 mm) and necromass in 100 plots differing in tree species diversity (one to three species) and species composition (all possible combinations of five species of the genera Acer, Carpinus, Fagus, Fraxinus and Tilia) which allowed us to separate possible species diversity and species identity effects on fine root biomass.We found no evidence of a positive diversity effect on standing fine root biomass and thus of overyielding in terms of root biomass. Root necromass decreased with increasing species diversity at marginal significance.Various lines of evidence indicate significant species identity effects on fine root biomass (10–20% higher fine root biomass in plots with presence of maple and beech than in plots with hornbeam; 100% higher fine root biomass in monospecific beech and ash plots than in hornbeam plots; differences significant). Ash fine roots tended to be over‐represented in the 2‐ and 3‐species mixed plots compared to monospecific ash plots pointing at apparent belowground competitive superiority of Fraxinus in this mixed forest.Our results indicate that belowground overyielding and spatial complementarity of root systems may be the exception rather than the rule in temperate mixed forests.
Randomised trial of magnesium in the treatment of Irukandji syndrome
Authors: McCullagh Nora , Pereira Peter , Cullen Paul , Mulcahy Richard , Bonin Robert , Little Mark , Gray Suzanne , Seymour Jamie 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesIrukandji syndrome is a distressing condition characterised by pain, hypertension and tachycardia. Some develop cardiac failure and there have been two reported deaths. Magnesium sulphate has become the standard of care despite minimal evidence. The aim of this study was to investigate if magnesium would reduce analgesic requirement and length of stay for patients with Irukandji syndrome.MethodsThis was a double‐blind, randomised controlled clinical trial. Patients with Irukandji syndrome who required parenteral opioid analgesia were randomised to receive either 10 mmol of magnesium as a bolus, and then a 5 mmol/h magnesium infusion for 6 h or saline. Fentanyl patient‐controlled analgesia was commenced to allow patients to self‐regulate their pain relief. The primary outcome measure of the study was comparison of total analgesic requirements between the two groups. The secondary outcome measure was to compare length of stay.ResultsThe study ran from November 2003 to May 2007. Thirty‐nine patients were enrolled in the study; 26 were male with a median age of 28. Twenty‐two received magnesium. There was no significant difference in the morphine equivalent dose used, peak CK, peak troponin, peak pulse, peak blood pressure, peak mean arterial pressure (MAP), percentage MAP rise and length of stay for those receiving magnesium compared with placebo.ConclusionOur study did not demonstrate a benefit in the use of magnesium in the treatment of Irukandji syndrome. As such the current use of magnesium needs to be reconsidered until there is good evidence to support its use.
Is the increase in emergency short‐stay admissions sustainable? Trends across Melbourne, 2000 to 2009
Authors: Lowthian Judy A , Stoelwinder Johannes U , McNeil John J , Cameron Peter A 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the trends in emergency admissions over 10 years in terms of volume, age‐specific rates, hospital length of stay (LOS) and clinical reasons.MethodsA retrospective analysis of population‐based linked Department of Health ED and hospital admission data for metropolitan Melbourne 1999/2000 to 2008/2009 was conducted. Outcome measures included: hospital admission numbers (total, single day/overnight, ≥2 days LOS); admission rates per 1000 person‐years (total, single day/overnight, ≥2 days LOS); hospital LOS.ResultsThe volume of patients admitted to hospital through EDs rose by 56% over the 10 years to June 2009. The number of same day/overnight admissions rose by 60%, equating to a 6.1% average annual increase beyond that accounted for by demographic change (95% CI 5.7–6.5%). The volume of patients admitted for ≥2 days also increased; however, the admission rate per 1000 persons for these longer‐stay patients declined over the decade by 9% (95% CI 5–12%). The most frequent discharge diagnoses were injury or poisoning, and disorders of the circulatory, respiratory or digestive systems. The numbers and mortality rate for ED admissions declined over the decade.ConclusionEmergency hospital admissions have risen over the last decade even after adjustment for population changes. There was a disproportionate rise in same day/overnight admissions, with overrepresentation of the elderly. This is possibly related to changes in ED models of care, including introduction of short‐stay units, improved diagnostic and therapeutic capability, and risk‐averse management to optimise safe discharge, within the context of time‐based performance targets.
Modifying Risk Factors to Prevent and Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Glina Sidney , Sharlip Ira D. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complaint in men over 40 years of age and prevalence rates increase with age. Comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and depression have been described as primary risk factors for the development of ED. Additionally, a number of modifiable lifestyle factors, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes control, and obesity, have been associated with ED.

Aim
The association of modifiable behavioral factors with ED, mainly among men without recognized comorbidities, opens the possibility for intervention strategies to prevent and potentially improve erectile function in patients suffering with ED.

Conclusion
While intriguing, most of the literature and evidence is not completely scientifically compelling as to how modifying lifestyle risk factors can improve erectile function. Weight loss may reverse ED through other mechanisms, namely, decreased inflammation, increased serum testosterone levels, and improved mood and self-esteem. Currently, the evidence at hand recommends that patient education should be aimed at increasing exercise, reducing weight to achieve a body mass index less than 30 kg/m2, and stopping smoking to improve or restore erectile function, mainly in men without established comorbidities. When comorbidities are present, lifestyle modifications may be important in preventing or reducing sexual dysfunction. These modifications may include precise glycemic control in diabetic men and the use of pharmacologic therapies for hypertension and depression, which are less likely to cause sexual side effects.
It is Just Good Business: The Case for Supporting Reform in Divorce Court
Authors: Kourlis Rebecca Love 
Published: September 2012

This article examines the ways in which divorce and child custody proceedings can impact employee productivity and suggests that it behooves businesses to become involved in supporting efforts to improve the process—both as a matter of community service and because it can impact their bottom line. This article further outlines some improvements that are being implemented or considered in various jurisdictions.
Key Points for the Family Court Community
Divorce does not just impact the parties and their children. It also impacts the work productivity of the individuals involved.
The population of individuals seeking court involvement in child custody issues has changed, and new processes must be developed to address their needs.
There are new ideas about how to restructure the divorce process in ways that could benefit both the individuals and their employers.
Biosonar, dive, and foraging activity of satellite tracked harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)
Authors: Linnenschmidt Meike , Teilmann Jonas , Akamatsu Tomonari , Dietz Rune , Miller Lee A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study presents bioacoustic recordings in combination with movements and diving behavior of three free‐ranging harbor porpoises (a female and two males) in Danish waters. Each porpoise was equipped with an acoustic data logger (A‐tag), a time‐depth‐recorder, a VHF radio transmitter, and a satellite transmitter. The units were programmed to release after 24 or 72 h. Possible foraging occurred mostly near the surface or at the bottom of a dive. The porpoises showed individual diversity in biosonar activity (<100 to >50,000 clicks per hour) and in dive frequency (6–179 dives per hour). We confirm that wild harbor porpoises use more intense clicks than captive animals. A positive tendency between number of dives and clicks per hour was found for a subadult male, which stayed near shore. It showed a distinct day‐night cycle with low echolocation rates during the day, but five times higher rates and higher dive activity at night. A female traveling in open waters showed no diel rhythm, but its sonar activity was three times higher compared to the males'. Considerable individual differences in dive and echolocation activity could have been influenced by biological and physical factors, but also show behavioral adaptability necessary for survival in a complex coastal environment.
The outcomes of mycophenolate mofetil therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids in acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Hemachandran Suhail , Al‐Mezaine Hani S. , Kangave Dustan , Al‐Muammar Abdulrahman M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as first‐line therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids in acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease. The outcomes in this group were compared with those of another group of patients with VKH disease who were treated with corticosteroid monotherapy or with delayed addition of immunomodulatory therapy.Methods:  This prospective study included 19 patients (38 eyes) diagnosed with acute uveitis associated with VKH disease.Results:  The mean follow‐up period was 27.0 ± 11.1 months (range 16–54 months). Corticosteroid‐sparing effect was achieved in all patients. The mean interval between starting treatment and tapering prednisone to 10 mg or less daily was 5.1 ± 1.2 months (range 3–7 months). Ten (53%) patients discontinued treatment without relapse of inflammation. The mean time observed of treatment was 17.3 ± 11.9 months (range 3–41.5 months). Visual acuity of 20/20 was achieved by 38% of the eyes in the corticosteroid group and by 74% in the corticosteroid + MMF group (p < 0.001). Recurrent inflammation of ≥3 times was reduced significantly (p = 0.0383) in the corticosteroid + MMF group (3%) as compared to corticosteroid group (18%). Development of all complications was significantly higher in the corticosteroid group (43%) compared with the corticosteroid + MMF group (8%) (p < 0.001). None of the eyes in the corticosteroid + MMF group developed ‘sunset glow fundus’.Conclusions:  Addition of MMF as first‐line therapy to corticosteroids in patients with acute uveitis associated with VKH disease leads to significant reduction in recurrences of uveitis and development of late complications and significantly improves visual outcome.
Immunogenicity of different hepatitis B virus vaccination schedules in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Niu Yujian , Chen Hong , You Hong , Zang Yunjin , Li Li , Shan Shan , Tan Yule , Jia Jidong , Shen Zhongyang 
Published: September 2012

AimTo compare the immunogenicity of two modified hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination schedules in liver transplant recipients. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in combination with nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUCs) is the recommended prophylaxis for preventing HBV recurrence following liver transplantation (LT). However, HBIG treatment is expensive. Active immunization with hepatitis B vaccine would be a preferable alternative prophylaxis to replace HBIG treatment. However, the overall response rate to standard vaccination (given at months 0, 1 and 6) is relatively low in immune‐compromised patients.MethodsTwo cohorts of 114 subjects were immunized with recombinant HBV vaccine containing S‐antigen. The patients in the rapid schedule group were immunized with 40 μg HBV vaccine at months 0, 1, 2 and 3, and with 20 μg at months 4, 5 and 6. The patients in the accelerated schedule group were immunized with 40 μg of HBV vaccine at days 0, 7, 14 and 28, and 20 μg at months 2, 3 and 4.ResultsThe overall response rate was 16.7% (19/114) and all responders discontinued HBIG injection and only one patient developed HBV recurrence. The response rate was 24.6% (14/57) and 8.8% (5/57) in the rapid vaccination and the accelerated vaccination schedules, respectively (P = 0.024).ConclusionHBV vaccination may induce endogenous anti‐HBs to replace HBIG in selected patients. Vaccination schedules may influence vaccine response, and individual optimization may improve response rate to HBV vaccination.
Use of Exempt Wells As Natural Underground Storage and Recovery Systems
Authors: Embleton David G. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:The water management practice of storing water underground for use during dry periods is a very effective technique that has been practiced for a long time. Another water management practice that has been around for a long time is collection of rainwater and storage of rainwater aboce ground. There have been significant advances more recently in our understanding of aquifer geology and technologies used for rainwater harvesting. This article combines our advance in knowledge of storing and recovery water from wells and new rainwater harvesting practices to recharge a low yielding exempt well with treated rainwater. The studies presented in this article demonstrate that exempt wells provide a valuable underground water storage option and may provide a new effective urban water management tool.
The Dilemma of Nocturnal Blood Pressure
Authors: Xu Tan , Zhang Yong‐Qing , Tan Xue‐Rui 
Published: September 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:787–791. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.During the past decades, blood pressure (BP) measurement technique has evolved rapidly from the traditionally manual measuring to fully automatic monitoring. In terms of management of BP, there have been tremendous changes from the controlling of daytime BP, nondipping pattern to nocturnal BP (NBP). Since the focus has turned to NBP, a number of dilemmas of NBP measurement have gradually emerged in clinical practice and research settings, including methods for monitoring NBP, different period definition of nocturnal time, different diagnostic thresholds of abnormal NBP, whether to control abnormal NBP, and how to manage abnormal NBP. Currently, these issues have hindered progress in the appropriate management of hypertensive patients. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to concisely discuss the dilemmas of NBP.
Mass spectrometry analysis of human P2X1 receptors; insight into phosphorylation, modelling and conformational changes
Authors: Roberts Jonathan A. , Bottrill Andrew R. , Mistry Sharad , Evans Richard J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRecombinant FlagHis6 tagged Human P2X1 receptors expressed in HEK293 cells were purified, digested with trypsin and analysed by mass spectroscopy (96% coverage following de‐glycosylation and reduction). The receptor was basally phosphorylated at residues S387, S388 and T389 in the carboxyl terminus, a triple alanine mutant of these residues had a modest ~ 25% increase in current amplitude and recovery from desensitization. Chemical modification showed that intracellular lysine residues close to the transmembrane domains and the membrane stabilization motif are accessible to the aqueous environment. The membrane‐impermeant cross‐linking reagent 3,3′‐Dithiobis (sulfosuccinimidylpropionate) (DTSSP) reduced agonist binding and P2X1 receptor currents by > 90%, and modified lysine residues were identified by mass spectroscopy. Mutation to remove reactive lysine residues around the ATP‐binding pocket had no effect on inhibtion of agonist evoked currents following DTSSP. However, agonist evoked currents were ~ 10‐fold higher than for wild type following DTSSP treatment for mutants K199R, K221R and K199R‐K221R. These mutations remove reactive residues distant from the agonist binding pocket that are close enough to cross‐link adjacent subunits. These results suggest that conformational change in the P2X1 receptor is required for co‐ordination of ATP action.
Xenopus laevis RIC‐3 enhances the functional expression of the C. elegans homomeric nicotinic receptor, ACR‐16, in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Bennett Hayley M. , Lees Kristin , Harper Kate M. , Jones Andrew K. , Sattelle David B. , Wonnacott Susan , Wolstenholme Adrian J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRIC‐3 enhances the functional expression of certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in vertebrates and invertebrates and increases the availability of functional receptors in cultured cells and Xenopus laevis oocytes. Maximal activity of RIC‐3 may be cell‐type dependent, so neither mammalian nor invertebrate proteins is optimal in amphibian oocytes. We cloned the X. laevis ric‐3 cDNA and tested the frog protein in oocyte expression studies. X. laevis RIC‐3 shares 52% amino acid identity with human RIC‐3 and only 17% with that of Caenorhabditis elegans. We used the C. elegans nicotinic receptor, ACR‐16, to compare the ability of RIC‐3 from three species to enhance receptor expression. In the absence of RIC‐3, the proportion of oocytes expressing detectable nAChRs was greatly reduced. Varying the ratio of acr‐16 to X. laevis ric‐3 cRNAs injected into oocytes had little impact on the total cell current. When X. laevis, human or C. elegans ric‐3 cRNAs were co‐injected with acr‐16 cRNA (1 : 1 ratio), 100 μM acetylcholine induced larger currents in oocytes expressing X. laevis RIC‐3 compared with its orthologues. This provides further evidence for a species‐specific component of RIC‐3 activity, and suggests that X. laevis RIC‐3 is useful for enhancing the expression of invertebrate nAChRs in X. laevis oocytes.
Periodontal health and serum, saliva matrix metalloproteinases in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Yildirim E. , Kormi I. , Başoğlu Ö. K. , Gürgün A. , Kaval B. , Sorsa T. , Buduneli N. 
Published: September 2012

Background and ObjectivesThe present case–control study aimed to evaluate comparatively the salivary and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐8 and‐ 13 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non‐COPD controls.Material and MethodsClinical periodontal measurements were recorded before any periodontal intervention in 36 patients with mild COPD and 20 non‐COPD controls admitted to Ege University Department of Chest Diseases COPD outpatient clinic (İzmir, Turkey). Salivary and serum levels of MMP‐8, MMP‐13, and TIMP‐1 were determined by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed with non‐parametric statistical tests.ResultsPatients with COPD were significantly older than the control group (p < 0.05). The COPD group showed significantly higher serum levels of MMP‐8 IFMA, MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 IFMA than the control group (p < 0.005). By ELISA, serum MMP‐8, MMP‐8/TIMP‐1, TIMP‐1, and MMP‐13 levels were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Salivary MMP‐8, MMP‐13, and TIMP‐1 levels were similar in both groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that immunodetection of MMP‐8 is dependent on the selected techniques and even with mild COPD some systemic inflammatory markers such as MMP‐8 tend to increase. However, the present clinical periodontal and biochemical findings do not provide support for the previously proposed interaction between COPD and periodontal diseases.
Does IL28B genotyping still have a role in the era of direct‐acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection?
Authors: Holmes J. A. , Desmond P. V. , Thompson A. J. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIL28B genotype has been shown to be the strongest pretreatment predictor of sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) treated with pegylated interferon (peg‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV). Patients carrying the good response genotype have a two‐ to threefold higher chance of SVR than those with a poor response genotype, manifest as dramatically improved early viral kinetics. However, the treatment paradigm for CHC is changing with the introduction of potent direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). IL28B genotype remains relevant to both telaprevir and boceprevir treatment regimens, although the strength of association with virological response is attenuated. The association between IL28B genotype and outcomes of treatment regimens that involve peg‐IFN plus combination DAA therapy, or IFN‐free regimens, is currently being evaluated. IL28B genotype may remain relevant to individualizing the choice of treatment regimen in the future.
Exploring the role of asexual multiplication in poplar rust epidemics: impact on diversity and genetic structure
Authors: Barrès Benoît , Dutech Cyril , Andrieux Axelle , Halkett Fabien , Frey Pascal 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFungal plant pathogens, especially rust fungi (Pucciniales), are well known for their complex life cycles, which include phases of sexual and asexual reproduction. The effect of asexual multiplication on population genetic diversity has been investigated in the poplar rust fungusMelampsora larici‐populinausing a nested hierarchical sampling scheme. Four hierarchical levels were considered: leaf, twig, tree and site. Both cultivated and wild poplar stands were sampled at two time points at the start and end of rust epidemics. A total of 641 fungal isolates was analysed using nine microsatellite markers. This study revealed that the genetic signature of asexual multiplication in the wild poplar stand was seen only at lower hierarchical levels (leaf and twig). Moreover, we observed an erosion of clonal structure through time, with an increase in both gene and genotypic diversity. New genotypes contributed to host infection over time, which demonstrates the importance of allo‐infection in the epidemic process in this host‐pathogen system. Compared with the wild stands, the nearly lack of detection of clonal structure in the cultivated stands reflects the higher infection level on cultivated poplars. More generally, this genetic analysis illustrates the utility of population genetics approach for elucidating the proportion of asexual reproduction in the multiplication of isolates during an epidemic, and for proper quantification of asexual dispersal in plant pathogens.