bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rise of Laminaria ochroleuca in the Western English Channel (UK) and comparisons with its competitor and assemblage dominant Laminaria hyperborea
Authors: Smale Dan A. , Wernberg Thomas , Yunnie Anna L. E. , Vance Thomas 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe distribution of species is shifting in response to recent climate change. Changes in the abundance and distributions of habitat‐forming species can have knock‐on effects on community structure, biodiversity patterns and ecological processes. We empirically examined temporal changes in the abundance of the warm‐water kelp Laminaria ochroleuca at its poleward range edge in the Western English Channel. Resurveys of historical sites indicated that the abundance of L. ochroleuca has increased significantly in recent decades. Moreover, examination of historical records suggested that L. ochroleuca has extended its distribution from sheltered coasts on to moderately wave‐exposed open coasts, where it now co‐exists and competes with the assemblage dominant Laminaria hyperborea. Proliferation of L. ochroleuca at its poleward range edge corresponds with a period of rapid warming in the Western English Channel. Preliminary comparisons between L. ochroleuca and L. hyperborea highlighted some subtle but ecologically significant differences in structure and function. In summer, the average biomass of epiphytic stipe assemblages on L. hyperborea was 86 times greater than on L. ochroleuca whereas, on average, L. ochroleuca had a greater stipe length and its blade supported 18 times as many gastropod grazers (Gibbula cineraria). Differences in summer growth rates were also recorded, with L. ochroleuca being more productive than L. hyperborea throughout July. Comprehensive seasonally replicated comparisons are needed to examine the wider implications of proliferation of L. ochroleuca at its poleward range edge, but our study suggests that local biodiversity patterns and ecological processes (e.g. timing of productivity and trophic pathways) on shallow subtidal reefs may be altered by shifts in the relative abundances of habitat‐forming kelp species.
The short chain fatty acids, butyrate and propionate, have differential effects on the motility of the guinea pig colon
Authors: Hurst Norm R. , Kendig Derek M. , Murthy Karnam S. , Grider John R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundColonic microbiota digest resistant starches producing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The main SCFAs produced are acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Both excitatory and inhibitory effects of SCFAs on motility have been reported. We hypothesized that the effect of SCFAs on colonic motility varies with chain length and aimed to determine the effects of SCFAs on propagating and non‐propagating contractions of guinea pig proximal and distal colon.MethodsIn isolated proximal colonic segments, Krebs solution alone or containing 10–100 mM acetate, propionate, or butyrate was injected into the lumen, motility was videorecorded over 10 min, and spatiotemporal maps created. In distal colon, the lumen was perfused with the same solutions of SCFAs at 0.1 mL/min, the movement of artificial fecal pellets videorecorded, and velocity of propulsion calculated.Key ResultsIn proximal colon, butyrate increased the frequency of full‐length propagations, decreased short propagations, and had a biphasic effect on non‐propagating contractions. Propionate blocked full and short propagations and had a biphasic effect on non‐propagating contractions. Acetate decreased short and total propagations. In distal colon, butyrate increased and propionate decreased velocity of propulsion.Conclusions & InferencesThe data suggest that luminal SCFAs have differing effects on proximal and distal colonic motility depending on chain length. Thus, the net effect of SCFAs on colonic motility would depend on the balance of SCFAs produced by microbial digestion of resistant starches.
Pacemaker Implantation and Need for Ventricular Pacing during Follow‐Up after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: RAMAZZINA CAROLA , KNECHT SVEN , JEGER RABAN , KAISER CHRISTOPH , SCHAER BEAT , OSSWALD STEFAN , STICHERLING CHRISTIAN , KÜHNE MICHAEL 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundTo categorize indications of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), to determine predictors for conduction disturbances and to quantify the need for ventricular pacing during follow‐up.MethodWe studied 97 patients (median age 83 years, 58% female) undergoing TAVI using the Medtronic CoreValve Revalving System (MCRS; Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) or Edwards‐Sapien Valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA). During follow‐up, no need for ventricular pacing was defined as <1% ventricular pacing and intrinsic 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction.ResultsIn the 35 patients (36.1%) undergoing PPM implantation three indication categories were identified: (1) high‐grade AV block (Mobitz 2 or higher), (2) new‐onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) with a prolonged PR interval, and (3) new‐onset LBBB. The only independent predictors of high‐grade AV block were the use of MCRS (odds ratio [OR] 79.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.57–1373.31) and the presence of preprocedural right bundle branch block (OR 81.95; 95% 95% CI 8.72–770.46). Whereas high‐grade AV block resolved only in 17% of cases, none of the patients receiving a PPM due to LBBB with or without PR prolongation required ventricular pacing during follow‐up.ConclusionOur findings justify early PPM implantation in patients with high‐grade AV block and may suggest a more conservative approach to PPM implantation in patients with new‐onset LBBB after TAVI.
Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with ICD: Are Gender Differences Present? Results from the COPE‐ICD Trial
Authors: CHRISTENSEN ANNE VINGGAARD , ZWISLER ANN‐DORTHE , SVENDSEN JESPER HASTRUP , PEDERSEN PREBEN ULRICH , BLUNK LOUISE , THYGESEN LAU CASPAR , BERG SELINA KIKKENBORG 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe COPE‐ICD (Copenhagen Outpatient ProgrammE‐implantable cardioverter defibrillator) trial studied comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation for patients with ICDs. The purpose of this paper was to explore: (1) gender differences in self‐rated health and quality of life (QoL) at hospital discharge after ICD implantation, (2) gender differences in effect of cardiac rehabilitation, and (3) predictors of effect of cardiac rehabilitation.MethodsPatients with first‐time ICD implantation were randomized to comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation versus usual care. Gender differences in self‐rated health and QoL and effect of rehabilitation were tested using t‐tests. Predictors of effect of rehabilitation were tested using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 196 patients (mean age 58 ± 13 years; 155 men, 41 women) were included. At hospital discharge, significant differences were found in physical component scale, mental component scale, social functioning, physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, mental health, and QoL with men having higher scores. Among men only, significant differences were found in VO2 (rehabilitation: 20.9 mL/min/kg [standard deviation (SD) 8.1] vs 23.4 mL/min/kg [SD 9.5] and usual care: 22.1 mL/min/kg [SD 8.1] vs 21.8 mL/min/kg [SD 8.3], P = 0.01), total exercise time (rehabilitation: 587.0 seconds [SD 249.6] vs 650.7 seconds [SD 279.8] and usual care: 613.8 seconds [SD 264.7] vs 606.1 seconds [SD 277.3], P = 0.01), and the mental component scale (rehabilitation: 47.7 points [SD 10.1] vs 54.8 points [7.1] and usual care: 48.1 points [SD 10.9] vs 51.9 points [SD 9.6], P = 0.05).ConclusionsAfter ICD implantation, significant gender differences were found in physical health, mental health, and QoL. Effects of rehabilitation were found among men only and gender predicted effect of rehabilitation on the mental component scale.
The Impact of Changing Antiseptic Skin Preparation Agent used for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) Procedures on the Risk of Infection
Authors: QINTAR MOHAMMED , ZARDKOOHI OMEED , HAMMADAH MUHAMMAD , HSU AMY , WAZNI OUSSAMA , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , TARAKJI KHALDOUN G. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundCardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a major complication that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recent data suggested a relationship between the antiseptic agent used for skin preparation at time of CIED procedure and risk for infection.MethodsOn April 30, 2011, we changed the antiseptic agent used for skin preparation at our tertiary care facility from chlorhexidine‐alcohol to povidone‐iodine for all CIED procedures. We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who underwent CIED procedure 1 year before and after the change. CIED infection was defined as pocket or endovascular systemic infection that required removal within 1 year of the index procedure. We examined if the change affected the risk of CIED infection.ResultsA total of 2,792 patients underwent 2,840 CIED procedures; 1,748 (61.5%) had implantable cardioverter defibrillator procedures and 1,092 (38.4%) had permanent pacemaker procedures. Chlorhexidine‐alcohol agent was used in 1,450 (51.1%) procedures, and povidone‐iodine agent was used in 1,390 (48.9%). After 1 year of follow‐up, 31 patients (1.09%) developed CIED infection that required system removal. The 1‐year infection rate was 1.1% among both antiseptic agent groups and there were no significant differences in the infection presentations among both groups (P = 0.950). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that risk factors for infection within 1 year included age, diabetes, and African American race.ConclusionIn one large cohort of patients undergoing CIED procedures, the antiseptic agent used for skin preparation (chlorhexidine‐alcohol vs povidone‐iodine) was not associated with increased risk of developing CIED infection.
Sevoflurane anesthesia and brain perfusion
Authors: Rhondali Ossam , Pouyau Agnès , Mahr Aurélie , Juhel Simon , De Queiroz Mathilde , Rhzioual‐Berrada Khalid , Mathews Sylvain , Chassard Dominique 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjective/AimTo assess the impact of sevoflurane and anesthesia‐induced hypotension on brain perfusion in children younger than 6 months.BackgroundSafe lower limit of blood pressure during anesthesia in infant is unclear, and inadequate anesthesia can lead to hypotension, hypocapnia, and low cerebral perfusion. Insufficient cerebral perfusion in infant during anesthesia is an important factor of neurological morbidity. In two previous studies, we assessed the impact of sevoflurane anesthesia on cerebral blood flow (CBF) by transcranial Doppler (TCD) and on brain oxygenation by NIRS, in children ≤2 years. As knowledge about consequences of anesthesia‐induced hypotension on cerebral perfusion in children ≤6 months is scarce, we conducted a retrospective analysis to compare the data of CBF and brain oxygenation, in this specific population.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of data collected from our two previous studies. Baseline values of TCD or NIRS were recorded and then during sevoflurane anesthesia. From a database of 338 patients, we excluded all patients older than 6 months. Then, we compared physiological variables of TCD and NIRS population to ensure that the two groups were comparable. We compared rSO2c and TCD measurements variation according to MAP value during sevoflurane anesthesia, using anova and Student–Newman–Keuls for posthoc analysis.ResultsOne hundred and eighty patients were included in the analysis. TCD and NIRS groups were comparable. CBF velocities (CBFV) or rSO2c reflects a good cerebral perfusion when MAP is above 45 mmHg. When MAP is between 35 and 45 mmHg, CBFV variation reflects a reduction of CBF, but rSO2c increase is the consequence of a still positive balance between CMRO2 and O2 supply. Below 35 mmHg of MAP during anesthesia, CBFV decrease and rSO2c variation from baseline is low. For each category of MAP and for the two groups, etCo2 and expired fraction of sevoflurane (FeSevo) were comparable (anova P > 0.05).ConclusionIn a healthy infant without dehydration, with normal PaCO2 and hemoglobin value, scheduled for short procedures, MAP is a good proxy of cerebral perfusion as we found that CBF assessed by CBFV and rSO2c decreased proportionally with cerebral perfusion pressure. During 1 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia, maintaining MAP beyond 35 mmHg during anesthesia is probably safe and sufficient. But when MAP decreases below 35 mmHg, CBF decreases and rSO2c variation from baseline is low despite CMRO2 reduction. In this situation, cerebral metabolic reserve is low and further changes of systemic conditions may be poorly tolerated by the brain.
Procalcitonin as a marker of respiratory disorder in neonates
Authors: Ochi Fumihiro , Higaki Takashi , Ohta Masaaki , Yamauchi Toshifumi , Tezuka Mari , Chisaka Toshiyuki , Moritani Tomozo , Tauchi Hisamichi , Ishii Eiichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundSerum procalcitonin (PCT) increases in various respiratory disorders such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Elevated PCT is also observed in healthy neonates. In this study, we investigated whether PCT is a good marker of respiratory disorder in neonates.MethodsA total of 155 neonates with or without respiratory disorder, were eligible for the study. PCT was measured on electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Each neonate was allocated to the non‐respiratory disorder (control) group (n = 95), or a respiratory disorder group (n = 60). PCT was compared between the groups, and association with other markers, including C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count, was analyzed.ResultsOf the 60 neonates in the respiratory disorder group, 39, 10, five, one, two, two, and one neonates had transient tachypnea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, air leak syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome, 18‐trisomy, neonatal asphyxia, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia, respectively. Mean PCT, CRP and WBC count in the respiratory disorder group were 9.01 ng/mL, 0.26 mg/dL, and 16 100 cells/μL, respectively. The area under the curve obtained for PCT in distinguishing between the respiratory disorder and control groups was 0.85 (sensitivity, 66.7%; specificity, 93.0%; optimum cut‐off, 3.73 ng/mL), that for CRP was 0.72 (sensitivity, 75.0%; specificity, 64.6%; optimum cut‐off, 0.14 mg/dL), and for WBC it was 0.44 (sensitivity, 60.0%; specificity, 29.6%; optimum cut‐off, 15 000 cells/μL).ConclusionsPCT is more susceptible, as a diagnostic parameter of infection, to the effect of respiratory disturbance than CRP and WBC.
Litter Fall Dynamics of Restored Mangroves (Rhizophora mucronata Lamk. and Sonneratia alba Sm.) in Kenya
Authors: Wang'ondu Virginia W. , Bosire Jared O. , Kairo James G. , Kinyamario Jenesio I. , Mwaura Francis B. , Dahdouh‐Guebas Farid , Koedam Nico 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMangrove forests are active carbon sinks and important for nutrient cycling in coastal ecosystems. Restoration of degraded mangrove habitats enhances return of ecosystem goods and services, including carbon sequestration. Our objective was to assess the restoration of primary productivity of reforested mangrove stands in comparison with natural reference stands in Gazi Bay, Kenya. Litter fall data were collected in nine Rhizophora mucronata and Sonneratia alba monospecific stands by use of litter traps over 2 years. Litter was emptied monthly, dried, sorted, and weighed. The reforested and natural stands showed seasonality patterns only in the production of reproductive material. Leaves constituted the highest percentage to total litter fall. Litter productivity rates for the R. mucronata stands were not significantly different and ranged from 6.61–10.15 to 8.36–11.02 t ha−1 yr−1 for the restored and natural stands, respectively. The productivity of 5 years R. mucronata stands reached 5.22 t ha−1 yr−1 and was significantly different from other stands. Litter productivity rates for S. alba stands was 7.77–7.85 for the restored stands and 10.15 t ha−1 yr−1 for the natural stand but differences were not significant. Our results indicate that plantations of at least 11 years have attained litter productivity rates comparable to the natural forests. This suggests that productivity of replanted mangroves is likely to reach complete recovery by this age under the prevailing environmental conditions.
Changing Behaviours, Improving Outcomes? Governing Healthy Lifestyles Through Social Marketing
Authors: Crawshaw Paul 
Published: September 2014

AbstractRecent public health policy and practice in the UK and beyond has promoted behavioural and lifestyle change as key methods for health improvement and the reduction of inequalities. These methods contrast with more upstream and structural interventions intended to address environmental and material determinants of health. A current exemplar of this approach is the use of social marketing. These changes represent a shift from the social to the individual as the target of public health interventions and raise a number of critical questions for health social scientists concerned not only with health improvement but also equity and social justice. Further, they can be identified as part of broader social and economic shifts that posit the individual as responsible for the management of their own bodies and selves in late modern societies characterised by ‘government at a distance’ and the repeal of welfare. This paper offers a review of shifting paradigms of public health and considers the implications of newer modes of health governance such as social marketing and their role as a modern form of health governance.
Short‐beam Shear Method for Assessment of Stress–Strain Curves for Fibre‐reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
Authors: Makeev A. , He Y. , Schreier H. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis work presents a thorough description of a short‐beam shear (SBS) test method coupled with digital image correlation (DIC) for the measurement of shear stress–strain curves of polymer matrix composites. The method provides a time‐ and cost‐effective alternative to established methods, and the authors hope this work can serve as a starting point for discussions on the developments of new standards for the characterisation of shear stress–strain curves for composites. The experimental set‐up, including several modifications to the American Society of Testing and Materials current standard configuration, is described. Implementation of the DIC technique to obtain accurate surface strain in the SBS specimens is also presented. Accuracy of beam theory‐based shear stress calculation is assessed using a non‐linear finite element model (FEM). A simple means to improve the accuracy of the closed‐form shear stress approximation is provided. Glass/epoxy and carbon/epoxy composite material systems are used to demonstrate the developed method. Strain surveys are conducted to compare the experimentally generated and FEM‐computed strain fields and verify the accuracy of the shear stress–strain curves. Shear stress–strain response generated from SBS tests is also compared with V‐notched beam test results for further verification.
Systemic delivery of siRNA in pumpkin by a plant PHLOEM SMALL RNA‐BINDING PROTEIN 1–ribonucleoprotein complex
Authors: Ham Byung‐Kook , Li Gang , Jia Weitao , Leary Julie A. , Lucas William J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryIn plants, the vascular system, specifically the phloem, functions in delivery of small RNA (sRNA) to exert epigenetic control over developmental and defense‐related processes. Although the importance of systemic sRNA delivery has been established, information is currently lacking concerning the nature of the protein machinery involved in this process. Here, we show that a PHLOEM SMALL‐RNA BINDING PROTEIN 1 (PSRP1) serves as the basis for formation of an sRNA ribonucleoprotein complex (sRNPC) that delivers sRNA (primarily 24 nt) to sink organs. Assembly of this complex is facilitated through PSRP1 phosphorylation by a phloem‐localized protein kinase, PSRPK1. During long‐distance transport, PSRP1–sRNPC is stable against phloem phosphatase activity. Within target tissues, phosphatase activity results in disassembly of PSRP1–sRNPC, a process that is probably required for unloading cargo sRNA into surrounding cells. These findings provide an insight into the mechanism involved in delivery of sRNA associated with systemic gene silencing in plants.
ADC texture—An imaging biomarker for high‐grade glioma?
Authors: Brynolfsson Patrik , Nilsson David , Henriksson Roger , Hauksson Jón , Karlsson Mikael , Garpebring Anders , Birgander Richard , Trygg Johan , Nyholm Tufve , Asklund Thomas 
Published: September 2014

Purpose:Survival for high‐grade gliomas is poor, at least partly explained by intratumoral heterogeneity contributing to treatment resistance. Radiological evaluation of treatment response is in most cases limited to assessment of tumor size months after the initiation of therapy. Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its estimate of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) has been widely investigated, as it reflects tumor cellularity and proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate texture analysis of ADC images in conjunction with multivariate image analysis as a means for identification of pretreatment imaging biomarkers.Methods:Twenty‐three consecutive high‐grade glioma patients were treated with radiotherapy (2 Gy/60 Gy) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. ADC maps and T1‐weighted anatomical images with and without contrast enhancement were collected prior to treatment, and (residual) tumor contrast enhancement was delineated. A gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix analysis was performed on the ADC maps in a cuboid encapsulating the tumor in coronal, sagittal, and transversal planes, giving a total of 60 textural descriptors for each tumor. In addition, similar examinations and analyses were performed at day 1, week 2, and week 6 into treatment. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to reduce dimensionality of the data, and the five largest components (scores) were used in subsequent analyses. MRI assessment three months after completion of radiochemotherapy was used for classifying tumor progression or regression.Results:The score scatter plots revealed that the first, third, and fifth components of the pretreatment examinations exhibited a pattern that strongly correlated to survival. Two groups could be identified: one with a median survival after diagnosis of 1099 days and one with 345 days, p = 0.0001.Conclusions:By combining PCA and texture analysis, ADC texture characteristics were identified, which seems to hold pretreatment prognostic information, independent of known prognostic factors such as age, stage, and surgical procedure. These findings encourage further studies with a larger patient cohort.