bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biventricular Response of the Heart to Endurance Exercise Training in Previously Untrained Subjects
Authors: Rojek Aleksandra , Bialy Dariusz , Przewlocka‐Kosmala Monika , Negrusz‐Kawecka Marta , Mysiak Andrzej , Kosmala Wojciech 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundFunctional adaptation of the heart to regular strenuous exercise has not been fully elucidated yet, with different patterns of alterations being reported. We evaluated the effect of endurance exercise training (EET) on left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) mechanics in amateur individuals preparing for triathlon competitions.MethodsTwenty‐one subjects aged 33 ± 6 years underwent conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography at rest before and after a high‐intensity (12.3 ± 1.0 h/week) 12‐month EET.ResultsAt follow‐up, in addition to the improvement in LV diastolic parameters, a significant decrease in longitudinal (26.0 ± 3.3% vs. 24.3 ± 3.2%, P < 0.04), circumferential (24.3 ±4.3% vs. 20.1 ± 3.8%, P < 0.002), and radial strains (46.8 ± 18.3% vs. 37.8 ± 12.9%, P < 0.03), and rotation (9.7 ± 4.8% vs. 7.1 ± 4.0 deg, P < 0.04) was demonstrated at the apex, whereas the LV base was found to show an increase in rotation (−3.9 ± 2.8% vs. −5.9 ± 1.8 deg, P < 0.01). Overall hemodynamic effectiveness of the LV was preserved, as evidenced by the unchanged ejection fraction, cardiac output, twist, and torsion. RV systolic function as assessed by strain was significantly reduced with EET (28.1 ± 6.7% vs. 23.7 ± 8.6%, P < 0.03).ConclusionsEET modifies both LV and RV performance at rest in previously untrained subjects. The true nature of these changes (adaptive or maladaptive) is unclear, but the hypothesis of different responses of the LV apex and base, with the reduction in contractility of the former and increase in rotation of the latter, representing a protective mechanism that reduces myocardial stress might be considered.
Social inference in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Gill Kelly E. , Cressman Victoria , Poe Sarah Lucy , Steinfeld Sara , Ben‐David Shelly , G. Keilp John , Moore Holly , Turkstra Lyn S. , Corcoran Cheryl 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimSocial cognition impairment is a hallmark of schizophrenia and contains multiple domains. The domain of social inference has been relatively understudied in schizophrenia and its risk states.MethodsSocial inference was assessed in 60 clinical high‐risk (CHR) patients and 28 healthy control subjects, using the video social inference task. We hypothesized a deficit in social inference in CHR participants and examined predictive value for psychosis transition.ResultsSocial inference was positively associated with increasing age. Social inference did not differ significantly between CHR patients and controls, or predict transition to psychosis.ConclusionsFew studies have examined social inference of individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis, and findings have been inconclusive. Additional studies using a variety of measures of social inference in CHR participants are recommended.
The cryptic role of biodiversity in the emergence of host–microbial mutualisms
Authors: Pillai Pradeep , Gouhier Tarik C. , Vollmer Steven V. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe persistence of mutualisms in host‐microbial – or holobiont – systems is difficult to explain because microbial mutualists, who bear the costs of providing benefits to their host, are always prone to being competitively displaced by non‐mutualist ‘cheater’ species. This disruptive effect of competition is expected to be particularly strong when the benefits provided by the mutualists entail costs such as reduced competitive ability. Using a metacommunity model, we show that competition between multiple cheaters within the host's microbiome, when combined with the spatial structure of host–microbial interactions, can have a constructive rather than a disruptive effect by allowing the emergence and maintenance of mutualistic microorganisms within the host. These results indicate that many of the microorganisms inhabiting a host's microbiome, including those that would otherwise be considered opportunistic or even potential pathogens, play a cryptic yet critical role in promoting the health and persistence of the holobiont across spatial scales.
Local‐scale biotic interactions embedded in macroscale climate drivers suggest Eltonian noise hypothesis distribution patterns for an invasive grass
Authors: Fraterrigo Jennifer M. , Wagner Stephanie , Warren Robert J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA hierarchical view of niche relations reconciles the scale‐dependent effects of abiotic and biotic processes on species distribution patterns and underlies most current approaches to distribution modeling. A key prediction of this framework is that the effects of biotic interactions will be averaged out at macroscales – an idea termed the Eltonian noise hypothesis (ENH). We test this prediction by quantifying regional variation in local abiotic and biotic niche relations and assess the role of macroclimate in structuring biotic interactions, using a non‐native invasive grass, Microstegium vimineum, in its introduced range. Consistent with hierarchical niche relations and the ENH, macroclimate structures local biotic interactions, while local abiotic relations are regionally conserved. Biotic interactions suppress M. vimineum in drier climates but have little effect in wetter climates. A similar approach could be used to identify the macroclimatic conditions under which biotic interactions affect the accuracy of local predictions of species distributions.
Temporal ecology in the Anthropocene
Authors: Wolkovich E. M. , Cook B. I. , McLauchlan K. K. , Davies T. J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTwo fundamental axes – space and time – shape ecological systems. Over the last 30 years spatial ecology has developed as an integrative, multidisciplinary science that has improved our understanding of the ecological consequences of habitat fragmentation and loss. We argue that accelerating climate change – the effective manipulation of time by humans – has generated a current need to build an equivalent framework for temporal ecology. Climate change has at once pressed ecologists to understand and predict ecological dynamics in non‐stationary environments, while also challenged fundamental assumptions of many concepts, models and approaches. However, similarities between space and time, especially related issues of scaling, provide an outline for improving ecological models and forecasting of temporal dynamics, while the unique attributes of time, particularly its emphasis on events and its singular direction, highlight where new approaches are needed. We emphasise how a renewed, interdisciplinary focus on time would coalesce related concepts, help develop new theories and methods and guide further data collection. The next challenge will be to unite predictive frameworks from spatial and temporal ecology to build robust forecasts of when and where environmental change will pose the largest threats to species and ecosystems, as well as identifying the best opportunities for conservation.
Perineal incision into the corpus spongiosum penis to resolve persistent post urination haemorrhage after partial phallectomy
Authors: Mählmann K. , Koch C. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPartial phallectomy or en bloc resection are surgical methods to address pathological conditions of the penis and/or prepuce including neoplasia, trauma, habronemiasis, chronic paraphimosis or permanent penile paralysis, and priapism. Haemorrhage associated with urination is a common complication observed after penile surgery but usually resolves spontaneously without specific treatment. This report describes a case of post urination haemorrhage (PUH) that recurred with each urination and persisted without significant improvement for a period of 2 weeks following en bloc resection of the penis and the prepuce. A perineal incision (PI) into the corpus spongiosum of the penis (CSP) resolved PUH by decreasing the blood pressure in the CSP distal to the PI. We propose that PI of the CSP can be an effective method to address PUH after penile surgery and may decrease time of hospitalisation for horses affected with PUH after phallectomy procedures.
Elevated temperature may intensify the positive effects of nutrients on microbial decomposition in streams
Authors: Fernandes Isabel , Seena Sahadevan , Pascoal Cláudia , Cássio Fernanda 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Climate change scenarios predict an increase in global temperature and alterations in precipitation regimes, which may change nutrient concentrations in waterbodies. In forested streams, decomposition of allochthonous organic matter is a key ecosystem process that is affected by the quality of plant litter entering the streams and several environmental factors, including nutrient concentrations, whose interactive effects are difficult to predict.

We examined the concomitant effects of increased temperature, concentration of inorganic nutrients in stream water and litter quality on leaf decomposition and activity of microbial decomposers. Leaves of alder (Alnus glutinosa) and oak (Quercus robur), representative of high and low initial N content, respectively, were immersed in a stream (NW Portugal) to allow microbial colonisation and then were exposed in microcosms to increasing concentrations of N‐NO3 (0.09–5 mg L−1; six levels) and P‐PO4 (0.003–0.3 mg L−1; three levels) alone or in all possible combinations. One set of microcosms was kept at 12 °C, a temperature typically found in Iberian streams in autumn, and the other set at 18 °C to simulate a warming scenario.

Nitrogen immobilisation was higher in alder than in oak leaves, and increased with temperature and N concentration in stream water for both leaf species.

Leaf decomposition, fungal biomass accrual and reproduction were not affected by P concentration, but overall microbial activity increased asymptotically (Michaelis–Menten kinetics) with N concentration. Increased temperature led to an increase in maximum activity of fungal decomposers and to a decrease in N concentration needed to achieve it, especially in alder leaves.

Under the predicted warming scenario, leaf decomposition may become faster in streams with lower nutrient levels, especially those receiving high‐quality leaf litter.
Cystic fibrosis: to screen or not to screen? Involving a Citizens' jury in decisions on screening carrier
Authors: Mosconi Paola , Castellani Carlo , Villani Walter , Satolli Roberto 
Published: September 2014

AbstractContextIn recent years, the continuous improvements in molecular biology techniques have made it possible to detect carriers for several genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis (CF). In some countries, CF carrier screening is offered to increasing subset of the general population.Offering of carrier screening at a population level should not be decided by local health authorities only, without consulting citizens' preferences. One way to involve citizens in the decision process might be to a Citizens' jury, a method of deliberative democracy.ObjectiveThe object of the study is to produce a recommendation statement about CF carrier screening using a Citizens' jury. As this is a new method in the field, the study also provided the opportunity to evaluate its effectiveness.DesignThe project is designed and managed by an executive committee. The whole process is superintended by a multidisciplinary scientific committee. The 16 members of the jury attend a 1 day meeting, assisted by a non‐medical and unbiased facilitator. Informative material was prepared and distributed 15 days before the jury meeting; during the meeting, experts and witnesses interact directly with all the jurors through questions and answers.ResultsAll except one member of the jury felt positively about the Health Service actively providing population carrier screening for CF. The final statement was available to public, clinicians, researchers and decision‐makers.DiscussionIn general, a Citizens' jury is a feasible method for involving citizens in public health decision‐making process and in particular for obtaining a community view about CF carrier screening.
Incidence of deep venous thrombosis: a comparison of two Australian hospitals
Authors: Shiraev T. P. , Omari A. , Rushworth R. L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this retrospective observational study, we observed that principal and comorbid diagnoses of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurred at a rate of 1.02 and 4.86 per 1000 admissions. Principal DVT diagnosis admissions were more common in the public hospital (1.29 vs 0.57 per 1000; P < 0.001), while the private hospital had nearly three times the admissions with comorbid DVT (2.99 vs 8.23 per 1000; P < 0.001). In‐hospital mortality was uncommon (0.2% and 1.6% for principal and comorbid DVT diagnoses, respectively), and this did not differ significantly between the two hospitals.
Recurrent life‐threatening reactions to platelet transfusion in an aplastic anaemia patient with a paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria clone
Authors: Mohamed M. , Bates G. , Richardson D. , Burrows L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA 60‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with non‐severe aplastic anaemia when she presented with anaemia and thrombocytopenia. She developed recurrent life‐threatening hypotensive reactions during transfusion of leukodepleted platelet concentrates, and washed platelet concentrates prevented the development of such reactions subsequently. A paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria clone was detected on investigating for aplastic anaemia, which has been speculated to play a role in the recurrent hypotensive reactions.
Dilemmas in the compassionate supply of investigational cancer drugs
Authors: Lewis J. R. R. , Lipworth W. , Kerridge I. , Doran E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn Australia, patients who want to access medicines that are not yet approved have only two options: to enrol in a clinical trial if they are eligible, or obtain their medicine through ‘compassionate supply’, which is provided at the discretion of the manufacturer. In this article, we explore ethical issues associated with the provision of oncology medicines that are still in development, either prior to regulatory approval or government reimbursement.
Combined treatment with a CXCL12 analogue and antibiotics improves survival and neutrophil recruitment and function in murine sepsis
Authors: Guan Shuwen , Guo Changrun , Zingarelli Basilia , Wang Liping , Halushka Perry V. , Cook James A. , Fan Hongkuan 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPrevious studies demonstrated that the CXCL12 peptide analogue CTCE‐0214 (CTCE) has beneficial effects in experimental sepsis induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We examined the hypothesis that CTCE recruits neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leucocytes; PMN) to the site of infection, enhances PMN function and improves survival of mice in CLP‐induced sepsis with antibiotic treatment. Mice with sepsis (n = 15) were administered imipenem (25 mg/kg) and CTCE (10 mg/kg) subcutaneously versus vehicle control at designated intervals post‐CLP. CTCE treatment increased PMN recruitment in CLP‐induced sepsis, as evidenced by increased PMN in blood, by 2·4 ± 0·6 fold at 18 hr, 2·9 ± 0·6 fold at 24 hr, and in peritoneal fluid by 2·0 ± 0·2 fold at 24 hr versus vehicle control. CTCE treatment reduced bacterial invasion in blood [colony‐forming units (CFU) decreased 77 ± 11%], peritoneal fluid (CFU decreased 78 ± 9%) and lung (CFU decreased 79 ± 8% versus CLP vehicle). The improved PMN recruitment and bacterial clearance correlated with reduced mortality with CTCE treatment (20% versus 67% vehicle controls). In vitro studies support the notion that CTCE augments PMN function by enhancing phagocytic activity (1·25 ± 0·02 fold), increasing intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (32 ± 4%) and improving bacterial killing (CFU decreased 27 ± 3%). These composite findings support the hypothesis that specific CXCL12 analogues with ancillary antibiotic treatment are beneficial in experimental sepsis, in part, by augmenting PMN recruitment and function.
Enamel defects on permanent successors following luxation injuries to primary teeth and carers' experiences
Authors: Skaare Anne B. , Aas Anne‐Lise Maseng , Wang Nina J. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundTrauma to primary teeth may have consequences.AimTo study frequency of enamel defects in permanent successors after luxation injuries, and to report carers' experiences.MethodsChildren 8–15 years (n = 170) suffering luxation injury to primary dentition in 2003 were reexamined in 2010. Permanent successors (n = 300) were clinically examined and photographed. Data from dental records, registration form and a questionnaire were analysed by cross‐tabulation and tested by chi‐square and t‐test.ResultsEnamel defects were registered in 130 successor teeth, 22% due to trauma, 21% due to other aetiological factors (MIH, dental fluorosis, idiopathic). Successors with enamel defects were after concussion 8%, subluxation 18%, lateral luxation 41%, intrusion 38% and avulsion 47%. Enamel defects were associated with the child's age and severity of the injury (P < 0.05). Six children had enamel defects in successors of non‐injured primary teeth. Anxiety recorded by carers was associated with severity and number of injured teeth (P < 0.05). According to carers eight children developed dental fear, seven were younger than 3.5 years and had had their injured teeth removed.ConclusionMinor luxation injuries and indirect trauma may cause enamel defects in permanent successors. Lower age at injury, severity and number of injured teeth affect carer and child negatively.
Partial fingertip necrosis following a digital surgical procedure in a patient with primary Raynaud's phenomenon
Authors: Uygur Safak , Tuncer Serhan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractRaynaud's phenomenon is a common clinical disorder consisting of recurrent, long‐lasting and episodic vasospasm of the fingers and toes often associated with exposure to cold. In this article, we present a case of partial fingertip necrosis following digital surgical procedure in a patient with primary Raynaud's phenomenon.
Impact and costs of home‐based trial of void compared with the day care setting
Authors: Pugh Judith Dianne , Twigg Diane E. , Giles Margaret , Myers Helen , Gelder Lucy , Davis Susanne Megan , King Mary 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimsThis paper presents the relative merits and comparative costs of conducting trial of void using Hospital‐In‐The‐Home vs. the Day Procedure Unit.BackgroundHospitals increasingly discharge patients with acute urinary retention with indwelling urinary catheters. For these to be removed and patients supported to return to normal urinary function, outpatient or in‐home services are used. To date, the relative effectiveness and costs of Hospital‐In‐The‐Home care and Day Procedure Unit care for trial of void have not been examined.DesignThis retrospective study used a static‐group comparison design.MethodsHospital administrative data from 1 February 2009–30 March 2011 for patients having trial of void in the Day Procedure Unit (n = 107) and Hospital‐In‐The‐Home (n = 163) of a tertiary hospital in Western Australia were compared in terms of patient outcomes and costs.ResultsDay Procedure Unit patients had longer wait times than Hospital‐In‐The‐Home patients; there was no difference between the two groups for average per patient days of service or successful first trials. Hospital‐In‐The‐Home care did not increase the overall period of care. Per patient average ward‐equivalent cost in the Day Procedure Unit was A$396 higher than the Hospital‐In‐The‐Home ward‐equivalent cost. The average cost saving per patient for Hospital‐In‐The‐Home care including trial of void cost and emergency department visits was A$117.ConclusionPatient outcomes from Hospital‐In‐The‐Home trial of void in low‐risk patients were comparable to those of Day Procedure Unit care and less costly. Hospital‐In‐The‐Home care for this well‐defined procedure could permit more efficient management of patient throughput.
Hyperammonemia enhances the function and expression of P‐glycoprotein and Mrp2 at the blood–brain barrier through NF‐κB
Authors: Zhang Ji , Zhang Mian , Sun Binbin , Li Ying , Xu Ping , Liu Can , Liu Li , Liu Xiaodong 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAmmonia is considered to be the main neurotoxin responsible for hepatic encephalopathy resulting from liver failure. Liver failure has been reported to alter expression and activity of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (Mrp2) at the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The aim of this study was to investigate whether ammonia is involved in abnormalities of expression and activity of P‐gp and Mrp2 at the BBB. Hyperammonemic rats were developed by an intraperitoneal injection of ammonium acetate (NH4Ac, 4.5 mmol/kg). Results showed that Mrp2 function markedly increased in cortex and hippocampus of rats at 6 h following NH4Ac administration. Significant increase in function of P‐gp was observed in hippocampus of rats. Meanwhile, such alterations were in line with the increase in mRNA and protein levels of P‐gp and Mrp2. Significant increase in levels of nuclear amount of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 was also observed. Primarily cultured rat brain microvessel endothelial cells (rBMECs) were used for in vitro study. Data indicated that 24 h exposure to ammonia significantly increased function and expression of P‐gp and Mrp2 in rBMECs, accompanied with activation of NF‐κB. Furthermore, such alterations induced by ammonia were reversed by NF‐κB inhibitor. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that hyperammonemia increases the function and expression of P‐gp and Mrp2 at the BBB via activating NF‐κB pathway.
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Hyperammonemia, a proverbial main factor responsible for neurocognitive disorder and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction resulting from liver failure, could increase the expression and activity of P‐glycoprotein and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (Mrp2) at the BBB both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the NF‐κB activation stimulated by hyperammonemia may be the potential mechanism underlying such abnormalities induced by hyperammonemia.