bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased levels of alpha‐synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Antonelou Roubina Ch. , Emmanouilidou Evangelia , Gasparinatos Gerasimos , Velona Theodora , Voumvourakis Konstantinos I. , Stefanis Leonidas 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α‐synuclein (ASYN) levels are emerging as a possible biomarker in a number of neurodegenerative conditions; however, there has been little study of such levels in demyelinating conditions with neurodegeneration such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to assess CSF ASYN levels in MS spectrum [clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and MS] patients and compare them to those obtained in control subjects with benign neurological conditions (BNC). We used a recently developed, ultra‐sensitive sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure and compare CSF ASYN levels in three categories of subjects: BNC (n = 38), CIS (n = 36) and MS [Relapsing Remitting (RRMS, n = 22) and Primary Progressive (PPMS, n = 15)]. We also performed secondary analyses, including relationship of CSF ASYN levels to aging, gender, presence of CSF oligoclonal bands (OB) and gadolinium (Gd)‐enhancing demyelinating lesions on T1‐weighted MRIs. CSF ASYN levels were found to be significantly lower in the CIS (78.2 ± 7.5 pg/mL), RRMS (76.8 ± 5.1 pg/mL), and PPMS (76.3 ± 6.7 pg/mL) groups compared to the BNC (125.7 ± 13.6 pg/mL) group. Secondary analyses did not reveal additional correlations. Our results suggest that in a cohort of CIS and MS patients, CSF ASYN levels are decreased, thus providing another possible link between MS and neurodegeneration. Future studies will need to be performed to confirm and extend these findings, to lead to a fuller understanding of the possible biological link between ASYN and MS.
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Alpha‐synuclein levels in the Cerebrosinal Fluid (CSF) may reflect neurodegenerative processes. Here we measure CSF alpha‐synuclein in demyelinating conditions ranging from Clinically Isolated Syndrome to Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We find a similar magnitude of decreased alpha‐synuclein compared to a control group in all such MS spectrum conditions; such a decrease may reflect an underlying early neurodegenerative disease process.
Design of a Competency Evaluation Model for Clinical Nursing Practicum, Based on Standardized Language Systems: Psychometric Validation Study
Authors: Iglesias‐Parra Maria Rosa , García‐Guerrero Alfonso , García‐Mayor Silvia , Kaknani‐Uttumchandani Shakira , León‐Campos Álvaro , Morales‐Asencio José Miguel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeTo develop an evaluation system of clinical competencies for the practicum of nursing students based on the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC).Design and MethodsPsychometric validation study: the first two phases addressed definition and content validation, and the third phase consisted of a cross‐sectional study for analyzing reliability. The study population was undergraduate nursing students and clinical tutors.FindingsThrough the Delphi technique, 26 competencies and 91 interventions were isolated. Cronbach's α was 0.96. Factor analysis yielded 18 factors that explained 68.82% of the variance. Overall inter‐item correlation was 0.26, and total–item correlation ranged between 0.66 and 0.19.ConclusionsA competency system for the nursing practicum, structured on the NIC, is a reliable method for assessing and evaluating clinical competencies. Further evaluations in other contexts are needed.Clinical RelevanceThe availability of standardized language systems in the nursing discipline supposes an ideal framework to develop the nursing curricula.
Lessons Learned From Adolescent Mothers: Advice on Recruitment
Authors: Logsdon M. Cynthia , Martin Vicki Hines , Stikes Reetta , Davis Deborah , Ryan Lesa , Yang Iren , Edward Jean , Rushton Jeff 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeAdolescent mothers have high rates of depressive symptoms and inadequate rates of depression evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify characteristics of effective recruitment ads for an Internet‐based depression intervention for pregnant and parenting adolescents.MethodsUsing focus group methods, participants (N = 35) were recruited and enrolled at a teen parent program, part of the public school system. Focus group sessions were analyzed for participant preferences, rationale for choices, key words, and the frequency of words within the videotapes and audiotapes.ResultsFindings indicated that adolescent mothers preferred pictures in which everyone looked happy, narrative that clearly indicated cost and eligibility, and words that they would use in conversation.Clinical RelevanceThe study filled an important gap in the literature by soliciting from pregnant and parenting adolescents their preferences regarding visual appeal, content adequacy, and message clarity of advertisements that would motivate them to visit an Internet intervention for depression. Results could be extrapolated to education of pregnant and parenting adolescents in clinical settings.
Early Modern Antwerp: The First “World City”?
Authors: Mielants Eric 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIt is problematic to think of globalization as a new phenomenon and to believe that the phenomenon of a world city, embedded in the global division of labor, is a 20th century novelty. World city literature in sociology often emphasizes, if not assumes, the relatively recent emergence of world cities in the “new” international division of labor. Sixteenth century Antwerp, however, was the first world city of an expanding capitalist world economy. Understanding this phenomenon and its decline can raise important questions about the modus operandi of subsequent world cities.
Alcohol intake may impair bone density and new cementum formation after enamel matrix derivative treatment: histometric study in rats
Authors: Corrêa M. G. , Gomes Campos M. L. , Marques M. R. , Ambrosano G. M. B. , Casati M. Z. , Nociti F. H. , Sallum E. A. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectiveAlcohol intake may interfere with bone metabolism; however, there is a lack of information about the outcomes of regenerative approaches in the presence of alcohol intake. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used in periodontal regenerative procedures resulting in improvement of clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this histomorphometric study is to evaluate the healing of periodontal defects after treatment with EMD under the influence of alcohol intake.Material and MethodsTwenty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups: G1 = alcohol intake (n = 10) and G2 = non‐exposed to alcohol intake (n = 10). Thirty days after initiation of alcohol intake, fenestration defects were created at the buccal aspect of the first mandibular molar of all animals from both groups. After the surgeries, the defects of each animal were randomly assigned to two subgroups: non‐treated control and treated with EMD. The animals were killed 21 d later.ResultsG1 showed less defect fill for non‐treated controls. Bone density (BD) and new cementum formation were lower for G1 when compared to G2, for EMD‐treated and non‐treated sites. EMD treatment resulted in greater BD and new cementum formation in both groups and defect fill was not significantly different between groups in the EMD‐treated sites. The number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclasts was significantly higher in G1 when compared to G2 and in EMD‐treated sites of both groups.ConclusionAlcohol intake may produce a significant detrimental effect on BD and new cementum formation, even in sites treated with EMD. A limited positive effect may be expected after EMD treatment under this condition.
Experimental gingivitis, bacteremia and systemic biomarkers: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kinane D. F. , Zhang P. , Benakanakere M. , Singleton J. , Biesbrock A. , Nonnenmacher C. , He T. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectiveBacteremia and systemic inflammatory markers are associated with periodontal and systemic diseases and may be linking mechanisms between these conditions. We hypothesized that in the development of gingival inflammation, systemic markers of inflammation and bacteremia would increase.Material and MethodsTo study the effect of bacteremia on systemic inflammatory markers, we recruited 80 subjects to participate in an experimental gingivitis study. Subjects were stratified based on gender, smoking and the number of bleeding sites and then randomized to one of two groups: control group (n = 40) or experimental gingivitis group (n = 40). Subjects in the control group conducted an oral hygiene regimen: brushing twice daily with a regular sodium fluoride cavity protection dentifrice and a standard manual toothbrush, flossing twice daily, and mouth rinsing with an anti‐cavity fluoride rinse once daily. The experimental group stopped brushing and flossing, and used only the fluoride anti‐cavity mouth rinse for 21 d.ResultsSeventy‐nine of 80 subjects were evaluable. One subject in the control group was excluded from the results due to antibiotic use during the study. Our data showed the experimental gingivitis group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in dental plaque level and gingival inflammatory indices relative to baseline and the control group but a decrease in bacteremia and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels vs. baseline. Bacteremia was negatively correlated with gingival inflammatory indices and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels in the experimental gingivitis group, thus negating our hypothesis.ConclusionWe conclude that there are marked differences in systemic cytokine levels over the course of short‐term experimentally induced gingivitis and further conclude that a long‐term periodontitis study must be considered to address mechanisms whereby oral diseases may affect systemic diseases.
Prevalence and impact on survival of hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in a cohort of cirrhotic patients
Authors: Voiosu Andrei M. , Daha Ioana C. , Voiosu Theodor A. , Mateescu Bogdan R. , Dan Gheorghe A. , Băicuş Cristian R. , Voiosu Mihail R. , Diculescu Mircea M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsExtrahepatic complications of cirrhosis increase the risk for decompensation of the liver disease and death. Previous studies show common pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to assess the link between these entities and their effect on disease‐related patient morbidity and mortality.MethodsSeventy‐four consecutive cirrhotic patients without prior history of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease were included in a prospective observational study. Routine blood work, arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry measurements, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels and contrast enhanced echocardiography examination with tissue Doppler imaging were performed in all patients. Patients were followed up for a median of 6 months and disease‐related adverse events and death were the main outcomes tested. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome or cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.ResultsHepatopulmonary syndrome was diagnosed in 17 patients (23%) and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in 30 patients (40.5%). There was no association between the presence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and the existence of mild or moderate hepatopulmonary syndrome. No echocardiographic parameters were useful in predicting the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome. N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels and length of QT interval did not aid in diagnosis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Neither entity had significant influence on disease‐related outcomes in the follow‐up period.ConclusionsHepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are independent complications arising in cirrhosis and have a limited influence on morbidity and mortality on a pre‐liver transplantation population.
Loci under selection during multiple range expansions of an invasive plant are mostly population specific, but patterns are associated with climate
Authors: Zenni Rafael D. , Hoban Sean M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIdentifying the genes underlying rapid evolutionary changes, describing their function and ascertaining the environmental pressures that determine fitness are the central elements needed for understanding of evolutionary processes and phenotypic changes that improve the fitness of populations. It has been hypothesized that rapid adaptive changes in new environments may contribute to the rapid spread and success of invasive plants and animals. As yet, studies of adaptation during invasion are scarce, as is knowledge of the genes underlying adaptation, especially in multiple replicated invasions. Here, we quantified how genotype frequencies change during invasions, resulting in rapid evolution of naturalized populations. We used six fully replicated common garden experiments in Brazil where Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) was introduced at the same time, in the same numbers, from the same seed sources, and has formed naturalized populations expanding outward from the plantations. We used a combination of nonparametric, population genetics and multivariate statistics to detect changes in genotype frequencies along each of the six naturalization gradients and their association with climate as well as shifts in allele frequencies compared to the source populations. Results show 25 genes with significant shifts in genotype frequencies. Six genes had shifts in more than one population. Climate explained 25% of the variation in the groups of genes under selection across all locations, but specific genes under strong selection during invasions did not show climate‐related convergence. In conclusion, we detected rapid evolutionary changes during invasive range expansions, but the particular gene‐level patterns of evolution may be population specific.
Not all are free‐living: high‐throughput DNA metabarcoding reveals a diverse community of protists parasitizing soil metazoa
Authors: Geisen S. , Laros I. , Vizcaíno A. , Bonkowski M. , de Groot G. A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractProtists, the most diverse eukaryotes, are largely considered to be free‐living bacterivores, but vast numbers of taxa are known to parasitize plants or animals. High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) approaches now commonly replace cultivation‐based approaches in studying soil protists, but insights into common biases associated with this method are limited to aquatic taxa and samples. We created a mock community of common free‐living soil protists (amoebae, flagellates, ciliates), extracted DNA and amplified it in the presence of metazoan DNA using 454 HTS. We aimed at evaluating whether HTS quantitatively reveals true relative abundances of soil protists and at investigating whether the expected protist community structure is altered by the co‐amplification of metazoan‐associated protist taxa. Indeed, HTS revealed fundamentally different protist communities from those expected. Ciliate sequences were highly over‐represented, while those of most amoebae and flagellates were under‐represented or totally absent. These results underpin the biases introduced by HTS that prevent reliable quantitative estimations of free‐living protist communities. Furthermore, we detected a wide range of nonadded protist taxa probably introduced along with metazoan DNA, which altered the protist community structure. Among those, 20 taxa most closely resembled parasitic, often pathogenic taxa. Therewith, we provide the first HTS data in support of classical observational studies that showed that potential protist parasites are hosted by soil metazoa. Taken together, profound differences in amplification success between protist taxa and an inevitable co‐extraction of protist taxa parasitizing soil metazoa obscure the true diversity of free‐living soil protist communities.
Global Sensitivity‐Based Model Updating for Heritage Structures
Authors: Boscato Giosuè , Russo Salvatore , Ceravolo Rosario , Fragonara Luca Zanotti 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSensitivity‐based approaches to model updating have become widely used because of their capability to calibrate the model by taking into account the influence of updating parameters associated to different structural elements. Global sensitivity analysis (SA) allows model updating to be carried out even in the case of elevated uncertainty about the material characteristics. Architectural heritage structures deserve specific attention on account of their intrinsic geometrical complexity and heterogeneity. In this article, the concept of global SA is applied for the first time to complex monumental structures, and a comparative view is offered on more classical local sensitivity approaches. Different finite element (FE) calibration techniques—via global and local SA—were applied to the intriguing case of the church of S. Maria del Suffragio in L'Aquila (Italy), severely damaged by the 2009 earthquake. The FE updating was based on experimental data acquired by a dynamic monitoring system. Finally, calibration strategies were assessed through time history analyses by comparing the responses to the recorded seismic event.
Plasma ghrelin and liquid gastric emptying in children with functional dyspepsia consistent with post‐prandial distress syndrome
Authors: Hijaz N. M. , Friesen C. A. , Schurman J. V. , Pearce R. E. , Abdel‐Rahman S. M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdult studies indicate a role for ghrelin in functional dyspepsia (FD) mediated through ghrelin's effect on gastric emptying (GE). This study examines the relationship between ghrelin, liquid GE, and pain in children with FD.MethodsThirteen FD patients reporting symptoms consistent with post‐prandial distress syndrome (PDS) and 17 healthy controls were enrolled. All participants received a liquid meal containing 13C‐sodium acetate. Pain severity, liquid GE utilizing exhaled 13CO2 from the sodium acetate breath tests (ABT), plasma acyl ghrelin (AG), and des‐acyl ghrelin concentrations were measured at specific intervals over 240 min following ingestion.Key ResultsFD‐PDS patients demonstrated lower mean baseline AG (14.8 ± 9.7 vs 27.2 ± 14.0 fmol/mL; p = 0.013), AG Cmax (24.6 ± 8.2 vs 40.5 ± 16.8 fmol/mL; p = 0.007), and AG flux (18.2 ± 7.8 vs 32.7 ± 17.3 fmol/mL; p = 0.015) than controls. The time to reach maximum exhaled 13CO2 concentration (T max) was longer in FD patients than controls (47.5 ± 18.5 vs 35.8 ± 11.8 min; p = 0.046). Significant relationships between ghrelin analyte ratios and ABT parameters were largely confined to control participants.Conclusions & InferencesFD‐PDS in children is associated with lower fasting and maximum AG concentrations, and dampened AG flux. These data suggest a possible role for altered ghrelin physiology in the pathogenesis of PDS.
Systematic review on the use of omalizumab for the treatment of asthmatic children and adolescents
Authors: Rodrigo Gustavo J. , Neffen Hugo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere are less data on omalizumab treatment in pediatric asthma than in adult population. Thus, to establish the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous omalizumab as an add‐on therapy, a systematic review of placebo‐controlled studies was performed.MethodsPrimary outcome was the frequency of asthma exacerbations. Secondary outcomes included spirometric measures, rescue medication use, asthma symptoms, health‐related quality of life, and adverse events.ResultsThree randomized controlled trials (1381 participants) fulfilled the selection criteria. During the stable phase, omalizumab decreased the number of patients with at least one significant asthma exacerbation (26.7% vs. 40.6%, NNTB = 7, 95% CI, 5, 11). The predefined post hoc subgroup analysis showed that duration of treatment did not influence this result. During the steroid reduction phase, omalizumab reduced the number of patients with at least one exacerbation (RR = 0.48, 95% CI, 0.38, 0.61; NNTB = 6, 95% CI, 4, 8) and also the mean number of asthma exacerbations per patient (MD = −0.44, 95% CI, −0.72, −0.17) when compared to placebo. The frequency of serious adverse events was similar between omalizumab (5.2%) and placebo (5.6%), and there were no evidence of increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions, nor malignant neoplasms.ConclusionsData indicate that the efficacy of an add‐on omalizumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe allergic asthma uncontrolled with recommended inhaled steroid treatment is accompanied by an acceptable safety profile.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children undergoing transthoracic echocardiography study—a prospective observational study
Authors: Li Bi L. , Ni Jin , Huang Jun X. , Zhang Na , Song Xing R. , Yuen Vivian M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundIntranasal dexmedetomidine has been used for sedation in children undergoing nonpainful procedures.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the success rate of intranasal dexmedetomidine sedation for children undergoing transthoracic echocardiography examination.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of 115 children under the age of 3 years undergoing echocardiography examination under sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine at 3 mcg·kg−1.ResultsOf the 115 children, 100 (87%) had satisfactory sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine. The mean onset time was 16.7 ± 7 min (range 5–50 min). The mean wake up time was 44.3 ± 15.1 min (range 12–123 min). The wake up time was significantly correlated with duration of procedure with R = 0.540 (P < 0.001). Aside from one patient who required oxygen supplementation, all children in this investigation had an acceptable heart rate and blood pressure and required no medical intervention.ConclusionSedation by intranasal dexmedetomidine at 3 mcg·kg−1 is associated with acceptable success rate in children undergoing echocardiography with no adverse events in this cohort.
A physiological and biophysical model of coppice willow (Salix spp.) production yields for the contiguous USA in current and future climate scenarios
Authors: WANG DAN , JAISWAL DEEPAK , LEBAUER DAVID S. , WERTIN TIMOTHY M. , BOLLERO GERMÁN A. , LEAKEY ANDREW D. B. , LONG STEPHEN P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHigh‐performance computing has facilitated development of biomass production models that capture the key mechanisms underlying production at high spatial and temporal resolution. Direct responses to increasing [CO2] and temperature are important to long‐lived emerging woody bioenergy crops. Fast‐growing willow (Salix spp.) within short rotation coppice (SRC) has considerable potential as a renewable biomass source, but performance over wider environmental conditions and under climate change is uncertain. We extended the bioenergy crop modeling platform, BioCro, to SRC willow by adding coppicing and C3 photosynthesis subroutines, and modifying subroutines for perennation, allocation, morphology, phenology and development. Parameterization with measurements of leaf photosynthesis, allocation and phenology gave agreement of modeled with measured yield across 23 sites in Europe and North America. Predictions for the continental USA suggest yields of ≥17 Mg ha−1 year−1 in a 4 year rotation. Rising temperature decreased predicted yields, an effect partially ameliorated by rising [CO2]. This model, based on over 100 equations describing the physiological and biophysical mechanisms underlying production, provides a new framework for utilizing mechanism of plant responses to the environment, including future climates. As an open‐source tool, it is made available here as a community resource for further application, improvement and adaptation.