bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated quantification of apoptosis in B‐cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders: a prognostic variable obtained with the Cell‐Dyn Sapphire (Abbott) automated hematology analyzer
Authors: Fumi M. , Martins D. , Pancione Y. , Sale S. , Rocco V. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIntroductionB‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia CLL, a neoplastic clonal disorder with monomorphous small B lymphocytes with scanty cytoplasm and clumped chromatin, can be morphologically differentiated in typical and atypical forms with different prognosis: Smudge cells (Gumprecht's shadows) are one of the well‐known features of the typical CLL and are much less inconsistent in other different types CLPD. Abbott Cell‐Dyn Sapphire uses the fluorescence after staining with the DNA fluorochrome propidium iodide for the measurement of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) and nonviable cells (FL3+ cell fraction): We have studied the possible correlation between presence and number of morphologically identifiable smudge cells on smears and the percentage of nonviable cells produced by Cell‐Dyn Sapphire.Methods305 blood samples from 224 patients with B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders and 40 healthy blood donors were analyzed by CBC performed by Cell‐Dyn Sapphire, peripheral blood smear, and immunophenotype characterization.ResultFL3+ fraction in CLPD directly correlated with the percentage of smudge cells and is significantly increased in patients with typical B‐CLL. This phenomenon is much less evident in patients with atypical/mixed B‐CLL and B‐NHL.ConclusionIn small laboratories without FCM and cytogenetic, smudge cells%, can be utilized as a preliminary diagnostic and prognostic tool in differential diagnosis of CLPD.
At What Age Do You Expect to Retire? Retirement Expectations and Increases in the Statutory Retirement Age
Authors: Coppola Michela , Wilke Christina Benita 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe analyse the extent to which an increase in the statutory retirement age affects individuals' retirement expectations. Understanding how individuals adjust their expectations is crucial to the evaluation of this policy, since retirement expectations directly affect other important decisions such as labour supply, engagement in (further) education and, of course, savings and investments. We consider the 2007 German pension reform that legislated an increase in the statutory retirement age from 65 years to 67. Our analysis is based on a longitudinal study that directly asks respondents at what age they expect to retire. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we look at the changes in subjective retirement expectations over time and estimate the extent to which they can be attributed to the 2007 reform.We find that the reform shifted the retirement expectations of the younger cohorts, although there is some heterogeneity in the way individuals adjusted. While there are no significant differences between men and women, lower‐educated individuals failed to revise their expectations. As these individuals usually acquire both lower pension claims and lower private savings, the fact that they have been slower in updating their retirement expectations causes concern regarding their income security after retirement.
Instream Large Wood: Denitrification Hotspots with Low N2O Production
Authors: Lazar Julia G. , Gold Arthur J. , Addy Kelly , Mayer Paul M. , Forshay Kenneth J. , Groffman Peter M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe examined the effect of instream large wood on denitrification capacity in two contrasting, lower order streams — one that drains an agricultural watershed with no riparian forest and minimal stores of instream large wood and another that drains a forested watershed with an extensive riparian forest and abundant instream large wood. We incubated two types of wood substrates (fresh wood blocks and extant streambed wood) and an artificial stone substrate for nine weeks in each stream. Afterin situincubation, we collected the substrates and their attached biofilms and established laboratory‐based mesocosm assays with stream water amended with15N‐labeled nitrate‐N. Wood substrates at the forested site had significantly higher denitrification than wood substrates from the agricultural site and artificial stone substrates from either site. Nitrate‐N removal rates were markedly higher on woody substrates compared to artificial stones at both sites. Nitrate‐N removal rates were significantly correlated with biofilm biomass. Denitrification capacity accounted for only a portion of nitrate‐N removal observed within the mesocosms in both the wood controls and instream substrates. N2accounted for 99.7% of total denitrification. Restoration practices that generate large wood in streams should be encouraged for N removal and do not appear to generate high risks of instream N2O generation.
Streamside Forest Buffer Width Needed to Protect Stream Water Quality, Habitat, and Organisms: A Literature Review
Authors: Sweeney Bernard W. , Newbold J. Denis 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis literature review addresses how wide a streamside forest buffer needs to be to protect water quality, habitat, and biota for small streams (≤~100 km2or ~5th order watershed) with a focus on eight functions: (1)subsurface nitrate removalvaried inversely with subsurface water flux and for sites with water flux >50 l/m/day (~40% avg base flow to Chesapeake Bay) median removal efficiency was 55% (26‐64%) for buffers <40 m wide and 89% (27‐99%) for buffers >40 m wide; (2)sediment trappingwas ~65 and ~85% for a 10‐ and 30‐m buffer, respectively, based on streamside field or experimentally loaded sites; (3)stream channel widthwas significantly wider when bordered by ~25‐m buffer (relative to no forest) with no additional widening for buffers ≥25 m; (4)channel meandering and bank erosionwere lower in forest but more studies are needed to determine the effect of buffer width; (5)temperatureremained within 2°C of levels in a fully forested watershed with a buffer ≥20 m but full protection against thermal change requires buffers ≥30 m; (6)large woody debris(LWD) has been poorly studied but we infer a buffer width equal to the height of mature streamside trees (~30 m) can provide natural input levels; (7, 8)macroinvertebrate and fish communities, and their instream habitat, remain near a natural or semi‐natural state when buffered by ≥30 m of forest. Overall, buffers ≥30 m wide are needed to protect the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of small streams.
Does Riparian Forest Restoration Thinning Enhance Biodiversity? The Ecological Importance of Large Wood
Authors: Pollock Michael M. , Beechie Timothy J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIntact riparian ecosystems are rich in biological diversity, but throughout the world, many have been degraded. Biodiversity declines, particularly of vertebrates, have led to experimental efforts to restore riparian forests by thinning young stands to accelerate creation of large diameter live trees. However, many vertebrates depend on large diameter deadwood that is standing as snags or fallen to the forest floor or fallen into streams. Therefore, we reviewed the sizes of deadwood and live trees used by different vertebrate species to understand which species are likely to benefit from different thinning treatments. We then examined how riparian thinning affects the long‐term development of both large diameter live trees and deadwood. To this end, we used a forest growth model to examine how different forest thinning intensities might affect the long‐term production and abundance of live trees and deadwood. Our results suggest that there are long‐term habitat tradeoffs associated with different thinning intensities. Species that utilize large diameter live trees will benefit most from heavy thinning, whereas species that utilize large diameter deadwood will benefit most from light or no thinning. Because far more vertebrate species utilize large deadwood rather than large live trees, allowing riparian forests to naturally develop may result in the most rapid and sustained development of structural features important to most terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates.
Cropland Riparian Buffers throughout Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Spatial Patterns and Effects on Nitrate Loads Delivered to Streams
Authors: Weller Donald E. , Baker Matthew E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe used statistical models to provide the first empirical estimates of riparian buffer effects on the cropland nitrate load to streams throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. For each of 1,964 subbasins, we quantified the 1990 prevalence of cropland and riparian buffers. Cropland was considered buffered if the topographic flow path connecting it to a stream traversed a streamside forest or wetland. We applied a model that predicts stream nitrate concentration based on physiographic province and the watershed proportions of unbuffered and buffered cropland. We used another model to predict annual streamflow based on precipitation and temperature, and then multiplied the predicted flows and concentrations to estimate 1990 annual nitrate loads. Across the entire Chesapeake watershed, croplands released 92.3 Gg of nitrate nitrogen, but 19.8 Gg of that was removed by riparian buffers. At most, 29.4 Gg more might have been removed if buffer gaps were restored so that all cropland was buffered. The other 43.1 Gg of cropland load cannot be addressed with riparian buffers. The Coastal Plain physiographic province provided 52% of the existing buffer reduction of Bay‐wide nitrate loads and 36% of potential additional removal from buffer restoration in cropland buffer gaps. Existing and restorable nitrate removal in buffers were lower in the other three major provinces because of less cropland, lower buffer prevalence, and lower average buffer nitrate removal efficiency.
miRNA‐940 reduction contributes to human Tetralogy of Fallot development
Authors: Liang Dandan , Xu Xinran , Deng Fangfei , Feng Jing , Zhang Hong , Liu Ying , Zhang Yangyang , Pan Lei , Liu Yi , Zhang Dasheng , Li Jun , Liang Xingqun , Sun Yunfu , Xiao Junjie , Chen Yi‐Han 
Published: June 2014

AbstractTetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex congenital heart defect and the microRNAs regulation in TOF development is largely unknown. Herein, we explored the role of miRNAs in TOF. Among 75 dysregulated miRNAs identified from human heart tissues, miRNA‐940 was the most down‐regulated one. Interestingly, miRNA‐940 was most highly expressed in normal human right ventricular out‐flow tract comparing to other heart chambers. As TOF is caused by altered proliferation, migration and/or differentiation of the progenitor cells of the secondary heart field, we isolated Sca‐1+ human cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (hCMPC) for miRNA‐940 function analysis. miRNA‐940 reduction significantly promoted hCMPCs proliferation and inhibited hCMPCs migration. We found that JARID2 is an endogenous target regulated by miRNA‐940. Functional analyses showed that JARID2 also affected hCMPCs proliferation and migration. Thus, decreased miRNA‐940 affects the proliferation and migration of the progenitor cells of the secondary heart field by targeting JARID2 and potentially leads to TOF development.
The molecular and cellular effects of ageing on the periodontal ligament
Authors: Lim Won Hee , Liu Bo , Mah Su‐Jung , Chen Serafine , Helms Jill A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimMany in vitro studies have investigated age‐related biological changes in cells comprising the periodontium but the basic question of whether the periodontium can maintain its integrity with age remains unanswered. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand how, in the absence of disease, advancing age impacts the structure of the periodontium.Materials and MethodsOf 4, 10, 25, and 50‐week‐old mice were examined using histology and immunohistochemical analyses for cell proliferation, cell turnover, collagen quantity and quality, osteogenic markers, bone turnover, and cytokine expression.ResultsThe periodontal ligament (PDL) space shows a gradual decrease in width over the lifespan of the mice. Cell proliferation as well as the quantity and quality of collagen fibres decreased with age although cell density did not appear to be altered. Osteoprogenitor markers in the PDL maintained their expression with increasing age. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity decreased, but osteoclast activity increased with age.ConclusionsAgeing is associated with a decline in the quality and quantity of collagen and an increase in bone resorption, all of which can diminish the function of the periodontium even in the absence of disease.
Subjective Word‐Finding Difficulty Reduces Engagement in Social Leisure Activities in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Farrell Meagan T. , Zahodne Laura B. , Stern Yaakov , Dorrejo Jhedy , Yeung Philip , Cosentino Stephanie 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the influence of subjective word‐finding difficulty on degree of engagement in social leisure activities among individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD).DesignAnalysis of data collected from the second cohort of the Multicenter Study of Predictors of Disease Course in Alzheimer's disease.SettingFour study sites in the United States and France.ParticipantsIndividuals diagnosed with mild to moderate AD (N = 236).MeasurementsOn separate questionnaires, participants were asked to 1) report whether they had trouble finding the right word when speaking (subjective word‐finding difficulty) and 2) rate their frequency and enjoyment of social and nonsocial leisure activities. Objective language measures included object naming and verbal fluency. Measures of dependence, depression, cognitive status, age, sex, and education were also included as covariates in regression analyses.ResultsFifty‐two percent of the sample reported word‐finding difficulty, and subjective complaints were correlated with poorer verbal fluency scores. Subjective word‐finding difficulty was selectively related to social but not nonsocial activity measures. Endorsers of word‐finding difficulty reported less frequency and enjoyment of social leisure activities, controlling for effects of covariates and objective word‐finding ability. In contrast, lower engagement in nonsocial activities was associated with older age and higher depression scores but not with word‐finding complaints. Caregivers' reports of study participants' activities corroborated these results.ConclusionIndividuals with AD who are aware of increasing word‐finding failures are less likely to participate in and enjoy socially oriented leisure activities. This finding may have significant implications for clinical and health outcomes in AD. Failure to evaluate subjective language complaints could result in social withdrawal symptoms, threatening the individual's quality of life and increasing caregiver burden. Reduced social interaction may ultimately exacerbate language symptoms over time.
Cereal, fruit and vegetable fibre intake and the risk of the metabolic syndrome: a prospective study in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Hosseinpour‐Niazi S. , Mirmiran P. , Mirzaei S. , Azizi F. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to determine whether total fibre or specific fibre food sources are associated with the incidence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) after 3 years of follow‐up in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.MethodsThis population‐based prospective study, conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, included 1582 adults, who were aged 19–84 years and free of MetS at baseline. Usual dietary fibre intake was assessed at baseline using a 168‐item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and 3 years later. The MetS was defined according to the definition of the revised Adult treatment Panel III.ResultsDuring the 3‐year follow‐up, there was 15.2% incidence of MetS. Among sources of dietary fibre, fruit fibre was significantly and inversely associated with the occurrence of MetS, after adjustment for confounding factors, with a 21% lower risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60–0.97] in the highest tertile of intake compared to the lowest tertile. Subjects in the highest tertile of cereal fibre intake had lower odds of MetS compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.52– 0.97) and this association disappeared after adjustment for confounders. No significant association was found between intakes of vegetables, legumes and nut fibre with the incidence of MetS.ConclusionsAmong specific fibre food sources, fruit fibre had a protective effect against the risk of MetS.
Microscopy and microanalysis of complex nanosized strengthening precipitates in new generation commercial Al–Cu–Li alloys
Authors: GUINEL M.J.‐F. , BRODUSCH N. , SHA G. , SHANDIZ M.A. , DEMERS H. , TRUDEAU M. , RINGER S.P. , GAUVIN R. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryPrecipitates (ppts) in new generation aluminum–lithium alloys (AA2099 and AA2199) were characterised using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Results obtained on the following ppts are reported: Guinier–Preston zones, T1 (Al2CuLi), β’ (Al3Zr) and δ’ (Al3Li). The focus was placed on their composition and the presence of minor elements. X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectrometry in the electron microscopes and mass spectrometry in the atom probe microscope showed that T1 ppts were enriched in zinc (Zn) and magnesium up to about 1.9 and 3.5 at.%, respectively. A concentration of 2.5 at.% Zn in the δ’ ppts was also measured. Unlike Li and copper, Zn in the T1 ppts could not be detected using electron energy‐loss spectroscopy in the transmission electron microscope because of its too low concentration and the small sizes of these ppts. Indeed, Monte Carlo simulations of EEL spectra for the Zn L2,3 edge showed that the signal‐to‐noise ratio was not high enough and that the detection limit was at least 2.5 at.%, depending on the probe current. Also, the simulation of X‐ray spectra confirmed that the detection limit was exceeded for the Zn Kα X‐ray line because the signal‐to‐noise ratio was high enough in that case, which is in agreement with our observations.
Subcortical Band Heterotopia in Rat Offspring Following Maternal Hypothyroxinaemia: Structural and Functional Characteristics
Authors: Gilbert M. E. , Ramos R. L. , McCloskey D. P. , Goodman J. H. 
Published: June 2014

Thyroid hormones (TH) play crucial roles in brain maturation and are important for neuronal migration and neocortical lamination. Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) represent a class of neuronal migration errors in humans that are often associated with childhood epilepsy. We have previously reported the presence of SBH in a rodent model of low level hypothyroidism induced by maternal exposure to the goitrogen, propylthiouracil (PTU). In the present study, we report the dose–response characteristics of this developmental malformation and the connectivity of heterotopic neurones with other brain regions, as well as their functionality. Pregnant rats were exposed to varying concentrations of PTU through the drinking water (0–10 p.p.m.) beginning on gestational day 6 to produce graded levels of TH insufficiency. Dose‐dependent increases in the volume of the SBH present in the corpus callosum were documented in the adult offspring, with a clear presence at concentrations of PTU that resulted in minor (< 15%) reductions in maternal serum thyroxine as measured when pups were weaned. SBH contain neurones, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia. Monoaminergic and cholinergic processes were prevalent and many of the axons were myelinated. Anatomical connectivity of SBH neurones to cortical neurones and the synaptic functionality of these anatomical connections was verified by ex vivo field potential recordings. SBH persisted in adult offspring despite a return to euthyroid status on termination of exposure and these offspring displayed an increased sensitivity to seizures. Features of this model are attractive with respect to the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of cortical development, the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention in hypothyroxinaemia during pregnancy and the impact of the very modest TH imbalance that accompanies exposure to environmental contaminants.
Living with faecal incontinence: trying to control the daily life that is out of control
Authors: Olsson Frida , Berterö Carina 
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectivesTo identify and describe the lived experience of persons living with faecal incontinence and show how it affects daily life.BackgroundFaecal incontinence is a relatively common condition, with a prevalence ranging from 3–24%, not differing between men and women. There is an under‐reporting due to patients’ reluctance to talk about their symptoms and consult healthcare professionals about their problems, which means that problems related to faecal incontinence are often underestimated. Living with faecal incontinence affects the quality of life negatively and has a negative impact on family situations, social interaction, etc.DesignA qualitative interpretative study based on interviews.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with five informants, all women, living with faecal incontinence. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe analysis identified four themes: self‐affirmation, guilt and shame, limitations in life and personal approach. The themes differ from each other, but are related and have similarities. The results show different aspects of living with faecal incontinence and how they affected daily life.ConclusionsLiving with faecal incontinence is a complex problem affecting everyday life in a number of different ways. It is a highly distressing and socially incapacitating problem. Living with faecal incontinence is about trying to control the daily life which is out of control. Living with faecal incontinence cannot be generalised as individuals experience the situation in unique ways.Relevance to clinical practiceBy gaining insight into the experience of living with faecal incontinence, healthcare professionals can deepen their understanding of this complex problem and thereby better address it and provide more individually based care.
Randomized clinical trial comparing postoperative outcomes of early versus late oral feeding after cesarean section
Authors: Jalilian Nasrin , Ghadami Mohammad Rasoul 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimOral feeding is likely to have an impact on early return of normal bowel function after uncomplicated surgery including cesarean section. This study compared postoperative outcomes of early versus late oral feeding regimes after cesarean section.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 140 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section with regional anesthesia were randomized into two feeding groups. In the early oral and delayed oral feeding groups, liquid diets were commenced 2 and 8 h after surgery, respectively. Patients able to tolerate the liquid diet were then gradually introduced to the regular diet. Main clinical outcomes included duration of hospital stay, time to return of normal bowel function and postoperative gastrointestinal complications.ResultsTime to return of bowel movement (7.8 ± 2.9 vs 11.7 ± 5 h, P < 0.0001) and time to mobilization (10.7 ± 7.7 vs 13.5 ± 5.9 h, P = 0.015) occurred significantly earlier in the early feeding group.ConclusionEarly oral feeding reduces the time required for return of normal bowel function. This is without significant detrimental effects on the incidence of gastrointestinal complications.