bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where does environmental stochasticity most influence population dynamics? An assessment along a regional core‐periphery gradient for prairie breeding ducks
Authors: Feldman Richard E. , Anderson Michael G. , Howerter David W. , Murray Dennis L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimGeographical disparities in the effect of the environment on population dynamics have been shown to follow a core‐periphery gradient when peripheral populations are less abundant and occur in marginal habitat. Whether the gradient in environmental influence occurs in the absence of a gradient in abundance is not known. We tested whether duck populations on the periphery of their main breeding region were more strongly affected by environmental stochasticity and less abundant than at the core.LocationThe Prairie Pothole Region of central United States and CanadaMethodsWe used the North American Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey to model the dynamics of 10 duck species at 1059 sites spanning 1961–2012. We used the North American Breeding Bird Survey to measure abundance at the same sites, averaged over the same time span. We used structural equation models to characterize relationships among a site's distance from the regional centre, a site's abundance, and the degree to which a site's ducks were affected by environmental stochasticity.ResultsEnvironmental stochasticity never strongly contributed to population dynamics in the region's core. However, we did not find a linear increase in environmental stochasticity with increasing distance from the core. For seven species, we found that environmental stochasticty was stronger in sites of lower abundance. For only two species did average abundance decline from the region's core to periphery.Main conclusionsVariability in the magnitude of environmental stochasticity follows coarse spatial differences in wetland productivity. Yet, among peripheral sites, the contribution of the environment to population dynamics varies, possibly reflecting the importance of the local environment and dispersal.
A fast and direct spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous determination of methyl paraben and hydroquinone in cosmetic products using successive projections algorithm
Authors: Esteki M. , Nouroozi S. , Shahsavari Z. 
Published: May 2015

SynopsisObjectiveTo develop a simple and efficient spectrophotometric technique combined with chemometrics for the simultaneous determination of methyl paraben (MP) and hydroquinone (HQ) in cosmetic products, and specifically, to: (i) evaluate the potential use of successive projections algorithm (SPA) to derivative spectrophotometric data in order to provide sufficient accuracy and model robustness and (ii) determine MP and HQ concentration in cosmetics without tedious pre‐treatments such as derivatization or extraction techniques which are time‐consuming and require hazardous solvents.MethodsThe absorption spectra were measured in the wavelength range of 200–350 nm. Prior to performing chemometric models, the original and first‐derivative absorption spectra of binary mixtures were used as calibration matrices. Variable selected by successive projections algorithm was used to obtain multiple linear regression (MLR) models based on a small subset of wavelengths. The number of wavelengths and the starting vector were optimized, and the comparison of the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and cross‐validation (RMSECV) was applied to select effective wavelengths with the least collinearity and redundancy. Principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS) were also developed for comparison. The concentrations of the calibration matrix ranged from 0.1 to 20 μg mL−1 for MP, and from 0.1 to 25 μg mL−1 for HQ. The constructed models were tested on an external validation data set and finally cosmetic samples.ResultsThe results indicated that successive projections algorithm–multiple linear regression (SPA‐MLR), applied on the first‐derivative spectra, achieved the optimal performance for two compounds when compared with the full‐spectrum PCR and PLS. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was 0.083, 0.314 for MP and HQ, respectively. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, a recovery study on real cosmetic samples was carried out with satisfactory results (84–112%).ConclusionThe proposed method, which is an environmentally friendly approach, using minimum amount of solvent, is a simple, fast and low‐cost analysis method that can provide high accuracy and robust models. The suggested method does not need any complex extraction procedure which is time‐consuming and requires hazardous solvents.
Connecting narrative with mental health learning through discussion and analysis of selected contemporary films
Authors: McAllister Margaret 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn a recently completed qualitative study of nursing leaders' views of requirements for practice, seven aspects of recovery practice were revealed as central for graduates to learn. It is challenging to provide an in‐depth understanding of recovery in a nursing curriculum because there are so many competing content areas and, as a result, time is constrained. However, because it is so vital to understand, educators would benefit from developing and sharing teaching strategies that explore recovery deeply, memorably, and engagingly, in order to encourage theory to be put into practice. Recent research into narrative pedagogy suggests that better use of stories, especially those that have strong emotional pull, such as well‐made films and memoirs, may offer solutions to creative educators. Stories can have transformative potential, because once heard and heeded, the person can never go back to exactly how they were before. Recovery learned in this way becomes a threshold concept for the mental health curriculum. This paper outlines an engaging and time‐efficient teaching strategy to develop these skills, drawing on the concept of narrative pedagogy.
L. plantarum ATCC 8014 Entrapment with Prebiotics and Lucerne Green Juice and Their Behavior in Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions
Authors: Pop Oana L. , Vodnar Dan C. , Suharoschi Ramona , Mudura Elena , Socaciu Carmen 
Published: May 2015

AbstractLactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 was separately encapsulated with pectin and inulin as prebiotics, and lucerne green juice in alginate‐coated chitosan microcapsules. Further, they were tested for the efficiency of improving the viability compared to free cells under in vitro acidic conditions. Results indicated significant improvement (P < 0.05) in survival of co‐encapsulated cells when exposed to acidic (pH 1.5) and bile (4.5% bile salts) conditions. The encapsulated cells showed about 88.95% survivability in simulated gastric environment, while the samples where the prebiotics and lucerne green juice were used showed about 90.5% of survivability in the same conditions. Moreover, in these samples, the number of viable probiotic cells did not significantly decrease after the first 30 min in simulated gastric juice, but even more, a constantly increase was observed until the end of the 120 min in the same environment. The great potential of lucerne green juice is underlined.Practical ApplicationsThe probiotic cells are susceptible to loss of viability and death during processing and storage of food and during their passage through gastrointestinal tract. In order to gain the maximum capacity and optimal activity from these probiotic cells, it is compulsory that they are provided with appropriate conditions for growth and metabolism and at the same time protected from unfriendly environmental conditions to which they are exposed to. Precisely for this reason, in this research, more complex probiotic and prebiotic protective systems have been developed.
Tenofovir‐based rescue therapy for chronic hepatitis B patients who had failed treatment with lamivudine, adefovir, and entecavir
Authors: Kim Byung Gyu , Jung Seok Won , Kim Eun Hye , Kim Jae Hee , Park Ju Hwan , Sung Shi Jung , Park Bo Ryung , Kim Min‐Ho , Kim Chang Jae , Lee Byung Uk , Park Jae Ho , Jeong In Du , Bang Sung‐Jo , Shin Jung Woo , Park Neung Hwa 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimIn the past decade, many chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients have undergone sequential treatment with lamivudine (LAM), adefovir (ADV), and entecavir (ETV) to manage antiviral resistance or insufficient suppression of HBV‐DNA. Very limited data are available on the efficacy of tenofovir (TDF) rescue regimens in patients with multidrug resistance (MDR).MethodsWe investigated the antiviral efficacy of TDF/LAM combination therapy versus TDF/ETV combination therapy in 52 patients who failed three previous antiviral therapies.ResultsThe study subjects were treated with TDF/LAM combination therapy (n = 25) or TDF/ETV combination therapy (n = 27) for more than six months. Virologic response (VR) occurred in 39 (75%) patients (19 patients belonged to the TDF/LAM group and 20 patients belonged to the TDF/ETV group). The VR rates were not different between the TDF/LAM and TDF/ETV groups (56.0% vs 51.9% at month 12, and 72.0% vs 78.8% at month 18; log rank P = 0.515). In addition, treatment efficacy of TDF/LAM combination or TDF/ETV combination was not statistically different according to types of MDR. In multivariate analysis, absolute HBV‐DNA level at the start of TDF rescue treatment (P < 0.001; OR, 0.452; 95% CI, 0.306–0.666) was only significantly associated with VR.ConclusionsTDF/ETV combination therapy was not associated with higher rate of VR compared with TDF/LAM combination therapy in MDR CHB patients. These results raise the suspicion about the superiority of the combination therapy over TDF monotherapy. The lower HBV‐DNA levels at the start of TDF‐based rescue therapy were associated with higher VR.
Comparison of clipping with and without epinephrine injection for the prevention of post‐polypectomy bleeding in pedunculated colon polyps
Authors: Park Yehyun , Jeon Tae Joo , Park Ji Young , Park Soo Jung , Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Tae Il , Kim Won Ho , Hong Sung Pil 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimPost‐polypectomy bleeding (PPB) is the most common adverse event of colonoscopic polypectomy, especially in cases with large pedunculated polyps. To minimize the risk of PPB, several endoscopic preventive methods have been performed. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the rates of PPB following single (clipping alone) and combined (clipping plus epinephrine‐saline injection) methods in prevention of PPB in large pedunculated polyps.MethodsAdult patients with pedunculated colorectal polyps with heads ≥ 10 mm were prospectively enrolled from March 2011 to January 2013. Patients were randomized to receive treatment of either clips alone (group A) or clips plus injection of epinephrine‐saline (group B) prior to a conventional polypectomy. PPB rate in both groups were compared.ResultsA total of 148 patients with 173 pedunculated colorectal polyps were enrolled. Groups A and B each had 74 patients, with 83 and 90 polyps, respectively. The mean head diameters were 17.2 ± 6.6 and 17.5 ± 6.7 mm in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.748). Immediate PPB (IPPB) occurred in 10 cases (12.0%) from group A and 13 cases (14.4%) from group B (P = 0.64). There were no cases of delayed PPB or perforation. Multivariate analysis showed that inadequate bowel preparation and large head diameter of polyp were independent risk factors for IPPB.ConclusionsThe rate of IPPB is relatively high in cases with large pedunculated polyps, but these polyps can be successfully resected by snare polypectomy following use of the single prophylactic clipping method.
Ameliorating effects and autonomic mechanisms of needle‐less transcutaneous electrical stimulation atST36 on stress‐induced impairment in gastric slow waves
Authors: Zhang Nina , Song Gengqing , Chen Jianfeng , Xu Feng , Yin Jieyun , Wu Qiong , Lin Lin , Chen Jiande DZ 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimStress has long been documented to alter gastrointestinal motility. The effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on stress and gastric motility are relatively well known; however, whetherEAhas an ameliorating effect on stress‐induced dysmotility remained unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of needle‐less transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) on stress‐induced impairment in gastric slow waves.MethodsA watch‐size digital stimulator was developed. Ten healthy volunteers were involved in a four‐session study (control, cold stress,TEA,and shamTEA). Electrogastrograpy was used to assess gastric slow waves, and electrocardiogram was recorded for the assessment of autonomic functions. The recordings were made in each session with/without stress and withTEAatST36 or sham points.ResultsThe results are as follows: (i) Cold stress‐induced gastric dysrhythmia and impaired normal slow waves (P < 0.01).TEAshowed a preventive effect on cold stress‐induced impairment in gastric slow waves.TEAatST36, but not shamTEA, normalized slow waves (P = 0.03vsstress;P = 0.44vscontrol), attributed to the suppression of gastric dysrhythmia; (ii) Postprandially, there was a decrease in vagal activity in both control (P = 0.004) and stress (P = 0.002) sessions; this decrease was prevented withTEA(P < 0.05). Similarly, there was a postprandial increase in sympathetic activity in both control (P = 0.01) and stress (P = 0.002) sessions, and this increase was suppressed withTEA.ConclusionsNeedle‐lessTEAatST36 using a watch‐size stimulator is able to improve stress‐induced impairment in gastric slow waves, possibly mediated via the autonomic mechanism. Home‐based needle‐lessTEAmay be a viable therapy for stress‐induced impairment in gastric motility functions.
Intimate association of visceral obesity with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in healthy Asians: A case‐control study
Authors: Ha Yeonjung , Seo Nieun , Shim Ju Hyun , Kim So Yeon , Park Jin‐A , Han Seungbong , Kim Kyoung Won , Yu Eunsil , Kim Kang Mo , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Han Chu , Chung Young‐Hwa , Lee Yung Sang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimTo identify factors associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in healthy Asian subjects.MethodsA propensity score‐matched case‐control study was designed. To investigate the effects of demographic and clinical factors on the presence of NAFLD, a baseline‐category logit model was used. Potential living liver donors with no hepatic steatosis (< 5%: n = 1353, group 1) were considered the baseline category, and subjects with mild (5–33%: n = 724, group 2) and moderate/severe (> 33%: n = 116, group 3) hepatic steatosis were defined as cases. Age and gender were matched between cases and controls, which resulted in 83 matched subjects in each of the three groups. The area of abdominal (visceral and subcutaneous) fat was directly measured in all subjects by unenhanced computed tomography.ResultsSerum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and visceral fat amount were directly correlated with the grade of hepatic steatosis, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were inversely correlated with it (all P values < 0.05). In a multivariate model, visceral fat amount was significantly correlated with both mild (group 2) and moderate to severe (group 3) NAFLD, with respective odds ratios (ORs) of 1.03 relative to group 1 (Ps < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI), ALT, and subcutaneous fat were significant predictors of only moderate to severe NAFLD (ORs of 0.54, 1.20, and 1.02, respectively, for group 3 vs group 1; Ps < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that visceral adiposity makes non‐obese subjects more susceptible to NAFLD, compared with subcutaneous fat and BMI.
Finding the New Normal: Accepting Changes After Combat‐Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hyatt Kyong S. , Davis Linda L. , Barroso Julie 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntroductionMore than 300,000 soldiers have returned from Southwest Asia (i.e., Iraq and Afghanistan) with combat‐related mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs). Despite less visible physical injuries, these soldiers demonstrate various physical and cognitive symptoms that impact their ability to reintegrate post‐mTBI. This study explores family reintegration experiences, as described by married dyads, following a combat‐related mTBI.MethodsNine soldiers with mTBI and their spouses participated, and a total of 27 interviews, both joint and individual, were conducted. Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory methodology and semistructured interviews were used to collect participants’ perceptions and analyze the data.FindingsThe overarching theme of the reintegration experience is described as finding the “new normal.” A new normal was defined by participants as the couple's new, post‐mTBI expectation of the family unit or family routine. Some participants indicated that they had accepted the post‐mTBI changes and were working toward this new normal, whereas others indicated these changes were unacceptable and continued their efforts to return to pre‐injury functioning.ConclusionsIndividuals with mTBI and their families may benefit from interventions that directly address mismatched expectations and promote the acceptance of a new normal.
Ceramide metabolism regulates autophagy and apoptotic cell death induced by melatonin in liver cancer cells
Authors: Ordoñez Raquel , Fernández Anna , Prieto‐Domínguez Néstor , Martínez Laura , García‐Ruiz Carmen , Fernández‐Checa José C. , Mauriz José L. , González‐Gallego Javier 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAutophagy is a process that maintains homeostasis during stress, although it also contributes to cell death under specific contexts. Ceramides have emerged as important effectors in the regulation of autophagy, mediating the crosstalk with apoptosis. Melatonin induces apoptosis of cancer cells; however, its role in autophagy and ceramide metabolism has yet to be clearly elucidated. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration on autophagy and ceramide metabolism and its possible link with melatonin‐induced apoptotic cell death in hepatocarcinoma (HCC) cells. Melatonin (2 mm) transiently induced autophagy in HepG2 cells through JNK phosphorylation, characterized by increased Beclin‐1 expression, p62 degradation, and LC3II and LAMP‐2 colocalization, which translated in decreased cell viability. Moreover, ATG5 silencing sensitized HepG2 cells to melatonin‐induced apoptosis, suggesting a dual role of autophagy in cell death. Melatonin enhanced ceramide levels through both de novo synthesis and acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) stimulation. Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) inhibition with myriocin prevented melatonin‐induced autophagy and ASMase inhibition with imipramine‐impaired autophagy flux. However, ASMase inhibition partially protected HepG2 cells against melatonin, while SPT inhibition significantly enhanced cell death. Findings suggest a crosstalk between SPT‐mediated ceramide generation and autophagy in protecting against melatonin, while specific ASMase‐induced ceramide production participates in melatonin‐mediated cell death. Thus, dual blocking of SPT and autophagy emerges as a potential strategy to potentiate the apoptotic effects of melatonin in liver cancer cells.
Melatonin reverses H2O2‐induced premature senescence in mesenchymal stem cells via the SIRT1‐dependent pathway
Authors: Zhou Long , Chen Xi , Liu Tao , Gong Yihong , Chen Sijin , Pan Guoqing , Cui Wenguo , Luo Zong‐Ping , Pei Ming , Yang Huilin , He Fan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an attractive source for stem cell‐based regenerative therapy, but they are vulnerable to oxidative stress‐induced premature senescence in pathological conditions. We previously reported antioxidant and antiarthritic effects of melatonin on MSCs against proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we hypothesized that melatonin could protect MSCs from premature senescence induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via the silent information regulator type 1 (SIRT1)‐dependent pathway. In response to H2O2 at a sublethal concentration of 200 μm, human bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs) underwent growth arrest and cellular senescence. Treatment with melatonin before H2O2 exposure cannot significantly prevent premature senescence; however, treatment with melatonin subsequent to H2O2 exposure successfully reversed the senescent phenotypes of BM‐MSCs in a dose‐dependent manner. This result was made evident by improved cell proliferation, decreased senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, and the improved entry of proliferating cells into the S phase. In addition, treatment with 100 μm melatonin restored the osteogenic differentiation potential of BM‐MSCs that was inhibited by H2O2‐induced premature senescence. We also found that melatonin attenuated the H2O2‐stimulated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, decreased expression of the senescence‐associated protein p16INK4α, and increased SIRT1. Further molecular experiments revealed that luzindole, a nonselective antagonist of melatonin receptors, blocked melatonin‐mediated antisenescence effects. Inhibition of SIRT1 by sirtinol counteracted the protective effects of melatonin, suggesting that melatonin reversed the senescence in cells through the SIRT1‐dependent pathway. Together, these findings lay new ground for understanding oxidative stress‐induced premature senescence and open perspectives for therapeutic applications of melatonin in stem cell‐based regenerative medicine.
Lifetime Lubricant Use among a Nationally Representative Sample of Lesbian- and Bisexual-Identified Women in the United States
Authors: Hensel Devon J. , Schick Vanessa , Herbenick Debby , Dodge Brian , Reece Michael , Sanders Stephanie A. , Fortenberry J. Dennis 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Introduction
The diversity in self-identified lesbian and bisexual women's sexual interactions necessitates better understanding of how and when they integrate personal lubricant into different experiences. However, little is known about lesbian and bisexual women's lifetime lubricant use, particularly at the population level.

Aims
The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of lubricant use among adult lesbian and bisexual women in the United States.

Methods
Data were drawn from a subset of lesbian and bisexual participants who participated in the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, an online questionnaire administered to a nationally representative probability sample of U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

Main Outcome Measures
We examined socio-demographic characteristics, recent and lifetime lubricant use, lubricant use in associated with specific sexual behaviors and condom use, frequency of use, motivations for use, as well as perception of lubricant when used.

Results
A majority of lesbian- (60.1%) and bisexual-identified (77.1%) women reported ever using lubricant; 25.7% of lesbian women and 32.7% of bisexual women used it in the last 30 days. Across most age groups, lubricant was commonly used during partnered sexual play, partnered sexual intercourse, or when a vibrator/dildo was used. Lesbian and bisexual women reported using lubricants to increase arousal/sexual pleasure/desire, to make sex more fun, or to increase physical comfort during sex.

Conclusions
Lubricant use is identified as a part of lesbian and bisexual women's sexual experience across the life span, as a part of both solo and partnered experiences. As part of evolving sexual health assessments, clinicians and health educators may find value in integrating lubricant-focused conversation with their lesbian and bisexual patients and clients, particularly.