bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change and physical disturbance cause similar community shifts in biological soil crusts
Authors: Ferrenberg Scott , Reed Sasha C. , Belnap Jayne 
Published: September 2015

Significance
In drylands worldwide, where plant cover is sparse, large amounts of the ground surface are covered by specialized organisms that form biological soil crusts (biocrusts). Biocrusts fix carbon and nitrogen, stabilize soils, and influence hydrology. Extensive physical disturbance from livestock/human trampling and off-road vehicles is known to destroy biocrusts and alter ecosystem function. More recent work also indicates that climate change can affect biocrust communities. Contrary to our expectations, experimental climate change and physical disturbance had strikingly similar impacts on biocrust communities, with both promoting a shift to degraded, early successional states. These results herald ecological state transitions in drylands as temperatures rise, calling for management strategies that consider risks from both physical disturbances and climate change.
Amelioration of inflammation and tissue damage in sickle cell model mice by Nrf2 activation
Authors: Keleku-Lukwete Nadine , Suzuki Mikiko , Otsuki Akihito , Tsuchida Kouhei , Katayama Saori , Hayashi Makiko , Naganuma Eriko , Moriguchi Takashi , Tanabe Osamu , Engel James Douglas , Imaizumi Masue , Yamamoto Masayuki 
Published: September 2015

Significance
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited disorders. A mutation in the β-globin gene causes deformation of red blood cells into a sickle shape, which in turn causes intravascular hemolysis and vaso-occlusion resulting in damage to multiple organs. Most studies that propose to develop new SCD therapies include the induction of fetal γ-globin expression to inhibit sickle cell formation as their ultimate goal. In contrast, we demonstrate here that activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) ameliorates the development of inflammation and tissue damage that strongly affect the morbidity of SCD patients. Notably, several compounds that serve as Nrf2 inducers have been developed or are under development. The data indicate that Nrf2 activation could improve the prognosis for SCD patients.
Zwitterionic gel encapsulation promotes protein stability, enhances pharmacokinetics, and reduces immunogenicity
Authors: Zhang Peng , Sun Fang , Tsao Caroline , Liu Sijun , Jain Priyesh , Sinclair Andrew , Hung Hsiang-Chieh , Bai Tao , Wu Kan , Jiang Shaoyi 
Published: September 2015

Significance
A protein modification technology has been developed in this study to overcome current problems faced by protein therapy. After being individually encapsulated in a super-hydrophilic zwitterionic gel, a therapeutic protein showed exceptional stability and long in vivo circulation half-life. More importantly, no immune response against either the protein or the polymer was observed following repeated injections. This technology will benefit patients by reducing administration frequency and mitigating adverse reactions and could allow more immunogenic proteins to enter into human therapeutic or protective applications.
Hip Dysplasia in Children With Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Association With Collagen Type I C-Propeptide Mutations
Authors: Kishta Waleed , Abduljabbar Fahad H. , Gdalevitch Marie , Rauch Frank , Hamdy Reggie , Fassier François 
Published: September 2015

Background:
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable skeletal disorder characterized by bone fragility and short stature that is usually due to mutations in 1 of the 2 genes that code for collagen type I α-chains. The association between hip dysplasia and OI has not been systematically investigated. In this single-center study, we retrospectively reviewed all cases of OI associated with hip dysplasia to describe clinical characteristics and the effect of therapy.

Methods:
We reviewed the charts of 687 patients with OI who were seen at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Montreal between 1999 and 2013 to identify patients with a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Clinical characteristics and the course after therapeutic interventions were extracted from the charts.

Results:
Hip dysplasia was diagnosed in 8 hips of 5 patients (4 boys, 1 girl; age at diagnosis ranged between 3 wk and 27 mo old). The prevalence of hip dysplasia and OI was therefore 0.87% (per patient). In 4 of the 5 patients (80%), OI was caused by mutations affecting the C-propeptide of collagen type I, which is otherwise rare in OI. Among the 26 patients with C-propeptide mutations followed at our institution, 4 (15%) had hip dysplasia. Pavlik harness treatment was attempted in 2 patients (3 hips) but was not effective in either case and resulted in avascular necrosis of 1 hip. Femoral varus derotational shortening osteotomies using a telescopic rod were performed in all 8 hips along with a closed reduction in 4 hips and an open reduction in 4 hips. Concomitant pelvic osteotomies were performed in 2 hips (1 patient). Surgery resulted in redislocation of 1 hip; all other surgically treated hips remained reduced.

Conclusions:
Clinical screening for hip dysplasia is difficult in OI owing to the bowing of the proximal femur and the risk of causing fractures. OI patients with positive C-propeptide mutation should therefore be screened for hip dysplasia by use of ultrasound. Presence of a C-propeptide mutation appears to be a risk factor for hip dysplasia (80%). It appears that Pavlik harness treatment is not useful in children with OI. The usual treatment of children with OI who pull to stand or started walking with femoral deformity is femoral osteotomy and rodding. In case of associated hip dysplasia with a dislocation, open reduction of the hip and a possible concomitant pelvic osteotomy appears to be a valid management option.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
Dry Eye Treatment Based on Contact Lens Drug Delivery: A Review
Authors: Guzman-Aranguez Ana , Fonseca Begoña , Carracedo Gonzalo , Martin-Gil Alba , Martinez-Aguila Alejandro , Pintor Jesús 
Published: September 2015

Abstract:
Dry eye disease affects a substantial segment of the word population with increasing frequency. It is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface and tear film, which causes ocular discomfort, visual disturbances, and tear instability with potential damage to the cornea and conjunctiva. Because of its multifactorial etiology, the use of different pharmacological treatment for dry eye treatment has been proposed, which include anti-inflammatory molecules, lubricants or comfort agents, and secretagogues. However, in some cases these pharmacological approaches only relieve symptoms temporarily, and consequently, eye care professionals continue to have difficulties managing dry eye. To improve pharmacological therapy that allows a more efficient and long-term action, effective ocular drug delivery of the currently available drugs for dry eye treatment is required. Contact lenses are emerging as alternative ophthalmic drugs delivery systems that provide an increased residence time of the drug at the eye, thus leading to enhanced bioavailability and more convenient and efficacious therapy. In this article, we reviewed the different techniques used to prepare contact lens-based drug delivery systems and focused on articles that describe the delivery of compounds for dry eye treatment through contact lenses.
Deep Sclerectomy With Mitomycin C and Injectable Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Implant: Long-term Results
Authors: Bettin Paolo , Di Matteo Federico , Rabiolo Alessandro , Fiori Marina , Ciampi Carlo , Bandello Francesco 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of deep sclerectomy (DS) augmented with mitomycin C (MMC) and injectable cross-linked hyaluronic acid implant (Healaflow) in medically refractory glaucoma patients.

Materials and Methods:
Our study included 96 eyes of 83 consecutive patients with open-angle glaucoma undergoing MMC-DS with injectable cross-linked hyaluronic acid implant. Mean follow-up was 28.6±20.0 months. Variables analyzed were: intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity, mean number of antiglaucomatous drugs, execution of postoperative maneuvres (goniopuncture, bleb needling, and laser lysis of scleral flap sutures). Tonometric success was defined by 2 different thresholds, specifically IOP≤21 mm Hg (criterion A) and ≤15 mm Hg (criterion B). The procedure was defined as a qualified success if reached with medication and as a complete success if reached without.

Results:
For criterion A, qualified and complete success rates were 96% and 94%, respectively, at 12 months, 95% and 92% at 24 months, and 92% and 89% at 36 months. For criterion B, qualified and complete success rates were 75% and 75%, respectively, at 12 months, 62% and 60% at 24 months, and 59% and 58% at 36 months. Goniopuncture was performed in 56 eyes (58%), bleb needling with 5-fluorouracil injection in 4 eyes (5.1%), and laser release of scleral flap sutures in 4 eyes (4%). Six eyes required additional filtering surgery.

Conclusion:
DS with Healaflow and MMC seems to be an effective and safe technique to lower IOP in patients affected by open-angle glaucoma, with few postoperative complications.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Cataract Surgery in Advanced Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Xu Xian , Ma Ying-Yan , Zou Hai-Dong 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:
To assess the cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery in advanced glaucoma (AG) patients.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 93 patients with AG who underwent cataract surgeries were collected prospectively from June 2010 through June 2013 in Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, and were followed up for at least 3 months. A standard phacoemulsification technique was used to remove cataract(s). No complications occurred intraoperatively or postoperatively. Costs associated with surgery were recorded. Utility values of cataract surgery were obtained by using time trade-off method. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated using the patients’ life expectancy at a 3% discounted rate. Incremental cost-utility analysis was performed (compared with no treatment) by calculating the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), that is, the mean incremental cost for each QALY. The bootstrap method was used for statistical analysis, and sensitivity analyses were performed to test robustness of the results.

Results:
The mean incremental cost of cataract surgery was 9876 Chinese yuan (CNY) [1593 US dollar (USD)] [95% confidence interval (CI), 9144-10,570 CNY (1475-1705 USD)].The mean additional QALYs gained were 2.20 (95% CI, 1.85-2.54), and the incremental cost for each additional QALY was 4508 CNY (727 USD) [95% CI, 3890-5234 CNY (627-844 USD)], far lower than the per capita annual disposable income in Shanghai, 40,188 CNY (6482 USD).

Conclusion:
For AG patients, cataract surgery does help obtain more QALYs and was highly cost effective.
ISMICS Consensus Conference and Statements of Randomized Controlled Trials of Off-Pump versus Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Puskas John D. , Martin Janet , Cheng Davy C. H. , Benussi Stefano , Bonatti Johannes O. , Diegeler Anno , Ferdinand Francis D. , Kieser Teresa M. , Lamy André , Mack Michael J. , Patel Nirav C. , Ruel Marc , Sabik Joseph F. , Yanagawa Bobby , Zamvar Vipin 
Published: September 2015

Objective At this consensus conference, we developed evidence-informed consensus statements and recommendations on the practice of off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) by systematically reviewing and performing meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing OPCAB and conventional coronary artery bypass (CCAB). Methods All RCTs of OPCAB versus CCAB through April 2013 were screened, and 102 relevant RCTs (19,101 patients) were included in a systematic review and meta-analysis (15 RCTs of 9551 high-risk patients; and 87 RCTs of 9550 low-risk patients) in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Consensus statements for the risks and benefits of OPCAB surgery in mortality, morbidity, and resource use were developed based on best available evidence. Results Compared to CCAB, it is reasonable to perform OPCAB to reduce risks of stroke [class IIa, level of evidence (LOE) A], renal dysfunction/failure (class IIa, LOE A), blood transfusion (class I, LOE A), respiratory failure (class I, LOE A), atrial fibrillation (class I, LOE A), wound infection (class I, LOE A), ventilation time, and ICU and hospital length of stay (class I, LOE A). However, OPCAB may be associated with a reduced number of grafts performed (class I, LOE A) and with diminished graft patency (class IIa, LOE A, with increased coronary reintervention at 1 year and beyond (class IIa, LOE A), as well as increased mortality at a median follow-up of 5 years (class IIb, LOE A). Conclusions OPCAB compared with CCAB may improve outcomes in the short-term (stroke, renal dysfunction, blood transfusion, respiratory failure, atrial fibrillation, wound infection, ventilation time, and length of stay). However, over the longer-term, OPCAB may be associated with reduced graft patency, and increased risk of cardiac re-intervention and death.
Single-Center Experience with Adjustable Annuloplasty Ring in Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Czesla Markus , Götte Julia , Voth Vladimir , Doll Nicolas 
Published: September 2015

Objective Owing to the complex anatomy of the mitral valve, successful surgical repair of degenerative regurgitation remains a challenging procedure in cardiac surgery. Methods This paper aimed to report on our single-center experience with 20 patients who received an adjustable annuloplasty ring (Cardinal ring, ValtechCardio Ltd, Or Yehuda, Israel) as part of their mitral valve repair procedure. The device allows for intraoperative echocardiography-guided ring size adjustments under beating-heart conditions. Results All of the 20 patients left the operating room without any residual mitral regurgitation. There was no risk of systolic anterior movement (SAM) because of image-guided fine tuning of the ring before weaning the patient from bypass. Conclusions Further multicenter data are required to prove the concept of adjustable annuloplasty devices.
Genetic structure of the stingless beeTetragonisca angustula
Authors: Francisco Flávio O. , Santiago Leandro R. , Mizusawa Yuri M. , Oldroyd Benjamin P. , Arias Maria C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe stingless beeTetragonisca angustulaLatreille 1811 is distributed from Mexico to Argentina and is one of the most widespread bee species in the Neotropics. However, this wide distribution contrasts with the short distance traveled by females to build new nests. Here we evaluate the genetic structure of several populations ofT. angustulausing mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites. These markers can help us to detect differences in the migratory behavior of males and females. Our results show that the populations are highly differentiated suggesting that both females and males have low dispersal distance. Therefore, its continental distribution probably consists of several cryptic species.
Inference of multiple-wave population admixture by modeling decay of linkage disequilibrium with multiple exponential functions
Authors: Zhou Ying , Yuan Kai , Yu Yaoliang , Ni Xumin , Xie Pengtao , Xing Eric P. , Xu Shuhua 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAdmixture-introduced linkage disequilibrium (LD) has recently been introduced into the inference of the histories of complex admixtures. However, the influence of ancestral source populations on the LD pattern in admixed populations is not properly taken into consideration by currently available methods, which affects the estimation of several gene flow parameters from empirical data. We first illustrated the dynamic changes of LD in admixed populations and mathematically formulated the LD under a generalized admixture model with finite population size. We next developed a new method, MALDmef, by fitting LD with multiple exponential functions for inferring and dating multiple-wave admixtures. MALDmef takes into account the effects of source populations which substantially affect modeling LD in admixed population, which renders it capable of efficiently detecting and dating multiple-wave admixture events. The performance of MALDmef was evaluated by simulation and it was shown to be more accurate than MALDER, a state-of-the-art method that was recently developed for similar purposes, under various admixture models. We further applied MALDmef to analyzing genome-wide data from the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) and the HapMap Project. Interestingly, we were able to identify more than one admixture events in several populations, which have yet to be reported. For example, two major admixture events were identified in the Xinjiang Uyghur, occurring around 27–30 generations ago and 182–195 generations ago, respectively. In an African population (MKK), three recent major admixtures occurring 13–16, 50–67, and 107–139 generations ago were detected. Our method is a considerable improvement over other current methods and further facilitates the inference of the histories of complex population admixtures.
Integrative Approaches to Enhance Understanding of Plant Metabolic Pathway Structure and Regulation
Authors: Tohge Takayuki , Scossa Federico , Fernie Alisdair R. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Huge insight into molecular mechanisms and biological network coordination have been achieved following the application of various profiling technologies. Our knowledge of how the different molecular entities of the cell interact with one another suggests that, nevertheless, integration of data from different techniques could drive a more comprehensive understanding of the data emanating from different techniques. Here, we provide an overview of how such data integration is being used to aid the understanding of metabolic pathway structure and regulation. We choose to focus on the pairwise integration of large-scale metabolite data with that of the transcriptomic, proteomics, whole-genome sequence, growth- and yield-associated phenotypes, and archival functional genomic data sets. In doing so, we attempt to provide an update on approaches that integrate data obtained at different levels to reach a better understanding of either single gene function or metabolic pathway structure and regulation within the context of a broader biological process.
U.S. wine consumer preferences for bottle characteristics, back label extrinsic cues and wine composition
Authors: Kelley Kathleen , Hyde Jeffrey , Bruwer Johan 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine what factors and assortment of factors on wine back labels, representative of those found in the US market, appealed to consumers. Moreover, what changes to wine bottle characteristics and standard wine composition appealed and could affect their purchasing decision.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected through an online survey of 910 wine consumers who resided in Metropolitan Philadelphia and New York City.

Findings
– Based on conjoint analysis, averaged importance for food-wine-pairing information on wine bottle back labels was greater than both how to contact and connect with the winery and winery background information. Within the pairing information factor, description of food-wine-pairings and symbols of food-wine-pairings received positive utility values, indicating consumers preferred these options more than having no pairing information present. Consumers who purchased wine at least once a week were more positively impacted by the alternatives presented, with influence decreasing as purchasing frequency declined. Wine purchasing frequency is related to the number of wine drinkers living in a household and wine consumption within a household is most often a shared consumption activity. More females drink wine but the consumption frequency of males is higher.

Practical implications
– Producers considering changing either the wine composition or a bottle characteristic should note that, based on frequency of wine purchasing, changes that may invoke a positive response are: decreased calorie content, wine made from “sustainably farmed” or “naturally farmed” grapes, and producing USDA Certified Organic wine.

Originality/value
– This study is the first to investigate what changes to extrinsic cues in the form of wine bottle and back label characteristics and to the wine composition (taste) intrinsic cue appeal to consumers in the US market and might influence their purchase decisions.
Student voice and quality enhancement in higher education
Authors: Garwe Evelyn Chiyevo 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the student voice in enhancement of the quality of educational provision in universities.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study used the longitudinal approach, carried out as two separate surveys covering a period of three years. An initial survey to determine the issues affecting teaching and learning quality in eight public and five private universities was made from June 2011 to May 2012. In 2013, a follow-up survey targeting three state and three private universities was done to check whether the issues of concern raised by students had been addressed. The study used triangulation of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected using observation, document analysis, semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions with students and academic staff.

Findings
– The findings showed that the major issues affecting quality of teaching and learning were inadequate assignments, absentee lecturers, poorly qualified lecturers, sexual harassment and the lack of public address systems for mass lectures. During the second survey, results showed that all universities had addressed the students’ concerns but new challenges caused by the ever increasing enrolments had emerged.

Practical implications
– The study pointed to the need to continuously engage the student voice as a way of improving the quality of the teaching and learning environment.

Originality/value
– The study adds to the body of knowledge on utilising the student voice to improve the quality of educational provision in institutions of higher learning
Graduates’ expectation gap: the role of employers and Higher Learning Institutes
Authors: Islam Talat , Ahmed Ishfaq , Khalifah Zainab , Sadiq Misbah , Faheem Muhammad Asim 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the difference between fresh graduates’ expectations and actual experiences regarding work environment.Design/methodology/approach– A questionnaire-based survey was employed on 170 Malaysian fresh graduates. They were evaluated on the basis of their expectations and actual experiences which enabled the researcher to determine gaps.Findings– Using paired samplet-test it was found that there exist gaps regarding what fresh graduates expect and their actual experience regarding work environment. Leadership communication and decision making were found to be significantly related with job satisfaction whereas leadership was found to be related with organizational commitment.Research limitations/implications– The study used a selected sample from Malaysian graduates, the results might be different if samples are taken from a geographically different area.Practical implications– The study has implications for fresh graduates, employers and higher learning organization.Originality/value– Limited studies have examined fresh graduates regarding what they were expecting and actually experienced in the workplace. Moreover, the study also identifies how these gaps influence graduates’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment.