bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Pericardial Effusion on Serial Echocardiograms in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Batal Omar , Dardari Zeina , Costabile Chelcie , Gorcsan John , Arena Vincent C. , Mathier Michael A. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundPericardial effusion in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an indicator of right heart failure and poor prognosis; its significance on serial transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) is not clear.MethodsBaseline and follow‐up TTE (1.0 ± 0.5 years), clinical parameters, and outcomes were studied (N = 200) in consecutive patients with PAH who underwent TTE at our center between October 1999 and November 2007. Study baseline TTE was 2.8 ± 4.0 years from initial PAH diagnosis.ResultsOver median follow‐up of 3.6 ± 2.6 years from baseline TTE, 106 patients (53%) died. Pericardial effusion was present in 20% at baseline, and at any time during the study in 29%. Patients with any pericardial effusion during follow‐up were more likely to have underlying connective tissue disease. They also had significantly higher mean right atrial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, had lower cardiac output by invasive hemodynamic studies, had higher serum creatinine, and were more likely to be treated with prostanoids. Patients were also significantly likely to have more echocardiographic right atrial dilation and right ventricular dilation and dysfunction, and worse tricuspid regurgitation with higher peak velocity. During follow‐up, there was significantly increased use of prostanoids (58% vs. 28%) and combination therapy (8% vs. 2%) compared to baseline. Persistence of pericardial effusion on both baseline and follow‐up TTE was associated with worse outcome, and an independent predictor of survival after adjusting for age, creatinine, functional class, and hemodynamics (P < 0.01).ConclusionPersistence of pericardial effusion in PAH despite vasoactive therapy predicts worse outcomes; absence or resolution of pericardial effusion with therapy suggests better prognosis.
Behaviour‐driven micro‐scale niche differentiation in carabid beetles
Authors: Kamenova S. , Tougeron K. , Cateine M. , Marie A. , Plantegenest M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCarabid beetles form rich and abundant communities in arable landscapes. Their generalist feeding behaviour and similar environmental requirements raise questions about the mechanisms allowing the coexistence of such species‐rich assemblages. We hypothesized that subtle niche partitioning comes into play on spatial, temporal, or trophic basis. To test this, we performed experiments and made observations on the behaviour of two sympatric carabid species of similar size and life cycle, Bembidion quadrimaculatum L. and Phyla obtusa Audinet‐Serville (both Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidiini). We compared plant climbing behaviour, daily activity patterns, and trophic preferences between the two carabid species under laboratory conditions. Whereas no clear difference in trophic preference was observed, our results suggest temporal niche differentiation at the nychthemeron scale (a period of 24 consecutive hours), with one of the species being more diurnal and the other more nocturnal, and spatial differentiation in their habitat use at the plant stratum scale. Intra‐specific variation suggests that micro‐scale spatio‐temporal niche differentiation could be mediated by behavioural plasticity in these two carabid species. We speculate that such behavioural plasticity may provide carabid beetles with a high adaptive potential in intensively managed agricultural areas.
Entometabolomics: applications of modern analytical techniques to insect studies
Authors: Snart Charles J.P. , Hardy Ian C.W. , Barrett David A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMetabolomic analyses can reveal associations between an organism's metabolome and further aspects of its phenotypic state, an attractive prospect for many life‐sciences researchers. The metabolomic approach has been employed in some, but not many, insect study systems, starting in 1990 with the evaluation of the metabolic effects of parasitism on moth larvae. Metabolomics has now been applied to a variety of aspects of insect biology, including behaviour, infection, temperature stress responses, CO2 sedation, and bacteria–insect symbiosis. From a technical and reporting standpoint, these studies have adopted a range of approaches utilising established experimental methodologies. Here, we review current literature and evaluate the metabolomic approaches typically utilised by entomologists. We suggest that improvements can be made in several areas, including sampling procedures, the reduction in sampling and equipment variation, the use of sample extracts, statistical analyses, confirmation, and metabolite identification. Overall, it is clear that metabolomics can identify correlations between phenotypic states and underlying cellular metabolism that previous, more targeted, approaches are incapable of measuring. The unique combination of untargeted global analyses with high‐resolution quantitative analyses results in a tool with great potential for future entomological investigations.
Analysis of the population genetic structure of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Fujian, China, revealed by microsatellite loci and mitochondrial COI sequences
Authors: Wang Gui‐Hua , Zhang Xiang , Hou You‐Ming , Tang Bao‐Zhen 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Rhynchophorinae), which is one of the most serious pests of palm plants, was first found in China in the city of Wenchang (Hainan Province) in the 1990s and has now expanded to South China, including Fujian Province. In this paper, we provide a genetic characterization and determine the genetic relationships among geographic populations of RPW in Fujian using microsatellite loci and cytochrome oxidase subunit Ι (COI) sequences. The results indicate a low‐level microsatellite diversity of RPW. Four genetic clusters of RPW were found in Fujian. No correlation was detected between the genetic and geographical distances in the microsatellite data. The mitochondrial COI sequence analyses revealed a high level of diversity in the Fujian populations. Eleven haplotypes were detected, and these included eight haplotypes that were different from those found earlier in Mediterranean, Middle East, Japanese, and other populations. Significant genetic variations were observed mainly within populations, both with microsatellites and with COI sequences. Low gene flow among the populations was observed. Our results indicate that the nuclear allelic diversity was low compared with the microsatellite results from populations in Wardan and Oman, but the mitochondrial diversity was not reduced to a similar extent. The low level of the genetic structure of RPW is related to the limited flight capacity of RPW and human‐aided dispersal rather than to the geographic distance.
Correlated genetic effects on reproduction define a domestication syndrome in a forest tree
Authors: Santos‐del‐Blanco Luis , Alía Ricardo , González‐Martínez Santiago C. , Sampedro Luis , Lario Francisco , Climent José 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCompared to natural selection, domestication implies a dramatic change in traits linked to fitness. A number of traits conferring fitness in the wild might be detrimental under domestication, and domesticated species typically differ from their ancestors in a set of traits known as the domestication syndrome. Specifically, trade‐offs between growth and reproduction are well established across the tree of life. According to allocation theory, selection for growth rate is expected to indirectly alter life‐history reproductive traits, diverting resources from reproduction to growth. Here we tested this hypothesis by examining the genetic change and correlated responses of reproductive traits as a result of selection for timber yield in the tree Pinus pinaster. Phenotypic selection was carried out in a natural population, and progenies from selected trees were compared with those of control trees in a common garden experiment. According to expectations, we detected a genetic change in important life‐history traits due to selection. Specifically, threshold sizes for reproduction were much higher and reproductive investment relative to size significantly lower in the selected progenies just after a single artificial selection event. Our study helps to define the domestication syndrome in exploited forest trees and shows that changes affecting developmental pathways are relevant in domestication processes of long‐lived plants.
Laryngeal advancement surgery improves swallowing function in a reversible equine dysphagia model
Authors: Virgin J. E. , Holcombe S. J. , Caron J. P. , Cheetham J. , Kurtz K. A. , Roessner H. A. , Ducharme N. G. , Hauptman J. G. , Nelson N. C. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyPharyngeal dysphagia is a debilitating, sometimes fatal condition in horses, with multiple aetiologies. The pathophysiology is complex and not fully understood. Treatment is largely supportive. Laryngeal advancement surgery may diminish symptoms of dysphagia and improve swallowing in affected horses.Objectives1) to induce reversible moderate and marked pharyngeal dysphagia by regional anaesthesia of branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) and hypoglossal (XII) nerves; 2) to characterise the dysphagia produced by each model; and 3) to determine whether laryngeal advancement surgery improves swallowing in these models.Study designExperimental design using 6 adult horses.MethodsTwo dysphagia models were produced by blockingIX, the pharyngeal branch ofXandXIIunilaterally (moderate model) and only the pharyngeal branch ofXbilaterally (marked model) within the guttural pouches. Both models were performed on each horse before and after surgery in order to assess the effectiveness of the surgical procedure as a potential treatment for pharyngeal dysphagia. Dysphagia was scored by partly blinded observers on a scale of 0–12 based on observations of eating (nonblinded), endoscopic examinations and fluoroscopic swallowing (blinded), where 0 = normal swallow and 12 = severe dysphagia with tracheal aspiration. Data were analysed by 3‐factorANOVA, with significance taken as P<0.05.ResultsDysphagia models were reversible, and horses swallowed normally within 3 h of model induction. The marked dysphagia model impaired movement of feed from the base of the tongue to the oesophagus and caused severe airway contamination. The average dysphagia score (mean ± s.d.) for the marked dysphagia model was 10.6 ± 1.1 before surgery and 6.1 ± 4.3 after surgery (P = 0.007). Laryngeal advancement surgery did not significantly improve the dysphagia scores in the moderate model (P = 0.5).ConclusionsLaryngeal advancement surgery may improve swallowing and reduce aspiration in horses affected with diseases that cause pharyngeal dysphagia.
Knowledge sourcing and knowledge reuse in the virtual product prototyping: an exploratory study in a large automotive supplier of R&D
Authors: Filieri Raffaele , Alguezaui Salma 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe capacity of organizations to share knowledge is seen as a source of competitive advantage in many industries. Knowledge sourcing and knowledge reuse have been indicated as important enablers of organizational efficiency and innovation performance. Although firms may own valuable knowledge, the presence of barriers to knowledge sourcing and reuse may hinder the exploitation of such knowledge. The present study explores the barriers to knowledge sourcing and reuse from electronic repository and their implications within the virtual product prototyping stage of new products development. The study is based on 24 interviews with research and development (R&D) employees of a large supplier of R&D in the automotive sector. Results demonstrate that the poor operational quality of a repository hinders knowledge sourcing; thereby, people prefer sourcing knowledge from other colleagues rather than from the repository. Moreover, the inefficiencies in knowledge sourcing from a repository, the poor quality of the codified knowledge and its complexity affect the reuse of existing knowledge. This study reveals that knowledge sourcing and knowledge reuse can affect the time performance in the virtual product prototype development process.
Patients' expectations about total knee arthroplasty outcomes
Authors: de Achaval Sofia , Kallen Michael A. , Amick Benjamin , Landon Glenn , Siff Sherwin , Edelstein David , Zhang Hong , Suarez‐Almazor Maria E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to ascertain Patients' pre‐operative expectations of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recovery.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty‐six patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent TKA completed self‐administered questionnaires before their surgery. Patients' expectations of time to functional recovery were measured using an ordinal time–response scale to indicate expected time to recovery for each of 10 functional activities. Expected time to recovery was dichotomized into short‐ and long‐term expectations for recovery of each activity using median responses. Knee pain and function were ascertained using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Other measures included the SF‐36, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS‐SSS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify pre‐operative characteristics associated with short‐ vs. long‐term expectations.ResultsSixty‐five percent of the patients were females and 70% Whites; mean age was 65 years. Patients were optimistic about their time to functional recovery: over 65% of patients expected functional recovery within 3 months. Over 80% of the patients expected to perform 8 of the 10 activities within 3 months. Patients who expected to be able to perform the functional activities in <6 weeks were more likely to be younger, male, and have lower self‐reported pain and better general health before surgery compared to those who expected to be able to perform the activities 3 months post‐surgery or later.ConclusionPre‐operative patient characteristics may be important to evaluate when considering individual Patients' expectations of post‐operative outcomes.
Service user involvement in mental health care: an evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Millar Samantha L. , Chambers Mary , Giles Melanie 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe concept of service user involvement is an evolving concept in the mental health‐care literature.ObjectiveThis study sought to explore and analyse the concept of service user involvement as used in within the field of mental health care.Methodological approachAn evolutionary concept analysis was conducted using a literature‐based sample extracted from an electronic database search. One hundred and thirty‐four papers met the inclusion criteria and were analysed to discover key attributes, antecedents and consequences of service user involvement and to produce a definition of the concept.FindingsFive key attributes of service user involvement within the context of mental health care were identified: a person‐centred approach, informed decision making, advocacy, obtaining service user views and feedback and working in partnership.Discussion and conclusionsClarity of the attributes and definition of the concept of service user involvement aims to promote understanding of the concept among key stakeholders including mental health professionals, service users and community and voluntary organizations. The findings of the research have utility in the areas of theory and policy development, research on service user involvement in mental health care and service user involvement in mental health practice. Directions for further research regarding the concept are identified.
Effects of Pseudomonas chlororaphis and gaseous chlorine dioxide on the survival of Salmonella enterica on tomatoes
Authors: Olanya Ocen Modesto , Annous Bassam A. , Taylor Janysha 
Published: February 2015

SummaryControl of Salmonella enterica on tomatoes is important for food safety. The aim of this research was to evaluate the survival of Salmonella enterica serovars Montevideo (SM) and Typhimurium (ST) on tomatoes exposed to gaseous chlorine dioxide and Pseudomonas chlororaphis (Pc). Pc was applied to stem scars of tomatoes prior to inoculations with SM and ST. Tomatoes were treated with gaseous ClO2 at 0.4 mg L−1 for 2 and 4 h (90% R.H. 13 °C), respectively. At 4 h of ClO2 treatment, SM and ST populations were reduced to 0.82 and <0.30 log CFU g−1, respectively. Tomatoes treated with SM and ST had 5.42 and 5.37 log CFU g−1 of Salmonella. Tomatoes treated with Pc + Salmonella count was 2.59 (treated) and 5.83 log CFU g−1 (control). Salmonella survival was similar at 2 and 4 h of ClO2 treatment. Application of ClO2 and Pc may reduce contamination of tomatoes by Salmonella serovars.
Kinetic and thermodynamic stability of paprika nanoemulsions
Authors: Pascual‐Pineda Luz A. , Flores‐Andrade Enrique , Jiménez‐Fernández Maribel , Beristain Cesar I. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIn this study, oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions of paprika oleoresin were prepared by high‐power ultrasound. The influence of hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) value and surfactant concentration on the physical and chemical stability and kinetic and thermodynamic properties were investigated. Kinetic data for thermal degradation of red and yellow fractions of carotenoids in nanoemulsions at 25, 35 and 45 °C of storage were used for estimating entropy and enthalpy of activation using the transition state theory. The mean diameters (Z‐average) of the dispersed particles containing paprika ranged from 48 to 250 nm. The carotenoids in nanoemulsions stability increased as the particle size and HLB value decreased. According to the enthalpy–entropy compensation, the carotenoid red fraction was enthalpy driven, whereas the carotenoid yellow fraction was entropy controlled. These results provide useful information for the design of delivery systems to encapsulate and stabilise lipophilic molecules.
Prediction of Cadmium content in brown rice using near‐infrared spectroscopy and regression modelling techniques
Authors: Zhu Xiangrong , Li Gaoyang , Shan Yang 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe feasibility of prediction of cadmium (Cd) content in brown rice was investigated by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and chemometrics techniques. Spectral pretreatment methods were discussed in detail. Synergy interval partial least squares (siPLS) algorithm was used to select the efficient combinations of spectral subintervals and wavenumbers during constructing the quantitative calibration model. The performance of the final model was evaluated by the use of root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and correlation coefficients for calibration set and prediction set (Rc and Rp), respectively. The results showed that the optimum siPLS model was achieved when two spectral subinterval and fifty‐two variables were selected. The predicted result of the best model obtained was as follows: RMSECV = 0.232, Rc = 0.930, RMSEP = 0.250 and Rp = 0.915. Compared with PLS and interval PLS models, siPLS model was slightly better than those methods. These results indicate that it is feasible to predict and screen Cd content in brown rice using NIRS.
Obvious emphysema on computed tomography during an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease predicts a poor prognosis
Authors: Cheng T. , Wan H. Y. , Cheng Q. J. , Guo Y. , Qian Y. R. , Fan L. , Feng Y. , Song Y. Y. , Zhou M. , Li Q. Y. , Shi G. C. , Huang S. G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundEmphysematous change on computed tomography (CT) during the stable phase of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reported to correlate with COPD prognosis. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is associated with a high risk of mortality and a poor prognosis.AimsThis study aims to study the relationship between prognosis and emphysematous changes on CT during an AECOPD.MethodsHistories were recorded, and CT acquired for 106 patients who visited the emergency department for an AECOPD. Emphysematous change was quantified by measuring the percentage of low‐attenuation areas (LAA%) in the entire lung on CT images with a threshold of –950 Hounsfield units. Other factors that could influence AECOPD prognosis were also recorded on admission and analysed. At follow ups conducted in 1 year, patient survival, the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale, and performance status (PS) were evaluated, and a COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was completed.ResultsThe 1‐year follow up was completed by 103 of 106 patients. The median LAA% was significantly higher in non‐survivors (11%, n = 16) than in survivors (5.69%, n = 87) (P = 0.006) at the 1‐year follow up. LAA% was significantly correlated with mMRC grade (r = 0.285, P = 0.008), PS (r = 0.397, P < 0.001) and CAT score (r = 0.27, P = 0.017) at the 3‐month follow up, and with mMRC grade (r = 0.405, P < 0.001) and PS (r = 0.377, P < 0.001) at the 1‐year follow up. LAA% > 7.5% was a significant predictor of 1‐year mortality, higher mMRC and PS at the 3‐month and 1‐year follow ups, after adjustment for other prognostic predictors.ConclusionObvious emphysematous changes on CT (LAA% > 7.5%) during an AECOPD predicts a poor prognosis independent of other known indicators.
Crescentic glomerulonephritis: data from the Spanish Glomerulonephritis Registry
Authors: Quiroga B. , Vega A. , Rivera F. , López‐Gómez J. M. ,   the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundCrescentic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a histological finding that implies rapid deterioration of renal function and can be related to different diseases, such as type 1 or anti‐glomerular basement membrane antibody (Goodpasture) disease, type 2 or immune complex CGN and type 3 or pauci‐immune disease.AimThe present study describes CGN and its characteristics based on the data from the Spanish Glomerulonephritis Registry.MethodsAn analysis was made of all native renal biopsies obtained from patients during 1994–2013 and classified as CGN. A patient epidemiological and clinical data questionnaire was completed by the 120 centres involved.ResultsA total of 21 774 biopsies was performed, of which 2089 (8.1%) corresponded to CGN (211 type 1, 177 type 2 and 1701 type 3). Renal function was poorer in type 1 compared with types 2 and 3, and proteinuria was higher in type 2 compared to types 1 and 3. Patients diagnosed with CGN type 3 were older than those with types 1 and 2, but less hypertensive than the type 2 patients. No differences in the urine test findings were found between types 1 and 2. Microhaematuria was the most frequent feature in general, as well as in type 3 compared with types 1 and 2. The main indication for biopsy was acute renal injury. Age was the only difference between type 1 patients with and without alveolar haemorrhage (53 [33–67] vs 64 [46–73], P = 0.008).ConclusionAlthough classified as the same entity, the different types of CGN have different features that must be taken into account.