bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Liberal Democrats and the Coalition: Driven to the Edge of Europe
Authors: Goes Eunice 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWhen the Liberal Democrats joined the Coalition government in May 2010, there was an expectation that they would have a restraining effect on the Conservatives, particularly in the area of European politics. But after almost five years as the junior party in the Coalition, the Liberal Democrats struggle to demonstrate their influence over the government's approach to Europe. Not only did they let the Conservatives lead the Coalition's European agenda, but they will be forever associated with the government that brought the UK closer to the exit door of the European Union. The article argues that this outcome is the result of a series of avoidable if surprising mistakes, such as the choice of ministerial portfolios and the party's attitude to the Coalition's monitoring mechanisms, as well as some unavoidable mistakes that could have not been foreseen when the Coalition was formed.
Humanitarian obstetric care for refugees of the Syrian war. The first 6 months of experience of Gynécologie Sans Frontières in Zaatari Refugee Camp (Jordan)
Authors: Bouchghoul Hanane , Hornez Emmanuel , Duval‐Arnould Xavier , Philippe Henri‐Jean , Nizard Jacky 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo report the first 6 months of experience of a nongovernmental‐organization‐managed obstetric care unit in a war refugee camp, with problems encountered and solutions implemented.DesignProspective observational study of the maternity activity of Gynécologie Sans Frontières (GSF).SettingGSF's maternity unit, in Zaatari camp (Jordan).PopulationAll pregnant women among Syrian refugees who came to the unit for delivery.MethodsThe GSF's maternity unit is a light structure built with three tents, permitting low‐risk pregnancy care and childbirth. Emergency cesarean deliveries were performed in the Moroccan army field hospital. High‐risk pregnancies were transferred to Al Mafraq or Amman Hospital (Jordan) after assessment.Main outcome measuresDelivery characteristics, indications for referral.ResultsFrom September 2012 to February 2013, 371 women attended the unit and 299 delivered in it. Delivery rates increased from 5/month to 112/month over the period. Mean gestational age at birth was 39+3 gestational weeks (SD = 1.9). Median birthweight was 3100 g (25–75% interquartile range 2840–3430 g). Spontaneous vaginal deliveries were dominant and the major maternal complication was postpartum hemorrhage (n = 13). Eighty‐two women were referred to Al Mafraq or Amman hospitals, mainly for preterm labor (32%) and congenital malformations (11%). We managed one case of stillbirth. Maternal mortality did not occur.ConclusionsDespite the difficulties of war, high‐risk pregnant women were properly identified, permitting referrals when required. Cooperation with other nongovernmental organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, was essential for the management of situations at risk of complications and to contain perinatal and maternal mortality.
The Nuclear Factor kappaB Inhibitor Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Prevents Cardiac Remodelling and Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 Up‐Regulation in Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: Cau Stefany B. A. , Guimaraes Danielle A. , Rizzi Elen , Ceron Carla S. , Gerlach Raquel F. , Tanus‐Santos Jose E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractImbalanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is involved in hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. Pharmacological inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐кB) with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) can prevent MMP up‐regulation. We suggested that treatment with PDTC could prevent 2‐kidney, 1‐clip (2K1C) hypertension‐induced left ventricular remodelling. Sham‐operated controls or 2K1C rats with hypertension received either vehicle or PDTC (100 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was monitored every week. Histological assessment of left ventricles was carried out with haematoxylin/eosin sections, and fibrosis was quantified in picrosirius red‐stained sections. Oxidative stress was evaluated in heart samples with the dihydroethidium probe. Cardiac MMP activity was determined by in situ zymography, and cardiac MMP‐2 was assessed by immunofluorescence. 2K1C surgery significantly increased systolic blood pressure in the 2K1C vehicle. PDTC exerted antihypertensive effects after 2 weeks of treatment. Histology revealed increased left ventricular and septum wall thickness associated with augmented myocyte diameter in hypertensive rats, which were reversed by treatment with PDTC. Hypertensive rats developed pronounced cardiac fibrosis with increased interstitial collagen area, increased cardiac reactive oxygen species levels, gelatinase activity and MMP‐2 expression. PDTC treatment decreased these alterations. These findings show that PDTC modulates myocardial MMP‐2 expression and ameliorates cardiac remodelling in renovascular hypertension. These results suggest that interfering with MMP expression at transcriptional level may be an interesting strategy in the therapy of organ damage associated with hypertension.
Levothyroxine Poisoning – Symptoms and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Nygaard Birgitte , Saedder Eva A. , Dalhoff Kim , Wikkelsoe Mette , Jürgens Gesche 
Published: March 2015

AbstractLevothyroxine (LT), T4, poisoning is rarely associated with a severe outcome. However, cases with significant complications have been reported. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with symptoms of poisoning including late‐onset symptoms. All enquiries to the Danish Poison Information Centre (DPIC) concerning LT poisoning between March 2007 and September 2012 were reviewed and the following parameters were recorded: age, dose, time from ingestion, multiple drug intake and symptoms. To evaluate the frequency of late‐onset symptoms, a subgroup of patients without initial symptoms were contacted. A total of 181 patients were registered (112 children). Ingested LT dose ranged from 10 to 9000 mcg (median 275 mcg). A total of 29 of 181 (16%) patients were symptomatic at the time of enquiry, and there was no difference in ingested LT dose between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, neither in children nor in adults (age 16–92 years) (p < 0.68 and p < 0.47, respectively). In total, 153 of 181 (85%) patients did not have symptoms of poisoning at the time of enquiry; however, in 9 of 21 (43%) patients, we were able to contact, late‐onset symptoms existed. In none of the cases, hospital contact was needed and there were no reports of long‐term sequelae. Acute LT poisoning often follows a benign course. The occurrence of symptoms appears not to be dose dependent. Late‐onset symptoms seem to be common. However, all symptoms resolved spontaneously without need of medical care.
Perception of students’ intelligence malleability and potential for future success: Unfavourable beliefs towards girls
Authors: Verniers Catherine , Martinot Delphine 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundEndorsing an entity theory of intelligence has negative effects on students’ academic trajectories. Research focused on students’ personal theories of intelligence has shown that girls are more likely than boys to hold an entity theory of intelligence. However, no study has examined the possibility of a gender stereotype basis for this belief.AimsWe examined whether secondary school students are knowledgeable about others’ beliefs describing female students’ intelligence as less malleable than male students’ intelligence.Sample and methodA sample of 85 French ninth graders were asked to rate to what extent others perceived: (1) female or male students’ intelligence as malleable and fixed; (2) female or male students as making efforts for their current achievement; and (3) female or male students as having potential for future success.ResultsParticipants reported that others perceived girls’ intelligence as less malleable than boys’ intelligence. Moreover, the relationship between current efforts and potential for future achievement depended on the target's gender. The more hardworking a female student was perceived to be in school, the less she was considered to have potential to succeed in the future, whereas such a link was not observed for a male student.ConclusionsSecondary school students seem to be knowledgeable about a gender stereotype regarding intelligence and potential for academic success which is unfavourable for female students. Implications for students’ academic trajectories are discussed.
IL‐5 production by resident mucosal allergen‐specific T cells in an explant model of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Skrindo I. , Ballke C. , Gran E. , Johansen F.‐E. , Baekkevold E. S. , Jahnsen F. L. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundSeasonal allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammation in the nasal mucosa triggered by inhaled aeroallergens. The inflammatory reaction is controlled by allergen‐specific T cells, but where and how these T cells become activated is not fully understood.ObjectivesWe wanted to determine whether allergen‐specific T‐helper (Th) 2 cells are residing in the nasal mucosa under steady‐state conditions outside of the pollen season and, if so, whether these cells are activated locally in response to allergen challenge.MethodsMucosal biopsies from the lower turbinate were obtained out of season from patients with either birch‐ or grass‐pollen‐allergic rhinitis and from healthy controls. Cultured explant samples were challenged with relevant pollen extract or with a mix of overlapping 20‐mer peptides derived from the sequence of the major birch allergen, Betula verrucosa (Bet v) 1. After 24 h, culture medium was harvested for multiplex cytokine and tryptase analysis.ResultsSignificant amounts of interleukin (IL)‐5 were secreted from resident cells in response to ex vivo allergen challenge in the allergic group only. No increase was observed for the other cytokines measured. Production of IL‐5 in response to both extract and the Bet v1‐derived peptide mix strongly suggested that T cells were a major source of IL‐5.ConclusionOur explant model indicated that local presentation of antigen to resident allergen‐specific Th2 cells is the early event in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. These findings identify possible cellular targets for anti‐inflammatory treatment.
Accuracy and patient‐centered outcome variables in guided implant surgery: a RCT comparing immediate with delayed loading
Authors: Vercruyssen Marjolein , Cox Catherine , Naert Ignace , Jacobs Reinhilde , Teughels Wim , Quirynen Marc 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimTo assess the accuracy and patient‐centered outcome of a novel guided surgery system for placing implants in an edentulous maxilla.Material and methodsFifteen consecutive patients with sufficient bone to place six implants in the maxilla were randomly assigned to the immediate loading (with delivery of the final prosthesis within 24 h) or the delayed loading treatment group. Accuracy was assessed by matching the planning CT with a postoperative CBCT. Patient‐centered outcome measures were the Dutch version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ‐DLV), the health‐related quality of life instrument (HRQOL), visual analog scales (VAS), the duration of the procedure, and the analgesic doses taken each day.ResultsA mean deviation was found at the entry point of 0.9 mm (range: 0.1–4.5, median 0.8) and of 1.2 mm (range: 0.2–4.9, median 1.1) at the apex, and an angular deviation of 2.7° (range: 0.0–6.6°, median 2.3) was observed. The mean vertical deviation was 0.5 mm (range: 0.0–3.2, median 0.4), and in a horizontal direction, this was 0.7 mm (range: 0.1–3.1, median 0.6). The mean deviation in mesio‐distal direction was 0.5 mm (range: 0.0–2.3, median 0.4) and in bucco‐lingual direction 0.5 mm ± 0.4 (range: 0.0–2.2, median 0.3). No statistical differences could be shown between treatment groups on pain response (MPQ‐DLV), treatment perception (VAS), number or kind of pain killers, or for the HRQOLI instrument.ConclusionThe accuracy of a novel CT‐based guide is comparable to the accuracy data of other systems. Within the limitations of this study, no difference could be found in patient‐centered outcome variables after immediate or delayed loading.
Plague bacterium as a transformer species in prairie dogs and the grasslands of western North America
Authors: Eads David A. , Biggins Dean E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractInvasive transformer species change the character, condition, form, or nature of ecosystems and deserve considerable attention from conservation scientists. We applied the transformer species concept to the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis in western North America, where the pathogen was introduced around 1900. Y. pestis transforms grassland ecosystems by severely depleting the abundance of prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) and thereby causing declines in native species abundance and diversity, including threatened and endangered species; altering food web connections; altering the import and export of nutrients; causing a loss of ecosystem resilience to encroaching invasive plants; and modifying prairie dog burrows. Y. pestis poses an important challenge to conservation biologists because it causes trophic‐level perturbations that affect the stability of ecosystems. Unfortunately, understanding of the effects of Y. pestis on ecosystems is rudimentary, highlighting an acute need for continued research.
Approach to assessing the economic impact of insulin‐related hypoglycaemia using the novel Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool
Authors: Parekh W. A. , Ashley D. , Chubb B. , Gillies H. , Evans M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimTo provide estimates of the costs of severe and non‐severe insulin‐related hypoglycaemia in the UK using the Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool.MethodsRates of hypoglycaemia were extracted from the UK Hypoglycaemia Study Group observational study. The costs of severe and non‐severe hypoglycaemic episodes in insulin‐treated adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes were estimated from UK data sources. The rates and costs were then applied to specific populations to give an estimate of the cost of insulin‐related hypoglycaemia for the UK, a specific locality, or a user‐defined population. User‐specific rates and costs could also be applied.ResultsThe estimated cost of a hypoglycaemic episode can range from as much as £2,152 for severe episodes (for which the patient is admitted to hospital) to as little as £1.67 for non‐severe episodes. With a UK population of 64.1 million, the total estimated cost of managing insulin‐related hypoglycaemia is £468.0 m per year (£295.9 m for severe episodes, £172.1 m for non‐severe episodes). On a local health economy level, using a hypothetical general population of 100 000, the total cost of managing insulin‐related hypoglycaemia is estimated to be £730,052 per year (£461,658 for severe and £268,394 for non‐severe episodes).ConclusionsThe Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool highlights the economic burden of insulin‐related hypoglycaemia. Non‐severe episodes are often overlooked because of their low individual cost, but their high frequency makes the cumulative cost substantial. The Local Impact of Hypoglycaemia Tool also shows clinicians and budget‐holders the economic impact of lower rates of hypoglycaemia.
A computational strategy for altering an enzyme in its cofactor preference to NAD(H) and/or NADP(H)
Authors: Cui Dongbing , Zhang Lujia , Jiang Shuiqin , Yao Zhiqiang , Gao Bei , Lin Jinping , Yuan Y. Adam , Wei Dongzhi 
Published: March 2015

Coenzyme engineering, especially for altered coenzyme specificity, has been a research hotspot for more than a decade. In the present study, a novel computational strategy that enhances the hydrogen‐bond interaction between an enzyme and a coenzyme was developed and utilized to alter the coenzyme preference. This novel computational strategy only required the structure of the target enzyme. No other homologous enzymes were needed to achieve alteration in the coenzyme preference of a certain enzyme. Using our novel strategy, Gox2181 was reconstructed from exhibiting complete NADPH preference to exhibiting dual cofactor specificity for NADH and NADPH. Structure‐guided Gox2181 mutants were designed in silico and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the strength of hydrogen‐bond interactions between the enzyme and the coenzyme NADPH. Three Gox2181 mutants displaying high structure stability and structural compatibility to NADH/NADPH were chosen for experimental confirmation. Among the three Gox2181 mutants, Gox2181‐Q20R&D43S showed the highest enzymatic activity by utilizing NADPH as its coenzyme, which was even better than the wild‐type enzyme. In addition, isothermal titration calorimetry analysis further verified that Gox2181‐Q20R&D43S was able to interact with NADPH but the wild‐type enzyme could not. This novel computational strategy represents an insightful approach for altering the cofactor preference of target enzymes.DatabaseModel data have been deposited in the Protein Model Database database under the accession numbers PM0079165, PM0079166, PM0079167, PM0079168 and PM0079169.
Testing predictions of changes in benthic invertebrate abundance and community structure after flow restoration in a large river (French Rhône)
Authors: Mérigoux Sylvie , Forcellini Maxence , Dessaix Jeanne , Fruget Jean‐François , Lamouroux Nicolas , Statzner Bernhard 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Principal threats to running waters are linked to human‐made discharge modifications, but tools to predict the quantitative consequences of flow restoration for benthic invertebrates in large rivers remain untested.

Quantitative benthos samples from two bypassed reaches (Pierre‐Bénite – PBE – and Chautagne – CHAU) of the French Rhône River were collected during four years each before and after minimum flow increases (from 10 to 100 m3 s−1 at PBE and from 10 to 50 m3 s−1 at CHAU). These samples provided observed ln‐density changes for the 50 and 62 (PBE and CHAU, respectively) most abundant taxa (typically species or genera). For about half of the ‘model’ taxa among them, distinct preference models for bottom shear stress categories were available from four reaches of the Upper Rhône River and from various German rivers. Linking these preference models with a statistical hydraulic model predicting frequencies of shear stress categories for any given discharge, we predicted ln‐density changes of the model taxa after restoration.

Community structure of the abundant taxa changed clearly and rapidly after restoration at PBE but less clearly at CHAU. Our predictions explained a considerable amount of mean ln‐density changes of our model taxa observed after restoration (75 and 30% at PBE and CHAU, respectively). They also explained (67 and 40% at PBE and CHAU, respectively) the model taxa scores along the principal components analysis axis that summarised the community variations of all abundant taxa before and after restoration. For taxa not identified to species (assessed as genus, tribe or family), the predicted ln‐density changes were sometimes inaccurate at PBE (a Lower Rhône site), suggesting that the transferability of preference models for taxonomic levels above that of species can be problematic.

If further developed, statistical habitat models focussing on ecologically relevant physical variables (in our case shear stress) should enable reliable quantitative assessments of associations between flow restoration efforts and achievable ecological improvement.
A comparison of social processes at three sites of theFrenchRhôneRiver subjected to ecological restoration
Authors: Barthélémy Carole , Armani Gilles 
Published: March 2015

SummaryUnderstanding social processes (trajectories of relationships among stakeholders), political constraints, cultural aspects and public opinions is essential for efficient design, sustainability and evaluation of restoration operations. However, few restoration projects involve the participation of social sciences.The ecological restoration of theRhôneRiver involved increasing flow below dams and better connecting floodplain channels at multiple sites along the river. Therefore, it provided a unique opportunity to identify the commonalities and differences among social processes associated with ecological restoration.We used qualitative analyses of speeches and interviews with stakeholders to understand their relationship to theRhône. These analyses revealed that social values, relating local residents to the river, played a major role throughout the restoration projects.The comparison of social processes among three sites of theRhône shows that they generally followed three stages: managing a crisis, transforming the relationship to the river and valuing the local social space (the territory).Consistent patterns emerging across sites included the following: (i) the role of a local public figure able to mobilise stakeholders in supporting the restoration project; (ii) the importance of the organisation of the stakeholder community and its commitment to the project; and (iii) the major role of interactions between local and national levels. Variation across sites also occurred and may be related to unforeseen events such as political changes and natural hazards (e.g. floods and pollution).Involving social science in restoration projects requires taking into account commonalities in social processes as well as the diversity of local experiences.
Testing predictions of changes in alien and native macroinvertebrate communities and their interaction after the restoration of a large river floodplain (French Rhône)
Authors: Paillex Amael , Castella Emmanuel , zu Ermgassen Philine S. E. , Aldridge David C. 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Large river floodplains contain a high diversity of habitats and species but are highly threatened by human activities. River floodplain restoration is increasingly undertaken to reverse biodiversity loss and enhance ecosystem services.

Few studies have examined the consequences on the biota of restoring lateral connectivity, a key variable that represents the exchange of materials and organisms between the river and its floodplain. We developed models to describe the richness and abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates in 18 channels of the Rhône floodplain and predict how restoration (i.e. the increase in lateral connectivity of floodplain channels) should alter the native and alien communities.

Models quantified how richness and abundance decrease for lentic taxa and increase for lotic and alien taxa with higher connectivity between the floodplain channels and the main channel. Predicted changes were weakly related to overall observed changes when all restored channels were combined, but consistent with observed changes when floodplain channels were grouped by restoration type. We highlighted that restoration interventions modifying lateral connectivity induced a change of lentic and lotic taxa richness in accordance with the predictions. Richness of alien taxa was favoured by restoration more than predicted; however, no interaction between alien species changes and native species was detected after restoration.

Restoration of the ecosystem predictably transformed native communities and encouraged alien species, at least over the 4 years studied. Our findings demonstrate that lateral connectivity is a key variable driving macroinvertebrate communities in large river floodplains and that the response of macroinvertebrates to restoration of a disturbance‐driven ecosystem can in part be predicted. Therefore, the outcome of restoration programmes can be optimised by quantifying lateral connectivity before and after restoration.