bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ten‐year mortality trends among persons diagnosed with HIV infection in England and Wales in the era of antiretroviral therapy: AIDS remains a silent killer
Authors: Simmons RD , Ciancio BC , Kall MM , Rice BD , Delpech VC 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesWe present national trends in death rates and the proportion of deaths attributable to AIDS in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), and examine risk factors associated with an AIDS‐related death.MethodsAnalyses of the national HIV‐infected cohort for England and Wales linked to death records from the Office of National Statistics were performed. Annual all‐cause mortality rates were calculated by age group and sex for the years 1999–2008 and rates for 2008 were compared with death rates in the general population. Risk factors associated with an AIDS‐related death were investigated using a case–control study design.ResultsThe all‐cause mortality rate among persons diagnosed with HIV infection aged 15–59 years fell over the decade: from 217 per 10 000 in 1999 to 82 per 10 000 in 2008, with declines in all age groups and exposure categories except women aged 50–59 years and persons who inject drugs (rate fluctuations in both of these groups were probably a result of small numbers). Compared with the general population (15 per 10 000 in 2008), death rates among persons diagnosed with HIV infection remained high, especially in younger persons (aged 15–29 years) and persons who inject drugs (13 and 20 times higher, respectively). AIDS‐related deaths accounted for 43% of all deaths over the decade (24% in 2008). Late diagnosis (CD4 count < 350 cells/μL) was the most important predictor of dying of AIDS [odds ratio (OR) 10.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.22–13.54]. Sixty per cent of all‐cause mortality and 81% of all AIDS‐related deaths were attributable to late diagnosis.ConclusionsDespite substantial declines, death rates among persons diagnosed with HIV infection continue to exceed those of the general population in the ART era. Earlier diagnosis could have prevented 1600 AIDS‐related deaths over the decade. These findings highlight the need to intensify efforts to offer and recommend an HIV test in a wider range of clinical and community settings.
Community variability in aphid parasitoids versus predators in response to agricultural intensification
Authors: Gagic Vesna , Hänke Sebastian , Thies Carsten , Tscharntke Teja 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Agricultural intensification (AI) is a great threat to biodiversity and its negative effects on species richness of different communities have been repeatedly shown. The effects of AI on community composition and variability, however, are important for assessing the predictability of community responses, but have rarely been studied simultaneously and across different taxonomic groups.

In this study, we focused on parasitoids (primary and secondary) and predators (hoverflies and carabid beetles) of aphids in winter wheat fields with contrasting AI regimes (low AI, i.e. organic fields in structurally complex landscapes vs. high AI, i.e. conventional fields in structurally simple landscapes).

We found divergence in species composition of more specialised, low‐dispersing primary and secondary parasitoids within high AI fields, probably due to the disruption of the exchanges of species between local populations in structurally simple landscapes. In contrast, species composition of less specialised, highly dispersing carabid beetles and hoverflies converged in fields with high AI, where they were characterised by the dominance of a single, vagile species adapted to high land‐use conditions. Furthermore, temporal community shifts were only pronounced in primary parasitoids and hoverflies, with higher temporal changes in fields with high AI in primary parasitoids.

Collectively, our results illustrate that environmental homogenisation due to AI does not necessarily induce spatio‐temporal homogenisation of communities, but rather can have contrasting effects on more specialised, low‐dispersive parasitoids versus more generalised, high‐dispersive predators, thereby demonstrating great differences in the predictability of responses to AI among aphid natural enemies.
Altitudinal diversity patterns of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the forests of Changbai Mountain, Northeast China
Authors: Zou Yi , Sang Weiguo , Zhou Haicheng , Huang Liya , Axmacher Jan Christoph 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Little is currently known about the biodiversity harboured by China's last remaining pristine temperate forests. Especially, studies into the diversity patterns of highly diverse insect taxa are very rare, while such studies are highly valuable, for example, as baseline to evaluate the effectiveness of China's ongoing large‐scale reforestation efforts in restoring forest biodiversity.

We sampled ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) on 33 plots distributed across five distinct mature forest ecosystems occurring at altitudes between 700 and 2000 m on Changbai Mountain to address these prevailing knowledge gaps. Pitfall trapping yielded a total of 4834 ground beetles representing 47 species.

Carabid abundance increased while α‐diversity decreased with increasing elevation. No significant correlation was observed between the abundance of common species and their elevational distribution. Beetle assemblages originating from the high‐elevation forest types formed a partly overlapping cluster, while beetle assemblages at lower elevations were more strongly differentiated according to forest type. Our results support the assumption that carabids are highly sensitive to climate change.

The Korean pine‐dominated forest, which has not previously been distinguished as a discrete forest type, showed a distinct carabid beetle composition, indicating its requirement of specific conservation attention. The carabid diversity in high‐elevation birch forest and low‐elevation mixed broad‐leaved and conifer forests is particularly threatened by climate change, and long‐term future monitoring of ground beetle diversity on Changbai Mountain is expected to provide extremely valuable insights into climate change‐effects on insect communities in China's pristine temperate forests.
A Comparative Study of Densification of Sol‐Gel‐Derived Nano‐Mullite due to the Influence of Iron, Nickel and Copper Ions
Authors: Roy Debasis , Bagchi Biswajoy , Bhattacharya Alakananda , Das Sukhen , Nandy Papiya 
Published: May 2013

By sol‐gel process, mullite samples doped with 0.002M, 0.02M, 0.1M, 0.15M, and 0.2Mof iron, nickel, and copper are prepared. Prepared gels were then dried, grinded, pressed into pellets, and sintered at temperatures 1000°C and 1300°C for 4 h. Mullite densification behavior was analyzed. Our intention is to study the role of metal ions in influencing mullitization behavior in the case of the sol‐gel reaction process, to provide useful information of mullite. This study deals with the effect of metal ions on mullite formation, microstructure, and densification behavior in single‐phase sol‐gel‐derived mullite.
Characterisation of protein‐rich isolates and antioxidative phenolic extracts from pale and black brewers' spent grain
Authors: Connolly Alan , Piggott Charles O. , FitzGerald Richard J. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryProtein‐enriched isolates and co‐product fractions were obtained from sheared, pale and black brewers' spent grain (BSG) using sequential aqueous and alkaline (110 mm NaOH) extraction, followed by isoelectric precipitation at pH 3.8. A recovery of 59% of the original pale BSG protein and 15% of the black BSG protein was obtained for the final isolates. Gel permeation HPLC (GP‐HPLC) revealed that 59% of the extracted pale BSG protein and only 6% of black BSG protein had a molecular mass >10 kDa. Glutamine/glutamate and proline were the most abundant amino acids present in both isolates. Analysis of four co‐product fractions obtained during fractionation from both pale and black BSG revealed the presence of phenolics, with higher concentrations in the black BSG extracts. These fractions possessed antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity when tested using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (0.16 ± 0.01 to 4.33 ± 0.11 mg Trolox equivalents g−1 BSG dry weight) and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (12.85 ± 1.16% to 59.50 ± 3.47% DPPH۠sc) assays, respectively. The protein‐enriched isolates and the phenolic‐rich extracts may find use as value‐added ingredients for incorporation into conventional and functional foods.
Changes in amino acid contents, texture and microstructure of bamboo shoots during pickling process
Authors: Zheng Jiong , Zhang Fusheng , Zhou Chunhong , Chen Guangjing , Lin Mao , Kan Jianquan 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe amino acid contents, texture, pectin and microstructure of bamboo shoots (Dendrocalamus latiflorus) with different salt concentrations during pickling process were examined to evaluate the effects of such process on its nutrient contents and texture. The results show that the total amino acid content of fresh bamboo shoots (FBS) was 16.35 g/100 g of dry weight, whereas those of pickled bamboo shoots (PBS) with different salt concentrations (8% and 20%) were 6.89 g/100 g and 7.91 g/100 g of dry weight, respectively. The texture analysis revealed that the hardness of the two PBS decreased by 60% and 47% after 90 days of pickling process, respectively. The protopectin contents of such PBS decreased by 64% and 49%, respectively, whereas their content of water‐soluble pectin exhibited an increasing tendency during the pickling process. In addition, the scanning electron microscope images of the bamboo shoots revealed that the FBS tissues presented almost isodiametric parenchyma cells with a regular shape, whereas the parenchyma cells of PBS showed a clear turgor loss, presenting degradation and shrinkage in the cell wall contours.
Inhibition of biofilms by glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase and guaiacol: the active antibacterial component in an enzyme alginogel
Authors: Cooper Rose A 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe association of biofilms with wound chronicity has prompted a search for antimicrobial interventions that are effective against biofilms. A patented preparation of glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase and guaiacol (GLG), which is the antibacterial component of Flaminal®, has been shown to inhibit a wide range of bacteria, but it has not yet been tested on biofilms. This study aims to determine the effect of GLG on biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Static biofilms were grown in microtitre plates and on coverslips and treated with a range of concentrations of GLG. Effects were monitored by estimating biofilm biomass by staining with crystal violet, biofilm activity by staining with either resazurin or fluorescein diacetate and biofilm viability by staining with LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit. GLG was able to prevent the formation of biofilms at concentration ≤0·5% (w/v) and higher concentrations were required to inhibit established biofilms. GLG did not disrupt biofilm biomass. Staphylococci were more susceptible to GLG than P. aeruginosa. These in vitro findings must be verified by in vivo studies.
Cilostazol prevents foot ulcers in diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease
Authors: de Franciscis Stefano , Gallelli Luca , Battaglia Luigi , Molinari Vincenzo , Montemurro Rossella , Stillitano Domenico M. , Buffone Gianluca , Serra Raffaele 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDiabetic patients are at high risk of foot ulcerations that may lead to limb amputations with important socio‐economic impact. Peripheral vascular disease may be frequently associated in diabetes mellitus type II with its main symptom, intermittent claudication. Many studies reported the known efficacy of cilostazol in treating vascular claudication. Metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) seems to be a biochemical marker implicated in chronic wounds and in particular in diabetic foot ulcers. Cilostazol appears to have a lowering effect on MMP‐9 levels and this may suggest a beneficial effect in order to prevent or retard the onset of foot ulcer in diabetic patients. In our study, two groups of diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease were divided into two groups according to the presence of claudication in order to receive cilostazol. Group A (31 patients without claudication) were not eligible to receive cilostazol whereas Group B (47 patients with claudication) received cilostazol administration for 24 weeks (100 mg orally twice daily). Median follow up was of 16 months. During the follow up, 4·25% of patients of Group B and 35·48% of patients of Group A (P < 0·01) showed onset of foot ulceration. Although further randomised and controlled studies are required cilostazol seems to show beneficial effects for primary prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in cocaine‐dependent adults: A psychiatric comorbidity analysis
Authors: Daigre Constanza , Roncero Carlos , Grau‐López Lara , Martínez‐Luna Nieves , Prat Gemma , Valero Sergi , Tejedor Rosa , Ramos‐Quiroga Josep A. , Casas Miguel 
Published: May 2013

Background and ObjectivesAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent among drug abusers. We studied the psychiatric comorbidity and characteristics of cocaine use in relation to the presence of ADHD among patients with cocaine dependence.MethodsA total of 200 cocaine‐dependent patients attending an Outpatient Drug Clinic participated in the study. A systematic evaluation of ADHD (CAADID‐II), the severity of addiction (EuropASI) and other axes I and II psychiatric disorders was made (SCID‐I and SCID‐II). A descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis of the data was performed.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, the identified risk factors for the development of ADHD were a history of behavioral disorder in childhood (OR: 3.04), a lifetime history of cannabis dependence in the course of life (OR: 2.68), and age at the start of treatment (OR: 1.08). The bivariate analysis showed ADHD to be associated with other factors such as male gender, age at start of cocaine use and dependence, the amount of cocaine consumed weekly, increased occupational alteration, alcohol consumption, general psychological discomfort, depressive disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceWe conclude that ADHD is associated with increased psychiatric comorbidity and greater severity of addiction. (Am J Addict 2013;22:466–473)
Empowered as King, Priest and Prophet: The Identity of Roman Catholic Laity in the People of God
Authors: Wendlinder Anastasia 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe language of “People of God,” which exemplifies the radical shift in ecclesiology found in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, not only has gained a predominance of use in contemporary Roman Catholic theology, it provides a vocabulary with which to explore the identity of the Roman Catholic laity, particularly as they relate to the scripturally-grounded titles of “King,” “Priest,” and “Prophet.” This article considers the implications of this identity in contrast to the Institutional ecclesiology with which it competes in the conciliar documents as well as in many official statements since Vatican II. Viewing these titles from their roots in Hebrew and Christian Scripture opens new avenues of empowerment for the laity and for transforming the whole Church.
Understanding disagreement within the majority about action to atone for past wrongs
Authors: Hartley Lisa Kathryn , McGarty Craig , Donaghue Ngaire 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPolicies atoning for past wrongs against minority groups are often contested within the majority. During the year after the apology to the Indigenous Australian Stolen Generations, predictors of non‐Indigenous (majority) collective action intentions focusing on support or opposition to reform reconciliation policies (Study 1, N = 206) and compensation to the Stolen Generations (Study 2, N = 215; Study 3, N = 298) were examined. Action was analyzed as a function of national identity, opinion‐based group identity, group‐based guilt, political orientation, and collective efficacy. Opinion‐based group identification was an independent predictor of action for all groups except for anti‐compensation, where efficacy strongly predicted action. Findings highlight opinion‐based groups' role in capturing the fault lines of disagreement within majority groups.
Application of the MODE model to implicit weight prejudice and its influence on expressed and actual behavior among college students
Authors: Penney Erika , Lawsin Catalina 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWeight prejudice and discrimination were examined in students, using the motivation and opportunity as determinants (MODE) model. The personalized Implicit Association Test (pIAT) and Motivation to Control Prejudiced Reactions (MCPR) scale were used to predict subsequent expressed and actual behavior, measured by an election task and a lost e‐mail task. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses was conducted to determine reasons participants discriminated against obesity. The MODE model did not predict the prejudice–behavior relationship; however, expressed weight prejudice and discrimination were highly prevalent. Of the participants, 21.2% explicitly stated that candidates' weight influenced their voting behavior. The MODE model was concluded to be an inappropriate model for weight prejudice. Implications for future research are discussed.
Which name unlocks the door? The effect of tenant race/ethnicity on landlord response
Authors: Feldman Michelle E. , Weseley Allyson J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTwo Internet experiments investigated how the race/ethnicity and gender of prospective tenants impacted landlord response. Among males, Asian American tenants fared best, receiving 45.2% positive responses. Hispanic and White tenants received a similar number of positive responses (34.7% and 34.0%, respectively), while the African American tenant received the fewest (16.0%). In general, female prospective tenants received more positive responses than did male prospective tenants (40.8% vs. 27.1%); among females, White and Asian American women received more positive responses (67.3% and 60.8%, respectively) than did Hispanic (43.1%) and African American (41.2%) women. The experiments indicated that prospective tenants were more likely to receive positive responses when their race matched that of the neighborhood in which the apartment is located.
The association between media exposure of interracial relationships and attitudes toward interracial relationships
Authors: Lienemann Brianna A. , Stopp Heather T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFrom an extended contact hypothesis (ECH) framework, mass‐media portrayals of interracial relationships may encourage positive attitudes toward such relationships. Caucasian participants (N = 218) indicated examples of media portrayals of Black–White interracial relationships, attitudes toward Blacks, attitudes toward interracial relationships, degree of identification with Whites, and the degree to which Blacks are included in self‐representations. Supporting our hypotheses, extended contact with Black–White relationships via media portrayals was associated with more positive attitudes toward Blacks and interracial relationships. These relationships were mediated by the degree to which Blacks are included in self‐representations. This study furthers understanding of ECH by including representations of dyadic relationships and suggests an avenue for the creation of interventions for improving attitudes toward interracial relationships.
National identification, perceived threat, and dehumanization as antecedents of negative attitudes toward immigrants in Australia and Canada
Authors: Louis Winnifred R. , Esses Victoria M. , Lalonde Richard N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe interplay of nationalistic threat perceptions, dehumanizing beliefs and intergroup emotions, and anti‐immigrant sentiment is analyzed in a cross‐national context with Australian (N = 124) and Canadian (N = 126) samples. National identification was linked to negative attitudes toward immigrants indirectly, via perceptions of immigrants as being in threatening zero‐sum relationships with citizens. In turn, perceived zero‐sum threat was associated with dehumanizing beliefs and emotions about immigrants. Significant baseline differences in hostility were observed across the samples, but the relationships among the variables were not moderated by participants' nationality. The study contributes to the literature examining how negative emotions and attitudes may serve to legitimize intergroup competition.
How deep is skin‐deep? The relationship between skin color satisfaction, estimation of body image, and self‐esteem among women of African descent
Authors: Mucherah Winnie , Frazier Andrea Dawn 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe study of skin color and its relationship to body (dis)satisfaction and self‐esteem is critical to expanding upon the research that explores the intersection between body image and the sociocultural experience of women of the African diaspora. To this end, the relationships between skin color satisfaction, body dissatisfaction, and self‐esteem were examined in a sample of 328 women of African descent. Results revealed a significant effect for ethnicity and employment status on body dissatisfaction, skin color satisfaction, and self‐esteem. Follow‐up analyses revealed that Afro‐Caribbean women were the most satisfied with their body shape, biracial women were most satisfied with their skin color, and women who self‐identified as professionals had the highest self‐esteem. Implications for the findings are discussed.
Diabetes mellitus, but not small dense low‐density lipoprotein, is predictive of cardiovascular disease: A Korean community‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Suh Sunghwan , Park Hyung‐Doo , Jin Sang‐Man , Kim Hye Jeong , Bae Ji Cheol , Park So Young , Park Mi Kyoung , Kim Duk Kyu , Cho Nam H , Lee Moon‐Kyu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionSmall dense low‐density lipoprotein (sdLDL) has been suggested to be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Materials and MethodsWe carried out a prospective nested case–control study in the Korean Health and Genome Study. Participants were men and women aged 40–69 years who developed CVD (n = 313), and were matched by age and sex to controls who remained free of CVD (n = 313) during the 8‐years follow‐up period (from 2001 to 2009). LDL subfractions were analyzed in frozen samples collected from the 626 participants using polyacrylamide tube gel electrophoresis.ResultsPatients with CVD had a significantly higher glycated hemoglobin level compared with the controls (5.72 vs 5.56). The proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) was higher in those who developed CVD during follow up (8.0% vs 1.9%). The frequency of CVD according to each tertile of LDL particle size and the number of metabolic syndrome components did not differ significantly. In the multivariate analysis, DM (odds ratio 4.244, 95% confidence interval 1.693–10.640, P = 0.002) was the only independent predictive factor of CVD. LDL particle size was not associated with the risk for future CVD.ConclusionsSmall dense LDL might not be a significant predictor of CVD in this Korean community‐based prospective cohort study.