bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common and Conflicting Interests in the Engagements between Conservation Organizations and Corporations
Authors: Robinson John G. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe conservation community increasingly views the corporate sector as a positive force for conservation. Collaborations between corporations and nongovernmental conservation organizations (NGOs) seek to mitigate the negative effects of corporate activities and augment positive conservation outcomes. I reviewed the establishment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies by corporations; the emerging focus on environmental practices and sustainability; and the history of engagement between corporations and nongovernmental organizations. I considered the ethical and reputation vulnerabilities of these collaborations, which depend especially on the financial nature of the relationship and reviewed how CSR approaches have influenced corporate practices. I concluded that whereas CSR practices can act to mitigate negative environmental impact, to date they have had limited positive effect on biodiversity conservation.Intereses Comunes y Conflictivos en los Compromisos entre Organizaciones y Corporaciones de Conservación
Aortic Stiffness Assessed by Global Pulse Wave Velocity in Postmenopausal Women: An Ultrasonographic Study
Authors: Palmiero Pasquale , Maiello Maria , Daly David D. , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Nanda Navin C. 
Published: August 2012

Objective: The first goal of our study was to investigate major determinants of aortic stiffness in postmenopausal women using an echocardiographic method to calculate global pulse wave velocity (PWVg) rather than the less accurate carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVc). The second goal was to relate PWVg to the absolute risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events estimated by CV risk factors. Patients and methods: Two hundred forty‐four consecutive women who presented to our heart station were screened. One hundred twenty‐two were postmenopausal, either natural or surgical, whereas 122 were premenopausal. The mean age of the patients was 54 ± 13 years. Individuals were categorized as current smokers, former smokers, or nonsmokers and hypertensive or not. Hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus were defined. Aortic stiffness was assessed by PWVg measured with pulsed Doppler, the interval between the beginning of QRS complex and the foot of the systolic upstroke in the Doppler spectral envelope was calculated at the aortic valve site and at the right common femoral artery. PWVg was calculated between the aortic valve and right common femoral artery by dividing the straight line distance between the two by the transit time. Results: There was a highly significant statistical difference (P < 0.0012) in PWVg between menstruating women and postmenopausal women. Similarly, this difference in PWVg was also noted among the menstruating population (P < 0.0014) when comparing normotensive women and hypertensive women. In postmenopausal women, PWVg was 6.8 m/sec in normotensive women and 7.56 m/sec in hypertensive women (P < 0.007). Conclusion: PWVg was increased in postmenopausal women compared with menstruating women. Systemic hypertension has an independent, but additive effect on aortic stiffness assessed by PWVg. Our study supports the usefulness of the assessment of aortic stiffness as a marker of CV disease and to identify subjects at risk at an early age.
The Third Molar as an Age Marker in Adolescents: New Approach to Age Evaluation
Authors: Rozkovcova Eva , Dostalova Tatjana , Markova Marie , Broukal Zdenek 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAdolescence is a relatively short period between childhood and adulthood. It is very difficult to determine adulthood based on biological indicators. The third molar may be considered a potential age marker for the period between the ages of 16–21. Our study evaluated a set of 1700 panoramic radiographs of individuals aged between 5 and 21 years. Results confirmed the statistically significant difference in the course of third molars development. The mean deviation for individuals with one third molar agenesis is −0.98 years, for individuals with two third molars agenesis −1.89 years, and with three molars agenesis −3.28 years. Thus, the extent of the deviation is directly proportional to the number of unformed third molars. The calculation of age according to the mean of stages of all third molars could lead to the underestimation of age. No intergender differences were found. Age determination using third molars could be used for forensic purposes.
Suicide Trends in Upper Egypt
Authors: Abdel Moneim Wafaa M. , Yassa Heba A. , George Safaa M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSuicide is an important problem, ranking among the top 10 causes of death for individuals in all ages in developed countries. This article is a retrospective study evaluating suicide cases in Assiut, one of the largest provinces in Egypt, from 2005 to 2009. There were 117 cases, of which involved 68 male victims (58.12%) and 49 women (41.88%). Suicide rates ranged from 0.6 to 0.8 per 100,000. Age predominance was from 20 to ≤30 years. The method of suicide was different between male and female victims, as male victims tried to use more violent methods than females. The most common cause of death in men was usage of toxins and by hanging 29% and 28%, respectively, while in women was usage of toxins (70%). This study showed that suicide rates have increased since 1987, indicating a grave problem that needs to be solved.
Sudden Death Due to Infiltration of Left Bundle Branches by Interventricular Septal Cardiac Fibroma
Authors: István Kristóf , Törő Klára , Kardos Magdolna , Imre Czirják , György Dunay , Ágnes Nemeskéri 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCardiac fibromas are benign conditions; however, their location and size may cause ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We report a case of a 68‐year‐old female who died suddenly. Postmortem investigation detected a huge cardiac fibroma in the pars muscularis of the interventricular septum, occupying almost the entire muscular septum, and restricting the volume of left ventricular chamber. Histological examination revealed numerous foci of calcification in the alternating complex interlacing or strictly parallel collagenous fiber mass. Tumor mass was mainly demarcated, but in some places, fibrous infiltration of surrounding working cardiac muscle was found. We present a case when direct tumor involvement in the descending left bundle branches was evidenced. Mainly, the branches of septal fascicle were disrupted, entrapped, and degenerated by the tumor mass. This case report emphasizes that postmortem histological examination of conduction system in all sudden cardiac death cases may substantially improve the accuracy of postmortem diagnosis.
In depression, bacterial translocation may drive inflammatory responses, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and autoimmune responses directed against O&NS‐damaged neoepitopes
Authors: Maes M. , Kubera M. , Leunis J.‐C. , Berk M. , Geffard M. , Bosmans E. 
Published: August 2012

Maes M, Kubera M, Leunis J‐C, Berk M, Geffard M, Bosmans E. In depression, bacterial translocation may drive inflammatory responses, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and autoimmune responses directed against O&NS‐damaged neoepitopes.Objective: Depression is accompanied by activation of immuno‐inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) pathways, and increased IgM/IgA responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of gram‐negative commensal bacteria. The latter suggests that bacterial translocation has caused IgM/IgA responses directed against LPS. Bacterial translocation may drive IO&NS responses.Method: To examine the associations between IgM/IgA responses to LPS and IO&NS measurements, including plasma/serum interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, neopterin, lysozyme, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) antibodies, peroxides, and IgM (auto)immune responses against malondialdehyde (MDA), azelaic acid, phophatidyl inositol (Pi), NO‐tryptophan and NO‐tyrosine in depressed patients and controls.Results: We found significant positive associations between IgM/IgA responses to LPS and oxLDL antibodies, IgM responses against MDA, azelaic acid, Pi, NO‐tryptophan, and NO‐tyrosine. The IgA responses to LPS were correlated with lysozyme. There were no significant positive correlations between the IgM/IgA responses to LPS and IL‐1 and neopterin.Conclusion: The findings show that in depression there is an association between increased bacterial translocation and lysozyme production, an antibacterial compound, O&NS processes, and autoimmune responses directed against O&NS generated neoantigenic determinants. It is suggested that bacterial translocation may drive IO&NS pathways in depression and thus play a role in its pathophysiology.
Predictors of medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Jónsdóttir H. , Opjordsmoen S. , Birkenaes A. B. , Simonsen C. , Engh J. A. , Ringen P. A. , Vaskinn A. , Friis S. , Sundet K. , Andreassen O. A. 
Published: August 2012

Objective:  To investigate potential risk factors for medication non‐adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Method:  A total of 255 patients underwent clinical assessments, neurocognitive testing and blood sampling. The patients were divided into groups of ‘No’, ‘Partial’ or ‘Full’ adherence. Relationships to different risk factors were analyzed.Results:  In schizophrenia, use of illicit substances, alcohol and poor insight were related to worse adherence. Schizophrenia patients with No adherence did better on tests of executive functioning, verbal learning and memory and had higher IQ than patients with better adherence. There were higher levels of autonomic side effects in the non‐adherence group, but body mass index was lower in the Partial adherence group than in the Full adherence group. In the bipolar disorder patients, there was an association between the use of illicit substances and alcohol and poor adherence. We found no relationship between adherence behavior and neurocognition in the bipolar disorder group.Conclusion:  Substance use is an important risk factor for non‐adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Poor insight is also a risk factor in schizophrenia. The results suggest that cognitive dysfunction is not a risk factor for non‐adherence in these diagnostic groups.
Clozapine and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – an investigation of temporal association
Authors: van Veggel M. , Olofinjana O. , Davies G. , Taylor D. 
Published: August 2012

Objective:  To establish the temporal relationship between prescription of acid‐suppressant therapy, GORD and clozapine prescribing.Method:  In this retrospective cohort study, we identified out‐patients prescribed clozapine and other atypical antipsychotics (AAP) and compared times and rates of prescribing of acid‐suppressant therapy. Odds ratios were calculated.Results:  Of 352 patients on clozapine and 358 patients on other AAP, there were 74 (21.0%) and 23 (6.7%) patients prescribed acid‐suppressant therapy respectively [OR = 3.9 (95% CI: 2.4–6.4) P ≤ 0.0001]. In 67 of 74 cases (90.5%) vs. 18 of 23 cases (81.8%), acid‐suppressant therapy began after the start of the antipsychotic. Clozapine patients were more likely to be prescribed acid‐suppressant therapy within the first 5 years of initiation than those on other AAP (P = 0.039). Where indication for acid‐suppressant therapy was known, it was prescribed for GORD in 44 of 62 (71.0%) of the clozapine patients and 6 of 13 (46.2%) of those on other AAP (P = 0.109). Rate of known GORD was 44 of 352 (12.5%) for clozapine and 6 of 358 (1.7%) for other atypicals [OR = 8.4 (95% CI: 3.5–19.9) P ≤ 0.0001].Conclusion:  Clozapine was associated with higher rates of GORD and acid‐suppressant therapy prescribing than other AAP. There was a clear temporal relationship between the prescribing of clozapine and the later use of acid‐suppressant therapy. These observations strongly suggest that prescription of clozapine was associated with the onset of GORD.
Laser treatment of onychomycosis: an in vitro pilot study
Authors: Hees Henrik , Raulin Christian , Bäumler Wolfgang 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBackground: Laser treatment of onychomycosis is the object of considerable interest. Laser therapy could be a safe and cost‐effective treatment modality without the disadvantages of drugs. Some studies have described the inhibitory effects of lasers on the growth of fungal colonies. We therefore examined the effects of various laser wavelengths, which have previously shown inhibitory potential, on the fungal isolate Trichophyton rubrum.Patients and Methods: Isolates of fungal colonies were placed clockwise on culture plates. Each culture plate was irradiated on one half with one of the following treatment regimens: 1064 nm‐Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser at 4 J/cm2 and 8 J/cm2; 532 nm‐Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser at 8 J/cm2; 1064 nm‐long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 45 J/cm2 or 100 J/cm2. The other half remained untreated. Standardized photographs were taken and areas of treated and untreated colonies were compared for growth inhibition.Results: There was no inhibition of fungal growth in any of the treated plates. Differences in size between treated and untreated colonies were not significant (p > 0.10).Conclusions: In this in vitro study Nd:YAG laser treatment of Trichophyton rubrum colonies failed to inhibit fungal growth. Nevertheless there might be an effectiveness in vivo which has to be clarified by clinical studies.
Bioelectrical impedance for measuring percentage body fat in young persons with Down syndrome: validation with dual‐energy absorptiometry
Authors: Loveday Sarah J , Thompson John MD , Mitchell Edwin A 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  Children with Down syndrome have an increased prevalence of obesity, although there is little work describing body composition in this population. The aims of this study were to accurately measure body fat in children with Down syndrome and to identify which existing algorithm best predicts percentage body fat in this population.Methods:  Seventy children with Down syndrome had anthropometric, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) data collected to calculate percentage body fat (PBF). Pearson correlations were carried out to assess the relationships of various methods for measuring body fat and Bland–Altman plots to assess systematic error.Results:  Mean PBF was 30.5% for girls and 22.5% for boys. A total of 38% of girls and 23% of boys were obese according to international criteria. PBF as determined by DXA correlated well with PBF by BIA in both girls and boys (r = 0.91 and 0.89, respectively, p < 0.001).Conclusion:  There are high rates of obesity in children with Down syndrome. BIA can be used to accurately determine adiposity in this population. We recommend the use of the Schaeffer algorithm for calculation of PBF in children with Down syndrome.
Salbutamol with metered dose inhalers with spacers – an established emergency treatment for preschool wheeze
Authors: Mecklin Minna , Paassilta Marita , Korppi Matti 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAims:  Metered dose inhalers (MDI) with spacers were implemented to treat preschool wheeze in the emergency room (ER) and hospital in 2006 in our children’s hospital. The implementation at day time happened successfully within 4 months, but not at night time. The objective of the present study was to check the treatment mode, hospitalization rate and length of hospital stay (LOS) 4 years later.Methods:  The present retrospective hospital chart review was identical to the review 4 years earlier, including data collection on treatment mode in 1‐ to‐5‐year‐old preschool wheezers in the ER, on need of hospitalization, on treatment mode in hospital and on LOS. Both studies were performed during the same late‐autumn and early‐winter months.Results:  In the ER, 96% of the children with preschool wheeze were treated with salbutamol using MDIs with spacers. Hospitalization rate was 51%, and all but one were treated with MDIs with spacers in hospital at both day and night time. Mean LOS was 2.48 days, being shorter than 4 years earlier.Conclusion:  Administration of salbutamol using MDI with spacer became an established emergency treatment of preschool wheeze within 4 years after the initial change from nebulizers to MDIs with spacers.
Community‐level consequences of cattle grazing for an invaded grassland: variable responses of native and exotic vegetation
Authors: Skaer Meghan J. , Graydon Dawn J. , Cushman J. Hall 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionsDoes grazing by cattle mediate the composition of a coastal grassland community and do native and exotic taxa from different plant groups, based on life‐history and life‐form characteristics, vary in their response to grazing? To what degree does grazing impact the growth and fecundity ofBromus diandrus, the most dominant exotic grass invader in this system?LocationCoastal grassland/prairie nearCarmel, centralCalifornia,USA.MethodsUsing a 3‐yr exclosure experiment, we evaluated the effects of light winter/spring grazing by cattle (average of 0.75 cow‐calf pairs·ha−1) on species richness and percentage cover of native and exotic plants from different life‐history and life‐form groups.ResultsWe found that cattle grazing reduced total vegetative cover by 25% and increased bare ground by 40%. Grazing also caused a 70% reduction in above‐ground plant biomass and a 40% reduction in the cover of exotic annual grasses, which were by far the most dominant group in this system. Grazing also reduced the height and spikelet production of the exotic annual grassB. diandrus. In contrast, grazing increased the cover of exotic annual forbs by 15%. Contrary to our expectations, grazing did not affect the cover of native forbs and grasses, and we hypothesize that these taxa possess life‐history characteristics and/or depleted seed banks that prevented them from responding to grazing during our experiment. Grazing also did not affect the species richness of any native or exotic plant group.ConclusionsOur 3‐yr exclosure experiment has shown that grazing by cattle caused major changes in a coastal grassland community, with the responses of native and exotic taxa having different life‐history and life‐form characteristics varying markedly. Understanding the responses of these divergent groups is not only important for basic research evaluating the effects of mammalian herbivores on plant communities, but is also critical for developing science‐based approaches for sustainably managing invaded grasslands.
Above‐ and below‐ground biomass and carbon dynamics inBrazilianCerrado wet grasslands
Authors: Fidelis Alessandra , Lyra Maria Fernanda di Santi , Pivello Vânia Regina 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionsGrasslands are usually neglected as potential carbon stocks, partially due to the lack of studies on biomass and carbon dynamics in tropical grasslands. What is the importance ofBrazilian tropical wet grasslands as carbon sinks? Does fire frequency and season affect biomass and carbon allocation inBrazilian wet grasslands?LocationWet grasslands, tropical savanna,Jalapão,Tocantins, northernBrazil.MethodsWe determined biomass above‐ and below‐ground, estimated carbon stocks in biennially burned plots (B2) and plots excluded from fire for 4 yr (B4). Moreover, we determined biomass in both rainy and dry seasons. Samples were 0.25 m × 0.25 m × 0.2 m (eight samples per treatment, applying a nested design, total of 48 samples). The biomass was classified in above‐ground graminoids, forbs and dead matter, and below‐ground roots and other below‐ground organs. We usedANOVAto compare variables between treatments and seasons.ResultsMore than 40% of the total biomass and carbon stocks were located below‐ground, mostly in roots. A high proportion of dead biomass (B4) was found in the above‐ground material, probably due to low decomposition rates and consequent accumulation over the years. Although these grasslands do not experience water stress, we found significant evidence of resource re‐allocation from below‐ground organs to the above‐ground biomass in the rainy season.ConclusionsWe found more dead biomass in the rainy season, probably due to low decomposition rates, which can increase fire risk in these grasslands during the following dry season. These tropical wet grasslands stored high amounts of carbon (621 to 716 g C.m−2), mostly in the roots. Thus, policymakers should consider tropical grasslands as potential carbon stocks, since they are one of the most threatened and unprotected ecosystems inBrazil.
In vivo and in vitro studies on the carotenoid cleavage oxygenases from Sphingopyxis alaskensis RB2256 and Plesiocystis pacifica SIR‐1 revealed their substrate specificities and non‐retinal‐forming cleavage activities
Authors: Hoffmann Jana , Bóna‐Lovász Judit , Beuttler Holger , Altenbuchner Josef 
Published: August 2012

Carotenoid cleavage oxygenases are nonheme iron enzymes that specifically cleave carbon–carbon double bonds of carotenoids. Their apocarotenoid cleavage products serve as important signaling molecules that are involved in various biological processes. A database search revealed the presence of putative carotenoid cleavage oxygenase genes in the genomes of Sphingopyxis alaskensis RB2256 and Plesiocystis pacifica SIR‐1. The four genes sala_1698, sala_1008, ppsir1_15490 and ppsir1_17230 were cloned and heterologously expressed in carotenoid‐producing Escherichia coli JM109 strains. Two of the four encoded proteins exhibited carotenoid cleavage activity. S. alaskensis RB2256 carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (SaCCO), which is encoded by sala_1698, was shown to cleave acyclic and monocyclic substrates. Coexpression of sala_1698 in carotenoid‐producing E. coli JM109 strains revealed cleavage activity for lycopene, hydroxylycopene, and dihydroxylycopene. The monocyclic substrate apo‐8′‐carotenal was cleaved in vitro by purified SaCCO at the 9′/10′ and 11′/12′ double bonds. The second enzyme, P. pacifica SIR‐1 carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (PpCCO), is encoded by ppsir1_15490. PpCCO‐mediated carotenoid cleavage requires the presence of either hydroxy or keto groups. PpCCO cleaved zeaxanthin, hydroxylycopene, and dihydroxylycopene, and also the C50 carotenoids decaprenoxanthin, sarprenoxanthin and sarcinaxanthin, in carotenoid‐producing E. coli JM109 strains. Whole cells of E. coli JM109 overexpressing ppsir1_15490mut, a mutant of ppsir1_15490 with enhanced gene expression, were applied for the conversion of carotenoids. Analysis of the carotenoid cleavage products revealed a single cleavage site at the 13′/14′ double bond for astaxanthin, and two cleavage sites at the 11′/12′ or 13′/14′ double bond for zeaxanthin, nostoxanthin, and canthaxanthin.