bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart rate‐corrected QT interval prolongation as a prognostic marker for 3‐year survival in people with Type 2 diabetes undergoing above‐ankle amputation
Authors: Fagher K. , Nilsson A. , Löndahl M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether heart rate‐corrected QT interval is a plausible prognostic factor for survival after major amputation in people with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsAll people with Type 2 diabetes aged < 80 years who underwent a major amputation at two hospitals with multidisciplinary diabetic foot teams were evaluated and grouped according to whether their heart rate‐corrected QT interval was ≤ or > 440 ms.ResultsA total of 70 patients with a median age of 72 years were included in the study. During the 3 years of follow‐up, 38 patients (54%) died. Heart rate‐corrected QT interval prolongation was present in 51.4% of the patients and was strongly associated with 3‐year mortality (73 vs 36%; P < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazard model, heart rate‐corrected QT interval prolongation was the strongest independent risk factor for 3‐year mortality [hazard ratio 2.20 (95% CI 1.11–4.38)]. Treatment with metformin seemed to have a protective effect [hazard ratio 0.22 (95% CI 0.05–0.94)].ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate that heart rate‐corrected QT interval prolongation is associated with increased mortality in people with Type 2 diabetes undergoing above‐ankle amputation.
Comparing alternative design options for chronic disease prevention interventions
Authors: Golfam Mohammad , Beall Reed , Brehaut Jamie , Saeed Sara , Relton Clare , Ashbury Fredrick D. , Little Julian 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundWhile the randomized clinical trial is considered to provide the highest level of evidence in clinical medicine, its superiority to other study designs in the context of prevention studies is debated. The purpose of this review was (i) to gather evidence about challenges facing both randomized controlled trials and observational designs for the conduct of population‐based chronic disease prevention interventions and (ii) to consider the suitability of recently proposed hybrid designs for population‐based prevention intervention studies.MethodsRapid review methods were employed for this study. Articles published within 2007‐2012, were included if they: (i) discussed challenges or benefits related to any intervention study design, (ii) compared randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational designs or (iii) introduced a new study design potentially applicable to population‐based interventions. After initial screening, papers retained for inclusion were subjected to content analysis and synthesis.ResultsA total of 35 included articles were reviewed and used for synthesis. Both RCTs and observational studies are subject to multiple challenges, the main being external and internal validity for RCTs and observational designs, respectively. Four new hybrid designs identified.ConclusionAlthough any high quality design can produce high level of evidence, multiple challenges with prevention intervention RCTs or observational studies identified. New hybrid designs that carry benefits of randomized and observational methods may be the road ahead for to assess the effects of population‐based interventions.
Spread of an introduced parasite across the Hawaiian archipelago independent of its introduced host
Authors: Gagne Roderick B. , Hogan J. Derek , Pracheil Brenda M. , McIntyre Peter B. , Hain Ernie F. , Gilliam James F. , Blum Michael J. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryCo‐introductions of non‐native parasites with non‐native hosts can be a major driver of disease emergence in native species, but the conditions that promote the establishment and spread of non‐native parasites remain poorly understood. Here, we characterise the infection of a native host species by a non‐native parasite relative to the distribution and density of the original non‐native host species and a suite of organismal and environmental factors that have been associated with parasitism, but not commonly considered within a single system.We examined the native Hawaiian gobyAwaous stamineusacross 23 catchments on five islands for infection by the non‐native nematode parasiteCamallanus cotti. We used model selection to test whether parasite infection was associated with the genetic diversity, size and population density of native hosts, the distribution and density of non‐native hosts, land use and water quality.We found that the distribution of non‐nativeC. cottiparasites has become decoupled from the non‐native hosts that were primary vectors of introduction to the Hawaiian Islands. Although no single intrinsic or extrinsic factor was identified that best explains parasitism ofA. stamineusbyC. cotti, native host size, population density and water quality were consistently identified as influencing parasite intensity and prevalence.The introduction of non‐native species can indirectly influence native species through infection of co‐introduced parasites. Here, we show that the effects of ‘enemy addition’ can extend beyond the range of non‐native hosts through the independent spread of non‐native parasites. This suggests that control of non‐native hosts is not sufficient to halt the spread of introduced parasites. Designing importation regulations to prevent host–parasite co‐introductions can promote native species conservation, even in remote areas that may not seem susceptible to human influence.
Density‐dependent and density‐independent growth in a population of juvenile sea‐trout,Salmo trutta, assessed using long‐term data from a small stream in Northwest England
Authors: Elliott J. M. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe objectives were to check the validity of a growth model and to examine the relationship between population density and (i) the overall mean length of the trout (ii) the difference between each model‐estimated mean length and the observed mean lengths for the highest and lowest 10% of measurements in each sample and (iii) the individual variation in trout lengths (measured by coefficient of variation:CV%).First (0+)‐ and second (1+)‐year‐old juvenile sea‐trout were sampled by electrofishing at the beginning and at the end of the summer from 1967 to 2000. The trout left the stream as pre‐smolts in May, soon after their second birthday, so that few 2+ trout were taken. Length, rather than mass, was used in this study because all fish were measured, but only a subsample was weighed.Mean length was not related to population density and, therefore, mean growth was density independent. A growth model (Elliott, Hurley & Fryer, 1995) estimated the mean mass of the trout over the two years spent in fresh water. These estimates were converted to mean length, using length–mass regression equations. There was good agreement in most year‐classes between the model‐estimated value and the observed mean length for all trout taken in each sample. Exceptions were that the mean length of 0+ trout after two summer droughts was lower than expected, although compensatory growth followed, so that observed and expected values were similar for 1+ trout.Mean lengths for the highest and lowest 10% of measurements in each sample were significantly higher or lower, respectively, than the estimated mean value. The difference between the latter and the higher or lower mean values was related negatively to population density. Therefore, mean lengths of the fastest and slowest growing trout were density dependent. There was also a negative relationship between population density and theCV% for 0+ and 1+ trout. Therefore, although growth in terms of overall mean length was density independent, individual variation in trout growth was density dependent, being highest at low density and lowest at high density of trout.
Alteration of the phenology of leaf senescence and fall in winter deciduous species by climate change: effects on nutrient proficiency
Authors: Estiarte Marc , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: November 2014

AbstractLeaf senescence in winter deciduous species signals the transition from the active to the dormant stage. The purpose of leaf senescence is the recovery of nutrients before the leaves fall. Photoperiod and temperature are the main cues controlling leaf senescence in winter deciduous species, with water stress imposing an additional influence. Photoperiod exerts a strict control on leaf senescence at latitudes where winters are severe and temperature gains importance in the regulation as winters become less severe. On average, climatic warming will delay and drought will advance leaf senescence, but at varying degrees depending on the species. Warming and drought thus have opposite effects on the phenology of leaf senescence, and the impact of climate change will therefore depend on the relative importance of each factor in specific regions. Warming is not expected to have a strong impact on nutrient proficiency although a slower speed of leaf senescence induced by warming could facilitate a more efficient nutrient resorption. Nutrient resorption is less efficient when the leaves senesce prematurely as a consequence of water stress. The overall effects of climate change on nutrient resorption will depend on the contrasting effects of warming and drought. Changes in nutrient resorption and proficiency will impact production in the following year, at least in early spring, because the construction of new foliage relies almost exclusively on nutrients resorbed from foliage during the preceding leaf fall. Changes in the phenology of leaf senescence will thus impact carbon uptake, but also ecosystem nutrient cycling, especially if the changes are consequence of water stress.
Emission of CO2 from biochar‐amended soils and implications for soil organic carbon
Authors: Sagrilo Edvaldo , Jeffery Simon , Hoffland Ellis , Kuyper Thomas W. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSoil amendment with pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM), also named biochar, is claimed to sequester carbon (C). However, possible interactions between PyOM and native soil organic carbon (SOC) may accelerate the loss of SOC, thus reducing PyOM's C sequestration potential. We combined the results of 46 studies in a meta‐analysis to investigate changes in CO2 emission of PyOM‐amended soils and to identify the causes of these changes and the possible factors involved. Our results showed a statistically significant increase of 28% in CO2 emission from PyOM‐amended soils. When grouped by PyOM C (PyC):SOC ratios, the group of studies with a ratio >2 showed a significant increase in CO2 emissions, but those with a ratio <2 showed no significant effect of PyOM application on CO2 emission. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that increased CO2 emission after PyOM addition is additive and mainly derived from PyOM's labile C fractions. The PyC:SOC ratio provided the best predictor of increases in CO2 production after PyOM addition to soil. This meta‐analysis highlights the importance of taking into account the amount of applied PyC in relation to SOC for designing future decomposition experiments.
High numbers of macrophages, especially M2‐like (CD163‐positive), correlate with hyaluronan accumulation and poor outcome in breast cancer
Authors: Tiainen Satu , Tumelius Ritva , Rilla Kirsi , Hämäläinen Kirsi , Tammi Markku , Tammi Raija , Kosma Veli‐Matti , Oikari Sanna , Auvinen Päivi 
Published: November 2014

AimsHigh amounts of tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and hyaluronan (HA) correlate with tumour aggressiveness in breast cancer, but the relationship between these parameters is unclear. The aim of this study was to assay the numbers of TAMs in 278 human breast cancer cases, and their correlations with HA‐related factors, clinical variables, and outcome.Methods and resultsThe immunoreactivities for CD163 and CD68 were considered as indicators for M2‐like and all TAMs, respectively. The numbers of TAMs were counted in at least four hot spots, and averaged to represent the numbers of TAMs in each section. In the statistical analyses, the numbers were graded as either low or high according to the median. High numbers of TAMs correlated with a high tumour HA content, HA synthases, CD44 positivity, and poor outcome. The number of CD163‐positive cells represented a strong independent prognostic factor. There was also a significant correlation between obesity and a high number of CD163‐positive cells.ConclusionsConcurrent increases in TAMs and HA in breast cancer indicate that the accumulation of HA facilitates macrophage infiltration and inflammatory responses during human breast cancer progression.
The nail dermis: from microanatomy to constitutive modelling
Authors: Perrin Christophe 
Published: November 2014

AimsThe nail mesenchyme, as ligamentous connective tissue, is classically described as a single compartment. Some authors have even suggested the concept of the nail as a musculoskeletal appendage. Recent studies conducted on supernumerary digits surgically removed for polydactyly or on the developing nail organ have introduced into the literature a new concept: the onychodermis and its onychofibroblasts that are CD10‐positive/CD34‐negative. The aim of this study was to explore the nail mesenchyme more comprehensively.Methods and resultsA series of 10 normal adult nail units were examined with a combination of morphological and immunohistochemical analysis. This study demonstrates that the nail mesenchyme has two distinct compartments, with a complex microanatomy of matrical dermis and its hypoderm. The matrical dermis is a relatively independent substructure, and comprises two parts: a thin papillary dermis, and a relatively thick reticular dermis. The matrical hypoderm corresponds to a cushion‐like layer of adipose tissue, which distally intermingles with an area of loose connective tissue. The nail bed dermis comprises a single, relatively homogeneous compartment.ConclusionThe matrical nail mesenchyme is a modified dermis. The concept of onychodermis is not applicable in the normal adult nail. Underrecognized non‐pathological structures may pose diagnostic problems. The chameleon matrical hypoderm is one such structure.
Experience of a year of adult hospital dermatology consultations
Authors: Storan Eoin R. , McEvoy Marian T. , Wetter David A. , el‐Azhary Rokea A. , Camilleri Michael J. , Bridges Alina G. , Davis Mark D. P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundDermatology consultations are frequently requested by inpatient hospital services. As inpatient dermatology services in the USA decline, dermatology hospital consultations are becoming increasingly important.ObjectivesWe aim to describe the spectrum of skin diseases encountered and the health care subspecialties requesting dermatology hospital consultations.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of adult patient (age: ≥18 years) dermatology hospital consultations from January 1 to December 31, 2010. We examined patient demographic characteristics, consultation requesting services, and consultation diagnoses.ResultsAmong dermatology services, 614 patients had 674 separate inpatient dermatology consultations during 2010. Of these patients, 55.9% were male (mean age: 59 years). In total, 205 consultations (30.4%) were requested by the internal medicine subspecialty, 137 (20.3%) by the hematology and oncology subspecialty, and 93 (13.8%) by the surgical subspecialty. The most common conditions seen by the hospital dermatology consulting service were skin infections (n = 125, 18.5%), dermatitis (n = 120, 17.8%), drug eruptions (n = 87, 12.9%), chronic wounds and ulcers (n = 55, 8.1%), cutaneous neoplasms (n = 39, 5.8%), graft‐versus‐host disease (n = 37, 5.5%), ecchymosis, purpura simplex or petechia (n = 26, 3.8%), intertrigo (n = 21, 3.1%), and urticaria (n = 20, 3.0%).ConclusionsThe majority of consultations conducted by the dermatology hospital consulting service were for the management of common skin diseases, such as cutaneous infections, dermatitis, and drug eruptions. Most consultations were requested by the departments of internal medicine, hematology and oncology, and surgical services.
The application of SNIF‐NMR and IRMS combined with C, H and O isotopes for detecting the geographical origin of Chinese wines
Authors: Jiang Wei , Xue Jie , Liu Xiang , Wang De‐liang , Guo Yang , Wang Lu 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe regional origin of Chinese wines was investigated using two important complementary techniques, site‐specific natural isotopic fractionation nuclear magnetic resonance (SNIF‐NMR) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Twenty samples from five different grape varieties were collected from north Xinjiang in 2009, along with 100 wine samples from five different regions during 2010–2013. The (D/H)I and (D/H)II in wine ethanol ranged from 95.10 to 102.86 ppm and from 115.99 to 126.39 ppm using SNIF‐NMR, respectively. The 13C/12C of wine ethanol and 18O/16O of wine water were detected using IRMS. The δ13C value (−23.36‰) in coastal regions was higher than that in continental regions (−27.75‰). The temperature is the key for δ13C value. The δ18O ranged from −1.94 to 4.57‰. The δ18O values were only positive in north Xinjiang which had the arid climate and strong sunshine. No difference was found for isotope ratios for wines made from five different grape varieties in north Xinjiang. All data evaluated by principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis showed that the best method to distinguish the regional wine origin correctly is a combination of (D/H)I, (D/H)II, R, δ13C and δ18O. Therefore, natural multi‐elemental isotope ratios are effective in contributing to wine quality control in the Chinese market.
Long‐term change in consumer acceptance for salt‐reduced ‘udon noodle soup’ over repeated intake at home
Authors: Kwak Han Sub , Kim Misook , Lee Youngseung , Jeong Yoonhwa 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe objective of this study was to compare consumer acceptability of sweet (SW) and salty (SA) udon noodle soups over repeated intakes. SW was reformulated by reducing the salt by 15.0% in comparison with SA to offer a less salty udon noodle soup. Although there were different intensities in some attributes, it was verified that SW and SA had similar consumer acceptabilities. The overall acceptance, degree of boredom and degree of appetite to retaste were stable over the ten sessions, showing no statistically significant difference. The increase of sweetness in udon noodle soup did not generate a gradual decrease of consumer acceptance. On the other hand, consumer perception of the intensities of sweetness and saltiness for SW and SA gradually decreased as the tasting went on. Reformulation by increasing sweetness and decreasing saltiness for udon noodle soup will not influence negatively for long‐term consumer acceptability and can apply to the commercial formula for ‘salt‐reduced udon noodle soup’.
Competency and an active learning program in undergraduate nursing education
Authors: Shin Hyunsook , Sok Sohyune , Hyun Kyung Sun , Kim Mi Ja 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the effect of an active learning program on competency of senior students.BackgroundActive learning strategies have been used to help students achieve desired nursing competency, but their effectiveness has not been systematically examined.DesignA descriptive, cross‐sectional comparative design was used. Two cohort group comparisons using t‐test were made: one in an active learning group and the other in a traditional learning group.MethodsA total of 147 senior nursing students near graduation participated in this study: 73 in 2010 and 74 in 2013. The active learning program incorporated high‐fidelity simulation, situation‐based case studies, standardized patients, audio‐video playback, reflective activities and technology such as a SmartPad‐based program.ResultsThe overall scores of the nursing competency in the active group were significantly higher than those in the traditional group. Of five overall subdomains, the scores of the special and general clinical performance competency, critical thinking and human understanding were significantly higher in the active group than in the traditional group. Importance‐performance analysis showed that all five subdomains of the active group clustered in the high importance and high performance quadrant, indicating significantly better achievements. In contrast, the students in the traditional group showed scattered patterns in three quadrants, excluding the low importance and low performance quadrants. This pattern indicates that the traditional learning method did not yield the high performance in most important areas.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that an active learning strategy is useful for helping undergraduate students to gain competency.
Spatiotemporal Associations of Reservoir Nutrient Characteristics and the Invasive, Harmful Alga Prymnesium parvum in West Texas
Authors: VanLandeghem Matthew M. , Farooqi Mukhtar , Southard Greg M. , Patiño Reynaldo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractGolden alga (Prymnesium parvum) is a harmful alga that has caused ecological and economic harm in freshwater and marine systems worldwide. In inland systems of North America, toxic blooms have nearly eliminated fish populations in some systems. Modifying nutrient profiles through alterations to land or water use may be a viable alternative for golden alga control in reservoirs. The main objective of this study was to improve our understanding of the nutrient dynamics that influence golden alga bloom formation and toxicity in west Texas reservoirs. We examined eight sites in the Upper Colorado River basin, Texas: three impacted reservoirs that have experienced repeated golden alga blooms; two reference reservoirs where golden alga is present but nontoxic; and three confluence sites downstream of the impacted and reference sites. Total, inorganic, and organic nitrogen and phosphorus and their ratios were quantified monthly along with golden alga abundance and ichthyotoxicity between December 2010 and July 2011. Blooms persisted for several months at the impacted sites, which were characterized by high organic nitrogen and low inorganic nitrogen. At impacted sites, abundance was positively associated with inorganic phosphorus and bloom termination coincided with increases in inorganic nitrogen and decreases in inorganic phosphorus in late spring. Management of both inorganic and organic forms of nutrients may create conditions in reservoirs unfavorable to golden alga.