bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity–productivity relationship in ponds: Community and metacommunity patterns along time and environmental gradients
Authors: Piñeiro‐Guerra Juan Manuel , Fagúndez‐Pachón César , Oesterheld Martín , Arim Matías 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPrimary production correlates with diversity in various ways. These patterns may result from the interaction of various mechanisms related to the environmental context and the spatial and temporal scale of analysis. However, empirical evidence on diversity‐productivity patterns typically considers single temporal and spatial scales, and does not include the effect of environmental variables. In a metacommunity of macrophytes in ephemeral ponds, we analysed the diversity‐productivity relationship patterns in the field, the importance of the environmental variables of pond size and heterogeneity on such relationship, and the variation of these patterns at local (community level) and landscape scales (metacommunity level) across 52 ponds on twelve occasions, over five years (2005–2009). Combining all sampling dates, there were 377 ponds and 1954 sample‐unit observations. Vegetation biomass was used as a proxy for productivity, and biodiversity was represented by species richness, evenness, and their interaction. Environmental variables comprised pond area, depth and internal heterogeneity. Productivity and species richness were not directly related at the metacommunity level, and were positively related at the community level. Taking environmental variables into account revealed positive species richness‐productivity relationships at the metacommunity level and positive quadratic relationships at the community level. Productivity showed both positive and negative linear and nonlinear relationships with the size and heterogeneity of ponds. We found a weak relationship between productivity and evenness. The identity of variables associated with productivity changed between spatial scales and through time. The pattern of relationships between productivity and diversity depends on spatial scale and environmental context, and changes idiosyncratically through time within the same ecosystem. Thus, the diversity‐productivity relationship is not only a property of the study system, but also a consequence of environmental variations and the temporal and spatial scale of analysis.
A review of echocardiography in anaesthetic and peri‐operative practice. Part 2: training and accreditation
Authors: Sharma V. , Fletcher S. N. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryEchocardiography has been widely adopted as a diagnostic and monitoring tool in cardiac anaesthesia and critical care. There is considerable interest in how echocardiography could be used to benefit patients in other areas of anaesthesia and peri‐operative practice. The first part of review examines the impact and utility of echocardiography, while this second part is concerned with the matter of training and accreditation. There are a number of existing clinical protocols for the use of transthoracic echocardiography with a focused approach. Some of these, such as Focused Intensive Care Echocardiography in the UK, have been developed into structured accreditation processes with embedded supervision. Learning opportunities are now emerging for anaesthetists who wish to acquire echocardiography skills – these encompass clinical, simulation and online resources. Whilst the roll‐out of echocardiography for more widespread use in peri‐operative management is a long‐term project, it is now an appropriate time to consider how this may be achieved.
Time delays in presentation and treatment of acute scrotal pain in a provincial hospital
Authors: Johnston James W. , Larsen Peter , El‐Haddawi Falah H. , Fancourt Michael W. , Farrant Glen J. , Gilkison William T. C. , Kyle Stephen M. , Mosquera Damien A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAcute scrotal pain is a urological emergency due to the possibility of testicular torsion and subsequent testicular loss if correction is not carried out in a timely manner.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical exploration for acute scrotal pain in a provincial hospital in New Zealand between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2010.ResultsA total of 91 cases were identified. The median delay pre‐hospital was 9 h and in‐hospital was 2.5 h. Patients who had a non‐viable testicular torsion and patients under the age of 14 had longer pre‐hospital delays of 24 and 72 h, respectively. In‐hospital delays were similar between all pathologies except for non‐viable testicular torsions with 7 h and 45 min. Viable testicular torsions had a median in‐hospital delay of 2 h and 13 min.ConclusionDelay from the time of testicular pain until surgical exploration is important for the chances of testicular salvage and is made up mostly of pre‐hospital delays. Patients under the age of 14 had longer delays pre‐hospital.
Human fetoplacental and fetal liver blood flow after maternal glucose loading: a cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Haugen Guttorm , Bollerslev Jens , Henriksen Tore 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo study umbilical vein and fetal liver blood flow related to fetal anthropometric measures following maternal oral glucose loading.DesignExperimental design in a cross‐sectional observational study.SettingUniversity hospital.PopulationA total of 113 low‐risk pregnancies (30–32 weeks of gestation).MethodsUltrasound Doppler measurements of umbilical vein and ductus venosus blood flow (ml/min) before and 2 h after completed 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Liver blood flow was defined as the umbilical vein blood flow minus ductus venosus blood flow.Main outcome measuresChanges in umbilical vein and fetal liver blood flow following OGTT related to fetal biometric measurements.ResultsIn the fasting state, fetal abdominal circumference z‐scores did not correlate with any of the flow parameters; 120 min after glucose loading, the z‐scores correlated positively with the changes in umbilical vein (r = 0.25, p = 0.010) and fetal liver blood flow (r = 0.25, p = 0.009), but not with those in ductus venosus (p = 0.84). In simultaneous multiple linear regression analyses, the effects of the changes in umbilical vein or fetal liver blood flow after OGTT on the fetal abdominal circumference z‐scores were almost equal to or greater than other parameters related to fetal size (body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, parity, and sex). Fetal heart rate increased after OGTT, but did not influence the association between the blood flow parameters and fetal abdominal circumference z‐scores.ConclusionsChanges in umbilical vein and fetal liver blood flow after glucose loading were positively related to fetal abdominal size.
The central nervous system effects of the partial GABA‐Aα2,3‐selective receptor modulator AZD7325 in comparison with lorazepam in healthy males
Authors: Chen Xia , Jacobs Gabriël , de Kam Marieke , Jaeger Judith , Lappalainen Jaakko , Maruff Paul , Smith Mark A. , Cross Alan J. , Cohen Adam , van Gerven Joop 
Published: May 2014

AimsAZD7325 is a novel α2,3‐subtype‐selective partial GABA‐A‐receptor modulator. This study investigated the pharmacodynamics of single oral doses of AZD7325 2 mg and 10 mg on the central nervous system (CNS) compared with placebo and lorazepam 2 mg.MethodsThis double‐blind, randomized, four way crossover study enrolled 16 healthy males and administered two validated CNS test batteries to measure drug effects on cognitive, neurophysiologic and psychomotor function and subjective feelings. The pharmacological selectivity of AZD7325 was compared with lorazepam by plotting saccadic peak velocity change from baseline (ΔSPV) against body sway (ΔSway) and visual analogue scale for alertness(ΔVASalertness). This analysis has previously been used to identify α2,3‐subtype‐selectivity.ResultsIn contrast with the robust impairment caused by lorazepam (all P < 0.05 vs. placebo), neither dose of AZD7325 induced statistically significant effects on any pharmacodynamic measurements. Lorazepam‐induced SPV‐reduction was linearly related to changes in other neurophysiologic biomarkers. In contrast, the slopes of the regression lines were flatter for AZD7325, particularly for the Δlog(Sway) −ΔSPV relation (estimate slope, AZD7325 10 mg vs. lorazepam, difference [95% confidence interval], P value −0.00036 vs. −0.00206, 0.001704 [0.000639, 0.002768], P = 0.0018) and the ΔVASalertness−ΔSPV relationship (0.01855 vs. 0.08216, −0.06360 [−0.1046, −0.02257], P = 0.0024). AZD7325 10 mg and lorazepam induced different response patterns on VAS ‘feeling high’ and electro‐encephalography.ConclusionThe characteristic ΔSPV‐relative effect profiles of AZD7325 vs. lorazepam suggest anxio‐selectivity related to α2,3‐selective GABAA agonism. However, exploration of higher doses may be warranted. The paucity of effects on most CNS−PD parameters also indicates a mitigated side effect pattern, with potentially lower cognitive and neurophysiological side effect burden than non‐selective benzodiazepines.
Effects of 20 mg oral Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol on the olfactory function of healthy volunteers
Authors: Walter Carmen , Oertel Bruno G. , Ludyga Dagmar , Ultsch Alfred , Hummel Thomas , Lötsch Jörn 
Published: May 2014

AimsOlfactory loss impairs the patient's quality of life. In individualized therapies, olfactory drug effects gain clinical importance. Molecular evidence suggests that among drugs with potential olfactory effects is Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is approved for several indications, including neuropathic pain or analgesia in cancer patients. The present study aimed at assessing the olfactory effects of THC to be expected during analgesic treatment.MethodsThe effects of 20 mg oral THC on olfaction were assessed in a placebo‐controlled, randomized cross‐over study in healthy volunteers. Using an established olfactory test (Sniffin' Sticks), olfactory thresholds, odour discrimination and odour identification were assessed in 15 subjects at baseline and 2 h after THC administration.ResultsΔ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol impaired the performance of subjects (n = 15) in the olfactory test. Specifically, olfactory thresholds were increased and odour discrimination performance was reduced. This resulted in a significant drop in composite threshold, discrimination, identification (TDI) olfactory score by 5.5 points (from 37.7 ± 4.2 to 32.2 ± 5.6, 95% confidence interval for differences THC vs. placebo, −7.8 to −2.0, P = 0.003), which is known to be a subjectively perceptible impairment of olfactory function.ConclusionsConsidering the resurgence of THC in medical use for several pathological conditions, the present results indicate that THC‐based analgesics may be accompanied by subjectively noticeable reductions in olfactory acuity. In particular, for patients relying on their sense of smell, this might be relevant information for personalized therapy strategies.
Evidence for Involvement of Spinal RANTES in the Antinociceptive Effects of Triptolide, a Diterpene Triepoxide, in a Rat Model of Bone Cancer Pain
Authors: Hang Li‐Hua , Li Shu‐Na , Shao Dong‐Hua , Chen Zheng , Chen Yuan‐Feng , Shu Wei‐Wei 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIt has been shown that triptolide has beneficial effects in the treatment of neuropathic pain, but its effects on bone cancer pain (BCP) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential role of spinal regulated activation of normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in the antinociceptive effects of triptolide on BCP. A BCP model was induced by injecting Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into the intramedullary space of rat tibia. Intrathecal administration of triptolide (0.5, 1, 2 μg) could dose‐dependently alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain. In addition, there were also concomitant decreases in RANTES mRNA and protein expression levels in spinal dorsal horn. These results suggest that the antinociceptive effects of triptolide are related with inhibition of spinal RANTES expression in BCP rats. The findings of this study may provide a promising drug for the treatment of BCP.
Spousal overprotection is indirectly associated with poorer dietary adherence for patients with type 2 diabetes via diabetes distress when active engagement is low
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Anderson Jared R. , Walker Ann , Wilcox Allison , Lewis Virginia L. , Robbins David C. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesThe current study sought to explore the indirect association of spousal overprotection on patient dietary adherence through the mechanism of diabetes distress and whether the link between overprotection and diabetes distress was moderated by spouse active engagement.MethodParticipants were 117 married couples in which one member had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and were recruited from a patient registry at a Midwestern (USA) medical centre. Data were gathered from spouses and patients through a self‐report survey instrument. The research questions were answered with structural equation modelling using the latent moderated structural equations (LMS) approach and dyadic data analytic procedures.ResultsOverprotection was associated with reduced dietary adherence indirectly via increased diabetes distress only at low levels of active engagement. The proposed model also proved superior when compared to two plausible alternatives.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of understanding the nuanced associations among the different ways spouses cope with illness to achieve better diabetes outcomes and the mechanisms responsible for linking coping and dietary adherence.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Spousal coping behaviour can influence dietary adherence among patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, positively and negatively.

Spouses simultaneously engage in different ways of coping with partner illness, but little is known about the interactive nature of coping styles or possible mechanisms that might link coping with illness outcomes.

What does this study add?

Spousal overprotection is only associated with reduced patient dietary adherence when spouses are also engaging in low levels of active engagement.

Diabetes distress is an important mechanism linking spousal coping with patient dietary adherence.
The association between stunting and psychosocial development among preschool children: a study using the South African Birth to Twenty cohort data
Authors: Casale D. , Desmond C. , Richter L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundA large literature in developing countries finds a strong association between stunting in early childhood and educational attainment and/or cognitive performance among children of school‐going age. We contribute to the literature on the effects of stunting in childhood by exploring the links between linear growth retardation and measures of development among preschool‐aged children.MethodsWe analyse the association between stunting (height‐for‐age z‐score <−2) at age 2 years and children's scores on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) at age 4 years, a measure of social competence or ‘daily living skills’, and the Revised‐Denver Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (R‐DPDQ) at age 5 years, a test which places greater emphasis on cognitive functioning. The sample is drawn from the Birth to Twenty cohort study, a prospective dataset of children born in 1990 in urban South Africa. We conduct multivariate regression analysis controlling for socio‐economic status, various child‐specific characteristics, home environment and caregiver inputs.ResultsNo significant association between stunting and children's performance on the VSMS, but a large and significant association with the R‐DPDQ scores, was found. A disaggregated analysis of the various components of the scores suggests that children with low height‐for‐age at 2 years do not fall behind in terms of daily living skills or social maturity, but do substantially worse on measures capturing higher order fine motor skills and cognitive functioning.ConclusionsStunting in early childhood is strongly related to impaired cognitive functioning in children of preschool age, but does not seem to affect social maturity, at least as measured by the VSMS. These relationships between stunting at 2 years and psychosocial development at 4 and 5 years hold with extensive controls for socio‐economic status, home environment, caregiver inputs and child characteristics included in the multivariate analysis.
IL‐21 receptor signalling partially mediates Th2‐mediated allergic airway responses
Authors: Lajoie S. , Lewkowich I. , Herman N. S. , Sproles A. , Pesce J. T. , Wynn T. A. , Grusby M. J. , Hamid Q. , Wills‐Karp M. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundInterleukin‐21 (IL‐21) has been implicated in the development of Th2‐mediated immune responses; however, the exact role it plays in allergic diseases is not well understood.ObjectiveTo elucidate the contribution of IL‐21 receptor signalling to Th2‐dependent immune responses in the lung.MethodsWe compared allergic airway responses in wild‐type BALB/c and Il21r‐deficient mice exposed to local airway challenge with house dust mite (HDM).ResultsWe demonstrate that IL‐21R‐deficiency reduces HDM‐driven airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) with only partial effects on airway inflammation. Concomitant with the reduction in AHR in Il21r‐deficient mice, significant suppression was observed in protein levels of the Th2 cytokines IL‐4, and IL‐13. In contrast, IL‐21R‐deficiency was associated with an increase in PBS‐ and allergen‐driven IgE levels, while IgG1 and IgG2a levels were decreased. Moreover, our results suggest that IL‐21 may contribute to AHR through its ability to both directly induce Th2 cell survival and to impair regulatory T‐cell suppression of Th2 cytokine production. Importantly, we show that IL‐21‐positive cells are increased in the bronchial mucosa of asthmatics compared with non‐asthmatics.ConclusionThese results suggest that IL‐21 plays an important role in the allergic diathesis by enhancing Th2 cytokine production through multiple mechanisms including the suppression of Treg inhibitory effects on Th2 cell cytokine production.
Reticular macular lesions: a review of the phenotypic hallmarks and their clinical significance
Authors: Saade Celine , Smith Roland T 
Published: May 2014

AbstractReticular macular lesions, also known as ‘reticular macular disease’, ‘reticular drusen’, ‘reticular pseudodrusen’, or ‘subretinal drusenoid deposits’, are a pattern of lesions commonly found in age‐related macular degeneration and best visualized using at least two imaging techniques in combination. Reticular lesions have four stages of progression observable on spectral domain optical coherence tomography, but they do not show the usual signs of regression of soft drusen (calcification and pigment changes). Furthermore, reticular lesions correlate histologically with subretinal drusenoid deposits localized between the retinal pigment epithelium and the inner segment ellipsoid band. Reticular lesions are most commonly seen in older age groups of female patients with age‐related macular degeneration and are usually bilateral. They are not clearly associated with known age‐related macular degeneration genes and are highly associated with late‐stage age‐related macular degeneration and an increased mortality rate. They are also associated with alterations in the neural retina and choroid.
Diffusing obesity myths
Authors: Ramos Salas X. , Forhan M. , Sharma A. M. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryMisinformation or myths about obesity can lead to weight bias and obesity stigma. Counteracting myths with facts and evidence has been shown to be effective educational tools to increase an individuals' knowledge about a certain condition and to reduce stigma.The purpose of this study was to identify common obesity myths within the healthcare and public domains and to develop evidence‐based counterarguments to diffuse them. An online search of grey literature, media and public health information sources was conducted to identify common obesity myths. A list of 10 obesity myths was developed and reviewed by obesity experts and key opinion leaders. Counterarguments were developed using current research evidence and validated by obesity experts. A survey of obesity experts and health professionals was conducted to determine the usability and potential effectiveness of the myth–fact messages to reduce weight bias. A total of 754 individuals responded to the request to complete the survey. Of those who responded, 464 (61.5%) completed the survey. All 10 obesity myths were identified to be deeply pervasive within Canadian healthcare and public domains. Although the myth–fact messages were endorsed, respondents also indicated that they would likely not be sufficient to reduce weight bias. Diffusing deeply pervasive obesity myths will require multilevel approaches.
Systematic review of evidence and consensus on diverticulitis: an analysis of national and international guidelines
Authors: Vennix S. , Morton D. G. , Hahnloser D. , Lange J. F. , Bemelman W. A. ,   the research committee of the European Society of Coloproctocology
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThe study aimed to analyse the currently available national and international guidelines for areas of consensus and contrasting recommendations in the treatment of diverticulitis and thereby to design questions for future research.MethodMEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for guidelines on diverticular disease and diverticulitis. Inclusion was confined to papers in English and those < 10 years old. The included topics were classified as consensus or controversy between guidelines, and the highest level of evidence was scored as sufficient (Oxford Centre of Evidence‐Based Medicine Level of Evidence of 3a or higher) or insufficient.ResultsSix guidelines were included and all topics with recommendations were compared. Overall, in 13 topics consensus was reached and 10 topics were regarded as controversial. In five topics, consensus was reached without sufficient evidence and in three topics there was no evidence and no consensus. Clinical staging, the need for intraluminal imaging, dietary restriction, duration of antibiotic treatment, the protocol for abscess treatment, the need for elective surgery in subgroups of patients, the need for surgery after abscess treatment and the level of the proximal resection margin all lack consensus or evidence.ConclusionEvidence on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease and diverticulitis ranged from nonexistent to strong, regardless of consensus. The most relevant research questions were identified and proposed as topics for future research.