bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ECD kidney transplantation outcomes are improved when matching donors to recipients using a novel creatinine clearance match ratio (CCMR)
Authors: Anderson Jamie E. , Steiner Robert W. , Mekeel Kristin L. , Chang David C. , Hemming Alan W. , Halldorson Jeffrey B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractImproved outcomes have been associated with various methods of size matching between expanded criteria (ECD) donors and recipients. A novel method for improved functional based matching was developed utilizing manipulation of Cockcroft‐Gault estimated creatinine clearances for donor and recipient. We hypothesized that optimal clearance‐based matches would have superior outcomes for both immediate graft function and long‐term graft survival. For the analysis, recipients of ECD kidneys in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) transplanted between October 1, 1987 and August 31, 2011 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses predicted the hazard ratio of graft failure and the odds ratio of requiring dialysis within the first week. A total of 25,640 ECD kidney transplants were analyzed. On multivariate analysis, higher creatinine clearance match ratio (CCMR) was associated with increased graft failure and odds of requiring dialysis within the first week (comparing highest ratio quintile versus lowest ratio quintile: HR 1.43, p < 0.001; OR 2.08, p < 0.001). This study suggests that ECD kidneys have improved outcomes when the recipient/donor CCMR is optimized.
A systematic review of interventions for co‐occurring substance use and borderline personality disorders
Authors: Lee Nicole K. , Cameron Jacqui , Jenner Linda 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIssuesThe aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review on effective treatment options for co‐occurring substance use and borderline personality disorders to examine effective treatments for this group.ApproachA systematic review using a narrative analysis approach was undertaken as there were too few studies within each intervention type to undertake a meta‐analysis. The inclusion criteria comprised of English language studies (between 1999 and 2014) and a sample of >70% borderline personality disorder, with measurable outcomes for substance use and borderline personality disorder. All abstracts were screened (n = 376) resulting in 49 studies assessed for eligibility, with 10 studies, examining three different treatment types, included in the final review.Key FindingsThere were four studies that examined dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), three studies that examined dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy (DDP) and three studies that examined dual‐focused schema therapy (DFST). Both DBT and DDP demonstrated reductions in substance use, suicidal/self‐harm behaviours and improved treatment retention. DBT also improved global and social functioning. DFST reduced substance use and both DFST and DPP improved treatment utilisation, but no other significant positive changes were noted.ImplicationsOverall, there were a small number of studies with small sample sizes, so further research is required. However, in the absence of a strong evidence base, there is a critical need to respond to this group with co‐occurring borderline personality disorder and substance use.ConclusionBoth DBT and DPP showed some benefit in reducing symptoms, with DBT the preferred option given its superior evidence base with women in particular. [Lee NK, Cameron J, Jenner L. A systematic review of interventions for co‐occurring substance use and borderline personality disorders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:663–672]
The Relationship between Epicardial Fat Thickness and Endothelial Dysfunction in Type I Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Aslan Abdullah Nabi , Keleş Telat , Ayhan Hüseyin , Kasapkara Hacı Ahmet , Akçay Murat , Durmaz Tahir , Sarı Cenk , Baştuğ Serdal , Çakır Bekir , Bozkurt Engin 
Published: April 2015

Background and AimEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a new independent marker of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM).Methods and ResultsSeventy‐six type I diabetic patients (diabetes duration 11.7 ± 8,1 years, aged 30.6 ± 10 years; female/male: 38/38) and 36 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid panel, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and fibrinogen levels were determined. EFT was measured via two‐dimensional (2D) M‐mode echocardiography. Endothelial function was assessed as flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) at the brachial artery using high‐resolution ultrasound. EFT was significantly higher in patients compared to controls (3.56 ± 0.48 mm vs. 3.03 ± 0.48 mm, P < 0.001). In addition, significant differences were observed between the patient and control groups in terms of FMD (6.70% ± 1.63 vs. 9.99% ± 1.84, respectively, P < 0.001). EFT was shown to be correlated negatively with FMD (r: −0.94, P < 0.001) and positively with hsCRP (r: 0.41, P < 0.001) and fibrinogen (r: 0. 31, P = 0.007). Multiple regression analysis showed EFT to be an independent factor influencing the endothelial function.ConclusionThere was inverse relationship between EFT and endothelial function in this study. EFT measured easily by transthoracic echocardiography may be a useful parameter in the assessment of patients with TIDM.
In situ trace metal analysis of Neoarchaean – Ordovician shallow‐marine microbial‐carbonate‐hosted pyrites
Authors: Gallagher M. , Turner E. C. , Kamber B. S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPre‐Cambrian atmospheric and oceanic redox evolutions are expressed in the inventory of redox‐sensitive trace metals in marine sedimentary rocks. Most of the currently available information was derived from deep‐water sedimentary rocks (black shale/banded iron formation). Many of the studied trace metals (e.g. Mo, U, Ni and Co) are sensitive to the composition of the exposed land surface and prevailing weathering style, and their oceanic inventory ultimately depends on the terrestrial flux. The validity of claims for increased/decreased terrestrial fluxes has remained untested as far as the shallow‐marine environment is concerned. Here, the first systematic study of trace metal inventories of the shallow‐marine environment by analysis of microbial carbonate‐hosted pyrite, from ca. 2.65–0.52 Ga, is presented. A petrographic survey revealed a first‐order difference in preservation of early diagenetic pyrite. Microbial carbonates formed before the 2.4 Ga great oxygenation event (GOE) are much richer in pyrite and contain pyrite grains of greater morphological variability but lesser chemical substitution than samples deposited after the GOE. This disparity in pyrite abundance and morphology is mirrored by the qualitative degree of preservation of organic matter (largely as kerogen). Thus, it seems that in microbial carbonates, pyrite formation and preservation were related to presence and preservation of organic C. Several redox‐sensitive trace metals show interpretable temporal trends supporting earlier proposals derived from deep‐water sedimentary rocks. Most notably, the shallow‐water pyrite confirms a rise in the oceanic Mo inventory across the pre‐Cambrian–Cambrian boundary, implying the establishment of efficient deep‐ocean ventilation. The carbonate‐hosted pyrite also confirms the Neoarchaean and early Palaeoproterozoic ocean had higher Ni concentration, which can now more firmly be attributed to a greater proportion of magnesian volcanic rock on land rather than a stronger hydrothermal flux of Ni. Additionally, systematic trends are reported for Co, As, and Zn, relating to terrestrial flux and oceanic productivity.
Metabolic associations with archaea drive shifts in hydrogen isotope fractionation in sulfate‐reducing bacterial lipids in cocultures and methane seeps
Authors: Dawson K. S. , Osburn M. R. , Sessions A. L. , Orphan V. J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCorrelation between hydrogen isotope fractionation in fatty acids and carbon metabolism in pure cultures of bacteria indicates the potential of biomarker D/H analysis as a tool for diagnosing carbon substrate usage in environmental samples. However, most environments, in particular anaerobic habitats, are built from metabolic networks of micro‐organisms rather than a single organism. The effect of these networks on D/H of lipids has not been explored and may complicate the interpretation of these analyses. Syntrophy represents an extreme example of metabolic interdependence. Here, we analyzed the effect of metabolic interactions on the D/H biosignatures of sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) using both laboratory maintained cocultures of the methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans and the SRB Desulfococcus multivorans in addition to environmental samples harboring uncultured syntrophic consortia of anaerobic methane‐oxidizing archaea (ANME) and sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacteria (SRB) recovered from deep‐sea methane seeps. Consistent with previously reported trends, we observed a ~80‰ range in hydrogen isotope fractionation (εlipid–water) for D. multivorans grown under different carbon assimilation conditions, with more D‐enriched values associated with heterotrophic growth. In contrast, for cocultures of D. multivorans with M. acetivorans, we observed a reduced range of εlipid–water values (~36‰) across substrates with shifts of up to 61‰ compared to monocultures. Sediment cores from methane seep settings in Hydrate Ridge (offshore Oregon, USA) showed similar D‐enrichment in diagnostic SRB fatty acids coinciding with peaks in ANME/SRB consortia concentration suggesting that metabolic associations are connected to the observed shifts in εlipid–water values.
Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) offers sustainable bioenergy production and resilience to climate change
Authors: Owen Nick A. , Fahy Kieran F. , Griffiths Howard 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBiomass production on low‐grade land is needed to meet future energy demands and minimize resource conflicts. This, however, requires improvements in plant water‐use efficiency (WUE) that are beyond conventional C3 and C4 dedicated bioenergy crops. Here we present the first global‐scale geographic information system (GIS)‐based productivity model of two highly water‐efficient crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) candidates:Agave tequilanaandOpuntia ficus‐indica. Features of these plants that translate toWUEadvantages over C3 and C4 bioenergy crops include nocturnal stomatal opening, rapid rectifier‐like root hydraulic conductivity responses to fluctuating soil water potential and the capacity to buffer against periods of drought. Yield simulations for the year 2070 were performed under the four representative concentration pathway (RCPs) scenarios presented in theIPCC's 5th Assessment Report. Simulations on low‐grade land suggest thatO. ficus‐indicaalone has the capacity to meet ‘extreme’ bioenergy demand scenarios (>600 EJ yr−1) and is highly resilient to climate change (−1%).Agave tequilanais moderately impacted (−11%). These results are significant because bioenergy demand scenarios >600 EJ yr−1could be met without significantly increasing conflicts with food production and contributing to deforestation. BothCAMcandidates outperformed the C4 bioenergy crop,Panicum virgatumL. (switchgrass) in arid zones in the latitudinal range 30°S–30°N.
A comparison of methods to assess the likely on‐farm value for meat production systems of pasture traits and genetic gain through plant breeding using phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) as an example
Authors: Ludemann C. I. , Smith K. F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe emphasis plant breeders place on improving seasonal dry‐matter (DM) yield of pasture plants may increase farm profitability through greater supply of DM for livestock in critical seasons. Economic values (EV) for traits can be used to guide plant breeders when selecting ‘top’ pasture plants. Two methods of calculating economic value (EV) for seasonal DM traits were evaluated. These were based on the cost of otherwise acquiring or replacing the unit change in DM (‘replacement cost method’) and the opportunity cost of not having the unit change in DM, based on changes in livestock production either as a change in stocking rate or a change in liveweight gains of growing livestock (‘change in livestock production method’). Using barley replacement cost, the EV of a 1‐kg increase in phalaris DM on Australian sheep and beef farms ranged between AUD0·234 in summer and AUD0·303 in winter. In contrast, the EV for seasonal DM using the change in weaner beef calf liveweight gains ranged between AUD0·256 in summer and AUD0·515 in winter. The change in livestock production method highlighted in this study offers an alternative to the replacement cost method, or more detailed farm system modelling or experimentations designed to estimate pasture EV.
From targets to recruits: the status of consumers within the political consumption movement
Authors: Dubuisson‐Quellier Sophie 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn recent years, various social movement organizations have urged consumers to become more responsible for defending causes such as environmentalism and social justice, calling for boycotts, using labels to steer consumers towards more ethical products, or developing new types of exchange systems, consumption habits or lifestyles. Changing modes of consumption or lifestyles therefore seems to be a key objective in this consumer‐targeted, collective action framework. However, the article shows that rather than trying to change mass consumer consumption patterns, these organizations actually seek to recruit consumers who support their causes into collective actions targeting companies and governments. It discusses the notion of political consumerism, which leads to deadlock, as it is impossible to demonstrate such shifts in consumption or even attribute them to the social movement actions. The article asserts that political consumption movements rely less on the occurrence of a hypothetical political consumerism among mass consumers and more on the organization of collective action among politicized consumers committed to targeting companies and governments for change.
Infectious disease outbreaks and increased complexity of care
Authors: Musau J. , Baumann A. , Kolotylo C. , O'Shea T. , Bialachowski A. 
Published: April 2015

AimThis study examined the effects of healthcare‐associated infectious disease outbreaks on nurses' work in a large acute care hospital in Ontario, Canada.BackgroundThe incidence of healthcare‐associated infections has increased. Previous research focuses on epidemiology, healthcare systems, and the economic burden of outbreaks. Few published studies focus on the impact of outbreaks on nurses' work in acute care facilities.IntroductionSince the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in 2003, combating infectious diseases has become a key issue. Hospitals have implemented measures related to healthcare‐associated infections. However, nurses experience challenges in preventing, controlling, and contending with outbreaks.MethodsA retrospective exploratory case study approach was used. Data were collected over a 4‐month period in 2012. The incidence rates of site‐specific HAIs were analysed, and individual interviews were held with 23 bedside nurses and five nurse managers.FindingsFive themes emerged from the interviews: comparison of healthcare‐associated infections outbreaks; the nature of nurses' work; impact of outbreaks on patient care; innovation and quality control in clinical practice; and increased and expanded IPAC measures. The incidence rates of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile and vancomycin‐resistant enterococci at the study site decreased, but remained above provincial benchmarks. Nurses experienced workload challenges, time pressures and psychological effects stemming from outbreaks and developed various innovations in response. Patient care was also affected.ConclusionNurses' work has been impacted by healthcare‐associated infectious disease outbreaks. Nursing workloads should be quantified to facilitate the development of guidelines for optimum nurse–patient ratio during outbreaks.Implications for Nursing and/or Health PolicyA strong evidence‐based policy framework is required to address healthcare‐associated infectious disease outbreaks. Infection prevention and control guidelines and procedures should be established provincially and nationally. An interdisciplinary approach is essential for the creation of comprehensive and innovative strategies. Nursing research has increased understanding of the implications of infectious diseases in hospitals. Building on the literature, findings from this study can be used to influence policies on the care of patients who have secondary infections. Nurse‐driven protocols are important and can lead to the creation of best practice guidelines that can be implemented across settings.
Gametogenesis and reproductive periodicity of the “biologically vulnerable” giant Caribbean sea anemone, Condylactis gigantea, in Florida
Authors: Sheridan Nancy E. , Fautin Daphne Gail , Garrett Matt J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe giant Caribbean sea anemone, Condylactis gigantea, is an ecologically important member of the benthic community. It provides habitat for many species, including symbiotic cleaner shrimps, and is recognized by reef fishes as a cleaning station cue. Numbers of C. gigantea in Florida have recently declined, possibly due to deteriorating environmental conditions and increasing harvest pressure. A previous research finding indicating that C. gigantea spawns in the late spring has been questioned by fishers for the aquarium trade industry. We therefore examined specimens of C. gigantea collected monthly from October 2011 to September 2012 in the Florida Keys to characterize the reproductive cycle, also measuring several physical and chemical parameters of concurrently collected water samples. We ascertained that the anemone is gonochoric and has a 1:1 sex ratio. Within and between individuals, at the same time and place, spermatogenesis was synchronous, whereas oocyte development was asynchronous. Low‐level spawning occurred between October and April with a peak in May, in good agreement with earlier research. Water quality at both sites showed no discernible change over the study period. Conservation efforts directed at population management could benefit this anemone.
Age, Race, and Gender Variation in the Utilization of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Angioplasty in SHEP
Authors: Bearden Donna , Allman Richard , McDonald Robert , Miller Stephen , Presse Sara , Petrovitch Helen ,   SHEP Cooperative Research Group
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: To assess variability in the use of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) cohort with incident coronary heart disease (CHD) by age, sex, and race.DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study.PATIENTS: Among 4736 subjects initially enrolled in SHEP, there were 432 incident cases of CHD, excluding those patients who experienced rapid or sudden cardiac death.SETTING: Community‐based ambulatory population in academic centers.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incident cases of CHD who underwent CABG or PTCA.RESULTS: Of those participants ≤ 60 and <75 years of age, 7.3% underwent PTCA, compared with 3.9% of those >75 years (P = 0.14). 15.4% of those lt75 underwent CABG surgery, compared with 7.8% of those 75 and older (P = 0.018). When both of these endpoints, CABG and PTCA, were combined, 22.4% of those lt75 underwent a procedure, while only 11.7% of the older cohort did (P = 0.005).Twenty‐six percent of men underwent either CABG or PTCA, while only 9.1% of women did (P < 0.001). Of those <75 years of age, 31.1% of men and 12.3% of women underwent CABG or PTCA (P < 0.001). In the 75 and older age category, 19.5% of men underwent these interventions, compared with 5.9% of women (P = 0.005).Active treatment group was significantly associated with decreased use of procedures in participants <75 year old with CHD. Race, activity limitations, number of comorbid conditions, education level, marital status, employment status, and social support were not significantly associated with CABG or PTCA use. When the variables studied were ntered into a logistic regression model, increased age and female sex remained independently associated with decreased CABG and PTCA use.CONCLUSION: In the SHEP trial older patients and women, regardless of comorbid conditions, socioeconomic status, and social support, underwent less intensive cardiovascular interventions than did younger patients and men when they developed CHD.
The Application of Health Care Surrogate Laws to Older Populations: How Good a Match?
Authors: Hayley Deon Cox , Stern Roya , Stocking Carol , Sachs Greg A. 
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: The Health Care Surrogate Act (HCSA) in Illinois has been proposed as a model for state laws naming surrogate medical decision‐makers for those without advance directives (ADs). Our objective was to determine if the HCSA identifies the same surrogate as older persons would choose for themselves. If not, is the discrepancy between legally identified surrogate and preferred surrogate troublesome to respondents? Because it is documented that black Americans have a variety of family structures, some of which may not be reflected in the HCSA list, we also wished to determine if discrepancies between surrogates named by the law and those desired by patients are associated with black or white race.DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 144 patients aged 65 and older, without cognitive impairment, was interviewed at the geriatrics clinic of an academic medical center.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Respondents without ADs who had a different stated choice for surrogate medical decision‐maker than the surrogate defined by the Illinois HCSA, based on their existing family.RESULTS: Twenty‐six percent of respondents without ADs chose a surrogate that differed from the surrogate defined by the HCSA. However, 67% of those with a different choice for surrogate than defined by law were not troubled by the discrepancy. The proportion of black subjects (25%) and white subjects (31%) who had surrogate discrepancies was not significantly different (P = .6).CONCLUSION: Because the Illinois HCSA named surrogates who would be agreeable to the majority of our respondents, it appears that it may be a useful model for state surrogacy laws. J Am Geriatr Soc 44:185–188, 1996.