bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogeographic determinants of Australian freshwater fish life‐history indices assessed within a spatio‐phylogenetic framework
Authors: Sternberg David , Kennard Mark J. , Balcombe Stephen R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThis study aims (1) to quantify the broad‐scale patterns of functional diversity and life‐history strategies of freshwater fish in relation to environmental variation across Australian river basins and (2) to identify key life‐history traits associated with species extinction risk in order to determine how fish communities and extinction‐prone species may respond to future environmental change.LocationOne hundred and twenty‐three river basins across eastern Australia.MethodsBased on 10 key life‐history traits for 194 freshwater fish we used a novel analytical approach to quantify multivariate life‐history indices in relation to environmental variation within a spatio‐phylogenetic framework. We assessed the utility of our analytical framework by contrasting final models against all candidate models, both with and without an eigenvector filtering procedure, and quantified the degree of autocorrelation in all model residuals.ResultsTemperature, habitat heterogeneity/availability, flow variability and primary productivity accounted for between 55 and 80% of the variation in life‐history indices. Best‐performing models were all derived from the addition of spatial and phylogenetic covariates to the analytical framework which consistently produced more parsimonious final models with higher explanatory power and insignificant levels of autocorrelation in the model residuals.Main conclusionThe life‐history functional diversity of fish assemblages and the composition of life‐history strategies across Australian river basins is in part determined by environmental variability, stability and seasonality, highlighting both the importance of environmentally driven community assembly processes and the potential changes to freshwater fish biodiversity in response to climate change. A spatio‐phylogenetic analytical framework is a key component in the effective management of autocorrelation in ecological data and the derivation of more rigorous trait–environment relationships.
Accounting for imperfect detection and survey bias in statistical analysis of presence‐only data
Authors: Dorazio Robert M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimDuring the past decade ecologists have attempted to estimate the parameters of species distribution models by combining locations of species presence observed in opportunistic surveys with spatially referenced covariates of occurrence. Several statistical models have been proposed for the analysis of presence‐only data, but these models have largely ignored the effects of imperfect detection and survey bias. In this paper I describe a model‐based approach for the analysis of presence‐only data that accounts for errors in the detection of individuals and for biased selection of survey locations.InnovationI develop a hierarchical, statistical model that allows presence‐only data to be analysed in conjunction with data acquired independently in planned surveys. One component of the model specifies the spatial distribution of individuals within a bounded, geographic region as a realization of a spatial point process. A second component of the model specifies two kinds of observations, the detection of individuals encountered during opportunistic surveys and the detection of individuals encountered during planned surveys.Main conclusionsUsing mathematical proof and simulation‐based comparisons, I demonstrate that biases induced by errors in detection or biased selection of survey locations can be reduced or eliminated by using the hierarchical model to analyse presence‐only data in conjunction with counts observed in planned surveys. I show that a relatively small number of high‐quality data (from planned surveys) can be used to leverage the information in presence‐only observations, which usually have broad spatial coverage but may not be informative of both occurrence and detectability of individuals. Because a variety of sampling protocols can be used in planned surveys, this approach to the analysis of presence‐only data is widely applicable. In addition, since the point‐process model is formulated at the level of an individual, it can be extended to account for biological interactions between individuals and temporal changes in their spatial distributions.
Clinical evaluation of ezetimibe on bile lithogenicity in humans: Use of transnasal endoscopy for bile sampling
Authors: Kishikawa Nobusuke , Kanno Keishi , Sugiyama Akiko , Yokobayashi Kenichi , Mizooka Masafumi , Tazuma Susumu 
Published: August 2014

AimEzetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption by blocking Niemann–Pick C1‐like 1 proteins (NPC1L1) expressed in the small intestine. Because NPC1L1 is also expressed in human liver, ezetimibe conceivably alters biliary lipid compositions. Here, we performed a clinical trial investigating the effect of ezetimibe on biliary lipids using transnasal endoscopy for bile collection.MethodsEight patients with dyslipidemia enrolled in this study completed blood and bile sampling before and at 3 months after ezetimibe treatment (10 mg/day), and the samples are analyzed.ResultsEndoscopic bile sampling was performed safely and painlessly. Serum sterol‐based biomarkers declared decreased cholesterol absorption and increased synthesis. On analysis of biliary lipids, four of the eight patients showed relative decrease of cholesterol and increase of bile acids with improved lithogenicity while the remainder exhibited the symmetrical changes.ConclusionOur data suggests that biliary lithogenicity is not worsened by ezetimibe. The regulation of biliary cholesterol is presumably multifactorial such as body cholesterol pool size and biliary cholesterol reabsorption by NPC1L1 in the liver.
Safety and efficacy of balloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using miriplatin for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Arai Hirotaka , Abe Takehiko , Takayama Hisashi , Toyoda Mitsuo , Ueno Takashi , Kakizaki Satoru , Sato Ken 
Published: August 2014

AimBalloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (B‐TACE) using a microballoon catheter was performed to administrate miriplatin, and the early therapeutic efficacy and safety of the procedure were evaluated.MethodsOut of 158 patients who received miriplatin using B‐TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma, 49 patients with a single lesion at either stage I or II (according to the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan) were evaluated in comparison with 48 matched patients who received miriplatin using conventional TACE (C‐TACE).ResultsThe mean total dose and median dose of miriplatin in each group were 32.5 ± 31.7 mg and 20 mg (C‐TACE) and 50.1 ± 31.3 mg and 40 mg (B‐TACE), respectively (P < 0.01). The treatment effect (TE) on the target nodule classified as TE4, TE3, TE2 or TE1 was 39.6%, 33.3%, 25.0% and 2.1%, respectively, in the C‐TACE group, and 55.1%, 38.8%, 4.1% and 2.0%, respectively, in the B‐TACE group. Therefore, the TE was significantly higher in the B‐TACE group (P < 0.05). Although abdominal blood tests revealed adverse, increased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in a significantly higher number of B‐TACE‐treated patients, serum ALT levels returned to baseline levels in all patients within 1 month. There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms between the two groups.ConclusionCompared with C‐TACE, B‐TACE significantly improved cancer nodule control, and it was satisfactory in terms of safety. B‐TACE is an effective procedure that enhances the effects of catheterization with miriplatin.
Soliciting views of various communities on health research: a prelude to engagement in specific research projects
Authors: Taras Howard L. , Kalichman Michael W. , Schulteis Gery , Dumbauld Jill , Bell Yvonne , Seligman Fe Fidelis , West Kathy D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundMembers of the public are increasingly engaged in health‐service and biomedical research and provide input into the content of research, design and data sharing. As there is variation among different communities on how research is perceived, to engage all sectors of the general public research institutions need to customize their approach.ObjectiveThis paper explores how research institutions and community leaders can partner to determine the best ways to engage different sectors of the public in research.DesignFollowing a literature review, a research institution engaged with four different sectors of the public through their respective representative community‐based organizations (CBOs) by interviews with leaders, community member focus groups and a joint project.SettingSan Diego and Imperial Counties, California, United States of America (USA).ConclusionBefore embarking on more specific research projects, investigators can gain valuable insights about different communities' attitudes to, and understanding of, health services and biomedical research by interacting directly with members of the community, collaborating with community leaders, and jointly identifying steps of engagement tailored to the community.
Increased costs of HIV care associated with aging in an HIV‐infected population
Authors: Krentz HB , Gill MJ 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesImproved survival has shifted the HIV epidemic in the developed world towards more individuals > 50 years of age. Older individuals, with new or longstanding HIV infection, are at greater risk for HIV‐related and non‐HIV‐related conditions, compounding the burden and complexity of HIV management. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of age on the cost of HIV care in a well‐defined HIV‐infected population.MethodsAll HIV‐infected individuals > 16 years old receiving HIV care between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2011 were included in the study. The costs of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV‐related out‐patient care and HIV‐related in‐patient care were collected using mean cost per person, per month (PPPM) as the comparator variable for the comparison between older (> 50 years old) and younger (≤ 50 years old) patients.ResultsThe proportion of older patients increased from 9.6% to 25.4% and proportional costs increased from 25% to 31% from 1999 to 2010. Older patients were more likely than younger patients to be on ART (89% vs. 69%, respectively; P < 0.01) and to have AIDS (29% vs. 20%, respectively; P < 0.05) but had similar median CD4 counts (404 vs. 396 cells/μL, respectively; not significant). They incurred higher costs for all aspects of HIV care throughout the entire 12 years. By 2010, the mean PPPM cost of HIV care for longstanding older patients was $1325 compared with $1075 for younger patients. More expensive ART as a consequence of more complex regimens, more comorbid interactions and greater adherence accounted for most of the cost difference.ConclusionsThe aging of the HIV‐infected population in care is leading to increased HIV care costs. Health care planners and funding agencies need to be aware of the impact of this important shift in HIV demographics on the overall costs of HIV care.
Intraoperative Changes in Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Plasma Vasopressin, and Urinary Noradrenalin During Elective Ovariohysterectomy in Dogs: Repeatability at Removal of the 1st and 2nd Ovary
Authors: Höglund Odd V. , Hagman Ragnvi , Olsson Kerstin , Olsson Ulf , Lagerstedt Anne‐Sofie 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the physiologic reactions after removal of 1st ovary and whether this is repeated during removal of the 2nd ovary in elective ovariohysterectomy.Study DesignProspective study.AnimalsDogs (n = 10).MethodsDogs were premedicated with acepromazine, carprofen, and methadone and anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. Blood pressure, heart rate, and end‐tidal isoflurane concentration were measured every minute. The effects of various events during surgery on physiologic variables were analyzed using mixed linear models. Blood and urine samples were collected before anesthesia, before incision, before and after removal of ovaries with a 15 minute pause between ovary removal, and after abdominal closure. Plasma vasopressin and urinary noradrenalin and creatinine concentrations were analyzed.ResultsThe magnitude of blood pressure increase at removal of the 1st ovary was greater than for the 2nd ovary because of an elevation in baseline. Similarly, the heart rate increased at the removal of the 1st ovary but not at removal of the 2nd ovary. Plasma vasopressin concentration increased at removal of both ovaries. Urinary noradrenalin/creatinine ratio increased at anesthesia, removal of both ovaries, and was elevated at closure of the abdomen. End‐tidal isoflurane concentration did not change. Blood pressure and vasopressin concentrations changed in parallel using z‐scores for comparison.ConclusionsPeak values for blood pressure, heart rate, plasma vasopressin concentration, and urinary noradrenalin/creatinine ratio did not differ between removals of the ovaries. Relative changes differed between repeated noxious stimuli, which should be considered in evaluation of methods at ovary removal.
Shear flow affects selective monocyte recruitment into MCP‐1‐loaded scaffolds
Authors: Smits Anthal I. P. M. , Ballotta Virginia , Driessen‐Mol Anita , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Baaijens Frank P. T. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractNovel cardiovascular replacements are being developed by using degradable synthetic scaffolds, which function as a temporary guide to induce neotissue formation directly in situ. Priming of such scaffolds with fast‐releasing monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) was shown to improve the formation of functional neoarteries in rats. However, the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effect of a burst‐release of MCP‐1 from a synthetic scaffold on the local recruitment of circulating leucocytes under haemodynamic conditions. Herein, we hypothesized that MCP‐1 initiates a desired healing cascade by recruiting favourable monocyte subpopulations into the implanted scaffold. Electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds were loaded with fibrin gel containing various doses of MCP‐1 and exposed to a suspension of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in static or dynamic conditions. In standard migration assay, a dose‐dependent migration of specific CD14+ monocyte subsets was observed, as measured by flow cytometry. In conditions of pulsatile flow, on the other hand, a marked increase in immediate monocyte recruitment was observed, but without evident selectivity in monocyte subsets. This suggests that the selectivity was dependent on the release kinetics of the MCP‐1, as it was overruled by the effect of shear stress after the initial burst‐release. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that local recruitment of specific MCP‐1‐responsive monocytes is not the fundamental principle behind the improved neotissue formation observed in long‐term in vivo studies, and mobilization of MCP‐1‐responsive cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream is suggested to play a predominant role in vivo.
Bone formation in peri‐implant defects grafted with microparticles: a pilot animal experimental study
Authors: Moest Tobias , Koehler Franz , Prechtl Christopher , Schmitt Christian , Watzek Georg , Schlegel Karl Andreas 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate the healing of peri‐implant defects grafted with microparticles (MPs).Material and MethodsSix domestic pigs received nine standardized defects at the calvaria, and an implant was inserted in the middle of each defect. The space between the implant and lateral bone portion was filled with MP pellets (n = 18) or MP supernatant (n = 18) or left unfilled (n = 18). After 14 and 28 days, three animals were sacrificed and specimens removed for further processing. Samples were microradiographically and histologically analysed. In addition, we immunohistochemically stained for anti‐vWF as a marker of angiogenesis.ResultsIn the case of bone regeneration and vessel formation, the null hypothesis can be partially rejected. After 14 and 28 days, no significant difference was observed within groups regarding de novo bone formation, bone density and osseointegration. However, superior vessel formation was found at both time points.ConclusionMicroparticles represent a promising treatment option to accelerate peri‐implant vessel formation. Further studies are needed to investigate the regenerative properties of MPs more precisely.
Quality and reporting of publications by Indonesian researchers: a literature survey
Authors: Widyahening Indah S. , Wangge Grace , Saldi Siti Rizny F. , Lestari Bony Wiem , Apriani Lika , Sastroasmoro Sudigdo , Glasziou Paul , van der Graaf Yolanda , van der Heijden Geert J.M.G. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the quality of reporting of the risk of bias of the Indonesian medical research.MethodsPublications from PubMed and non‐PubMed indexed Indonesian medical journals between January 2008 to December 2010 were assessed for risk of bias based on criterion combination from Hedges‐criteria and the Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine. We assessed whether the publications addressed the risk of bias adequately (quality of reporting) and whether the risk of bias criterion was fulfilled (quality of methods). The quality (both of reporting and of methods) of a study was classified as “high” if, for at least two‐thirds of the criteria were adequately reported and fulfilled. It was classified as “low” when only one‐third of the criteria were reported and or fulfilled.ResultsOf the 1753 publications, 29% (n = 507) were original medical research. For 21% (109/507) the quality of reporting was high; for 15% (77/507) the quality of methods was high. The proportion of high quality was significantly higher among PubMed than non‐PubMed, with difference between proportions: (95%CI of difference: 3 to 23).ConclusionA small proportion of Indonesian studies have high quality of reporting or methods. When international reporting guidelines are endorsed and followed, the quality of future studies may improve.
Barriers in implementing evidence‐informed health decisions in rural rehabilitation settings: a mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Prakash V. , Hariohm K. , Balaganapathy M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesLiterature on the barriers to implementing research findings into physiotherapy practice are often urban centric, using self report based on the hypothetical patient scenario. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of barriers, encountered by evidence informed practice‐trained physiotherapists in the management of “real world” patients in rural rehabilitation settings.MethodsA mixed‐methods research design was used. Physiotherapists working in rural outpatient rehabilitation settings participated in the study. In the first phase, we asked all participants (N = 5) to maintain a log book for a 4‐week period to record questions that arose during their routine clinical encounters and asked them also to follow first four of the five steps of evidence‐informed practice (ask, access, appraise and apply). In the second phase (after 4 weeks), we conducted a semistructured, direct interviews with the participants exploring their experiences involved in the process of implementing evidence‐informed clinical decisions made during the study period.ResultsAt the end of 4 weeks, 30 questions were recorded. For 17 questions, the participants found evidence but applied that evidence into their practice only in 9 instances. Being generalist practitioners, lack of outcomes specific to the patients were reported as barriers more so than time constraints in implementing evidence‐informed practice.ConclusionsPractice setting, lack of patient‐centered research and evidence‐informed practice competency of physiotherapists can be significant barriers to implementing evidence‐informed health decisions in rural rehabilitation setting.
Effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance perimenopausal women's ability to cope with stress
Authors: Iioka Yukiko , Komatsu Hiroko 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance the ability to cope with stress in perimenopausal women.MethodsIn this quasi‐experimental design, a stress management program was provided to an experimental group (n = 55), while a control group (n = 42) was given an informational pamphlet. The stress management program included a short lecture, group discussion, and hands‐on training in 2 h sessions once a week for 3 weeks. Participants were recruited through a public announcement. Data were collected before and after the intervention, and 1 month following the intervention. The ability to cope with stress was the primary outcome, while psychological well‐being and relief of symptoms were the secondary outcomes. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance the ability to cope with stress. Therefore, the aspects of knowledge, coping flexibility, and manageability were measured in the resultant ability to cope with stress.ResultsCompared to the control group, knowledge in the experimental group improved positively as the primary outcome (P < 0.01). Changes in coping flexibility were demonstrated within the experimental group (P < 0.05). A comparison between groups for the secondary outcome of psychological well‐being showed that personal growth (P < 0.05) and happiness (P < 0.01) significantly improved in the experimental group. In addition, the secondary outcome of relief of symptoms indicated not improved.ConclusionResults suggest that the stress management program has the potential to boost perimenopausal women's ability to cope with stress and improve their psychological well‐being.
Nursing educators' perceptions about disaster preparedness and response in Istanbul and Miyazaki
Authors: Öztekin Seher Deniz , Larson Eric Edwin , Altun Uğraş Gülay , Yüksel Serpil , Savaşer Sevim 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimAs healthcare professionals, nursing educators need to be prepared to manage and deliver care in what are often dangerous conditions. This research aims to determine and compare nursing educators' perceptions of disaster preparedness and response (DP&R) in Istanbul and Miyazaki.MethodsAn 18 question descriptive questionnaire was used.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐four nursing educators representing two state university nursing schools in Istanbul, Turkey, and one state and two private universities in Miyazaki, Japan were enrolled. Educators had an average age of 40 years and had been educators for 1–15 years. Just over half of the participants had basic knowledge regarding DP&R with most of them considering taking special courses in the future. The majority considered “caregiver” as a role they could undertake in a disaster situation. The existence of major concerns and conflicts in disaster responses were low. The top ranked item was in the area of conflict between family and job responsibilities. Age and academic levels showed significant differences in basic knowledge on DP&R. Regardless of knowledge in this subject area, no statistical significance on personal preparedness or being a volunteer to disaster events was found.ConclusionNursing educators were not thinking about what kinds of disasters occur in the areas where they currently teach and were underprepared to deal with disaster situations. To improve the perceptions of the nursing educators on DP&R, mass casualty care and disaster management skills need to be incorporated into formal education and training on disaster preparedness and workplace preparedness.