bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential of nitric oxide for reducing oxidative damage induced by drought stress in two turfgrass species, creeping bentgrass and tall fescue
Authors: Hatamzadeh A. , Molaahmad Nalousi A. , Ghasemnezhad M. , Biglouei M. H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDrought stress is a major factor‐limiting grass growth. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases under stress conditions and causes cell oxidative damage. This study investigated the effect of sodium nitroprusside [a nitric oxide (NO) donor] treatment on drought stress in two turfgrass species, creeping bentgrass and tall fescue. Physiological characteristics such as relative water content (RWC), ion leakage, chlorophyll and proline content, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated after 40 d drought stress and in the recovery stage. Results showed that nitric oxide (NO) treatment, especially 150 μm, could maintain significantly higher RWC and reduce ion leakage under drought stress conditions in both species. Furthermore, both turfgrass species showed higher chlorophyll and proline content after drought stress period when sprayed with NO, while chlorophyll and proline content of control plants declined. Drought stress significantly reduced SOD and APX activity, while NO treatment induced higher SOD and APX activity under drought conditions. After recovery, leaf RWC returned to the control level; however, NO‐sprayed plants showed higher RWC compared to controls. Both turfgrass species exhibited lower chlorophyll content at the recovery stage when exposed to severe drought stress, and NO application increased chlorophyll content compared to controls. No significant differences were found between NO treatment and control plants for proline and SOD activity, but APX activity of NO‐sprayed plants was higher than in the control plants. These results suggest that foliar application of NO may alleviate drought stress in turfgrass by maintaining membrane stability and inducing antioxidant enzyme activity.
Acute kidney injury inChina
Authors: Fang Yi , Teng Jie , Ding Xiaoqiang 
Published: July 2014

AbstractChina has a large population and bears a heavy burden of kidney diseases. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly prevalent inChina and is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The inadequacies of early diagnosis and management remain the major challenges toChinese nephrologists. There is an urgent need for a nationwide, or even a global effort to increase an awareness of the devastating effects ofAKI, to develop professional preventive strategies, as well as to achieve early diagnosis and early intervention. In this article, we review the increasing incidence ofAKIand complexity behind prevention and management, focusing on differences in various clinical settings inChina.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Metachronous Gastric Cancer after Endoscopic Resection of Gastric Tumors: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yoon Seung Bae , Park Jae Myung , Lim Chul‐Hyun , Cho Yu Kyung , Choi Myung‐Gyu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough endoscopic resection is widely accepted as the curative treatment modality for early gastric cancer, secondary metachronous cancer may subsequently develop in the residual gastric mucosa. The preventive effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the development of metachronous gastric cancer in such cases remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of H. pylori eradication on the development of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection of gastric neoplasm by a meta‐analysis of all relevant studies.Materials and methodsWe performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without language restrictions through March 31, 2014. We included all relevant articles, including prospective, observational, and retrospective studies. Pooled estimates (odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals) were obtained using a random effects model.ResultsThirteen studies were considered to be appropriate for this meta‐analysis. Compared with the control group, the pooled odds ratio in the eradication group was 0.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.56), and there was no heterogeneity across the studies (p = .853, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis of three prospective trials also showed a lower incidence of metachronous cancer in the eradication group (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.75). There was no evidence of publication bias in this meta‐analysis.ConclusionHelicobacter pylori eradication reduces the occurrence of metachronous gastric cancer in patients who have undergone endoscopic resection.
Part‐time Higher Education: Employer Engagement Under Threat?
Authors: Mason Geoff 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEmployer support for employees who are studying part‐time for higher education qualifications constitutes a form of indirect employer engagement with higher education institutions that has contributed strongly to the development of work‐related skills and knowledge over the years. However, this form of employer engagement with higher education institutions now seems to be in some jeopardy, with reduced employer willingness to subsidise high education course fees: partly because of slow economic growth since the 2008–09 recession and partly because of increases in tuition fees. These cutbacks in employer support for part‐time study may have contributed to the sharp decline reported in the numbers studying for part‐time undergraduate higher education qualifications in the United Kingdom since 2009. One important implication for policy‐makers is that, without new initiatives designed to encourage employer support for part‐time study, this form of education is now less likely to contribute to the adult skills upgrading required to bring United Kingdom skills up to the standards of leading industrial nations.
Is Bologna Working? Employer and Graduate Reflections of the Quality, Value and Relevance of Business and Management Education in four European Union Countries
Authors: Andrews Jane , Higson Helen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article focuses on the relevance of undergraduate business and management higher education from the perspectives of recent graduates and graduate employers in four European countries. Drawing upon the findings of an empirical qualitative study in which data was collated and analysed using grounded theory research techniques, the paper draws attention to graduates' and employers' perceptions of the value of higher education in equipping students with discipline‐specific skills and knowledge as well as softer ‘generic’ skills. It also highlights the importance of formal ‘work‐based’ learning within undergraduate curricula in providing students with the skills and experiences required by employers operating within a global workplace.
Habitat change and trade explain the bird assemblage from the La Chimba archaeological site in the northeastern Andes of Ecuador
Authors: Tellkamp Markus P. 
Published: July 2014

The nature of tree‐line habitats in the Andes has long been a contentious topic in the ecological literature. Palynological studies suggest that a combination of anthropogenic and natural processes throughout the Holocene contributed to its present form and species composition. This is the first study to use zooarchaeological evidence to reconstruct possible prehistoric changes in these alpine habitats. I analysed the remains of birds from the La Chimba archaeological site in northern Ecuador to assess changes in the bird tree‐line community over three distinct phases (Early, 2640–2390 year BP; Middle, 2390–1994 year BP; Late, 1994–1700 year BP) of this prehistoric settlement. The elevation of this site (3200 m) places it near a steep elevational gradient in vegetation, with the modern tree‐line here at 3500–3600 m. Therefore, non‐local specimens of birds from the lowlands would hint at long‐distance trade. The composition of birds changes through time: species associated with high montane forest and shrubby páramos decrease and species from dry or open montane habitats increase. This trend is dominated by the decrease of Curve‐billed Tinamous Nothoprocta curvirostris (current elevational range 3000–3900 m) and a corresponding increase of specimens of Andean Tinamous Nothoprocta pentlandii (current elevational range 1000–2300 m). The large number of Andean Tinamous is surprising given that presently it occurs no closer than 300 km to the south of the La Chimba site. Overall, 18 of the 43 species of birds identified from La Chimba are likely to be the result of trade. This includes species from the eastern and western lowlands of Ecuador and one possible long‐distance transport from Peru. Prehistoric trade of birds and bird parts was probably common, and prehistoric anthropogenic landscape change and trade in birds should be considered as alternative explanations for species with disjunct populations in and across the Andes.
Frequency of HLA‐A alleles in the Syrian population genotyped by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Madania A. , Ghoury I. , Al‐Ashkar W. , Nweder S. , Zarzour H. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryHLA‐A molecules are highly polymorphic. Their accurate typing at a high‐resolution level is crucial for successful organ, bone marrow and cord blood transplantation. Furthermore, several HLA alleles have been involved in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancers and inflammations. In order to determine common HLA‐A alleles in Syria and their frequencies, sequence‐based typing (SBT) was used to genotype HLA‐A alleles at high resolution (four digit level) among one hundred and thirty randomly selected Syrian individuals. Exons 2, 3 and 4 of the HLA‐A gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The sbt‐engine software was used for allele assignment. Ambiguities were solved using group‐specific sequencing primers (GSSPs). We could identify 32 different HLA‐A alleles which were divided into 3 groups: high frequency (approximately 10%, A*01:01; A*24:02; A*03:01; A*02:01), moderate frequency (approximately 3%, such as A*02:05, A*31:01 and A*33:01), and low frequency (approximately 1%, such as A*02:11, A*29:01, A*02:02 and A*36:01). Homozygosity rate was higher than expected (11.5% vs. 7.15%). For high frequency alleles, our results show similarity to neighbouring countries. However, 15 alleles (such as A*02:04, A*02:06, A*02:11 and A*02:17) found in our cohort in low frequencies were never reported in some or all neighbouring countries. This is the first report on HLA‐A allele frequencies in Syria. In spite of the relatively low number of tested subjects, our results revealed a high degree of diversity, with 32 different alleles, reflecting the high ethnic heterogeneity of the Syrian population. The identification of alleles rarely or never reported in neighbouring countries indicates a higher genetic diversity in Syria.
Migration, Precarization and the Democratic Deficit in Global Governance
Authors: Schierup Carl‐Ulrik , Ålund Aleksandra , Likić‐Brborić Branka 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article attempts to provide a critical understanding of the dual signification of “precarity”. It explores what “precarity” as a concept may potentially offer to studies of the changing contemporary political economy of migration. It discusses shifting trends in global migration and point to tendencies for a possible convergence between “South” and “North”, “East” and “West”. Based on a review of current advances in research, it discusses, with reference to the classical work of Karl Polanyi, the potential for a contemporary “countermovement” which would challenge the precarity of migrants. Bringing forward the issue of the “space for civil society” the article addresses a still lingering democratic deficit in the global governance of migration.Policy ImplicationsThe article is relevant to policymakers, trade unions and civil society organizations. It contributes to the understanding of policy making processes in emerging multilevel global governance and focuses on issues of precarization, migration, and the implementation and accountability of human, migrant and labour rights.
A comparative review of nurse turnover rates and costs across countries
Authors: Duffield Christine M. , Roche Michael A. , Homer Caroline , Buchan James , Dimitrelis Sofia 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimsTo compare nurse turnover rates and costs from four studies in four countries (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) that have used the same costing methodology; the original Nursing Turnover Cost Calculation Methodology.BackgroundMeasuring and comparing the costs and rates of turnover is difficult because of differences in definitions and methodologies.DesignComparative review.Data SourcesSearches were carried out within CINAHL, Business Source Complete and Medline for studies that used the original Nursing Turnover Cost Calculation Methodology and reported on both costs and rates of nurse turnover, published from 2014 and prior.MethodsA comparative review of turnover data was conducted using four studies that employed the original Nursing Turnover Cost Calculation Methodology. Costing data items were converted to percentages, while total turnover costs were converted to US 2014 dollars and adjusted according to inflation rates, to permit cross‐country comparisons.ResultsDespite using the same methodology, Australia reported significantly higher turnover costs ($48,790) due to higher termination (~50% of indirect costs) and temporary replacement costs (~90% of direct costs). Costs were almost 50% lower in the US ($20,561), Canada ($26,652) and New Zealand ($23,711). Turnover rates also varied significantly across countries with the highest rate reported in New Zealand (44·3%) followed by the US (26·8%), Canada (19·9%) and Australia (15·1%).ConclusionA significant proportion of turnover costs are attributed to temporary replacement, highlighting the importance of nurse retention. The authors suggest a minimum dataset is also required to eliminate potential variability across countries, states, hospitals and departments.
Mortality salience, self‐esteem, and defense of the group: mediating role of in‐group identification
Authors: Hohman Zachary P. , Hogg Michael A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNumerous studies have shown that mortality salience strengthens defense of cultural institutions and that this effect is buffered by self‐esteem. The present study examines a novel prediction, based on social identity processes, that group identification mediates the impact of the interaction of mortality salience and self‐esteem on worldview defense. Self‐esteem and mortality salience were manipulated using Greenberg and colleagues' standard methods, the dependent measure was defense of America, and the mediating variable was identification with America. As predicted, mortality salience only increased identification with America and defense of America when self‐esteem was not enhanced, enhancing self‐esteem attenuated the effects of mortality salience. Also following predictions, the interactive effect of mortality salience and self‐esteem on defense of America was mediated by identification with America.
Brachial Pulse Pressure and Cardiovascular or All‐Cause Mortality in the General Population: A Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Observational Studies
Authors: Zhao Leilei , Song Yijuan , Dong Pingshuan , Li Zhijuan , Yang Xuming , Wang Shaoxin 
Published: July 2014

This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the predictive value of brachial pulse pressure and cardiovascular or all‐cause mortality in the general population based on prospective observational studies by conducting a meta‐analysis. Only prospective observational studies investigating baseline brachial pulse pressure and cardiovascular or all‐cause mortality risk were selected from PubMed and Embase databases until July 2013. Fourteen studies involving 510,456 participants were analyzed. Pooled risk ratio (RR) of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality for the highest vs lowest brachial pulse pressure category was 1.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–2.17) and 1.32 (95% CI, 1.23–1.41), respectively. Pooled RR of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality per 10 mm Hg pulse pressure increment was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.10–1.17) and 1.09 (95% CI, 1.07–1.11), respectively. Wide brachial pulse pressure is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. However, more well‐designed studies specifically on age and sex are needed to further confirm these findings.
Plasma Cardiotrophin‐1 Levels are Associated With Hypertensive Heart Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Song Kangxing , Wang Shuxia , Huang Bihui , Luciano Amelia , Srivastava Roshni , Mani Arya 
Published: July 2014

Cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1) is a member of the interleukin 6 cytokine superfamily. Plasma CT‐1 levels have been associated with heart failure and hypertension in small independent studies. Whether plasma CT‐1 levels are associated with progression of hypertensive heart disease is poorly understood. The authors carried out a meta‐analysis using published studies and electronic databases. Relevant data were extracted using standardized algorithms. Additional data were obtained directly from investigators when indicated. A total of 18 studies were included that reported on association between CT‐1 level and hypertension (n=8), cardiac hypertrophy (n=9), and heart failure (HF) (n=10). The serum levels of CT‐1 were significantly higher in patients with hypertension (standard mean difference [SMD], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–1.06 fmol/mL), left ventricular hypertrophy (SMD, 0.88; 95% CI 0.60–1.17 fmol/mL), or HF (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51–0.80 fmol/mL) compared with controls. Subgroup analysis revealed CT‐1 levels to be highest in patients with hypertension‐induced hypertrophy with HF, followed by patients with hypertension‐induced left ventricular hypertrophy without HF (SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30–0.75 fmol/mL), patients with hypertension without left ventricular hypertrophy (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46–0.88 fmol/mL) as compared with normotensive patients (SMD, 0.74; 95% CI, 10.45–1.04 fmol/mL). Increased plasma CT‐1 levels are associated with risk for HF in hypertensive patients. CT‐1 may serve as a novel biomarker in determining prognosis in hypertensive patients.
PENSION REFORM IN CHINA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Cai Yong , Cheng Yuan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractChina's current segmented pension system features regional imbalance, fiscal inefficiency, social inequality and economic unsustainability. It is a result of three‐decade evolution guided by vague long‐term objectives, constrained by economic and political circumstances and swayed by interest‐group infighting. Expecting rapid population ageing and economic transformation, China aims to establish a national pension system that provides ‘wide coverage, basic security, multi‐level options and sustainability’ by 2020. The paper reviews the history of China's pension system, examines proposed reform options and discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by the reform.
Assessment of cervicovaginal vascular endothelial growth factor in predicting preterm delivery
Authors: Yilmaz Embiye , Ustunyurt Emin , Kucukkomurcu Sakir , Budak Ferah , Ozkaya Guven 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to estimate the effectiveness of cervicovaginal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in predicting preterm delivery.MethodsCervicovaginal VEGF was measured in 30 women who presented symptoms or signs of threatened preterm labor and the control group of 30 healthy pregnant patients by enzyme‐linked immunoassay.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in cervicovaginal VEGF values between the threatened preterm labor group and the control group (P > 0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of cervical length and cervicovaginal VEGF values between preterm and term‐delivered groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, there was no correlation between cervicovaginal VEGF values and cervical length (P > 0.05) between the threatened preterm labor and the control groups.ConclusionNo correlation was found between cervicovaginal VEGF values and the preterm delivery. However, we believe that the role of VEGF in preterm delivery needs to be investigated further in well‐designed studies with larger samples.
Comparison of gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with ultrasound in evaluation of cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Huang Qiang , Zhang Miao , Zhai Ren‐You 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to compare this with ultrasound results.Material and MethodsForty‐two consecutive patients underwent both gadolinium‐enhanced MRI and ultrasound to evaluate CSP before treatment from May 2010 to September 2013. The results of both MRI and ultrasound were reviewed and compared to each other with diagnosis of CSP confirmed by pathological findings and clinical outcome.ResultsMRI and ultrasound were performed in all 42 patients, with ultrasound performed more than twice in 29 cases. Pathological findings confirmed CSP in all 42 patients, 41 of whom were diagnosed correctly using MRI, with one misdiagnosed as uterine fibroid. Misdiagnosis occurred in seven cases in the first ultrasound, and report was inconclusive in one case. However, correct and definite diagnosis was achieved in repeated ultrasound in seven of the eight cases. The case misdiagnosed as uterine fibroid using MRI was also misdiagnosed as blood clot by ultrasound. The specificity of MRI in diagnosing CSP was 97.6% (41/42) versus 81% (34/42) of the initial ultrasound (P < 0.05). No contrast‐agent‐related complications occurred in our series.ConclusionsGadolinium‐enhanced MRI is highly specific in the diagnosis of CSP. Ultrasound is relatively less specific when initially performed, but it can be repeated conveniently, with specificity greatly improved. Repeated ultrasound is as specific as MRI in confirming diagnosis of CSP.
Efficacy of kidney‐tonifying traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions in hypoplastic uterus treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Xichuang , Hong Yuan , Zheng Panpan , Qin Yaping , Zhang Xiaoyan , Feng Jinhua , Ye Jianlin , Song Huizhu , You Xiaohong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo review and evaluate the efficacy of kidney‐tonifying traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions (KT‐TCMP) in hypoplastic uterus (HU) treatment.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), WANFANG and VIP databases until 14 December 2013 independently with two investigators. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving KT‐TCMP as a combined or monotherapy in the treatment of HU were reviewed and analyzed. Meta‐analysis was performed by Review Manager (version 5.2).ResultsNine RCT of 1745 patients were eligible for this review and meta‐analysis, of which eight RCT described the primary outcome of clinical efficacy and three RCT drew the secondary outcome of uterine size. Meta‐analyzed ‘recovery’ clinical efficacy of KT‐TCMP in seven RCT was conducted which considered diethylstilbestrol therapy alone as control, as well as three RCT that meta‐analyzed the effect of KT‐TCMP on uterine diameter enlargement. As a result, KT‐TCMP therapy had a significantly improved difference in increasing ‘recovery’ clinical efficacy (risk ratio, 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90–2.89) and enlarging the uterine diameter (standardized mean difference, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.39–1.84). One study reported adverse reactions as an important outcome and found it was safe during KT‐TCMP therapy.ConclusionThe therapy of applying KT‐TCMP as a combined or monotherapy in the treatment of HU may be more efficacious. However, these RCT were of moderate methodological quality and small sample size; thus, the results should be confirmed with more rigorously controlled further studies.