bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of competition on acute phase proteins and lymphocyte subpopulations – oxidative stress markers in eventing horses
Authors: Valle E. , Zanatta R. , Odetti P. , Traverso N. , Furfaro A. , Bergero D. , Badino P. , Girardi C. , Miniscalco B. , Bergagna S. , Tarantola M. , Intorre L. , Odore R. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe aim of the study was to evaluate markers of the acute phase response (APR) in eventing horses by measuring acute phase proteins (APP) (haptoglobin, Hp, and serum amyloid A, SAA), lysozyme, protein adducts such as pentosidine‐like adducts (PENT), malondialdehyde adducts (MDA), hydroxynonenal adducts (HNE) and total advanced glycation/glycoxidation end products (AGEs), complete blood count and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+, CD8+ and CD21+) both at rest and at the end of an eventing competition. Blood samples were collected from eight Warmblood horses (medium age 10 ± 3) during an official national 2‐day event competition at rest (R) and 10 min after the arrival of the cross‐country test on the second day. Exercise caused a significant increase in red blood cell number, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, neutrophils, white blood cell and lymphocyte number; however, these values remained within the normal range. The CD4+ and CD8+ cells significantly increased, whereas the CD21+ lymphocytes decreased; a significant increase in serum SAA, lysozyme and protein carbonyl derivates was also observed. Two‐day event causes significant changes in APR markers such as lysozyme, protein carbonyl derivates (HNE, AGEs, PENT) and lymphocyte subpopulations. The data support the hypothesis that 2‐day event may alter significantly APR markers. Limitations of the study were the relatively small sample size and sampling time conditioned by the official regulations of the event. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate the time required for recovery to basal values in order to define the possible effects on the immune function of the athlete horse.
The effects of linearity on sentence comprehension in oral and silent reading
Authors: Muto Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis study examined the effects of linearity of language (e.g., deSaussure, 1916/1972) on performance on a sentence comprehension task, manipulating (a) presentation method (simultaneous, phrase, or flow) and (b) reading method (oral or silent reading). The study also examined the predictive powers of the digit span test (DST) and the reading span test (RST) for task performance. Fifty‐four undergraduate and graduate students participated in the experiment. The results showed that theDSTscore predicted performance on both garden‐path (GP) and non‐garden‐path (NGP) sentences, whereas theRSTscore did so only forGPsentences. This suggests that the sentence comprehension task requires not only comprehension but also temporarily storing verbal information, and that theRSTscore reflects the degree of tolerance for deviation from linearity. The results also revealed that silent reading has an advantage over oral reading in simultaneous presentation and vice versa in flow presentation, whereas the difference between reading methods disappeared in phrase presentation. This suggests that oral and silent reading require different strategies to facilitate sentence comprehension.
Stimulated rejuvenation of dormant Aulacoseira granulata (Bacillariophyta) by Gloeocystis planctonica (Chlorophyta) in a eutrophic river
Authors: Poister David , Schaefer Alison , Baert Andrew , Tracey John , Richards Katelyn 
Published: January 2015

The abundance of Aulacoseira granulata (Ehrenburg) Simonsen and Gloeocystis planctonica (West & G.S.West) Lemmermann was assessed during the summers of 2005 and 2010 in the eutrophic Fox River, Wisconsin, USA. In both years, a mid‐summer bloom of G. planctonica was followed by the rapid growth of A. granulata. Laboratory experiments in which A. granulata was grown in cell‐free filtrate of a G. planctonica culture revealed that the growth of A. granulata was stimulated in the G. planctonica‐treated medium relative to controls. This effect was detected when dormant A. granulata cells were used as the source culture for the experiment but not when actively growing cells were used. Dormant A. granulata also grew more rapidly in river water collected after the 2010 G. planctonica bloom relative to river water collected before the bloom. These results suggest that the summer bloom of A. granulata in the river was stimulated by G. planctonica. This relationship can be described as stimulated rejuvenation, an interaction where the transition of an algal resting stage into active growth is triggered by exposure to another species.
Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentrations in Dogs with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Hamacher L. , Dörfelt R. , Müller M. , Wess G. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundMyocardial injury can be detected by cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration, which appears to be a predictor of short‐term death in critically ill patients. It is unknown if the best prognostic indicator of short‐term survival is cTnI measurement at admission or at later time points.Hypothesis/ObjectivesMeasuring cTnI with a high‐sensitivity (HS) test at different time points after admission may be a better short‐term prognostic indicator than a single cTnI measurement at admission in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).AnimalsProspective, observational clinical study of 60 dogs with SIRS.MethodsCardiac troponin I concentration was measured in 133 serum samples, collected at days 1, 2, 3, and 5. Additionally, the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation (APPLE) fast score was evaluated at admission. Prognostic capabilities of cTnI measurement and APPLE fast score for 28‐day mortality were assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsForty‐one dogs with SIRS that survived 28 days had significantly lower serum cTnI concentrations at admission (median, 0.09 ng/mL; P = .004) and at the peak time point (median, 0.23 ng/mL; P = .01) compared to 19 nonsurvivors (median at admission, 0.63 ng/mL; median at peak, 1.22 ng/mL). Area under the curve to predict survival, using cTnI was similar at admission (0.732) and at peak (0.708), and was 0.754 for the APPLE fast score.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIncreased cTnI concentration in dogs with SIRS is associated with poor outcome. Daily follow‐up measurement of cTnI concentration provides no additional prognostic information for short‐term mortality.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses in Foals: Reference Values, Effect of Age, Rate of Acoustic Stimulation, and Neurologic Deficits
Authors: Lecoq L. , Gains M. , Blond L. , Parent J. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundAge and rate of acoustic stimulation affect peak latencies in brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) in humans. Those effects are unknown in foals.Hypothesis/ObjectivesOur goals were to (1) establish reference values for BAER in foals by using 3 different stimulation protocols, (2) evaluate the effects of age and stimulation frequencies on BAER tracing in foals up to 6 months old, and (3) compare the data with BAER obtained from foals with central nervous system (CNS) disorders.AnimalsThirty‐nine neurologically normal foals and 16 foals with neurologic diseases.MethodsProspective observational clinical study. BAER recorded by using 3 protocols of stimulation (11.33 repetitions per second [Hz]/70 decibel normal hearing level [dBNHL]; 11.33 Hz/90 dBNHL; 90 Hz/70 dBNHL).ResultsNo effect of age was observed in normal foals (P > .005). No significant difference was observed for latencies and interpeak latencies (IPL) when comparing foals with neurologic diseases and normal foals (P > .05), but 78.6% of foals with neurologic diseases had an asymmetry in their tracing, reflecting a difference in conduction time between the left and right side of the brainstem. Increasing the stimulation rate did not improve detection of CNS disorders.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWe propose BAER reference values for foals up to 6 months of age by using 3 protocols. Most foals with neurologic deficits had abnormal BAER tracing.
Reliability of the i‐STATfor the determination of blood electrolyte (K+, Na+, andCI−) concentrations in cattle
Authors: Yildirim E. , Karapinar T. , Hayirli A. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundRapid determination of blood electrolyte concentrations can help determine electrolyte status and delivery of effective volume of electrolyte solutions in field conditions.ObjectiveTo evaluate reliability of the i‐STAT, a point‐of‐care (POC) device, in measuring blood K+, Na+, andCI−concentrations in cattle.AnimalsNinety‐eight cattle with various diseases.MethodsIn this prospective study, blood samples collected from the jugular vein were processed for determination of K+, Na+, andCI−concentrations in blood and plasma using the i‐STATand auto‐analyzer (Cobas C501), respectively. Blood and plasma electrolyte data were subjected to studentt‐test for comparison, the concordance analysis for agreement, accuracy, and precision, the Passing‐Bablok regression and the Bland‐Altman plot for reliability, and receiver operating characteristics curves for sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp).ResultsPlasma concentrations of K+(4.39 versus 4.2 mmol/L;P < .0001) andCI−(100.30 versus 99.4 mmol/L;P < .04) were greater than their concentrations in blood. Plasma and blood Na+concentrations were similar (136.95 versus 136.8 mmol/L). The i‐STATresults were highly correlated with the Cobas C501 results (r = 0.970, 0.922, and 0.866 for K+, Na+, andCI−, respectively). Regression equations fitting blood (Y) and plasma (X) concentration did not deviate from the identity line for K+(Y = −0.10 + 0.98 × X), Na+(Y = X), andCI−(Y = 3.04 + 0.96 × X). The mean bias (blood concentration ‐ plasma concentration) was −0.20 for K+(P = .03), −0.16 for Na+(P = .12), and −0.87 forCI−(P = .93). The i‐STAThad 76–100% Se and 87.7–100% Sp for assessing electrolyte statuses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe i‐STATyielded results that were in agreement with the auto‐analyzer, with negligible biases in measurement of plasma K+, Na+, andCI−concentrations. The i‐STATis a reliablePOCdevice and can be used in field condition to assess electrolyte status in cattle.
Respiratory Pathogens in Québec Dairy Calves and Their Relationship with Clinical Status, Lung Consolidation, and Average Daily Gain
Authors: Francoz D. , Buczinski S. , Bélanger A.M. , Forté G. , Labrecque O. , Tremblay D. , Wellemans V. , Dubuc J. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundBovine respiratory disease (BRD) is 1 of the 2 most important causes of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. Surprisingly, field data are scant concerning the prevalence of respiratory pathogens involved inBRDin preweaned dairy calves, especially in small herds.ObjectivesTo identify the main respiratory pathogens isolated from calves in Québec dairy herds with a high incidence ofBRD, and to determine if there is an association between the presence of these pathogens and clinical signs of pneumonia, lung consolidation, or average daily gain.AnimalsCross‐sectional study using a convenience sample of 95 preweaned dairy calves from 11 dairy herds.MethodsAt enrollment, calves were weighed, clinically examined, swabbed (nasal and nasopharyngeal), and lung ultrasonography was performed. One month later, all calves were reweighed.ResultsTwenty‐two calves had clinicalBRDand 49 had ultrasonographic evidence of lung consolidation.Pasteurella multocida,Mannheimia haemolytica, andHistophilus somniwere isolated in 54, 17, and 12 calves, respectively.Mycoplasma boviswas identified byPCRtesting or culture in 19 calves, and 78 calves were found to be positive forMycoplasmaspp. Bovine coronavirus was detected in 38 calves and bovine respiratory syncytial virus in 1. Only the presence ofM. boviswas associated with higher odds of clinical signs, lung consolidation, and lower average daily gain.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceResults suggested that nasopharyngeal carriage ofM. boviswas detrimental to health and growth of dairy calves in small herds with a high incidence ofBRD.
A core of three amino acids at the carboxyl‐terminal region of glutamine synthetase defines its regulation in cyanobacteria
Authors: Saelices Lorena , Robles‐Rengel Rocío , Florencio Francisco J. , Muro‐Pastor M. Isabel 
Published: January 2015

SummaryGlutamine synthetase (GS) type I is a key enzyme in nitrogen metabolism, and its activity is finely controlled by cellular carbon/nitrogen balance. In cyanobacteria, a reversible process that involves protein–protein interaction with two proteins, the inactivating factors IF7 and IF17, regulates GS. Previously, we showed that three arginine residues of IFs are critical for binding and inhibition of GS. In this work, taking advantage of the specificity of GS/IFs interaction in the model cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, we have constructed a different chimeric GSs from these two cyanobacteria. Analysis of these proteins, together with a site‐directed mutagenesis approach, indicates that a core of three residues (E419, N456 and R459) is essential for the inactivation process. The three residues belong to the last 56 amino acids of the C‐terminus of Synechocystis GS. A protein–protein docking modeling of Synechocystis GS in complex with IF7 supports the role of the identified core for GS/IF interaction.
Delirium assessment in intensive care units: practices and perceptions of Turkish nurses
Authors: Özsaban Aysel , Acaroglu Rengin 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundAs delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is a serious problem that can result in increased mortality and morbidity, routine delirium assessment of all ICU patients is recommended. The severity, duration and outcome of the syndrome are directly related to nurses' continuous assessment of patients for signs and symptoms of delirium. However, studies indicate that very few nurses monitor for delirium as a part of their daily practices.AimThe aim of this study was to identify current practices and perceptions of intensive care nurses regarding delirium assessment and to examine the factors that affect these practices and perceptions.DesignA descriptive, correlational study design was used.MethodsData were collected from five Turkish public hospitals using a structured survey questionnaire. The study sample comprised 301 nurses who agreed to participate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsMore than half of the nurses performed delirium assessments. However, the proportion of nurses who use delirium assessment tools was quite low. Almost all of the nurses perceived delirium as a problem and serious problem for ICU patients. The patient group least monitored for delirium was that of unconscious patients. Statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of nurses who assessed delirium symptoms and whose care delivery system was patient‐centred and perceived delirium as a serious problem.ConclusionWhile a majority of ICU nurses perceived delirium as a problem and serious problem, the proportion of those who perform routine delirium assessments was less. It was found that delirium assessment practices of nurses were affected from their perceptions of delirium and the implementation of patient‐centred care delivery.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is essential to develop strategies to encourage ICU nurses to perform delirium assessments through the use of delirium assessment tools.
Inhibitory effects of extracellular self‐DNA: a general biological process?
Authors: Mazzoleni Stefano , Cartenì Fabrizio , Bonanomi Giuliano , Senatore Mauro , Termolino Pasquale , Giannino Francesco , Incerti Guido , Rietkerk Max , Lanzotti Virginia , Chiusano Maria Luisa 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Self‐inhibition of growth has been observed in different organisms, but an underlying common mechanism has not been proposed so far. Recently, extracellular DNA (exDNA) has been reported as species‐specific growth inhibitor in plants and proposed as an explanation of negative plant–soil feedback. In this work the effect of exDNA was tested on different species to assess the occurrence of such inhibition in organisms other than plants.

Bioassays were performed on six species of different taxonomic groups, including bacteria, fungi, algae, plants, protozoa and insects. Treatments consisted in the addition to the growth substrate of conspecific and heterologous DNA at different concentration levels.

Results showed that treatments with conspecific DNA always produced a concentration dependent growth inhibition, which instead was not observed in the case of heterologous DNA.

Reported evidence suggests the generality of the observed phenomenon which opens new perspectives in the context of self‐inhibition processes. Moreover, the existence of a general species‐specific biological effect of exDNA raises interesting questions on its possible involvement in self‐recognition mechanisms. Further investigation at molecular level will be required to unravel the specific functioning of the observed inhibitory effects.
Habermasian knowledge interests: epistemological implications for health sciences
Authors: Granero‐Molina José , Fernández‐Sola Cayetano , Muñoz Terrón José María , Aranda Torres Cayetano 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe Habermasian concept of ‘interest’ has had a profound effect on the characterization of scientific disciplines. Going beyond issues unrelated to the theory itself, intra‐theoretical interest characterizes the specific ways of approaching any science‐related discipline, defining research topics and methodologies. This approach was developed by Jürgen Habermas in relation to empirical–analytical sciences, historical–hermeneutics sciences, and critical sciences; however, he did not make any specific references to health sciences. This article aims to contribute to shaping a general epistemological framework for health sciences, as well as its specific implications for the medical and nursing areas, via an analysis of the basic knowledge interests developed by Habermas.
Survey of UV Emissions from Sunbeds in the UK
Authors: Khazova Marina , O'Hagan John B. , Robertson Stewart 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIncreased use of indoor tanning for cosmetic purposes has led to concerns for its impact on the risk of cutaneous cancers. The effects on UVR on skin depend on radiant dose, i.e. combination of irradiance and exposure duration. While a number of studies surveyed accessible emission from sunbeds, majority did not include the information on doses received during tanning sessions. Spectral irradiance of 195 sunbeds in five areas of the United Kingdom was measured in order to assess the radiant doses for comparison with the SED. Erythema weighted irradiance of more than 85% of all tested solaria exceeded 0.3 W m−2, consistent with the findings of other studies. However, evaluation of radiant doses showed no evidence of increasing exposure per session in the United Kingdom in the last decade despite the increasing sunbed emission levels. Use of sunbeds for cosmetic purposes should be discouraged, with effective enforcement of the ban on under‐18 use, strict control on tanning duration and promotion of information on health risks of sunbed use. Such an integrated approach on safe equipment, safe use, and information should reduce the risk of detrimental impact of sunbed use on public health.
Overgrowth and killing of corals by the brown alga Lobophora hederacea (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) on healthy reefs in New Caledonia: A new case of the epizoism syndrome
Authors: Vieira Christophe , Payri Claude , De Clerck Olivier 
Published: January 2015

SummaryCoral reef degradation is often associated with regime shifts from coral‐ to macroalgal‐dominated reefs. These shifts demonstrate that under certain conditions (e.g. coral mortality, decrease in herbivory, increased nutrients supply) some macroalgae may overgrow corals. The outcome of the competition is dependent on algal aggressiveness and the coral susceptibility. In undisturbed reefs, herbivore grazing is regulating macroalgal cover, thus preventing the latter from overgrowing corals. However, some macroalgae have evolved strategies not only to outcompete corals but also to escape herbivory to some extent, allowing overgrowth of some coral species in undisturbed reefs. Epizoism represents one of those successful strategies, and has been previously documented with red algae, cyanobacteria and Lobophora variegata (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae). Here we report a new case of epizoism leading to coral mortality, involving a recently described species of Lobophora, L. hederacea, overgrowing the coral Seriatopora caliendrum (Pocilloporidae) in undisturbed reefs in New Caledonia.
Internal architecture of a till sheet, Tiskilwa Formation, north‐central Illinois, USA: Application of architectural element analysis
Authors: Slomka Jessica M. , Eyles Carolyn H. , Mulligan Riley P. M. , Mckay Edward Donald , Berg Richard C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThick till sheets deposited during the Quaternary form significant aquitards in many areas of North America. However, the detailed sedimentary heterogeneity and architecture and depositional history of till units are not well understood. This study utilizes architectural element analysis to delineate the internal sedimentary architecture of the Tiskilwa Formation exposed at two outcrop sections in north‐central Illinois, USA. Architectural element analysis facilitates systematic delineation of sedimentary architecture based on the nature of facies contacts and change in facies associations, delineation of unit geometries and understanding of depositional processes at different scales of resolution; making architectural element analysis suitable for the sedimentological analysis and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of subglacial deposits. Eleven facies types are identified in this study, including sand, gravel and diamict facies that record a suite of subglacial depositional processes. Detailed analysis of facies contacts (bounding surface hierarchy) and change in facies associations allows the delineation of five architectural elements, including coarse‐grained lens, coarse‐grained sheet, mixed zone, diamict lens and diamict sheet elements. The spatial arrangement and genetic interpretation of elements, and their spatial relationship with fifth‐order bounding surfaces, allows the delineation of five larger scale architectural units (‘element associations’), which can be mapped in the local study area and record at least three stacked successions of meltwater accumulation and till deposition. The results of this study can be utilized for architectural analysis of till sheets and provide insight to groundwater flow pathways through till in the study area and elsewhere.