bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Antimicrobial Pullulan‐Based Coating to Improve Internal Quality and Shelf‐Life of Chicken Eggs During Storage
Authors: Morsy Mohamed K. , Sharoba Ashraf M. , Khalaf Hassan H. , El‐Tanahy Hassan H. , Cutter Catherine N. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThere has been a growing interest in the use of natural materials as a delivery mechanism for antimicrobials and coatings in foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pullulan coatings to improve internal quality and shelf‐life of fresh eggs during 10 wk of storage at 25 and 4 °C. Three treatments of eggs were evaluated as follows; non‐coated (control; C), coated with pullulan (P), and coated with pullulan containing nisin (N). The effects of the pullulan coatings on microbiological qualities, physical properties, and freshness parameters were investigated and compared with non‐coated eggs. For non‐coated eggs, as storage time increased, yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh unit value decreased and weight loss increased. However, pullulan coatings (P or N) minimized weight loss (<1.5%) and preserved the albumen and yolk quality of eggs (with a final B grade) 3 wk longer than non‐coated eggs at 25 °C. At 4 °C, both P‐ and N‐coated eggs went from AA to A grade after 9 wk and maintained the grade for 10 wk (4 wk longer than that of non‐coated eggs). This study is the first to demonstrate that pullulan coatings can preserve the internal quality, prolong the shelf‐life, and minimize weight loss of fresh eggs.
Comparing methods to separate components of beta diversity
Authors: Baselga Andrés , Leprieur Fabien 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Two alternative frameworks have been proposed to partition compositional dissimilarity into replacement and nestedness‐resultant component or into replacement and richness‐difference components. These are, respectively, the BAS (Baselga 2010, Global Ecology and Biogeography, 19, 134–143) and POD (Podani & Schmera . Oikos, 120, 1625–1638) frameworks.

We conduct a systematic comparison of parallel components in alternative approaches. We test whether the replacement components derived from the BAS and POD frameworks are independent of richness difference. We also evaluate whether previously reported tests of monotonicity between indices and ecological processes are informative to assess the performance of indices. Finally, we illustrate the consequences of differences between the BAS and POD frameworks using the North American freshwater fish fauna as an empirical example.

In the BAS framework, the nestedness‐resultant component (βjne or βsne) accounts only for richness differences derived from nested patterns while, in the POD framework, richness‐difference dissimilarity (βrich or βrich.s) accounts for all kind of richness differences. Likewise, the replacement components of both alternative methods account for different concepts. Only the replacement component of the BAS framework (βjtu or βsim) is independent of richness difference, while the parallel component in the POD framework (β−3 or β−3.s) is not (i.e. it is mathematically constrained by richness difference).

Therefore, only the BAS framework allows separating (i) the variation in species composition derived from species replacement which is independent of richness difference (i.e. not mathematically constrained by it) and (ii) the variation in species composition derived from nested patterns.
Effects of Ethanol Exposure In Utero on Cajal–Retzius Cells in the Developing Cortex
Authors: Skorput Alexander G. J , Yeh Hermes H. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to ethanol exerts teratogenic effects on the developing brain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to ethanol in utero alters the disposition of Cajal–Retzius cells that play a key role in orchestrating proliferation, migration, and laminar integration of cortical neurons in the embryonic cortex.MethodsPregnant Ebf2‐EGFP mice, harboring EGFP‐fluorescent Cajal–Retzius cells, were subjected to a 2% w/w ethanol consumption regimen starting at neural tube closure and lasting throughout gestation. Genesis of Cajal–Retzius cells was assessed by means of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunofluorescence at embryonic day 12.5, their counts and distribution were determined between postnatal day (P)0 and P4, patch clamp electrophysiology was performed between P2 and P3 to analyze GABA‐mediated synaptic activity, and open‐field behavioral testing was conducted in P45‐P50 adolescents.ResultsIn Ebf2‐EGFP embryos exposed to ethanol in utero, we found increased BrdU labeling and expanded distribution of Cajal–Retzius cells in the cortical hem, pointing to increased genesis and proliferation. Postnatally, we found an increase in Cajal–Retzius cell number in cortical layer I. In addition, they displayed altered patterning of spontaneous GABA‐mediated synaptic barrages and enhanced GABA‐mediated synaptic activity, suggesting enhanced GABAergic tone.ConclusionsThese findings, together, underscore that Cajal–Retzius cells contribute to the ethanol‐induced aberration of cortical development and abnormal GABAergic neurotransmission at the impactful time when intracortical circuits form.
Abstinence and relapse among smokers who use varenicline in a quit attempt—a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Agboola Shade A. , Coleman Tim , McNeill Ann , Leonardi‐Bee Jo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and aimsVarenicline increases the likelihood of long‐term abstinence following a quit attempt. It has been suggested that (1) part of its benefit arises from ‘recruiting into abstinence’ smokers who are not able to stop on the target quit date and (2) there may be a higher rate of relapse after treatment. This study addressed these issues.MethodsMeta‐analyses of data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of varenicline identified from the 2012 Cochrane review of nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation were used to compare the abstinence and relapse patterns on active drug and placebo. Studies of varenicline compared with placebo in adult daily smokers with longest follow‐up at either 6 or 12 months and with at least three follow‐ups in the first month were included. Biochemically verified abstinence rates at each of six follow‐up time‐points (2, 3, 4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks) were pooled for studies reporting point prevalence abstinence. Biochemically verified abstinence rates at three follow‐up time‐periods (9–12 weeks, 9–24 weeks and 9–52 weeks) were pooled for studies reporting continuous abstinence. Random effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsNineteen RCTs were included. In varenicline‐treated participants, point‐prevalence abstinence increased by 22 percentage points from week 2 [32%: 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25–40%] to week 12 (54%: 95% CI = 48–61%). The increase was 8 percentage points in the placebo group: 16% (95% CI = 11–21%) to 24% (95% CI = 17–33%). In varenicline‐treated participants the relapse from weeks 9–12 to week 52 was 55%: 49% abstinent in weeks 9–12 (95% CI = 45–53%) versus 22% at week 52 (95% CI = 19–25%). In placebo‐treated participants it was 53%: 17% (95% CI = 13–25%) in weeks 9–12 versus 8% (95% CI = 6–12%) at week 52.ConclusionsVarenicline recruits smokers into abstinence following the target quit date to a greater extent than placebo. Relapse rates from end of treatment to 52 weeks are similar in varenicline‐ and placebo‐treated smokers.
The Role of C5a Receptor Signaling in Endotoxin‐Induced Miscarriage and Preterm Birth
Authors: Denny Kerina J. , Coulthard Liam G. , Mantovani Susanna , Simmons David , Taylor Stephen M. , Woodruff Trent M. 
Published: April 2015

ProblemComplement factor 5a (C5a), a potent pro‐inflammatory mediator of the complement system, has been implicated in fetal rejection throughout gestation, from miscarriage to preterm birth. This study aimed to investigate the role of the principal C5a receptor, C5aR1 (CD88), in both miscarriage and preterm birth, in a bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) murine model.Method of studyWild‐type and C5ar1 knockout mice were administered LPS at 9.5 or 15.5 days post‐conception to induce miscarriage or preterm birth, respectively.ResultsC5ar1 knockout mice were protected against miscarriage in response to administration of LPS in early gestation. However, the absence of C5aR1 had no effect on the rates of preterm birth when LPS was administered in late gestation.ConclusionThere may be a gestational window in which excessive activation of C5a can exert deleterious effects in pregnancy. Future strategies targeting the C5a‐C5aR1 signaling axis should be considered to ameliorate miscarriages in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.
CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ Monocytes in Peripheral Blood are Quantitatively Correlated with the Severity of Pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Tang Mao‐Xing , Zhang Yong‐Hong , Hu Lian , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Liao Ai‐Hua 
Published: April 2015

ProblemWe aim to investigate the proportion and absolute counts of peripheral blood monocyte subsets in women with normal pregnancy (NP) and pre‐eclampsia (PE), and their correlation with the clinical manifestation and severity of PE.Method of studyPeripheral blood was obtained from women with NP (n = 30), mild PE (MPE, n = 15) and severe PE (SPE, n = 30). The proportion and absolute counts of CD16+ monocytes and the subsets including intermediate (CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+) and non‐classical (CD14+CD16++HLA‐DR+) monocytes were determined by flow cytometric analysis.ResultsWomen with MPE and SPE had significantly increased absolute count of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocyte subsets (P < 0.01 each) as compared to NP women. In addition, there were significant differences in the absolute count of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocyte subsets between MPE and SPE groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocyte subsets was significantly increased in SPE compared to MPE and NP (P < 0.01 each). The absolute count (r = 0.332, P < 0.05) and proportion (r = 0.447, P < 0.01) of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocytes were positively correlated with the severity of PE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed that the absolute count of CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocytes was a potential marker for PE (P < 0.01).ConclusionA preferential increase in peripheral blood CD14++CD16+HLA‐DR+ monocytes is quantitatively correlated with clinical manifestation of PE.
A Tale of Two Anomalies: Higher Returns of Low‐Risk Stocks and Return Seasonality
Authors: Fiore Christopher , Saha Atanu 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPrior studies have shown that low beta and low volatility stocks earn higher average returns than high beta and high volatility stocks, contradicting the prediction of the capital asset pricing model and the fundamental relationship between risk and return. In this paper, we demonstrate that this phenomenon is driven by the seasonality of stock returns. We show that the risk‐return tradeoff does hold in the nonsummer months, and that switching to a portfolio of low‐risk stocks in summer outperforms—both in terms of absolute and in risk‐adjusted returns—buy and hold strategies as well as the Sell in May strategy of switching to treasury bills in summer.
Mobile technology and forgotten consumers: the young‐elderly
Authors: Nikou Shahrokh 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe advancement in mobile technology and the increasing number of aging people have given rise to a need for better understanding on how mobile (smart) phones can be used to the advantage of the aging populations. The benefits of mobile technology and its merits to individuals have been phenomenal while young‐elderly (aged 60–75), an important segment of the society, are lagging behind in using mobile technology and specifically using mobile health and wellness applications. Through a systematic literature review, this study examines our current understanding of the adoption of mobile health and wellness applications by young‐elderly and highlights factors which may influence the adoption decision of this age group. The review shows that due to specific physical and functional challenges of this group, mere focus on traditional technology adoption and acceptance models provides necessary, but not sufficient insights into the dynamics of the mobile technology adoption. More specifically, the review results suggest that other relevant determinants such as sociological and psychological factors in addition to the aging‐specific characteristics provide the means to better understand the dynamics of mobile technology adoption by the young‐elderly. Based on the results obtained from the review of literature and other relevant studies, this study suggests a conceptual framework to be applied in the young‐elderly studies.
Youth physical activity self‐efficacy: a concept analysis
Authors: Voskuil Vicki R. , Robbins Lorraine B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimTo report an analysis of the concept of youth physical activity self‐efficacy.BackgroundPhysical activity self‐efficacy is a concept that has been frequently examined as a key variable in research aimed at increasing physical activity among youth. Different conceptual definitions and empirical measures indicate the need for concept analysis to advance knowledge of the concept.DesignRodger's evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to collect and analyse the data. Social cognitive theory guided the analysis.Data sourcesThe PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychInfo, Educational Resources Information Center and Sociological Abstracts databases were searched for publications from 1990–2013. Search terms included self‐efficacy, physical activity, youth, children, adolescent and teen.Review methodsA total of 276 articles were identified. Fifty‐five articles meeting inclusion criteria were included in the review. Data were analysed with particular focus on the attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept.ResultsDefining attributes of physical activity self‐efficacy were identified as personal cognition/perception, self‐appraisal process, related action, power to choose physical activity, dynamic state and bi‐dimensional nature. Antecedents and consequences were consistent with social cognitive theory. Youth physical activity self‐efficacy is defined as a youth's belief in his/her capability to participate in physical activity and to choose physical activity despite existing barriers.ConclusionsThis concept analysis provided an in‐depth analysis and clarification of youth physical activity self‐efficacy. Future research should be aimed at establishing consistency in conceptual definitions and empirical measurement to further develop the concept across disciplines.
Understanding Sources of Knowledge for Coaches of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: MacDonald Dany J. , Beck Katie , Erickson Karl , Côté Jean 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundRecent research has investigated development of coaching knowledge; however, less research has investigated the development of coaches who coach athletes with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this study was to understand how coaches of athletes with intellectual disabilities gain their knowledge.MethodForty‐five Special Olympics Canada coaches participated in structured telephone interviews investigating actual and ideal sources of coaching knowledge. Coaching knowledge was categorized across the dimensions of competition, organization and training.ResultsCoaches primarily learned by doing and by consulting with coaching peers. Information about ideal sources of coaching knowledge demonstrates that coaches would value structured coaching courses, learning from mentors and from administrative support, in addition to learning on their own and from peers.DiscussionResults suggest that a broader approach to education should be incorporated into coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities. Recommendations for achieving such goals are provided.
Health and Economic Outcomes Associated with Use of an Antimicrobial Envelope as a Standard of Care for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation
Authors: SHARIFF NASIR , EBY ELIZABETH , ADELSTEIN EVAN , JAIN SANDEEP , SHALABY ALAA , SABA SAMIR , WANG NORMAN C. , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID 
Published: April 2015

Outcomes with Routine Use of Antimicrobial EnvelopeIntroductionInfection of cardiac implanted electrical devices (CIED) is a problem. In selected patients, use of an “antibacterial envelope” (AIGISRx®) is associated with low CIED infection rates. The value of this device when used as a standard of care is unclear.Methods and ResultsRetrospective analysis of all patients (N = 1,476) who underwent CIED implantation at a single hospital. During the study period, some implanters used the AIGISRx as a standard of care (Yes‐AIGISRx Group, N = 365), whereas others did not use it at all (No‐AIGISRx Group, N = 1,111). A risk score based on preoperative factors was calculated for each patient. Rates of CIED infection within 6 months were measured, and associated costs were estimated. The Yes‐AIGISRx and No‐AIGISRx groups had similar preoperative infection risk. In the No‐AIGISRx group, 19 infections were observed (1.7%), versus 0 in the Yes‐AIGISRx group (P = 0.006). The 6‐month mortality rate among patients with infection was significantly greater than among those without infection (15.7% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.021). The average hospital duration for infection care was 13 days. By extrapolating the infection rate and costs observed in the No‐AIGISRx group to the Yes‐AIGISRx group, we estimated that there would have been 6.2 additional infections costing approximately $340,000. This cost was similar to the actual cost of the devices in the Yes‐AIGISRx group, estimated at $320,000.ConclusionsStandard of care use of an antibacterial envelope as a standard of care was associated with a significantly lower rate of CIED infection, and appeared to be economically reasonable. Prospective trials to address these findings may be worthwhile.
Peritumoral dermis of squamous cell carcinomas in renal transplant recipients contains less CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells and FoxP3+ T cells compared to immunocompetent controls
Authors: Sandvik L.F. , Skarstein K. , Krynitz B. , Volchenkov R. , Sviland L. , Leivestad T. , Jonsson R. , Appel S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundRenal transplant recipients (RTR) have an increased risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). These SCC are often more aggressive than SCC in immunocompetent individuals.ObjectivesIn this comparative study, we analysed the cell composition in the tissue immediately surrounding invasive SCC in immunosuppressed RTR and immunocompetent controls in an effort to further elucidate the role of the local immune system.MethodsMorphology and quantity of various dendritic cell (DC) subsets, macrophages and FoxP3+ T cells were analysed by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsThe number of CD11c+ myeloid DC and FoxP3+ T cells was significantly reduced in RTR, whereas the number of plasmacytoid DC, Langerhans cells and macrophages was similar in RTR and controls.ConclusionsA reduction in CD11c+ mDC in peritumoral dermis in RTR might contribute to impaired immunosurveillance thus giving rise to an increased risk to develop aggressive SCC in these patients.
Investigating Stakeholder Attitudes and Opinions on School‐Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Programs
Authors: Nodulman Jessica A. , Starling Randall , Kong Alberta S. , Buller David B. , Wheeler Cosette M. , Woodall W. Gill 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDIn several countries worldwide, school‐based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs have been successful; however, little research has explored US stakeholders' acceptance toward school‐based HPV vaccination programs.METHODSA total of 13 focus groups and 12 key informant interviews (N = 117; 85% females; 66% racial/ethnic minority) were conducted with 5 groups of stakeholders: parents of adolescent girls, parents of adolescent boys, adolescent girls, middle school nurses, and middle school administrators throughout the 5 public health regions of New Mexico.RESULTSAll groups of stakeholders lacked knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccines. Stakeholders were interested in—but apprehensive about—the benefits of HPV vaccination. Despite previous literature showing the benefits of using middle schools as an HPV vaccination site, stakeholders did not deem middle schools as a viable site for vaccination. Nurses reported that using the school as an HPV vaccination site had not occurred to them; parents and adolescents stated they were uncertain about using this type of program. School administrators indicated that they lacked implementation authority.CONCLUSIONSOur study uncovered barriers to using middle schools as a site of HPV vaccination. Resources should be directed toward increased support and education for middle school nurses who function as opinion leaders relevant to the uptake of HPV vaccination.
Generalized Morality, Institutions and Economic Growth, and the Intermediating Role of Generalized Trust
Authors: James Harvey S. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryGeneralized morality reflects ethical norms in society about the inappropriateness of behaviors that can cause harm to others. Generalized morality may be an important factor affecting the economic performance of countries. An indicator of generalized morality is constructed from data from the World Values Survey. One question examined is whether generalized morality is correlated with economic growth rates in per capita GDP across a sample of countries, controlling for institutions and other factors expected to affect economic performance. A second question examined is whether the path by which generalized morality affects growth is direct or indirect through generalized trust. The findings reveal that generalized morality is moderately correlated with economic growth, but its effect appears to be manifested through generalized trust when economic institutions are weak.
Rikkunshito induces gastric relaxation via the β‐adrenergic pathway in Suncus murinus
Authors: Mondal A. , Takehara A. , Aizawa S. , Tanaka T. , Fujitsuka N. , Hattori T. , Sakai T. , Sakata I. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundRikkunshito (RKT) is a gastroprotective herbal medicine. In this study, we investigated the role of RKT in the relaxation of the gastric body (fundus and corpus) and antrum.MethodsWe used Suncus murinus, a unique small model animal with similar gastrointestinal motility to humans and dogs. RKT was added at 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/mL to induce relaxation in vitro; the outcome measure was the intensity of relaxation. The number of spontaneous antral contractions in the absence or the presence of RKT was also counted.Key ResultsRikkunshito induced the relaxation of the gastric body and antrum and decreased the number of spontaneous antral contractions in a dose‐dependent manner. The responses to RKT (1.0 mg/mL) were not affected by pretreatment with atropine, N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, ritanserin, or ondansetron. On the other hand, timolol almost completely reversed the relaxation induced by RKT (1.0 mg/mL) on the gastric body and antrum and the occurrence of the spontaneous antral contractions. Both butoxamine, a β2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, and L 748337, a β3‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, but not CGP 20712, a β1‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, significantly reversed the RKT‐induced (1.0 mg/mL) gastric relaxation.Conclusions & InferencesThese results indicate that RKT stimulates and modulates gastric relaxation through β2‐ and β3‐adrenergic, but not β1‐adrenergic, pathways in S. murinus.