bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of epigenetics in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: SAKAO SEIICHIRO , TATSUMI KOICHIRO 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIt is generally accepted that genetic predisposition plays a role in COPD development in susceptible individuals. Therefore, many candidate genes that could be linked to the development of disease have been examined in COPD. However, inconsistent results in different study populations often limit this approach, suggesting that not only genetics, but also other factors, may be contributed to the susceptibility to COPD. Epigenetic mechanisms can affect the transcriptional activity of specific genes, at different points in time, and in different organs. Moreover, these mechanisms can have an effect on people's health. Recently, there is emerging evidence supporting a role of epigenetics for the regulation of inflammatory genes in diseases such as asthma and COPD. Moreover, recent studies suggest that the currently used treatments including corticosteroids may work through epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic regulation can be reprogrammed, potentially affecting the risk, aetiology and treatment of various disease states. The epigenetically influenced phenotype could be reversed with demethylating or deacetylating agents, consistent with epigenetic plasticity. The postnatal reversibility of these methylation or acetylation events may therefore provide good opportunities for intervention.The recognition of the role of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the development of COPD may identify novel targets that hatch new therapies for patients with COPD.
Relationship between aggression, interpersonal style, and therapeutic alliance during short‐term psychiatric hospitalization
Authors: Cookson Amy , Daffern Michael , Foley Fiona 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTAggression during psychiatric hospitalization is frequent, problematic, and a major challenge for nurses and mental health services more generally. The strength of the therapeutic alliance between nursing staff and patients has been posited as an important protective factor that can limit the likelihood of aggression. This study examined the relationship between interpersonal style, perceived coercion, and psychiatric symptoms on the therapeutic alliance between patients and staff, and how each, in turn, is related to aggression. Participants in this study were 79 patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital. Each participant was interviewed to determine perceived coercion, symptoms of psychiatric illness, interpersonal style, and therapeutic alliance. Incidents of aggression were recorded at discharge through a review of incident forms, file review, and interviews with unit nursing staff. The results showed that a hostile–dominant interpersonal style and symptoms of paranoia predicted poor therapeutic alliance, contributing 14% of the variance in therapeutic alliance scores. A dominant interpersonal style predicted aggression towards staff. Therapeutic alliance, perceived coercion, and symptoms of psychiatric illness did not predict aggression. Implications for engagement in treatment and the prevention of aggression are discussed.
An exploratory study of drinkers views of health information and warning labels on alcohol containers
Authors: THOMSON LISA M. , VANDENBERG BRIAN , FITZGERALD JOHN L. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. To identify general and specific features of health information warning labels on alcohol beverage containers that could potentially inform the development and implementation of a new labelling regime in Australia.Design and Methods. Mixed methods, including a cross‐sectional population survey and a qualitative study of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding alcohol beverage labelling. The population survey used computer‐assisted telephone interviews of 1500 persons in Victoria, Australia to gauge the level of support for health information and warning labels. The qualitative study used six focus groups to test the suitability of 12 prototype labels that were placed in situ on a variety of alcohol beverage containers.Results. The telephone survey found 80% to 90% support for a range of information that could potentially be mandated by government authorities for inclusion on labels (nutritional information, alcohol content, health warning, images). Focus group testing of the prototype label designs found that labels should be integrated with other alcohol‐related health messages, such as government social advertising campaigns, and specific labels should be matched appropriately to specific consumer groups and beverage types.Discussion and Conclusion. There are high levels of public support for health information and warning labels on alcohol beverages. This study contributes much needed empirical guidance for developing alcohol beverage labelling strategies in an Australian context.[Thomson LM, Vandenberg B, Fitzgerald JL. An exploratory study of drinkers views of health information and warning labels on alcohol containers. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:240–247]
Legal Justification by Optimal Coherence*
Authors: AMAYA AMALIA 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the concept of coherence and its role in legal reasoning. First, it identifies some problem areas confronting coherence theories of legal reasoning about both disputed questions of fact and disputed questions of law. Second, with a view to solving these problems, it proposes a coherence model of legal reasoning. The main tenet of this coherence model is that a belief about the law and the facts under dispute is justified if it is “optimally coherent,” that is, if it is such that an epistemically responsible legal decision‐maker would have accepted it as justified by virtue of its coherence in like circumstances. Last, looking beyond the coherence theory, the paper explores the implications of the version of legal coherentism proposed for a general theory of legal reasoning and rationality.
Evidence concerning the Relationship between Health and Retirement
Authors: Martin John , Doran Ann 
Published: August 2011

Survey data concerning the incidence of serious illness before and after retirement are analysed in two ways, (i) by comparison of groups of retired men with groups of men in the last ten years of their working lives; (ii) by examining and comparing the trends over time before and after retirement. Whereas the first method would lead to a conclusion that there is no difference between retired and working men, the second method shows a distinct drop in the incidence of serious illness in the two years following retirement and a slower rate of increase thereafter. It is concluded that retirement is associated with a substantial lowering in the incidence of serious illness.
Major but differential decline in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in HIV‐infected individuals from 1995 to 2007: a nationwide cohort study*
Authors: Larsen MV , Harboe ZB , Ladelund S , Skov R , Gerstoft J , Pedersen C , Larsen CS , Obel N , Kronborg G , Benfield T 
Published: August 2011

ObjectivesIncidence rates (IRs) of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) are known to be higher in HIV‐infected individuals than in the general population, but have not been assessed in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.MethodsFrom 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2007, all Danish HIV‐infected individuals (n=4871) and population controls (n=92 116) matched on age and sex were enrolled in a cohort and all cases of SAB were registered. IRs and risk factors were estimated using time‐updated Poisson regression analysis.ResultsWe identified 329 cases of SAB in 284 individuals, of whom 132 individuals were infected with HIV and 152 were not [crude IR ratio (IRR) 24.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 19.5–30.0, for HIV‐infected vs. non‐HIV‐infected individuals]. Over time, IR declined for HIV‐infected individuals (IRR 0.40). Injecting drug users (IDUs) had the highest incidence and the smallest decline in IR, while men who have sex with men (MSM) had the largest decline over time. Among HIV‐infected individuals, a latest CD4 count <100 cells/μL was the strongest independent predictor of SAB (IRR 10.2). Additionally, HIV transmission group was associated with risk of SAB. MSM were more likely to have hospital‐acquired SAB, a low CD4 cell count and AIDS at the time of HIV acquisition compared with IDUs.ConclusionsWe found that the incidence of SAB among HIV‐infected individuals declined during the study period, but remained higher than that among HIV‐uninfected individuals. There was an unevenly distributed burden of SAB among HIV transmission groups (IDU>MSM). Low CD4 cell count and IDU were strong predictors of SAB among HIV‐infected individuals.
Trees and shrubs as invasive alien species – a global review
Authors: Richardson David M. , Rejmánek Marcel 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim  Woody plants were not widely considered to be important invasive alien species until fairly recently. Thousands of species of trees and shrubs have, however, been moved around the world. Many species have spread from planting sites, and some are now among the most widespread and damaging of invasive organisms. This article presents a global list of invasive alien trees and shrubs. It discusses taxonomic biases, geographical patterns, modes of dispersal, reasons for introductions and key issues regarding invasions of non‐native woody plants around the world.Location  Global.Methods  An exhaustive survey was made of regional and national databases and the literature. Correspondence with botanists and ecologists and our own observations in many parts of the world expanded the list. Presence of invasive species was determined for each of 15 broad geographical regions. The main reasons for introduction and dissemination were determined for each species.Results  The list comprises 622 species (357 trees, 265 shrubs in 29 plant orders, 78 families, 286 genera). Regions with the largest number of woody invasive alien species are: Australia (183); southern Africa (170); North America (163); Pacific Islands (147); and New Zealand (107). Species introduced for horticulture dominated the list (62% of species: 196 trees and 187 shrubs). The next most important reasons for introduction and dissemination were forestry (13%), food (10%) and agroforestry (7%). Three hundred and twenty‐three species (52%) are currently known to be invasive in only one region, and another 126 (20%) occur in only two regions. Only 38 species (6%) are very widespread (invasive in six or more regions). Over 40% of invasive tree species and over 60% of invasive shrub species are bird dispersed.Main conclusions  Only between 0.5% and 0.7% of the world’s tree and shrub species are currently invasive outside their natural range, but woody plant invasions are rapidly increasing in importance around the world. The objectively compiled list of invasive species presented here provides a snapshot of the current dimensions of the phenomenon and will be useful for screening new introductions for invasive potential.
National‐scale strategic approaches for managing introduced plants: insights from Australian acacias in South Africa
Authors: van Wilgen Brian W. , Dyer Colin , Hoffmann John H. , Ivey Philip , Le Maitre David C. , Moore Joslin L. , Richardson David M. , Rouget Mathieu , Wannenburgh Andrew , Wilson John R. U. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim  A range of approaches and philosophies underpin national‐level strategies for managing invasive alien plants. This study presents a strategy for the management of taxa that both have value and do harm.Location  South Africa.Methods  Insights were derived from examining Australian Acacia species in South Africa (c. 70 species introduced, mostly > 150 years ago; some have commercial and other values; 14 species are invasive, causing substantial ecological and economic damage). We consider options for combining available tactics and management practices. We defined (1) categories of species based on invaded area (a surrogate for impact) and the value of benefits generated and (2) management regions based on habitat suitability and degree of invasion. For each category and region, we identified strategic goals and proposed the combinations of management practices to move the system in the desired direction.Results  We identified six strategic goals that in combination would apply to eight species categories. We further identified 14 management practices that could be strategically combined to achieve these goals for each category in five discrete regions. When used in appropriate combinations, the prospect of achieving the strategic goal will be maximized. As the outcomes of management cannot be accurately predicted, management must be adaptive, requiring continuous monitoring and assessment, and realignment of goals if necessary.Main conclusions  Invasive Australian Acacia species in South Africa continue to spread and cause undesirable impacts, despite a considerable investment into management. This is because the various practices have historically been uncoordinated in what can be best described as a strategy of hope. Our proposed strategy offers the best possible chance of achieving goals, and it is the first to address invasive alien species that have both positive value and negative impacts.
Ecophysiological traits associated with the competitive ability of invasive Australian acacias
Authors: Morris Taryn L. , Esler Karen J. , Barger Nichole N. , Jacobs Shayne M. , Cramer Michael D. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim  We explored morphological and ecophysiological traits that enable invasive Australian acacias to compete with native species for resources (light, water and nutrients) necessary to support the substantial growth associated with successful invasions.Location  Global.Results  Invasive Australian acacias grow large and seed prolifically in invaded regions. The greater capacity for vegetative growth is underpinned by their ability to acquire and efficiently use resources in non‐native habitats. Key biological traits that enhance acquisition include (1) rapid and substantial allocation to root mass (up to 6‐fold more than co‐occurring native species) directed towards deep roots (at least 50% longer than those of natives) and to extensive shallow root networks; (2) heteroblasty, in most species, conferring high relative growth rates as bipinnate seedlings but long‐lived, nutrient‐conserving phyllodes as adults and (3) strong N2‐fixation abilities.Main conclusions  The ecophysiological traits that govern the competitive interaction of invasive Australian acacias with native species are an important component of the recognized suite of factors including introduction history, human use and enemy release that combine to produce successful invasions. Traits interact to give Australian acacias competitive advantage over many native species. One such interaction is that of N2 fixation, which when coupled with slow decomposition of sclerophyllous phyllodes results in alteration of soil nutrient cycling. The lasting legacy of soil N‐enrichment hinders the competitive ability of native species and further enhances invasions. The importance of edaphic factors and competitive interactions in determining invasive success should be considered in predictive modelling of species distributions.
Macroecology meets invasion ecology: linking the native distributions of Australian acacias to invasiveness
Authors: Hui Cang , Richardson David M. , Robertson Mark P. , Wilson John R. U. , Yates Colin J. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim Species’ native ranges reflect the net outcome of interactions between life‐history strategies and biotic and abiotic influences over evolutionary time‐scales. Differences in native ranges might be indicative both of relative historical performance and adaptability to new conditions. Consequently, the native ranges of successful invaders might have distinctive biogeographical characteristics. We test this hypothesis by (1) quantifying macroecological patterns of the entire assemblage of native taxa inAcaciasubgenusPhyllodineaein Australia, (2) testing whether highly invasive taxa represent random samples from the patterns observed for the assemblage as a whole and (3) exploring the link between native geographical range and the position of species along the introduction‐naturalization‐invasion continuum.Location Australia and worldwide.Methods Three distributional metrics representing particular biogeographical characteristics of species’ native ranges – the logarithms of range size, percolation intercept and percolation exponent – were calculated by fitting a revised alpha hull to records from Australia’s Virtual Herbarium. Randomization and cascaded tests were used to compare these metrics for species at different stages of invasion.Results The macroecological patterns of the three distributional metrics displayed lognormal‐like frequency distributions. Most invasive species had significantly lower percolation exponents and larger native ranges than expected from random draws from the entire assemblage of Australian acacias, but percolation intercepts were not significantly different. This can be explained by a selection bias at the early stages of invasion.Main conclusions The outcome of the natural experiment of transplanting many Australian acacias into novel environments is not random. While invasive species have a particular macroecological pattern, this can be explained by the observation that species with large native ranges and low percolation exponents (i.e. high population increase rate) are most likely to have been introduced and naturalized. Whether this pattern is an artefact of human selection or reflects a human bias towards selecting invasive species remains to be seen.
Reproductive biology of Australian acacias: important mediator of invasiveness?
Authors: Gibson Michelle R. , Richardson David M. , Marchante Elizabete , Marchante Hélia , Rodger James G. , Stone Graham N. , Byrne Margaret , Fuentes‐Ramírez Andrés , George Nicholas , Harris Carla , Johnson Steven D. , Roux Johannes J. Le , Miller Joseph T. , Murphy Daniel J. , Pauw Anton , Prescott Matthew N. , Wandrag Elizabeth M. , Wilson John R. U. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim Reproductive traits are important mediators of establishment and spread of introduced species, both directly and through interactions with other life‐history traits and extrinsic factors. We identify features of the reproductive biology of Australian acacias associated with invasiveness.Location Global.Methods We reviewed the pollination biology, seed biology and alternative modes of reproduction of Australian acacias using primary literature, online searches and unpublished data. We used comparative analyses incorporating anAcaciaphylogeny to test for associations between invasiveness and eight reproductive traits in a group of introduced and invasive (23) and non‐invasive (129) species. We also explore the distribution of groups of trait ‘syndromes’ between invasive and non‐invasive species.Results Reproductive trait data were only available for 126 of 152 introduced species in our data set, representing 23/23 invasive and 103/129 non‐invasive species. These data suggest that invasives reach reproductive maturity earlier (10/13 within 2 years vs. 7/26 for non‐invasives) and are more commonly able to resprout (11/21 vs. 13/54), although only time to reproductive maturity was significant when phylogenetic relationships were controlled for. Our qualitative survey of the literature suggests that invasive species in general tend to have generalist pollination systems, prolific seed production, efficient seed dispersal and the accumulation of large and persistent seed banks that often have fire‐, heat‐ or disturbance‐triggered germination cues.Conclusions Invasive species respond quicker to disturbance than non‐invasive taxa. Traits found to be significant in our study require more in‐depth analysis involving data for a broader array of species given how little is known of the reproductive biology of so many taxa in this species‐rich genus. Sets of reproductive traits characteristic of invasive species and a general ability to reproduce effectively in new locations are widespread in Australian acacias. Unless there is substantial evidence to the contrary, care should be taken with all introductions.
Extracorporeal artificial liver support systems in the management of intractable cholestatic pruritus
Authors: Fuhrmann Valentin , Drolz Andreas , Trauner Michael 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPruritus can occur as a severe complication of cholestasis. Several hypotheses suggest an important role for the accumulation of bile acids, endogenous opioids and – mire recently – lysophosphatidic acid. Bile acid sequestrants are the first‐line therapeutic agents. In refractory cases, a stepwise approach using rifampicin, oral opiate antagonists and the selective serotonine reuptake inhibitor sertraline should be tested. Recent case series reported effective relief of pruritus using extracorporal liver support systems and plasmapheresis.
New insights into the management of hepato‐renal syndrome
Authors: Hasper Dietrich , Jörres Achim 
Published: August 2011

AbstractHepato‐renal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication in patients with advanced liver disease indicating a very poor prognosis. Nevertheless, effective treatment strategies have been introduced into clinical practice over the last decade. The combined treatment with terlipressin/albumin has been proven to be effective in most published studies and should be regarded as the standard of care. Norepinephrine or midodrine are possible alternatives when terlipressin is not available. Although there is presently not enough evidence to recommend extracorporeal liver support therapy as a standard procedure in patients with HRS, these concepts constitute promising options that need to be studied in prospective clinical trials.
An observational pilot study of CSF diversion in subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Amato Anthony , Britz Gavin W , James Michael L , Graffagnino Carmelo , Zomorodi Ali R , Zomorodi Margaret E , Olson DaiWai M 
Published: August 2011

Background: A primary focus of hospital treatment following admission for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a prevention of cerebral artery vasospasm, which may result in ischaemic stroke. Intraventricular catheter (IVC) insertion to facilitate cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drainage and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may reduce the incidence or severity of vasospasm, but insufficient evidence exists from which clinicians may determine the best practice of CSF management. Aims: The aim of this study was to provide the pilot data to explore the impact of different methods of CSF drainage on outcomes in patients with SAH. Methods: In this non‐randomized observational study, patients diagnosed with SAH who had ICP monitoring in situ were prospectively enrolled. Group assignment was determined by the method of external ventricular drainage (EVD) management prescribed by the attending physician prior to enrollment. Results: The 37 subjects were disproportionately divided: open‐EVD group (N = 24) and monitor‐ICP group (N = 13). There were no statistically significant differences by group assignment with respect to vasospasm, length of stay (LOS), highest average ICP, total CSF drained and disability upon discharge between groups. Conclusions: Although not significant, our results show that the monitor‐ICP group trended towards improved clinical outcomes. These results provide sufficient equipoise to support further research in ICP management in patients with SAH using a randomized clinical trial. Relevance to clinical practice: This study provides a solid foundation for the development of a randomized trial exploring two different methods of ICP monitoring and CSF diversion during the acute phase of care following aneurysm rupture.