bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Forest Disturbance on the Seasonal Foraging Ecology of a Critically Endangered African Primate
Authors: Bracebridge Claire E. , Davenport Tim R. , Marsden Stuart J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractForest loss and fragmentation threaten many primates globally, and often leads to a reduction in food resources. During a 22‐mo period, the foraging ecology of the critically endangered kipunjiRungwecebus kipunjiwas studied in the heterogeneousRungwe–Livingstone forests, southwestTanzania, to identify periods of possible ecological stress, fallback foods used by the species, and the impact of forest disturbance on feeding resources. The studied group had a wide diet and was predominantly frugivorous. Fruit consumption was driven by fruit availability which peaked during the wet season, and dipped during the driest months. During this period, two fallback foods: mature leaves and pith were widely consumed, withMacaranga capensisan essential fallback species.αdiversity and evenness of diet was remarkably similar across months, but there was highβdiversity in diets at the cusp of wet and dry seasons, and during periods of low fruit availability. This suggests considerable dietary adaptability to fluctuating resources, which may act to buffer against further forest disturbance. Tree species associated with relatively undisturbed forest were significantly more important in the diet, especially in the dry season, than those of disturbed forests. Regeneration of key trees (determined through counting of seedlings and saplings in plots) appeared healthy except in two importantFicusspecies. Conservation management, while focusing on promoting old growth forest, should also consider populations of some important pioneer tree species such asMacaranga capensisboth inside the forest and in any reforestation schemes outside the species’ current area of occupancy.
Supporting healthy eating practices in a forensic psychiatry rehabilitation setting
Authors: FORSYTH Nicky , ELMSLIE Jane , ROSS Maria 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the confidence and education requirements of nursing staff to provide evidence‐based nutrition advice and practical assistance to patients of a healthy living programme in a forensic psychiatry rehabilitation unit.Methods:  Participants completed semistructured interviews in pairs or individually to explore how their beliefs and attitudes about food and nutrition influenced their ability to support patients to plan and prepare healthy meals. Interview questions explored the nurses' perceptions about the nutrition education needs of patients, their own nutrition knowledge, their confidence to provide nutrition advice, previous nutrition training and their current need for further training. All participants also completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Data from the Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire were summarised descriptively. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key themes that emerged from the interview transcripts.Results:  Nine of eleven potential participants took part in the study. Four main themes emerged from the semistructured interviews: ‘knowledge and experience’, ‘barriers to change’, ‘realistic expectations’ and ‘reducing barriers’. Nine questionnaires were completed and returned (100% response rate). The average score was 50% (11/22). Scores ranged between 9 (41%) and 15 (68%). Three respondents scored less than 50%.Conclusion:  This study highlights a need for dietitians in mental health settings to be involved not only with patient care but with staff education, to ensure that nursing staff receive the training and ongoing support necessary to protect and enhance the nutritional health of patients.
Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia: Results of a randomised open‐label clinical trial
Authors: PANAHI Yunes , PISHGOO Bahram , JALALIAN Hamid R. , MOHAMMADI Elaheh , TAGHIPOUR Hamid R. , SAHEBKAR Amirhossein , ABOLHASANI Ehsan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular green microalga with several pharmacological activities including anti‐hyperlipidemic effects. In spite of interesting preclinical findings, the clinical efficacy of C. vulgaris in dyslipidemia—whether alone or in combination with statins—has not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation with C. vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy to atorvastatin in dyslipidemic subjects.Methods:  In a randomised, open‐label clinical trial, 100 dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to: (i) Chlorella group (n = 50, dropouts = 24), receiving C. vulgaris (600 mg/day) + atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks; or (ii) atorvastatin group (n = 50, dropouts = 13), receiving only atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Lipid profile and biomarkers of muscular, hepatic and renal injury were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial.Results:  There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P= 0.006 in Chlorella and P= 0.004 in atorvastatin group) in both groups. No significant change in serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was observed in any of the groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised in both Chlorella (P= 0.034) and atorvastatin (P= 0.002) groups, whereas alkaline phosphatase was only elevated in the Chlorella group (P= 0.028). In comparison with baseline values, no significant change was observed in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood sugar.Conclusion:  Based on the results, addition of C. vulgaris to atorvastatin therapy for 8 weeks does not appear to be associated with an improved control of serum lipid profile.
The presence of malnutrition in community‐living older adults receiving home nursing services
Authors: RIST Georgie , MILES Gail , KARIMI Leila 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  To determine the extent of malnutrition and malnutrition risk among community‐living older people (aged 65 years and over) who are receiving care from a metropolitan home nursing service in Victoria, Australia.Method:  Over a 3‐month period (May–July 2009), 235 clients aged 65 years and over from a community nursing service providing home nursing care were assessed for malnutrition using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®, Nestle, Vevey, Switzerland).Results:  Thirty‐four per cent (34.5%) of clients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition, while 8.1% were found to be malnourished. There was no significant relationship between nutrition risk and gender, country of birth or living arrangements.Conclusion:  Malnutrition and nutrition risk was found to be an issue among this sample of community‐living older adults who were receiving home nursing care in Victoria, Australia. In this study, just over 40% of the participants were either at risk of malnutrition or malnourished, which highlights the vulnerability of this group of older people and the need for routine nutrition screening and a targeted intervention program to address nutrition issues.
Rising Inequality in China and the Move to a Balanced Economy
Authors: Zhu Cuiping , Wan Guanghua 
Published: February 2012

AbstractChina faces serious external (i.e. trade) and internal (i.e. structural) imbalances. Both are related to income inequality, reduction of which will help to increase domestic demand. This paper discusses how income inequality has evolved over time. This is followed by an exploration of the consequences of high inequality. Driving forces underlying the rising inequality are analyzed before providing concrete policy recommendations. It is found that inequality declined in the early period of reform, until the mid to late 1980s, and then began a rising trend up to 2010. Major determinants of inequality include: location, institutional and policy factors, trade and globalization, and education inequality and human capital gaps along rural–urban and spatial divisions. To achieve a balanced economy and a harmonious society, development policies in China must shift from emphasizing growth to prioritizing equality. In addition, government interventions can target rural–urban disparity through rapid urbanization, and tackle regional inequality by developing financial markets, ensuring progressive allocation of fiscal resources, promoting trade and foreign direct investment in inland China, creating more formal jobs and supporting the service sector.
Three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetrical analysis of peristomal fixation of adhesive base plates during hands‐free speech among laryngectomised patients related to tracheostoma volumes
Authors: Dirven R. , Wouters Y. , Vreeken R. , Maal T.J.J. , Marres H.A.M. 
Published: February 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 124–129Objectives: This study evaluates the relation between stoma volumes by means of objective three‐dimensional measurements of laryngectomised individuals and peristomal fixation of adhesive baseplates during hands‐free speech.Design: A three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetrical image was captured of the tracheostoma and its surrounding tissue for each participant. The placement of a baseplate adhesive was virtually simulated. Individual stoma volumes were calculated and related to the duration of lifetime of adhesive baseplates.Setting: Prospective trial in a university hospital setting.Participants: Twenty‐four laryngectomised patients.Main outcome measures: Stoma volume in cm3 and adhesive baseplate adherence in minutes.Results: For the 24 three‐dimensional images captured, the mean volume of the area under the adhesive (stoma volume) was 9.5 cm3 (range 3.5–22.5). After relating the different volumes of all patients to their individual fixation score, a significant decrease in duration of adhesive lifetime was found with increasing volumes of the stoma (P = 0.001). An increase of 1 cm3 in tracheostoma volume resulted in a decrease of 21% in median adhesive lifetime (95% confidence interval 10–31%).Conclusions: Longer lifetime of the adhesive baseplate in patients with smaller volume outcomes suggests that a more accurate fit between baseplate and stoma leads to better fixation. This should be taken into account when shaping a stoma during laryngectomy. On the other hand, a more custom‐made patch that has a more accurate fit could increase the lifetime of fixation. We believe that our three‐dimensional volumetric data can contribute to the development of such an adhesive.
Looking for the Physiological Role of Anthocyanins in the Leaves of Coffea arabica
Authors: Júnior Adilson Pereira Domingues , Shimizu Milton Massao , Moura Jullyana Cristina Magalhães Silva , Catharino Rodrigo Ramos , Ramos Rômulo Augusto , Ribeiro Rafael Vasconcelos , Mazzafera Paulo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine which anthocyanins are related to the purple coloration of young leaves in Coffea arabica var. Purpurascens and assess their impact on photosynthesis as compared to C. arabica var. Catuaí, with green leaves. Two delphinidin glicosides were identified and histological cross‐sections showed they were located throughout the adaxial epidermis in young leaves, disappearing as the leaves mature. Regardless the irradiance level, the photosynthetic performance of Purpurascens leaves did not differ from that observed in leaves of the Catuaí variety, providing no evidence that anthocyanins improve photosynthetic performance in coffee plants. To analyze the photoprotective action of anthocyanins, we evaluated the isomerization process for chlorogenic acids (CGAs) in coffee leaves exposed to UV‐B radiation. No differences were observed in the total concentration of phenolic compounds in either variety before or after the UV treatment; however, we observed less degradation of CGA isomers in the Purpurascens leaves and a relative increase of cis‐5‐caffeoylquinic acid, a positional isomer of one of the most abundant form of CQA in coffee leaves, trans‐5‐caffeoylquinic acid, suggesting a possible protective role for anthocyanins in this purple coffee variety.
The UV‐Absorption Spectrum of Human Iridal Melanosomes: A New Perspective on the Relative Absorption of Eumelanin and Pheomelanin and its Consequences†
Authors: Peles Dana N. , Simon John D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPhotoemission electron microscopy is used to measure the absorption coefficients, εc, of intact iridal stroma melanosomes isolated from dark brown and blue–green human irides for the spectral range λ = 244–310 nm. These iridal stroma melanosomes were chosen because different colored irides produce organelles of varying eumelanin:pheomelanin ratios with similar size and morphology. Similar absorption spectra are found for the two types of melanosomes. The experimental spectra measured within are compared with both the extinction coefficient spectra obtained on soluble synthetic model systems and the monomeric precursors to each pigment.
Effect of Basic Amino Acids on Photoreaction of Ketoprofen in Phosphate Buffer Solution
Authors: Suzuki Tadashi , Osanai Yohei , Isozaki Tasuku 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPhotoreaction of ketoprofen (KP), one of the widely used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), was studied with transient absorption spectroscopy in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) in the presence of basic amino acids of histidine (His), lysine (Lys) and arginine (Arg). Deprotonated form of KP (KP−) excited with UV‐light irradiation gave rise to carbanion through a decarboxylation reaction. It was found that carbanion abstracted a proton from the side chain of the protonated amino acids to yield 3‐ethylbenzophenone ketyl biradical (EBPH); however, no reaction was observed with alanine. The relative yield of EBPH by the proton transfer reaction with His was ca. 40 times larger than that of the other two basic amino acids, suggesting that the proton‐donating ability of His (protonated His) should be quite high. The information on the photoreaction mechanism of NSAIDs with basic amino acids was essential to understand primary reaction of excited NSAIDs in vivo causing photosensitization on human skin.
Energy Transfer from Poly(Vinyl Carbazole) to a Fluorene‐Vinylene Copolymer in Solution and in the Solid State†
Authors: Bonon Bruna Médici Amorim , Atvars Teresa Dib Zambon 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis article reports a comparative study of the energy transfer processes in solution and the solid state from poly(vinyl carbazole; the donor) to dimethylphenyl‐terminated poly[(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐divinylene‐fluorene)‐co‐alt‐{2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene}] (the acceptor). The results in solutions suggest that a decrease of the donor emission intensity with an increasing acceptor concentration is more closely related to the trivial energy transfer process, indicating that the donor and acceptor chains are not in close contact during the lifetime of the donor excited state. This conclusion was reached using the amplitude‐averaged lifetime of the donor, which is practically independent of the acceptor concentration. In the solid state, the polymer blends showed a decrease in the donor emission with an increasing acceptor concentration, and a decrease in the donor lifetime was also observed. Thus, in the solid state, changes in morphology interfere with the nonradiative resonant energy transfer process, but influence on the trivial process cannot be completely neglected. The lifetime does not follow a continuous decrease with the PFO‐MEHPV concentration like the emission intensity does. The changes in the lifetime values occur over the same concentration range as do the changes of morphology, as shown by the scanning electron micrographs.
Molecular approaches identify known species, reveal cryptic species and verify host specificity of Chinese Philotrypesis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: ZHOU MEI‐JIAO , XIAO JIN‐HUA , BIAN SHENG‐NAN , LI YAN‐WEI , NIU LI‐MING , HU HAO‐YUAN , WU WEN‐SHAN , MURPHY ROBERT W. , HUANG DA‐WEI 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPhilotrypesis, a major component of the fig wasp community (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), is a model taxon for studying male fighting and mating behaviour. Its extreme sexual dimorphism and male polymorphism render species identification uncertain and in‐depth research on its ecology, behaviour and other evolutionary topics challenging. The fig wasps’ enclosed habitat within the syconia makes their mating behaviour inaccessible, to the extent of matching conspecific females and males. In this study, we combine morphological and molecular analyses to identify species of Philotrypesis sampled from south China and to associate their extraordinarily dimorphic genders and labile male morphologies. Morphological evaluations of females identify 22 species and 28 male morphs. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 data detect 21 species using females, and 15 species among the males. Most of the males match the species as delimited by females. Both markers reveal cryptic species in P. quadrisetosa on Ficus vasculosa. Most species of wasps live on one species of fig but three species co‐occur in two hosts (F. microcarpa and F. benjamina), which indicates host switching.
Fractalkine stimulates cell growth and increases its expression via NF‐κB pathway in RA‐FLS
Authors: Guo Xinghua , Pan Yunfeng , Xiao Chuyin , Wu Yuqiong , Cai Daozhang , Gu Jieruo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundAfter the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLS) which are specialized types of fibroblasts, become tumor‐like, keeping their ability to increase proliferation and invasion. The mechanism of their tumor‐like growth is unclear. Fractalkine (FKN), also called CX3CL1, plays an important role in the proliferation of cells. FKN may stimulate the proliferation of RA‐FLS and the by nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathway may be one of the steps in this process.ObjectiveTo investigate whether FKN can stimulate cell growth and increase its expression in RA‐FLS, and the relationship between the NF‐κB pathway and the function of FKN.MethodsFLS were isolated from primary synovial tissue obtained from three patients with RA who had undergone total joint replacement surgery or synovectomy in the Third Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat‐sen University from February 2009 to January 2010. FKN was used in different concentrations to stimulate RA‐FLS with or without NF‐κB pathway blocker (PDTC), and to test the proliferation of FLS after 24 h by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RA‐FLS was treated with 100 ng/mL FKN or 100 μM PDTC for different periods, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FKN and CX3CR1 in RA‐FLS was detected by reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction. We then tested the protein expression of NF‐κBp65 in the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively by Western blotting after treating the RA‐FLS with 100 ng/mL FKN for different time periods.ResultsFKN stimulated cell growth in RA‐FLS at the concentration of 50 or 100 ng/mL (P = 0.005 and P = 0.022, respectively). NF‐κB pathway blocker inhibited FKN, promoting proliferation of RA‐FLS. RA‐FLS could express FKN and CX3CR1 mRNA in vitro. FKN up‐regulated FKN expression after 18‐h treatment (P = 0.012). PDTC disturbed the expression of FKN mRNA after 16–18 h treatment (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). After stimulation with FKN for 1 h, the expression of NF‐κBp65 in cytoplasm began to decrease (P = 0.010), and the expression of NF‐κBp65 in the nucleus began to increase after 2 h (P = 0.011).ConclusionThese results suggest that FKN stimulates cells growth in RA‐FLS and NF‐κB pathway blocker inhibits FKN, promoting proliferation of RA‐FLS. FKN induced activation of NF‐κB activity. FKN up‐regulates FKN mRNA expression in RA‐FLS via the NF‐κB pathway.
Pilot study on a group‐based parenting program in a Vietnamese public hospital: Program acceptance among mothers and staff
Authors: Goto Aya , Suzuki Yuriko , Nguyen Quang Vinh , Nguyen Thi Tu Van , Trinh Huu Phuc , Pham Nghiem Minh , Nguyen Thanh Minh , Yasumura Seiji ,   NDGD Parenting Support Team
Published: February 2012

AbstractParenting practices are known to vary across different sociocultural settings, but there has been little scientific research conducted on parenting intervention in Asia to date. Building on our past research achievements that show a strong need for parenting support, we conducted a pilot trial of systematic screening of Vietnamese mothers with poor mental health and the provision of a group‐based parenting program, along with staff training sessions at a university‐affiliated general hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Forty‐seven first‐time mothers attending routine child health checkups were screened using a brief mental health and parenting assessment tool that we had developed and used previously. We then evaluated a group‐based parenting program provided for two consecutive days to nine participants. The framework of the Canadian Nobody's Perfect Program, which we had previously adopted and evaluated in a Japanese public health service setting, was used to develop a Vietnamese version. The screening and program were found to be well accepted by both participants and staff and are considered to be feasible for use by public hospital services in Vietnam. The process of program adaptation described and discussed herein may be useful to other health professionals in the Asia‐Pacific region undertaking similar initiatives.
Estimation of preoperative uterine weight in uterine myoma and uterine adenomyosis
Authors: Shiota M , Kotani Y , Umemoto M , Tobiume T , Hoshiai H 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIntroductionUterine myoma and uterine adenomyosis frequently occur in sexually mature women. Total hysterectomy is the treatment of choice when the symptoms are severe. To select an operative procedure from abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic methods, precise estimation of the preoperative uterine weight is desired. In this study, we estimated the preoperative uterine weight with preoperative images in cases of uterine myoma and uterine adenomyosis.MethodsWe evaluated 403 patients with uterine myoma or uterine adenomyosis (uterus < 1000 g) between 1996 and 2010. All patients underwent a preoperative MRI and received a hysterectomy with the uterine weight recorded. Based on MR images, we measured (in centimeters) the maximum longitudinal diameter in the sagittal section (a), the maximum lateral diameter (b) and the maximum longitudinal diameter in the transverse section (c) of each uterus. A correlation coefficient was calculated between the weight of the removed uterus and the value of a × b × c for each individual uterus. Also, a regression analysis was performed between x (the value of a × b × c) and y (weight of the removed uterus).ResultsA strong correlation was shown between the weight of the removed uterus and the value of a × b × c (r = 0.81, P < 0.01). As a result of the regression analysis, the regression equation y = 0.35x + 107 (R2 = 0.66, P < 0.01) was obtained.ConclusionIn this study, the estimated weight of the uterus was calculated by the formula y = 0.35x + 107 (x = a × b × c), and this could be the determining factor in choosing a surgical method for hysterectomy.