bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of complementary and alternative medicine use and its impact on medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Weizman A. V. , Ahn E. , Thanabalan R. , Leung W. , Croitoru K. , Silverberg M. S. , Hillary Steinhart A. , Nguyen G. C. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground  Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is common. We characterised CAM utilisation and assessed its impact on medical adherence in the IBD population.Aim  To characterise CAM utilisation and assess its impact on medical adherence in the IBD population.Methods  Inflammatory bowel disease patients recruited from an out‐patient clinic at a tertiary centre were asked to complete a questionnaire on CAM utilisation, conventional IBD therapy, demographics and communication with their gastroenterologist. Adherence was measured using the self‐reported Morisky scale. Demographics, clinical characteristics and self‐reported adherence among CAM and non‐CAM users were compared.Results  We recruited prospectively 380 IBD subjects (57% Crohn’s disease; 35% ulcerative colitis, and 8% indeterminate colitis). The prevalence of CAM use was 56% and did not significantly vary by type of IBD. The most common reason cited for using CAM was ineffectiveness of conventional IBD therapy (40%). The most popular form of CAM was probiotics (53%). CAM users were younger than non‐CAM users at diagnosis (21.2 vs. 26.2, P < 0.0001) and more likely than non‐CAM users to have a University‐level education or higher (75% vs. 62%P = 0.006). There was no overall difference in adherence between CAM and non‐CAM users (Morisky score: 1.0 vs. 0.9, P = 0.26).Conclusions  The use of complementary and alternative medicine is widely prevalent among IBD patients, and is more frequent among those with experience of adverse effects of conventional medications. From this cross‐sectional analysis, complementary and alternative medicine use does not appear to be associated with reduced overall adherence to medical therapy.
Odontoblast RNA stability in different temperature‐based protocols for tooth storage
Authors: Conde M. C. M. , Nedel F. , Campos V. F. , Smith A. J. , Nör J. E. , Demarco F. F. , Tarquinio S. B. C. 
Published: December 2011

Conde MCM, Nedel F, Campos VF, Smith AJ, Nör JE, Demarco FF, Tarquinio SB. Odontoblast RNA stability in different temperature‐based protocols for tooth storage. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 266–272, 2012.AbstractAim  To evaluate the effect of four tooth storage temperature‐based methods on quality of RNA obtained from cells retrieved from human dental pulps and human pre‐dentine.Methodology  RNA was isolated from dental pulp tissue and from cells retrieved by scraping the pre‐dentine of freshly extracted human third molars (n = 15) using TRIzol® reagent. Teeth were randomly assigned to the following temperature conditions: immediate RNA isolation after tooth extraction, liquid nitrogen (24 h), −80 °C (24 h), 20 °C (24 h) and 4 °C (6 h). RNA integrity was checked by the density of 28S and 18S ribosomal RNA. RT‐PCR was used to analyse the expression of odontoblast makers (DSPP, DMP1 and MEPE) and the housekeeping gene GAPDH.Results  All experimental conditions evaluated preserved RNA integrity. The three odontoblastic markers were amplified from the pulp tissue and from the cells associated with pre‐dentine.Conclusion  The four storage options allowed RNA isolation for RT‐PCR analysis. These findings may facilitate the use of clinically derived human dental pulp and odontoblasts for endodontic research.
Evolution of terrestrial birds in three continents: biogeography and parallel radiations
Authors: Ericson Per G. P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim To reconstruct the biogeographical history of a large clade of mainly terrestrially adapted birds (coraciiform and piciform birds, owls, diurnal raptors, New World vultures, trogons, mousebirds, cuckoo‐rollers, seriemas, parrots and passerines) to test the hypothesis of its Gondwanan origin.Location Global.Methods The phylogenetic tree used in the analysis was a family‐level tree estimated from previously published nuclear DNA sequence data. Each family for which a thorough and taxonomically well‐sampled phylogenetic analysis exists was subject to an initial dispersal–vicariance analysis in order to reconstruct ancestral areas for its two most basal lineages. Both basal lineages were then used to represent the family in the subsequent reconstruction of ancestral distributions for the entire radiation.Results The analysis showed that three reciprocally monophyletic groups of terrestrial birds have diversified in the Gondwanan land areas of Australia, South America and Africa, respectively. Although each of these three groups may also have originally included other groups, the only survivors today from the Australian radiation are the passerines and parrots, while the falcons and seriemas have survived from the South American radiation. The group of survivors from the African radiation is considerably more taxonomically diverse and includes all coraciiform and piciform birds, owls, diurnal raptors (except falcons), New World vultures, trogons, mousebirds and cuckoo‐rollers.Main conclusions The outlined evolutionary scenario with three geographically isolated clades of terrestrial birds is consistent with the available estimates of Late Cretaceous to early Palaeogene dates for these radiations. The diversifications and ecological adaptations within each of the three groups most likely took place in isolation on the different continents. Many cases of convergently evolved adaptations may be revealed through the increased understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of terrestrial birds.
Of mice and mammoths: evaluations of causal explanations for body size evolution in insular mammals
Authors: Lomolino Mark V. , Sax Dov F. , Palombo Maria Rita , van der Geer Alexandra A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  We investigated the hypothesis that the insular body size of mammals results from selective forces whose influence varies with characteristics of the focal islands and the focal species, and with interactions among species (ecological displacement and release).Location  Islands world‐wide.Methods  We assembled data on the geographic characteristics (area, isolation, maximum elevation, latitude) and climate (annual averages and seasonality of temperature and precipitation) of islands, and on the ecological and morphological characteristics of focal species (number of mammalian competitors and predators, diet, body size of mainland reference populations) that were most relevant to our hypothesis (385 insular populations from 98 species of extant, non‐volant mammals across 248 islands). We used regression tree analyses to examine the hypothesized contextual importance of these factors in explaining variation in the insular body size of mammals.Results  The results of regression tree analyses were consistent with predictions based on hypotheses of ecological release (more pronounced changes in body size on islands lacking mammalian competitors or predators), immigrant selection (more pronounced gigantism in small species inhabiting more isolated islands), thermoregulation and endurance during periods of climatic or environmental stress (more pronounced gigantism of small mammals on islands of higher latitudes or on those with colder and more seasonal climates), and resource subsidies (larger body size for mammals that utilize aquatic prey). The results, however, were not consistent with a prediction based on resource limitation and island area; that is, the insular body size of large mammals was not positively correlated with island area.Main conclusions  These results support the hypothesis that the body size evolution of insular mammals is influenced by a combination of selective forces whose relative importance and nature of influence are contextual. While there may exist a theoretical optimal body size for mammals in general, the optimum for a particular insular population varies in a predictable manner with characteristics of the islands and the species, and with interactions among species. This study did, however, produce some unanticipated results that merit further study – patterns associated with Bergmann’s rule are amplified on islands, and the body size of small mammals appears to peak at intermediate and not maximum values of latitude and island isolation.
Use of physical restraints in nursing homes and hospitals and related factors: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Heinze Cornelia , Dassen Theo , Grittner Ulrike 
Published: December 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to investigate factors related to the use of restraints and to explore whether the rate of nurses was an influencing factor regarding the use of restraints in German nursing homes and hospitals.Background.  Restraints are frequently used measures in hospitals and nursing homes. Risks for falls and small nurse workforces are discussed in relation to the use of restraints.Design.  A secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study was carried out.Methods.  Data were collected by trained nurses using standardised questionnaires in 76 nursing homes (n = 5521) and 15 hospitals (n = 2827). For data analysis, a 3‐level random intercept logistic model was used.Results.  The prevalence of restraints (bed rails and/or belts) was 9·3% for hospital patients and 26·3% for nursing home residents. Amongst hospital patients, restraint use was more prevalent in women, older patients, patients with a high care dependency, patients who fell during the last two weeks, patients with a perceived risk of falls, polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, disorientation and confinement to bed. In the nursing homes, the restrained residents were significantly younger, more care dependent, had less falls and were more often urinary incontinent, disoriented and bedfast. The rate of nurses was not significantly related to the use of restraints in hospitals, and nursing homes according to the three‐level random intercept model.Conclusions.  Hospital patients with previous falls were more often restrained, but in the nursing homes, the restrained residents experienced less falls. The number of qualified nursing staff had no significant influence on the use of physical restraints.Relevance to clinical practice.  Lower nurse staffing ratios were not related to higher frequencies of restraint use in this study.
Outcomes from the workshop ‘Putting Complexity to Work – Supporting the Practitioners’: implications for health care
Authors: Beautement Patrick , Broenner Christine 
Published: December 2011

AbstractRationale  People working in the health sector have been looking to complexity science to help them deal with the complex phenomena they encounter in their everyday working practice. While complexity science has assisted many in the field to look at the complex issues from a different viewpoint and explained the emergence of complex phenomena, however, practicable, pragmatic approaches and techniques have not been provided.Aims and objectives  In this article, actual issues and challenges that these practitioners face and the needs they expressed during a workshop called ‘Putting Complexity to Work – Supporting the Practitioners’ are discussed.Conclusion  As the nature of complexity offers no one single ultimate solution, the paper concludes that, for operationalizing the insights received from complexity science into their day‐to‐day work, practitioners in health care and other domains need to address a range of challenges that are outlined in the paper.
Development and validation of real‐time PCR for the detection of Yersinia ruckeri
Authors: Keeling S E , Johnston C , Wallis R , Brosnahan C L , Gudkovs N , McDonald W L 
Published: December 2011

AbstractYersiniosis (enteric red mouth disease) is a contagious bacterial disease caused by Yersinia ruckeri, which primarily affects salmonids. A real‐time PCR assay using a molecular beacon has been developed and validated to improve the detection of the causative biotypes of Y. ruckeri. The assay, which targets the glnA (glutamine synthetase) gene, proved to have 100% analytical specificity and analytical sensitivities of 5 fg and 3 × 103 CFU g−1 for DNA and seeded kidney tissue, respectively. The assay was highly repeatable with low % CV for intra‐ and inter‐run experiments, and the optimized parameters transferred easily between different real‐time PCR platforms. Following analytical validation, diagnostic specificity was determined using New Zealand farmed Chinook salmon (n = 750) from 10 farms during 2007/08. The real‐time PCR was run in parallel with the bacterial culture detection method, and all fish tested were found to be negative by both methods for Y. ruckeri, resulting in 100% diagnostic specificity (95% confidence interval). The molecular beacon real‐time PCR system is specific, sensitive, reproducible and a rapid method for the detection of Y. ruckeri and has the potential to be used for routine diagnostic testing, health certification and active surveillance programmes.
Comparative effects of four feed types on white spot disease susceptibility and skin immune parameters in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Xueqin J , Kania P W , Buchmann K 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe effects on rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), immune parameters by differently formulated fish feed types containing immunostimulants have been tested in a double‐blind, duplicated and controlled study performed over 50 days. A total of 800 rainbow trout (10–12 g) were kept in eight duplicate fish tanks (each containing 100 fish) and fed at a daily feeding rate of 1.5% of the biomass. The feed types were (1) control feed (C) without additives, (2) feed containing beta‐glucan, nucleotides, manno‐oligosaccharides (MOS), vitamins C and E (GNMCE), (3) feed containing probiotic bacteria and plant extracts (PP) and (4) feed with nucleotides, manno‐oligosaccharides, vitamins C and E (NMCE). Plasma lysozyme activity was increased in fish fed two feed types (GNMCE and NMCE) but slightly depressed in fish fed PP. A non‐significant trend for a higher mucous cell density at days 30 and 50 was shown in all fish receiving feeds with additives compared to the control group. All fish became infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis when exposed, but fish fed GNMCE showed a significantly lower infection both at days 30 and 50. Expression of genes encoding C3 and MHCII was significantly up‐regulated in fish fed GNMCE for 50 days, and the expression of genes coding Hepcidin was significantly down‐regulated in fish fed NMCE for 50 days. Beta‐glucan was the single component, when used in combination with other feed ingredients, which was found associated with increased parasite resistance, increased lysozyme and immune gene up‐regulation.
Propagule pressure and colony social organization are associated with the successful invasion and rapid range expansion of fire ants in China
Authors: YANG CHIN‐CHENG , ASCUNCE MARINA S. , LUO LI‐ZHI , SHAO JING‐GUO , SHIH CHENG‐JEN , SHOEMAKER DEWAYNE 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe characterized patterns of genetic variation in populations of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta in China using mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci to test predictions as to how propagule pressure and subsequent dispersal following establishment jointly shape the invasion success of this ant in this recently invaded area. Fire ants in Wuchuan (Guangdong Province) are genetically differentiated from those found in other large infested areas of China. The immediate source of ants in Wuchuan appears to be somewhere near Texas, which ranks first among the southern USA infested states in the exportation of goods to China. Most colonies from spatially distant, outlying areas in China are genetically similar to one another and appear to share a common source (Wuchuan, Guangdong Province), suggesting that long‐distance jump dispersal has been a prevalent means of recent spread of fire ants in China. Furthermore, most colonies at outlier sites are of the polygyne social form (featuring multiple egg‐laying queens per nest), reinforcing the important role of this social form in the successful invasion of new areas and subsequent range expansion following invasion. Several analyses consistently revealed characteristic signatures of genetic bottlenecks for S. invicta populations in China. The results of this study highlight the invasive potential of this pest ant, suggest that the magnitude of international trade may serve as a predictor of propagule pressure and indicate that rates and patterns of subsequent range expansion are partly determined by the interplay between species traits and the trade and transportation networks.
Thermal adaptation and ecological speciation
Authors: KELLER I. , SEEHAUSEN O. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEcological speciation is defined as the emergence of reproductive isolation as a direct or indirect consequence of divergent ecological adaptation. Several empirical examples of ecological speciation have been reported in the literature which very often involve adaptation to biotic resources. In this review, we investigate whether adaptation to different thermal habitats could also promote speciation and try to assess the importance of such processes in nature. Our survey of the literature identified 16 animal and plant systems where divergent thermal adaptation may underlie (partial) reproductive isolation between populations or may allow the stable coexistence of sibling taxa. In many of the systems, the differentially adapted populations have a parapatric distribution along an environmental gradient. Isolation often involves extrinsic selection against locally maladapted parental or hybrid genotypes, and additional pre‐ or postzygotic barriers may be important. Together, the identified examples strongly suggest that divergent selection between thermal environments is often strong enough to maintain a bimodal genotype distribution upon secondary contact. What is less clear from the available data is whether it can also be strong enough to allow ecological speciation in the face of gene flow through reinforcement‐like processes. It is possible that intrinsic features of thermal gradients or the genetic basis of thermal adaptation make such reinforcement‐like processes unlikely but it is equally possible that pertinent systems are understudied. Overall, our literature survey highlights (once again) the dearth of studies that investigate similar incipient species along the continuum from initial divergence to full reproductive isolation and studies that investigate all possible reproductive barriers in a given system.
Rotavirus disease burden among children <5 years of age – Santa Rosa, Guatemala, 2007–2009
Authors: Cortes Jennifer , Arvelo Wences , Lopez Beatriz , Reyes Lissette , Kerin Tara , Gautam Rashi , Patel Manish , Parashar Umesh , Lindblade Kim A. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjectives  To assess the burden of rotavirus disease in Guatemala, in view of the recent introduction of a national rotavirus vaccination programme.Methods  We examined data from an active, facility‐based surveillance system in Santa Rosa, Guatemala, from October 2007 through September 2009 among children <5 years of age presenting to the hospital or ambulatory clinics with diarrhoea (≥3 loose stools in 24 h during the last 7 days). Demographic and epidemiological data were collected, and specimens were tested for rotavirus via enzyme immunoassay. Genotyping was performed via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.Results  We enrolled 347 hospitalized patients <5 years of age with diarrhoea and 1215 from ambulatory clinics. Specimens from 275 (79%) hospitalized children and 662 (54%) from ambulatory visits were tested for rotavirus. Rotavirus accounted for 32% of hospitalizations and 9% of ambulatory visits for diarrhoea, resulting in adjusted annual rates of 36 hospitalizations and 372 ambulatory visits per 10 000 children. Ninety‐one per cent of hospitalizations and 81% of ambulatory visits for rotavirus diarrhoea occurred in children <2 years. G1P8 represented 71% and 95% of rotavirus genotypes for 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 rotavirus seasons, respectively.Conclusions  Rotavirus is a major cause of diarrhoea in children <5 years of age in Santa Rosa, Guatemala, highlighting the potential health benefits of vaccination and the need for continued surveillance to assess impact and effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccination programme in Guatemala.
Stillbirths and early neonatal mortality in rural Northern Ghana
Authors: Engmann Cyril , Walega Paul , Aborigo Raymond A. , Adongo Philip , Moyer Cheryl A. , Lavasani Layla , Williams John , Bose Carl , Binka Fred , Hodgson Abraham 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjective  To calculate perinatal mortality (stillbirth and early neonatal death: END) rates in the Upper East region of Ghana and characterize community‐based stillbirths and END in terms of timing, cause of death, and maternal and infant risk factors.Methods  Birth outcomes were obtained from the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance System over a 7‐year period.Results  Twenty thousand four hundred and ninty seven pregnant women were registered in the study. The perinatal mortality rate was 39 deaths/1000 deliveries, stillbirth rate 23/1000 deliveries and END rates 16/1000 live births. Most stillbirths were 31 weeks gestation or less. Prematurity, first‐time delivery and multiple gestation all significantly increased the odds of perinatal death. Approximately 70% of END occurred during the first 3 postnatal days, and the most common causes of death were birth asphyxia and injury, infections and prematurity.Conclusion  Stillbirths and END remain a significant problem in Navrongo. The main causes of END occur during the first 3 days and may be modifiable with simple targeted perinatal policies.
Diagnostic value of hazelnut allergy tests including rCor a 1 spiking in double‐blind challenged children
Authors: Masthoff L. J. , Pasmans S. G. , van Hoffen E. , Knol M. J. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. , Flinterman A. E. , Kentie P. , Knulst A. C. , Meijer Y. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnostic value of hazelnut allergy tests in double‐blind challenged children is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the performance of current diagnostic tests for hazelnut allergy in children and the effect of spiking.MethodsData of 151 children who underwent a double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge for hazelnut were analyzed. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV) of level of specific IgE (sIgE) for hazelnut, the influence of rCor a 1 spiking of the ImmunoCAP, and size of the skin prick test (SPT) for hazelnut were determined, also in relation to the severity of the hazelnut allergy. Reported accidental ingestion leading to an allergic reaction to hazelnut was also analyzed in relation to hazelnut allergy.ResultsSpecific IgE ≥0.35 kUA/l for hazelnut was a moderate predictor for hazelnut allergy. The spiking decreased the PPV from 41% to 38% and increased the NPV from 91% to 100% for sIgE ≥0.35 kUA/l. The maximum reached PPV was 73% for sIgE cutoff of 26 kUA/l. Level of sIgE before spiking was significantly different between different grades of severity and was lost after spiking. Skin prick test was a better predictor for hazelnut allergy and severity than the level of sIgE. A history of accidental ingestion leading to an allergic reaction to hazelnut had a predictive value of 59% for hazelnut allergy.ConclusionsThis study showed a good NPV of diagnostic tests for hazelnut allergy in children which further improved by rCor a 1 spiking. However, the PPVs are moderate and decreased by spiking.