bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress in ischaemic stroke
Authors: Nanetti Laura , Raffaelli Francesca , Vignini Arianna , Perozzi Cecilia , Silvestrini Mauro , Bartolini Marco , Provinciali Leandro , Mazzanti Laura 
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1318–1322AbstractBackground  Production of reactive oxygen species after ischaemic stroke may enhance tissue damage through multiple molecular pathways.Materials and methods  In this study, we examined the serum levels of lipoperoxide and hydroperoxide, conjugated dienes and total antioxidant capacity levels in 50 patients with acute ischaemic stroke (T0) to evaluate the possibility to use them as specific biochemical markers for cerebral ischaemia. Determinations were repeated after a month (T1) to correlate their relative changes with clinical evolution.Results  Lipoperoxide, hydroperoxide and conjugated diene levels in platelets were significantly higher in the early stages with respect to their late evaluation. On the contrary, total antioxidant capacity showed a significant increase at T1 with respect to T0. A significant negative correlation between total antioxidant capacity and NIHSS score at T0 and T1 was found. There was a significant positive correlation between lipoperoxide, hydroperoxide and conjugated dienes levels and NIHSS score at T0 and at T1.Conclusions  These findings suggest that changes in free radical generation and consequent oxidative stress may have a role in the pathogenesis of acute ischaemic lesions. The activation of defence mechanisms like total antioxidant capacity could be involved in the limitation of ischaemic damage progression.
Adiponectin in chronic heart failure: influence of diabetes and genetic variants
Authors: Masson Serge , Gori Francesca , Latini Roberto , Milani Valentina , Flyvbjerg Allan , Frystyk Jan , Crociati Luisa , Pietri Silvia , Vago Tarcisio , Barlera Simona , Maggioni Aldo P. , Tognoni Gianni , Tavazzi Luigi , Omland Torbjørn , Franzosi Maria Grazia ,   on behalf of the GISSI‐HF Investigators
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1330–1338AbstractBackground  We hypothesized that, besides type 2 diabetes (T2D) and body mass index (BMI), circulating adiponectin concentration would be associated with variants of the ADIPOQ gene in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We also assessed the influence of these confounders on the prognostic value of adiponectin.Methods  Plasma adiponectin was measured at entry and after 3 months in approximately 1200 patients with CHF enrolled in the GISSI‐HF trial. Four common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the ADIPOQ gene were studied: rs17300539 (−11391G→A), rs266729 (−11377C→G), rs2241766 (+45T→G) and rs1501299 (+276G→T). Associations with clinical characteristics and mortality were evaluated in patients with or without T2D.Results  Adiponectin concentrations were negatively related to BMI, higher in women and older persons, but lower in patients with diabetes. T‐allele carriers for rs1501299 and A‐allele carriers for rs17300539 had significantly elevated adiponectin concentrations. Irrespective of diabetes, baseline plasma adiponectin was independently associated with mortality (adjusted HR [95%CI] per 1 SD increase in adiponectin concentration = 1·24[1·12–1·37], P < 0·0001) and improved prognostic discrimination beyond clinical risk factors (integrated discrimination improvement, P = 0·005). Patients with increasing adiponectin concentration over 3 months had worse outcome than those with stable levels (unadjusted HR = 1·46[1·09–1·96], P = 0·01); this relation was attenuated by the genetic variants examined and by robust confounders like age, diabetes, BMI or NT‐proBNP (adjusted HR = 1·37[0·97–1·94], P = 0·075).Conclusions  Although diabetes and genetic variants at the ADIPOQ gene influence the circulating levels of adiponectin in CHF, higher plasma adipokine levels, but not genetic variants, are consistently associated with a poor prognosis.
Assessing the incremental value of diagnostic and prognostic markers: a review and illustration
Authors: Steyerberg Ewout W. , Pencina Michael J. , Lingsma Hester F. , Kattan Michael W. , Vickers Andrew J. , Van Calster Ben 
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011AbstractBackground  New markers may improve prediction of diagnostic and prognostic outcomes. We review various measures to quantify the incremental value of markers over standard, readily available characteristics.Methods  Widely used traditional measures include the improvement in model fit or in the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). New measures include the net reclassification index (NRI) and decision‐analytic measures, such as the fraction of true‐positive classifications penalized for false‐positive classifications [net benefit (NB)]. For illustration, we discuss a case study on the presence of residual tumour vs. benign tissue in 544 patients with testicular cancer. We assessed three tumour markers [Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] for their incremental value over currently standard clinical predictors.Results  AUC and R2 values suggested adding continuous LDH and AFP whereas NB only favoured HCG as a potentially promising marker at a clinically defendable decision threshold of 20% risk. The NRI suggested reclassification potential of all three markers.Conclusions  The improvement in standard discrimination measures, which focus on finding variables that might be promising across all decision thresholds, may not detect the most informative markers at a specific threshold of particular clinical relevance. When a marker is intended to support decision‐making, calculation of the improvement in a decision‐analytic measure, such as NB, is preferable over an overall judgment as obtained from the AUC in ROC analysis.
A degradation threshold for irreversible loss of soil productivity: a long‐term case study in China
Authors: Gao Yang , Zhong Binglin , Yue Hui , Wu Bin , Cao Shixiong 
Published: May 2011

Summary1. During the past three decades, conservation and restoration biologists have increasingly recognized that ecological communities are likely to exhibit threshold changes in structure. However, because long‐term monitoring data are generally lacking, little is known about the consequences of such ecological thresholds for the processes of ecosystem degradation and recovery.2. To identify whether a degradation threshold exists that defines the boundary between the possibility of natural recovery and the need for artificial restoration of an ecosystem and to use this knowledge to support the development of a suitable strategy for environmental restoration, we performed long‐term monitoring of vegetation recovery in China’s Changting County since 1984.3. A major problem was identified, which we refer to as the ‘irreversible loss of soil services’; when vegetation cover decreases below a degradation threshold, this leads to sustained degeneration of the vegetation community, erosion of the surface soil and declining soil fertility. These changes represent a severe and long‐lasting disturbance that will prevent ecosystem recovery in the absence of comprehensive artificial restoration measures.4.
Synthesis and applications. We identified a degradation threshold at about 20% vegetation cover suggesting that for some sites, vegetation cover can serve as a simple proxy for more sophisticated approaches to identifying thresholds; restoration must start with the restoration of soil fertility and continue by facilitating vegetation development. Our results support the concept of ecological thresholds (specifically, for soil services in a warm and wet region) and provide a model to inform restoration strategies for other degraded ecosystems.
Emplacement and exhumation of the Kuznetsk‐Alatau basement (Siberia): implications for the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and sediment supply to the Kuznetsk, Minusa and West Siberian Basins
Authors: De Grave Johan , Glorie Stijn , Zhimulev Fedor I. , Buslov Mikhail M. , Elburg Marlina , Vanhaecke Frank , Van den haute Peter 
Published: May 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 248–256, 2011AbstractNew geochronological data [zircon U/Pb, titanite fission‐track (TFT) and apatite fission‐track (AFT) dating and apatite (U‐Th‐Sm)/He thermochronology] and thermal history modelling yield constraints on the development of the granitoid basement of the Kuznetsk‐Alatau Mountains, southern Siberia. The final stages of magmatism in the Kuznetsk‐Alatau palaeo‐island‐arc are Late Cambrian, and collision of the arc with Siberia occurred in the Early Ordovician. The basement was exhumed by the Early Devonian. Continuous Devonian–Early Triassic sedimentation filled the adjoining Kuznetsk and Minusa basins and buried (and re‐heated) the Kuznetsk‐Alatau basement. After initial Pangaea break‐up and Siberian flood‐basalt magmatism, the basement reached TFT and AFT retention‐temperatures in the Middle Triassic and Early Cretaceous, respectively, during denudation‐induced cooling.Terra Nova, 00, 1–9, 2011
Origin of uranium deposits revealed by their rare earth element signature
Authors: Mercadier Julien , Cuney Michel , Lach Philippe , Boiron Marie‐Christine , Bonhoure Jessica , Richard Antonin , Leisen Mathieu , Kister Philippe 
Published: May 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 264–269, 2011AbstractUranium deposits form in a wide range of geological settings, including deep magmatic to surficial conditions, and range in age from Archaean to recent. These temporal and spatial variations have given rise to an extreme diversity of ore deposits. However, understanding their conditions of formation has remained challenging. This article reports rare earth element (REE) abundances, measured by microbeam methods in uranium oxides, for a series of worldwide uranium occurrences. The REE patterns are very specific to each deposit type and directly reflect the conditions of their genesis. We propose an evaluation of the first‐order parameters controlling the REE behaviour in each mineralised system. This study demonstrates that the REE pattern is the most efficient tool for constraining the geological models of uranium deposits and for genetically discriminating new uranium discoveries. This approach may form the starting point for a new procedure in the fight against nuclear trafficking.Terra Nova, 00, 1–6, 2011
Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells using the total length of umbilical cord for transplantation purposes
Authors: Tsagias N. , Koliakos I. , Karagiannis V. , Eleftheriadou M. , Koliakos G. G. 
Published: May 2011

Background: Umbilical cord (UC) mesenchymal cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, which make them an easily obtainable source for therapeutic uses. Different approaches have been used to isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Aim: Here, we report a detailed enzymatic method where large number of cells can be efficiently isolated from the cord matrix and cryopreserved on the same day of arrival at the laboratory. Methods/Materials: Cells were successfully isolated from 12 samples, with a new procedure that uses the total length of the UC. MSC have been isolated using a detailed enzymatic method with collagenase and hyaluronidase followed by trypsin, without removing the vessels and without mincing the cord. Stem cells were measured with flow cytometry before cryopreservation and post‐thaw. Cultured cells were assessed for MSC marker expression and adherence plasticity for three passages. Multilineage differentiation was performed. Results: Nucleated cell yield was calculated at 0·95 × 106/cm. MSC yield was calculated at 0·65 × 106/cm of cord with flow cytometry while the mean length was 31 cm. Cultured cells expressed the mesenchymal markers CD29, CD90, CD105 and CD44. Mesenchymal marker expression remained intact over the three passages and post‐thaw. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was evaluated. Conclusions: Our findings provide a fast and efficient method for mesenchymal cell isolation from Wharton's jelly using the total length of the UC. This method resulted in a large number of cells while the cells retained their mesenchymal character after thawing. This method can be easily applied, along with UC blood, for UC banking.
Aspects of reproductive ecology of Clusia valerioi Standl. and Clusia peninsulae Hammel (sp. nov.), two Central American species of Clusiaceae with resin flowers
Authors: Hochwallner H. , Vogel S. , Huber W. , Hammel B. E. , Weber A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractClusia valerioi Standl. and C. peninsulae Hammel, sp. nov. (formally established in the Appendix), two Central American species of Clusiaceae offering resin as a floral reward, were studied in the Piedras Blancas National Park, SW Costa Rica. Basic data on phenology, flower structure, course of anthesis, flower visitors, flower visitation and pollination processes, fruit development and seed dispersal are communicated. Resin collection and pollen release are reported and documented in greater detail. The significance of stingless bees for pollination is confirmed, but honeybees were also observed to visit the flowers and to collect resin. The seeds of C. valerioi, exhibiting a clearly ornithochorous character syndrome, were observed to be eaten and dispersed by four species of the tanager family (Thraupidae) and one species of finch (Fringillidae). Ants were also observed to carry away the seeds.
Phenotypic plasticity to light of two congeneric trees from contrasting habitats: Brazilian Atlantic Forest versus cerrado (savanna)
Authors: Barros F. de V. , Goulart M. F. , Sá Telles S. B. , Lovato M. B. , Valladares F. , Lemos‐Filho J. P. de 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a typically multi‐layer tropical forest, while cerrado (savanna) is a patchy habitat with different physiognomy. Despite these differences, both habitats have high light heterogeneity. Functional traits of Dalbergia nigra and D. miscolobium from the Atlantic Forest and cerrado, respectively, were evaluated under shade (25% of full sunlight) and full sunlight in a nursery experiment. We hypothesised that both species should benefit from high phenotypic plasticity in relation to light. Plasticity was estimated using the relative distance phenotypic index (RDPI). D. miscolobium had lower shoot growth under both light conditions, suggesting it has low competitive capacity in the forest environment, which could explain its limited ability to expand over areas of Atlantic Forest. The studied species exhibited photoprotection strategies under high light and improved light capture under low light. Stomatal conductance, ETRmax (maximum electron transport rate), PPFDsat (saturating photosynthetically active photon flux density), chlorophyll and carotenoid content had higher RDPI than stem morphological traits. Although both species showed considerable phenotypic plasticity, D. miscolobium had higher RDPI for eight of 11 evaluated traits. This high plasticity could be one of the factors that explain the occurrence of this species in a wide range of environmental conditions, from open grassland to dense woodlands, and it could also reflect its adaptation to high light. D. nigra also had considerable plasticity and good growth performance in both shade and full sunlight, but its absence in areas of cerrado suggests that factors other than light limit its occurrence in these habitats.
Progress in the utilization of Cajanus platycarpus (Benth.) Maesen in pigeonpea improvement
Authors: Mallikarjuna Nalini , Senapathy Senthilvel , Jadhav Deepak R. , Saxena Kulbhushan , Sharma Hari C. , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Rathore Abishek , Varshney Rajeev 
Published: May 2011

With 1 figure and 4 tablesAbstractCultivated pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) has a narrow genetic base; hence, utilization of wild relatives in the crossing programme would broaden its genetic base and introduce useful traits. Cajanus platycarpus (Benth.) Maesen, an annual wild relative from the tertiary gene pool, was successfully crossed with the cultigen, utilizing hormone‐aided pollinations, embryo rescue and tissue culture techniques, and backcrossed using cultigen as the recurrent parent. Advance generation progeny showed a range of useful traits such as resistance to phytophthora blight, pod borer, bruchid and podfly resistance. Variation was also observed for plant type, growth habit and seed colour. A new source of cytoplasmic male sterility was identified in one of the progeny lines. Molecular analysis of the progeny after four backcrosses showed the presence of genomic segments from C. platycarpus accompanied by the presence of recombinant DNA sequences signifying recombination between the parental genomes.
Primary localized cutaneous nodular amyloidosis successfully treated with cyclophosphamide
Authors: Tong Philip L , Walker William A , Glancy Ross J , Cooney Julian P , Gebauer Kurt 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTPrimary localized cutaneous nodular amyloidosis (PLCNA) is a rare subtype of localized cutaneous amyloidosis and can be associated with various connective tissue disorders. It can be difficult to treat and past therapies include surgical excision, dermabrasion, electrodessication and curettage, cryotherapy and laser therapy. We present a case of a middle‐aged woman with PLCNA associated with CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, oesophageal motility disorders, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia) syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome responding to cyclophosphamide with no new amyloid deposits and resolution of skin ulceration after many years of resistance to drug therapy. It is important to monitor these patients for progression into systemic amyloidosis.
An exploration of rural women's knowledge of heart disease and the association with lifestyle behaviours
Authors: Crouch Rosanne , Wilson Anne 
Published: May 2011

Crouch R, Wilson A. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 238–245An exploration of rural women's knowledge of heart disease and the association with lifestyle behavioursHeart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australian women. The purpose of the study was to investigate Australian rural women's knowledge of heart disease and the association with lifestyle behaviours. A questionnaire was developed to collect data on rural women's knowledge and risk of heart disease. Despite having an overall good knowledge of heart disease, there was an identified lack of health promoting behaviours by the women to reflect their knowledge. Over half of the women participants of this study reported two or more lifestyle risk factors for heart disease. This study shows that women might know about heart disease risk factors, nevertheless they might be unaware of their susceptibility to heart disease in relation to the risk factors. Without an awareness of personal susceptibility, women might be less likely to take action to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Religion, faith and the empowerment process: Stories of Iranian people with diabetes
Authors: Abdoli Samereh , Ashktorab Tahereh , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Parvizy Soroor , Dunning Trisha 
Published: May 2011

Abdoli S, Ashktorab T, Ahmadi F, Parvizy S, Dunning T. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 289–298Religion, faith and the empowerment process: Stories of Iranian people with diabetesEmpowerment concerning people with diabetes is well researched. However, few researchers specifically focus on the barriers to and facilitators of empowerment in Iranian people with diabetes. Understanding the factors could help health professionals facilitate self‐empowerment more effectively. This study aims to determine the barriers to and facilitators of empowerment in Iranian people with diabetes. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using in‐depth interviews to collect the data from 11 women and men in 2007. Themes were identified using constant comparative analysis method. Common barriers to empowerment were similar to other chronic diseases: prolonged stress, negative view about diabetes, ineffective health‐care systems, poverty and illiteracy. Diabetes education, fear of diabetes' complications, self‐efficacy and hope for a better future emerged as being crucial to empowerment. Facilitators specific to Iranians were: the power of religion and faith, the concept of the doctor as holy man, accepting diabetes as God's will, caring for the body because it was God's gift and support from families especially daughters. Empowerment was strongly influenced by cultural and religious beliefs in Iran and the power of faith emerged as an important facilitator of diabetes empowerment. The findings will help health professionals understand how Iranian people with diabetes view life and the factors that facilitate empowerment.
Task‐shifting in the delivery of hormonal contraceptive methods: Validation of a questionnaire and preliminary results
Authors: Guilbert Edith Raphaëlle , Morin Diane , Guilbert Alexis Couture , Gagnon Hélène , Robitaille Jean , Richardson Mary 
Published: May 2011

Guilbert ER, Morin D, Guilbert AC, Gagnon H, Robitaille J, Richardson M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 315–321Task‐shifting in the delivery of hormonal contraceptive methods: Validation of a questionnaire and preliminary resultsIn order to palliate the access problem to effective contraceptive methods in Quebec, Canada, as well as to legitimate nurses' practices in family planning, a collaborative agreement was developed that allow nurses, in conjunction with pharmacists, to give hormonal contraceptives to healthy women of reproductive age for a 6 month period. Training in hormonal contraception was offered to targeted nurses before they could begin this practice. A questionnaire, based on Rogers's theory of diffusion of innovations, was elaborated and validated to specifically evaluate this phenomenon. Preliminary results show that the translation of training into practice might be suboptimal. The validated questionnaire can now be used to fully understand the set of factors influencing this new practice.
Nursing activities in intensive care units in Turkey
Authors: Kaya Hatice , Kaya Nurten , Turan Yüksel , Tan Yasemin Melek , Terzi Banu , Barlas Deniz Büke 
Published: May 2011

Kaya H, Kaya N, Turan Y, Tan YM, Terzi B, Barlas DB. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 304–314Nursing activities in intensive care units in TurkeyThis cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine applications practiced by nurses working in intensive care units of various institutions in Turkey. The research setting was neurosurgery, surgery, coronary and general intensive care units. The population of the study comprised nurses working in intensive care units, which were under the scope of this study, and these nurses' functions were studied. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Cheltenham Patient Classification Scale and Nursing Activity List. It was observed that nurses spend most of their time on direct nursing care, clerical nursing duties and patient assessment. The most frequent activities included recording observations, calculating fluid balance, recording ventilator parameters, talking to patients, conversation not task orientated, drug preparation and administration. Although nurses spend most of their time on direct nursing care, they might also be obliged to get around to activities not in relation with direct patient care.
New species of Trogidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from Australia
Authors: Strümpher Werner P , Scholtz Clarke H 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTwo new species of Omorgus Erichson, O. capillamentis and O. incognitus, from north‐eastern Australia are described. The former is an unusual, rotund flightless (brachypterous) species which is characterised by plumose glands covering the clypeus and pronotum; the latter is a more typical winged species. This brings the total number of Australian Omorgus species to 55. The new species are illustrated by photographs of habitus and aedeagi. A distribution map for the new species is provided.