bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet and food preferences of the endangered Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus: a basis for their conservation
Authors: MARGALIDA ANTONI , BERTRAN JOAN , HEREDIA RAFAEL 
Published: January 2009

The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus population in the Pyrenees is managed using feeding stations to increase breeding success and reduce mortality in the pre‐adult population. Nevertheless, very little quantitative and qualitative information has been published on such basic aspects of the species’ ecology as feeding habits and dietary preferences. This study investigated both aspects through direct and unbiased observation of breeding Bearded Vultures during the chick‐rearing period. Bearded Vulture diet comprises mammals (93%), birds (6%) and reptiles (1%), with medium‐sized ungulates (mainly sheep/goats) the most important species in the diet (61%, n = 677). Prey items were not selected in proportion to their availability, with the remains of larger species (cows and horses) being avoided, probably due to the variable cost/benefit ratios in handling efficiency, ingestion process and transport. There is no relationship between the proportion of sheep limbs in the diet and the proximity of feeding stations, suggesting that these sites are probably less important for breeding adults than for the pre‐adult population. On the other hand, diet specificity seems related to productivity, with territories with greater trophic breadth being those with higher fecundity. Bearded Vultures prefer to eat limbs, although meat remains (provided principally by small mammals) can play an important role in guaranteeing breeding success during the first few weeks after hatching. The management of carrion provided by animals that die naturally in extensive livestock practices and the remains of wild ungulates which have died naturally or by human hunting, are important conservation tools for the Bearded Vulture and other carrion‐eating species.
Design of Fibrin Matrix Composition to Enhance Endothelial Cell Growth and Extracellular Matrix Deposition for In Vitro Tissue Engineering
Authors: Pankajakshan Divya , Krishnan Lissy K. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTissue‐engineered blood vessel substitutes should closely resemble native vessels in terms of structure, composition, mechanical properties, and function. Successful cardiovascular tissue engineering requires optimization of in vitro culture environment that would produce functional constructs. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein elastin plays an essential role in the cardiovascular system to render elasticity to blood vessel wall, whereas collagen is responsible for providing mechanical strength. The objective of this study was to understand the significance of various ECM components on endothelial cell (EC) growth and tissue generation. We demonstrate that, even though fibrin is a good matrix for EC growth, fibronectin is the crucial component of the fibrin matrix that enhances EC adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. Vascular EC growth factor is known to influence in vitro growth of EC, but, so far, ECM deposition in in vitro culture has not been reported. In this study, it is shown that incorporation of a mixture of hypothalamus‐derived angiogenic growth factors with fibrin matrix enhances synthesis and deposition of insoluble elastin and collagen in the matrix, within 10 days of in vitro culture. The results suggest that a carefully engineered fibrin composite matrix may support EC growth, survival, and remodeling of ECM in vitro and impart optimum properties to the construct for resisting the shear stress at the time of implantation.
A Novel Approach to Align Adult Neural Stem Cells on Micropatterned Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Hsu Shan‐hui , Su Chien‐Hsiang , Chiu Ing‐Ming 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThere is a strong need for nerve‐tissue engineering using the guide conduit and Schwann cells or neural stem cells (NSCs) with regeneration potential for injured peripheral nerves. In this study, micropatterned poly(d,l‐lactide) (PLA) conduits were fabricated by microlithography and solvent‐casting. The PLA conduits were seeded with the novel green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐positive adult mouse NSCs obtained using the patented method of one of the authors. About 85% of the seeded NSCs were successfully aligned on the micropatterned conduits within 72 h and expressed the genes related to the production of neurotrophic factors. Gene expressions for the neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor were upregulated by the micropatterned conduits at 72 h. The micropatterned PLA conduits seeded with the aligned NSCs were used to bridge the 10‐mm sciatic nerve gaps in rats and were found to facilitate nerve repair and functional recovery during a period of 6 weeks compared with the nonseeded group. This model can be used to study the role of adult NSCs in peripheral‐nerve regeneration in the future.
Functional and Biocompatibility Performances of an Integrated Maglev Pump‐Oxygenator
Authors: Zhang Tao , Cheng Guangming , Koert Andrew , Zhang Juntao , Gellman Barry , Yankey G. Kwame , Satpute Aditee , Dasse Kurt A. , Gilbert Richard J. , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTo provide respiratory support for patients with lung failure, a novel compact integrated pump‐oxygenator is being developed. The functional and biocompatibility performances of this device are presented. The pump‐oxygenator is designed by combining a magnetically levitated pump/rotor with a uniquely configured hollow fiber membrane bundle to create an assembly free, ultracompact, all‐in‐one system. The hemodynamics, gas transfer and biocompatibility performances of this novel device were investigated both in vitro in a circulatory flow loop and in vivo in an ovine animal model. The in vitro results showed that the device was able to pump blood flow from 2 to 8 L/min against a wide range of pressures and to deliver an oxygen transfer rate more than 300 mL/min at a blood flow of 6 L/min. Blood damage tests demonstrated low hemolysis (normalized index of hemolysis [NIH]∼0.04) at a flow rate of 5 L/min against a 100‐mm Hg afterload. The data from five animal experiments (4 h to 7 days) demonstrated that the device could bring the venous blood to near fully oxygen‐saturated condition (98.6% ± 1.3%). The highest oxygen transfer rate reached 386 mL/min. The gas transfer performance was stable over the study duration for three 7‐day animals. There was no indication of blood damage. The plasma free hemoglobin and platelet count were within the normal ranges. No gross thrombus is found on the explanted pump components and fiber surfaces. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the newly developed pump‐oxygenator can achieve sufficient blood flow and oxygen transfer with excellent biocompatibility.
Experimental Setup to Evaluate the Performance of Percutaneous Pulmonary Valved Stent in Different Outflow Tract Morphologies
Authors: Vismara Riccardo , Laganà Katia , Migliavacca Francesco , Schievano Silvia , Coats Louise , Taylor Andrew , Bonhoeffer Philipp 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPercutaneous pulmonary valve implantation is a potential treatment for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. However, RVOT implantation site varies among subjects and the success of the procedure depends on RVOT morphology selection. The aim of this study was to use in vitro testing to establish percutaneous valve competency in different previously defined RVOT morphologies. Five simplified RVOT geometries (stenotic, enlarged, straight, convergent, and divergent) were manufactured by silicone dipping. A mock bench was developed to test the percutaneous valve in the five different RVOTs. The bench consists of a volumetric pulsatile pump and of a hydraulic afterload. The pump is made of a piston driven by a low inertia programmable motor. The hydraulic afterload mimics the pulmonary input impedance and its design is based on a three element model of the pulmonary circulation. The mock bench can replicate different physiological and pathological hemodynamic conditions of the pulmonary circulation. The mock bench is here used to test the five RVOTs under physiological‐like conditions: stroke volume range 40–70 mL, frequency range 60–80 bpm. The valved stent was implanted into the five different RVOT geometries. Pressures upstream and downstream of the valved stent were monitored. Flow rates were measured with and without the valved stent in the five mock RVOTs, and regurgitant fraction compared between the different valved stent RVOTs. The percutaneous valved stent drastically reduced regurgitant flow if compared with the RVOT without the valve. RVOT geometry did not significantly influence the flow rate curves. Mean regurgitant fractions varied from 5% in the stenotic RVOT to 7.3% in the straight RVOT, highlighting the influence of the RVOT geometry on valve competency. The mock bench presented in this study showed the ability to investigate the influence of RVOT geometry on the competence of valved stent used for percutaneous pulmonary valve treatment.
Economic, Social, and Psychological Factors Associated With Health‐Related Quality of Life of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Northern Taiwan: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kao Tze‐Wah , Lai Mei‐Shu , Tsai Tun‐Jun , Jan Chyi‐Feng , Chie Wei‐Chu , Chen Wan‐Yu 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study evaluated the associations between economic, social, psychological factors, and health‐related quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Cross‐sectional study design was used. End‐stage renal disease patients who had received maintenance hemodialysis for more than 2 months at 14 centers in northern Taiwan were invited to participate. Demographic, economic, and psychosocial data of patients were collected. Depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory. Health‐related quality of life was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. Eight hundred sixty‐one patients (373 males, mean age 59.4 ± 13.2 years) completed the study. Higher monthly income was positively associated with role emotional and mental health (P < 0.05), and so was increased frequency of social activities with social functioning (P <  0.05). The more worries, the stronger the inverse associations with social functioning (P < 0.05) and mental health (P < 0.01). Higher depression scores were associated with lower scores of all Short‐Form 36 dimensions (P < 0.01). Higher monthly income and increased social activities are associated with better health‐related quality of life, whereas more worries and higher depression scores are associated with worse health‐related quality of life of hemodialysis patients.
Coronary Hemodynamics and Myocardial Oxygen Consumption During Support With Rotary Blood Pumps
Authors: Voitl Peter , Vollkron Michael , Bergmeister Helga , Wieselthaler Georg , Schima Heinrich 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMechanical support offered by rotary pumps is increasingly used to assist the failing heart, although several questions concerning physiology remain. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of left‐ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy on coronary hemodynamics, myocardial oxygen consumption, and pulmonary blood flow in sheep. We performed an acute experiment in 10 sheep to obtain invasively measured coronary perfusion data, as well as pressure and flow conditions under cardiovascular assistance. A DeBakey VAD (MicroMed Cardiovascular, Inc., Houston, TX, USA) was implanted, and systemic and coronary hemodynamic measurements were performed at defined baseline conditions and at five levels of assistance. Data were measured when the pump was clamped, as well as under minimum, maximum, and moderate levels of assistance, and in a pump‐off condition where backflow occurs. Coronary flow at the different levels of support showed no significant impact of pump activity. The change from baseline ranged from −10.8% to +4.6% (not significant [n.s.]). In the pulmonary artery, we observed a consistent increase in flow up to +4.5% (n.s.) and a decrease in the pulmonary artery pressure down to −14.4% (P = 0.004). Myocardial oxygen consumption fell with increasing pump support down to −34.6% (P = 0.008). Left‐ventricular pressure fell about 52.2% (P = 0.016) as support was increased. These results show that blood flow in the coronary arteries is not affected by flow changes imposed by rotary blood pumps. An undiminished coronary perfusion at falling oxygen consumption might contribute to cardiac recovery.
Quantitative Analysis of Pulsatile Flow Contribution to Ultrafiltration
Authors: Lim Ki Moo , Park Joong Yull , Lee Jung Chan , Kim Jeong Chul , Min Byoung Goo , Kang Eung Taeck , Shim Eun Bo 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe evaluated the quantitative contribution of pulsatile flow to ultrafiltration (UF) in terms of fluid power, membrane stretch, and reduction of membrane layering. An in vitro comparison of the UF rate using pulsatile and roller pumps was performed with distilled water and bovine whole blood. The mean transmembrane pressure (TMPm) and UF rate were higher with the pulsatile pump for the same mean flow rate: 6.6 mm Hg and 21.1 mL/min higher on average for distilled water and 34.2 mm Hg and 31.4 mL/min higher on average for blood. The average UF rate was 8.4 mL/min higher with the pulsatile pump for the same TMPm with bovine blood. However, the relationship between the UF rate and the TMPm was independent of the flow configuration for distilled water. We showed that the higher UF rate in the pulsatile pump is mainly due to greater fluid power and reduction of membrane layering, while the membrane stretch was not an important factor.
Unsuspected or Unacknowledged Depressive Symptoms in Young Adult Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Biros Michelle H. , Mann Jessica , Hanson Rebecca , Cen Ye Ying 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives: The objective was to determine the frequency of unsuspected or unacknowledged depressive symptoms among young adult emergency department (ED) patients.Methods: The Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and a demographic/lifestyle questionnaire were administered to a cross‐section of medically stable, English‐speaking young adult ED patients (aged 18–23 years) with nonpsychiatric chief complaints. The frequency of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was determined. Group results were analyzed with descriptive statistics; multivariate analysis assessed for patient characteristics associated with depressive symptoms.Results: A total of 2,898 patients were screened; 2,255 were eligible for enrollment, and 1,264 enrolled (56%; 64% female, 42% African American; mean age = 21 [±1.7] years). Twenty‐nine percent had BDI‐II scores consistent with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Patient characteristics associated with depressive symptoms included knowledge of someone who had intentionally hurt him‐ or herself (odds ratio [OR] = 2) or died a violent nonaccidental death (OR = 1.4), low personal income (OR = 1.8), chronic health issues (OR = 1.7), cigarette smoking (OR = 1.6), and African American race (OR = 1.5). Those who attended school (OR = 0.5), engaged in frequent social activities (OR = 0.5), or drove a car (OR = 0.7) were less likely to have depressive symptoms. Patients lacked insight into their depressive symptoms.Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in young adult ED patients. Young adults often do not recognize, or are reluctant to acknowledge, depressive symptoms. Specific patient characteristics may be useful in deciding which young adults should undergo ED screening for depression.
Evaluation of the Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Zingiber officinale Rhizomes in Rat Collagen‐induced Arthritis
Authors: Fouda Abdel‐Motaal M. , Berika Mohamed Y. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Patients with chronic, painful diseases often seek alternative therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizomes (Z. officinale extract) to ameliorate inflammatory process in rat collagen‐induced arthritis. Our results show that Z. officinale extract in doses higher than 50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally starting from the dose of booster immunization and for 26 days can ameliorate the clinical scores, disease incidence, joint temperature and swelling, and cartilage destruction, together with reduction of serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and anti‐CII antibodies. Moreover, Z. officinale extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg/day was superior to 2 mg/kg/day of indomethacin at most of the measured parameters. These observations might make Z. officinale extract a good alternative to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Gln27→Gluβ2‐Adrenergic Receptor Polymorphism in Heart Failure Patients: Differential Clinical and Oxidative Response to Carvedilol
Authors: Troncoso Rodrigo , Moraga Francisco , Chiong Mario , Roldán Juan , Bravo Roberto , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Díaz‐Araya Guillermo , Del Campo Andrea , Sanhueza Carlos , Rodriguez Andrea , Vukasovic José Luis , Mellado Rosemarie , Greig Douglas , Castro Pablo F. , Lavandero Sergio 
Published: January 2009

Abstract: We investigated the clinical response of chronic heart failure patients with β2‐adrenergic receptor Gln27→Glu polymorphism treated for 6 months with carvedilol, a α/β‐antagonist with antioxidant properties. The 6‐min. walk test, the left ventricular ejection fraction, heart rate, plasma norepinephrine and malondialdehyde, a stress oxidative marker, concentrations were evaluated at baseline and after treatment for 6 months with carvedilol in 33 stable chronic heart failure patients with the Gln27→Gluβ2‐adrenergic receptor polymorphism. Carvedilol significantly increased the left ventricular ejection fraction, while decreasing the heart rate and malondialdehyde plasma concentrations in chronic heart failure patients with the Glu27β2‐adrenergic receptor allele. There were however, no significant changes in patients with the Gln27β2‐adrenergic receptor variant.
Overexpression of a New Putative Membrane Protein Gene AtMRB1 Results in Organ Size Enlargement in Arabidopsis
Authors: Guan Hua , Kang Dingming , Fan Min , Chen Zhangliang , Qu Li‐Jia 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Arabidopsis AtMRB1 is predicted to encode a novel protein of 432 amino acid residues in length, with four putative trans‐membrane domains. In the present study, characterization of AtMRB1 is conducted. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein assay showed that AtMRB1 was located in the plasma membrane. Transgenic lines overexpressing AtMRB1 driven by a CaMV 35S promoter were generated. Statistic analysis showed that, during the seedling stage, the organ sizes of the transgenic lines including hypocotyl length, root length and root weight were significantly larger than those of the wild type plants under both light and dark conditions. In the adult plant stage, the AtMRB1 overexpressor plants were found to have larger organ sizes in terms of leaf length and width, and increased number of cauline leaves and branches when bolting. Further observation indicated that the larger leaf size phenotype was due to a larger number of mesophyll cells, the size of which was not altered. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the transcription of ANT, ROT3 and GRF5 were upregulated in the AtMRB1‐overexpressor plants. These data suggest that AtMRB1 is possibly a positive regulator of organ size development in Arabidopsis, mainly through cell number control.
Coaching patients to self‐care: a primary responsibility of nursing
Authors: Pryor Julie 
Published: January 2009

Aim.  To explore the process nurses use to guide and support patients to actively re‐establish self‐care.Background.  The movement of hospitalized patients from less to more independence is primarily a nursing responsibility. Studies of nursing practice in inpatient rehabilitation settings have begun to shed some light on this, but as yet there is limited understanding of the actual skills nurses use to support patients to re‐establish self‐care.Method.  This study used grounded theory. Microanalysis and constant comparative analysis of data collected during interviews with, and observation of, registered and enrolled nurses during everyday nursing practice in five inpatient rehabilitation units facilitated open, axial and selective coding. Relevant literature was woven into the final theory.Findings.  To facilitate patient transition from the role of acute care patient to rehabilitation patient actively reclaiming self‐care, nurses engaged in a three‐phase process known as coaching patients to self‐care. The three phases were: easing patients into rehabilitation, maximizing patient effort and providing graduated assistance.Conclusion.  Coaching patients to self‐care is a primary activity and technology of rehabilitation nursing.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients in a variety of settings would benefit from nurses incorporating coaching skills into their nurse–patient interactions.
Impact of Copper Sulfate on Plankton in Channel Catfish Nursery Ponds
Authors: Mischke Charles C. , Wise David J. , Zimba Paul V. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract Many fish culturists are interested in applying copper sulfate pentahydrate (CSP) to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nursery ponds as a prophylactic treatment for trematode infection and proliferative gill disease by killing snails and Dero sp., respectively, before stocking fry. However, copper is an algaecide and may adversely affect phytoplankton and zooplankton populations. We evaluated the effects of prophylactic use of copper sulfate in catfish nursery ponds on water quality and phytoplankton and zooplankton populations. In 2006, treatments of 0 mg/L CSP, 3 mg/L CSP (0.77 mg/L Cu), and 6 mg/L CSP (1.54 mg/L Cu) were randomly assigned to 0.04‐ha ponds. In 2007, only treatments of 0 and 3 mg/L CSP were randomly assigned to the 16 ponds. Ponds treated with CSP had significantly higher pH and significantly lower total ammonia concentrations. Treatment of both CSP rates increased total algal concentrations but reduced desirable zooplankton groups for catfish culture. CSP has been shown to be effective in reducing snail populations at the rate used in this study. CSP treatment also appears to be beneficial to the algal bloom, shifting the algal population to green algae and increasing total algal biomass within 1 wk after CSP treatment. Although zooplankton populations were adversely affected, populations of important zooplankton to catfish fry began rebounding 6–12 d after CSP treatment. Therefore, if CSP is used to treat catfish fry ponds of similar water composition used in this study, fry should not be stocked for about 2 wk after CSP application to allow time for the desirable zooplankton densities to begin increasing.
Isolation and characterization of 12 dinucletiotide microsatellite loci in Paratrechalea galianoae (Araneae, Trechaleidae), a nuptial gift‐spider
Authors: DA SILVEIRA LUCAS CAETANO TIEPPO , BONATTO SANDRO L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTwelve microsatellite loci from the Neotropical spider Paratrechalea galianoae were isolated from a microsatellite‐enriched genomic library, and were tested in a sample of 27 individuals from a population that occurs in Brazil. All loci were polymorphic and three to 14 (mean 7.58) alleles per locus were identified. The observed and expected heterozygosities per locus ranged from 0.417 to 0.885 and from 0.595 to 0.878, respectively. Two loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and one pair showed evidence of linkage disequilibrium. These loci are being used to study the population structure and genetic diversity in P. galianoae.