bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tree cover and seasonal precipitation drive understorey flammability in alpine mountain forests
Authors: Fréjaville Thibaut , Curt Thomas , Carcaillet Christopher 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimLittle is known about the understorey flammability of European mountain forests. The aim of this study was to determine the relative effects of climate, vegetation structure and composition on the fuel‐driven variation in fire spread and intensity.LocationThe western Alps.MethodsFire spread and intensity were simulated under constant moisture and weather conditions for a wide range of understorey fuel parameters measured in the litter, grass and shrub layers. Simulation outputs were used to compare understorey flammability between different forest ecosystem types (FET). TheFETs were characterized by using a co‐inertia analysis between composition and the environment (vegetation structure and climate). The relationships between these factors, fuel properties and understorey flammability were then tested using partial regression analyses.ResultsThe most flammable forests displayed an open canopy (dry‐subalpine and open‐mediterranean) and grew in areas with dry autumns and wet and cold springs. Fire spread and intensity were controlled by the trade‐off between tree cover and dead (litter) and live (grass and shrub) biomass load. Fire intensity also increased as a result of seasonal precipitation patterns (differential distribution between the seasons): rainy springs enhanced biomass growth, whereas dry climates, especially in autumn, promoted shrub biomass and stimulated litter accumulation and residence (higher litterfall and lower decomposition rates). Interestingly, we found a positive relationship between fire intensity and the proportion of conifers that disappeared after accounting for tree cover, indicating that, in the Alps, the open canopy structure of needle‐leaved forests makes them potentially more flammable than broad‐leaved forests because of the higher load and continuity of surface fuels.Main conclusionsInter‐relationships between tree cover, precipitation seasonality and species composition govern the understorey flammability of mountain forests. We also found evidence that tree cover strongly constrains fire spread by driving the amount and type of surface fuel, which suggests that land use change can have a strong influence on flammability patterns.
Promoting contextual vocabulary learning through an adaptive computer‐assisted EFL reading system
Authors: Wang Y.‐H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe study developed an adaptive computer‐assisted reading system and investigated its effect on promoting English as a foreign language learner‐readers' contextual vocabulary learning performance. Seventy Taiwanese college students were assigned to two reading groups. Participants in the customised reading group read online English texts, each of which was customised by the developed system to offer immediate and repeated meetings with previously encountered unknown words, while participants in the typical reading group read online texts without control on unknown word recurrence. After the 4‐week online reading treatment, the two groups of learners were tested by online immediate and delayed vocabulary tests, and the students from the customised reading group were also required to complete the questionnaire regarding system use. The results showed that the vocabulary mean scores from both immediate and delayed testing demonstrated significantly better results in word gain and word retention with the customised reading group and that the adaptive reading system was appealing for the students. The study demonstrated that by providing customised reading with word recurrence specific to individuals' unknown words, this adaptive computer‐assisted English as a foreign language reading system creates a more favourable condition for foreign language vocabulary growth.
High homocysteine levels prevent via H2S the CoCl2‐induced alteration of lymphocyte viability
Authors: Bruzzese Laurie , Fenouillet Emmanuel , Fromonot Julien , Durand‐Gorde Josée‐Martine , Condo Jocelyne , Kipson Nathalie , Mottola Giovanna , Deharo Pierre , Guieu Régis , Ruf Jean 
Published: April 2016

AbstractHigh homocysteine (HCy) levels are associated with lymphocyte‐mediated inflammatory responses that are sometimes in turn related to hypoxia. Because adenosine is a potent lymphocyte suppressor produced in hypoxic conditions and shares metabolic pathways with HCy, we addressed the influence of high HCy levels on the hypoxia‐induced, adenosine‐mediated, alteration of lymphocyte viability. We treated mitogen‐stimulated human lymphocytes isolated from healthy individuals and the human lymphoma T‐cell line CEM with cobalt chloride (CoCl2)to reproduce hypoxia. We found that CoCl2‐altered cell viability was dose‐dependently reversed using HCy. In turn, the HCy effect was inhibited using DL‐propargylglycine, a specific inhibitor of the hydrogen sulphide (H2S)‐synthesizing enzyme cystathionine‐γ‐lyase involved in HCy catabolism. We then addressed the intracellular metabolic pathway of adenosine and HCy, and the role of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR). We observed that: (i) hypoxic conditions lowered the intracellular concentration of HCy by increasing adenosine production, which resulted in high A2AR expression and 3′, 5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate production; (ii) increasing intracellular HCy concentration reversed the hypoxia‐induced adenosinergic signalling despite high adenosine concentration by promoting both S‐adenosylhomocysteine and H2S production; (iii) DL‐propargylglycine that inhibits H2S production abolished the HCy effect. Together, these data suggest that high HCy levels prevent, via H2S production and the resulting down‐regulation of A2AR expression, the hypoxia‐induced adenosinergic alteration of lymphocyte viability. We point out the relevance of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.
Fragility of epidermis in newborns, children and adolescents
Authors: Blume‐Peytavi U. , Tan J. , Tennstedt D. , Boralevi F. , Fabbrocini G. , Torrelo A. , Soares‐Oliveira R. , Haftek M. , Rossi A.B. , Thouvenin M.D. , Mangold J. , Galliano M.F. , Hernandez‐Pigeon H. , Aries M.F. , Rouvrais C. , Bessou‐Touya S. , Duplan H. , Castex‐Rizzi N. , Mengeaud V. , Ferret P.J. , Clouet E. , Saint Aroman M. , Carrasco C. , Coutanceau C. , Guiraud B. , Boyal S. , Herman A. , Delga H. , Biniek K. , Dauskardt R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWithin their first days of life, newborns’ skin undergoes various adaptation processes needed to accommodate the transition from the wet uterine environment to the dry atmosphere. The skin of newborns and infants is considered as a physiological fragile skin, a skin with lower resistance to aggressions. Fragile skin is divided into four categories up to its origin: physiological fragile skin (age, location), pathological fragile skin (acute and chronic), circumstantial fragile skin (due to environmental extrinsic factors or intrinsic factors such as stress) and iatrogenic fragile skin.Extensive research of the past 10 years have proven evidence that at birth albeit showing a nearly perfect appearance, newborn skin is structurally and functionally immature compared to adult skin undergoing a physiological maturation process after birth at least throughout the first year of life. This article is an overview of all known data about fragility of epidermis in ‘fragile populations’: newborns, children and adolescents. It includes the recent pathological, pathophysiological and clinical data about fragility of epidermis in various dermatological diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, irritative dermatitis and focus on UV protection.
Italian expert consensus for the management of actinic keratosis in immunocompetent patients
Authors: Peris K. , Calzavara‐Pinton P.G. , Neri L. , Girolomoni G. , Malara G. , Parodi A. , Piaserico S. , Rossi R. , Pellacani G. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractActinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin disease which can potentially progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC). Given that mortality rates and health‐care cost associated with iSCC are substantial, the management of AK represents an important public health issue. Several effective lesion‐directed and field‐directed treatments are available. Ablative procedures (e.g. cryosurgery, excision, laser ablation, curettage alone or with electrodessication) are considered cost‐effective options for solitary lesions. Field‐directed therapies (e.g. Ingenol Mebutate, imiquimod, PDT, 5‐Fluorouracile, diclofenac 3%, 5‐FU + Salicylic acid) can be used over large epidermal surfaces and are directed to treat both individual visible lesions and cancerization fields. In order to provide guidance for management choice in clinical practice, several guidelines concerning the diagnosis and treatment of AK have been published in the past decade. However, the introduction of novel therapeutic options requires continuous updates of recommendations and adaptation to national contexts. The present review summarizes the existing evidence and reports the results of a consensus workshop on the management of AK.
Focal vitiligo: long‐term follow‐up of 52 cases
Authors: Lommerts J.E. , Schilder Y. , de Rie M.A. , Wolkerstorfer A. , Bekkenk M.W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundFocal vitiligo is characterized by depigmented patches located in a small area without a typical segmental distribution. Focal vitiligo is classified as an undetermined type of vitiligo, and a more definitive diagnosis can be made when the lesions have not evolved into non‐segmental or segmental vitiligo after a period of 1–2 years. However, the chance of progression is not known and may lead to treatment‐indecision.ObjectiveThe objective was to study the characteristics of patients with focal vitiligo and possible predictors of progression.MethodsWe conducted a survey study in patients with initial diagnosis of focal vitiligo between January 2005 and June 2010. Focal vitiligo was defined as either a small acquired isolated depigmented lesion without typical segmental distribution, or two to three small acquired lesions localized in a non‐segmental area with a maximum of 5 cm. The survey comprised of 21 questions concerning the patient's characteristics, the onset of focal vitiligo, progression of depigmentation and treatment history.ResultsWe identified 128 eligible patients and the response rate was 40.6% (n = 52 completed questionnaires). Progression to non‐segmental vitiligo occurred in 23%. The median follow‐up duration was 7 years. In 11.5% of the patients, progression to non‐segmental vitiligo occurred within 2 years after onset. Nevertheless, even after a first stable period of more than 2 years, another 11.5% of the patients advanced to non‐segmental vitiligo. No associated prognostic factors at baseline of progression to non‐segmental or long‐lasting focal vitiligo were found.ConclusionFocal vitiligo is a rare subtype of vitiligo and most patients have long‐lasting focal lesions after onset of the disease. In this study, focal vitiligo progressed to typical non‐segmental vitiligo, but not towards typical segmental vitiligo. Progression 2 years after onset of focal vitiligo, occurs in 50% of the patients with eventual progression to non‐segmental vitiligo. There seem to be no clinical signs that predict progression in focal vitiligo.
Changing the habitat: the evolution of intercorrelated traits to escape from predators
Authors: Mikolajewski D. J. , Scharnweber K. , Jiang B. , Leicht S. , Mauersberger R. , Johansson F. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBurst escape speed is an effective and widely used behaviour for evading predators, with burst escape speed relying on several different morphological features. However, we know little about how behavioural and underlying morphological attributes change in concert as a response to changes in selective predation regime. We studied intercorrelated trait differentiation of body shape and burst‐swim‐mediating morphology in response to a habitat shift‐related reduction in burst escape speed using larvae of the dragonfly genusLeucorrhinia. Species in this genus underwent a well‐known habitat shift from predatory fish lakes (fish lakes) to predatory fish‐free lakes dominated by large predatory dragonflies (dragonfly lakes) accompanied by relaxed selection on escape burst speed. Results revealed that species from fish lakes that possess faster burst speed have evolved a suite of functionally intercorrelated traits, expressing a wider abdomen, a higher abdominal muscles mass and a larger branchial chamber compared with species from dragonfly lakes. In contrast, populations within species did not show significant differences in muscle mass and branchial chamber size between lake types in three of the species. High multicollinearity among variables suggests that traits have evolved in concert rather than independently whenLeucorrhiniashifted from fish lakes to dragonfly lakes. Thus, relaxed selection on burst escape speed in dragonfly‐lake species resulted in a correlated reduction of abdominal muscles and a smaller branchial chamber, likely to save production and/or maintenance costs. Our results highlight the importance of studying integrated behavioural and morphological traits to fully understand the evolution of complex phenotypes.
Association of radiotherapy with favorable prognosis in daily clinical practice for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yang Shih‐Hung , Guo Jhe‐Cyuan , Yeh Kun‐Huei , Tien Yu‐Wen , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Kuo Sung‐Hsin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground and AimRadiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy is currently used in definitive therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. We sought to evaluate the prognostic significance, pattern of care, and use of RT in locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer.MethodsBetween 2002 and 2011, patients with invasive pancreatic carcinoma and prior exposure to systemic chemotherapy were included. We used Cox regression model and propensity score matching for prognostic analyses and logistic regression for analyzing the factors impacting the use of RT.ResultsWe identified 217 pancreatic cancer patients (74 with unresectable stage II or III and 143 with stage IV). Of all patients, 90.8% had adenocarcinoma, and only 19.2% (42/217) received RT with doses ranging from 50 to 55 Gy in 25 to 28 fractions using modern RT techniques. Logistic regression showed stage (P < 0.001) and initial CA 19‐9 level (P = 0.026) were significantly predictive of the choice of RT as a first‐line treatment, whereas the second‐line use of RT was associated with the response to first‐line chemotherapy and longer progression‐free survival. Patients with RT had a better median survival than those without it (14.6 vs 8.1 months, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis and propensity score matching, RT remained a good prognostic factor for overall survival.ConclusionThe use of RT might be associated with a favorable clinical outcome in patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Further exploration of RT as a first‐line therapy or second‐line therapy for locally advanced or even metastatic pancreatic cancer is warranted.
Platelet count to spleen diameter ratio non‐invasively identifies severe fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Sheptulina Anna , Shirokova Elena , Nekrasova Tatiana , Blum Hubert , Ivashkin Vladimir 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐invasive markers are essential to assess the progression of chronic liver diseases to fibrosis/ cirrhosis and the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of non‐invasive markers to identify significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis, and cirrhosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).MethodsSeventy‐six patients with AIH were enrolled in the study and analyzed for the following parameters of liver fibrosis: Fibrosis 4 score (FIB‐4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), AST to platelet count ratio (APRI), and platelet count to spleen diameter (PC/SD) ratio. All patients underwent liver biopsy. The diagnostic accuracy of tests was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsAmong the 76 AIH patients, 55 (72.3%) had significant fibrosis (≥ F2), 37 (48.7%) had severe fibrosis (≥ F3), and 29 (38.2%) had cirrhosis (F4). PC/SD ratio (AUROC = 0.840) was superior to AAR (AUROC = 0.756), FIB‐4 (AUROC = 0.702), and APRI (AUROC = 0.626) in discriminating between mild and significant fibrosis (≥ F2). The AUROCs of PC/SD ratio, FIB‐4, AAR, and APRI were 0.884, 0.742, 0.731, and 0.707, respectively, for severe fibrosis (≥ F3); 0.968, 0.795, 0.744, and 0.723, respectively, for cirrhosis (F4). PC/SD ratio correctly identified 85.1% of patients with severe fibrosis, and 89.6% of patients with cirrhosis.ConclusionsPC/SD ratio proved to be a simple non‐invasive tool to correctly identify AIH patients with severe fibrosis and cirrhosis, thereby reducing the need for a liver biopsy in these patients.
Update on therapeutic interventions for the management of achalasia
Authors: Gunasingam Nishmi , Perczuk Adam , Talbot Michael , Kaffes Arthur , Saxena Payal 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAchalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder. It is the absence of peristalsis in the esophageal body and inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which characterizes this rare condition. Its features typically include dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. The ultimate goal in treating achalasia is to relieve the patient's symptoms, improve esophageal emptying, and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. Current treatment modalities targeted at achalasia include pharmacological therapy, endoscopic therapy, and surgery. This review focuses on the current therapeutic options and explores the role of peroral endoscopic myotomy in the management armamentarium.
Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Lean Mass, Muscle Strength, and Bone Mineral Density During Weight Loss: A Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mason Caitlin , Tapsoba Jean D. , Duggan Catherine , Imayama Ikuyo , Wang Ching‐Yun , Korde Larissa , McTiernan Anne 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesTo compare the effects of 12 months of vitamin D3 supplementation with that placebo on lean mass, bone mineral density (BMD), and muscle strength in overweight or obese postmenopausal women completing a structured weight‐loss program.DesignDouble‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trial.SettingFred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.ParticipantsPostmenopausal women aged 50 to 75 with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater and a serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration between 10.0 and 32.0 ng/mL (insufficient) (N = 218).InterventionOral vitamin D3 2,000 IU/d or placebo in combination with a lifestyle‐based weight loss intervention consisting of a reduction of 500 kcal to 1,000 kcal per day and 225 min/wk of moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity aerobic exercise.MeasurementsSerum 25(OH)D, body composition, and muscle strength were measured before randomization (baseline) and at 12 months. Mean changes of the groups were compared (intention to treat) using generalized estimating equations.ResultsChange in 25(OH)D was significantly different between the vitamin D and placebo groups at 12 months (13.6 ng/mL vs −1.3 ng/mL, P < .001), but no differences in change in lean mass (−0.8 kg vs −1.1 kg, P = .53) or BMD of the spine (−0.01 g/cm2 vs 0.0 g/cm2, P = .82) or right femoral neck (both −0.01 g/cm2, P = .49) were detected between the groups. Leg strength decreased in the vitamin D group but not in the placebo group (−2.6 pounds vs 1.8 pounds, P = .03). In women randomized to vitamin D, achieving repletion (25(OH)D ≥ 32 ng/mL) did not alter results.ConclusionVitamin D3 supplementation during weight‐loss decreased leg strength but did not alter changes in lean mass or BMD in postmenopausal women with vitamin D insufficiency.
Polygenetic titanite records the composition of metamorphic fluids during the exhumation of ultrahigh‐pressure metagranite in the Sulu orogen
Authors: Chen Y.‐X. , Zhou K. , Zheng Y.‐F. , Gao X.‐Y. , Yang Y. H. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTAn integrated study of U–Pb ages and trace elements was carried out for titanite and zircon from ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metagranites in the Sulu orogen, east‐central China. The results provide constraints on the composition of metamorphic fluids during the exhumation of deeply subducted continental crust. Titanite has two domain types based on REE patterns and trace element variations, Ttn‐I and Ttn‐II respectively. These two domains show indistinguishable U–Pb ages of 232 ± 14 to 220 ± 8 Ma, in general agreement with anatectic zircon U–Pb ages of 223 ± 4 to 219 ± 2 Ma for the partial melting event during early exhumation. The Ttn‐I domains have significantly higher REE, Th, Ta and Sr, and higher Th/U ratios than the Ttn‐II domains, indicating that the two domains have grown from metamorphic fluids with different compositions. For the Ttn‐I domains, Zr‐in‐titanite thermometry yields high temperatures of 773–851 °C at 2.5 GPa, and petrographic observations reveal the presence of melt pseudomorphs. Thus, they are interpreted to have grown from hydrous melts in the early exhumation stage. In contrast, the Ttn‐II domains were texturally equilibrated with amphibolite facies minerals such as biotite and plagioclase and contain inclusions of plagioclase and quartz. The Zr‐in‐titanite thermometry yields lower temperatures of 627–685 °C at 1.0 GPa. In combination with their REE patterns, they are interpreted to have grown from aqueous solutions at amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions during further exhumation. The differences in Th and Sr contents are prominent between the Ttn‐I and Ttn‐II domains, signifying the compositional difference between the hydrous melts and aqueous solutions. Therefore, the polygenetic titanite in the UHP metamorphic rocks provides insights into the geochemical property of metamorphic fluids during the continental subduction‐zone processes.