bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling landscape connectivity for bobcats using expert‐opinion and empirically derived models: how well do they work?
Authors: Reed G. C. , Litvaitis J. A. , Callahan C. , Carroll R. P. , Litvaitis M. K. , Broman D. J. A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractEfforts to retain ecological connectivity have become a conservation priority to permit animal movements within home ranges, allow dispersal between populations and provide opportunities for animals to respond to climate change. We used expert‐opinion and empirically derived models to investigate landscape connectivity at two spatial scales among bobcats Lynx rufus in New Hampshire, USA. Paths of marked bobcats were compared to random movements in the context of program CircuitScape. At the local scale (within home ranges), the empirical model (based on observations and telemetry locations) performed better than the expert‐opinion model. At the regional scale (state of New Hampshire), both models identified urban development as a potential barrier; however, the models differed in predicting how specific natural features (e.g. mountains and large water bodies) and some roads affected bobcat movements. When compared with bobcat population structure based on genetic information, the expert‐opinion model overestimated the influence of roads. Alternatively, the empirical model overestimated the influence of snow. Our findings indicate that the empirically based resistance model was better at describing landscape‐scale effects, whereas the expert‐opinion model provided a good understanding of gene flow at a regional scale. As such, both models may be considered complementary. Bobcats were sensitive to disruptions imposed by habitat fragmentation and thus may be a suitable focal species for evaluating the consequences of land‐use changes on the regional suite of mesocarnivores.
Performance of adjustable pressure‐limiting (APL) valves in two different modern anaesthesia machines
Authors: Thomas J. , Weiss M. , Schmidt A. R. , Buehler P. K. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryThe ability to gently ventilate a patient's lungs using a self‐inflating bag requires a properly working adjustable pressure‐limiting (APL) valve. We compared the performance of the APL valves of the GE Aisys CS2 and the Draeger Fabius anaesthetic machines during closure and opening from 1‐20 and from 20‐1 cmH2O, using standardised experimental baby and adolescent patient lung models. Airway pressures and inspiratory tidal volumes were measured using an ASL‐5000 test lung and a GE Aisys CS2 near‐patient spirometry sensors. In both lung models, the GE Aisys CS2 APL valves demonstrated non‐linear behaviours for airway pressures and for inspiratory tidal volumes, with a sharp increase at set APL pressure levels of 8–10 cmH2O. With further closure of the GE Aisys CS2 APL valves up to 20 cmH2O, inspiratory tidal volumes decreased to ~50% of the highest values measured. Airway pressures in the Draeger Fabius APL valves demonstrated a near linear increase and decrease. Airway pressure values measured in the Draeger Fabius were never higher than those set by the APL valves, whereas in the GE Aisys CS2, they considerably exceeded set pressures (by up to 27 cmH2O). We conclude that the performance of the GE Aisys CS2 APL valve does not allow safe bag‐assisted ventilation of a patient's lungs.
AAGBI: Consent for anaesthesia 2017
Authors: Yentis S. M. , Hartle A. J. , Barker I. R. , Barker P. , Bogod D. G. , Clutton‐Brock T. H. , Ruck Keene A. , Leifer S. , Naughton A. , Plunkett E. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryPrevious guidelines on consent for anaesthesia were issued by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland in 1999 and revised in 2006. The following guidelines have been produced in response to the changing ethical and legal background against which anaesthetists, and also intensivists and pain specialists, currently work, while retaining the key principles of respect for patients’ autonomy and the need to provide adequate information. The main points of difference between the relevant legal frameworks in England and Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are also highlighted.
Sexual functioning mirrors overall men's health status, even irrespective of cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Capogrosso P. , Ventimiglia E. , Boeri L. , Capitanio U. , Gandaglia G. , Dehò F. , Pederzoli F. , Cazzaniga W. , Scano R. , Montorsi F. , Salonia A. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryErectile dysfunction has been described as a sentinel marker of co‐existing and undetected cardiovascular disease. Beside cardiovascular diseases, a correlation between erectile dysfunction and other major comorbidities has been also reported. The study was aimed to analyze the association between sexual functioning and overall men's health in sexually active, Caucasian‐European men with new‐onset sexual dysfunction. Data from the last 881 consecutive patients seeking first medical help for sexual dysfunction were cross‐sectionally analyzed. The International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification was used to classify health‐significant comorbidities, which were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). A modified CCI score from which all potential cardiovascular risk factors (CCI‐CV) were subtracted was then calculated for every patient. Patients were requested to complete the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The main outcome of the study was the association between the IIEF domain scores and CCI, which scored health‐significant comorbidities even irrespective of cardiovascular risk factors (CCI‐CV). The final sample included 757 patients (85.9%) (Median age: 48 years; IQ range: 37–59). Overall, erectile dysfunction was found in 540 (71.4%) patients. Of these, 164 (21.6%) had a CCI ≥ 1 and 138 (18.2%) had a CCI‐CV ≥ 1, respectively. At the analysis of variance, IIEF‐Erectile Function (EF) scores significantly decreased as a function of incremental CCI and CCI‐CV scores (all p < 0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, both IIEF‐EF and IIEF‐total score achieved independent predictor status for either CCI ≥ 1 or CCI‐CV ≥ 1, after accounting for potential confounders (p < 0.01). We report novel findings of a significant association between erectile dysfunction severity and overall men's health, even irrespective of cardiovascular risk factors. Thereof, erectile dysfunction severity could serve as a proxy for general men's health, thus encouraging physicians to comprehensively assess patients complaining of sexual dysfunction in the real‐life everyday clinical practice.
Can mesenchymal stem cells improve spermatogonial stem cell transplantation efficiency?
Authors: Kadam P. , Van Saen D. , Goossens E. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryImproved treatments have led to an increased survival rate in cancer patients. However, in pre‐pubertal boys, these gonadotoxic treatments can result in the depletion of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) pool causing lifelong infertility. SSC transplantation has been proposed as a promising technique to preserve the fertility of these patients. In mice, this technique has resulted in live‐born offspring, but the efficiency of colonization remained low. This could be because of a deficient microenvironment, leading to apoptosis of the transplanted SSCs. Interestingly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), being multipotent and easy to isolate and multiply in vitro, are nowadays successfully and widely used in regenerative medicine. Here, we shortly review the current understanding of MSC and SSC biology, and we hypothesize that a combined MSC‐SSC transplantation might improve the efficiency of SSC colonization and differentiation as paracrine factors from MSCs may contribute to the SSC niche.
Macular thickness in healthy eyes of adults (N = 4508) and relation to sex, age and refraction: the Tromsø Eye Study (2007–2008)
Authors: von Hanno Therese , Lade Anette C. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Peto Tunde , Njølstad Inger , Bertelsen Geir 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPurposeTo provide sex‐stratified normative data on retinal thickness and study the relationship with sex, age and refractive status.MethodsPopulation‐based study including 2617 women and 1891 men, aged 38–87 (mean 61 ± 8) years, without diabetes, glaucoma and retinal diseases, and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) within ±6 dioptres. Retinal thickness was measured with optical coherence tomography (spectral domain Cirrus HD‐OCT).ResultsWomen had thinner retina than men. Retinal thickness was significantly associated with refraction, where mean change in retinal thickness per 1 D increase in SER was −1.3 (0.2) μm in the fovea, 0.7 (0.1) μm in the pericentral ring and 1.4 (0.1) μm in the peripheral ring. In the fovea, there was a non‐monotonic curved relationship between retinal thickness and age in both sexes with a maximum at about 60 years (p < 0.001). In the pericentral ring, the mean reduction in retinal thickness per 10‐year increase was 2.7 (0.3) μm in women and 4.0 (0.4) μm in men and corresponding results in the peripheral ring were 2.3 (0.3) μm in women and 2.6 (0.4) μm in men. In both regions, there was evidence for a nonlinear pattern with an increased rate of change with higher age. There was a significant interaction between sex and age for retinal thickness of the pericentral ring (p = 0.041).ConclusionWomen had thinner retina than men, and thickness varied with refractive status. Retinal thickness was associated with age in all macular regions, and the rate of change in retinal thickness varied at different ages.
Photobiomodulation reduces drusen volume and improves visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in dry age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Merry Graham F. , Munk Marion R. , Dotson Robert S. , Walker Michael G. , Devenyi Robert G. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment for patients with dry age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsAssessments on 42 eyes with dry AMD (age related eye disease study (AREDS) 2–4) were conducted. Multiwavelength light emitting diode (LED) light comprising of yellow (590 nm), red (670 nm) and near‐infrared (790 nm) bandwidths was applied to subjects’ eyes for a treatment course of 3 weeks. Outcome measures were changes in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), drusen volume and central drusen thickness.ResultsSignificant improvement in mean BCVA of 5.90 letters (p < 0.001) was seen on completion of the 3‐week treatment and 5.14 letters (p < 0.001) after 3 months. Contrast sensitivity improved significantly (log unit improvement of 0.11 (p = 0.02) at 3 weeks and 3 months (log unit improvement of 0.16 (p = 0.02) at three cycles per degree. Drusen volume decreased by 0.024 mm3 (p < 0.001) and central drusen thickness was significantly reduced by a mean of 3.78 μm (p < 0.001), while overall central retinal thickness and retinal volume remained stable.ConclusionThis is the first study demonstrating improvements in functional and anatomical outcomes in dry AMD subjects with PBM therapy. These findings corroborate an earlier pilot study that looked at functional outcome measures. The addition of anatomical evidence contributes to the basis for further development of a non‐invasive PBM treatment for dry AMD.
Re‐visiting historical semi‐natural grasslands in the Apennines to assess patterns of changes in species composition and functional traits
Authors: Giarrizzo Eleonora , Burrascano Sabina , Chiti Tommaso , de Bello Francesco , Lepš Jan , Zavattero Laura , Blasi Carlo 
Published: December 2016

AbstractQuestionsTo what extent have semi‐natural grassland plant species composition and functional traits changed during the past five decades? Which are the main directions of change? Which environmental, management and landscape factors have determined these changes?LocationCentral and southern Apennines of Italy.MethodsIn 2013–2014, we used a stratified random sampling design to revisit 132 semi‐natural grasslands originally sampled between 1966 and 1992. The exact locations of the historical plots were not available but they were associated with detailed vegetation maps. Plots were divided in 17 groups based on study area and original community type. To assess changes in species composition we ran PERMANOVA and RDA. The extent of change was estimated by comparing each new plot with the quantitative species pool of the corresponding historical group; species composition changes were calculated using Bray‐Curtis coefficient, and shifts in functional traits were quantified as differences in community‐weighted means. These measures of change were used as response variables in mixed effects models including climate, topography, management and landscape metrics as explanatory variables.ResultsThe largest changes were related to successional dynamics, which occurred mainly in grasslands developing at low altitude and in the flattest sites where the soil organic horizon was relatively thick. Colonization by shrubs and trees was facilitated by high soil pH and amount of adjacent forests. Also, management factors affected the patterns of shifts in species composition and functional traits: grazing intensity was negatively related to the degree of compositional change as well as to the abundance of woody species, whereas the increase of species associated with frequent grazing disturbance was found at sites with higher values of soil salinity.ConclusionsApennine semi‐natural grasslands have undergone substantial changes in species composition and functional traits during recent decades. Compositional changes mainly indicated successional dynamics, likely following a decrease in grazing intensity, whereas some more accessible grasslands experienced an increase in disturbance‐tolerant species. The combination of the re‐visitation approach with functional traits allowed us to clarify different directions of changes in species composition, adding information on the ecological processes related to these changes.
Positive litter feedbacks of an introduced species reduce native diversity and promote invasion in Californian grasslands
Authors: Mariotte Pierre , Spotswood Erica N. , Farrer Emily C. , Suding Katharine N. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractQuestionsCalifornian grasslands have a long history of invasion, starting with the introduction of exotic forage species a century ago, and followed by newer waves of invaders. Both exotic and invasive species produce large amounts of litter, but the importance of litter accumulation on the growth and expansion of these species has not been rigorously assessed. We addressed the following questions: (1) do litter type (exotic or invasive species) and litter quantity affect exotic and invasive plant performance; (2) at which plant life stages does litter accumulation effects occur; and (3) is litter accumulation impacting native species recruitment and diversity?LocationSemi‐natural grasslands, northern California.MethodsWe created litter quantity gradients (0, 62.5, 125, 250 or 500 g·m−2) of three litter types (exotic or invasive species litter or a mixture of both). We evaluated litter effects on the germination, recruitment, production of flowers and biomass production of the exotic Avena fatua, the invasive Elymus caput‐medusae and a mixture of native species. We used litter depth as a proxy for litter accumulation and measured litter impacts on light availability at ground level, soil moisture, soil and microbial C and N.ResultsWe found a significant litter depth impact on all species, but no litter type effects. Litter accumulation principally reduced light availability at ground level and positively affected exotic and invasive species at different life‐history stages. Above‐ground biomass production of the exotic species Avena increased with increased litter depth, suggesting a litter accumulation feedback. The invasive species Elymus responded to increased litter with increased seed production, rather than biomass production. In contrast, litter negatively affected the recruitment and diversity of native species.ConclusionOverall, our findings point to cascading effects in invasion with positive litter accumulation feedbacks of an exotic species simultaneously reducing native diversity and promoting seed production of a more recent invasive arrival. These results have strong consequences for invasion management and suggest that litter removal practices, such as burning and grazing, would better succeed at limiting the growth and spread of invasive species than herbicide application or seeding.
Early surgical outcomes and oncological results of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy: a multicentre study
Authors: Veeratterapillay Rajan , Addla Sanjai K. , Jelley Clare , Bailie John , Rix David , Bromage Steve , Oakley Neil , Weston Robin , Soomro Naeem A. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo describe a multicentre experience of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in northern England, with focus on early surgical outcomes and oncological results.Patients and MethodsAll consecutive patients undergoing RAPN at four tertiary referral centres in northern England in the period 2012–2015 were included for analysis. RAPN was performed via a transperitoneal approach using a standardized technique. Prospective data collection was performed to capture preoperative characteristics (including R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score), and peri‐operative and postoperative data, including renal function. Correlations between warm ischaemia time (WIT), positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, complication rates, R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores and learning curve were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 250 patients (mean age 58.1 ± 13 years, mean ± sd body mass index 27.3 ± 7 kg/m2) were included, with a median (range) follow‐up of 12 (3–36) months. The mean ± sd tumour size was 30.6 ± 10 mm, mean R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was 6.1 ± 2 and 55% of tumours were left‐sided. Mean ± sd operating console time was 141 ± 38 min, WIT 16.7 ± 8 min and estimated blood loss 205 ± 145 mL. There were five conversions (2%) to open/radical nephrectomy. The overall complication rate was 16.4% (Clavien I, 1.6%; Clavien II, 8.8%; Clavien III, 6%; Clavien IV/V; 0%). Pathologically, 82.4% of tumours were malignant and the overall PSM rate was 7.3%. The mean ± sd preoperative and immediate postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates were 92.8 ± 27 and 80.8 ± 27 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (P = 0.001). In all, 66% of patients remained in the same chronic kidney disease category postoperatively, and none of the patients required dialysis during the study period. ‘Trifecta’ (defined as WIT < 25 min, negative surgical margin status and no peri‐operative complications) was achieved in 68.4% of patients overall, but improved with surgeon experience. PSM status and long WIT were significantly associated with early learning curve.ConclusionThis is the largest multicentre RAPN study in the UK. Initial results show that RAPN is safe and can be performed with minimal morbidity. Early oncological outcomes and renal function preservation data are encouraging.
Efficacy and safety of tadalafil 5 mg once daily in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia in men aged ≥75 years: integrated analyses of pooled data from multinational, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical studies
Authors: Oelke Matthias , Wagg Adrian , Takita Yasushi , Büttner Hartwig , Viktrup Lars 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo assess efficacy and safety of tadalafil in men aged ≥75 years with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and additional safety in men aged ≥75 years with erectile dysfunction (ED).Patients and MethodsWe conducted an integrated analysis of 12 phase II–III randomized, double‐blind and/or open‐label extension studies to evaluate short‐term (12–26 weeks) efficacy and short‐ and longer‐term (42–52 weeks) safety in men aged <75 years vs men aged ≥75 years. All men received once‐daily tadalafil 5 mg or placebo. The efficacy outcome was International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Safety measurements included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), adverse events (AEs) leading to discontinuation, serious AEs (SAEs), and cardiovascular AEs. All analyses were intention‐to‐treat. Changes from baseline to efficacy endpoint and differences in changes between treatment groups were estimated as least‐squares means using analysis of covariance models.ResultsChange in the mean IPSS was significantly different in men aged <75 years vs those aged ≥75 years across tadalafil and placebo groups (treatment‐by‐age interaction P = 0.034). Tadalafil was not statistically significantly better than placebo in men aged ≥75 years, but effect size varied between studies. Maintenance of efficacy with tadalafil was observed across age groups. Short‐term tadalafil safety findings for men aged <75 vs ≥75 years included: TEAEs (52 [33.8%] vs 503 [30.1%]), AEs leading to discontinuation (3 [1.9%] vs 50 [3.0%]), SAEs (4 [2.6%] vs 15 [0.9%]) and cardiovascular AEs (4 [2.6%] vs 30 [1.8%]). Long‐term tadalafil safety data did not reveal clinically relevant differences between age groups. Limitations include exclusion of men with serious co‐existing conditions and limited sample sizes of men aged ≥75 years.ConclusionsEfficacy with once‐daily tadalafil 5 mg in the treatment of LUTS/BPH differed between men aged <75 vs ≥75 years, with significant efficacy in the <75‐year age group. The older age group had more concomitant diseases and used more drugs, which may have reduced efficacy. The small sample size precluded uni‐/multivariate analyses to assess plausible interference from confounding factors. Tadalafil had a reassuring safety profile and no evidence of increased cardiovascular AEs in aging men.
Verteporfin suppresses cell survival, angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via disrupting the YAP‐TEAD complex
Authors: Wei Honglong , Wang Fuhai , Wang Yong , Li Tao , Xiu Peng , Zhong Jingtao , Sun Xueying , Li Jie 
Published: December 2016

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies. The Yes‐associated protein‐1 (YAP) plays a critical role in cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Verteporfin is a photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy and also a small molecular inhibitor of the Hippo‐YAP pathway. However, little is known about whether verteporfin could inhibit YAP activity in PDAC cells. Our present results showed that verteporfin suppressed the proliferation of human PDAC PANC‐1 and SW1990 cells by arresting cells at the G1 phase, and inducing apoptosis in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. Verteporfin also inhibited the tumor growth on the PDAC xenograft model. Treatment with verteporfin led to downregulation of cyclinD1 and cyclinE1, modulation of Bcl‐2 family proteins and activation of PARP. In addition, verteporfin exhibited an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry via suppressing Ang2, MMP2, VE‐cadherin, and α‐SMA expression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanism studies demonstrated that verteporfin impaired YAP and TEAD interaction to suppress the expression of targeted genes. Our results provide a foundation for repurposing verteporfin as a promising anti‐tumor drug in the treatment of pancreatic cancer by targeting the Hippo pathway.