bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phase 1/2 study of carfilzomib in Japanese patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Tobinai Kensei , Matsumoto Morio , Suzuki Kenshi , Sunami Kazutaka , Ishida Tadao , Ando Kiyoshi , Chou Takaaki , Ozaki Shuji , Taniwaki Masafumi , Uike Naokuni , Shibayama Hirohiko , Hatake Kiyohiko , Izutsu Koji , Ishikawa Takayuki , Shumiya Yoshihisa , Kashihara Tomohisa , Iida Shinsuke 
Published: January 2016

SummaryWe conducted a phase 1/2 study of single‐agent carfilzomib in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of carfilzomib were examined in phase 1. The primary endpoint in phase 2 was the overall response rate (ORR). Carfilzomib was administered in a twice‐weekly, consecutive‐day dosing schedule. In Phase 1, doses of 15 or 20 mg/m2 were administered on this schedule or 20 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of Cycle 1 and then 27 mg/m2 in the 20/27 mg/m2 cohort. Patients had a median of five prior therapies, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent. The dose level did not reach the maximum tolerated dose. The most common adverse events were haematological. Notably, carfilzomib either induced new hypertension (n = 4) or aggravated previously existing hypertension (n = 6) in 10 of 50 patients. Four of the eight patients who previously experienced peripheral neuropathy (PN) experienced a recurrence with carfilzomib use, but no new cases of PN occurred. The ORR of the 20/27 mg/m2 40 patient cohort was similar to that in the pivotal US study. The dose was efficacious and tolerable in heavily pre‐treated Japanese patients; however, meticulous control of hypertension may be necessary for further carfilzomib use.
Reciprocity in group‐living animals: partner controlversuspartner choice
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Aureli Filippo 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTReciprocity is probably the most debated of the evolutionary explanations for cooperation. Part of the confusion surrounding this debate stems from a failure to note that two different processes can result in reciprocity: partner control and partner choice. We suggest that the common observation that group‐living animals direct their cooperative behaviours preferentially to those individuals from which they receive most cooperation is to be interpreted as the result of the sum of the two separate processes of partner control and partner choice. We review evidence that partner choice is the prevalent process in primates and propose explanations for this pattern. We make predictions that highlight the need for studies that separate the effects of partner control and partner choice in a broader variety of group‐living taxa.
Prevalence of congenital limb defects: Data from birth defects registries in three provinces in Southern Thailand
Authors: Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Tangtrakulwanich Boonsin , Rachatawiriyakul Pornruedee , Sriplung Hutcha , Limpitikul Wannee , Dissaneevate Pathikan , Khunnarakpong Nattasit , Tantichantakarun Pongsak 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis is the first population‐based study in Thailand on the prevalence of congenital limb defects (CLD). Data were obtained from recently established birth defects registries in three southern Thailand provinces during 2009–2013. Entries in the birth defects registries included live births, stillbirths after 24 weeks gestational age, and terminations of pregnancy following a prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomaly. The total of 186 393 births recorded included 424 CLD cases, giving an average prevalence of 2.27 per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.05–2.49). The most common CLD was talipes equinovarus (44.1%), followed by polydactyly (13.9%) and syndactyly (9.4%). The prevalence significantly increased with maternal age from 1.81 in mothers aged <30 years to 2.75 in mothers 30 to  < 35 years, and to 2.94 in mothers ≥35 years (P = 0.004). Overall 9.4% of the CLDs were syndromic CLD, again with significantly greater percentages in pregnant women aged ≥35 years than the non‐syndromic CLD (32.5% vs 17.5% respectively, P = 0.03). In conclusion, the overall prevalence of CLD in the 3 southern Thailand provinces examined was 2.27 per 1000 births, and syndromic CLD was significantly higher in pregnant women aged ≥35 years than younger pregnant women.
Compliance with enhanced recovery after surgery criteria and preoperative and postoperative counselling reduces length of hospital stay in colorectal surgery: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Forsmo H. M. , Pfeffer F. , Rasdal A. , Østgaard G. , Mohn A. C. , Körner H. , Erichsen C. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare patients treated using a multimodal approach [enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)], with a special focus on counselling, to patients treated in a standard conventional care pathway, who underwent elective colorectal resection.MethodIn a single‐centre trial, adult patients eligible for open or laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomized to an ERAS programme or standard care. The primary end‐point was postoperative total hospital stay. Identical discharge criteria were defined for both treatment groups. Secondary end‐points included postoperative complications, postoperative C‐reactive protein levels, postoperative hospital stay, readmission rate and mortality. All parameters were recorded before operation, on the day of surgery and daily thereafter until discharge.ResultsTotal hospital stay was significantly shorter among patients randomized to ERAS than among the standard group [median 5 days (range 2–50 days) vs median 8 days (range 2–48 days); P = 0.001]. The two treatment groups exhibited similar outcomes regarding overall major and minor morbidity, reoperation rate, readmission rate and 30‐day mortality. There were also no differences in tolerance of enteral nutrition or in the inflammatory response, as reflected by postoperative C‐reactive protein levels.ConclusionERAS care was associated with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay. Without any difference in surgical or general complications, tolerance of enteral nutrition or postoperative C‐reactive protein levels, peri‐operative information and guidance for ensuring that patients comply with the ERAS approach appear to be important factors to reduce the length of hospital stay.
Review of the quality of total mesorectal excision does not improve the prediction of outcome
Authors: Demetter P. , Jouret‐Mourin A. , Silversmit G. , Vandendael T. , Sempoux C. , Hoorens A. , Nagy N. , Cuvelier C. , Van Damme N. , Penninckx F. ,   on behalf of PROCARE
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimA fair to moderate concordance in grading of the total mesorectal excision (TME) surgical specimen by local pathologists and a central review panel has been observed in the PROCARE (Project on Cancer of the Rectum) project. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the difference, if any, in the accuracy of predicting the oncological outcome through TME grading by local pathologists or by the review panel.MethodThe quality of the TME specimen was reviewed for 482 surgical specimens registered on a prospective database between 2006 and 2011. Patients with a Stage IV tumour, with unknown incidence date or without follow‐up information were excluded, resulting in a study population of 383 patients. Quality assessment of the specimen was based on three grades including mesorectal resection (MRR), intramesorectal resection (IMR) and muscularis propria resection (MPR). Using univariable Cox regression models, local and review panel histopathological gradings of the quality of TME were assessed as predictors of local recurrence, distant metastasis and disease‐free and overall survival. Differences in the predictions between local and review grading were determined.ResultsResection planes were concordant in 215 (56.1%) specimens. Downgrading from MRR to MPR was noted in 23 (6.0%). There were no significant differences in the prediction error between the two models; local and central review TME grading predicted the outcome equally well.ConclusionAny difference in grading of the TME specimen between local histopathologists and the review panel had no significant impact on the prediction of oncological outcome for this patient cohort. Grading of the quality of TME as reported by local histopathologists can therefore be used for outcome analysis. Quality control of TME grading is not warranted provided the histopathologist is adequately trained.
Use of expert knowledge to elicit population trends for the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Adams‐Hosking Christine , McBride Marissa F. , Baxter Greg , Burgman Mark , de Villiers Deidre , Kavanagh Rodney , Lawler Ivan , Lunney Daniel , Melzer Alistair , Menkhorst Peter , Molsher Robyn , Moore Ben D. , Phalen David , Rhodes Jonathan R. , Todd Charles , Whisson Desley , McAlpine Clive A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThe koala is a widely distributed Australian marsupial with regional populations that are in rapid decline, are stable or have increased in size. This study examined whether it is possible to use expert elicitation to estimate abundance and trends of populations of this species. Diverse opinions exist about estimates of abundance and, consequently, the status of populations.LocationEastern and south‐eastern AustraliaMethodsUsing a structured, four‐step question format, a panel of 15 experts estimated population sizes of koalas and changes in those sizes for bioregions within four states. They provided their lowest plausible estimate, highest plausible estimate, best estimate and their degree of confidence that the true values were contained within these upper and lower estimates. We derived estimates of the mean population size of koalas and associated uncertainties for each bioregion and state.ResultsOn the basis of estimates of mean population sizes for each bioregion and state, we estimated that the total number of koalas for Australia is 329,000 (range 144,000–605,000) with an estimated average decline of 24% over the past three generations and the next three generations. Estimated percentage of loss in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia was 53%, 26%, 14% and 3%, respectively.Main conclusionsIt was not necessary to achieve high levels of certainty or consensus among experts before making informed estimates. A quantitative, scientific method for deriving estimates of koala populations and trends was possible, in the absence of empirical data on abundances.
Conservation Biogeography of the Sahara‐Sahel: additional protected areas are needed to secure unique biodiversity
Authors: Brito José C. , Tarroso Pedro , Vale Cândida G. , Martínez‐Freiría Fernando , Boratyński Zbyszek , Campos João C. , Ferreira Sónia , Godinho Raquel , Gonçalves Duarte V. , Leite João V. , Lima Vanessa O. , Pereira Paulo , Santos Xavier , da Silva Maria J. Ferreira , Silva Teresa L. , Velo‐Antón Guillermo , Veríssimo Joana , Crochet Pierre‐André , Pleguezuelos Juan M. , Carvalho Sílvia B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimIdentification of priority conservation areas and evaluation of coverage of the current protected areas are urgently needed to halt the biodiversity loss. Identifying regions combining similar environmental traits (climate regions) and species assemblages (biogroups) is needed for conserving the biodiversity patterns and processes. We identify climate regions and biogroups and map species diversity across the Sahara‐Sahel, a large geographical area that exhibits wide environmental heterogeneity and multiple species groups with distinct biogeographical affinities, and evaluate the coverage level of current network of protected areas for biodiversity conservation.LocationSahara‐Sahel, Africa.MethodsWe use spatially explicit climate data with the principal component analysis and model‐based clustering techniques to identify climate regions. We use distributions of 1147 terrestrial vertebrates (and of 125 Sahara‐Sahel endemics) and apply distance clustering methods to identify biogroups for both species groups. We apply reserve selection algorithms targeting 17% of species distribution, climate regions and biogroups to identify priority areas and gap analysis to assess their representation within the current protected areas.ResultsSeven climate regions were identified, mostly arranged as latitudinal belts. Concentrations of high species richness were found in the Sahel, but the central Sahara gathers most endemic and threatened species. Ten biogroups (five for endemics) were identified. A wide range of biogroups tend to overlap in specific climate regions. Identified priority areas are inadequately represented in protected areas, and six new top conservation areas are needed to achieve conservation targets.Main conclusionsBiodiversity distribution in Sahara‐Sahel is spatially structured and apparently related to environmental variation. Although the majority of priority conservation areas are located outside the areas of intense human activities, many cross multiple political borders and require internationally coordinated efforts for implementation and management. Optimized biodiversity conservation solutions at regional scale are needed. Our work contradicts the general idea that deserts are uniform areas and provide options for the conservation of endangered species.
Waveform characterization of the soybean stem feeder Edessa meditabunda: overcoming the challenge of wiring pentatomids for EPG
Authors: Lucini T. , Panizzi A. R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractStink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are in general robust and restless insects, which makes them difficult to wire for electropenetrograph (EPG) studies. In addition, cuticular lipids may reduce wire effectiveness, and their removal could improve success of wiring. We compared wiring effectiveness for three species of stink bugs, differing in walking behaviour and degree of cuticular waxiness, that is, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), Nezara viridula (L.), and Loxa deducta (Walker). Results indicated that removal of cuticular lipids by mechanical abrasion (via sanding) greatly improved attachment success with gold wire. Our hypothesis that heavier and bigger bugs would lose the wire attachment more quickly than lighter and smaller bugs was not confirmed, regardless of the sanding. In contrast, our hypothesis that greater movement of a bug would cause the wire to break more often was supported by extensive testing. Behaviour appears to be more relevant for successful wiring than body weight. We used the sanding and wiring technique to characterize and correlate direct current EPG waveforms for the large and restless stem‐feeding stink bug Edessa meditabunda (Fabricius) on soybean plants. This marks the first published example of pentatomid EPG waveforms. Edessa meditabunda recordings on soybean stems generated eight types of waveforms in three phases and two families, named as follows: non‐probing = Np and Z; pathway phase = Em1; X wave phase = X; ingestion phase, family I = Em2 and Em3; ingestion phase, family N = Em4 and Em5. These eight were described based on their frequencies, relative amplitudes, and level voltages. Histological studies of stylets within salivary sheaths correlated the Em1, Em2, and Em3 waveforms with specific penetration sites. The waveform with the longest duration when feeding was Em2, representing xylem sap ingestion; in addition, waveform Em3 (always preceded by an X wave) was correlated with phloem sap ingestion.
Consumptive and non‐consumptive effects of wolf spiders on cotton bollworms
Authors: Rendon Dalila , Whitehouse Mary E.A. , Taylor Phillip W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLarvae of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that survive on genetically modified Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., Malvaceae) contribute to the risk of widespread resistance to Bt toxins. Current resistance management techniques include pupae busting, which involves deep tilling of the soil to kill overwintering pupae. Unfortunately, pupae busting runs counter to soil and water conserving techniques, such as minimum tillage. This problem could be relieved with biological control methods, whereby predators attack either larvae going to ground to pupate or moths emerging from the ground. We found that the wolf spider Tasmanicosa leuckartii (Thorell) (Araneae: Lycosidae), a common inhabitant of Australian cotton agroecosystems, is an effective predator of H. armigera, attacking and killing most larvae (66%) and emerging moths (77%) in simple laboratory arenas. Tasmanicosa leuckartii also reduced the number of emerging moths by 66% on average in more structurally complex glasshouse arenas. Males, females, and late‐instar juveniles of T. leuckartii were similarly effective. Tasmanicosa leuckartii also imposed non‐consumptive effects on H. armigera, as when a spider was present larvae in the laboratory areas spent less time on the cotton boll and more time on the soil and more mass was lost from the cotton boll. Increased loss of boll mass likely reflects changes in H. armigera foraging behavior induced by the presence of spiders (indirect non‐consumptive effects). Helicoverpa armigera spent more time as pupae when the spider was present in simple laboratory arenas, but not in more complex glasshouse enclosures. Overall, results indicate that T. leuckartii spiders can be effective predators of H. armigera late instars and moths but also suggest that, under some conditions, the presence of spiders could increase the damage to individual cotton bolls.
Aggregate stability and assessment of soil crustability and erodibility: I. Theory and methodology
Authors: Le Bissonnais Y. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCrusting and erosion of cultivated soils result from aggregate breakdown and the detachment of soil fragments by rain, and the susceptibility of soil to these processes is often inferred from measurements of aggregate stability. Here, theories of aggregate breakdown are reviewed and four main mechanisms (i.e. slaking, breakdown by differential swelling, mechanical breakdown by raindrop impact and physico‐chemical dispersion) are defined. Their relative importance depends on the nature of the rain, as well as on the soil's physical and chemical properties. The relations between aggregate breakdown, crusting and water erosion are analysed, and existing methods for the assessment of aggregate stability are reviewed. A unified framework for the measurement of aggregate stability is proposed to assess a soil's susceptibility to crusting and erosion. It combines three treatments having various wetting conditions and energies (fast wetting, slow wetting, and stirring after pre‐wetting) and measures the resulting fragment size distribution after each treatment. It is designed to compare different soils, or different climatic conditions for a given soil, not to compare time‐dependent changes in that soil.Stabilité structurale et évaluation de la sensibilité des sols à la battance et à l'érosion: I: Théorie et méthologieRésuméLa battance et l'érosion des sols cultivés résultent essentiellement de la désagrégation des mottes de terre et du détachement de fragments sous l'action des pluies. La mesure de la stabilité structurale est donc souvent utilisée pour évaluer la sensibilité des sols àla battance et àl'érosion hydrique. On peut distinguer quatre principaux mécanismes de désagrégation (l'éclatement, la désagrégation par gonflement différentiel, la désagrégation mécanique par l'impact des gouttes de pluie, la dispersion physico‐chimique) dont l'importance relative dépend des caractéristiques des pluies et des sols. Après un rappel sur ces mécanismes, cet article analyse leurs relations avec la battance et l'érosion puis décrit les caractéristiques des principales méthodes existant. On propose, à partir de cette analyse, un cadre méthodologique cohérent permettant d'évaluer la stabilité structurale des sols en relation avec la battance et l'érosion. La méthode combine trois traitements correspondant à différentes conditions d'humectation et différents niveaux d'énergie (humectation rapide par immersion, humectation lente par capillarité et agitation mécanique après préhumectation). La méthode est adaptée pour comparer le comportement intrinsèque de différents sols ou d'un sol donné dans différentes conditions climatiques, ainsi que pour tester l'influence de traitements ou amendements sur la stabilité structurale, mais pas pour tester les variations de stabilité dans le temps pour un sol donné.
Experimental Manipulation of Food Accessibility Affects Conflict Management Behaviour in Ravens
Authors: Sima Miriam Jennifer , Pika Simone , Bugnyar Thomas 
Published: January 2016

AbstractConflict management strategies such as reconciliation and bystander affiliation have been described for a variety of species. A common determinant seems to be a ‘complex’ social life, with individuals relying on affiliate relationships or social bonds. Little is known, however, about the strategic and flexible use of conflict management skills in experimental settings in species other than primates. We here investigated conflict and post‐conflict behaviour of ravens by manipulating the accessibility of food and, thus, the likelihood of aggressive interactions while foraging. Specifically, we presented birds with a certain amount of highly preferred food that varied in the number of pieces (one piece, two pieces or, as a control, small pieces matching the number of participating birds) and observed their agonistic behaviour during feeding and their affiliative behaviour afterwards. The results showed that high levels of conflicts during feeding in the 1‐piece and 2‐piece conditions led to high levels of affiliation after feeding. Depending on the experimental condition, this effect is best explained (a) by the affiliative behaviour of former aggressors (1‐piece condition) and (b) by the affiliation directed to the receivers of aggression after feeding (2‐piece condition). Those dyads that engaged in allo‐preening after feeding also engaged in allo‐preening outside the experimental setting, suggesting that socially bonded individuals provided third‐party affiliation to victims of aggression. Moreover, socially bonded ravens fed close to each other in the experiment when food was clumped, indicating that they actively coordinated their behaviour when there was a high conflict potential. Taken together, these findings support the assumption that ravens use their social bonds to avoid conflicts by choosing with whom to feed, and to buffer effects of conflicts by engaging in third‐party affiliation as post‐conflict behaviour.