bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) sarcoma nomogram useful in an Asian population?
Authors: Ng Deanna Wan Jie , Tan Grace Hwei Ching , Chia Claramae Shulyn , Lim Cindy Xindi , Chee Soo Khee , Quek Richard Hong Hui , Farid Mohamad , Teo Melissa Ching Ching 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimA nomogram for prediction of 12‐year sarcoma‐specific survival has been developed based on patients with soft tissue sarcomas treated in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC). We aim to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the MSKCC sarcoma nomogram in a cohort of patients treated at an Asian institution. This has not been validated in an Asian population and thus its universal applicability remains unproven.Materials and methodsBetween 1990 and 2013, 840 adult patients underwent treatment for primary soft tissue sarcoma (STS) at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Patients who presented with locally recurrent or metastatic disease were excluded from the analysis. The variables included in the MSKCC nomogram included age at diagnosis, tumor size, histologic grade, histologic subtype, depth and site. A total of 399 patients were left for analysis. The nomogram was validated by assessing its extent of discrimination and level of calibration.ResultsAll patients had deep tumors. Disease occurred most commonly in the lower extremity (n = 149 [37.3%]), the most common histologic subtype was “Others” (angiosarcoma, ewing's sarcoma, endometrial stromal sarcoma, sarcoma NOS [not otherwise specified] and rhabdomyosarcoma). Sixty‐four percent of all patients had high‐grade tumors while 36% had low‐grade tumors. The median patient age at diagnosis was 54 years (range: 17–88 years). The median follow up time for all patients and surviving patients were 29 (range: 1–174) and 33 (range: 1–157) months, respectively. The observed 5‐ and 10‐year sarcoma‐specific survival were 55% and 33%, respectively. The concordance index was 0.71. For level of calibration, the observed correspondence between predicted and actual outcomes suggest that the MSKCC nomogram generally predicts well for patients with higher survival probability, but consistently overpredicts survival for the other groups, in our cohort of patients.ConclusionThe MSKCC sarcoma nomogram was found to be accurate in terms of extent of discrimination. In terms of level of calibration, it generally predicts well for patients with higher survival probability, but consistently overpredicts survival for the other groups in our population.
Attitudes of local people towards the mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) in Munessa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Solomon A. , Kotler Burt P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDue to their direct dependence on wildlife products for subsistent use, people living in poverty are often viewed as being in conflict with wildlife conservation. We studied the attitudes of local people towards mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) in Munessa, Ethiopia. A household survey (n = 214) was used to examine the socio‐economic characteristics and beliefs of local people from three peasant associations and one village. Generally, the study revealed that local people had positive attitudes towards mountain nyala, its conservation and population increase, which is consistent with our predictions. For example, a greater percentage of the respondents had positive (62.5%) rather than negative (37.5%) attitudes towards mountain nyala and its conservation. Moreover, the larger proportion of the respondents had positive (66.67%) rather than negative (33.3%) attitudes towards an increase in mountain nyala population. However, compared to socio‐economic characteristics, beliefs towards mountain nyala were more powerful and consistent predictor of attitudes and explained much of the variances of the two groups of the dependent variables. Thus, informing local communities about the value of mountain nyala (e.g. recreational and economic) through conservation education, advocating the need for sustainable utilization and introducing an economic benefit sharing may improve positive attitude and increase participation of local people in conservation and management of the mountain nyala population in Munessa.
Agreement and accuracy using the FIGO, ACOG and NICE cardiotocography interpretation guidelines
Authors: Santo Susana , Ayres‐de‐Campos Diogo , Costa‐Santos Cristina , Schnettler William , Ugwumadu Austin , Da Graça Luís M. ,   the FM‐Compare Collaboration
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroductionOne of the limitations reported with cardiotocography is the modest interobserver agreement observed in tracing interpretation. This study compared agreement, reliability and accuracy of cardiotocography interpretation using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.Material and methodsA total of 151 tracings were evaluated by 27 clinicians from three centers where International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines were routinely used. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the proportions of agreement and reliability with the κ statistic. The accuracy of tracings classified as “pathological/category III” was assessed for prediction of newborn acidemia. For all measures, 95% confidence interval were calculated.ResultsCardiotocography classifications were more distributed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (9, 52, 39%) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (30, 33, 37%) than with American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (13, 81, 6%). The category with the highest agreement was American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology category II (proportions of agreement = 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.70–76), and the ones with the lowest agreement were American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology categories I and III. Reliability was significantly higher with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (κ = 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.43), and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (κ = 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.39) than with American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (κ = 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.21); however, all represent only slight/fair reliability. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence showed a trend towards higher sensitivities in prediction of newborn acidemia (89 and 97%, respectively) than American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (32%), but the latter achieved a significantly higher specificity (95%).ConclusionsWith American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines there is high agreement in category II, low reliability, low sensitivity and high specificity in prediction of acidemia. With International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines there is higher reliability, a trend towards higher sensitivity, and lower specificity in prediction of acidemia.
Recovery of tree and mammal communities during large‐scale forest regeneration in Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Omeja Patrick A. , Lawes Michael J. , Corriveau Amélie , Valenta Kim , Sarkar Dipto , Paim Fernanda Pozzan , Chapman Colin A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTropical landscapes are changing rapidly as a result of human modifications; however, despite increasing deforestation, human population growth, and the need for more agricultural land, deforestation rates have exceeded the rate at which land is converted to cropland or pasture. For deforested lands to have conservation value requires an understanding of regeneration rates of vegetation, the rates at which animals colonize and grow in regenerating areas, and the nature of interactions between plants and animals in the specific region. Here, we present data on forest regeneration and animal abundance at four regenerating sites that had reached the stage of closed canopy forest where the average dbh of the trees was 17 cm. Overall, 20.3 percent of stems were wind‐dispersed species and 79.7 percent were animal‐dispersed species, while in the old‐growth forest 17.3 percent of the stems were wind‐dispersed species. The regenerating forest supported a substantial primate population and encounter rate (groups per km walked) in the regenerating sites was high compared to the neighboring old‐growth forests. By monitoring elephant tracks for 10 yr, we demonstrated that elephant numbers increased steadily over time, but they increased dramatically since 2004. In general, the richness of the mammal community detected by sight, tracks, feces, and/or camera traps, was high in regenerating forests compared to that documented for the national park. We conclude that in Africa, a continent that has seen dramatic declines in the area of old‐growth forest, there is ample opportunity to reclaim degraded areas and quickly restore substantial animal populations.
Natural regeneration as a tool for large‐scale forest restoration in the tropics: prospects and challenges
Authors: Chazdon Robin L. , Guariguata Manuel R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA major global effort to enable cost‐effective natural regeneration is needed to achieve ambitious forest and landscape restoration goals. Natural forest regeneration can potentially play a major role in large‐scale landscape restoration in tropical regions. Here, we focus on the conditions that favor natural regeneration within tropical forest landscapes. We illustrate cases where large‐scale natural regeneration followed forest clearing and non‐forest land use, and describe the social and ecological factors that drove these local forest transitions. The self‐organizing processes that create naturally regenerating forests and natural regeneration in planted forests promote local genetic adaptation, foster native species with known traditional uses, create spatial and temporal heterogeneity, and sustain local biodiversity and biotic interactions. These features confer greater ecosystem resilience in the face of future shocks and disturbances. We discuss economic, social, and legal issues that challenge natural regeneration in tropical landscapes. We conclude by suggesting ways to enable natural regeneration to become an effective tool for implementing large‐scale forest and landscape restoration. Major research and policy priorities include: identifying and modeling the ecological and economic conditions where natural regeneration is a viable and favorable land‐use option, developing monitoring protocols for natural regeneration that can be carried out by local communities, and developing enabling incentives, governance structures, and regulatory conditions that promote the stewardship of naturally regenerating forests. Aligning restoration goals and practices with natural regeneration can achieve the best possible outcome for achieving multiple social and environmental benefits at minimal cost.
Balancing economic costs and ecological outcomes of passive and active restoration in agricultural landscapes: the case of Brazil
Authors: Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Schweizer Daniella , Gaudare Ulysse , Mangueira Julia R. , Lamonato Fernando , Farah Fabiano T. , Nave André G. , Rodrigues Ricardo R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractForest restoration requires strategies such as passive restoration to balance financial investments and ecological outcomes. However, the ecological outcomes of passive restoration are traditionally regarded as uncertain. We evaluated technical and legal strategies for balancing economic costs and ecological outcomes of passive versus active restoration in agricultural landscapes. We focused in the case of Brazil, where we assessed the factors driving the proportion of land allocated to passive and active restoration in 42 programs covering 698,398 hectares of farms in the Atlantic Forest, Atlantic Forest/cerrado ecotone and Amazon; the ecological outcomes of passive and active restoration in 2955 monitoring plots placed in six restoration programs; and the legal framework developed by some Brazilian states to balance the different restoration approaches and comply with legal commitments. Active restoration had the highest proportion of land allocated to it (78.4%), followed by passive (14.2%) and mixed restoration (7.4%). Passive restoration was higher in the Amazon, in silviculture, and when remaining forest cover was over 50 percent. Overall, both restoration approaches showed high levels of variation in the ecological outcomes; nevertheless, passively restored areas had a smaller percentage canopy cover, lower species density, and less shrubs and trees (dbh > 5 cm). The studied legal frameworks considered land abandonment for up to 4 years before deciding on a restoration approach, to favor the use of passive restoration. A better understanding of the biophysical and socioeconomic features of areas targeted for restoration is needed to take a better advantage of their natural regeneration potential.
Co‐benefits of biodiversity and carbon sequestration from regenerating secondary forests in the Philippine uplands: implications for forest landscape restoration
Authors: Mukul Sharif A. , Herbohn John , Firn Jennifer 
Published: November 2016

AbstractShifting cultivation is a widespread practice in tropical forested areas that policy makers often regard as the major cause of forest degradation. Secondary fallow forests regrowing after shifting cultivation are generally not viewed as suitable for biodiversity conservation and carbon retention. Drawing upon our research in the Philippines and other relevant case studies, we compared the biodiversity and carbon sequestration in recovering secondary forests after shifting cultivation to other land uses that commonly follow shifting cultivation. Regenerating secondary forests had higher biodiversity than fast growing timber plantations and other restoration options available in the area. Some old plantations, however, provided carbon benefits comparable the old growth forest, although their biodiversity was less than that of the regenerating forests. Our study demonstrates that secondary forests regrowing after shifting cultivation have a high potential for biodiversity and carbon sequestration co‐benefits, representing an effective strategy for forest management and restoration in countries where they are common and where the forest is an integral part of rural people's livelihoods. We discuss the issues and potential mechanisms through which such dynamic land use can be incorporated into development projects that are currently financing the sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of tropical forests.
Can future disease activity in multiple sclerosis be predicted by characteristics of T cell subsets?
Authors: Niino Masaaki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractClinical predictive markers for future relapses and disease prognosis have not been established in multiple sclerosis. Song et al. reported a correlation between several pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐producing T cells in remission phase and annualized relapse rates, and discussed their potential as predictive markers of disease activity.
Trait space of rare plants in a fire‐dependent ecosystem
Authors: Ames Gregory M. , Wall Wade A. , Hohmann Matthew G. , Wright Justin P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe causes of species rarity are of critical concern because of the high extinction risk associated with rarity. Studies examining individual rare species have limited generality, whereas trait‐based approaches offer a means to identify functional causes of rarity that can be applied to communities with disparate species pools. Differences in functional traits between rare and common species may be indicative of the functional causes of species rarity and may therefore be useful in crafting species conservation strategies. However, there is a conspicuous lack of studies comparing the functional traits of rare species and co‐occurring common species. We measured 18 important functional traits for 19 rare and 134 common understory plant species from North Carolina's Sandhills region and compared their trait distributions to determine whether there are significant functional differences that may explain species rarity. Flowering, fire, and tissue‐chemistry traits differed significantly between rare and common, co‐occurring species. Differences in specific traits suggest that fire suppression has driven rarity in this system and that changes to the timing and severity of prescribed fire may improve conservation success. Our method provides a useful tool to prioritize conservation efforts in other systems based on the likelihood that rare species are functionally capable of persisting.
Comparison of dynamic magnetic resonance defaecography with rectal contrast and conventional defaecography for posterior pelvic floor compartment prolapse
Authors: van Iersel J. J. , Formijne Jonkers H. A. , Verheijen P. M. , Broeders I. A. M. J. , Heggelman B. G. F. , Sreetharan V. , Fütterer J. J. , Somers I. , van der Leest M. , Consten E. C. J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimThis study compared the diagnostic capabilities of dynamic magnetic resonance defaecography (D‐MRI) with conventional defaecography (CD, reference standard) in patients with symptoms of prolapse of the posterior compartment of the pelvic floor.MethodForty‐five consecutive patients underwent CD and D‐MRI. Outcome measures were the presence or absence of rectocele, enterocele, intussusception, rectal prolapse and the descent of the anorectal junction on straining, measured in millimetres. Cohen's Kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and the positive and negative likelihood ratio of D‐MRI were compared with CD. Cohen's Kappa and Pearson's correlation coefficient were calculated and regression analysis was performed to determine inter‐observer agreement.ResultsForty‐one patients were available for analysis. D‐MRI underreported rectocele formation with a difference in prevalence (CD 77.8% vs D‐MRI 55.6%), mean protrusion (26.4 vs 22.7 mm, P = 0.039) and 11 false negative results, giving a low sensitivity of 0.62 and a NPV of 0.31. For the diagnosis of enterocele, D‐MRI was inferior to CD, with five false negative results, giving a low sensitivity of 0.17 and high specificity (1.0) and PPV (1.0). Nine false positive intussusceptions were seen on D‐MRI with only two missed.ConclusionThe accuracy of D‐MRI for diagnosing rectocele and enterocele is less than that of CD. D‐MRI, however, appears superior to CD in identifying intussusception. D‐MRI and CD are complementary imaging techniques in the evaluation of patients with symptoms of prolapse of the posterior compartment.
Adipocytes enhance expression of osteoclast adhesion‐related molecules through the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling pathway
Authors: Luo Tingting , Liu Hongrui , Feng Wei , Liu Di , Du Juan , Sun Jing , Wang Wei , Han Xiuchun , Guo Jie , Amizuka Norio , Li Xianqi , Li Minqi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate effects of adipocytes on osteoclast adhesion‐related molecules.Materials and methodsST2 cells, a cloned stromal cell line from mouse bone marrow, able to differentiate into adipocytes, were cultured in serum‐free α‐MEM which was then collected to be used as adipocyte‐conditioned medium (ADIPO CM). RAW264.7 cells were cultured in ADIPO CM in the presence of RANKL, and bone marrow‐derived macrophages were cultured in ADIPO CM in the presence of RANKL and macrophage‐colony stimulating factor to induce osteoclast differentiation. TRAP staining, resorption pit assay, qRT‐PCR and western blotting assays were performed.ResultsELISAs revealed that CXCL12 was abundant in ADIPO CM and CCK‐8 assay revealed no proliferation of RAW264.7 cells after exogenous CXCL12 treatment. ADIPO CM enhanced osteoclast formation and resorption, both by RAW264.7 cells and BMMs. In addition, exogenous CXCL12 efficiently potentiated formation of TRAP‐positive osteoclast and resorption by RAW264.7 cells. Western blotting and qRT‐PCR suggested that ADIPO CM or combined treatment with exogenous CXCL12 caused significant increase in expression of NFAT2, src and osteoclast adhesion‐related molecules, including β3 integrin, CD44 and osteopontin. However, these promotional effects were largely abrogated on treatment of AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist.ConclusionsAdipocytes promoted osteoclast differentiation, function and expression of adhesion‐related molecules through the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling pathway.
An examination of how alcohol brands use sport to engage consumers on social media
Authors: Westberg Kate , Stavros Constantino , Smith Aaron C.T. , Munro Geoff , Argus Kevin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsTo examine how alcohol brands use sport in their communication activities on social media. Despite extensive research exploring alcohol advertising and sponsorship through sport, minimal attention has been given to digital platforms.Design and MethodsThis study undertakes a qualitative content analysis to examine the social media activity of alcohol brands sponsoring the three largest spectator sports in Australia: Australian rules football, rugby league and cricket.ResultsFour sport‐related social media strategies are identified through which alcohol brands solicit interaction with consumers, often involving co‐creation of content and social activation. These strategies act as ‘calls to action’ and through the association of sport and alcohol encourage consumers to engage in competition, collaboration, celebration and consumption. These strategies are further strengthened by communications which draw upon themes of identity and camaraderie to resonate with the consumer.Discussion and ConclusionsSport‐linked social media strategies utilised by alcohol brands extend beyond just promoting their product. They seek higher levels of engagement with the consumer to amplify and augment the connection between alcohol and the sport spectator experience. The discussion highlights the powerful combination of sport and social media as a mechanism by which these brands seek to interact with consumers and encourage them to both create and promote content to their social networks. These strategies allow alcohol brands to extend their marketing efforts in a manner which can elude alcohol codes and prove difficult for regulators to identify and control. [Westberg K, Stavros C, Smith ACT, Munro G, Argus K. An examination of how alcohol brands use sport to engage consumers on social media. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:28–35]
Pathogenesis and clinical presentation of rosacea as a key for a symptom‐oriented therapy
Authors: Reinholz M , Ruzicka T , Steinhoff M , Schaller M , Gieler U , Schöfer H , Homey B , Lehmann P , Luger TA 
Published: November 2016

SummaryRosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that typically occurs in adults and affects the face. Synonyms of rosacea include “acne rosacea”, “couperose” and “facial erythrosis”, in German also “Kupferfinne” and “Rotfinne”. The disorder is characterised by a chronic and flaring course and is caused by a genetically predisposed, multifactorial process. A higher incidence is seen in people with fair skin and a positive family history. The characteristic rosacea symptoms manifest primarily, but not exclusively centrofacially, with forehead, nose, chin and cheeks significantly affected. Based on the various main symptoms a classification of the individual clinical pictures can be performed. However, a classification often does not reflect the clinical reality, since the various symptoms commonly coexist. The present review provides an introduction on pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of rosacea and prefers a symptom‐oriented therapy approach.