bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of dust on plant health, survivorship and plant communities in semi‐arid environments
Authors: Matsuki Mamoru , Gardener Mark R. , Smith Andrew , Howard Robert K. , Gove Aaron 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThere is a general perception that dust accumulation on plant surfaces causes negative impacts to plants. Consequently, it is common for environmental regulatory agencies to apply vegetation monitoring requirements to oil, gas and mining developments. We use two independent, medium‐term monitoring studies in semi‐arid Australia to examine this relationship at two scales: plant health and survivorship of a threatened subspecies (Tetratheca paynterae paynterae: Elaeocarpaceae) at Windarling Range between 2003 and 2014; and changes in plant health and floristic composition on Barrow Island between 2009 and 2014. Accumulation of dust decreased rapidly with distance from source. At Windarling Range, even at the site with the highest dust load, there was no significant impact on Tetratheca paynterae paynterae compared with the less dusty sites for 10 years. Similarly, there was no significant effect between distance from the source of dust and floristic composition on Barrow Island for 5 years. The probability of plants transitioning to a lower health condition between one year and the next did not appear to be related to dust load. This is further supported by comparing the same site before and after paving the road (removal of dust source), which showed no clear trends. Trends in plant health are likely to be driven more by the variability of cumulative rainfall in the preceding 5 months than dust load. The observed temporal variation in the mean dust load may also be related to variation in rainfall. In conclusion, in these case studies from semi‐arid Australia, we find no evidence to support the perception that, under the observed climatic condition and dust deposition rates up to 20 or 77 g m−2 per month at Windarling Range and Barrow Island, respectively, dust accumulation on plants causes negative impacts.
Determinants of growth of the flammable grass, Triodia scariosa: Consequences for fuel dynamics under climate change in the Mediterranean region of South Eastern Australia
Authors: Gibson Rebecca K. , Bradstock Ross A. , Penman Trent , Keith David A. , Driscoll Don A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEnvironmental conditions may influence the presence and strength of competitive interactions between different life forms, thereby shaping community composition and structure, and corresponding fuel dynamics. Woodland and shrubland communities of the Mediterranean climate region of South Eastern Australia contain a varied mixture of herbaceous and woody plants. The ratio of herbaceous to woody plants changes along gradients of temperature, moisture and soil fertility. This study aimed to experimentally examine the relative importance of, and interactions between environmental controls (moisture and soil fertility) on the balance of dominant herbaceous (Triodia scariosa) and woody plants (e.g. Acacia ligulata and Leptospermum coriaceum) and their ultimate effects on fuel and fire regimes. The results suggest that environmental determinants of the growth of T. scariosa are likely to be more important than interactions with shrubs in controlling the distribution of T. scariosa. The growth of T. scariosa was consistently higher under hot temperatures and on the less fertile yellow sands, which dominate the south of the region. The results suggest that there is strong potential for the distribution and abundance of T. scariosa to be altered in the future with changes in temperature associated with climate change. The distribution of soil types across the Mediterranean climate region of South Eastern Australia may be predisposed to favour the southerly expansion of T. scariosa‐dominated communities in the future under a warmer climate.
Are French consumers ready to pay a premium for eco‐labeled seafood products? A contingent valuation estimation with heterogeneous anchoring
Authors: Salladarré Frédéric , Brécard Dorothée , Lucas Sterenn , Ollivier Pierrick 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCould the future French eco‐label for fresh seafood products find its place in the French market? This study employs a contingent valuation method to estimate French consumers’ willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for eco‐labeled fresh seafood products. We exploit original data from a survey carried out in 2010, where 626 participants responded to a double‐bounded dichotomous choice model, through an ascending or descending bid system. Controlling for shift and anchoring effects in random effect probit models, we significantly improve estimation of WTP and its determinants for the three species studied (monkfish, lobster, sole), in particular when using heterogeneous anchoring. We show that WTP is positively correlated to respondents’ income, and also to their environmental concern, to living alone, to living far from the coast, and to trusting NGOs or public institutions more than producer organizations to implement an eco‐label. We also show that the mean price premiums do not differ between species. Finally, on average, the maximum premium consumers accepted to pay is approximately 10% of the product price.
Massively Parallel Sequencing Detected a Mutation in the MFN2 Gene Missed by Sanger Sequencing Due to a Primer Mismatch on an SNP Site
Authors: Neupauerová Jana , Grečmalová Dagmar , Seeman Pavel , Laššuthová Petra 
Published: February 2016

SummaryWe describe a patient with early onset severe axonal Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT2) with dominant inheritance, in whom Sanger sequencing failed to detect a mutation in the mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene because of a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2236057) under the PCR primer sequence. The severe early onset phenotype and the family history with severely affected mother (died after delivery) was very suggestive of CMT2A and this suspicion was finally confirmed by a MFN2 mutation. The mutation p.His361Tyr was later detected in the patient by massively parallel sequencing with a gene panel for hereditary neuropathies. According to this information, new primers for amplification and sequencing were designed which bind away from the polymorphic sites of the patient's DNA. Sanger sequencing with these new primers then confirmed the heterozygous mutation in the MFN2 gene in this patient. This case report shows that massively parallel sequencing may in some rare cases be more sensitive than Sanger sequencing and highlights the importance of accurate primer design which requires special attention.
“A plague of wild boars”: A New History of Pigs and People in Late 20th Century Europe
Authors: Fleischman Thomas 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper looks at an ungulate irruption of wild boars that occurred in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in the 1970s and 1980s. It argues that this hybrid phenomenon resulted from the confluence of three historically specific, intertwined factors in late 20th century Europe: first, East Germany's embrace of development ideology to remake their farms and forests; second, the simultaneous introduction of a specifically East German conservation program; and third, a new era in the longue durée of human–pig relationships. This ungulate irruption was particular to the GDR and the central European landscape of the Cold War, and only becomes visible through careful attention to the historical context and the materiality of pigs (Sus scrofa). For this reason it is possible to call these pigs new creatures of development. More broadly this paper asks both historians and social scientists to account for the temporal and spatial context when analyzing hybrid phenomena, while also raising important questions about the meaning and application of the neologism Anthropocene.
Donor sclera‐wrapped acrylic orbital implants following enucleation: experience in 179 patients in the Netherlands
Authors: Jongman Henri P. , Marinkovic Marina , Notting Irene , Koetsier Leonoor , Swart Wouter , Schalij‐Delfos Nicoline E. , Bleeker Jaco , Jager Martine J. , Luyten Gregorius P. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo report the postoperative results after enucleation of using an acrylic orbital implant covered in donor sclera for implantation.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the charts of patients who were enucleated between 2007 and 2011. Only patients who received an acrylic implant covered with donor sclera were included.ResultsA total of 179 patients were included in our analysis. About 15.6% experienced postoperative problems of which the majority were related to the position of the eyelid. Only one patient (0.6%) had an exposure of the orbital implant.ConclusionPlacing an acrylic orbital implant covered with donor sclera is a safe and effective method for reconstruction after enucleation.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are potent openers of human M‐channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Liin S. I. , Karlsson U. , Bentzen B. H. , Schmitt N. , Elinder F. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimPolyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to reduce neuronal excitability, in part by promoting inactivation of voltage‐gated sodium and calcium channels. Effects on neuronal potassium channels are less explored and experimental data ambiguous. The aim of this study was to investigate anti‐excitable effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the neuronal M‐channel, important for setting the resting membrane potential in hippocampal and dorsal root ganglion neurones.MethodsEffects of fatty acids and fatty acid analogues on mouse dorsal root ganglion neurones and on the human KV7.2/3 channel expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes were studied using electrophysiology.ResultsExtracellular application of physiologically relevant concentrations of the polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential (−2.4 mV by 30 μm) and increased the threshold current to evoke action potentials in dorsal root ganglion neurones. The polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, α‐linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid facilitated opening of the human M‐channel, comprised of the heteromeric human KV7.2/3 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes, by shifting the conductance‐vs.‐voltage curve towards more negative voltages (by −7.4 to −11.3 mV by 70 μm). Uncharged docosahexaenoic acid methyl ester and monounsaturated oleic acid did not facilitate opening of the human KV7.2/3 channel.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a minimum requirement of multiple double bonds and a charged carboxyl group, dampen excitability by opening neuronal M‐channels. Collectively, our data bring light to the molecular targets of polyunsaturated fatty acids and thus a possible mechanism by which polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce neuronal excitability.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ activation favours selective subcutaneous lipid deposition by coordinately regulating lipoprotein lipase modulators, fatty acid transporters and lipogenic enzymes
Authors: Blanchard P. G. , Turcotte V. , Côté M. , Gélinas Y. , Nilsson S. , Olivecrona G. , Deshaies Y. , Festuccia W. T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ activation is associated with preferential lipoprotein lipase (LPL)‐mediated fatty acid storage in peripheral subcutaneous fat depots. How PPARγ agonism acts upon the multi‐level modulation of depot‐specific lipid storage remains incompletely understood.MethodsWe evaluated herein triglyceride‐derived lipid incorporation into adipose tissue depots, LPL mass and activity, mRNA levels and content of proteins involved in the modulation of LPL activity and fatty acid transport, and the expression/activity of enzymes defining adipose tissue lipogenic potential in rats treated with the PPARγ ligand rosiglitazone (30 mg kg−1 day−1, 23 days) after either a 10‐h fasting period or a 17‐h fast followed by 6 h of ad libitum refeeding.ResultsRosiglitazone stimulated lipid accretion in subcutaneous fat (SF) ~twofold and significantly reduced that of visceral fat (VF) to nearly half. PPARγ activation selectively increased LPL mass, activity and the expression of its chaperone LMF1 in SF. In VF, rosiglitazone had no effect on LPL activity and downregulated the mRNA levels of the transendothelial transporter GPIHBP1. Overexpression of lipid uptake and fatty acid transport proteins (FAT/CD36, FATP1 and FABP4) and stimulation of lipogenic enzyme activities (GPAT, AGPAT and DGAT) upon rosiglitazone treatment were of higher magnitude in SF.ConclusionsTogether these findings demonstrate that the depot‐specific transcriptional control of LPL induced by PPARγ activation extends to its key interacting proteins and post‐translational modulators to favour subcutaneous lipid storage.
Cardiac volume overload and pulmonary hypertension in long‐term follow‐up of patients with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Wannhoff A. , Hippchen T. , Weiss C. S. , Friedrich K. , Rupp C. , Neumann‐Haefelin C. , Dollinger M. , Antoni C. , Stampfl U. , Schemmer P. , Stremmel W. , Weiss K. H. , Radeleff B. , Katus H. A. , Gotthardt D. N. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundTransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) cause haemodynamic changes in patients with cirrhosis, yet little is known about long‐term cardiopulmonary outcomes.AimTo evaluate the long‐term cardiopulmonary outcome after TIPSS.MethodsWe evaluated cardiopulmonary parameters including echocardiography during long‐term follow‐up after TIPSS. Results at 1–5 years after TIPSS were compared to those of cirrhotic controls. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnoses rates were included. Endothelin 1, thromboxane B2 and serotonin were measured.ResultsWe found significant differences 1–5 years after TIPSS compared to pre‐implantation values: median left atrial diameter (LAD) increased from 37 mm [interquartile range (IQR): 33–43] to 40 mm (IQR: 37–47, P = 0.001), left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LV‐EDD) increased from 45 mm (range: 41–49) to 48 mm (IQR: 45–52, P < 0.001), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) increased from 25 mmHg (IQR: 22–33) to 30 mmHg (IQR: 25–36, P = 0.038). Comparing results 1–5 years post‐implantation to the comparison cohort revealed significantly higher (P < 0.05) LAD, LV‐EDD and PASP values in TIPSS patients. PH prevalence was higher in the shunt group (4.43%) compared to controls (0.91%, P = 0.150). Thromboxane B2 levels correlated with PASP in the TIPSS cohort (P = 0.033). There was no transhepatic gradient observed for the vasoactive substances analysed.ConclusionsTIPSS placement is accompanied by long‐term cardiovascular changes, including cardiac volume overload, and is associated with an increased rate of pulmonary hypertension. The need for regular cardiac follow‐up after TIPSS requires further evaluation.
Squamous cell carcinoma with hepatic metastasis in a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Authors: Hill AG , Dennis MM , Pyne M 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundSquamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are uncommon in reptiles and there have been few reports of neoplasia in Australian crocodiles, despite increased numbers being raised in captivity.Case reportWe report a locally invasive SCC in the hindlimb of a wild‐caught saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) with hepatic metastasis. The gross appearance was soft tissue swelling adjacent to the nail bed, progressing to abscessation incorporating multiple toes. Diagnosis was achieved by biopsy during amputation of the affected toes. Hepatic metastasis was identified at necropsy, with a similar gross appearance resembling an abscess.Clinical significanceNeoplasia is an uncommon finding in crocodilians and metastatic neoplasia is rarely documented. This is the first report of SCC in a crocodilian.
Demographics of Australian horses: results from an internet‐based survey
Authors: Smyth GB , Dagley K 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo obtain information on the types of Australian horses, how they are kept and their activities.MethodsAn invitation to participate in an opt‐in, internet‐based survey was sent to 7000 people who had registered an email address to receive information from the Australian Horse Industry Council Inc.ResultsThere were 3377 (48%) useable responses from owners of 26,548 horses. Most horses were kept on small properties (usually 2–8 ha) in paddocks in rural areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Most horses were female or geldings and the most common of 54 different activities was breeding. Owners reported 19,291 horses were used in different activities and 6037 (23%) horses were not kept for any stated purpose or activity. Owners used an average of 1.95 horses in 2.9 different types of activities. The most common of the 43 breeds were Thoroughbred, Australian Stock Horse and Australian Quarter Horse. Only 1% of the total numbers of Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds in this survey were used in horse racing, indicating there is a demand for these breeds in non‐racing activities. Microchip was the most favoured method of horse identification and 36% favoured compulsory registration of horses. Most respondents reported owning some other animal species.ConclusionsThere is a wide variation in horse breeds used in different activities by Australian horse owners. There are regional differences in various management systems. There needs to be considerable improvement in the collection and recording of information to improve the validity and reliability of horse industry data.
Bendamustine + rituximab chemoimmunotherapy and maintenance lenalidomide in relapsed, refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma: A Wisconsin Oncology Network Study
Authors: Chang Julie E. , Havighurst Thomas , Kim KyungMann , Eickhoff Jens , Traynor Anne M. , Kirby‐Slimp Rachel , Volk Lynn M. , Werndli Jae , Go Ronald S. , Weiss Matthias , Blank Jules , Kahl Brad S. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBendamustine + rituximab (BR) has demonstrated high response rates in relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). However, progression‐free survival (PFS) after BR is <18 months. This study was designed to determine if maintenance lenalidomide after BR induction could improve PFS in R/R CLL/SLL. Thirty‐four patients with R/R CLL/SLL who had received 1–5 prior chemotherapy regimens were treated with 6 cycles of BR induction. Patients achieving at least a minor response received twelve 28‐d cycles of lenalidomide 5–10 mg/d. The primary endpoint was PFS. The median age was 67 years, with a median of 2 prior therapies. Eleven patients had confirmed presence of 17p and/or 11q deletions. Twenty‐five (74%) completed 6 cycles of induction BR (response rate 56%). Nineteen (56%) patients received maintenance lenalidomide; only 6 patients completed the intended 12 cycles, highlighting the limited feasibility of lenalidomide in this setting, primarily due to haematological and infectious toxicities. The observed median PFS of 18·3 months is not significantly different from that of BR induction in R/R CLL/SLL without maintenance therapy (15·2 months). It is possible that lenalidomide maintenance may be more feasible and effective in the front‐line setting, which is being tested in an ongoing trial (NCT01754857).
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma in paediatric and young adult patients
Authors: Turner Suzanne D. , Lamant Laurence , Kenner Lukas , Brugières Laurence 
Published: February 2016

SummaryAnaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a heterogeneous disease of debateable origin that, in children, is largely anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive with aberrant ALK activity induced following the formation of chromosomal translocations. Whilst the survival rates for this disease are relatively high, a significant proportion (20‐40%) of patients suffer disease relapse, in some cases on multiple occasions and therefore suffer the toxic side‐effects of combination chemotherapy. Traditionally, patients are treated with a combination of agents although recent data from relapse patients have suggested that low risk patients might benefit from single agent vinblastine and, going forward, the addition of ALK inhibitors to the therapeutic regimen may have beneficial consequences. There are also a plethora of other drugs that might be advantageous to patients with ALCL and many of these have been identified through laboratory research although the decision as to which drugs to implement in trials will not be trivial.
Can chronic myeloid leukaemia in children and adolescents be successfully treated without haematopoietic stem cell transplant? A single centre experience
Authors: Giona Fiorina , Moleti Maria L. , De Benedittis Daniela , Santopietro Michelina , Nanni Mauro , Testi Anna M. , Orlando Sonia , Iori Anna P. , Piciocchi Alfonso , Gottardi Enrico , Barberi Walter , Diverio Daniela , Saglio Giuseppe , Foà Robin 
Published: February 2016

SummaryWe analysed the long‐term outcome of 35 children and adolescents (<20 years at diagnosis) with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase: 20 patients had received interferon‐alpha and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and 15 underwent a haematopoietic stem cell transplant. The 10‐year survival probabilities were similar in transplanted and non‐transplanted patients (73·3% vs. 72·1%, respectively), whereas the survival probability was significantly lower in patients diagnosed before 1999 compared to those diagnosed afterwards (62·1% vs. 100%, P = 0·0384). The availability of TKIs and the standardized molecular monitoring have significantly improved treatment, management and outcome in children and adolescents with CML.
Outcomes of single‐ vs double‐cuff artificial urinary sphincter insertion in low‐ and high‐risk profile male patients with severe stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Ahyai Sascha A. , Ludwig Tim A. , Dahlem Roland , Soave Armin , Rosenbaum Clemens , Chun Felix K‐H. , Fisch Margit , Schmid Marianne , Kluth Luis A. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate continence and complication rates of bulbar single‐cuff (SC) and distal bulbar double‐cuff (DC) insertion in male patients with severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) according to whether the men were considered low or high risk for unfavourable artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) outcomes.Patients and MethodsIn all, 180 male patients who underwent AUS implantation between 2009 and 2013 were followed according to institutional standards. Patients with previous pelvic radiation therapy, open bulbar urethral or UI surgery (‘high risk’) underwent distal bulbar DC (123 patients) insertion, all others (‘low risk’) had proximal bulbar SC (57) insertion. Primary and secondary endpoints consisted of continence and complication rates. Kaplan–Meier analysis determined explantation‐free survival, and Cox regression models assessed risk factors for persistent UI and explantation.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 24 months. Whereas there was no significant difference in pad usage/objective continence after SC vs DC insertion, superior rates of subjective/social continence and less persistent UI were reported by the patients with DC devices (all P ≤ 0.02). Overall, device explantation (erosion, infection or mechanical failure) occurred in 12.8% of patients. While early (<6 weeks) complication rates compared with SC patients were similar (P > 0.05), DC patients had a 5.7‐fold higher risk of device explantation during late follow‐up (P = 0.02) and significantly shorter explantation‐free survival (log‐rank, P = 0.003).ConclusionsDistal bulbar DC insertion in patients with a ‘high‐risk’ profile (previous pelvic radiation, urethral surgery) leads to similar objective continence, but higher explantation rates when compared with patients considered ‘low risk’ with proximal bulbar SCs. Randomised controlled trials comparing both devices will be needed to determine whether the higher explanations rates are attributable to the DC device or to underlying risk factors.