bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of breeding and natal movements in lifetime dispersal of a forest‐dwelling rodent
Authors: Selonen Vesa , Wistbacka Ralf 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe lifetime movements of an individual determine the gene flow and invasion potential of the species. However, sex dependence of dispersal and selective pressures driving dispersal have gained much more attention than dispersal at different life and age stages. Natal dispersal is more common than dispersal between breeding attempts, but breeding dispersal may be promoted by resource availability and competition. Here, we utilize mark–recapture data on the nest‐box population of Siberian flying squirrels to analyze lifetime dispersal patterns. Natal dispersal means the distance between the natal nest and the nest used the following year, whereas breeding movements refer to the nest site changes between breeding attempts. The movement distances observed here were comparable to distances reported earlier from radio‐telemetry studies. Breeding movements did not contribute to lifetime dispersal distance and were not related to variation in food abundance or habitat patch size. Breeding movements of males were negatively, albeit not strongly, related to male population size. In females, breeding movement activity was low and was not related to previous breeding success or to competition between females for territories. Natal philopatry was linked to apparent death of a mother; that is, we did not find evidence for mothers bequeathing territories for offspring, like observed in some other rodent species. Our results give an example of a species in which breeding movements are not driven by environmental variability or nest site quality. Different evolutionary forces often operate in natal and breeding movements, and our study supports the view that juveniles are responsible for redistributing individuals within and between populations. This emphasizes the importance of knowledge on natal dispersal, if we want to understand consequences of movement ecology of the species at the population level.
Natal origin affects host preference and larval performance relationships in a tritrophic system
Authors: Verschut Thomas A. , Blažytė‐Čereškienė Laima , Apšegaitė Violeta , Mozūraitis Raimondas , Hambäck Peter A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMany insects face the challenge to select oviposition sites in heterogeneous environments where biotic and abiotic factors can change over time. One way to deal with this complexity is to use sensory experiences made during developmental stages to locate similar habitats or hosts in which larval development can be maximized. While various studies have investigated oviposition preference and larval performance relationships in insects, they have largely overlooked that sensory experiences made during the larval stage can affect such relationships. We addressed this issue by determining the role of natal experience on oviposition preference and larval performance relationships in a tritrophic system consisting of Galerucella sagittariae, feeding on the two host plants Potentilla palustris and Lysimachia thyrsiflora, and its larval parasitoid Asecodes lucens. We firstly determined whether differences in host‐derived olfactory information could lead to divergent host selection, and secondly, whether host preference could result in higher larval performance based on the natal origin of the insects. Our results showed that the natal origin and the quality of the current host are both important aspects in oviposition preference and larval performance relationships. While we found a positive relationship between preference and performance for natal Lysimachia beetles, natal Potentilla larvae showed no such relationship and developed better on L. thyrsiflora. Additionally, the host selection by the parasitoid was mainly affected by the natal origin, while its performance was higher on Lysimachia larvae. With this study, we showed that the relationship between oviposition preference and larval performance depends on the interplay between the natal origin of the female and the quality of the current host. However, without incorporating the full tritrophic context of these interactions, their implication in insect fitness and potential adaptation cannot be fully understood.
Abnormal haemodynamic postural response in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Bronzwaer Anne‐Sophie G.T. , Bogert Lysander W.J. , Westerhof Berend E. , Piek Jan J. , Daemen Mat J.A.P. , van Lieshout Johannes J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimThe objective was to evaluate in treated heart failure (HF) patients whether multidrug therapy interferes with the cardiovascular autonomic response to postural stress.Methods and resultsBlood pressure (BP; Finapres), heart rate (HR), stroke volume, and total peripheral resistance (TPR) responses to standing up were measured in 33 HF patients and 10 healthy age‐matched controls. Ten hypertensive (HT) patients treated with a similar combination of drugs but without heart failure served as reference subjects to account for use of medication. Frequency domain measures of HR and BP variability were calculated as correlates of cardiovascular autonomic function. Postural hypotension was found in 16 out of 33 HF patients independently from New York Heart Association functional class. In HF patients vs. HT patients and healthy controls the haemodynamic postural response was abnormal with a large initial BP fall and a slackened reflex increase in TPR resulting in inadequate BP recovery. HR and BP variability were normal in HT patients and healthy controls but attenuated in HF patients. The magnitude of the postural HR, stroke volume, and TPR responses as well as HR and BP variability was inversely related to the New York Heart Association class.ConclusionsIn HF patients, the autonomic vasomotor response to postural stress is abnormal, more pronounced with increasing disease severity, and frequently associated with overt postural hypotension. These phenomena appear related to the cardiac condition rather than treatment.
Plasma biomarkers to predict or rule out early post‐discharge events after hospitalization for acute heart failure
Authors: Demissei Biniyam G. , Postmus Douwe , Cleland John G. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Metra Marco , Ponikowski Piotr , Teerlink John R. , Cotter Gad , Davison Beth A. , Givertz Michael M. , Bloomfield Daniel M. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Dittrich Howard C. , Hillege Hans L. , Voors Adriaan A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimImproved prediction of early post‐discharge death or rehospitalization after admission for acute heart failure is a major unmet need. We evaluated the value of biomarkers to predict either low or high risk for early post‐discharge events.Methods and resultsA total of 1653 patients enrolled in the PROTECT trial who were discharged alive and with available blood samples were included. Forty‐seven biomarkers were serially evaluated in these patients. Measurement closest to discharge was used to evaluate the predictive value of biomarkers for low and high post‐discharge risk. Patients were classified as ‘low risk’ if post‐discharge 30‐day risk of death or heart failure rehospitalization was <5% while risk >20% was used to define ‘high risk’. Cut‐off values that yielded a 95% negative predictive value and a 20% positive predictive value were identified for each biomarker. Partial area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (pAUC) in the high‐sensitivity and high‐specificity regions was calculated to compare low‐risk and high‐risk predictive values. Of patients analysed, 193 (11.7%) patients reached the 30‐day death or heart failure rehospitalization outcome. We found marked differences between low‐risk and high‐risk predictors. Cardiac‐specific troponin I was the strongest biomarker for low‐risk prediction (pAUC = 0.552, 95% confidence interval 0.52–0.58) while endothelin‐1 showed better performance for high‐risk prediction (pAUC = 0.560, 95% confidence interval 0.53–0.59). Several biomarkers (individually and in combination) provided added predictive value, on top of a clinical model, in both low‐risk and high‐risk regions.ConclusionDifferent biomarkers predicted low risk vs. high risk of early post‐discharge death or heart failure readmission in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure.
Transoral laser microsurgery or total laryngectomy for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: Retrospective analysis of 199 cases
Authors: Weiss Bernhard G. , Bertlich Mattis , Canis Martin , Ihler Friedrich 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundSurgical treatment options for local recurrences of laryngeal cancer can be either organ‐preserving surgery or total laryngectomy. The purpose of this study was to present our evaluation of the treatment with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in comparison to laryngectomy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 199 consecutive patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer at 1 tertiary referral center.ResultsThe 5‐year overall survival, disease‐specific survival, and local control rates were 64.8%, 79.6%, and 57.5%, respectively, for 93 patients with early tumors treated by TLM, 28.9%, 41.7%, and 43.7%, respectively, for 52 patients with advanced tumors treated by TLM as well as 39.4%, 44.6%, and 68.8%, respectively, for 54 patients with advanced tumors treated by total laryngectomy. Five‐year larynx‐preservation rate was 77.7% for early as well as 68.4% for advanced tumors treated by TLM.ConclusionTLM is an option in early and in selected cases of advanced locally recurrent laryngeal cancer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1166–1176, 2017
Synergistic effect of DDT and its metabolites in lipopolysaccharide‐mediated TNF‐α production is inhibited by progesterone in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Dominguez‐Lopez Pablo , Diaz‐Cueto Laura , Aguilar‐Rojas Arturo , Arechavaleta‐Velasco Fabian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIncreased TNF‐α levels have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 1,1,1‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)‐2,2‐dichloroethene (DDE), and 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis(chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD) induce TNF‐α release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Conversely, progesterone (P4) inhibits TNF‐α secretion. Pregnant women in malaria endemic areas may be co‐exposure to these compounds. Thus, this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of LPS and these pesticides in PBMC and to assess P4 influence on this synergy. Cultured PBMC were exposed to each pesticide in the presence of LPS, P4, or their combination. TNF‐α was measured by ELISA. All pesticides enhanced TNF‐α synthesis in PBMC. Co‐exposure with LPS synergizes TNF‐α production, which is blocked by progesterone. These results indicate that these organochlorines act synergistically with LPS to induce TNF‐α secretion in PBMC. This effect is blocked by P4.
Development a rapid and accurate multiplex real time PCR method for the detection Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis
Authors: Safarkar Roya , Mehrabadi Jalil Fallah , Noormohammadi Zahra , Mirnejad Reza 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundSexually transmitted diseases easily spread among sexually active people and often have no symptoms. Rapid and accurate method for detecting these infections are necessary in early stages. The traditional detection methods of them are difficult and time—consuming.MethodsIn this study, multiplex real time PCR was optimized for rapid identification of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis in a single tube and was performed with our designed primers. The sensitivity test was carried out to designed primers with diluted genomic DNA. To defined the specificity, non STD bacteria were used as DNA template.ResultsThis study indicated that the developed multiplex real time PCR can be an effective alternative procedure to the conventional methods for rapid and accurate identification of C Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis. Multiplex real‐time PCR Results of them were checked with melting curves. The sensitivity of our designed primer by multiplex real time PCR for Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis were 4.78×1010 and 8.35×1010, respectively, Which the primers did not amplify any product from a non‐STD species.ConclusionsMultiplex real time PCR by our new primers and analysis of melting curves were successfully usable for rapid and accurate detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis. This assay instead of traditional culture method, has considerable potential to be rapid, accurate and highly sensitive molecular diagnostic tool for simultaneous and direct detection.
Delta neutrophil index: A reliable marker to differentiate perforated appendicitis from non‐perforated appendicitis in the elderly
Authors: Shin Dong Hyuk , Cho Young Suk , Kim Yoon Sung , Ahn Hee Cheol , Oh Young Taeck , Park Sang O. , Won Moo‐Ho , Cho Jun Hwi , Kim Young Myeong , Seo Jeong Yeol , Lee Young Hwan 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundDelta neutrophil index (DNI) is a new inflammatory marker and the present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the DNI for the presence of a perforation in elderly with acute appendicitis.MethodsThis retrospective observational study was conducted on 108 consecutive elderly patients (≥65 years old) with acute appendicitis treated over a 24‐month period.ResultsSixty‐nine of the 108 patients (median, IQR: 72, 67‐77 years) were allocated to the perforated appendicitis group (63.9%) and 39 to the non‐perforated appendicitis group (36.1%). WBC, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and DNI were significantly higher in the perforated group. In multiple logistic regression analyses, initial DNI was the only independent marker that can significantly predict the presence of perforation in multiple regression [odds ratio 9.38, 95% confidence interval (2.51‐35.00), P=.001]. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that DNI is a good predictor for the presence of appendiceal perforation at an optimal cut‐off for DNI being 1.4% (sensitivity 67.7%, specificity 90.0%, AUC 0.807).ConclusionClinicians can reliably differentiate acute perforated appendicitis from non‐perforated appendicitis by DNI level of 1.4 or more in elderly patients.
Pretreatment platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is associated with the response to first‐line chemotherapy and survival in patients with metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Jin , Qu Jinglei , Li Zhi , Che Xiaofang , Liu Jing , Teng Yuee , Jin Bo , Zhao Mingfang , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Xiujuan 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown that platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a prognostic factor for various cancers. However, there is no study about the role of PLR in predicting response to first‐line chemotherapy of metastatic gastric cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to establish whether PLR is associated with the response to first‐line chemotherapy and survival in patients with metastatic gastric cancer.MethodsWe enrolled 273 patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer. The best cut‐off value of PLR to predict chemotherapeutic response was chosen by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Prognostic significance was determined using the log‐rank test and multivariate Cox regression analysis.ResultsBased on the cut‐off value of PLR, patients were divided into a low PLR group and high PLR group. In logistic regression analysis, the low PLR group had a significantly higher disease control rate than the high PLR group had (91.3 vs 76.1%, P=.002), and PLR was an independent risk factor for response to first‐line chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 3.256; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.521‐6.969; P=.002). The low PLR group had significantly longer overall survival (OS) than the high PLR group had (13.4 vs 9.2 months; P=.020). Multivariate survival analysis showed that PLR was significantly associated with OS [hazard ratio (HR): 1.002; 95% CI: 1.000‐1.003; P=.020].ConclusionsPre‐treatment PLR is associated with the response rate to first‐line chemotherapy and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic gastric cancer.
Classification of Vertex‐Transitive Cubic Partial Cubes
Authors: Marc Tilen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPartial cubes are graphs isometrically embeddable into hypercubes. In this article, it is proved that every cubic, vertex‐transitive partial cube is isomorphic to one of the following graphs: , for , the generalized Petersen graph G(10, 3), the cubic permutahedron, the truncated cuboctahedron, or the truncated icosidodecahedron. This classification is a generalization of results of Brešar et al. (Eur J Combin 25 (2004), 55–64) on cubic mirror graphs; it includes all cubic, distance‐regular partial cubes (P. M. Weichsel, Discrete Math 109 (1992), 297–306), and presents a contribution to the classification of all cubic partial cubes.
Vizing's 2‐Factor Conjecture Involving Large Maximum Degree
Authors: Chen Guantao , Shan Songling 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLet G be an n‐vertex simple graph, and let and denote the maximum degree and chromatic index of G, respectively. Vizing proved that or . Define G to be Δ‐critical if and for every proper subgraph H of G. In 1965, Vizing conjectured that if G is an n‐vertex Δ‐critical graph, then G has a 2‐factor. Luo and Zhao showed if G is an n‐vertex Δ‐critical graph with , then G has a hamiltonian cycle, and so G has a 2‐factor. In this article, we show that if G is an n‐vertex Δ‐critical graph with , then G has a 2‐factor.
Dual‐energy CT in gout – A review of current concepts and applications
Authors: Chou Hong , Chin Teck Yew , Peh Wilfred C. G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) is a relatively recent development in the imaging of gouty arthritis. Its availability and usage have become increasingly widespread in recent years. DECT is a non‐invasive method for the visualisation, characterisation and quantification of monosodium urate crystal deposits which aids the clinician in the early diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of this condition. This article aims to give an up to date review and summary of existing literature on the role and accuracy of DECT in the imaging of gout. Techniques in image acquisition, processing and interpretation will be discussed along with pitfalls, artefacts and clinical applications.
Can hydrochar and pyrochar affect nitrogen uptake and biomass allocation in poplars?
Authors: George Elizabeth , Ventura Maurizio , Panzacchi Pietro , Scandellari Francesca , Tonon Giustino 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPositive effects of pyrochar on soil nutrient availability and plant growth are widely reported in literature. However, few studies have reported effects of hydrochars on plant nutrition. A pot trial was conducted over a period of 2 years to investigate the effect of a pyrochar (AGT) and a hydrochar (HTC) on poplar (Populus × generosa, clone AF8) growth, biomass allocation and nitrogen (N) uptake with special emphasis on the quantification (using an isotopic mass balance approach) of char‐derived nitrogen (CDN) absorbed by plants. We found that both pyrochar and hydrochar positively affected above‐ground biomass productivity in the first year, and biomass and nitrogen (N) allocation over the 2 years by reducing the allocation of resources to fine roots. By the end of the experiment, even though the total N uptake was not affected by char, the CDN was more than 24% of the total N absorbed by HTC‐treated plants compared to a negligible amount absorbed by AGT‐treated ones. Finally, char did not affect nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the first year of growth, but by the end of the experiment, NUE was higher in the above‐ground biomass of HTC‐treated than in AGT‐ and control poplars.
Postoperative complications following intraoperative radiotherapy in abdominopelvic malignancy: A single institution analysis of 113 consecutive patients
Authors: Abdelfatah Eihab , Page Andrew , Sacks Justin , Pierorazio Phillip , Bivalacqua Trinity , Efron Jonathan , Terezakis Stephanie , Gearhart Susan , Fang Sandy , Safar Bashar , Pawlik Timothy M. , Armour Elwood , Hacker‐Prietz Amy , Herman Joseph , Ahuja Nita 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUNDIntraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has advantages over external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Few studies have described side effects associated with its addition. We evaluated our institution's experience with abdominopelvic IORT to assess safety by postoperative complication rates.METHODSProspectively collected IRB‐approved database of all patients receiving abdominopelvic IORT (via high dose rate brachytherapy) at Johns Hopkins Hospital between November 2006 and May 2014 was reviewed. Patients were discussed in multidisciplinary conferences. Those selected for IORT were patients for whom curative intent resection was planned for which IORT could improve margin‐negative resection and optimize locoregional control. Perioperative complications were classified via Clavien‐Dindo scale for postoperative surgical complications.RESULTSA total of 113 patients were evaluated. Most common diagnosis was sarcoma (50/113, 44%) followed by colorectal cancer (45/113, 40%), most of which were recurrent (84%). There were no perioperative deaths. A total of 57% of patients experienced a complication Grade II or higher: 24% (27/113) Grade II; 27% (30/113) Grade III; 7% (8/113) Grade IV. Wound complications were most common (38%), then gastrointestinal (25%). No radiotherapy variables were significantly associated with complications on uni/multi‐variate analysis.CONCLUSIONSOur institution's experience with IORT demonstrated historically expected postoperative complication rates. IORT is safe, with acceptable perioperative morbidity.
Surface Armour and Erosion – Impacts on Long‐term Landscape Evolution
Authors: Hancock G.R. , Lowry J.B.C. , Saynor M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe parameterisation of landscape evolution models is key to their reliable use. To determine reliable parameter sets, data collected from many events over a number of years are required. However, for many recently disturbed, degraded and/or rehabilitated sites, this data may not represent the long‐term behaviour of the surface as armouring, weathering, together with vegetation establishment change the erodibility of the surface. Here, we evaluate a new armouring sub‐model within the SIBERIA landscape evolution model. The calibration of the armour model is conducted using 6 years of field data from four plots, each composed of different surface materials and vegetation characteristics. The calibrated model is then tested on an area of the proposed rehabilitated landform of the Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory, Australia. The SIBERIA model was then run for a simulated period of 100,000 years using parameters representing (i) a surface constructed of fresh waste rock; (ii) a vegetated surface; and (iii) the calibrated armour sub‐model. The results demonstrate that the different parameter sets produce catchments that are unique despite the same starting surface. Surface material properties exert a first‐order control on landscape evolution. Therefore making predictions for the evolution of a landscape requires a reliable understanding of the material properties. This requires a knowledge of what material will be placed where in the catchment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.