bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Navigating the mesentery: a comparative pre‐ and per‐operative visualization of the vascular anatomy
Authors: Nesgaard J. M. , Stimec B. V. , Bakka A. O. , Edwin B. , Ignjatovic D. ,   The RCC study group
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimAwareness of anatomy is critical for performing safe surgery within the root of the mesentery. Our aim was to investigate the anatomical relationship between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) and their branches within a predefined D3 area of the right colon and to compare preoperatively established three‐dimensional (3D) mesenteric vessel anatomy from CT with that found at surgery.MethodProspective data were collected on 139 patients included in the ‘Safe Radical D3 Right Hemicolectomy for Cancer Through Preoperative Biphasic Multi‐detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Angiography’ trial. CT data sets were 3D reconstructed before surgery and compared with photographs taken during the operation.ResultsThe ileocolic artery was present and correctly identified in all patients and crossed the SMV anteriorly in 58 (41.7%). Seventeen patients had a right colic artery at surgery and there were three false‐negative and one false‐positive CT findings, yielding a diagnostic accuracy of 97.1%, sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 95.2%. Positive and negative predictive values were 94.7% and 97.5%, respectively. The middle colic artery was absent in one (0.7%) patient and multiple (nine double and one triple) in 10 (7.2%) patients. A mean of 3.8 ± 1.2 jejunal arteries and 2.0 ± 0.8 jejunal veins arose from the SMA and SMV. Jejunal veins crossed the SMA in the D3 area anteriorly in 30.9% of patients. In 26 (18.7%) patients, additional veins drained into the SMV, including pancreaticoduodenal in 16, right colic in six and both in two. The inferior mesenteric vein entered the SMV in 58 (41.7%) patients and crossed the D3 area in three (2.2%).ConclusionCT‐reconstructed anatomy has high specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and reliability.
Where the wild things are: using remotely sensed forest productivity to assess arboreal marsupial species richness and abundance
Authors: Youngentob Kara N. , Yoon Hwan‐Jin , Stein John , Lindenmayer David B. , Held Alex A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimHighly productive areas have long been hypothesized to support a greater abundance and diversity of animals than less productive areas. However, evidence for this is equivocal and, until recently, has been difficult to test at a landscape level. For the first time, we use imaging spectroscopy to investigate the relationship between plant productivity and arboreal mammal species richness and abundance at a landscape scale.LocationA eucalypt forest in New South Wales, Australia.MethodsUsing a common index of plant productivity – normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) – as a proxy for available energy, we test the ability of species‐energy theory and optimal foraging theory to explain variations in arboreal marsupial species richness and abundance. We obtained NDVI data from an airborne imaging spectrophotometer.ResultsSpecies richness increased in relation to NDVI among 53 eucalypt forest sites, based on five arboreal marsupial species. The presence and abundance of a eucalypt folivore specialist, Petauroides volans, increased in relation to NDVI. The relative abundance of all arboreal marsupials collectively also increased in relation to NDVI among sites, even with P. volans data excluded. In support of optimal foraging theory, the observed locations of P. volans had a higher NDVI value than the average for sampling transects. In addition, the average NDVI of eucalypt forest remnants was positively related to the overall abundance of P. volans. An important caveat is that NDVI did not explain all the variation in arboreal marsupial populations.Main conclusionsAssuming that NDVI is an appropriate proxy for available energy in a eucalypt forest, our results are consistent with predictions from species‐energy and optimal foraging theories. Remotely sensed measures of productivity and forage quality, used in conjunction with other important landscape characteristics, provide a potentially powerful tool to evaluate habitat and biodiversity hotspots at scales relevant to wildlife management and conservation.
Climate‐induced resource bottlenecks exacerbate species vulnerability: a review
Authors: Maron Martine , McAlpine Clive A. , Watson James E. M. , Maxwell Sean , Barnard Phoebe 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimResource bottlenecks – periods of severe restriction in resource availability – triggered by increased climate variability represent important and little‐understood mechanisms through which climate change will affect biodiversity. In this review, we aim to synthesize the key global change processes that exacerbate the severity of bottlenecks in resource availability on animal populations, and outline how adaptation responses can help buffer the impacts.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe collate examples from the literature of population‐level impacts of resource bottlenecks induced by extreme weather and climate events to explore the types of population impacts that have most frequently been recorded, and the type of extreme events associated with them. We then develop a conceptual framework that captures the factors contributing to species’ vulnerability to climate‐induced spatial and temporal resource bottlenecks in increasingly variable environments.ResultsIncreases in the frequency, severity and/or duration of extreme weather and climate events can trigger resource bottlenecks that act as powerful demographic constraints on terrestrial fauna, and often exacerbate other human‐induced pressures such as land use change. Such phenomena are likely to become more frequent and severe, with potentially nonlinear increases in impact. Forty‐nine instances of population‐level impacts from climate‐induced resource bottlenecks were recorded from the literature, including four extinctions and ten population crashes. Anthropogenic land use change interacts with increasing climatic variability to exacerbate these resource ‘crunches’, but can sometimes act as a buffer for species.Main ConclusionsResource bottlenecks are likely to be a large class of climate‐sensitive stressors whose impacts may play out at the population scale, even well within a species’ apparent climatic envelope. More effective conservation responses to climate‐related threats include explicit actions, such as managing protected area networks for spatial and temporal resource complementarities, that buffer vulnerable species against bottlenecks.
The role of mitochondria in statin‐induced myopathy
Authors: Apostolopoulou Maria , Corsini Alberto , Roden Michael 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundStatins inhibit hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, decrease plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. They can also exert adverse effects, mostly affecting skeletal muscle, ranging from mild myalgia to rhabdomyolysis.Materials and methodsBased on a PubMed search until December 2014, this review summarizes studies on statin effects on muscle mitochondrial morphology and function in the context of myopathy.ResultsPossible mechanisms of statin‐induced myopathy include lower cholesterol synthesis and production of prenylated proteins, reduced dolichols and increased atrogin‐1 expression. Statin‐treated patients frequently feature decreased muscle coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) contents, suggesting that statins might impair mitochondrial function. In cell cultures, statins diminish muscle oxygen consumption, promote mitochondrial permeability transient pore opening and generate apoptotic proteins. Animal models confirm the statin‐induced decrease in muscle CoQ10, but reveal no changes in mitochondrial enzyme activities. Human studies yield contradictory results, with decreased CoQ10, elevated lipids, decreased enzyme activities in muscle and impaired maximal oxygen uptake in several but not all studies. Some patients are susceptible to statin‐induced myopathy due to variations in genes encoding proteins involved in statin uptake and biotransformation such as the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) or cytochrome P450 (CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5). Carriers for carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency and McArdle disease also present with higher prevalence of statin‐induced myopathy.ConclusionsDespite the widespread use of statins, the pathogenesis of statin‐induced myopathy remains unclear, requiring prospective randomized controlled trials with intensive phenotyping also for identifying strategies for its risk assessment, prevention and treatment.
Peri‐operative assessment of right heart function: role of echocardiography
Authors: Tan Timothy C. , Dudzinski David M. , Hung Judy , Mehta Vipin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe right heart contributes significantly to overall cardiac function. Right ventricular (RV) haemodynamics and function have been defined to be physiologically different from the left ventricle, and yet independently associated with outcomes in a spectrum of conditions. In particular, RV function has been shown to influence prognosis of patients undergoing surgery. The assessment of right heart function during the intra‐operative and immediate postoperative periods plays an important role in the clinical management of patients having surgery. While a number of techniques are available for the assessment of the right heart intra‐operatively, echocardiography remains the prime choice being least invasive, relatively safe, readily accessible and cost‐effective. Advancements in the field of echocardiographic have improved ability to assess right heart function. This review examines the role echocardiography and advances in this imaging modality in the assessment of right heart function within the peri‐operative setting.
Are molecular markers useful predictors of adaptive potential?
Authors: Mittell Elizabeth A. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Hadfield Jarrod D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEstimates of molecular genetic variation are often used as a cheap and simple surrogate for a population's adaptive potential, yet empirical evidence suggests they are unlikely to be a valid proxy. However, this evidence is based on molecular genetic variation poorly predicting estimates of adaptive potential rather than how well it predicts true values. As a consequence, the relationship has been systematically underestimated and the precision with which it could be measured severely overstated. By collating a large database, and using suitable statistical methods, we obtain a 95% upper bound of 0.26 for the proportion of variance in quantitative genetic variation explained by molecular diversity. The relationship is probably too weak to be useful, but this conclusion must be taken as provisional: less noisy estimates of quantitative genetic variation are required. In contrast, and perhaps surprisingly, current sampling strategies appear sufficient for characterising a population's molecular genetic variation at comparable markers.
Bridging the gap between omics and earth system science to better understand how environmental change impacts marine microbes
Authors: Mock Thomas , Daines Stuart J. , Geider Richard , Collins Sinead , Metodiev Metodi , Millar Andrew J. , Moulton Vincent , Lenton Timothy M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe advent of genomic‐, transcriptomic‐ and proteomic‐based approaches has revolutionized our ability to describe marine microbial communities, including biogeography, metabolic potential and diversity, mechanisms of adaptation, and phylogeny and evolutionary history. New interdisciplinary approaches are needed to move from this descriptive level to improved quantitative, process‐level understanding of the roles of marine microbes in biogeochemical cycles and of the impact of environmental change on the marine microbial ecosystem. Linking studies at levels from the genome to the organism, to ecological strategies and organism and ecosystem response, requires new modelling approaches. Key to this will be a fundamental shift in modelling scale that represents micro‐organisms from the level of their macromolecular components. This will enable contact with omics data sets and allow acclimation and adaptive response at the phenotype level (i.e. traits) to be simulated as a combination of fitness maximization and evolutionary constraints. This way forward will build on ecological approaches that identify key organism traits and systems biology approaches that integrate traditional physiological measurements with new insights from omics. It will rely on developing an improved understanding of ecophysiology to understand quantitatively environmental controls on microbial growth strategies. It will also incorporate results from experimental evolution studies in the representation of adaptation. The resulting ecosystem‐level models can then evaluate our level of understanding of controls on ecosystem structure and function, highlight major gaps in understanding and help prioritize areas for future research programs. Ultimately, this grand synthesis should improve predictive capability of the ecosystem response to multiple environmental drivers.
Overcoming birth weight: can physical activity mitigate birth weight‐related differences in adiposity?
Authors: Boone‐Heinonen J. , Markwardt S. , Fortmann S. P. , Thornburg K. L. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundIndividuals born at low or high birth weight (BW) have elevated adiposity. The extent to which physical activity can mitigate this risk is unknown.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine if associations between BW and adiposity vary by self‐reported moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescents.MethodsWe used data on adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006; 12–15 years; n = 4064). Using gender‐stratified linear regression, we modelled body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) z‐scores as a function of low, normal and high BW, MVPA (weekly Metabolic Equivalent of Task hours) and MVPA*BW cross‐product terms, adjusting for sociodemographics, diet and, in WC models, BMI.ResultsAmong girls with low MVPA, those born with high BW had greater BMI than normal BW; this difference diminished with greater MVPA (coefficient [95% confidence interval]: low MVPA: 0.72 [0.29, 1.14]; high MVPA: −0.04 [−0.48, 0.39]; P for interaction = 0.05). Among boys, MVPA did not modify the associations between BW and BMI. WC was unrelated to BW, regardless of MVPA.ConclusionsFindings suggest that effects of high BW in total adiposity can be more easily modified with MVPA in adolescent girls than in boys.
Patient–provider communication about medication use at the community pharmacy counter
Authors: van Dijk Marloes , Blom Lyda , Koopman Laura , Philbert Daphne , Koster Ellen , Bouvy Marcel , van Dijk Liset 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Objective
The objectives of this study were to, first, describe the information exchanged between pharmacy staff and patients about prescribed medication at the community pharmacy counter, and second, to investigate to what extent this met professional medication counselling guidelines.

Methods
Pharmaceutical encounters were videotaped in four community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Patients were included if they collected a prescription for their own use. An observation protocol, including the MEDICODE checklist, was used to analyse the video recordings. A distinction was made between first and repeat prescriptions.

Key findings
One hundred fifty-three encounters were videotaped. When dispensing first prescriptions, pharmacy staff provided most information on instructions how to use the medication (83.3%), form of the medication (71.4%) and treatment duration (42.9%). Topics for repeat prescriptions (such as the effects of the medication and the incidence of observed adverse effects) were rarely discussed. Pharmacy staff rarely encouraged patients to ask questions.

Conclusions
Pharmacy staff members provided little medication-related information at the counter, especially for repeat prescriptions, did not encourage active patient participation, and thereby did not adhere to the guidelines of their professional organisation. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for this.
Role of cytoreductive nephrectomy for Japanese patients with primary renal cell carcinoma in the cytokine and targeted therapy era
Authors: Tatsugami Katsunori , Shinohara Nobuo , Kondo Tsunenori , Yamasaki Toshinari , Eto Masatoshi , Tsushima Tomoyasu , Terachi Toshiro , Naito Seiji ,   the Japanese Society of Renal Cancer
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of cytoreductive nephrectomy for Japanese patients with primary metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the cytokine and targeted therapy era.MethodsThe present retrospective study evaluated 330 Japanese patients with renal cell carcinoma who had synchronous metastases at diagnosis between 2001 and 2010. The characteristics of patients who did and did not undergo cytoreductive nephrectomy were compared.ResultsOf the 330 patients, 254 (77.0%) underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy. Patients who underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy were younger; had better Karnofsky Performance Status; higher rates of lung metastases only and systemic therapy; lower rates of increased lactate dehydrogenase concentration and liver and multiple metastases; and a lower Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk score. Independent predictors of poorer overall survival included clinical stage T3/4; poorer Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk and Karnofsky Performance Status; increased C‐reactive protein concentration; and absence of cytoreductive nephrectomy and systemic therapy. Median overall survival was significantly longer in the patients who did rather than did not undergo cytoreductive nephrectomy, irrespective of systemic treatment. In patients without cytoreductive nephrectomy, median overall survival was significantly longer in those who received targeted (15.5 months; hazard ratio 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.21–0.94), but not by cytokine (8.2 months; hazard ratio 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.36–1.46) compared with no systemic treatment (4.4 months).ConclusionsOverall survival seems to be significantly longer in patients undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy. However, prospective trials are required to confirm our results, as targeted therapy might improve the survival even in the absence of cytoreductive nephrectomy.
Exogenous interleukin‐33 targets myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and generates periphery‐induced Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in skin‐transplanted mice
Authors: Gajardo Tania , Morales Rodrigo A. , Campos‐Mora Mauricio , Campos‐Acuña Javier , Pino‐Lagos Karina 
Published: May 2015

SummaryInterleukin‐33 (IL‐33) has been a focus of study because of its variety of functions shaping CD4+ T‐cell biology. In the present work, we evaluated the modulatory effect of IL‐33 on suppressor cells in an in vivo transplantation model. C57BL/6 wild‐type mice were grafted with syngeneic or allogeneic skin transplants and treated with exogenous IL‐33 daily. After 10 days of treatment, we analysed draining lymph node cellularity and found in allogeneic animals an increment in myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, which co‐express MHC‐II, and become enriched upon IL‐33 treatment. In line with this observation, inducible nitric oxide synthase and arginase 1 expression were also increased in allogeneic animals upon IL‐33 administration. In addition, IL‐33 treatment up‐regulated the number of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in the allogeneic group, complementing the healthier integrity of the allografts and the increased allograft survival. Moreover, we demonstrate that IL‐33 promotes CD4+ T‐cell expansion and conversion of CD4+ Foxp3− T cells into CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in the periphery. Lastly, the cytokine pattern of ex vivo‐stimulated draining lymph nodes indicates that IL‐33 dampens interferon‐γ and IL‐17 production, stimulating IL‐10 secretion. Altogether, our work complements previous studies on the immune‐modulatory activity of IL‐33, showing that this cytokine affects myeloid‐derived suppressor cells at the cell number and gene expression levels. More importantly, our research demonstrates for the first time that IL‐33 allows for in vivo Foxp3+ Treg cell conversion and favours an anti‐inflammatory or tolerogenic state by skewing cytokine production. Therefore, our data suggest a potential use of IL‐33 to prevent allograft rejection, bringing new therapeutics to the transplantation field.
Pathways among Caregiver Education, Household Resources, and Infant Growth in 39 Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Putnick Diane L. , Bradley Robert H. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Deater‐Deckard Kirby 
Published: May 2015

Caregiver education is known to relate to the growth of children, but possible mediation mechanisms of this association are poorly characterized and generally lack empirical support. We test whether instructional capital (caregiver education) leads to improved infant growth through availability of physical capital (household resources) across a wide swath of low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). Using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, we explore relations among caregiver education, household resources, and infant (M age = 0.99 years) growth in 117,881 families living in 39 LMIC. Overall, household resources mediated 76% of the small association between caregiver education and infant growth. When disaggregated by countries characterized by low, medium, and high levels of human development (as indexed by average life expectancy, education, and gross domestic product), household resources mediated 48–78% of the association between caregiver education and infant growth. Caregiver education had effects on infant growth through household resources in countries characterized by low, medium, and high levels of human development; for girls and boys; and controlling for indexes of infant feeding and health.
Interfacial Reactions Between BaAl2Si2O8 and Molten Al Alloy at 850°C
Authors: Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Koshy Pramod , Pardehkhorram Raheleh , Rastkerdar Ebad , Sorrell Charles C. 
Published: May 2015

A corrosion cup test was undertaken using BaAl2Si2O8 and Al4.1Zn3.2Mg alloy, heated in air for 150 h at 850°C. Electron probe microanalysis, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to identify the mineralogical and microstructural changes at the interfaces. The microstructural results revealed three microstructural areas: (1) Spinel layer with large numbers of Al alloy channels; (2) interfacial area with mainly alumina, spinel, and BaAl2Si2O8; and (3) interdiffusion zone chemically close to barium hexaaluminate. The principal observations are:

BaAl2Si2O8 was highly resistant to molten Al alloy corrosion owing to sluggish kinetics, as evidenced by the observation of unreacted BaAl2Si2O8 grains in the interfacial area.
The nature of the microstructure, particularly an interdiffusion zone instead of a continuous layer of precipitated alumina at the interface between the Al alloy channels and the unreacted BaAl2Si2O8 supports the conclusion that the corrosion mechanism is governed by interdiffusion (Si/Ba and Al/Mg) and substitution.
The formation and limited retention of an MgO layer at the metal‐ceramic interface played a critical role in alloy oxidation and the consequent interfacial phenomena.