bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catastrophic subarachnoid hemorrhage in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis without asthma
Authors: Lee Matilda X. W. , Teng Gim Gee , Raju Gangaraju Changal , Lim Anita Y. N. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is characterized by eosinophilic vasculitis. Patients rarely present without asthma. Cases developing subarachnoid hemorrhage from central nervous system vasculitis are rarely reported. We report a 48‐year‐old woman with rapidly evolving and progressive multi‐system eosinophilic vasculitis in the absence of asthma. Tissue eosinophilia was apparent in a breast lump biopsy. Prior otitis media and prominent lymphoid tissue in the postnasal spaces hinted at otolaryngological disease. She had rapid disease progression with mononeuritis multiplex and eventually succumbed to complications of intracranial hemorrhage secondary to central nervous system vasculitis. This case demonstrates the diagnostic dilemma and treatment considerations in EGPA without asthma. It also raises the question if a reliable biomarker can aid diagnosis in atypical presentations of disease.
Retrospective analysis of unknown primary cancers with malignant pleural effusion at initial diagnosis
Authors: Ebata Takahiro , Okuma Yusuke , Nakahara Yoshiro , Yomota Makiko , Takagi Yusuke , Hosomi Yukio , Asami Eichi , Omuro Yasushi , Hishima Tsunekazu , Okamura Tatsuru , Takiguchi Yuichi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundMalignant pleural effusion (MPE) can occur during the progression of various cancers. However, factors, such as the incidence of MPE associated with different types of cancers and its potential for diagnosing previously undetected cancers, are unknown. Moreover, MPE may accompany potentially curable cancers or those with a favorable survival prognosis with adequate treatment. The present study determined the types of cancers accompanied by MPE at initial diagnosis and investigated appropriate related methods for diagnosing previously unknown cancers.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 35 patients with MPE at initial cancer diagnosis between 2004 and 2012. We evaluated the patient characteristics, final diagnosis, and diagnostic processes.ResultsOf the 35 patients, 10 had lung cancer, seven ovarian or peritoneal cancer, four malignant pleural mesothelioma, one breast cancer, one lymphoma, one pancreatic cancer, and 11 had cancers of unknown origin. Diagnoses of the primary lesions were confirmed using the MPE cellblock method for seven of 11 patients (63.6%), by excisional biopsy or aspiration from other sites in four of nine patients, by exploratory laparotomy in two of three patients, and by peritoneal washing cytology in five patients.ConclusionLung cancer and cancer of unknown origin are major causes of MPE at initial presentation. However, these groups also contain cancers that are curable and those with good long‐term prognosis. The MPE cellblock method represents an accurate method for identifying cancer origin.
Promoting physical health for people with schizophrenia by reducing disparities in medical and dental care
Authors: Moore S. , Shiers D. , Daly B. , Mitchell A. J. , Gaughran F. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveAcquiring a diagnosis of schizophrenia reduces life expectancy for many reasons including poverty, difficulties in communication, side‐effects of medication and access to care. This mortality gap is driven by natural deaths; cardiovascular disease is a major cause, but outcomes for people with severe mental illness are worse for many physical health conditions, including cancer, fractures and complications of surgery. We set out to examine the literature on disparities in medical and dental care experienced by people with schizophrenia and suggest possible approaches to improving health.MethodThis narrative review used a targeted literature search to identify the literature on physical health disparities in schizophrenia.ResultsThere is evidence of inequitable access to and/or uptake of physical and dental health care by those with schizophrenia.ConclusionThe goal was to reduce the mortality gap through equity of access to all levels of health care, including acute care, long‐term condition management, preventative medicine and health promotion. We suggest solutions to promote health, wellbeing and longevity in this population, prioritising identification of and intervention for risk factors for premature morbidity and mortality. Shared approaches are vital, while joint education of clinicians will help break down the artificial mind–body divide.
Size, Value, and Momentum in Emerging Market Stock Returns: Integrated or Segmented Pricing?
Authors: Hanauer Matthias X. , Linhart Martin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we examine size, value, and momentum patterns in the stock returns of four emerging market regions—Latin America, EMEA, Asia, and BRIC. We document a strong and highly significant value effect, and a strong but less significant momentum effect. Substantial value and momentum premiums are also present for big stocks and the overall premiums are not mainly driven by small stocks. Furthermore, the value patterns in emerging markets are more pronounced than in developed markets. In order to examine integrated global pricing across these regions, we test whether empirical asset pricing models with global factors explain the variation in average stock returns and, in particular, we assess their ability to capture the value and momentum patterns. Since the global models perform poorly for emerging markets, we examine the performance of local factor models, and find evidence in favor of the local four‐factor model with local market, size, value, and momentum factors. On the basis of our results, pricing in emerging markets does not seem to be globally integrated.
Foreign Direct Investment: Rule of Law and Corruption
Authors: Pierre Norbert 
Published: May 2015

AbstractI present a simple model of two representative firms embedded in an environment of institutionalized government corruption. One firm has access to foreign direct investment, but that access is limited by the quality of rule of law in the economy. I use the model to explore the question, addressed in recent economic literature, of whether or not foreign direct investment reduces corruption. I show that corruption may increase or decrease depending on the interaction of foreign direct investment and rule of law. Further, I show that, under certain circumstances, the corrupt governmental bureaucracy may increase corrupt revenue by increasing the quality of legal protection.
Anaphylaxis to galacto‐oligosaccharides – an evaluation in an atopic population in Singapore
Authors: Soh J. Y. , Huang C.‐H. , Chiang W. C. , Llanora G. V. , Lee A. J. , Loh W. , Chin Y. L. C. , Tay V. Y. J. , Chan Y. H. , Dianne D. , Lee B. W. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAnaphylaxis to galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS), a prebiotic, has been described in atopic patients following its supplementation in commercial milk formula in South‐East Asia. The epidemiology of this usual allergy to a carbohydrate is unknown. This study evaluated the prevalence of allergy to two formulations of commercial GOS, Vivinal™ GOS (vGOS) and Oligomate™, in an atopic cohort. Atopic subjects (n = 487) from two specialist allergy clinics were surveyed via structured questionnaire and underwent skin prick tests to GOS. Subjects with positive skin prick tests to GOS (n = 30, 6.2%) underwent basophil activation tests, and a subset (n = 13) underwent oral challenge tests to both formulations of GOS. Six subjects had positive challenges to vGOS; and none to Oligomate. By extrapolating the BAT and oral challenge results, the prevalence of allergy to vGOS is estimated at up to 3.5% (95% CI 2.2–5.5%) of our atopic population. Our findings show that GOS allergy may be common amongst atopics in Singapore.
Histopathology of rhinophyma – a clinical‐histopathologic correlation
Authors: Schüürmann Monica , Wetzig Tino , Wickenhauser Claudia , Ziepert Marita , Kreuz Markus , Ziemer Mirjana 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundWhereas early rhinophyma is histopathologically thought to resemble fully developed rosacea, a fibromatous variant has previously been described for severe rhinophyma. In terms of clinical characteristics, recently a new Rhinophyma Severity Index (RHISI) was introduced.MethodsWe studied 24 patients who had been treated with wide shave excisions for rhinophyma. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin, periodic acid‐Schiff reaction and a panel of immunohistochemical stains and observed for any correlation between clinical severity and histopathologic features as well as for predictive markers of clinical recurrence.ResultsThere were no significant histopathologic differences between the groups reflecting the different clinical expressions. From a histopathologic perspective, clinically severe forms did not show with exclusive fibrotic changes. Further, there was no histopathologic marker predicting the clinical course or possible recurrence of the disease after surgical treatment. Only the clinical pre‐operative RHISI score correlated with the postoperative outcome, with a high pre‐operative RHISI being a risk factor for recurrence.ConclusionHistopathologic features do not correlate with the clinical expression of rhinophyma. An exclusively ‘fibrotic’ rhinophyma form does not appear to exist and could possibly be the result of sampling error based on small biopsies studied.
Grading of atypia in genital skin lesions: routine microscopic evaluation and use of p16 immunostaining
Authors: Ezaldein Harib , Lott Jason P. , McNiff Jennifer M. , Hui Pei , Buza Natalia , Ko Christine J. 
Published: May 2015

Backgroundp16 immunostaining has been used to aid and improve the histopathologic evaluation of equivocal cervical lesions with associated low‐grade or high‐grade dysplasia. However, the utility of p16 immunostaining in the diagnosis of atypical genital skin lesions remains debatable.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of genital skin lesions with varying degrees of atypia. Four pathologists assessed lesional atypia and interpreted hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and p16 immunostaining without knowledge of original diagnosis. Our primary outcomes were diagnostic agreement and test performance of p16 immunostaining compared to consensus H&E diagnosis.ResultsOur sample was comprised of 23 cases of atypical genital skin lesions. p16 immunostaining was negative in all cases of reactive atypia (n = 3) and the majority (n = 7 of 8; 88%) of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs). The majority (n = 10 of 12; 83%) of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) were p16 positive. Diagnostic agreement for histopathologic assessment using H&E staining was moderate (kappa = 0.44), while inter‐observer agreement of p16 immunostaining was excellent (kappa = 0.87). Compared to consensus diagnosis using H&E staining, p16 immunostaining performed well (sensitivity 83.3%; specificity 90.9%).Conclusionsp16 immunostaining may be a useful adjunctive marker for assessing dysplasia in genital skin lesions and increasing diagnostic agreement among pathologists.
The role of waterbirds in the dispersal of aquatic alien and invasive species
Authors: Reynolds Chevonne , Miranda Nelson A. F. , Cumming Graeme S. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo review existing literature on the ability of waterbirds to spread aquatic alien and invasive species, and to assess the relevance of bird‐mediated dispersal for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems.LocationGlobal.MethodsLiterature Review.ResultsA systematic review of the literature revealed that quantitative studies investigating dispersal of alien organisms by waterbirds are rare (n = 14). Most studies citing waterbird dispersal rely on anecdotes or inferences from morphological dispersal syndromes. However, evidence from each stage of dispersal (i.e. emigration, transport and immigration) shows that waterbirds can carry alien plants and invertebrates internally and externally; transport them between water bodies at a variety of spatial scales; and deposit viable propagules in sites suited to aquatic invasive species.Main conclusionsOur review suggests that waterbirds can and do act as important dispersal vectors for freshwater invasive species. Further experimental and field based research on the numbers and viability of moved alien propagules, and the roles of different species in the bird community, is needed. Furthermore, consideration of the spatially explicit manner in which birds move is imperative to understanding invasive spread. Populations of alien aquatic species in seemingly isolated wetlands can no longer be considered contained if they are able to be spread through waterbird‐mediated dispersal, and containment measures must recognize such opportunities for further spread. Changing waterbird movement patterns, driven by climate and land use change, further add to the challenge of managing invasive species and offers an interesting opportunity for future research. The study of waterbird‐mediated dispersal of aquatic alien invasive species provides insights not only into species invasions, but more generally into movement ecology, population ecology and biogeography.
Multiscale distribution models for conserving widespread species: the case of sloth bear Melursus ursinus in India
Authors: Puri Mahi , Srivathsa Arjun , Karanth Krithi K. , Kumar N. Samba , Karanth K. Ullas 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimInformation on patterns and determinants of spatial distributions remains poorly available for many widespread species of conservation importance. The sloth bear Melursus ursinus in the Indian subcontinent exemplifies this requirement. We aimed at assessing (1) distribution patterns of sloth bears at two spatial scales, (2) ecological and anthropogenic factors that determine bear occupancy.LocationWe estimated sloth bear habitat occupancy at a nationwide scale across India and at the landscape scale (38, 540 km2) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India.MethodsWe used a grid‐based occupancy approach to determine sloth bear distribution patterns. At the nationwide scale, we used data from questionnaire surveys of field experts (grid‐cell size ~2818 km2; 1326 cells). At the landscape scale, we conducted field surveys of bear signs (grid‐cell size = 188 km2; 205 cells). Detection/non‐detection data from both surveys were analyzed using occupancy modelling methods that account for imperfect detection. We examined the influence of scale‐specific ecological and social covariates on patterns of occupancy.ResultsNationwide, sloth bears occupied an estimated 67% of plausible bear habitat in contrast to 46% derived from methods that disregard detectability. Bear distribution was positively influenced by deciduous forests, scrub and barren areas, regions with high human densities and cultural tolerance. At the landscape scale, bears occupied 61% of the area versus 54% estimated from methods ignoring detectability. Occupancy probabilities increased with forest cover and topographic heterogeneity, whereas annual precipitation and human disturbance showed negative effects.Main conclusionsOur study underlines the need to integrate human‐modified areas with existing conservation landscapes. Given its widespread nature, functional role, conservation status and relatively benign interactions with humans, we propose recognizing sloth bear as an umbrella species for securing unprotected habitats in India. Protection of widespread species like the sloth bear in other landscapes may complement current conservation strategies for large mammalian communities.
Parallel evolution in an invasive plant: effect of herbivores on competitive ability and regrowth of Jacobaea vulgaris
Authors: Lin Tiantian , Klinkhamer Peter G. L. , Vrieling Klaas 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA shift in the composition of the herbivore guild in the invasive range is expected to select for plants with a higher competitive ability, a lower regrowth capacity and a lower investment in defence. We show here that parallel evolution took place in three geographically distinct invasive regions that differed significantly in climatic conditions. This makes it most likely that indeed the shifts in herbivore guilds were causal to the evolutionary changes. We studied competitive ability and regrowth of invasive and native Jacobaea vulgaris using an intraspecific competition set‐up with and without herbivory. Without herbivores invasive genotypes have a higher competitive ability than native genotypes. The invasive genotypes were less preferred by the generalist Mamestra brassicae but more preferred by the specialist Tyria jacobaeae, consequently their competitive ability was significantly increased by the first and reduced by the latter. Invasive genotypes showed a lower regrowth ability in both herbivore treatments.
Resilience of a stream community to extreme climatic events and long‐term recovery from a catastrophic flood
Authors: Woodward Guy , Bonada Núria , Feeley Hugh B. , Giller Paul S. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryFloods and droughts are predicted to increase in intensity, duration and frequency in many future climate scenarios, yet long‐term data that track before‐and‐after responses of natural communities remain scarce. We explored the impacts of a series of extreme events, including a particularly catastrophic flood, over 13 years in the Glenfinish River in Ireland.Overall, seasonal cycles of absolute and relative abundance were the strongest temporal signal in the data, and the community as a whole was relatively persistent. At interannual scales, a core ofc. 15 taxa were present throughout most of the time series, which spanned >10 generations for most taxa, whereas extreme events had negligible or weak effects, with two notable exceptions. The catastrophic 1986 summer flood triggered a 10‐fold decline in abundance: although most populations returned to their pre‐disturbance state in <3 years, some took up to a decade to recover. In 1988–1989, two contrasting extreme low‐rainfall and storm events occurred within a year and were associated with far more marked compositional and functional shifts than were seen in the 1986 flood, although abundance was not so strongly affected.Contrasting extreme events that occur close to one another in time and/or at atypical times of year (e.g. floods in summer, when base flow is low) can have particularly strong effects, whereas at other times even the most extreme events may leave little longer‐term footprint. Therefore, both the temporal context and the magnitude of events determine the biota's response.Effects of the events also varied across taxa and organisational levels: the morer‐selected taxa (e.g. Chironomidae) were relatively unaffected compared with the larger, moreK‐selected taxa. Community‐level responses were mostly driven by shifts in relative abundances, rather than species loss or turnover, and the functional diversity of species traits was more resilient still. The apparent stability in relative abundances of functional groups in the face of significant variation at the species level is suggestive of high functional redundancy, but without exhaustive further analyses using null‐model approaches, this remains unproved. In turn, relatively high levels of redundancy and the reshuffling of species with similar traits could confer resilience in the face of all but the most extreme events.
Unifying research on the fragmentation of terrestrial and aquatic habitats: patches, connectivity and the matrix in riverscapes
Authors: Erős Tibor , Campbell Grant Evan H. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

While there is an increasing emphasis in terrestrial ecology on determining the influence of the area that surrounds habitat patches (the landscape ‘matrix’) relative to the characteristics of the patches themselves, research on these aspects in running waters is still rather underrepresented.

Here we outline conceptual foundations of matrix ecology for stream and river ecosystems (‘riverscapes’). We discuss how a hierarchical, patch‐based perspective is necessary for the delineation of habitat patches and the surrounding matrix, through which we may identify two classes of habitat edges in riverscapes (i.e. edges between the terrestrial–aquatic interface and edges within streams).

Under this conceptual framework, we discuss the role of the matrix in influencing between‐patch movement, and resource quality and quantity within and among habitat patches in riverscapes. We also review types of empirical and modelling approaches which may advance our understanding of fragmentation effects in these systems.

We identify five key challenges for understanding fragmentation and matrix effects more completely: (i) defining populations and their status (i.e. quantifying the demographic contribution of habitat patches to metapopulation dynamics), (ii) scaling from metapopulations to metacommunities (particularly searching for generalities in species responses to landscape heterogeneity), (iii) scaling from metacommunities to metaecosystems (i.e. exploring the interactive role of the terrestrial–aquatic and within‐stream matrix effects on the flow of material and energy at the network scale), (iv) understanding temporal dynamics in matrix permeability and (v) revealing the utility of different patch and matrix representations for modelling connectivity relationships.

Fragmentation of habitats is a critical issue in the conservation and management of stream networks across spatial scales. Although the effects of individual barriers (e.g. dams) are well documented, we argue that a more comprehensive patch–matrix landscape model will improve our understanding of fragmentation effects and improve management in riverscapes.
Impact of nitrogen deposition on forest and lake food webs in nitrogen‐limited environments
Authors: Meunier Cédric L. , Gundale Michael J. , Sánchez Irene S. , Liess Antonia 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIncreased reactive nitrogen (Nr) deposition has raised the amount of N available to organisms and has greatly altered the transfer of energy through food webs, with major consequences for trophic dynamics. The aim of this review was to: (i) clarify the direct and indirect effects of Nr deposition on forest and lake food webs in N‐limited biomes, (ii) compare and contrast how aquatic and terrestrial systems respond to increased Nr deposition, and (iii) identify how the nutrient pathways within and between ecosystems change in response to Nr deposition. We present that Nr deposition releases primary producers from N limitation in both forest and lake ecosystems and raises plants' N content which in turn benefits herbivores with high N requirements. Such trophic effects are coupled with a general decrease in biodiversity caused by different N‐use efficiencies; slow‐growing species with low rates of N turnover are replaced by fast‐growing species with high rates of N turnover. In contrast, Nr deposition diminishes below‐ground production in forests, due to a range of mechanisms that reduce microbial biomass, and decreases lake benthic productivity by switching herbivore growth from N to phosphorus (P) limitation, and by intensifying P limitation of benthic fish. The flow of nutrients between ecosystems is expected to change with increasing Nr deposition. Due to higher litter production and more intense precipitation, more terrestrial matter will enter lakes. This will benefit bacteria and will in turn boost the microbial food web. Additionally, Nr deposition promotes emergent insects, which subsidize the terrestrial food web as prey for insectivores or by dying and decomposing on land. So far, most studies have examined Nr‐deposition effects on the food web base, whereas our review highlights that changes at the base of food webs substantially impact higher trophic levels and therefore food web structure and functioning.