bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using the Spatial Population Abundance Dynamics Engine for conservation management
Authors: Beeton Nicholas J. , McMahon Clive R. , Williamson Grant J. , Potts Joanne , Bloomer Jonathan , Bester Marthán N. , Forbes Larry K. , Johnson Chris N. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

An explicit spatial understanding of population dynamics is often critical for effective management of wild populations. Sophisticated approaches are available to simulate these dynamics, but are largely either spatially homogeneous or agent based, and thus best suited to small spatial or temporal scales. These approaches also often ignore financial decisions crucial to choosing management approaches on the basis of cost‐effectiveness.

We created a user‐friendly and flexible modelling framework for simulating these population issues at large spatial scales – the Spatial Population Abundance Dynamics Engine (SPADE). SPADE is based on the Spatio‐Temporal Animal Reduction (STAR) model (McMahon et al. 2010) and uses a reaction–diffusion approach to model population trajectories and a cost‐benefit analysis technique to calculate optimal management strategies over long periods and across broad spatial scales. It expands on STAR by incorporating species interactions and multiple concurrent management strategies, and by allowing full user control of functional forms and parameters.

We used SPADE to simulate the eradication of feral domestic cats Felis catus on sub‐Antarctic Marion Island (Bester et al., South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 32, 2002, 65) and compared modelled outputs to observed data. The parameters of the best‐fitting model reflected the conditions of the management programme, and the model successfully simulated the observed movement of the cat population to the southern and eastern portion of the island under hunting pressure. We further demonstrated that none of the management strategies would likely have been successful within a reasonable time frame if performed in isolation.

Spatial Population Abundance Dynamics Engine is applicable to a wide range of population management problems and allows easy generation, modification and analysis of management scenarios. It is a useful tool for the planning, evaluation and optimisation of the management of wild populations and can be used without specialised training.
E‐cigarettes and expectancies: why do some users keep smoking?
Authors: Harrell Paul T. , Simmons Vani N. , Piñeiro Barbara , Correa John B. , Menzie Nicole S. , Meltzer Lauren R. , Unrod Marina , Brandon Thomas H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and aimsMany smokers who have tried electronic cigarettes (‘e‐cigarettes’) continue to smoke, perhaps influenced by their beliefs about the outcomes of using e‐cigarettes (‘e‐cigarette expectancies’). The primary aims of this study were to compare expectancies of dual users to former smokers, and to examine the association between expectancies and intentions to quit or reduce ‘vaping’ among former smokers.Design and SettingA large cross‐sectional online survey of e‐cigarette users conducted in the United States.ParticipantsWe surveyed current e‐cigarette users (n = 1815), including both current cigarette smokers (‘dual users’, n = 381) and former smokers (n = 1434). We further subdivided former smokers into those with (n = 686) and without (n = 748) intentions to reduce or quit e‐cigarette use.MeasurementsThe primary outcomes were self‐reported past‐month smoking status and, among former smokers, current intentions to reduce or quit e‐cigarette use, both adjusted for potential confounders. E‐cigarette expectancy items were derived primarily from a previously validated measure of smoking expectancies.FindingsDual users reported less positive expectancies than former smokers about e‐cigarettes, rating e‐cigarettes as more physically irritating (β = 0.10, P < 0.001) and addictive (β = 0.06, P = 0.016), as well as less satisfying (β = –0.11, P < 0.001). Former smokers with intentions to quit e‐cigarettes also rated e‐cigarettes less positively than former smokers without intentions to quit e‐cigarettes, rating them more likely to damage health (β = 0.16, P < 0.001) and cause addiction (β = 0.10, P < 0.001), but less likely to taste good (β = –0.08, P = 0.006).ConclusionsPositive e‐cigarette expectancies among e‐cigarette users are associated with a greater likelihood of having quit smoking, but lower likelihood of intention to quit e‐cigarette use.
Leveling the Playing Field in Homozygosity Mapping Using Map Distances
Authors: Li Yi , Cagirici Halise Busra , Horpaopan Sukanya , Ott Jurg , Imai Atsuko , Majewski Jacek , Lathrop Mark 
Published: July 2015

SummaryStudies of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and its variation in the genome are of central importance for understanding evolutionary history, population structure, and selective sweeps. Extreme forms of the latter may result in runs of homozygosity (ROH). In human gene mapping, long ROHs are the basis for homozygosity mapping (HM) with length measured in terms of Mb (106base pairs physical distance). LD varies greatly over the human genome so that long ROHs tend to occur preferentially in regions of high LD and ROHs of the same length in different regions are not strictly comparable. Thus, in human gene mapping, LD appears as a confounder that needs to be taken into account in the interpretation of ROHs. The effect of varying LD can be mitigated by working on a scale of centimorgans (cM, genetic distance) instead of Mb. We demonstrate this effect for HapMap 3 data on chromosome 19 and show examples with different ROH lengths depending on whether physical or genetic lengths are used. These results suggest that HM should preferably be done on genetic rather than physical distances.
Defect‐specific rectocele repair: medium‐term anatomical, functional and subjective outcomes
Authors: Guzmán Rojas Rodrigo , Kamisan Atan Ixora , Shek Ka Lai , Dietz Hans Peter 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundRectocele is a herniation of the anterior wall of the rectal ampulla through a defect in the rectovaginal septum causing protrusion of the posterior vaginal wall. Common symptoms include symptoms of prolapse and obstructed defecation.AimsTo describe subjective, anatomical and functional results of defect‐specific rectocele repair.Materials and MethodsThis is an internal audit of 137 women who underwent defect‐specific rectocele repair. Pre‐ and post‐operative assessment included a standardised interview, clinical examination and 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound. Outcome measures were symptoms of obstructed defecation, recurrent prolapse symptoms, clinical posterior compartment recurrence and rectocele recurrence on ultrasound.ResultsAt a mean follow‐up of 1.4 years, 117 (85%) of women considered themselves cured or improved. Thirty‐four (25%) complained of recurrent prolapse symptoms and 47 (34%) symptoms of obstructed defecation, a significant reduction (P < 0.0001). Clinical recurrence (Bp ≥ −1) was seen in 19 women (14%) and recurrence on ultrasound in 27 (20%). The mean depth of recurrence was 16.6 mm (10.3–25.1). We tested multiple potential predictors of recurrence, including age, BMI, vaginal parity, previous hysterectomy and/or prolapse surgery, follow‐up time, pre‐operative clinical and ultrasound findings. Only hiatal area on Valsalva (OR 0.95 for sonographic recurrence, P = 0.01) and enterocele (for clinical and sonographic recurrence, OR 4.03, P = 0.01 and OR 2.72, P = 0.02, respectively) reached significance.ConclusionDefect‐specific rectocele repair is effective both in restitution of normal anatomy and in resolving prolapse and obstructed defecation symptoms at a mean follow‐up of 1.4 years.
Usefulness of early post‐operative liver function test monitoring after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration
Authors: Wewelwala Chandika , Cashin Paul , Berry Roger , Blamey Stephen , Jones Gregory E. , Croagh Daniel G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study examines the usefulness of early post‐operative liver function test (LFT) monitoring in predicting retained choledocholithiasis after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE).MethodsData on patients who had LCBDE over a 3‐year period were collected retrospectively. Patients who had ongoing choledocholithiasis after unsuccessful LCBDE were considered for the test group and patients who had successful LCBDE were considered for the control group. Preoperative, day 1 post‐operative and day 2 post‐operative alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin levels were recorded. Proportions of patients who had worsening LFTs were analysed in each group.ResultsProportions of patient who had worsening LFTs on day 1 were not statistically different between two groups and they were statistically equal on equivalence testing (two one‐sided tests). On day 2, proportions of patient were again not statistically different. Bilirubin and ALT were statistically equivalent (P = 0.022 and P = 0.025 respectively) but GGT and ALP failed to achieve statistical equivalence (P = 0.062 and P = 0.138 respectively) on day 2. Twelve patients with normal appearing final intraoperative cholangiogram needed reintervention due to retained choledocholithiasis diagnosed subsequently. LFTs progressively improved despite presence of choledocholithiasis in eight of these 12 patients (75%) and only four were diagnosed by worsening post‐operative LFTs during index admission.ConclusionLFTs in the early post‐operative period are not useful in determining which patients require biliary imaging or intervention after an apparently successful LCBDE.
Cervical spine immobilization following blunt trauma: a systematic review of recent literature and proposed treatment algorithm
Authors: Lukins Timothy R. , Ferch Richard , Balogh Zsolt J. , Hansen Mitchell A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundManagement of the cervical spine following blunt trauma is commonplace. In 2013, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) published practice guidelines drawn from evidence dating to 2011. Since then, further publications have emerged that are reviewed, and a simple management algorithm produced to assist practitioners in Australian trauma centres. These publications attempt to shed light on two controversial scenarios, those being the management of symptomatic patients with negative computed tomography (CT) and management of the obtunded patient.MethodsThe search strategy mirrored that of the AANS/CNS guidelines. A search of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) database for manuscripts published between January 2011 and October 2014 was conducted. One reviewer extracted data from studies assessing the performance of various imaging modalities in identifying traumatic cervical spine injuries. In clinical scenarios where little evidence has emerged since the AANS/CNS guidelines, key manuscripts published prior to 2011 were identified from bibliographies.ResultsAwake, asymptomatic patients may be ‘cleared’ without further imaging. Awake, symptomatic patients without pathology on CT and without neurological deficit can safely be ‘cleared’ without magnetic resonance imaging. There is no longer a role for flexion–extension films. In the obtunded patient, findings remain conflicting.ConclusionSeveral of these findings represent a departure from previous practices, including clearance of patients with non‐neurological symptoms on the basis of CT and the exclusion of flexion–extension film in detecting injury. Management of the obtunded patient remains controversial.
Synchronous liver resection with cytoreductive surgery for the treatment of liver and peritoneal metastases from colon cancer: results from an Australian centre
Authors: Alzahrani Nayef , Ung Lawson , Valle Sarah J. , Liauw Winston , Morris David L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of peritoneal metastases (PM) and liver metastases (LM) from colon cancer remains controversial. LM has been viewed as exclusion criterion for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) on the basis that such spread represents systemic disease. CRS and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) has gained increasing recognition as a treatment modality for selected patients with colon cancer and PM. This study analyses results of CRS and IPC for colon cancer and synchronous resection for treatment of LM and PM.MethodsSeventy‐eight patients with PM/LM colon cancer were analysed. Forty‐two patients with PM were treated for disease limited to the peritoneum (A), and 36 patients received treatment for both PM and LM (B). Overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), morbidity, mortality and recurrence were compared.ResultsMedian OS and DFS was 32.8 and 13.5 months. The median OS for A and B were 45.5 and 24.4 months respectively. Within B patients, 18 had a peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) >7 and >3 LM and median survival of 21.8 months compared with 18 patients with PCI ≤7 and LM ≤3 with median survival of 38.4 months. Median DFS for A and B were 17.7 and 8.5 months respectively. Twenty‐seven in total experienced major complications following surgery. Sixty‐one patients recurred. Of A, 71.4% recurred compared with B at 86.1%.ConclusionWhile our study is limited, it has demonstrated encouraging evidence that long‐term survival outcomes can be achieved in this small but significant number of patients treated by CRS/IPC and additional synchronous liver resection with no significant increase in morbidity when compared with CRS/IPC alone.
Serum Metabolomic Profiling of Sulphur Mustard‐Exposed Individuals Using 1HNuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Zamani Zahra , Ghanei Mostafa , Panahi Yunus , Arjmand Mohammad , Sadeghi Sedigheh , Mirkhani Fatemeh , Parvin Shahram , Salehi Maryam , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Vahabi Farideh 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSulphur mustard is an alkylating agent that reacts with different cellular components, causing acute and delayed complications that may remain for decades after exposure. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed metabolites between mustard‐exposed individuals suffering from chronic complications compared with unexposed individuals as the control group. Serum samples were obtained from 15 mustard‐exposed individuals and 15 apparently healthy unexposed individuals. Metabolomic profiling was performed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and analyses were carried out using Chenomex and MATLAB softwares. Metabolites were identified using Human Metabolome Database, and the main metabolic pathways were identified using MetaboAnalyst software. Chemometric analysis of serum samples identified 11 differentially expressed metabolites between mustard‐exposed and unexposed groups. The main pathways that were influenced by sulphur mustard exposure were related to vitamin B6 (down‐regulation), bile acid (up‐regulation) and tryptophan (down‐regulation) metabolism. Metabolism of vitamin B6, bile acids and tryptophan are the most severely impaired pathways in individuals suffering from chronic mustard‐induced complications. These findings may find implications in the monitoring of exposed patients and identification of new therapeutic approaches.
The state of TRUS biopsy sepsis: readmissions to Victorian hospitals with TRUS biopsy‐related infection over 5 years
Authors: Roth Hedley , Millar Jeremy L , Cheng Allen C , Byrne Amanda , Evans Sue , Grummet Jeremy 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of men who developed infectious complications requiring hospital admission following TRUS prostate biopsy in Victoria, Australia. Further it aimed to report the financial cost of these admissions.Subjects & MethodsThe Department of Health's Victorian Admitted Episodes Data Set was used to identify those patients who underwent TRUS biopsy in Victoria who were subsequently readmitted within 7 days to any Victorian hospital with infective complications from July 2007 to June 2012. All Victorian public and private hospitals were included. Patients were excluded if their biopsy was performed during a multi‐day admission. Financial costing data was obtained where available from the Department Of Health and Human Services for readmissions with post‐TRUS infection where available and adjusted to 2012 prices. Institutional ethics committee approval was granted for this study.ResultsThirty‐four thousand eight hundred and sixty‐five TRUS biopsies were performed in the 5‐year period. 1276 (3.66%) were readmitted to a Victorian hospital within 7 days. 604 (1.73%) of these were readmitted with a biopsy‐related infection. No significant trend in sepsis rates was seen in 5 years. The median readmission LOS was 4 days. The total burden of readmissions was 3 686 days over 5 years. One patient readmitted with a biopsy related infection died during that episode of care. 20 051 (57.51%) of biopsies resulted in a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Financial costing data was available for 218 (36%) of infectious readmissions with a mean cost per readmission were $7 362 AUD (£4137 or $6844 USD, 95% CI $6219–8505 AUD) or $1 256 AUD per day.ConclusionInfection following TRUS biopsy was associated with a readmission rate for infection of 1 in 57 biopsies, an excess of 3 686 bed days required over 5 years with a cost of $1 256 AUD per day. The rate of infection remained stable for the period examined.
Human norovirus infection and the acute serum cytokine response
Authors: Newman K L , Moe C L , Kirby A E , Flanders W D , Parkos C A , Leon J S 
Published: July 2015

Summary
Noroviruses (NoV) are the most common cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. The acute immune response to NoV in humans is poorly understood, hindering research on prevention and treatment. To elucidate the acute immune response and test for cytokine predictors of susceptibility to infection, serum samples from two human NoV challenge studies were tested for 16 cytokines. Subjects who became infected (n = 26) were age-matched with subjects who remained uninfected following NoV challenge (n = 26). Samples were tested from prechallenge and days 1-4 post-challenge. Cytokine responses were compared between infected and uninfected groups. Overall, infected individuals exhibited an elevation in T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines, as well as chemokines interleukin (IL)-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), compared to uninfected individuals (all P &lt; 0·05). Most cytokines peaked on day 2 post-challenge in infected subjects, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, and IL-10 remained elevated to day 3. The only cytokine elevated significantly among infected subjects to day 4 post-challenge was IL-10 (P = 0·021). Prechallenge cytokine concentrations were not predictive of infection status post-challenge. There were no significant changes in serum cytokines among NoV-challenged subjects who remained uninfected. These results suggest that NoV infection elicits a Th1-type response, with some Th2 activation. Persistent elevation of IL-10 among infected subjects is consistent with activation of adaptive immune responses, such as B cell expansion, as well as down-regulation of Th1 cytokines. This study presents the first comprehensive description of the acute cytokine response to GI.1 NoV in humans.
In silico analysis of a novel MKRN3 missense mutation in familial central precocious puberty
Authors: Neocleous Vassos , Shammas Christos , Phelan Marie M. , Nicolaou Stella , Phylactou Leonidas A. , Skordis Nicos 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe onset of puberty is influenced by the interplay of stimulating and restraining factors, many of which have a genetic origin. Premature activation of the GnRH secretion in central precocious puberty (CPP) may arise either from gain‐of‐function mutations of the KISS1 and KISS1R genes or from loss‐of‐function manner mutations of the MKRN3 gene leading to MKRN3 deficiency.ObjectiveTo explore the genetic causes responsible for CPP and the potential role of the RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) gene.Design and patientsWe investigated potential sequence variations in the intronless MKRN3 gene by Sanger sequencing of the entire 507 amino acid coding region of exon 1 in a family with two affected girls presented with CPP at the age of 6 and 5·7 years, respectively.ResultsA novel heterozygous g.Gly312Asp missense mutation in the MKRN3 gene was identified in these siblings. The imprinted MKRN3 missense mutation was also identified as expected in the unaffected father and followed as expected an imprinted mode of inheritance. In silico analysis of the altered missense variant using the computational algorithms Polyphen2, SIFT and Mutation Taster predicted a damage and pathogenic alteration causing CPP. The pathogenicity of the alteration at the protein level via an in silico structural model is also explored.ConclusionA novel mutation in the MKRN3 gene in two sisters with CPP was identified, supporting the fundamental role of this gene in the suppression of the hypothalamic GnRH neurons.
Mentors' attachment dimensions, the quality of mentoring relationship and protégés' adjustment: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Goldner Limor 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe relationships between mentors' (n = 168) attachment dimensions, the quality of mentoring relationship and protégés' (n = 187) level of adjustment after 8 months of mentoring intervention were explored. Unexpectedly, protégés of mentors with moderately negative childhood experiences and an insecure state of mind had higher levels of adjustment at the end of mentoring, whereas mentors' positive emotional childhood experiences contributed negatively to levels of adjustment. Furthermore, a dependent mother–protégé relationship moderated the relationship between mentors' attachment anxiety or avoidance and the quality of the relationship, such that it mediated the relationship between mentors' attachment anxiety and avoidance and led to a decrease in protégés' level of adjustment at the end of the intervention. The findings suggest that the disadvantages of a dependent mother–protégé relationship as regard protégés' level of adjustment interact with mentors' avoidance or anxiety, and that there may be an advantage in a mentor–protégé mismatch in terms of an anxious/dependent relational history.