bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term disturbance dynamics and resilience of tropical peat swamp forests
Authors: Cole Lydia E. S. , Bhagwat Shonil A. , Willis Katherine J. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

The coastal peat swamp forests of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, are undergoing rapid conversion, predominantly into oil palm plantations. This wetland ecosystem is assumed to have experienced insignificant disturbance in the past, persisting under a single ecologically‐stable regime. However, there is limited knowledge of the past disturbance regime, long‐term functioning and fundamentally the resilience of this ecosystem to changing natural and anthropogenic perturbations through time.

In this study, long‐term ecological data sets from three degraded peatlands in Sarawak were collected to shed light on peat swamp forest dynamics. Fossil pollen and charcoal were counted in each sedimentary sequence to reconstruct vegetation and investigate responses to past environmental disturbance, both natural and anthropogenic.

Results demonstrate that peat swamp forest taxa have dominated these vegetation profiles throughout the last c. 2000‐year period despite the presence of various drivers of disturbance. Evidence for episodes of climatic variability, predominantly linked to ENSO events, and wildfires is present throughout. However, in the last c. 500 years, burning and indicators of human disturbance have elevated beyond past levels at these sites, concurrent with a reduction in peat swamp forest pollen.

Two key insights have been gained through this palaeoecological analysis: (i) peat swamp forest vegetation has demonstrated resilience to disturbance caused by burning and climatic variability in Sarawak in the late Holocene, however (ii) coincident with increased fire combined with human impact c. 500 years ago, these communities started to decline.

Synthesis. Sarawak's coastal peat swamps have demonstrated resilience to past natural disturbances, with forest vegetation persisting through episodes of fire and climatic variability. However, palaeoecological data presented here suggest that recent, anthropogenic disturbances are of a greater magnitude, causing the observed decline in the peat swamp forest communities in the last c. 500 years and challenging the ecosystem's persistence. This study greatly extends our knowledge of the ecological functioning of these understudied ecosystems, providing baseline information on the past vegetation and its response to disturbance. This understanding is central to developing management strategies that foster resilience in the remaining peat swamp forests and ensure continued provision of services, namely carbon storage, from this globally important ecosystem.
Positive shrub–tree interactions facilitate woody encroachment in boreal peatlands
Authors: Holmgren Milena , Lin Ching‐Yen , Murillo Julian E. , Nieuwenhuis Annelies , Penninkhof Joyce , Sanders Natasja , van Bart Thomas , van Veen Huib , Vasander Harri , Vollebregt Marlies E. , Limpens Juul 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Boreal ecosystems are warming roughly twice as fast as the global average, resulting in woody expansion that could further speed up the climate warming. Boreal peatbogs are waterlogged systems that store more than 30% of the global soil carbon. Facilitative effects of shrubs and trees on the establishment of new individuals could increase tree cover with profound consequences for the structure and functioning of boreal peatbogs, carbon sequestration and climate.

We conducted two field experiments in boreal peatbogs to assess the mechanisms that explain tree seedling recruitment and to estimate the strength of positive feedbacks between shrubs and trees. We planted seeds and seedlings of Pinus sylvestris in microsites with contrasting water‐tables and woody cover and manipulated both shrub canopy and root competition. We monitored seedling emergence, growth and survival for up to four growing seasons and assessed how seedling responses related to abiotic and biotic conditions.

We found that tree recruitment is more successful in drier topographical microsites with deeper water‐tables. On these hummocks, shrubs have both positive and negative effects on tree seedling establishment. Shrub cover improved tree seedling condition, growth and survival during the warmest growing season. In turn, higher tree basal area correlates positively with soil nutrient availability, shrub biomass and abundance of tree juveniles.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that shrubs facilitate tree colonization of peatbogs which further increases shrub growth. These facilitative effects seem to be stronger under warmer conditions suggesting that a higher frequency of warmer and dry summers may lead to stronger positive interactions between shrubs and trees that could eventually facilitate a shift from moss to tree‐dominated systems.
Forest resilience and tipping points at different spatio‐temporal scales: approaches and challenges
Authors: Reyer Christopher P. O. , Brouwers Niels , Rammig Anja , Brook Barry W. , Epila Jackie , Grant Robert F. , Holmgren Milena , Langerwisch Fanny , Leuzinger Sebastian , Lucht Wolfgang , Medlyn Belinda , Pfeifer Marion , Steinkamp Jörg , Vanderwel Mark C. , Verbeeck Hans , Villela Dora M. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Anthropogenic global change compromises forest resilience, with profound impacts to ecosystem functions and services. This synthesis paper reflects on the current understanding of forest resilience and potential tipping points under environmental change and explores challenges to assessing responses using experiments, observations and models.

Forests are changing over a wide range of spatio‐temporal scales, but it is often unclear whether these changes reduce resilience or represent a tipping point. Tipping points may arise from interactions across scales, as processes such as climate change, land‐use change, invasive species or deforestation gradually erode resilience and increase vulnerability to extreme events. Studies covering interactions across different spatio‐temporal scales are needed to further our understanding.

Combinations of experiments, observations and process‐based models could improve our ability to project forest resilience and tipping points under global change. We discuss uncertainties in changing CO2 concentration and quantifying tree mortality as examples.

Synthesis. As forests change at various scales, it is increasingly important to understand whether and how such changes lead to reduced resilience and potential tipping points. Understanding the mechanisms underlying forest resilience and tipping points would help in assessing risks to ecosystems and presents opportunities for ecosystem restoration and sustainable forest management.
Forest resilience, tipping points and global change processes
Authors: Reyer Christopher P.O. , Rammig Anja , Brouwers Niels , Langerwisch Fanny 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Forests around the world are changing as a result of human activity. These changes have substantial impacts on the resilience of forests, possibly pushing them towards tipping points.

The objective of this Special Feature is to present research that fosters the understanding of forest resilience and potential tipping points under global change. This editorial summarizes the key findings of the seven papers in this Special Feature and puts them in the wider context of resilience thinking.

Synthesis. The contributions to this Special Feature show that resilience is a useful concept to understand ecosystem change but that we have to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms and feedback loops involved in forest resilience and potential tipping points. Finally, this Special Feature presents evidence about how resilience thinking is used to better understand and manage degraded forests.
Systematic review of anaemia and inflammatory markers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hoepers Andrea Thives de Carvalho , Menezes Marcia Margarete , Fröde Tânia Silvia 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThis systematic review synthesizes the relevant published articles on the prevalence of anaemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its relationship with inflammatory markers. The upregulation of erythropoietin in anaemia maintains homeostasis. However, anaemic COPD patients do not respond to increased levels of erythropoietin. The increased levels could be an indicator of the peripheral erythropoietin resistance in COPD. Anaemia and inflammation are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality in these patients. The understanding of anaemia in chronic inflammation is that anaemia is at least partially due to the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to improvements in the management, prognosis, and survival of patients with COPD and anaemia.
Association between genetic polymorphisms in interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) gene and Malaysian patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Chua Kek Heng , Lian Lay Hoong , Khor Wei Ching , Lee Way Seah , Hilmi Ida , Goh Khean Lee , Kee Boon Pin 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the association between the interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) gene polymorphisms and the onset of Crohn's disease (CD) in a Malaysian cohort.MethodsGenomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 91 CD patients and 100 healthy individuals via a conventional phenol‐chloroform extraction method. Screening of the four target single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs3807306, rs4728142, rs10954213 and rs11770589 was carried out in a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermal cycler using TaqMan genotyping assay. The genetic data obtained was subsequently subjected to statistical analysis to relate the SNPs to the onset of CD in the Malaysian population. The genotyping assay and data were further validated selectively by conventional PCR amplification of the SNP sites and DNA sequencing.ResultsThe rs3807306 G allele was a risk factor for CD (OR 2.3630, P = 0.00004), whereas the homozygous T genotype was protective against the disease (OR 0.2038, P = 0.00004). The heterozygous A/G genotype of rs10954213 was significantly associated with CD (OR 4.319, P = 0.0377). On the other hand, the homozygous A and heterozygous A/G genotypes of the rs11770589 were significant in the controls (OR 0.4242, P = 0.0166) and patients (OR 2.000, P = 0.0179), respectively. In the ethnic‐stratification analysis, the rs11770589 homozygous A genotype was protective in Indians (OR 0.1551, P = 0.0112).ConclusionIRF5 gene polymorphisms may play a role in the development of CD in the Malaysian population.
Radiographic skeletal survey for non‐accidental injury: Systematic review and development of a national New Zealand protocol
Authors: Phillips Karin L. , Bastin Sonja T. , Davies‐Payne David , Browne Diana , Bird Helen L. , Craw Susan , Duncan David , Depree Philippa , Leigh Alina , McLaughlin Andrew , Metcalfe Russell , Murdoch Jean , Pearce Kirsten , Perry David , Thomas Iona , Thomson Glen D. , Vogel Sally , Wilson Francessa , Teele Rita L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntroductionClinically occult fractures from non‐accidental injury (NAI) are best detected on radiographic skeletal survey. However, there are regional variations regarding the views included in such surveys. We undertook a systematic review of the evidence supporting skeletal survey protocols to design a protocol that could be implemented across New Zealand.MethodsIn June 2013, we searched Medline, Google Scholar, the Cochrane database, UpToDate and relevant reference lists for English‐language publications on skeletal survey in NAI from 1946. We included publications that contained a protocol or reported evidence supporting including, or excluding, specific views in a skeletal survey. All included publications were critically appraised. Based on this systematic review, a draft protocol was developed and presented to an Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Radiology NAI symposium in October 2013. Feedback from the symposium and later discussions was incorporated into the final protocol.ResultsWe identified 2 guidelines for skeletal survey, 13 other protocols and 15 articles providing evidence for inclusion of specific images in a skeletal survey. The guidelines scored poorly on critical appraisal of several aspects of their methods. We found no studies that validate any of the protocols or compare their performance. Evidence supporting inclusion in a skeletal survey is limited to ribs, spine, pelvis, hands and feet, and long bone views. Our final protocol is a standardised, two‐tiered protocol consisting of between 17 and 22 views.ConclusionA standardised protocol for radiographic skeletal survey protocol has been developed in New Zealand. We present it here for consideration by others.
Online breath analysis of propofol during anesthesia: clinical application of membrane inlet‐ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: LIU Y. , GONG Y. , WANG C. , WANG X. , ZHOU Q. , WANG D. , GUO L. , PI X. , ZHANG X. , LUO S. , LI H. , LI E. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundBreath analysis of propofol is a potential noninvasive method for approximating the plasma propofol concentration. There have been various reported techniques for measuring the exhaled propofol concentration at steady state; however, the propofol concentration undergoes marked changes during clinical anesthesia. Therefore, this study investigated the use of membrane inlet‐ion mobility spectrometry (MI‐IMS) to monitor exhaled propofol discontinuously and continuously during propofol anesthesia.MethodsThe study included 19 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II. In experiment I (discontinuous study), breath and blood samples were collected discontinuously, with stable target propofol concentrations of 2.8 μg/ml, 3.2 μg/ml, 3.5 μg/ml, and 3.8 μg/ml. In experiment II (continuous study), propofol concentration was maintained at 3.5 μg/ml after induction, and exhaled breath was collected continuously every 3 min during propofol infusion. Relationships of the exhaled propofol concentration with the plasma propofol concentration, measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and the continuously measured bispectral (BIS) index were investigated.ResultsComparison of the exhaled and plasma propofol concentrations revealed a bias ± precision of 2.1% ± 14.6% (95% limits of agreement: − 26.5–30.7%) in experiment I and − 10.4% ± 13.2 (− 36.3–15.4%) in experiment II. In both experiments, exhaled propofol concentrations measured by MI‐IMS were consistent with, the propofol effect represented by the BIS index.ConclusionsMI‐IMS may be a suitable method to predict plasma propofol concentration online during propofol anesthesia. Monitoring exhaled propofol may improve the safety of propofol anesthesia.
Predicting ecosystem collapse: Spatial factors that influence risks to tropical ecosystems
Authors: Crespin Silvio J. , Simonetti Javier A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBiological traits explain extinction at the species level, but what factors explain collapse at the ecosystem level? Using ecosystem Red List criteria from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, we calculated risk of collapse in El Salvador's ecosystems and determined that it is nonrandom, indicating the existence of explaining factors. We present the first model to predict risk of ecosystem collapse, showing that human density and soil capability are significantly associated with risk of collapse and explain 68% of the total variation. To attain an effective management strategy for global ecosystems, we suggest not only determining risk of collapse, but also the building of simple prediction models to establish priorities, and the founding of a worldwide database at the ecosystem level once a single classification system is agreed upon.
Efficacy and safety of a fixed‐dose combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin treatment (Duodart®) compared with watchful waiting with initiation of tamsulosin therapy if symptoms do not improve, both provided with lifestyle advice, in the management of treatment‐naïve men with moderately symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: 2‐year CONDUCT study results
Authors: Roehrborn Claus G. , Oyarzabal Perez Igor , Roos Erik P.M. , Calomfirescu Nicolae , Brotherton Betsy , Wang Fang , Palacios Juan Manuel , Vasylyev Averyan , Manyak Michael J. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate whether a fixed‐dose combination (FDC) of 0.5 mg dutasteride and 0.4 mg tamsulosin is more effective than watchful waiting with protocol‐defined initiation of tamsulosin therapy if symptoms did not improve (WW‐All) in treatment‐naïve men with moderately symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at risk of progression.Patients and MethodsThis was a multicentre, randomised, open‐label, parallel‐group study (NCT01294592) in 742 men with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 8–19, prostate volume ≥30 mL and total serum PSA level of ≥1.5 ng/mL. Patients were randomised to FDC (369 patients) or WW‐All (373) and followed for 24 months. All patients were given lifestyle advice. The primary endpoint was symptomatic improvement from baseline to 24 months, measured by the IPSS. Secondary outcomes included BPH clinical progression, impact on quality of life (QoL), and safety.ResultsThe change in IPSS at 24 months was significantly greater for FDC than WW‐All (–5.4 vs −3.6 points, P < 0.001). With FDC, the risk of BPH progression was reduced by 43.1% (P < 0.001); 29% and 18% of men in the WW‐All and FDC groups had clinical progression, respectively, comprising symptomatic progression in most patients. Improvements in QoL (BPH Impact Index and question 8 of the IPSS) were seen in both groups but were significantly greater with FDC (P < 0.001). The safety profile of FDC was consistent with established profiles of dutasteride and tamsulosin.ConclusionFDC therapy with dutasteride and tamsulosin, plus lifestyle advice, resulted in rapid and sustained improvements in men with moderate BPH symptoms at risk of progression with significantly greater symptom and QoL improvements and a significantly reduced risk of BPH progression compared with WW plus initiation of tamsulosin as per protocol.
Detection of putative stem cell markers, CD44/CD133, in primary and lymph node metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. A preliminary immunohistochemical and in vitro study
Authors: Mannelli G. , Magnelli L. , Deganello A. , Busoni M. , Meccariello G. , Parrinello G. , Gallo O. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesInvestigators hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSCs) could play a role in determining cancer progression by metastasizing to cervical lymph node (N+) and then influencing prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) patients.DesignTo identify CSCs in HNSCCs and their clonogenic capacity.SettingIn vitro study.ParticipantsPutative CSCs from 29 primary HNSCCs and 19 corresponding node metastases were analyzed.Main outcome measuresImmunohistochemical (IHC) was performed, and CSCs' clonogenic in vitro capacity was tested; ones epithelial nature of cancer cells forming colonies was confirmed by a second IHC, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis helped in counting CD44/CD133‐CSCs markers percentage expression in HNSCC tumour‐derived cultures.ResultsImmunohistochemical showed CD44 (93.1%) and CD133 (10.34%) expression; FACS‐analysis showed the enrichment of CD44/CD133 cancer cells, with the highest clonogenic capacity of CD44+‐subpopulation; a higher CD44 rates were documented from N+ subcultures than from original tumours (P < 0.05).ConclusionsA putative cancer stem‐like cell population is detectable in HNSCCs, and our findings show their in vitro clonogenic capacity by demonstrating that CD44+‐cultured cells are the main population proliferating obtained by N+ HNSCC metastases, emphasizing their possible role in tumour progression.
What can turtles teach us about the theory of ecological stoichiometry?
Authors: Sterrett Sean C. , Maerz John C. , Katz Rachel A. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Vertebrate skeletons have high phosphorus (P) content relative to other tissues. Variation in skeletal investment within and among species is hypothesised to predict variation in P demand, standing stock and recycling. These relationships have been examined among fish, but not in vertebrates with more robust skeletons, such as turtles.

Our objectives were to (i) describe freshwater turtle stoichiometry relative to skeletal mass, (ii) compare turtle body and excreta stoichiometry to patterns among fish and (iii) relate turtle skeletal stoichiometry to turtle nutrient storage and recycling.

Skeleton constituted 82% of turtle dry mass. Total body %P increased ontogenetically with turtle mass and 93% of all P resided in the skeleton. Phosphorus storage within turtle assemblages was high (0.2–0.45 kg ha−1). Turtles excreted lower concentrations of P than fish. Excreta N:P was positively correlated with body N:P, suggesting that increased skeletal P investment was inversely related to P demand.

Our results demonstrate that P stored in the bone of turtles can represent a large standing stock of P in fresh waters. Further, our work suggests skeletal investment alone is not sufficient to predict an animal's P demand and, by extension, their effects on nutrient recycling. Instead, our results indicate P demand is determined by both skeletal investment and growth rate. Consequently, taxa with high body P, extreme longevity and slow growth rates, such as adult turtles, may serve as stable standing stocks of nutrients while also contributing proportionately to nutrient remineralisation.
On the relationship between species age and geographical range in reef fishes: are widespread species older than they seem?
Authors: Hodge Jennifer , Bellwood David R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimIn order to better understand processes of speciation, range‐size transformation and extinction, macroecological studies seek to identify the evolutionary dynamics of species geographical ranges. This requires accurate estimates of range size and species age. Species ages are attainable through recent success with techniques to estimate phylogenetic divergence time. Conceptual synthesis of the inherent problems with these techniques has been limited. Our aim is to address the effects of estimation of phylogenetic divergence time on the relationship between species age and geographical range.InnovationCommonly, estimates of divergence time from the nodes of a time‐calibrated phylogeny are used as indicators of ages of extant species. However, this method can sometimes produce misleading age estimates, specifically in the presence of extinction and ancestral persistence. An example of this is illustrated using a comprehensive genetic dataset of genera with near‐complete sampling of species from four of the major coral reef fish families. We present a method to minimize the impacts of extinction and ancestral persistence on divergence time estimation. The method focuses on recent divergences and involves pairing minimum divergence time estimates (as indicators of species ages) with the minimum geographical range area between two sister‐species, for all sister‐species pairs.Main conclusionsWhen applied to coral reef fishes, this method revealed trends in the relationship between species age and geographical range. The difference in the trend recovered from excluding potential biases associated with ancestral persistence suggests that ancestral persistence may be prevalent among coral reef fishes, with successive peripheral speciation affecting area–age relationships. The method may reveal the occurrence of successive peripheral speciation events across a broad range of taxa.