bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling plant species distributions under future climates: how fine scale do climate projections need to be?
Authors: Franklin Janet , Davis Frank W. , Ikegami Makihiko , Syphard Alexandra D. , Flint Lorraine E. , Flint Alan L. , Hannah Lee 
Published: October 2012

AbstractRecent studies suggest that species distribution models (SDMs) based on fine‐scale climate data may provide markedly different estimates of climate‐change impacts than coarse‐scale models. However, these studies disagree in their conclusions of how scale influences projected species distributions. In rugged terrain, coarse‐scale climate grids may not capture topographically controlled climate variation at the scale that constitutes microhabitat or refugia for some species. Although finer scale data are therefore considered to better reflect climatic conditions experienced by species, there have been few formal analyses of how modeled distributions differ with scale. We modeled distributions for 52 plant species endemic to the California Floristic Province of different life forms and range sizes under recent and future climate across a 2000‐fold range of spatial scales (0.008–16 km2). We produced unique current and future climate datasets by separately downscaling 4 km climate models to three finer resolutions based on 800, 270, and 90 m digital elevation models and deriving bioclimatic predictors from them. As climate‐data resolution became coarser, SDMs predicted larger habitat area with diminishing spatial congruence between fine‐ and coarse‐scale predictions. These trends were most pronounced at the coarsest resolutions and depended on climate scenario and species' range size. On average, SDMs projected onto 4 km climate data predicted 42% more stable habitat (the amount of spatial overlap between predicted current and future climatically suitable habitat) compared with 800 m data. We found only modest agreement between areas predicted to be stable by 90 m models generalized to 4 km grids compared with areas classified as stable based on 4 km models, suggesting that some climate refugia captured at finer scales may be missed using coarser scale data. These differences in projected locations of habitat change may have more serious implications than net habitat area when predictive maps form the basis of conservation decision making.
Efficacy of inpatient treatment for atopic dermatitis evaluated by changes in serum cortisol levels
Authors: Fukuda Hidetsugu , Suzuki Taku , Saotome Atsuko , Sode Eri , Mukai Hideki 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWhen dealing with patients with severe atopic dermatitis (AD), inpatient treatment is useful for alleviating skin symptoms in short periods of time. We previously found that many severe AD patients had low serum cortisol levels at admission. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of inpatient treatment in 29 adults with AD through comparisons of serum cortisol, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels at admission with those at the time of discharge. Serum cortisol and plasma ACTH levels were significantly higher at discharge. On the other hand, serum TARC and serum LDH were significantly lower at discharge. We examined whether the suppression of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical function that was seen at admission was attributable to disturbed circadian rhythms due to sleep disorders by analyzing hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical function in relation to the presence/absence of sleep disorders, serum cortisol levels and daily urinary free cortisol. Of the 17 patients with low serum cortisol levels upon admission, 15 (88.2%) had sleep disorders upon admission. However, the daily urinary free cortisol increased significantly from 8.0 ± 5.5 μg/day (at admission) to 18.5 ± 17.2 μg/day (at discharge). These results suggested that the suppression of endocrine function seen at admission was not attributable to disturbed circadian rhythms due to sleep disorders but represented true suppression of the endocrine system. These results indicated that inpatient care was useful for treating patients with severe AD, enabling efficient improvement of the skin condition and recovery from suppressed endocrine function.
Precipitation rather than temperature influenced the phylogeography of the endemic shrub Anarthrophyllum desideratum in the Patagonian steppe
Authors: Cosacov Andrea , Johnson Leigh A. , Paiaro Valeria , Cocucci Andrea A. , Córdoba Francisco E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimIn order to assess the impact of precipitation changes during Pleistocene glaciations on plant species of the Patagonian steppe, a phylogeographical study of the endemic shrub Anarthrophyllum desideratum was performed.LocationSouthern Patagonia: Argentina and Chile.MethodsChloroplast intergenic spacers trnS–trnG and rpoB–trnC were sequenced for 264 individuals from 33 localities spanning the entire distribution of A. desideratum. Phylogenetic (statistical parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) and population genetic analyses (spatial analyses of molecular variance, mismatch distributions, neutrality tests and Bayesian skyline plot) were performed. Divergence time estimates using a calibrated molecular clock were also conducted. Niche modelling was used to reconstruct the palaeodistribution to validate phylogeographical patterns.ResultsThirty haplotypes were identified that clustered into two main lineages, revealing a significant latitudinal phylogeographical break north and south of the Deseado River (c. 47° S). Infra‐specific diversification began in the late Miocene, with northern and southern lineages separating c. 3 Ma, after the eastern Patagonian lowlands started to become increasingly arid. Three areas of high molecular diversity were identified: one in southern and two in northern Patagonia where niche modelling indicates that the species may have survived during the Last Glacial Maximum. These putative refugia received more moisture than much of the steppe during glaciation‐associated aridization. The south‐western refugium is the more likely source for eastward range expansion during post‐glacial humidification.Main conclusionsAnarthrophyllum desideratum responded differently to historical processes north and south of the Deseado River. In the north this species survived in situ in fragmented populations, whereas in the south it survived in localized refugia that presumably avoided extreme aridization, and from which it expanded eastwards. For southern Patagonia, our results support a new historical scenario affected more by precipitation regimes than by temperature changes associated with glacial cycles. This hypothesis should be considered in future plant phylogeographical studies from the Patagonian steppe.
Inhaled corticosteroids increase the risk of oropharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children with asthma
Authors: ZHANG LINJIE , PRIETSCH SíLVIO O.M. , MENDES ANA PAULA , VON GROLL ANDREA , ROCHA GICELLE PORTO , CARRION LILLIAN , DA SILVA PEDRO EDUARDO ALMEIDA 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Recent studies have raised concerns about the link between use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and risk of pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the association between ICS and oropharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) among children (up to 18 years old) with asthma.Methods:  Two age‐matched groups of patients were consecutively recruited: (i) exposed group: children who had persistent asthma and were being treated with daily ICS for at least 30 days and (ii) non‐exposed group: children who had asthma and were not being treated with ICS at study entry. Oropharyngeal specimens from the tonsillar area and posterior pharyngeal wall were collected. S. pneumoniae was identified according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards recommendations.Results:  A total of 200 consecutive patients were recruited and 192 (96 in each group) were included in the analysis. In the exposed group, the mean daily dose of ICS was 400 µg of beclomethasone or equivalent and the mean duration of treatment was 8.6 months. The prevalence of oropharyngeal colonization by S. pneumoniae was higher in the exposed group compared with the non‐exposed group (27.1% vs 8.3%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, use of ICS was an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal carriage of S. pneumoniae, with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 3.75 (95% confidence interval: 1.72–8.18, P = 0.001).Conclusions:  Regular use of ICS is associated with an increased risk of having oropharyngeal colonization by S. pneumoniae in children with asthma.
Comprehensive echocardiographic diagnosis of right heart enlargement in association with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in three adult women
Authors: Rayoo R. , De Silva D. , Jones E. , Ponnuthurai F. A , Srivastava P. M , Calafiore P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPartial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage is a rare congenital anomaly which can lead to right heart enlargement. It may present in isolation or more commonly in association with other congenital cardiac anomalies. We present three different cases of partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in adults. The importance of identifying partial anomalous venous drainage as the cause of otherwise unexplained right heart enlargement is illustrated by these cases.
Sugar restriction: the evidence for a drug‐free intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Thornley S. , Tayler R. , Sikaris K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground/AimUncertainty exists about what dietary component is most likely to cause coronary heart disease. Over the last thirty years, attention has focused on saturated fat and salt as guilty parties. More recently, evidence suggests that excess sugar intake is more likely than either traditional factor to lead to atherosclerotic disease. Some researchers have also speculated that sugar is addictive, in a similar manner to caffeine and established drugs of abuse.MethodsHere we review the epidemiological, biochemical and psychological evidence that implicates excess sugar intake as an important cause of ill‐health.ResultsWe found relatively consistent evidence of association between markers of sugar intake and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, or the disease itself. This evidence contrasted with rather weaker evidence which linked either saturated fat or salt with cardiovascular disease endpoints. We also found some evidence of a sugar addiction syndrome.ConclusionWe suggest that advice to restrict sugar intake should be a routine part of clinical care, particularly when patients are being counselled about cardiovascular risk.
Prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications among the elderly population in an ambulatory care setting in a Saudi military hospital: Trend and cost
Authors: Al‐Omar Hussain A , Al‐Sultan Mohammed S , Abu‐Auda Hisham S 
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To explore the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in the elderly, to identify the trends and the patterns of prescribing such medication, and to calculate the associated direct medication cost of such practice in a Saudi hospital.Methods:  This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of patients who were aged 65 years or older on at least one PIM. The source of our data was outpatient pharmacy prescription records at Riyadh Military Hospital (RMH) for 2002, 2003 and 2004. Beers' explicit criteria for PIM was used to identify these medications.Results:  A total of 20 521 PIM were identified. The prevalence of PIM for 2002, 2003 and 2004 was 2.5%, 2.3% and 2.1%, respectively. A total of 43.6% of the patients had filled a prescription of one PIM, 18% filled two PIM and 38.4% filled three or more PIM. Digoxin accounted for 23.7% of these PIM. The most commonly prescribed medications were cardiovascular medications at 26.7%. The total direct cost that was associated with inappropriate prescribing was 518 314 Saudi Riyals (US$138 217) during the study period.Conclusion:  PIM prescribing in RMH was less compared with what was published in the literature in other countries. It was unclear whether these results reflect the level of elderly healthcare services provided to RMH patients or because of underreporting. Drug utilization review programs, medical education, recruiting physicians and clinical pharmacists who are specialized in geriatrics, finding safer medications or integration of computer software to detect such medications during prescriptions entry can improve the medical services provided to the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 616–621.
The early effects of stavudine compared with tenofovir on adipocyte gene expression, mitochondrial DNA copy number and metabolic parameters in South African HIV‐infected patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Menezes CN , Duarte R , Dickens C , Dix‐Peek T , Van Amsterdam D , John M‐A , Ive P , Maskew M , MacPhail P , Fox MP , Raal F , Sanne I , Crowther NJ 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesStavudine is being phased out because of its mitochondrial toxicity and tenofovir (TDF) is recommended as part of first‐line highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in South Africa. A prospective, open‐label, randomized controlled trial comparing standard‐ and low‐dose stavudine with TDF was performed to assess early differences in adipocyte mtDNA copy number, gene expression and metabolic parameters in Black South African HIV‐infected patients.MethodsSixty patients were randomized 1:1:1 to either standard‐dose (30–40 mg) or low‐dose (20–30 mg) stavudine or TDF (300 mg) each combined with lamivudine and efavirenz. Subcutaneous fat biopsies were obtained at weeks 0 and 4. Adipocyte mtDNA copies/cell and gene expression were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Markers of inflammation and lipid and glucose metabolism were also assessed.ResultsA 29% and 32% decrease in the mean mtDNA copies/cell was noted in the standard‐dose (P < 0.05) and low‐dose stavudine (P < 0.005) arms, respectively, when compared with TDF at 4 weeks. Nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial cytochrome B (MTCYB) gene expression levels were affected by stavudine, with a significantly (P < 0.05) greater fall in expression observed with the standard, but not the low dose compared with TDF. No significant differences were observed in markers of inflammation and lipid and glucose metabolism.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate early mitochondrial depletion among Black South African patients receiving low and standard doses of stavudine, with preservation of gene expression levels, except for NRF1 and MTCYB, when compared with patients on TDF.
Picture‐Based Memory Impairment Screen for Dementia
Authors: Verghese Joe , Noone Mohan L. , Johnson Beena , Ambrose Anne F. , Wang Cuiling , Buschke Herman , Pradeep Vayyattu G. , Abdul Salam Kizhakkaniyakath , Shaji Kunnukatil S. , Mathuranath Pavagada S. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo develop and validate a picture‐based memory impairment screen (PMIS) for the detection of dementia.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingOutpatient clinics, Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode city in the southern Indian state of Kerala.ParticipantsThree hundred four community‐residing adults aged 55 to 94 with a mean education level of 8 years; 65 were diagnosed with dementia.MeasurementsPMIS: a culture‐fair picture‐based cognitive screen designed to be administered by nonspecialists. Diagnostic accuracy estimates (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive power) of PMIS cut‐scores in detecting dementia (range 0–8).ResultsPMIS scores were worse in participants with dementia (1.5) than in controls (7.7, P < .001). At the optimal cut‐score of 5, PMIS had a sensitivity of 95.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 90.3–100.0%) and a specificity of 99.2% (95% CI = 98.0–100.0%) for detecting dementia. In the 167 participants with <10 years of education, PMIS scores of five or less had a sensitivity of 97.8% (95% CI = 93.6–100.0%) and specificity of 99.2% (95% CI = 97.6–100.0%). The PMIS had better specificity than the Mini‐Mental State Examination in detecting dementia, especially in older adults with low education.ConclusionThe PMIS is a brief and reliable screen for dementia in elderly populations with variable literacy rates.
The Protective Effects of Executive Functions and Episodic Memory on Gait Speed Decline in Aging Defined in The Context of Cognitive Reserve
Authors: Holtzer Roee , Wang Cuiling , Lipton Richard , Verghese Joe 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether levels of cognitive reserve (CR), as measured using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)‐III vocabulary test, moderated longitudinal associations between cognitive functions and decline in gait speed in a community‐based cohort of older adults without dementia, specifically, whether the protective effect of executive function (EF) and episodic memory against decline in gait speed would be greater in individuals with higher CR.DesignLongitudinal (median number of repeated annual gait speed measures, 3; maximum number of visits, 7).SettingGeneral community.ParticipantsSeven hundred thirty‐one community‐residing individuals aged 70 and older without dementia were followed longitudinally with cognitive and gait evaluations at baseline and at annual visits.MeasurementsDecline in gait speed (cm/s) served as the primary outcome. The Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) was used to assess episodic memory. The Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) was used to assess attention and EF. The vocabulary test served as a marker for CR.ResultsLinear mixed effects model showed that gait speed declined over the follow‐up period (P < .001). The significant three‐way interactions of time by DSST by vocabulary (P = .01) and time by FCSRT by vocabulary (P = .02) revealed that levels of CR moderated the longitudinal associations between EF and episodic memory and gait speed decline.ConclusionThe protective effects of EF and episodic memory against gait speed decline in aging are greater in individuals with higher CR.
Men's management of urinary incontinence in daily living: implications for practice
Authors: McKenzie Shona , St John Winsome , Wallis Marianne , Griffiths Susan 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTMany men develop urinary incontinence following prostate disease or surgery. Men with urinary incontinence use strategies to manage urinary incontinence in their daily lives, often with minimal assistance from health professionals. Much of the available information and advice offered to men about daily‐living management of urinary incontinence have been adapted from information relating to management difficulties experienced by women. This study explored strategies used by community‐dwelling men to manage urinary incontinence in their daily lives. Men with self‐reported urinary incontinence were recruited from clinical and non‐clinical settings. A researcher‐developed survey was used to identify type, severity and duration of urinary incontinence, and the strategies men used to manage urinary incontinence in daily living. Sixty‐one items, grouped according to functional strategies, asked how often each strategy was used to manage urinary incontinence. A response rate of 66% was achieved with 103 men completing a survey. The findings of this study can be used by urology nurses to ensure continence education for men with urinary incontinence addresses areas that are of most importance, as well addressing their specific needs.
Retracted: Efficacy and Adverse Effects of (R)‐9‐(2‐phosphonylmethoxypropyl)‐2,6‐diaminopurine in Feline Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Cats
Authors: Justa N. , Weber K. , Klein D. , Mueller R.S. , Sauter‐Louis C. , Hartmann K. 
Published: October 2012

Background(R)‐9‐(2‐phosphonylmethoxypropyl)‐2,6‐diaminopurine (PMPDAP) is active against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in vitro, and is less toxic than other acyclic nucleoside phosphonates. Its efficacy in naturally infected cats has not been evaluated in large controlled studies.Hypothesis/ObjectivesPMPDAPis effective in naturallyFIV‐infected cats with minimal adverse effects.AnimalsForty‐five privately owned cats naturally infected withFIV.MethodsProspective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded clinical study. Cats were randomly assigned to be treated withPMPDAP(25 mg/kg) daily,PMPDAP3 times a week, or placebo for a period of 6 weeks.ResultsAdministration ofPMPDAPtoFIV‐infected cats did not lead to detectable improvements in clinical, virological, or immunological variables. Proviral load (FIVcopies/106cells) did not change significantly during treatment (placebo group: from 9505 ± 10119 to 8564 ± 8615;PMPDAP3 times a week: from 4818 ± 4426 to 5041 ± 6197;PMPDAPdaily: from 3525 ± 5038 to 3167 ± 5824). There was a significant decrease of red blood cell counts (×1012/L) (from 8.91 ± 1.82 to 7.34 ± 1.79 in cats treated 3 times per week (P < .001), and from 8.96 ± 1.13 to 6.01 ± 1.36 in cats treated daily (P < .001)), as well as of packed cell volume, and hemoglobin in both groups receivingPMPDAP.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAdministration ofPMPDAPwas not associated with significant improvements in clinical, immunological, or virological parameters, but treatment was associated with adverse effects, mainly anemia. Thus,PMPDAP, as administered in this study, cannot be recommended for treatment ofFIV‐infected cats.
Thermal Acclimation of Respiration and Photosynthesis in the Marine Macroalga Gracilaria lemaneiformis (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Zou Dinghui , Gao Kunshan 
Published: October 2012

The responses of respiration and photosynthesis to temperature fluctuations in marine macroalgae have the potential to significantly affect coastal carbon fluxes and sequestration. In this study, the marine red macroalga Gracilaria lemaneiformis was cultured at three different temperatures (12, 19, and 26°C) and at high‐ and low‐nitrogen (N) availability, to investigate the acclimation potential of respiration and photosynthesis to temperature change. Measurements of respiratory and photosynthetic rates were made at five temperatures (7°C–33°C). An instantaneous change in temperature resulted in a change in the rates of respiration and photosynthesis, and the temperature sensitivities (i.e., the Q10 value) for both the metabolic processes were lower in 26°C‐grown algae than 12°C‐ or 19°C‐grown algae. Both respiration and photosynthesis acclimated to long‐term changes in temperature, irrespective of the N availability under which the algae were grown; respiration displayed strong acclimation, whereas photosynthesis only exhibited a partial acclimation response to changing growth temperatures. The ratio of respiration to gross photosynthesis was higher in 12°C‐grown algae, but displayed little difference between the algae grown at 19°C and 26°C. We propose that it is unlikely that respiration in G. lemaneiformis would increase significantly with global warming, although photosynthesis would increase at moderately elevated temperatures.