bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting ground temperatures across European landscapes
Authors: Gunton Richard M. , Polce Chiara , Kunin William E. 
Published: February 2015

Summary

Ambient temperatures in natural environments can vary widely over short distances, especially on rugged ground where exposure to solar radiation depends on slope and aspect. Temperatures can also fluctuate rapidly, reaching values not revealed by climate data. Such fine‐scale variation raises challenges for modelling species distributions under changing climates.

To avoid misunderstanding current species distributions and future changes, temperatures must be modelled at high resolutions. Most existing methods either require extensive parameterization or are pre‐parameterized for restricted localities and current conditions; here, we describe a more versatile method intended for European landscapes under a wide range of scenarios.

The availability of high‐resolution topographic data makes possible the use of projected solar irradiation to help predict local diurnal ground temperatures. Using time series from 83 points across Europe, we fitted statistical models for soil surface temperature based on geographical characteristics of the sites along with atmospheric variables obtained from a publicly available data base. The sites ranged from 40°N to 60°N and 2°W to 25°E, and from 43 to 1500 m in elevation.

We compare models for monthly mean and daily afternoon temperatures, for open and tree‐covered habitats. The effect of topography was greatest for the daily predictions, and generally more important in open than in tree‐covered sites. Tests with data collected from other European locations in a different time period suggest that our models can predict monthly means with an error standard deviation of about 2.3°C. We provide an R function that implements our models on the basis of readily available data.

Our mean‐temperatures model should be useful for understanding organisms’ niches, dispersal possibilities and community dynamics, and for predicting species’ refugia, range shifts and opportunities for adaptation under projected climate change.
No Coolidge effect in the Australian field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Thomas Melissa L , Simmons Leigh W 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA progressive decline in a male's propensity to mate with the same female, combined with a heightened sexual interest in new females, is known as the Coolidge effect. The Coolidge effect has been reported in a number of taxa and is thought to be adaptive, as males distribute sperm evenly across multiple females thereby maximising fitness. Here we looked for the Coolidge effect in the Australian field cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus (Le Guillou). We found that males did not show greater sexual interest in novel females compared with their previous mates. Moreover, we did not find any decline in the quality of ejaculates transferred by males when mating sequentially with the same female, or an increase in ejaculate quality when males were presented with novel females. Our results are in contrast with findings investigating the Coolidge effect in other insects, which may reflect differences among species in the fitness benefits associated with mating repeatedly with the same female. We argue that examinations of the Coolidge effect need to be incorporated routinely into studies that examine the benefits of polyandry for females, because of the potential impact of reduced ejaculate expenditure by males in monandrous treatments.
Ethnic, socio‐demographic and socio‐economic differences in surgical treatment of breast cancer in New Zealand
Authors: Seneviratne Sanjeewa , Scott Nina , Lawrenson Ross , Campbell Ian 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundIndigenous Māori are known to experience inferior quality cancer care compared with non‐Indigenous Europeans in New Zealand. However, limited data are available on ethnic/socio‐economic differences in surgical treatment of breast cancer, or reasons for such variations within the local context. We investigated ethnic/socio‐economic differences in rates of mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy (SNB), post‐mastectomy breast reconstruction and definitive local therapy for breast cancer in New Zealand.MethodsA retrospective review of prospective data in the Waikato Breast Cancer Register for women diagnosed during 1999–2012 was performed. Differences in rates of mastectomy (for stage I/II, T1/T2 cancers), SNB (for stage I/II, T1/T2, cN0 cancers), post‐mastectomy breast reconstruction (for non‐metastatic cancers in women <70 years) and definitive local therapy (for stage I/II cancers) were analysed in univariate and multivariate regression models, adjusting for covariates.ResultsSignificantly lower mastectomy and higher reconstruction rates were associated with younger age, private compared with public hospital care and screen compared with non‐screen detection. Compared with NZ Europeans, Māori (41% versus 33%, P = 0.025) were significantly more likely to undergo mastectomy for cancers, which were potentially amenable for breast conserving surgery, but were significantly less likely to undergo post‐mastectomy breast reconstruction (12% versus 35%, P < 0.001). No significant ethnic or socio‐economic differences were observed in rates of SNB or definitive local therapy.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated lower rates of breast conserving surgery and reconstructions in Māori compared with NZ European women, and highlight the need for future research to focus on understanding the reasons behind these findings.
Marginal artery stump pressure in left colic artery‐preserving rectal cancer surgery: a clinical trial
Authors: Guo Yuchen , Wang Daguang , He Liang , Zhang Yang , Zhao Shishun , Zhang Luyao , Sun Xuan , Suo Jian 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the influence of high and low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery with apical lymph node dissection on the anastomotic blood supply, lymph node retrieval rate, operative time and anastomotic leakage rate in rectal cancer surgery.MethodsA total of 57 Chinese patients were randomly distributed into group A and group B and underwent radical resection of rectal cancer. Patients in group A underwent high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery, and patients in group B underwent apical lymph node resection around the root of the inferior mesenteric artery with preservation of the left colic artery. The marginal artery stump pressure was measured after colon and artery reconstruction. Systemic pressure, distal colon length, operative time and lymph node retrieval rate were measured and recorded. The results were analysed and related to patient characteristics and post‐operative complications.ResultsThe anastomotic blood supply negatively and linearly correlated with age and distal colon length and showed a positive linear correlation with systemic pressure. Patients who received low ligation with apical lymph node dissection had a better anastomotic blood supply than those who received high ligation. No differences were found in lymph node retrieval rate, operative time and anastomotic leakage rate. Anastomotic leakage was associated with a worse anastomotic blood supply.ConclusionsLow ligation with apical lymph node dissection in rectal cancer treatment provides better anastomotic blood supply but is not associated with differences in node retrieval rate or operation time.
Characteristics and contributions of hyperandrogenism to insulin resistance and other metabolic profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Huang Rong , Zheng Jun , Li Shengxian , Tao Tao , Ma Jing , Liu Wei 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the different characteristics in Chinese Han women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and to analyze the significance of hyperandrogenism in insulin resistance and other metabolic profiles.DesignA cross‐sectional study.SettingMedical university hospital.PopulationA total of 229 women with polycystic ovary syndrome aged 18–45 years.MethodsWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome, diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria, were divided into four groups according to the quartile intervals of free androgen index levels.Main outcome measuresComparisons between groups were performed using one‐way analysis of variance. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance and independent variables.ResultsWithin the four phenotypes, women with phenotype 1 (hyperandrogenism, oligo/anovulation, and polycystic ovaries) exhibited higher total testosterone, free androgen index, androstenedione, low‐density lipoprotein, and lower quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (p < 0.05); women with phenotype 4 (oligo/anovulation and polycystic ovaries) showed lower total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance, but higher high‐density lipoprotein (p < 0.05). The levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance significantly increased, but high‐density lipoprotein and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index decreased with the elevation of free androgen index intervals. After adjustment for lipid profiles, free androgen index was significantly associated with homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance in both lean and overweight/obese women (odds ratio 1.302, p = 0.039 in lean vs. odds ratio 1.132, p = 0.036 in overweight/obese).ConclusionsPhenotypes 1 and 4 represent groups with the most and least severe metabolic profiles, respectively. Hyperandrogenism, particularly with elevated free androgen index, is likely a key contributing factor for insulin resistance and for the aggravation of other metabolic profiles.
Risk factors for persistent pain and its influence on maternal wellbeing after cesarean section
Authors: Niklasson Boel , Georgsson Öhman Susanne , Segerdahl Märta , Blanck Agneta 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the overall incidence and risk factors for persistent pain and its interference with daily life after cesarean section.DesignProspective long‐term follow‐up study.SettingKarolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.Population260 healthy women who underwent elective cesarean section.MethodsInformation on demographics, medical history, postoperative pain and analgesic requirements was collected. A questionnaire consisting of the Brief Pain Inventory was posted at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Women rated pain intensity as well as interference with factors related to general function and quality of life.Main outcome measuresThe overall incidence and risk factors for persistent postoperative pain at three time points. Persistent pain was considered a secondary outcome.ResultsAt 3, 6 and 12 months respectively 40, 27 and 22% of patients reported pain in one or more locations, in the surgical site as well as in other areas. A psychological indication, as well as a first cesarean section, increased the risk for pain at 3 months. Severe postoperative pain in the immediate postoperative period or undergoing a first cesarean section were significant independent risk factors for the development of persistent pain up to 6 months after cesarean section. Parameters related to quality of life were significantly impaired in women with persistent pain.ConclusionSeveral factors, including severe postoperative pain, were shown to influence the risk for persistent pain after cesarean section. Long‐term pain markedly affected women's wellbeing.
Molybdenum deprivation, purine ingestion and an astrocyte‐associated motor neurone syndrome in sheep: assumed clinical effects of inosine
Authors: Bourke CA 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundAn astrocyte‐associated motor neurone syndrome was produced in molybdenum‐deprived sheep fed xanthosine. Mo‐deprived sheep fed inosine, adenosine or guanosine would be also expected to develop astrocyte‐associated motor neurone syndromes, because all these purine nucleosides can act as neuromodulators and all depend on the Mo‐associated enzyme xanthine oxidase‐dehydrogenase for their catabolism.DesignTo investigate the relationship between inosine ingestion and low Mo concentration, eight sheep were fed lucerne chaff with a Mo value <0.10 ppm and the Mo antagonist, sodium tungstate, for 21 weeks, with inosine (35 mg/kg/day) fed for the last 18 of these weeks. This clinical study was uncontrolled.ResultsAn astrocyte‐associated motor neurone syndrome was produced in three sheep 18–27 months later. It was characterised by diaphragmatic, laryngeal, lingual and pharyngeal muscle weakness. The diaphragmatic muscle weakness was the most severe and potentially lethal.ConclusionThese findings suggest that purinergic neuromodulation of respiration, vocalisation and swallowing is different to that of limb movement. The syndrome produced, and assumed to be caused by the treatment given, has not been reported in livestock. A similar syndrome is seen in human motor neurone disease, but not in equine motor neurone disease, and this is consistent with it being an upper, not a lower, motor neurone effect.
A population‐based study of prognosis in advanced stage follicular lymphoma managed by watch and wait
Authors: El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Bilgrau Anders E. , de Nully Brown Peter , Mylam Karen J. , Ahmad Syed A. , Pedersen Lars M. , Gang Anne O. , Bentzen Hans H. , Juul Maja B. , Bergmann Olav J. , Pedersen Robert S. , Nielsen Berit J. , Johnsen Hans E. , Dybkær Karen , Bøgsted Martin , Hutchings Martin 
Published: February 2015

SummaryWatch and wait (WAW) is a common approach for asymptomatic, advanced stage follicular lymphoma (FL), but single‐agent rituximab is an alternative for these patients. In this nationwide study we describe the outcome of patients selected for WAW. A cohort of 286 out of 849 (34%) stage III‐IVA FL patients seen between 2000 and 2011, were managed expectantly and included. The 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was 35% [95% confidence interval (CI) 29–42]. The 10‐year overall survival (OS) was 65% (95%CI 54–78), and the cumulative risk of dying from lymphoma within 10 years of diagnosis was 13% (95%CI 7–20). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase and > four nodal regions involved were associated with a higher risk of lymphoma treatment and death from lymphoma. The WAW patients and a matched background population had similar OS during the first 50 months after diagnosis (P = 0·7), but WAW patients had increased risk of death after 50 months (P < 0·001). The estimated loss of residual life after 10 years was 6·8 months. The 10‐year cumulative risk of histological transformation was 22% (95%CI 15–29) and the 3‐year OS after transformation was 71% (95%CI 58–87%). In conclusion, advanced stage FL managed by WAW had a favourable outcome and abandoning this strategy could lead to overtreatment in some patients.
Entinostat, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor is active in B‐cell lymphoma and enhances the anti‐tumour activity of rituximab and chemotherapy agents
Authors: Frys Sarah , Simons Zachary , Hu Qiang , Barth Matthew J. , Gu Juan J. , Mavis Cory , Skitzki Joseph , Song Liu , Czuczman Myron S. , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri Francisco J. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryHistone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors are active in T‐cell lymphoma and are undergoing pre‐clinical and clinical testing in other neoplasms. Entinostat is an orally bioavailable class I HDAC inhibitor with a long half‐life, which is under evaluation in haematological and solid tumour malignancies. To define the activity and biological effects of entinostat in B‐cell lymphoma we studied its anti‐tumour activity in several rituximab‐sensitive or ‐resistant pre‐clinical models. We demonstrated that entinostat is active in rituximab‐sensitive cell lines (RSCL), rituximab‐resistant cell lines (RRCL) and primary tumour cells isolated from lymphoma patients (n = 36). Entinostat exposure decreased Bcl‐XL (BCL2L1) levels and induced apoptosis in cells. In RSCL and RRCL, entinostat induced p21 (CDKN1A) expression leading to G1 cell cycle arrest and exhibited additive effects when combined with bortezomib or cytarabine. Caspase inhibition diminished entinostat activity in some primary tumour cells suggesting that entinostat has dual mechanisms‐of‐action. In addition, entinostat increased the expression of CD20 and adhesion molecules. Perhaps related to these effects, we observed a synergistic activity between entinostat and rituximab in a lymphoma‐bearing severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model. Our data suggests that entinostat is an active HDAC inhibitor that potentiates rituximab activity in vivo and supports its further clinical development in B‐cell lymphoma.
Relationship between illness uncertainty, anxiety, fear of progression and quality of life in men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance
Authors: Parker Patricia A. , Davis John W. , Latini David M. , Baum George , Wang Xuemei , Ward John F. , Kuban Deborah , Frank Steven J. , Lee Andrew K. , Logothetis Christopher J. , Kim Jeri 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate prospectively the associations between illness uncertainty, anxiety, fear of progression and general and disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) in men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance (AS).Patients and MethodsAfter meeting stringent enrollment criteria for an AS cohort study at a single tertiary care cancer centre, 180 men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer completed questionnaires at the time of enrollment and every 6 months for up to 30 months. Questionnaires assessed illness uncertainty, anxiety, prostate‐specific QoL (using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite [EPIC] scale) and general QoL (using the 12‐time short‐form health survey [SF‐12]) and fear of progression. We used linear mixed‐model analyses and multilevel mediation analyses.ResultsSexual scores on the EPIC scale significantly declined over time (P < 0.05). Illness uncertainty was a significant predictor of all EPIC summary scores, SF‐12 physical component summary (PCS) scores, mental component summary (MCS) scores and fear of progression scores (all P < 0.05), after controlling for demographic and clinicopathological factors. Anxiety predicted all EPIC summary, MCS and fear of progression scores (all P < 0.05) but not PCS scores (P = 0.08). Scores on PCS, MCS, EPIC summary scales (except sexual scale), and fear of progression did not change significantly over the study period (all P > 0.10).ConclusionOver the 2.5‐year follow‐up, QoL remained stable; only sexual function scores significantly declined. Illness uncertainty and anxiety were significant predictors of general and prostate‐specific QoL and fear of progression. Interventions to reduce uncertainty and anxiety may enhance QoL for men with prostate cancer on AS.
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a consensus guideline
Authors: Rees Jon , Abrahams Mark , Doble Andrew , Cooper Alison ,   the Prostatitis Expert Reference Group (PERG)
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo improve awareness and recognition of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) among non‐specialists and patients. To provide guidance to healthcare professionals treating patients with CBP and CP/CPPS, in both non‐specialist and specialist settings. To promote efficient referral of care between non‐specialists and specialists and the involvement of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).Patients and MethodsThe guideline population were men with CBP or CP/CPPS (persistent or recurrent symptoms and no other urogenital pathology for ≥3 of the previous 6 months). Consensus recommendations for the guidelines were based on a search to identify literature on the diagnosis and management of CBP and CP/CPPS (published between 1999 and February 2014). A Delphi panel process was used where high‐quality, published evidence was lacking.ResultsCBP and CP/CPPS can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The four main symptom domains are urogenital pain, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS – voiding or storage symptoms), psychological issues and sexual dysfunction. Patients should be managed according to their individual symptom pattern. Options for first‐line treatment include antibiotics, α‐adrenergic antagonists (if voiding LUTS are present) and simple analgesics. Repeated use of antibiotics, such as quinolones, should be avoided if there is no obvious symptomatic benefit from infection control or cultures do not support an infectious cause. Early use of treatments targeting neuropathic pain and/or referral to specialist services should be considered for patients who do not respond to initial measures. An MDT approach (urologists, pain specialists, nurse specialists, specialist physiotherapists, general practitioners, cognitive behavioural therapists/psychologists, and sexual health specialists) is recommended. Patients should be fully informed about the possible underlying causes and treatment options, including an explanation of the chronic pain cycle.ConclusionChronic prostatitis can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. Identification of individual symptom patterns and a symptom‐based treatment approach are recommended. Further research is required to evaluate management options for CBP and CP/CPPS.
The tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of the Austral Basin and adjacent areas against the background of Andean tectonics, southern Argentina, South America
Authors: Sachse V. F. , Strozyk F. , Anka Z. , Rodriguez J. F. , di Primio R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Austral Basin (or Magallanes Basin) in southern Argentina is situated in a highly active tectonic zone. The openings of the South Atlantic and the Drake Passage to the east and south, active subduction in the west, and the related rise of the Andes have massively influenced the evolution of this area. To better understand the impacts of these tectonic events on basin formation to its present‐day structure we analysed 2D seismic reflection data covering about 95 000 km² on‐ and 115 000 km² offshore (Austral ‘Marina’ and Malvinas Basin). A total of 10 seismic horizons, representing nine syn‐ and post‐ rift sequences, were mapped and tied to well data to analyse the evolution of sedimentary supply and depocenter migration through time. 1D well backstripping across the study area confirms three main tectonic stages, containing (i) the break‐up phase forming basement graben systems and the evolution of the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous ancient backarc Austral/Rocas Verdes Basin (RVB), (ii) the inversion of the backarc marginal basin and the development of the foreland Austral Basin and (iii) the recent foreland Austral Basin. Synrift sedimentation did not exceed the creation of accommodation space, leading to a deepening of the basin. During the Early Cretaceous a first impulse of compression due to Andes uplift caused rise also of parts of the basin. Controlling factors for the subsequent tectonic development are subduction, balanced phases of sedimentation, accumulation and erosion as well as enhanced sediment supply from the rising Andes. Further phases of rock uplift might be triggered by cancelling deflection of the plate and slab window subduction, coupled with volcanic activity. Calculations of sediment accumulation rates reflect the different regional tectonic stages, and also show that the Malvinas Basin acted as a sediment catchment after the filling of the Austral Basin since the Late Miocene. However, although the Austral and Malvinas Basin are neighbouring basin systems that are sedimentary coupled in younger times, their earlier sedimentary and tectonic development was decoupled by the Rio Chico basement high. Thereby, the Austral Basin was affected by tectonic impacts of the Andes orogenesis, while the Malvinas Basin was rather affected by the opening of the South Atlantic.