bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can severe drought reverse woody plant encroachment in a temperate Australian woodland?
Authors: Zeeman Ben J. , Lunt Ian D. , Morgan John W. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractQuestionIncreases in the cover of woody plants have been documented in woodland, savanna and grassland ecosystems across the globe, commonly attributed to changes in land use or disturbance regimes. This is often thought to result in alternative stable states resistant to reversal. However, some multi‐decadal‐scale studies have found woody plant cover fluctuates according to variations in rainfall. After a decade‐long El Nino event, we ask: can severe drought reverse woody plant encroachment in a temperate Australian woodland?LocationTemperate coastal woodland in Victoria, SE Australia that has remained unburned for over a century.MethodsUsing data spanning 41 yr, changes in basal area and tree density were assessed for the major woody species in a eucalypt woodland. Data were used to determine whether a decade of severe drought (1997–2009) had reversed a previously identified phase of woody plant encroachment (1971–1996).ResultsAfter an increase in stand density between 1971 and 1996, attributed to an increase in the fire‐sensitive species Allocasuarina littoralis, total tree density then declined by 42% between 1996 and 2012. Changes in tree density differed across dominant woody species (A. littoralis −34%, Allocasuarina verticillata +26%, Acacia pycnantha −78%, Banksia marginata −73%, Eucalyptus spp. −97%), and seedling recruitment almost completely ceased for all species. However, the basal area of A. littoralis (having almost doubled between 1971 and 1996) had continued to increase by 75%, with increases highest in areas where initial basal area was lowest. Despite this increase, total stand basal area remained relatively stable, with an increase of 5%, because of a combined decline in basal area for all other species of 62%.ConclusionDespite the most severe drought on record, site occupancy – as measured by basal area – did not decline between 1996 and 2012. Thus, severe drought did not reverse woody plant encroachment. Rather, findings were consistent with the previous trend of increasing A. littoralis dominance at the expense of other tree species in the long‐term absence of fire.
Cultural agents creating texts: a collaborative space adventure
Authors: Daniels Karen 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper discusses the ways in which young children collaboratively use narrative play and the available space and materials around them in order to exert cultural agency. The collaborative creation of texts is asserted as central to this expression of agency. By presenting an illustrative vignette of a group of 5‐year‐old boys as they engage in literacy practices and create a range of meaningful texts within an early years compulsory education setting, the ways in which agency is expressed through the collaborative venture of text creation is explored. The vignette follows an episode of self‐initiated dramatic play, fuelled by the children's desire to engage in peer culture and make meanings collaboratively. This play episode spurs the creation of a range of hybridised texts, which culminate in the production of a written narrative. Observations from this study are then used to add to a broader discussion, which raises concerns about the current policy in England, which views early writing development as a set of individual and predefined set of skills to be acquired, a view which could undervalue the experiences that children bring to early educational settings.
Complex regulation of secondary metabolism controlling pathogenicity in the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata
Authors: Takaoka Shinya , Kurata Mariko , Harimoto Yoshiaki , Hatta Rieko , Yamamoto Mikihiro , Akimitsu Kazuya , Tsuge Takashi 
Published: March 2014

Summary

The filamentous fungus Alternaria alternata includes seven pathogenic variants (pathotypes), which produce different host‐selective toxins and cause disease on different plants. The Japanese pear, strawberry and tangerine pathotypes produce AK‐toxin, AF‐toxin and ACT‐toxin, respectively, which have a common structural moiety, 9,10‐epoxy‐8‐hydroxy‐9‐methyl‐decatrienoic acid (EDA).

Here, we identified a new gene, AKT7 (AK‐toxin biosynthetic gene 7), from the Japanese pear pathotype, which encodes a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and functions to limit AK‐toxin production.

AKT7 homologs were found in the strawberry pathotype, but not the tangerine pathotype. However, the strawberry pathotype homolog appeared to include a premature stop codon. Although the Japanese pear pathotype strain has multiple copies of AKT7, a single‐copy disruption resulted in mutants with increased production of AK‐toxin and EDA. AKT7 overexpression in the three pathotypes caused marked reductions of toxin and EDA production, suggesting that Akt7 catalyzes a side reaction of EDA or its precursor. AKT7 overexpression caused reduced virulence in these pathotypes. We also found that AKT7 transcripts predominantly include misspliced mRNAs, which have premature stop codons.

Our observations suggest that the AK‐toxin production required for full virulence is regulated in a complex way by the copy number and intron information content of AKT7.
Exposure to general anesthesia in early life and the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder development: a nationwide, retrospective matched‐cohort study
Authors: Ko Wen‐Ru , Liaw Yung‐Po , Huang Jing‐Yang , Zhao De‐Hui , Chang Hui‐Chin , Ko Pei‐Chieh , Jan Shiou‐Rung , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Chiang Yi‐Chen , Lin Long‐Yau 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundPostnatal exposure to anesthetics can cause neural apoptosis and degeneration in animals, but results from studies conducted on humans were discordant. Previous studies contained no information on the relationship between neurobehavioural disorders and anesthesia exposure in Asian children. We conducted a retrospective matched‐cohort study in Taiwan to investigate the association of early life anesthesia exposure with risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsData were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Children born between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005 were included. Each child with anesthesia exposure before 3 years of age was matched to four unexposed children. Observation was concluded on December 31, 2010. Proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association of anesthesia exposure with ADHD. Analyses were also made based on exposure number and age at the time of first exposure.ResultsThis matched‐cohort comprised of 16 465 children, among which 3293 were exposed to general anesthesia before age 3 years. The adjusted hazard ratio of developing ADHD was 1.06 (95% CI: 0.86,1.31) for general anesthesia exposure. The adjusted hazard ratio of developing ADHD for single and multiple exposures were 1.11 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.41) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.71,1.31), respectively. No trend of increasing risk was noted based on age at the time of first exposure.ConclusionsExposure to general anesthesia before 3 years of age was not associated with ADHD.
Neuropathic pain other than CRPS in children and adolescents: incidence, referral, clinical characteristics, management, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Kachko Ludmyla , Ben Ami Shiri , Lieberman Alon , Shor Rita , Tzeitlin Elena , Efrat Rachel 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesChronic pain in children and adolescents is common, but proportion of neuropathic pain (NP), a heterogeneous group of diseases with major impact on health‐related quality of life, significant economic burden, and limited treatment options, is unclear. Many studies have focused only on complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Our aim was to examine the incidence, clinical features, management, and outcome of non‐CRPS NP in patients referred to a chronic pediatric pain clinic (CPPC) at a tertiary‐care hospital.MethodsRetrospective analyses of the patient's files with non‐CRPS NP from 2008 until 2012.ResultsTwenty patients (9.9–22.0 years; 10.7% of new referrals) were treated with non‐CRPS NP (postoperative 8/20, trauma‐related 5/20, disease‐related 7/20). The number of consultations performed and the number of medications used before CPPC were significantly higher than in CPPC (Z = 0.75, P = 0.005; Z = 1.68, P = 0.003; respectively, Wilcoxon test). The number of diagnostic procedures was not statistically significant. Invasive treatments were used in 50% of patients. Full/partial recovery was accomplished in 95%. anova with repeated measures yielded a highly significant difference between the initial and final visual analog scale (VAS) scores (8.2 ± 1.3; 1.19 ± 2.01, respectively; P < 0.001), and no effect of age, gender, time needed for referral to CPPC, and patient's categories on the change in VAS.ConclusionsBetter understanding of the medical profile of pediatric patients with non‐CRPS NP is crucial to timely and correct diagnosis and effective management, but even children with delayed diagnosis still have a good outcome. The management of this condition by an experienced team is recommended.
Combined use of neuraxial and general anesthesia during major abdominal procedures in neonates and infants
Authors: Goeller Jessica K. , Bhalla Tarun , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryWith the advent of ultrasound and improvements in equipment, the applications of regional anesthesia in the pediatric population have continued to expand. Although frequently used for postoperative analgesia or as a means of avoiding general anesthesia in patients with comorbid conditions, the adjunctive use of regional anesthesia during general anesthesia may effectively decrease the intraoperative requirements for intravenous and volatile agents, thereby providing a more rapid awakening and earlier tracheal extubation. More recently, the limitation of the requirements for volatile and other anesthetic agents may be desirable, given concerns regarding the potential impact of these agents on neurocognitive outcome in neonates and infants. Several authors have demonstrated the potential utility of combining a neuraxial technique (spinal or epidural anesthesia) with general anesthesia in neonates and infants undergoing intraabdominal procedures. We review the literature regarding the combined use of neuraxial and general anesthesia in neonates and infants during major abdominal surgery, discuss its potential applications in this population, and review the techniques of such practice.
Factitial Dermatitis Due to the “Salt and Ice Challenge”
Authors: Zack Jason M. , Fults Matthew , Saxena Harshita , Green Brian 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA new source of factitial dermatitis in adolescents is the “salt and ice challenge.” This “challenge” causes frostbite on the child's body, resulting in epidermal necrosis with occasional bulla. The following is the case of a 12‐year‐old girl who underwent the “salt and ice challenge.”
Idiopathic Eruptive Macular Pigmentation Involving the Distal Extremities: A Case Report
Authors: Herd Tiffany J. , Wright Teresa S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIdiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation is a disorder of pigmentation found in children and adolescents. It typically manifests as nonconfluent tan to brown macules involving the neck, trunk, and proximal extremities. We report the case of a 6‐year‐old girl with an atypical presentation involving the distal extremities. Histopathology confirmed the subtle increase in pigmentation of the basal layer of the epidermis. Treatments are largely ineffective. The condition is generally self‐limited over months to years, thus treatment is unnecessary.
Effects of amendments and fertilization on plant growth, nitrogen and phosphorus availability in rehabilitated highly alkaline bauxite‐processing residue sand
Authors: Goloran J. B. , Phillips I. R. , Xu Z. H. , Condron L. M. , Chen C. R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe effects of organic–inorganic amendments and nitrogen‐phosphorus (NP) fertilization (NH4NO3 plus Ca (H2PO4)2) on ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) growth, and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability in highly alkaline bauxite‐processing residue sand (BRS), were examined in a pot experiment. The BRS used was either unamended (control) or amended with organic (e.g. greenwaste compost and biochar) or inorganic (e.g. zeolite) materials at a rate of 10% v/v. BRS from 15 years of rehabilitation (15YRRH) was also used as the second control. NP fertilizer was applied at different rates. The experimental set up was arranged in a two factorial complete randomized design. BRS with zeolite and 15YRRH at NP fertilizer rates of 2.0 and 2.5 t/ha produced the highest dry matter, leaf N concentration and N uptake by ryegrass, which were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other treatments, suggesting the potential of zeolite in providing stability of applied N fertilizer in BRS. Further, BRS with biochar at NP rates 2.0 and 2.5 t/ha can also be suitable amendments as they enhance growth and also improved the N and P supplying capacity of BRS. Ryegrass leaf P concentration and P uptake were above the critical P values in the 15YRRH compared with organic–inorganic amended BRS, suggesting that time is important for better P uptake from the residue. It is concluded that zeolite and biochar combined with appropriate NP fertilizer rates can improve plant growth and provide a source of nutrients for ryegrass establishment in bauxite residue storage areas. The results need to be tested in field conditions before being advised in farming practice.
Who Remits? An Examination of Emigration by Education Level and Gender
Authors: Cooray Arusha 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEmploying data on emigration rates by education level, this study finds that primary and secondary qualified emigrants contribute positively and significantly to remittances. Tertiary qualified emigrants, however, do not contribute significantly to remittances. Remittances in turn contribute significantly to home country income. There is some evidence of both an altruistic and self‐interested motive to remit. Gender‐disaggregated results suggest that females remit more than males and are more altruistic.
How I treat the peripheral T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Moskowitz Alison J. , Lunning Matthew A. , Horwitz Steven M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) encompass a heterogeneous group of diseases that have generally been associated with poor prognosis. The most common PTCLs, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK-negative), despite their unique presentations and histologies, are currently treated similarly. Here we discuss our general approach to the treatment of the most common PTCLs. Based on the best data currently available, which include retrospective analyses and phase 2 prospective studies, our approach has involved cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone-based therapy followed by consolidation in first remission with autologous stem cell transplant. This treatment strategy likely improves the outcome for patients compared with historical series; however, progression-free survival rates remain disappointing, ranging from 40% to 50%. This is currently an exciting time in the treatment of PTCL due to the advent of recently approved drugs as well as new targeted agents currently under investigation. In addition, gene expression profiling is allowing for a better understanding of underlying disease biology, improved diagnostic accuracy, and prognostication in PTCL. As a result, over the next few years, we expect a significant shift in our management of these diseases with a move toward more individualized therapy leading to improved outcomes.
Serologic autoimmunologic parameters in women with primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Zhen Xiumei , Qiao Jie , Li Rong , Wang Lina , Liu Ping 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is heterogeneous disease defined by amenorrhea or premature depletion of ovarian follicles before the age of 40 years. The etiology of POI is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether women with POI have an elevated serum levels of autoimmunologic parameters.

Methods
The serum from peripheral blood samples which come from 96 POI patients and 100 age-matched health women were analyzed for a series of autoimmune antibodies using protein microarray. The antibodies to double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), histone (HIS), nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP), Sjogren’s syndrome A (SSA/Ro), Sjogren’s syndrome B (SSB/La) and Smith antigen, Jo-1, scleroderma-associated antigen (Scl-70) and centromere (CEN), zona pellucid (ZP), adrenocortical antibodies (ACA),Rheumatoid factor (RF), glomerular basement membrane (GBM), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), proteinase 3 (PR3), thyroid microsomal antibody and antinuclear antibody (ANA)were analyzed.

Results
Among the 96 women with POI and 100 age-matched health controls, women with POI had significantly elevated circulation levels of Jo-1 and PR3 (p = 0.010 and p = 0.001) whereas circulation levels of ANAs, dsDNA, histone, RNP, Sm, Scl-70, SSA, SSB, CEN, ZP, ACA, RF, GBM, PCNA, MPO and TM antibodies were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions
This study shows that the autoimmune antibodies JO-1 and PR3 were significantly higher in POI women group which suggested that these antibodies may have played special role in POI, but the evaluation of the exact pathways of them remains to be determined.
Usefulness of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Rhee Chin Kook , Lim So Yeon , Koh Shin Ok , Choi Won-Il , Lee Young-Joo , Chon Gyu Rak , Kim Je Hyeong , Kim Jae Yeol , Lim Jaemin , Park Sunghoon , Kim Ho Cheol , Lee Jin Hwa , Lee Ji Hyun , Park Jisook , Koh Younsuck , Suh Gee Young , Kim Seok Chan ,   Validation of Simplified acute physiology score3 in Korean Intensive care unit (VSKI) study group & the Korean study group on respiratory failure (KOSREF)
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) as a prognostic factor in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is not yet fully established. We aimed to determine whether NT-pro-BNP is predictive of ICU mortality in a multicenter cohort of critically ill patients.

Methods
A total of 1440 patients admitted to 22 ICUs (medical, 14; surgical, six; multidisciplinary, two) in 15 tertiary or university-affiliated hospitals between July 2010 and January 2011 were assessed. Patient data, including NT-pro-BNP levels and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3 scores, were recorded prospectively in a web-based database.

Results
The median age was 64 years (range, 53–73 years), and 906 (62.9%) patients were male. The median NT-pro-BNP level was 341 pg/mL (104–1,637 pg/mL), and the median SAPS 3 score was 57 (range, 47–69). The ICU mortality rate was 18.9%, and hospital mortality was 24.5%. Hospital survivors showed significantly lower NT-pro-BNP values than nonsurvivors (245 pg/mL [range, 82–1,053 pg/mL] vs. 875 pg/mL [241–5,000 pg/mL], respectively; p < 0.001). In prediction of hospital mortality, the area under the curve (AUC) for NT-pro-BNP was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–0.70) and SAPS 3 score was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81–0.85). AUC increment by adding NT-pro-BNP is minimal and likely no different to SAPS 3 alone.

Conclusions
The NT-pro-BNP level was more elevated in nonsurvivors in a multicenter cohort of critically ill patients. However, there was little additional prognostic power when adding NT-pro-BNP to SAPS 3 score.
Hepatoprotective role of liver fatty acid binding protein in acetaminophen induced toxicity
Authors: Gong Yu , Wang Guqi , Gong Yuewen , Yan Jing , Chen Yufei , Burczynski Frank J 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
FABP1 has been reported to possess strong antioxidant properties. Upon successful transfection of the Chang cell line, which has undetectable FABP1 mRNA levels, with human FABP1 cDNA, the Chang cells were shown to express FABP1. Using the transfected and control (normal) Chang cells and subjecting them to oxidative stress, transfected cells were reported to be associated with enhanced cell viability. This study extends those observations by investigating the effect of FABP1 on acetaminophen (AAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. We hypothesized that presence of FABP1 would enhance cell viability compared to control cells (vector transfected cells).

Methods
Following AAP treatment of Chang FABP1 transfected and control cells, cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, the fluorescent probe DCF, and Bax expression, respectively.

Results
FABP1 cDNA transfected cells showed greater resistance against AAP toxicity than vector transfected cells. Significantly lower LDH levels (p < 0.05) were observed as were lower DCF fluorescence intensity (p < 0.05) in FABP1 cDNA transfected cells compared to vector transfected cells. FABP1 expression also attenuated the expression of Bax following AAP induced toxicity.

Conclusion
FABP1 attenuated AAP-induced toxicity and may be considered a cytoprotective agent in this in vitro model of drug induced oxidative stress.
Stem cell Transplantation for Eradication of Minimal PAncreatic Cancer persisting after surgical Excision (STEM PACE Trial, ISRCTN47877138): study protocol for a phase II study
Authors: Schmitz-Winnenthal Friedrich H , Schmidt Thomas , Lehmann Monika , Beckhove Philipp , Kieser Meinhard , Ho Anthony D , Dreger Peter , Büchler Markus W 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic cancer is the third most common cancer related cause of death. Even in the 15% of patients who are eligible for surgical resection the outlook is dismal with less than 10% of patients surviving after 5 years. Allogeneic hematopoietic (allo-HSCT) stem cell transplantation is an established treatment capable of to providing cure in a variety of hematopoietic malignancies. Best results are achieved when the underlying neoplasm has been turned into a stage of minimal disease by chemotherapy. Allo-HSCT in advanced solid tumors including pancreatic cancer have been of limited success, however studies of allo-HSCT in solid tumors in minimal disease situations have never been performed. The aim of this trial is to provide evidence for the clinical value of allo-HSCT in pancreatic cancer put into a minimal disease status by effective surgical resection and standard adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods/Design
The STEM PACE trial is a single center, phase II study to evaluate adjuvant allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pancreatic cancer after surgical resection. The study will evaluate as primary endpoint 2 year progression free survival and will generate first time state-of-the-art scientific clinical evidence if allo-HSCT is feasible and if it can provide long term disease control in patients with effectively resected pancreatic cancer. Screened eligible patients after surgical resection and standard adjuvant chemotherapy with HLA matched related stem cell donor can participate. Patients without a matched donor will be used as a historical control. Study patients will undergo standard conditioning for allo-HSCT followed by transplantation of allogeneic unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cells. The follow up of the patients will continue for 2 years. Secondary endpoints will be evaluated on 7 postintervention visits.

Discussion
The principal question addressed in this trial is whether allo-HSCT can change the unfavourable natural course of this disease. The underlying hypothesis is that allo-HSCT has the capacity to provide long-term disease control to an extent otherwise not possible in pancreatic cancer, thereby substantially improving survival of affected patients.

Trial registration
This trial has been registered: ISRCTN47877138