bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of care for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in Australia
Authors: Day Daphne , Kanjanapan Yada , Kwan Edmond , Yip Desmond , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Andrews Miles , Davis Ian D , Azad Arun A , Rosenthal Mark , Wong Shirley , Johnstone Alice , Gibbs Peter , Tran Ben 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo examine the patterns of care and outcomes for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Australia, where there are limited reimbursed treatment options. In particular, we aim to explore prescribing patterns for first‐line systemic treatment, the practice of an initial watchful‐waiting approach, and the use of systemic treatments in elderly patients.Subjects/Patients and MethodsPatients with mRCC undergoing treatment between 2006 and 2012 were identified from four academic hospitals in Victoria and Australian Capital Territory. Demographic, clinicopathological, treatment, and survival data were recorded by chart review. Descriptive statistics were used to report findings. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. The study was supported by a grant from Pfizer Australia.ResultsOur study identified 212 patients with mRCC for analysis. Patients were predominantly of clear cell histology (75%), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status <2 (67%) and with favourable/intermediate Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center risk (68%). The median age at diagnosis was 61 years. In all, 163 (77%) patients received first‐line systemic therapy, while 49 (23%) received best supportive care (BSC). The most frequently used first‐line treatment was sunitinib (125 patients, 77%). Patients who received sunitinib had a median overall survival (OS) of 27.6 months. In all, 43% of patients who received sunitinib underwent a watchful‐waiting period of >90 days before initiating treatment; these patients had a median OS of 56.3 months. Elderly patients (50 patients aged ≥70 years) were more likely to receive BSC alone than younger patients (46% vs 16%, P < 0.001). Of those who received systemic therapy, elderly patients were also more likely to have upfront dose reductions (30% vs 8%, P = 0.03).ConclusionOur study of patients with mRCC treated in Australian centres showed that sunitinib was the most commonly prescribed systemic treatment between 2006 and 2012, associated with survival outcomes similar to pivotal studies. We also found that an initial watchful‐waiting approach is commonly adopted without apparent detriment to survival. And finally, we found that age has an impact on the prescribing of systemic therapy.
Assessing the effectiveness of specially protected areas for conservation of Antarctica's botanical diversity
Authors: Hughes Kevin A. , Ireland Louise C. , Convey Peter , Fleming Andrew H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractVegetation is sparsely distributed over Antarctica's ice‐free ground, and distinct plant communities are present in each of the continent's 15 recently identified Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions (ACBRs). With rapidly increasing human activity in Antarctica, terrestrial plant communities are at risk of damage or destruction by trampling, overland transport, and infrastructure construction and from the impacts of anthropogenically introduced species, as well as uncontrollable pressures such as fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) activity and climate change. Under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, the conservation of plant communities can be enacted and facilitated through the designation of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs). We examined the distribution within the 15 ACBRs of the 33 ASPAs whose explicit purpose includes protecting macroscopic terrestrial flora. We completed the first survey using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) satellite remote sensing to provide baseline data on the extent of vegetation cover in all ASPAs designated for plant protection in Antarctica. Large omissions in the protection of Antarctic botanical diversity were found. There was no protection of plant communities in 6 ACBRs, and in another 6, <0.4% of the ACBR area was included in an ASPA that protected vegetation. Protected vegetation cover within the 33 ASPAs totaled 16.1 km2 for the entire Antarctic continent; over half was within a single protected area. Over 96% of the protected vegetation was contained in 2 ACBRs, which together contributed only 7.8% of the continent's ice‐free ground. We conclude that Antarctic botanical diversity is clearly inadequately protected and call for systematic designation of ASPAs protecting plant communities by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, the members of the governing body of the continent.
A review of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence following rectal surgery and radiotherapy
Authors: Thomas G. P. , Bradshaw E. , Vaizey C. J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimFaecal incontinence may occur following rectal surgery and/or radiotherapy for rectal cancer. The aim of this paper was to review the evidence to support the use of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for patients with incontinence who had undergone rectal surgery or received rectal radiotherapy.MethodA search was performed of PubMed, Medline and Embase. All studies which reported the outcome of SNS in patients who had undergone a rectal resection or radiotherapy were reviewed.ResultsThe first report of SNS following rectal surgery was in 2002. Since then seven further studies have described its effect in patients who have undergone anterior resection or pelvic radiotherapy. The total number of patients was 57. All studies were single group series, which ranged in size from one to 15 patients. The follow‐up ranged from 1 to 36 months. The success of peripheral nerve evaluation ranged from 47% to 100%. Permanent SNS improved the symptoms and in some studies this was reflected in improved quality of life. The wide variation of patient factors, operations performed, the dose of radiotherapy given and time from operation makes interpretation of the results difficult.ConclusionLarger studies with better patient selection are needed to investigate the effect of SNS on incontinence following radiotherapy or rectal surgery.
Neoplastic and non‐neoplastic complications of solid organ transplantation in patients with preexisting monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Goebel Teresa E. , Schiltz Nicholas K. , Woodside Kenneth J. , Chandran Pillai Aiswarya , Caimi Paolo F. , Lazarus Hillard M. , Koroukian Siran M. , Campagnaro Erica L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) occurs in 3–7% of the elderly population, with higher prevalence in renal failure patients, and is associated with a 25‐fold increased lifetime risk for plasma cell myeloma (PCM), also known as multiple myeloma. Using the California State Inpatient, Emergency Department, and Ambulatory Surgery Databases components of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), we sought to determine whether patients with MGUS who undergo solid organ allograft (n = 22 062) are at increased adjusted relative risk (aRR) for hematologic malignancy and other complications. Among solid organ transplant patients, patients with preexisting MGUS had higher aRR of PCM (aRR 19.46; 95% CI 7.05, 53.73; p < 0.001), venous thromboembolic events (aRR 1.66; 95% CI 1.15, 2.41; p = 0.007), and infection (aRR 1.24; 95% CI 1.06, 1.45; p = 0.007). However, when comparing MGUS patients with and without solid organ transplant, there was decreased aRR for PCM with transplant (aRR 0.34; 95% CI 0.13, 0.88; p = 0.027), and increased venous thromboembolic events (aRR 2.33; 95% CI 1.58, 3.44; p < 0.001) and infectious risks (aRR 1.44; 95% CI 1.23, 1.70; p < 0.001). While MGUS increased the risk of PCM overall following solid organ transplantation, there was lower risk of PCM development compared to MGUS patients who did not receive a transplant. MGUS should not preclude solid organ transplant.
Patterns and correlates of new psychoactive substance use in a sample of Australian high school students
Authors: Champion Katrina E. , Teesson Maree , Newton Nicola C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsIn recent years there has been growing concern about new psychoactive substances (NPS) designed to mimic the effects of established illicit drugs. This paper explores the patterns and correlates of NPS use in a sample of Australian students.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Australia in 2014. Data were collected from 1126 students (mean age: 14.9 years) from 11 secondary schools. Students completed a self‐report questionnaire assessing NPS use and knowledge, beliefs and intentions to use these substances. NPS users were compared with non‐users and illicit drug users, who had not used NPS, in terms of gender, binge drinking, tobacco use, psychological distress and self‐efficacy to resist peer pressure.ResultsOf the 1126 students, 3% reported having ever tried NPS, 2.4% had used synthetic cannabis and 0.4% had used a synthetic stimulant. Analyses revealed that NPS users were more likely to have had an episode of binge drinking in the past 6 months, tried tobacco and had higher levels of psychological distress and lower perceived self‐efficacy to resist peer pressure than non‐users, but did not significantly differ from users of other illicit drugs.Discussion and ConclusionsNPS use appears to be uncommon among Australian school students. Although adolescents that do use these substances did not differ from students that had used traditional illicit drugs, both appear to be higher‐risk groups of students than non‐users. Our findings suggest that universal education about NPS be incorporated into existing drug prevention programmes, and that targeted NPS prevention may also be warranted among high‐risk adolescents. [Champion KE, Teesson M, Newton NC. Patterns and correlates of new psychoactive substance use in a sample of Australian high school students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:338–344]
Brain structural and microstructural alterations associated with cerebral palsy and motor impairments in adolescents born extremely preterm and/or extremely low birthweight
Authors: Kelly Claire E , Chan Linda , Burnett Alice C , Lee Katherine J , Connelly Alan , Anderson Peter J , Doyle Lex W , Cheong Jeanie L Y , Thompson Deanne K ,   the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study Group
Published: July 2015

AimTo elucidate neurobiological changes underlying motor impairments in adolescents born extremely preterm (gestation <28wks) and/or with extremely low birthweight (ELBW, <1000g), our aims were the following: (1) to compare corticospinal tract (CST) microstructure and primary motor cortex (M1) volume, area, and thickness between extremely preterm/ELBW adolescents and a comparison group with normal birthweight (>2499g); (2) to compare CST microstructure and M1 volume, area, and thickness between extremely preterm/ELBW adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), motor impairment without CP, and no motor impairment; and (3) to investigate associations between CST microstructure and M1 measures.MethodThis study used diffusion and structural magnetic resonance imaging to examine the CST and M1 in a geographical cohort of 191 extremely preterm/ELBW adolescents (mean age 18y 2.4mo [SD 9.6mo]; 87 males, 104 females) and 141 adolescents in the comparison group (mean age 18y 1.2mo [SD 9.6mo]; 59 males, 82 females).ResultsExtremely preterm/ELBW adolescents had higher CST axial, radial, and mean diffusivities and lower M1 thickness than the comparison group. Extremely preterm/ELBW adolescents with CP had higher CST diffusivities than non‐motor‐impaired extremely preterm/ELBW adolescents. CST diffusivities correlated with M1 volume and area.InterpretationExtremely preterm/ELBW adolescents have altered CST microstructure, which is associated with CP. Furthermore, the results elucidate how CST and M1 alterations interrelate to potentially influence motor function in extremely preterm/ELBW adolescents.
Plant species variation in bottom‐up effects across three trophic levels: a test of traits and mechanisms
Authors: MOREIRA XOAQUÍN , ABDALA‐ROBERTS LUIS , HERNÁNDEZ‐CUMPLIDO JOHNATTAN , RASMANN SERGIO , KENYON SARAH G. , BENREY BETTY 
Published: July 2015

1. An increasing number of studies have addressed the mechanisms by which plant inter‐specific variation influence interactions at higher trophic levels, but little is known about the underlying plant traits driving these dynamics.2. Here we investigated the effects of host plant species on herbivore‐parasitoid interactions and the underlying traits driving such effects. For this, we measured the abundance of seed‐eating bruchids and their parasitoids across seven sympatric populations of the bean species Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus vulgaris in Central Mexico. To investigate the mechanisms underlying differences between bean species in bruchid‐parasitoid interactions, we carried out two laboratory experiments to test whether bruchid and parasitoid performance differed between plant species. We also measured seed size and phenolic compounds to investigate if seed traits mediate bruchid‐parasitoid interactions by influencing herbivore susceptibility or resistance to parasitoids.3. Field surveys revealed that the rate of parasitoid recruitment to bruchids was significantly higher on P. vulgaris than on P. coccineus. Subsequent laboratory bioassays indicated that bruchids developed more slowly and exhibited lower fitness on P. vulgaris seeds than on P. coccineus seeds. Accordingly, we found that bean species differed in seed size, with P. vulgaris having smaller (less nutritious) seeds, which explains why bruchid development was slower on this plant species.4. These results provide a mechanism for why bruchids exhibited higher parasitism rates on seeds of P. vulgaris in the field which could be due to Slow‐Growth/High‐Mortality effects, a smaller physical refuge provided by the seed, or both factors. The roles of these mechanisms remain inconclusive without further study.
Reduced thalamocortical functional connectivity in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: He Xiaosong , Doucet Gaelle E. , Sperling Michael , Sharan Ashwini , Tracy Joseph I. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectiveIn temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the thalamus is well known for its role in the propagation and spread of epileptiform activity. However, the integrity of thalamocortical functional connectivity (FC) in TLE and its relation to specific seizure patterns have not yet been determined. We address these issues with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsResting‐state fMRI was performed on two groups of unilateral TLE patients: those with focal seizures only (16 left TLE, 16 right TLE) and those with additional generalized seizures (16 left TLE, 10 right TLE), and 16 matched controls. A thalamic parcellation based on FC between five nonoverlapping cortical seeds (prefrontal, motor, somatosensory, parietal‐occipital, and temporal) and the ipsilateral thalamus was carried out to parcel each thalamus into five corresponding segments. FCs between each segment and its ipsilateral cortical seed were extracted and compared across groups using analyses of variance (ANOVAs).ResultsCompared to healthy controls, patients with TLE displayed decreased thalamocortical FC in multiple posterior and ventromedial thalamic segments of both the ictal and nonictal hemispheres. Our parcellation analysis revealed that these thalamic regions were functionally connected to the parietal/occipital and temporal lobes. In patients with TLE with focal seizures these regional thalamocortical FC decreases were limited to the ictal hemisphere. In contrast, TLE patients with both focal and generalized epileptiform activity displayed FC decreases in both the ictal and nonictal thalamus involving the dorsolateral pulvinar, a region preferentially connected to the parietal and occipital lobes.SignificanceOur data provide the first evidence of regional specific thalamocortical FC decreases in patients with unilateral TLE. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that patients with different seizure types present different thalamoparietal/occipital FC decrease patterns. While patients with focal seizures present thalamocortical FC decreases in the ictal hemisphere only, patients with additional generalized seizure activity also show thalamocortical FC decreases involving the thalamus in the nonictal hemisphere.
Increment of subcutaneous adipose tissue is associated with decrease of elastic fibres in the dermal layer
Authors: Ezure Tomonobu , Amano Satoshi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObesity is a significant risk factor for various skin disorders, including pressure ulcer and delayed wound healing. We previously showed that increment of subcutaneous adipose tissue contributes to poor skin condition by decreasing dermal elasticity. Here, we examined the mechanism involved. Histologic observation of abdominal skin from middle‐aged females with a wide range of body mass index (BMI), an indicator of subcutaneous fat mass, showed that dermal elastic fibre abundance was significantly decreased with increment of BMI. Concomitantly, adipocytes were significantly enlarged. Adipocyte enlargement was significantly negatively correlated with dermal elastic fibre abundance. We hypothesized that enlarged adipocytes negatively influence dermal elastic fibres, so we investigated elastic fibre‐degrading factors in in vitro‐cultured enlarged adipocytes. MMP9 gene expression and secretion were significantly increased; further, these changes were blocked by extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor. Nuclear translocation (activation) of AP‐1, a downstream ERK signalling molecule, was also observed in enlarged adipocytes. MMP9 abundance was significantly increased in skin of subjects with high BMI and enlarged adipocytes. These results suggest that increment of subcutaneous adipose tissue leads to adipocyte enlargement together with increased degradation of dermal elastic fibres, mediated at least in part by an ERK signalling‐mediated increase of MMP9 in enlarged adipocytes.
Ligand‐induced conformation changes drive ATP hydrolysis and function in SMARCAL1
Authors: Gupta Meghna , Mazumder Mohit , Dhatchinamoorthy Karthik , Nongkhlaw Macmillan , Haokip Dominic Thangminlen , Gourinath Samudrala , Komath Sneha Sudha , Muthuswami Rohini 
Published: July 2015

Mutations and deletions in SMARCAL1, an SWI2/SNF2 protein, cause Schimke immuno‐osseous dysplasia (SIOD). SMARCAL1 preferentially binds to DNA molecules possessing double‐stranded to single‐stranded transition regions and mediates annealing helicase activity. The protein is critical for alleviating replication stress and maintaining genome integrity. In this study, we have analysed the ATPase activity of three mutations – A468P, I548N and S579L – present in SIOD patients. These mutations are present in RecA‐like domain I of the protein. Analysis using active DNA‐dependent ATPase A domain (ADAAD), an N‐terminal deleted construct of bovine SMARCAL1, showed that all three mutants were unable to hydrolyse ATP. Conformational studies indicated that the α‐helix and β‐sheet content of the mutant proteins was altered compared to the wild‐type protein. Molecular simulation studies confirmed that major structural changes had occurred in the mutant proteins. These changes included alteration of a loop region connecting motif Ia and II. As motif Ia has been implicated in DNA binding, ligand binding studies were done using fluorescence spectroscopy. These studies revealed that the Kd for protein–DNA interaction in the presence of ATP was indeed altered in the case of mutant proteins compared to the wild‐type. Finally, in vivo studies were done to complement the in vitro and in silico studies. The results from these experiments demonstrate that mutations in human SMARCAL1 that result in loss in ATPase activity lead to increased replication stress and therefore possibly manifestation of SIOD.
The introduced species fishery of Lake Naivasha, Kenya: ecological impact vs socio‐economic benefits
Authors: Hickley P. , Britton J. R. , Macharia S. , Muchiri S. M. , Boar R. R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLake Naivasha is a shallow, freshwater lake in the eastern Rift Valley of Kenya. Its fish community now comprises only introduced species. Oreochromis spirulus niger was stocked in 1925 as a forage fish for the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, introduced in 1929 for sport fishing. Further introductions of tilapiines followed for commercial exploitation. A gillnet fishery opened in 1959, and the annual species catch composition to 2000 was dominated by Oreochromis leucostictus. Following their accidental introduction, carp Cyprinus carpio appeared in catches in 2002; by 2010, it comprised >99% of landings by weight. Carp now provides a sustainable fishery in a lake heavily impacted by anthropogenic stressors, including water abstraction and nutrient enrichment. Oreochromis niloticus was reintroduced in 2011 to reinvigorate tilapia stocks following the collapse of its stocks in the 1990s and early 2000s, and the African catfish Clarias gariepinus is now captured in small but increasing numbers. The current status of the fishery, especially the predominance of carp, presents major management challenges; these are addressed by stakeholder engagement and co‐management. The introductions have artificially created a commercial fishery that provides substantial societal benefits in a semi‐arid region of a developing country with high poverty levels.
“An Old Order Is Passing”: The Rise of Applied Learning in University-Based Teacher Education during the Great Depression
Authors: D'Amico Diana 
Published: July 2015

From the late nineteenth century through the first decades of the twentieth century, New York City housed two contrasting models of professional education for teachers. In 1870, the Normal College of the City of New York opened in rented quarters. Founded to prepare women to teach in the city's public schools, in just ten weeks the tuition-free, all-female college “filled to overflowing” with about 1,100 enrolled students. Based upon a four-year high school course approved by the city's Board of Education, the “chief purpose” of the college was to “encourage young women… to engage in the work of teaching in elementary and secondary schools.” Vocationally oriented and focused on practical skills, the Normal College stood in contrast to the School of Pedagogy at New York University and Teachers College, Columbia University founded in 1890 and 1898, respectively. The Normal College's neighbors situated their work within the academic traditions of the university. According to aSchool of Pedagogy Bulletinfrom 1912, faculty sought to,meet the needs of students of superior academic training and of teachers of experience who are prepared to study educational problems in their more scientific aspects and their broader relations.