bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Edge effects shape the spatial distribution of lianas and epiphytic ferns in Australian tropical rain forest fragments
Authors: Magrach Ainhoa , Rodríguez‐Pérez Javier , Campbell Mason , Laurance William F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractQuestionIn fragmented forests, edge effects lead to changes in the distribution of plant species. In particular, tropical forest edges are increasingly dominated by lianas. Will this increase in lianas lead to changes in their interactions with other plant morphological groups? If so, will this alter the local distributions and abundance of other species?LocationPlots located at increasing distances from the nearest forest edge and in remnant fragments of rain forest in the Atherton Tablelands, far northeast Queensland, Australia.MethodsWe mapped the distribution of trees, lianas and epiphytic ferns to better understand the role of forest disturbance in shaping their competitive and facilitative interactions. We then used specific spatial point‐process analyses to examine the effects of the spatial distribution of trees on the presence and abundance of lianas and epiphytic ferns.ResultsTree aggregation near forest edges was lower than that in the interior. The higher abundance of lianas near edges was associated with increased spatial segregation between lianas and epiphytic ferns. This segregation suggests there is competition between these two functional groups, and that lianas, being much more abundant, probably outcompete epiphytic ferns.ConclusionsThe ability of lianas to thrive in disturbed tropical rain forests appears to reduce the abundance of epiphytic ferns, probably via direct competition for space. Epiphytic ferns provide unique microclimates and harbour much biodiversity, and their decline could negatively affect many animals and plants that rely upon them.
From lists of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to structured hierarchies: Comparison of two methods of developing a hierarchy of BCTs
Authors: Cane James , Richardson Michelle , Johnston Marie , Ladha Ruhina , Michie Susan 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesBehaviour change technique (BCT) Taxonomy v1 is a hierarchically grouped, consensus‐based taxonomy of 93 BCTs for reporting intervention content. To enhance the use and understanding of BCTs, the aims of the present study were to (1) quantitatively examine the ‘bottom‐up’ hierarchical structure of Taxonomy v1, (2) identify whether BCTs can be reliably mapped to theoretical domains using a ‘top‐down’ theoretically driven approach, and (3) identify any overlap between the ‘bottom‐up’ and ‘top‐down’ groupings.Methods and designThe ‘bottom‐up’ structure was examined for higher‐order groupings using a dendrogram derived from hierarchical cluster analysis. For the theory‐based ‘top‐down’ structure, 18 experts sorted BCTs into 14 theoretical domains. Discriminant Content Validity was used to identify groupings, and chi‐square tests and Pearson's residuals were used to examine the overlap between groupings.ResultsBehaviour change techniques relating to ‘Reward and Punishment’ and ‘Cues and Cue Responses’ were perceived as markedly different to other BCTs. Fifty‐nine of the BCTs were reliably allocated to 12 of the 14 theoretical domains; 47 were significant and 12 were of borderline significance. Thirty‐four of 208 ‘bottom‐up’ × ‘top‐down’ pairings showed greater overlap than expected by chance. However, only six combinations achieved satisfactory evidence of similarity.ConclusionsThe moderate overlap between the groupings indicates some tendency to implicitly conceptualize BCTs in terms of the same theoretical domains. Understanding the nature of the overlap will aid the conceptualization of BCTs in terms of theory and application. Further research into different methods of developing a hierarchical taxonomic structure of BCTs for international, interdisciplinary work is now required.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Behaviour change interventions are effective in improving health care and health outcomes.

The ‘active’ components of these interventions are behaviour change techniques and over 93 have been identified.

Taxonomies of behaviour change techniques require structure to enable potential applications.

What does this study add?

This study identifies groups of BCTs to aid the recall of BCTs for intervention coding and design.

It compares two methods of grouping – ‘bottom‐up’ and theory‐based ‘top‐down’ – and finds a moderate overlap.

Building on identified BCT groups, it examines relationships between theoretical domains and BCTs.
The Link Between Middle School Mathematics Course Placement and Achievement
Authors: Domina Thurston 
Published: May 2014

The proportion of eighth graders in United States public schools enrolled in algebra or a more advanced mathematics course doubled between 1990 and 2011. This article uses Early Childhood Longitudinal Study's Kindergarten Cohort data to consider the selection process into advanced middle school mathematics courses and estimate the effects of advanced courses on students’ mathematics achievement (n = 6,425; mean age at eighth grade = 13.7). Eighth‐grade algebra and geometry course placements are academically selective, but considerable between‐school variation exists in students’ odds of taking these advanced courses. While analyses indicate that advanced middle school mathematics courses boost student achievement, these effects are most pronounced in content areas closely related to class content and may be contingent on student academic readiness.
Interleukin (IL)-17A, F and AF in inflammation: a study in collagen-induced arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sarkar S , Justa S , Brucks M , Endres J , Fox D A , Zhou X , Alnaimat F , Whitaker B , Wheeler J C , Jones B H , Bommireddy S R 
Published: May 2014

SummaryInterleukin (IL)-17 plays a critical role in inflammation. Most studies to date have elucidated the inflammatory role of IL-17A, often referred to as IL-17. IL-17F is a member of the IL-17 family bearing 50% homology to IL-17A and can also be present as heterodimer IL-17AF. This study elucidates the distribution and contribution of IL-17A, F and AF in inflammatory arthritis. Neutralizing antibody to IL-17A alone or IL-17F alone or in combination was utilized in the mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model to elucidate the contribution of each subtype in mediating inflammation. IL-17A, F and AF were all increased during inflammatory arthritis. Neutralization of IL-17A reduced the severity of arthritis, neutralization of IL-17A+IL-17F had the same effect as neutralizing IL-17A, while neutralization of IL-17F had no effect. Moreover, significantly higher levels of IL-17A and IL-17F were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in comparison to patients with osteoarthritis (OA). IL-17A and AF were detected in synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMC) in RA and OA, with IL-17A being significantly higher in RA patients. Enriched CD3+ T cells from RA PBMCs produced singnificantly high levels of IL-17A and IL-17AF in comparison to OA peripheral blood CD3+ T cells. IL-17A, F and AF were undetectable in T cells from SFMCs from RA and OA. While IL-17A, F, and AF were all induced during CIA, IL-17A played a dominant role. Furthermore, production of IL-17A, and not IL-17F or IL-17AF, was elevated in PBMCs, SFMCs and enriched peripheral blood CD3+ T in RA.
Linking Indices for Biodiversity Monitoring to Extinction Risk Theory
Authors: MCCARTHY MICHAEL A. , MOORE ALANA L. , KRAUSS JOCHEN , MORGAN JOHN W. , CLEMENTS CHRISTOPHER F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBiodiversity indices often combine data from different species when used in monitoring programs. Heuristic properties can suggest preferred indices, but we lack objective ways to discriminate between indices with similar heuristics. Biodiversity indices can be evaluated by determining how well they reflect management objectives that a monitoring program aims to support. For example, the Convention on Biological Diversity requires reporting about extinction rates, so simple indices that reflect extinction risk would be valuable. We developed 3 biodiversity indices that are based on simple models of population viability that relate extinction risk to abundance. We based the first index on the geometric mean abundance of species and the second on a more general power mean. In a third index, we integrated the geometric mean abundance and trend. These indices require the same data as previous indices, but they also relate directly to extinction risk. Field data for butterflies and woodland plants and experimental studies of protozoan communities show that the indices correlate with local extinction rates. Applying the index based on the geometric mean to global data on changes in avian abundance suggested that the average extinction probability of birds has increased approximately 1% from 1970 to 2009.Conectando Índices para el Monitoreo de la Biodiversidad con la Teoría de Riesgo de Extinción
The dramatic increase in the rate of methylisothiazolinone contact allergy in Belgium: a multicentre study
Authors: Aerts Olivier , Baeck Marie , Constandt Lieve , Dezfoulian Bita , Jacobs Marie‐Claude , Kerre Stefan , Lapeere Hilde , Pierret Lauranne , Wouters Kristien , Goossens An 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe rate of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis caused by methylisothiazolinone (MI) is dramatically increasing throughout Europe.ObjectivesTo report on methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/MI and MI allergy in Belgium.Patients and methodsBetween January 2010 and December 2012, the medical charts of 6599 patients of the Belgian Contact and Environmental Dermatitis Group were retrospectively reviewed for MCI/MI and MI sensitization by use of a standardized questionnaire. Available data on sensitization in 2081 patients tested in 2013 were also included.ResultsIn 2012, the sensitization rate for MCI/MI had increased to 4.5% and that for MI to 6.0%; the latter showed a further increase to 7.2% in 2013. The people mainly affected were women with a median age of 49 years with hand and/or facial dermatitis, most often resulting from the use of cosmetics. Simultaneous reactions to octylisothiazolinone were observed.ConclusionA dramatic increase in the rate of contact allergy caused by MI in cosmetics is occurring in Belgium. Notwithstanding the recent recommendation to discontinue the use of MI in leave‐on cosmetics, safer use concentrations should also be determined for rinse‐off products. Close monitoring of MI sensitization in the near future will be necessary, and the highest test concentrations reported for MI and MCI/MI should be included in the baseline series.
Integrin αvβ5 as a biomarker for the assessment of non‐small cell lung cancer metastasis and overall survival
Authors: Bai Sally Yan , Xu Nuo , Chen Cuicui , Song Yuan‐lin , Hu Jie , Bai Chun‐xue 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground and AimThere is growing interest in how integrins play a role in cancer disease biology and what applications these may have in anti‐cancer therapeutic development. This study investigates integrin αvβ5 expression in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and its correlations with clinical information.MethodsTumor human tissue microarrays of 147 radically operated Chinese NSCLC patients were retrieved from the pathology archive, and sections were autoimmune stained along with positive and negative controls. Integrin αvβ5 (P1F6) mouse monoclonal antibody were validated by both Western blotting and immunoreactivity on the same set of cell pellets, according to a precedent of expression levels in cell flow cytometry. The immunoreactivity of all patients’ cases against integrin αvβ5 antibody was graded in a semi‐quantitative manner by two pathologists blind to any patient data.ResultsOverall survival significantly correlated to integrin αvβ5 immunoreactivity by Cox regression analysis with P = 0.032. When applying Kaplan–Meier to analyze the comparison between positive and negative expression on lymph node metastasis patients, P = 0.082. Therefore, integrin αvβ5 expression emerges as a significant prognostic factor for NSCLC. In total, 39 of 147 (26.5%) showed an integrin αvβ5 immunoreactivity positive, as it ranged from 6.1% in squamous cell carcinoma to 19.7% in adenocarcinoma. This expression correlated significantly with histological subtypes (P = 0.007), tumor node metastasis classification of malignant tumors (P = 0.027) and lymph node metastases (P = 0.006).ConclusionThis study support the hypothesis that integrin αvβ5 is a prognostic biomarker and correlates to metastasis with therapeutic development potential in NSCLC.
Large non‐functioning parathyroid cysts: our institutional experience of a rare entity and a possible pitfall in thyroid cytology
Authors: Rossi E. D. , Revelli L. , Giustozzi E. , Straccia P. , Stigliano E. , Lombardi C. P. , Pontecorvi A. , Fadda G. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveLarge non‐functioning parathyroid cysts represent a rare entity with a benign clinical course. They may be misdiagnosed as thyroid cystic neoplasms on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), resulting in inappropriate surgical treatment. We evaluated our institutional experience in the diagnosis of large parathyroid cystic lesions underlining all the differential diagnoses and pitfalls.MethodsIn the period between 1998 and 2012, we reported the cytology of eight large (>2.5 cm) parathyroid cystic lesions (all female patients) with histological control. The aspirations were performed with a 25‐gauge needle with ultrasonographic guidance. The aspirated material was processed with liquid‐based cytology (LBC). All the patients had normal serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium.ResultsThe cytological samples showed a fluid watery component without colloid and few or absent epithelial cells. The resulting negativity for thyroglobulin and positivity for PTH, carried out on the cystic fluids, suggested parathyroid lesions rather than either thyroid cystic lesions (including follicular thyroid neoplasm) or cystic malignant lesions. All the patients underwent surgery without complications.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is one of the largest series with cytohistological evaluation of large parathyroid cysts. The incidence of large parathyroid cysts remains controversial as most patients are asymptomatic. FNAC may be performed with conclusive results in the majority of cystic cases. The detection of PTH and calcium on the cystic liquid is likely to achieve a correct cytological diagnosis, allowing adequate treatment and ruling out a more frequent thyroid lesion.
Modern wound care – practical aspects of non‐interventional topical treatment of patients with chronic wounds
Authors: Dissemond Joachim , Augustin Matthias , Eming Sabine A. , Goerge Tobias , Horn Thomas , Karrer Sigrid , Schumann Hauke , Stücker Markus 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe treatment of patients with chronic wounds is becoming increasingly complex. It was therefore the aim of the members of the working group for wound healing (AGW) of the German Society of Dermatology (DDG) to report on the currently relevant aspects of non‐interventional, topical wound treatment for daily practice. ­Beside necessary procedures, such as wound cleansing and débridement, we describe commonly used wound dressings, their indications and practical use. Modern antiseptics, which are currently used in wound therapy, usually contain polyhexanide or octenidine. Physical methods, such as negative‐pressure treatment, are also interesting options. It is always important to objectify and adequately treat pain symptoms which often affect these patients. Modern moist wound therapy may promote healing, reduce complications, and improve the quality of life in patients with chronic wounds. Together with the improvement of the underlying causes, modern wound therapy is an important aspect in the overall treatment regime for patients with chronic wounds.
Non‐melanoma skin cancer is reduced after switch of immunosuppression to mTOR‐inhibitors in organ transplant recipients
Authors: Alter Mareike , Satzger Imke , Schrem Harald , Kaltenborn Alexander , Kapp Alexander , Gutzmer Ralf 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundOrgan transplant recipients are prone to the development of non‐melanoma skin cancer. Organ transplant recipients often develop multiple non‐melanoma skin cancers and the tumors show an aggressive growth pattern, therefore surgical therapy can be difficult. Switch of the immunosuppressive regimen to mTOR‐inhibitors such as everolimus or sirolimus can have an antitumor effect.Patients and MethodsIn a monocentric retrospective study we evaluated organ transplant recipients who presented with non‐melanoma skin cancer in the years 2008–2010. Experience with patients who were switched to an mTOR‐inhibitor due to non‐melanoma skin cancer are reported in detail, and recent clinical studies are reviewed.Results60 organ transplant recipients with non‐melanoma skin cancer were evaluated. Due to the development of multiple non‐melanoma skin cancer within a few years, the immunosuppressive regimen was switched to everolimus in 7 patients and to sirolimus in 5 patients. Eight patients were evaluable for the effect of mTOR‐inhibitors on the development of non‐melanoma skin cancer; 4 patients had to discontinue the medication with mTOR‐inhibitors early due to various side effects. In the year before the switch to mTOR‐inhibitors, 8 patients developed 16 squamous cell carcinomas, 3 Basal cell carcinomas and 22 cases of Bowen's disease. All tumors were histologically confirmed. In the year after switch of immunosuppression, the rate of squamous cell carcinomas (n = 2) and Bowen's disease (n = 3), but not of basal cell carcinomas (n = 2) was significantly reduced. Moreover, 5 prospective randomized trials recently have demonstrated a reduced number of non‐melanoma skin cancers in organ transplant recipients after switch of the immunosuppressive regimen to mTOR‐inhibitors.ConclusionSwitch of the immunosuppressive regimen to mTOR‐inhibitors should be considered for organ transplant recipients suffering from multiple non‐melanoma skin cancers.
The Right to Health and Medicines: The Case of Recent Multilateral Negotiations on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property
Authors: Velasquez German 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe negotiations of the intergovernmental group known as the ‘IGWG’, undertaken by the Member States of the WHO, were the result of a deadlock in the World Health Assembly held in 2006 where the Member States of the WHO were unable to reach an agreement on what to do with the 60 recommendations in the report on ‘Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights submitted to the Assembly in the same year by a group of experts designated by the Director General of the WHO. The result of these negotiations was the ‘Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property’ which was approved by the World Health Assembly in 2008. The intention of the Global Strategy and Plan of Action (GSPOA) which was produced by the IGWG was to substantially reform the pharmaceuticals' research and development system in view of the findings that this system, whose purpose is to produce medicines for diseases which affect the greater part of the world population which lives in developing countries, had failed. The intellectual property rights imposed by the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the recent trade agreements could become one of the main obstacles to access to medicines. The GSPOA makes a critical analysis of this reality, and opens the door to searching for new solutions to this problem.
Association between skeletal muscle fat content and very‐low‐density lipoprotein‐apolipoprotein B‐100 transport in obesity: effect of weight loss
Authors: Chan D. C. , Gan S. K. , Wong A. T. Y. , Barrett P. H. R. , Watts G. F. 
Published: May 2014

AimsEctopic deposition of fat in skeletal muscle is a feature of metabolic syndrome, but its specific association with very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL)‐apolipoprotein (apo) B‐100 metabolism remains unclear.MethodsWe examined the association between skeletal muscle fat content and VLDL‐apoB‐100 kinetics in 25 obese subjects, and the responses of these variables to weight loss. The fat contents of liver, abdomen and skeletal muscle were determined by magnetic resonance imaging, and VLDL‐apoB‐100 kinetics were assessed using stable isotope tracers.ResultsIn obese subjects who were insulin sensitive (homeostasis model assessment, HOMA, score ≤ 2.6, n = 12), skeletal muscle fat content was significantly associated with hepatic fat content (r = 0.636), energy intake (r = 0.694), plasma triglyceride (r = 0.644), apoB‐100 (r = 0.529), glucose (r = 0.622), VLDL‐apoB‐100 concentrations (r = 0.860), VLDL‐apoB‐100 fractional catabolic rate (FCR; r = −0.581) and VLDL‐apoB‐100 secretion rate (r = 0.607). These associations were not found in obese subjects who were insulin resistant (HOMA score >2.6, n = 13). Of these 25 subjects, 10 obese subjects underwent a 16‐week weight loss program. The low‐fat diet achieved significant reduction (p < 0.05) in body weight, visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, liver and skeletal muscle fat, energy intake, triglyceride, insulin, HOMA score, VLDL‐apoB100 concentrations and VLDL‐apoB100 secretion rate. The percentage reduction of skeletal muscle fat with weight loss was significantly associated with the corresponding changes in VLDL‐apoB100 concentration (r = 0.770, p = 0.009) and VLDL‐apoB‐100 secretion (r = 0.682, p = 0.030).ConclusionsSkeletal muscle fat content is associated with VLDL‐apoB‐100 transport. Weight loss lowers skeletal muscle fat and VLDL‐apoB‐100 secretion.
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography of a Supracristal Ventricular Septal Defect Associated with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Théron Alexis , Obadia Benjamin , Bonnet Guillaume , Pinto Johan , Mace Loïc , Collart Frederic 
Published: May 2014

Mini‐AbstractA 21‐year‐old man was referred to our department for surgical treatment of a nonrestrictive supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD) associated with a Sievers' type 0 bicuspid aortic valve (type 0, ap, I) (BAV). Cardiac catheterization revealed a significant left‐to‐right ventricular shunt (Qp/Qs 3:1) with pulmonary hypertension. Surgical intervention was performed to close the VSD through the pulmonary artery trunk using a Gore‐Tex patch. Live 3D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed before and after the intervention. We compared the live 3DTTE features with the surgical findings.