bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blue sheep in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal: habitat use, population biomass and their contribution to the carrying capacity of snow leopards
Authors: ARYAL Achyut , BRUNTON Dianne , JI Weihong , RAUBENHEIMER David 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe Himalaya region of Nepal provides a habitat for the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its principal prey species, the blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). The aim of this study was to describe the habitat, the distribution and the population structure of blue sheep, and to estimate their contribution to the carrying capacity of snow leopard in the upper Mustang region of Nepal. Blue sheep were recorded at altitudes from 3209–5498 m on slopes with gradients of 16–60° and aspects of 40°NE to 140°SE. A total of 939 blue sheep were counted in the upper Mustang region, and 98 were counted in the Yak Kharka region of Manang district; however, upper Mustang had the lowest population density of blue sheep recorded within their distribution range in Nepal (0.86 blue sheep/km2). The results of the study show that a higher density of blue sheep is associated with greater plant species diversity. The most important species present in the blue sheep habitat wereKobresia pygmaea,Artemesiaspp.,Loniceraspp.,Lancea tibetica,Poaspp.,Astragalusspp. andEphedra gerardiana. It is estimated that the existing blue sheep population biomass of approximately 38 925 kg in the upper Mustang region could support approximately 19 snow leopards (1.6 snow leopards/100 km2).
Thromboprophylaxis prescribing and thrombotic event rates in multiple myeloma patients treated with lenalidomide or thalidomide at a specialist cancer hospital
Authors: Alexander Marliese , Teoh Khai C , Lingaratnam Senthil , Kirsa Sue , Mellor James D 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo assess thromboprophylaxis prescribing patterns against current guidelines and report thromboembolism (TE) incidence in multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with thalidomide (thal) or lenalidomide (len) at a specialist cancer hospital over a one‐year period.MethodDispensing records of thal and len, diagnosis of MM, patients’ characteristics, disease status, co‐prescribed medicines including thromboprophylaxis and incidence of TE were extracted from patients’ records and a patient survey conducted to identify patients who sourced thromboprophylactic medicines outside the hospital.ResultsEnoxaparin was most the commonly prescribed thromboprophylactic agent (43%), followed by low‐dose aspirin (26%) and therapeutic warfarin (6%). The thromboprophylactic strategy (including no prophylaxis) could not be determined for 22% of patients. TE incidence (with any thromboprophylaxis) was 9.3 and 9.1% in thal‐based and len‐based regimens, respectively.ConclusionBoth aspirin and enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis were prescribed for patients on both low‐risk and high‐risk immunomodulatory drug‐based regimens, deviating from current consensus guidelines. Treatment of comorbidities constituted the rationale for maintenance on therapeutic warfarin. Fixed low‐dose warfarin was not prescribed. TE event rates (with any thromboprophylaxis) were consistent with those reported in the literature. Documentation of a chosen strategy was lacking for nearly a quarter of patients, resulting in uncertainty of treatment plan for other members of the multidisciplinary treating team. Centers need to work towards evidence‐based institutional guidelines and improving documentation practices for thromboprophylaxis in their MM patients.
When is azoospermic infertility treatable without intracytoplasmic sperm injection?
Authors: McLachlan Robert I. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryInfertility with azoospermia requires a diligent search for reversible factors and treatment to restore natural fertility, even though most cases are due to untreatable primary spermatogenic failure and are destined to require consideration of assisted reproductive treatment (ART) options. Complete clinical and diagnostic evaluation is essential for avoiding both unnecessary ART and overlooking important co‐morbidities. Gonadotrophin deficiency is the most treatable cause, resulting from drug effects or congenital or acquired disease, and medical therapy is highly efficacious. A range of uncommon endocrinocrinopathies may also result in reversible azoospermia. Finally, obstructive azoospermia may be surgically remediable in selected cases.
Comparison of the overnight metyrapone and glucagon stimulation tests in the assessment of secondary hypoadrenalism
Authors: Cegla Jaimini , Jones Ben , Seyani Lata , Papadoulou Deborah , Wynne Katie , Martin Niamh M. , Meeran Karim , Chapman Richard , Donaldson Mandy , Goldstone Anthony P. , Tan Tricia 
Published: September 2012

SummaryObjectiveThe insulin tolerance test (ITT) is contraindicated in a proportion of patients with suspected ACTH deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the glucagon stress test (GST) compared with the overnight metyrapone test (OMT) in patients with contraindications to ITT.DesignThis was a prospective comparison of the GST to the OMT in patients with suspected ACTH deficiency and contraindications to the ITT. The OMT was used as the standard for comparison. The study was conducted at two tertiary referral centres for pituitary disease.PatientsSeventy‐eight patients underwent contemporaneous OMT and GST of whom 61 had sufficient suppression of cortisol during the OMT to be included in the comparison. Forty had suffered traumatic brain injury, 36 had organic pituitary disorders and two were classified as ‘other’.MeasurementsACTH sufficiency was defined as 0800h 11‐deoxycortisol ≥ 200 nmol/l on OMT and peak cortisol ≥ 440 nmol/l on GST, as per local reference ranges.ResultsThere was significant discrepancy between the proportion of patients diagnosed with ACTH deficiency using the OMT (39%) and GST (89%). From our data, a GST peak cortisol cut‐off of ≥350 nm provides the combination of optimal sensitivity (71%) and specificity (57%), compared with a higher sensitivity (88%) but poor specificity (11%) using a cut‐off of ≥440 nm.ConclusionsThe GST should be used with caution as a diagnostic test of ACTH reserve. The OMT should be used in preference to the GST to assess the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis where ITT is contraindicated.
Glucocorticoid treatment regimen and health outcomes in adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Han T. S. , Stimson R. H. , Rees D. A. , Krone N. , Willis D. S. , Conway G. S. , Arlt W. , Walker B. R. , Ross R. J. ,   United Kingdom Congenital adrenal Hyperplasia Adult Study Executive (CaHASE)
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundAdults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated with a wide variety of glucocorticoid treatment regimens.Objective, design and methodsTo test whether drug dose and timing of glucocorticoid treatment regimen impacts on health outcomes. This was a cross‐sectional study of 196 adult CAH patients in whom treatment and health outcomes were measured. Glucocorticoid dose was converted to prednisolone dose equivalent (PreDEq) using three published formulae. Associations between the type of glucocorticoid regimen and PreDEq with specific health outcome variables were tested using partial correlation and principal components analysis (PCA).ResultsPatients on dexamethasone had lower androgens and ACTH but greater insulin resistance compared with those receiving hydrocortisone or prednisolone. Dexamethasone dose and once daily administration were associated with insulin resistance. Partial correlation analysis adjusted for age and sex showed PreDEq weakly correlated (r < 0·2) with blood pressure and androstenedione. Mutation severity was associated with increased PreDEq (F3,141 = 4·4, P < 0·01). In PCA, 3 PCs were identified that explained 62% of the total variance (r2) in observed variables. Regression analysis (age and sex adjusted) confirmed that PC2, reflecting disease control (androstenedione, 17‐hydroxypregesterone and testosterone), and PC3, reflecting blood pressure and mutations (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mutation severity), related directly to PreDEq (r2 = 23%, P < 0·001).ConclusionsIn adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, dexamethasone use was associated with lower androgens but greater insulin resistance, and increasing glucocorticoid dose associated with increased blood pressure, poor disease control and mutation severity.
A Double‐Edged Sword with Therapeutic Potential: An Updated Role of Autophagy in Ischemic Cerebral Injury
Authors: Wei Kai , Wang Pei , Miao Chao‐Yu 
Published: September 2012

SummaryCerebral ischemia is a severe outcome that could cause cognitive and motor dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases and even acute death. Although the existence of autophagy in cerebral ischemia is undisputable, the consensus has not yet been reached regarding the exact functions and influence of autophagy in cerebral ischemia. Whether the activation of autophagy is beneficial or harmful in cerebral ischemia injury largely depends on the balance between the burden of intracellular substrate targeted for autophagy and the capacity of the cellular autophagic machinery. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the autophagy in cerebral ischemia are far from clear yet. This brief review focuses on not only the current understanding of biological effects of autophagy, but also the therapeutic potentials of autophagy in ischemic stroke. There are disputes over the exact role of autophagy in cerebral ischemia. Application of chemical autophagy inhibitor (e.g., 3‐methyladenine) or inducer (e.g., rapamycin) in vitro and in vivo was reported to protect or harm neuronal cell. Knockdown of autophagic protein, such as Beclin 1, was also reported to modulate the cerebral ischemia‐induced injury. Moreover, autophagy inhibitor abolished the neuroprotection of ischemic preconditioning, implying a neuroprotective effect of autophagy. To clarify these issues on autophagy in cerebral ischemia, future investigations are warranted.
The dynamics of death in melanoma
Authors: Vollmer Robin T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma has been recently characterized as an over‐diagnosed tumor, and some have suggested that the ‘epidemic’ in melanoma is spurious. Nevertheless, a fraction of melanoma patients continue to die of this tumor. For any tumor, the hazard function provides information about the timing and intensity of fatalities, and to examine the details of fatality in melanoma, herein the hazard functions for melanoma are derived and examined.MethodsData for this study came from the SEER data base, from AJCC data and from previously published studies of melanoma, and the hazard function was derived using the sum of two gamma functions and a nonlinear least‐squares fitting algorithm.ResultsThe derived hazard functions for melanoma peak at 1–3 years, a result that implies a form of rapidly evolving and fatal melanoma that is not consistently identified by routine prognostic factors. Yet in recent years the hazard function for all melanomas has declined suggesting that much of the epidemic in melanoma is due to non‐fatal tumors.ConclusionAnalyses of the hazard functions in a large number of melanoma patients has uncovered details about the dynamics of death that otherwise are not apparent.
Dermatopathology of the foreskin: an institutional experience of over 400 cases
Authors: West Dava S. , Papalas John A. , Selim Maria A. , Vollmer Robin T. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundDiseases of the foreskin may manifest with an array of pathologic findings, including potentially under‐recognized dermatologic conditions. Herein, we summarize an institutional experience in foreskin dermatopathology.MethodsDiagnoses rendered on foreskin specimens between 1982 and April 2009 were obtained through a computer‐based keyword search. Cases given normal, non‐specific or descriptive diagnoses were reviewed by a dermatopathologist.ResultsKeyword search yielded 414 foreskin diagnoses. Interpretations included normal foreskin (n = 131), benign lesions (n = 262) and malignant/dysplastic entities (n = 21). Of 353 cases given normal, descriptive or non‐specific diagnoses, 334 were reviewed. Of reviewed cases, 209 (63%) were given more specific diagnoses [e.g. spongiotic dermatitis (n = 115), lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA; n = 41), interface/lichenoid dermatitis (n = 26), psoriasiform dermatitis (n = 7)]. Discrepancy between the clinical and pathologic impression was frequently noted (n = 77).ConclusionsThis study shows benign inflammatory lesions represent the most frequent foreskin pathology. When possible, specific diagnoses should be rendered, as accurate classification may be of clinical importance. There is an abundance of recent literature on the role of circumcision in disease prevention, and this topic is explored. We discuss the theoretical possibility that foreskin inflammation compromises the mucosal/epithelial barrier, thus playing a role in disease transmission.
Recent decline in suitable environmental conditions for African great apes
Authors: Junker Jessica , Blake Stephen , Boesch Christophe , Campbell Geneviève , Toit Louwrens du , Duvall Chris , Ekobo Atanga , Etoga Gilles , Galat‐Luong Anh , Gamys Joel , Ganas‐Swaray Jessica , Gatti Sylvain , Ghiurghi Andrea , Granier Nicolas , Hart John , Head Josephine , Herbinger Ilka , Hicks Thurston Cleveland , Huijbregts Bas , Imong Inaoyom S. , Kuempel Noëlle , Lahm Sally , Lindsell Jeremy , Maisels Fiona , McLennan Matthew , Martinez Laura , Morgan Bethan , Morgan David , Mulindahabi Felix , Mundry Roger , N'Goran Kouamé Paul , Normand Emmanuelle , Ntongho Anne , Okon David Tiku , Petre Charles‐Albert , Plumptre Andrew , Rainey Hugo , Regnaut Sébastien , Sanz Crickette , Stokes Emma , Tondossama Adama , Tranquilli Sandra , Sunderland‐Groves Jacqueline , Walsh Peter , Warren Ymke , Williamson Elizabeth A. , Kuehl Hjalmar S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo predict the distribution of suitable environmental conditions (SEC) for eight African great ape taxa for a first time period, the 1990s and then project it to a second time period, the 2000s; to assess the relative importance of factors influencing SEC distribution and to estimate rates of SEC loss, isolation and fragmentation over the last two decades.LocationTwenty‐two African great ape range countries.MethodsWe extracted 15,051 presence localities collected between 1995 and 2010 from 68 different areas surveyed across the African ape range. We combined a maximum entropy algorithm and logistic regression to relate ape presence information to environmental and human impact variables from the 1990s with a resolution of 5 × 5 km across the entire ape range. We then made SEC projections for the 2000s using updated human impact variables.ResultsTotal SEC area was approximately 2,015,480 and 1,807,653 km2 in the 1990s and 2000s, respectively. Loss of predicted SEC appeared highest for Cross River gorillas (−59%), followed by eastern gorillas (−52%), western gorillas (−32%), bonobos (−29%), central chimpanzees (−17%) and western chimpanzees (−11%). SEC for Nigeria‐Cameroon chimpanzees and eastern chimpanzees was not greatly reduced. Except for Cross River and eastern gorillas, the number of SEC patches did not change significantly, suggesting that SEC loss was caused mainly by patch size reduction.Main conclusionsThe first continent‐wide perspective of African ape SEC distribution shows dramatic declines in recent years. The model has clear limitations for use at small geographic scales, given the quality of available data and the coarse resolution of predictions. However, at the large scale it has potential for informing international policymaking, mitigation of resource extraction and infrastructure development, as well as for spatial prioritization of conservation effort and evaluating conservation effectiveness.
Relationship of selection criteria to subsequent academic performance in an Australian undergraduate dental school
Authors: Mercer A. , Abbott P. V. , Puddey I. B. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn 1998, in addition to previous academic achievement, an aptitude test (UMAT) and a structured interview were introduced into selection for the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), the undergraduate dental course at the University of Western Australia. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the combination of school‐leaver dental students' entry scores, some demographic characteristics and subsequent student performance in the undergraduate course. Three hundred and ninety‐eight school‐leavers who enrolled in the BDSc from 1999 through 2011 were studied. Regression models were constructed comprising entry scores, gender and age as predictors in relation to subsequent academic performance. The main outcome measure was the weighted average mark (WAM) for each of five academic year levels as well as results in specific units, defined as either ‘knowledge’ based or ‘clinically’ based. Of the variables studied, previous academic performance and female gender had the strongest relationship with yearly WAM for Years 1 through 4 and for both ‘knowledge’ based and ‘clinically’ based units. The interview score showed a strong relationship in the major clinical years and in a range of ‘clinically’ based units. UMAT scores were less consistent in relationship to WAM. These results support assessment through a highly structured interview together with prior academic achievement as an evidence‐based approach to selection of students for this undergraduate dental course.
Emergent effects of multiple predators on prey survival: the importance of depletion and the functional response
Authors: McCoy Michael W. , Stier Adrian C. , Osenberg Craig W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe combined effects of multiple predators often cannot be predicted from their independent effects. Emergent multiple predator effects (MPEs) include risk enhancement, where combined predators kill more prey than predicted by their individual effects, and risk reduction, where fewer prey are killed than predicted. Current methods for detecting MPEs are biased because they assume linear functional responses and/or no prey depletion. As a result, past studies overestimated the occurrence of risk enhancement for additive designs, and tended to overestimate the occurrence of risk reduction for substitutive designs. Characterising the predators' functional responses and accounting for prey depletion reduces biases in detection, estimation, interpretation and generalisation of the emergent effects of predator diversity on prey survival. These findings have implications beyond MPE's and should be considered in all studies aimed at understanding how multiple factors combine when demographic rates are density dependent.
Methane emissions from rice paddies natural wetlands, lakes in China: synthesis new estimate
Authors: Chen Huai , Zhu Qiu'an , Peng Changhui , Wu Ning , Wang Yanfen , Fang Xiuqin , Jiang Hong , Xiang Wenhua , Chang Jie , Deng Xiangwen , Yu Guirui 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSources of methane (CH4) become highly variable for countries undergoing a heightened period of development due to both human activity and climate change. An urgent need therefore exists to budget key sources of CH4, such as wetlands (rice paddies and natural wetlands) and lakes (including reservoirs and ponds), which are sensitive to these changes. For this study, references in relation to CH4 emissions from rice paddies, natural wetlands, and lakes in China were first reviewed and then reestimated based on the review itself. Total emissions from the three CH4 sources were 11.25 Tg CH4 yr−1 (ranging from 7.98 to 15.16 Tg CH4 yr−1). Among the emissions, 8.11 Tg CH4 yr−1 (ranging from 5.20 to 11.36 Tg CH4 yr−1) derived from rice paddies, 2.69 Tg CH4 yr−1 (ranging from 2.46 to 3.20 Tg CH4 yr−1) from natural wetlands, and 0.46 Tg CH4 yr−1 (ranging from 0.33 to 0.59 Tg CH4 yr−1) from lakes (including reservoirs and ponds). Plentiful water and warm conditions, as well as its large rice paddy area make rice paddies in southeastern China the greatest overall source of CH4, accounting for approximately 55% of total paddy emissions. Natural wetland estimates were slightly higher than the other estimates owing to the higher CH4 emissions recorded within Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau peatlands. Total CH4 emissions from lakes were estimated for the first time by this study, with three quarters from the littoral zone and one quarter from lake surfaces. Rice paddies, natural wetlands, and lakes are not constant sources of CH4, but decreasing ones influenced by anthropogenic activity and climate change. A new progress‐based model used in conjunction with more observations through model‐data fusion approach could help obtain better estimates and insights with regard to CH4 emissions deriving from wetlands and lakes in China.
Prevention of influenza among travellers attending at a UK travel clinic: beliefs and perceptions. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Masuet‐Aumatell Cristina , Toovey Stephen , Zuckerman Jane N. 
Published: September 2012

Please cite this paper as: Masuet‐Aumatell et al. (2012) Prevention of influenza among travellers attending at a UK travel clinic: beliefs and perceptions. A cross‐sectional study. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 574–583.Background  Travellers’ compliance with measures to prevent influenza through the use of antivirals and influenza vaccine remains very poor despite influenza being one of the commonest travel and vaccine‐preventable diseases. A study was undertaken to assess travellers’ beliefs, perceptions and intentions to take antivirals for the treatment and prevention of influenza during the H1N1 pandemic.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey (n = 96) of travellers who attended the Royal Free Travel Health Centre, London, UK was undertaken in September 2009. A self‐administered questionnaire was completed by a traveller in advance of their pre‐travel health consultation. Logistic regression identified variables independently associated with compliance.Results  Influenza vaccination uptake for the 5 years preceding the study was found to be 20·8%. This was statistically significantly higher for older travellers and those with underlying health conditions (P < 0·005). Mean intention to comply with antiviral drugs on a preventive and therapeutic basis was 58% and 72%, respectively, and this varied markedly with age and with dispensed antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.Conclusion  This study identifies some beliefs and perceptions travellers consider with regard to the therapeutic and preventive influenza use of antivirals during the H1N1 pandemic; it underscores the importance of travellers receiving hemisphere appropriate influenza vaccination. The external validity of these study findings requires further corroboration involving other travel clinics and different cohorts of travellers during seasonal activity or outbreaks of influenza. These findings could guide the development of future strategies for the prevention of influenza in travellers.