bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can we derive macroecological patterns from primary Global Biodiversity Information Facility data?
Authors: García‐Roselló Emilio , Guisande Cástor , Manjarrés‐Hernández Ana , González‐Dacosta Jacinto , Heine Juergen , Pelayo‐Villamil Patricia , González‐Vilas Luis , Vari Richard P. , Vaamonde Antonio , Granado‐Lorencio Carlos , Lobo Jorge M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimTo determine whether the method used to build distributional maps from raw data influences the representation of two principal macroecological patterns: the latitudinal gradient in species richness and the latitudinal variation in range sizes (Rapoport's rule).LocationWorld‐wide.MethodsAll available distribution data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) for those fish species that are members of orders of fishes with only marine representatives in each order were extracted and cleaned so as to compare four different procedures: point‐to‐grid (GBIF maps), range maps applying an α‐shape [GBIF‐extent of occurrence (EOO) maps], the MaxEnt method of species distribution modelling (GBIF‐MaxEnt maps) and the MaxEnt method but restricted to the area delimited by the α‐shape (GBIF‐MaxEnt‐restricted maps).ResultsThe location of hotspots and the latitudinal gradient in species richness or range sizes are relatively similar in the four procedures. GBIF‐EOO maps and most GBIF‐MaxEnt‐maps provide overestimations of species richness when compared with those present in a priori well‐surveyed cells. GBIF‐EOO maps seem to provide more reasonable world macroecological patterns. MaxEnt can erroneously predict the presence of species in environmentally similar cells of another hemisphere or in other regions that lie outside the range of the species. Limiting this overpredictive capacity, as in the case of GBIF‐MaxEnt‐restricted maps, seems to mimic the frequency of observations derived from a simple point‐to‐grid procedure, with the utility of this procedure consequently being limited.Main conclusionsIn studies of macroecological patterns at a global scale, the simple α‐shape method seems to be a more parsimonious option for extrapolating species distributions from primary data than are distribution models performed indiscriminately and automatically with MaxEnt. GBIF data may be used in macroecological patterns if original data are cleaned, autocorrelation is corrected and species richness figures do not constitute obvious underestimations. Efforts therefore should focus on improving the number and quality of records that can serve as the source of primary data in macroecological studies.
Effect of NAPL Source Morphology on Mass Transfer in the Vadose Zone
Authors: Petri Benjamin G. , Fučík Radek , Illangasekare Tissa H. , Smits Kathleen M. , Christ John A. , Sakaki Toshihiro , Sauck Carolyn C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe generation of vapor‐phase contaminant plumes within the vadose zone is of interest for contaminated site management. Therefore, it is important to understand vapor sources such as non‐aqueous‐phase liquids (NAPLs) and processes that govern their volatilization. The distribution of NAPL, gas, and water phases within a source zone is expected to influence the rate of volatilization. However, the effect of this distribution morphology on volatilization has not been thoroughly quantified. Because field quantification of NAPL volatilization is often infeasible, a controlled laboratory experiment was conducted in a two‐dimensional tank (28 cm × 15.5 cm × 2.5 cm) with water‐wet sandy media and an emplaced trichloroethylene (TCE) source. The source was emplaced in two configurations to represent morphologies encountered in field settings: (1) NAPL pools directly exposed to the air phase and (2) NAPLs trapped in water‐saturated zones that were occluded from the air phase. Airflow was passed through the tank and effluent concentrations of TCE were quantified. Models were used to analyze results, which indicated that mass transfer from directly exposed NAPL was fast and controlled by advective‐dispersive‐diffusive transport in the gas phase. However, sources occluded by pore water showed strong rate limitations and slower effective mass transfer. This difference is explained by diffusional resistance within the aqueous phase. Results demonstrate that vapor generation rates from a NAPL source will be influenced by the soil water content distribution within the source. The implications of the NAPL morphology on volatilization in the context of a dynamic water table or climate are discussed.
A clinicotherapeutic analysis of Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis with an emphasis on the predictive value and accuracy of SCORe of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Bansal Shuchi , Garg Vijay K. , Sardana Kabir , Sarkar Rashmi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe SCORTEN scale (SCORe of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) is widely used to predict mortality in patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Although it is largely a useful tool, the predictive ability of the scale is variable, and modifications to the existing scale have been suggested. In addition, there is controversy regarding the roles of active therapy and conservative management.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess outcomes in SJS/TEN patients managed conservatively and to analyze the predictive performance of SCORTEN.MethodsSixty patients were studied prospectively from October 2008 to September 2011. The accuracy of SCORTEN in predicting mortality was analyzed on days 1, 3, and 5 of admission. All patients were managed conservatively.ResultsThe discriminative power of SCORTEN was acceptable, being best on day 5. The agreement between actual and predicted mortality was poor, as indicated by a low P‐value of the Hosmer–Lemeshow statistic. Only three parameters (heart rate, blood urea, and serum bicarbonate) were found to be significant on multivariate analysis, and all of these represented components within the original SCORTEN scale. The mortality rate was 16.7%. All deaths occurred within the first two weeks (8–12 days).ConclusionsSerial analysis using SCORTEN is better than analysis performed only on day 1. Although the scale is largely useful, its performance is influenced by the demographic profile of the study population; minor modifications based on the population studied may increase the predictive accuracy of the original SCORTEN. In addition, conservative management is a valid therapeutic option, is preferable to treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants, and is highly recommended.
Treatment outcomes in a cohort of patients with mucosal‐predominant pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Ojaimi S. , O'Connor K. , Lin M. W. , Schifter M. , Fulcher D. A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundPemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune blistering condition. Treatment typically combines corticosteroids with another immunosuppressive agent, such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or rituximab.AimThis study aims to compare these second agents for their clinical efficacy and steroid‐sparing effect.MethodsThis was a single‐centre, retrospective observational cohort study of 21 patients with oral PV over a 6‐year period, 18 of whom were newly diagnosed. Of the latter, the first 13 were initially given azathioprine, progressing to MMF and then rituximab on treatment failure, while the next five patients started directly on MMF.ResultsOf the 13 newly diagnosed patients, 2/13 were intolerant of azathioprine, and only 1/11 was controlled, with a median time to treatment failure (MTTF) of 254 days. MMF was given to 17 patients, either de novo (5) or after azathioprine (12), and was significantly more effective, controlling activity in 4/17 patients, and for a significantly longer time (MTTF 395 days, P = 0.019). All 13 patients failing MMF received rituximab, seven required a second dose, and three, a third dose. All patients responded, with 11/13 able to cease steroids. Control was maintained for a similar time to MMF (MTTF 364 days, P = NS). Rituximab also had the best steroid‐sparing effect followed by MMF, then azathioprine. Side‐effects were common with azathioprine, while the other two agents were well tolerated.ConclusionRituximab was the most effective of the three immunosuppressives for PV, although repeat dosing was frequently required. These observations have significant implications for the choice of drugs for this condition.
National social protection policies in West Africa: A comparative analysis
Authors: Pino Ariel , Confalonieri Anna Maria Badini 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe West African States recognize the importance of social protection and its dual social and economic function; a perspective that coincides fully with the topic of this special issue on Dynamic Social Security. Between 2007 and 2013 theses States developed national social protection policies, strategies or action plans and are now engaged in their implementation. This article reviews these national social protection policies (or strategies) in ten countries in the sub‐region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal and Togo) and presents their contents, revealing a similarity of approach in the development of policies. Specifically, after having carried out a diagnostic study of social protection in their respective countries, the States followed seven distinct stages: defining a national vision, defining precisely what is meant by social protection, laying down the principles on which policies were to be based and finally setting out the general objectives, key areas and mechanisms for implementing and financing their national social protection policies. Following these stages, this comparative study seeks to outline the main trends and key elements of the national social protection policies and bring out best practices to provide a basic structure and general guidelines for developing a national social protection policy, implementing a social protection floor and promoting access to higher levels of protection.
Bias in the Determination of Zr, Y and Rare Earth Element Concentrations in Selected Silicate Rocks by ICP‐MS when Using Some Routine Acid Dissolution Procedures: Evidence from the GeoPT Proficiency Testing Programme
Authors: Potts Philip J. , Webb Peter C. , Thompson Michael 
Published: December 2014

The analytical results for the modified river sediment, SdAR‐1 circulated in Round 31 of the GeoPT proficiency testing programme, revealed unexpected discrepancies for Zr, Y and most higher atomic number rare earth elements, in determinations made by ICP‐MS using acid attack digestion methods. This investigation compares these ICP‐MS results with those obtained for SdAR‐1 by three other methods: (a) ICP‐MS using fusion/sintering for sample digestion, (b) XRF analysis and (c) INAA. The distribution of results for the elements Rb, Sr, Ce, Y, Yb and Zr is examined and compared with those of the test material for Round 25 of GeoPT, Paraná basalt, HTB‐1. A substantial proportion (though not all) of Y, Yb and Zr determinations in SdAR‐1 by ICP‐MS/acid attack was variably low (sometimes very low) compared with other methods. A detailed evaluation of the procedures used to determine these results indicated that successful determinations by ICP‐MS/acid attack could be made if digestions were made at 180 °C for 48 hr using at least 2 ml HF per 100 mg of sample. We suggest that the more benign conditions (used by many laboratories) resulted in incomplete digestion of resistant minerals, such as zircon.
Perceptions, experiences and needs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Duck Annette , Spencer Lisa G. , Bailey Simon , Leonard Colm , Ormes Jennifer , Caress Ann‐Louise 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsTo understand the perceptions, needs and experiences of patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease, with a mean life expectancy similar to some forms of cancer of 2–4 years from diagnosis. Unlike the cancer literature, which is rich with studies exploring the needs of their disease group, few publications exist on patient needs with this severe fibrotic lung disease.DesignA Qualitative study which took place between 2007–2012.MethodsSeventeen patients with a multidisciplinary team confirmed diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, with moderate to advanced disease severity and six of their informal carers were interviewed. An interview topic guide was developed by the researchers and service user group. The interviews were audio‐recorded, semi‐structured and took place at a regional respiratory and lung transplant centre in North West England. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data analysed using Framework Analysis.FindingsThree main themes were identified: ‘Struggling to get a diagnosis’; ‘Loss of the life I previously had’; and ‘Living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis’. Patients reported struggling to get a diagnosis and coping with a life‐limiting, rapidly progressive illness with no good treatment and few support structures.ConclusionsThere is an urgent need for a better understanding of the difficulties faced by people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and their carers. This can be used to develop better supportive care in the United Kingdom and ultimately improve the quality of life of these patients.
Five‐Year Outcomes of Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: BUNCH T. JARED , MAY HEIDI T. , BAIR TAMI L. , JACOBS VICTORIA , CRANDALL BRIAN G. , CUTLER MICHAEL , WEISS J. PETER , MALLENDER CHARLES , OSBORN JEFFREY S. , ANDERSON JEFFREY L. , DAY JOHN D. 
Published: December 2014

Catheter Ablation and Long‐Term OutcomesBackgroundCatheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established therapy for symptomatic patients. The long‐term efficacy and impact of catheter ablation among patients with severe systolic heart failure (SHF) requires additional study to understand if outcomes achieved at 1 year are maintained and mechanisms of AF recurrence.MethodsThree groups with SHF and 5 years of follow‐up were matched 1:4:4 by age (±5 years) and sex: AF ablation patients receiving their first ablation (n = 267), AF patients that did not receive an ablation (n = 1,068), and SHF patient without AF (n = 1,068). SHF was based upon clinical diagnosis and an ejection fraction (EF) ≤35%. Patients were followed for 5‐year primary outcomes of AF recurrence, heart failure, stroke, death, and cardiac function.ResultsAt 5 years, 60.7% of patients had clinical recurrence of AF. Diabetes and a prior heart attack were significant predictors of long‐term risk of AF recurrence. Long‐term mortality rates were 27%, 55%, 50%, in the AF ablation, AF, and no AF groups, respectively (P < 0.0001), with the lower rates attributed to lower cardiovascular mortality. At 5 years, there was no difference in EF, yet HF hospitalizations were lower following AF ablation compared to patients with AF and no ablation. Stroke rates at 5 years trended to be lower in the AF ablation group, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionRecurrence rates of AF in patients with SHF after ablation are common at 5 years with an anticipated ongoing increase. Long‐term AF‐related comorbidities tended to be less in the AF ablation group.
ASPP2 enhances Oxaliplatin (L‐OHP)‐induced colorectal cancer cell apoptosis in a p53‐independent manner by inhibiting cell autophagy
Authors: Shi Ying , Han Yue , Xie Fang , Wang Anna , Feng Xiaokun , Li Ning , Guo Hongliang , Chen Dexi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInactivation of p53‐mediated cell death pathways is a central component of cancer progression. ASPP2 (apoptosis stimulated protein of p53‐2) is a p53 binding protein that specially stimulates pro‐apoptosis function of p53. Down‐regulation of ASPP2 is observed in many human cancers and is associated with poor prognosis and metastasis. In this study, ASPP2 was found to enhance L‐OHP‐induced apoptosis in HCT116 p53−/− cells in a p53‐independent manner. Such apoptosis‐promoting effect of ASPP2 was achieved by inhibiting autophagy. Further experiments with ASPP2 RNA interference and autophagy inhibitor (3‐methyladenine, 3‐MA) confirmed that ASPP2 enhanced HCT116 p53−/− cell apoptosis via inhibiting the autophagy. The association of cell death and autophagy was also found in ASPP2+/− mice, where colon tissue with reduced ASPP2 expression displayed more autophagy and less cell death. Finally, colorectal tumours and their adjacent normal tissues from 20 colorectal cancer patients were used to examine ASPP2 expression, p53 expression and p53 mutation, to understand their relationships with the patients' outcome. Three site mutations were found in p53 transcripts from 16 of 20 patients. ASPP2 mRNA expressions were higher, and autophagy level was lower in the adjacent normal tissues, compared with the tumour tissues, which was independent of both p53 mutation and expression level. Taken together, ASPP2 increased tumour sensitivity to chemotherapy via inhibiting autophagy in a p53‐independent manner, which was associated with the tumour formation, suggesting that both p53 inactivation and ASPP2 expression level were involved in the sensitivity of colorectal cancer to chemotherapy.
Practical Problems with Medication Use that Older People Experience: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Notenboom Kim , Beers Erna , van Riet‐Nales Diana A. , Egberts Toine C. G. , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , Jansen Paul A. F. , Bouvy Marcel L. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo identify the practical problems that older people experience with the daily use of their medicines and their management strategies to address these problems and to determine the potential clinical relevance thereof.DesignQualitative study with semistructured face‐to‐face interviews.SettingA community pharmacy and a geriatric outpatient ward.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling people aged 70 and older (N = 59).MeasurementsParticipants were interviewed at home. Two researchers coded the reported problems and management strategies independently according to a coding scheme. An expert panel classified the potential clinical relevance of every identified practical problem and associated management strategy using a 3‐point scale.ResultsTwo hundred eleven practical problems and 184 management strategies were identified. Ninety‐five percent of the participants experienced one or more practical problems with the use of their medicines: problems reading and understanding the instructions for use, handling the outer packaging, handling the immediate packaging, completing preparation before use, and taking the medicine. For 10 participants, at least one of their problems, in combination with the applied management strategy, had potential clinical consequences and 11 cases (5% of the problems) had the potential to cause moderate or severe clinical deterioration.ConclusionOlder people experience a number of practical problems using their medicines, and their strategies to manage these problems are sometimes suboptimal. These problems can lead to incorrect medication use with clinically relevant consequences. The findings pose a challenge for healthcare professionals, drug developers, and regulators to diminish these problems.
A systematic review of behavioural interventions to increase maternal calcium intake
Authors: Jung Mary E. , Stork Matthew J. , Stapleton Jessica , Bourne Jessica E. , Martin Ginis Kathleen A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPregnancy and lactation are a time when adequate calcium consumption is essential for the development of the fetus and to ensure the health of the mother. Over 50% of Canadian women of childbearing and rearing age fail to meet the recommended daily intake of calcium. Identification of effective behavioural intervention strategies for increasing calcium intake is needed within this specific population. This paper brings together all published behavioural interventions designed to increase calcium consumption in pregnant, lactating or post‐partum mothers in a systematic review. Relevant studies were obtained through searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library with no date restrictions. Studies were evaluated using previously published criteria for evaluating calcium behaviour change interventions. This systematic literature review identified five behavioural calcium interventions conducted within this population. Three interventions aimed to improve overall dietary behaviours, the fourth aimed to promote breastfeeding (including increasing calcium consumption) and the fifth aimed to increase daily servings of yoghurt. Only one of the five interventions yielded large effect sizes, with a mean change of 954 mg of calcium per day post‐intervention. The number of behavioural change techniques did not appear to be related to intervention efficacy. Only one study used a theoretical framework to guide the intervention. This review highlights the lack of research examining behaviour change interventions aimed at increasing calcium consumption in pregnant, lactating and post‐partum women and provides practical suggestions for researchers wishing to intervene with this population in the future.
The mosquitoAnopheles(Cellia)oreiossp. n., formerly species 6 of theAustralasianAnopheles farauticomplex, and a critical review of its biology and relation to disease
Authors: BANGS M. J. , TAAI K. , HOWARD T. M. , COOK S. , HARBACH R. E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSpecies 6 of theAustralasianAnopheles farautisibling species complex (Diptera:Culicidae) is described and formally namedAnopheles oreiosBangs &Harbach, sp. n. Adult, pupal and fourth‐instar larval specimens collected in theBaliemValley,PapuaProvince,Indonesia, are characterized and compared with those ofAnopheles farauti,Anopheles hinesorum,Anopheles irenicusandAnopheles torresiensis(formerly informally denoted as species 1, 2, 7 and 3, respectively). The variable wings of adult females, the male genitalia, the pupa and the fourth‐instar larva ofAn. oreiosare illustrated andDNAsequence data are included for regions coding for sections of the mitochondrialCOIandCOIIgenes. The biology ofAn. oreiosand its relation to malaria transmission are discussed in detail and contrasted with the biology and disease relations of some members of theAn. farautiandAnopheles punctulatussibling species complexes.