bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferring causal factors for a declining population of bottlenose dolphins via temporal symmetry capture–recapture modeling
Authors: Currey Rohan J. C. , Dawson Stephen M. , Schneider Karsten , Lusseau David , Boisseau Oliver J. , Haase Patti A. , Slooten Elisabeth 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe applied temporal symmetry capture–recapture (TSCR) models to assess the strength of evidence for factors potentially responsible for population decline in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand from 1995 to 2008. Model selection was conducted to estimate recruitment and population growth rates. There were similar levels of support for three different models, each reflecting distinct trends in recruitment. Modeling yielded low overall estimates of recruitment (0.0249, 95% CI: 0.0174–0.0324) and population growth rate (0.9642, 95% CI: 0.9546–0.9737). The TSCR rate of population decline was consistent with an estimate derived from trends in abundance (lambda = 0.9632, 95% CI: 0.9599–0.9665). The TSCR model selection confirmed the influence of a decline in the survival of calves (<1 yr old) since 2002 for population trends. However, TSCR population growth rates did not exceed 1 in any year between 1995 and 2008, indicating the population was declining prior to 2002. A separate reduction in juvenile survival (1–3 yr old) prior to 2002 was identified as a likely contributing factor in the population decline. Thus, TSCR modeling indicated the potential cause of the population decline in Doubtful Sound: cumulative impacts on individuals <3 yr old resulting in a reduced recruitment.
Comparative anatomy and evolutionary history of suction feeding in cetaceans
Authors: Johnston Cassie , Berta Annalisa 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSome odontocetes possess unique features of the hyolingual apparatus that are involved in suction feeding. The hyoid bone and associated musculature generates rapid, piston‐like retraction, and depression of the hyoid and tongue. “Capture” suction feeders (e.g., Globicephala) use suction for capturing and swallowing prey. “Combination” feeders (i.e., Lagenorhynchus) use both raptorial feeding (to capture prey) and suction (to ingest prey). In “capture” suction feeders, features of the hyoid and skull have been attributed to creating suction (i.e., large surface area and mandibular bluntness). In addition to odontocetes, a mysticete, the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), is considered a benthic suction feeder. However, anatomical studies of purported suction‐feeding structures of the gray whale are lacking. In addition, few studies have utilized evolutionary approaches to understand the history of suction feeding in cetaceans. This study incorporates quantitative and qualitative hyoid and cranial data from 35 extant and 14 extinct cetacean species into a multivariate principal component analysis and comparative phylogenetic analyses. Conclusions from these analyses are that some commonly attributed features (i.e., ventral throat grooves and mandibular bluntness) and one principal component are significantly correlated with suction feeding. Finally, ancestral state reconstructions indicate that suction feeding likely evolved once, early in cetacean evolutionary history.
The Nature and Timing of Specific Copy Number Changes in the Course of Molecular Progression in Diffuse Gliomas: Further Elucidation of Their Genetic “Life Story”
Authors: Jeuken Judith W.M. , Sijben Angelique , Bleeker Fonnet E. , Boots‐Sprenger Sandra H.E. , Rijntjes Jos , Gijtenbeek Johanna M.M. , Mueller Wolf , Wesseling Pieter 
Published: September 2010

AbstractUp till now, typing and grading of diffuse gliomas is based on histopathological features. However, more objective tools are needed to improve reliable assessment of their biological behavior. We evaluated 331 diffuse gliomas for copy number changes involving 1p, 19q, CDKN2A, PTEN and EGFR(vIII) by Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA®, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Specifically based on the co‐occurrence of these aberrations we built a model for the timing of the different events and their exact nature (hemi‐ → homozygous loss; low‐level gain → (high‐copy) amplification) in the course of molecular progression. The mutation status of IDH1 and TP53 was also evaluated and shown to correlate with the level of molecular progression. The relevance of the proposed model was confirmed by analysis of 36 sets of gliomas and their 39 recurrence(s) whereas survival analysis for anaplastic gliomas confirmed the actual prognostic relevance of detecting molecular malignancy. Moreover, based on our results, molecular diagnostic analysis of 1p/19q can be further improved as different aberrations were identified, some of them being indicative for advanced molecular malignancy rather than for favorable tumor behavior. In conclusion, identification of molecular malignancy as proposed will aid in establishing a risk profile for individual patients and thereby in therapeutic decision making.
Influence of Variation in Eumelanin Content on Absorbance Spectra of Liquid Skin‐like Phantoms
Authors: Smit Jacoba E. , Grobler Anne F. , Sparrow Raymond W. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe attenuation behavior of two different types of skin‐like phantoms representing the range of Fitzpatrick skin Types I–VI was investigated and compared with real human skin. Intralipid (IL) and Pheroid™ artificial lipid membrane vesicles, respectively, were added to synthetic eumelanin concentrations ranging from 0.0044 to 0.13 mg mL−1 to produce skin‐like phantoms. Spectrophotometric absorbance and transmittance measurements were performed. Results indicated some of the nonmonotonic trends observed in real human skin, albeit shifted more toward the visible wavelength range. There exists, however, an underlying difference in interaction between the melanin and the Pheroid™ and IL skin‐like phantoms.
Roflumilast: clinical benefit in patients suffering from COPD
Authors: Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Calverley Peter Michael Anthony 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground and aims:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and is characterised by persistent airway inflammation, which leads to impaired airway function, quality of life and intermittent exacerbations. In spite of recent advances in the treatment of COPD, new treatment options for COPD are clearly necessary.The oral phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) inhibitor roflumilast represents a new class of drugs that has shown efficacy and acceptable tolerability in preclinical and short‐term clinical studies in patients with COPD.Methods and results:  The available long‐term clinical studies reviewed here suggest that the clinical efficacy of roflumilast is likely because of the suppression of airway inflammation and not through bronchodilation. Furthermore, the clinical studies have shown a modest improvement in airway function, including FEV1, and a reduction in frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations, as well as a positive effect on several patient‐reported outcomes. The clinical benefit of roflumilast appears to be greatest in patients with more symptomatic and severe disease who experience exacerbations. The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal events, primarily diarrhoea, nauseas and weight loss.Conclusion:  Roflumilast is beneficial for maintenance treatment of patients with severe and symptomatic COPD and with a history of frequent acute exacerbations as an add‐on to treatment with long‐acting bronchodilators. It may have a role as an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids in more symptomatic COPD patients with frequent exacerbations, although direct comparisons are currently lacking.Please cite this paper as: Ulrik CS and Calverley PMA. Roflumilast: clinical benefit in patients suffering from COPD. Clin Respir J 2010; 4: 197–201.
Clinical relevance of SKP2 alterations in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Rose Amy E. , Wang Guimin , Hanniford Douglas , Monni Stefano , Tu Ting , Shapiro Richard L. , Berman Russell S. , Pavlick Anna C. , Pagano Michele , Darvishian Farbod , Mazumdar Madhu , Hernando Eva , Osman Iman 
Published: September 2010

SummaryIn this study, we investigated the mechanism(s) of altered expression of protooncogene SKP2 in metastatic melanoma and its clinical relevance in patients with metastatic melanoma. The genomic status of SKP2 was assessed in cell lines by sequencing, single nucleotide polymorphism array, and genomic PCR. Copy number status was then evaluated for concordance with SKP2 mRNA and protein expression. SKP2 protein was further evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 93 human metastatic tissues. No mutations were identified in SKP2. Increased copy number at the SKP2 locus was observed in 6/14 (43%) metastatic cell lines and in 9/22 (41%) human metastatic tissues which was associated with overexpression of SKP2 protein. Overexpression of SKP2 protein in human tissues was associated with worse survival in a multivariate model controlling for the site of metastasis. Copy number gain is a major contributing mechanism of SKP2 overexpression in metastatic melanoma. Results may have implications for the development of therapeutics that target SKP2.
Psychiatric morbidity among children in North Aceh district (Indonesia) exposed to the 26 December 2004 tsunami
Authors: Wiguna Tjhin , Guerrero Anthony P.S. , Kaligis Fransiska , Khamelia Malik 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroduction: The aim of the study was to ascertain, using available data from the Bio‐psychosocial Program for children, psychiatric morbidity and specific diagnoses among youths in North Aceh in the year after the tsunami disaster.Methods: All youths (n=2,135) who participated in the program were included in the study and screened in two phases. They were first administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ); those with positive scores were then clinically interviewed by a psychiatrist, who then provided a diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fourth edition) (DSM‐IV).Results: Subjects ranged in age from 4 to 18 years. Female‐to‐male ratio was 1:1.5. 98.1% of subjects were directly exposed to the trauma. There were significantly higher percentages (P<0.05) of abnormal total SDQ scores among trauma‐exposed youths (52.3% among 4 to 10‐year‐olds and 46.5% among 11 to 18‐year‐olds, compared with youths in the non‐trauma‐exposed group (8% among 4 to 10‐year‐old children and 12% among 11 to 18‐year‐old adolescents. Clinical interviews revealed that 8.94% of the trauma‐exposed youths met criteria for any mental disorder. Among youths with DSM‐IV diagnoses, the most common diagnoses were post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 24.6% of total diagnoses among 4 to 10‐year‐olds and 35.6% among 11 to 18‐year‐olds), followed by depressive disorders.Discussion: Consistent with our hypotheses, youths directly exposed to the trauma demonstrated more psychiatric difficulties and higher rates of psychiatric diagnoses, most notably PTSD. Also, compared to younger children, adolescents and older children exposed to the trauma appeared to have higher rates of psychiatric disorders. In the face of disasters – natural or otherwise – further research is needed on optimal prevention of child and adolescent psychiatric morbidity.
International Climate Policy after Copenhagen: Towards a ‘Building Blocks’ Approach
Authors: Falkner Robert , Stephan Hannes , Vogler John 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis article reviews the options for future international climate policy after the 2009 Copenhagen conference. It argues that a major reassessment of the current approach to building a climate regime is required. This approach, which we refer to as the ‘global deal’ strategy, is predicated on the idea of negotiating a comprehensive, universal and legally binding treaty that prescribes, in a top‐down fashion, generally applicable policies based on previously agreed principles. From a review of the history of the ‘global deal’ strategy from Rio (1992) to Kyoto (1997) and beyond we conclude that this approach has been producing diminishing returns for some time, and that it is time to consider an alternative path – if not goal – for climate policy. The alternative that, in our view, is most likely to move the world closer towards a working international climate regime is a ‘building blocks’ approach, which develops different elements of climate governance in an incremental fashion and embeds them in an international political framework. In fact, this alternative is already emergent in international politics. The goal of a full treaty has been abandoned for the next climate conference in Mexico, which is instead aiming at a number of partial agreements (on finance, forestry, technology transfer, adaptation) under the UNFCCC umbrella. For this to produce results, a more strategic approach is needed to ensure that – over time – such partial elements add up to an ambitious and internationally coordinated climate policy which does not drive down the level of aspiration and commitment.Policy Implications The current approach to negotiating a comprehensive, universal and legally binding ‘global deal’ on climate change is unlikely to succeed. A strategic rethink is needed on how to advance global climate protection in the current global political and economic environment. An alternative approach is the ‘building blocks’ strategy, which develops different elements of climate governance in an incremental fashion and embeds them in a broader political framework. In fact, such an approach is already emergent in post‐Copenhagen international climate politics. The building blocks approach offers the hope of breaking the current diplomatic stalemate but remains a second best scenario. It promises no swift, short‐term solutions, risks strengthening the logic of free‐riding and may lead to excessive regulatory fragmentation. A more strategic, long‐term vision is required for the building blocks model to lead to the creation of an ambitious international architecture for climate protection and prevent the slide into a purely decentralised, ‘bottom‐up’ approach.
Campylobacter spp. in Broiler Flocks at Farm Level and the Potential for Cross‐Contamination During Slaughter
Authors: Ellerbroek L. I. , Lienau J.‐A. , Klein G. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryScreening of broiler flocks for their Campylobacter carriage on farm level and consequently the spread of Campylobacter spp. during slaughtering can help to identify hygiene control points. Therefore, between December 2001 and August 2002 in total 51 broiler flocks from three farms of different geographical regions in Germany were analysed for thermophilic Campylobacter. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 45% of the broiler flocks examined. Subsequently, 1101 samples were taken from 22 flocks during different stages of processing. Samples were collected from: transport crates before and after cleaning/disinfection, evisceration, post‐scalded and post‐chilled carcasses and endproducts. Additionally, 45 selected Campylobacter isolates of droppings were genotyped by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Campylobacter carriage of flocks showed seasonal variation, with the highest contamination rate during the period of June to August. No evidence was found for a horizontal transmission from one broiler flock to the next via a persistent house‐contamination. In each positive flock, one to three different genotypes were found. One or two clones dominated isolations obtained from the farm level. The fact that in different flocks indistinguishable isolates of clonal origin were detected during the same rearing period suggested a transmission between the broiler flocks or an intermittent common external source. In one case, isolates of clonal origin were detected in various farms during different rearing periods. Sampling during processing confirmed that the entrance of a positive flock resulted in contamination of the abattoir environment. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from all sampling stages along the processing line, with a percentage of 91.1–100 of isolates at different stages of slaughtering.
Seroepidemiologic Survey for Coxiella burnetii Among Hospitalized US Troops Deployed to Iraq*
Authors: Anderson A. D. , Baker T. R. , Littrell A. C. , Mott R. L. , Niebuhr D. W. , Smoak B. L. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryQ fever is a zoonotic illness which frequently has a non‐specific clinical presentation. Cases among deployed US military personnel have been reported in increasing numbers indicating an emerging at‐risk occupational group. Banked serum specimens were utilized to estimate seroprevalence and risk factors among military personnel deployed to Iraq. Coxiella burnetii antibody testing was performed and epidemiologic data were analysed from 909 servicemembers. The overall number who seroconverted to Q fever was 88 (10%). The most common ICD‐9 code assigned to Q fever cases was fever not otherwise specified (NOS) (45%). A combat occupational specialty was a risk factor for Q fever seroconversion (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8) as well as receiving a primary diagnosis of fever NOS (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6–4.1).These findings indicate that Q fever is a significant infectious disease threat to military personnel deployed to Iraq. A heightened awareness among physicians is necessary to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of clock gene mPer2 promotes liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Chen Peng , Han Zheyi , Yang Ping , Zhu Lin , Hua Zichun , Zhang Jianfa 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The clock gene mPer2 controls circadian periods and plays a critical role in clock resetting and responses to drugs of abuse. Mice deficient in mPer2 exhibit a marked susceptibility to acute liver injury. Clinical observations have demonstrated the existence of a relationship between circadian rhythm and liver cirrhosis. Here, we sought direct evidence for clock function to liver fibrosis using mPer2‐deficient mice.Methods:  Hepatic fibrosis was induced in wild‐type (WT) and mPer2−/− mice by repetitive intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection. Masson trichrome staining and analysis of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) immunohistochemistry were performed to show the collagen accumulation and the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, respectively. The mRNA levels of fibrosis‐related genes were monitored by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The protein level of TIMP‐1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. Transferase deoxytidyl uridine end labeling, α‐SMA double staining and 4′,6′‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride staining were performed to show HSC apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, respectively.Results:  CCl4 caused much more severe liver fibrosis and activated more HSC in mPer2 null mice as compared to WT animals. Meanwhile, mPer2 null mice exhibited less efficiency in fibrosis resolution. Apoptotic HSC were significantly fewer in mPer2 null mice compared with WT mice after CCl4; transfected Per2 cDNA into cultured HSC resulted in more HSC apoptosis with upregulation of TRAIL‐R2/DR5 expression.Conclusion:  Loss of clock gene mPer2 predisposes liver fibrosis by increasing HSC activation and inhibiting HSC apoptosis.
Reliability and validity of splenic volume measurement by 3‐D ultrasound
Authors: Hidaka Hisashi , Nakazawa Takahide , Wang Guoqin , Kokubu Shigehiro , Minamino Tsutomu , Takada Juichi , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Okuwaki Yusuke , Watanabe Masaaki , Shibuya Akitaka , Koizumi Wasaburo 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  We prospectively evaluated the reliability and validity of splenic volume with 3‐D ultrasound measurement and clarified its clinical usefulness.Methods:  Thirty healthy volunteers and 30 patients with cirrhosis were included in this study. All 3‐D ultrasound examinations of splenic volumes were performed twice by two experienced sonographers with transabdominal ultrasound using virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL). Reliability was confirmed among all subjects by evaluating within‐observer repeatability and between‐observer reproducibility using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots. Overall between‐instrument agreement of the measurements and computed tomography (CT) volumetry among cirrhotic patients were performed to determine validity.Results:  For all 240 examinations, 3‐D ultrasound visualization and measurement of the spleen volume was possible. Mean spleen volume was 104.0 mL for the volunteers and 283.5 mL for the cirrhotic patients. The repeatability was high, with ICC (95% confidence interval) of 0.996 (0.993–0.997) for observer A and 0.997 (0.994–0.998) for observer B. Moreover, the interobserver ICC was 0.996, indicating high reproducibility. Despite the difference in volume between the volunteers and cirrhotic patients, sensitivity analyses indicated consistent results for both groups. Regarding the validity of the 3‐D ultrasound measurement, it also showed moderate to high agreement with CT volumetry, with mean ICC of 0.922 and 0.924 for observers A and B, respectively. The reliability and validity results from the Bland–Altman plots were similar to those from the ICC, with limits of agreement consistently narrow from a clinically practical view.Conclusion:  3‐D ultrasound measurements using VOCAL are valid and reliable in spleen volume examinations.
Impact of early elevation of serum bilirubin during treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ishigami Masatoshi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Katano Yoshiaki , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Hemolytic anemia is a well‐known adverse effect of interferon and ribavirin combination treatment. Herein, we analyzed the impact of early elevation of serum bilirubin level as a marker for predicting severe anemia during treatment.Methods:  We studied 245 chronic hepatitis C patients who received pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination treatment, and divided them using two different threshold levels: (i) elevation of total bilirubin of 0.5 mg/dL or more within 1 week of starting treatment; and (ii) drop of hemoglobin (Hb) by 3 g/dL or more within 4 weeks of starting treatment. We compared the dynamics in each group and then investigated independent factors for predicting a severe Hb drop (≥3 g/dL) at 4 weeks after beginning treatment and dose reduction of ribavirin.Results:  Total bilirubin levels at 1 week were significantly higher in patients with a Hb drop of 3 g/dL or more as compared to those with a drop of less than 3 g/dL (P < 0.0001). Hb levels at 4 weeks were significantly lower in the group of 0.5 mg/dL or more increase of total bilirubin levels than in the group with a less than 0.5 mg/dL increase (P < 0.0001). Therefore, elevation of total bilirubin after 1 week of treatment was shown to be an independent factor for predicting severe Hb drop (≥3 g/dL) at 4 weeks (P < 0.0001), and dose reduction of ribavirin during treatment (P = 0.0321).Conclusion:  Early elevation of serum bilirubin level was found to be a possible predictive marker of both a severe drop of Hb in the early phase of treatment and dose reduction of ribavirin.