bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of mean climate trends and climate variance on beaver survival and recruitment dynamics
Authors: Campbell Ruairidh D. , Nouvellet Pierre , Newman Chris , Macdonald David W. , Rosell Frank 
Published: May 2012

AbstractEcologists are increasingly aware of the importance of environmental variability in natural systems. Climate change is affecting both the mean and the variability in weather and, in particular, the effect of changes in variability is poorly understood. Organisms are subject to selection imposed by both the mean and the range of environmental variation experienced by their ancestors. Changes in the variability in a critical environmental factor may therefore have consequences for vital rates and population dynamics. Here, we examine ≥90‐year trends in different components of climate (precipitation mean and coefficient of variation (CV); temperature mean, seasonal amplitude and residual variance) and consider the effects of these components on survival and recruitment in a population of Eurasian beavers (n = 242) over 13 recent years. Within climatic data, no trends in precipitation were detected, but trends in all components of temperature were observed, with mean and residual variance increasing and seasonal amplitude decreasing over time. A higher survival rate was linked (in order of influence based on Akaike weights) to lower precipitation CV (kits, juveniles and dominant adults), lower residual variance of temperature (dominant adults) and lower mean precipitation (kits and juveniles). No significant effects were found on the survival of nondominant adults, although the sample size for this category was low. Greater recruitment was linked (in order of influence) to higher seasonal amplitude of temperature, lower mean precipitation, lower residual variance in temperature and higher precipitation CV. Both climate means and variance, thus proved significant to population dynamics; although, overall, components describing variance were more influential than those describing mean values. That environmental variation proves significant to a generalist, wide‐ranging species, at the slow end of the slow‐fast continuum of life histories, has broad implications for population regulation and the evolution of life histories.
Cyclin D1, E‐cadherin and beta‐catenin expression in FIGO Stage IA cervical squamous carcinoma: diagnostic value and evidence for epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Koay Mei Hui E , Crook Maxine , Stewart Colin J R 
Published: May 2012

Koay M H E, Crook M & Stewart C J R  (2012) Histopathology Cyclin D1, E‐cadherin and beta‐catenin expression in FIGO Stage IA cervical squamous carcinoma: diagnostic value and evidence for epithelial–mesenchymal transitionAims:  Immunohistochemistry is helpful in distinguishing cervical neoplastic lesions from their histological mimics, but has contributed less towards the sometimes problematic distinction of in‐situ and superficially invasive tumours. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be a mechanism of invasion in cervical neoplasia and expression of EMT‐associated proteins could prove useful in this diagnostic setting.Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical expression of cyclin D1, E‐cadherin and beta‐catenin was assessed in 22 biopsy specimens from FIGO Stage IA cervical squamous carcinomas, all of which also included foci of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, nine biopsies of CIN 3 adjacent to carcinoma, and 10 cases of CIN 3 only. Most invasive tumour cells expressed cyclin D1 and showed a reduction in E‐cadherin and beta‐catenin staining. Nuclear beta‐catenin expression was not observed. Cyclin D1 staining was reduced or showed altered distribution in most cases of CIN 3, while adhesion protein expression generally was preserved. However, altered protein expression similar to that of invasion was seen in some CIN lesions.Conclusions:  Most superficially invasive cervical squamous carcinomas show immunophenotypical changes consistent with EMT. These alterations, particularly cyclin D1 expression, may be useful diagnostically. Similar changes in CIN 3 lesions may indicate the acquisition of increased invasive potential.
Cadmium exerts its toxic effects on photosynthesis via a cascade mechanism in the cyanobacterium, Synechocystis PCC 6803
Authors: TÓTH TÜNDE , ZSIROS OTTÓ , KIS MIHÁLY , GARAB GYŐZŐ , KOVÁCS LÁSZLÓ 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTDespite intense research, the mechanism of Cd2+ toxicity on photosynthesis is still elusive because of the multiplicity of the inhibitory effects and different barriers in plants. The quick Cd2+ uptake in Synechocystis PCC 6803 permits the direct interaction of cadmium with the photosynthetic machinery and allows the distinction between primary and secondary effects. We show that the CO2‐dependent electron transport is rapidly inhibited upon exposing the cells to 40 µm Cd2+ (50% inhibition in ∼15 min). However, during this time we observe only symptoms of photosystem I acceptor side limitation and a build of an excitation pressure on the reaction centres, as indicated by light‐induced P700 redox transients, O2 polarography and changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Inhibitory effects on photosystem II electron transport and the degradation of the reaction centre protein D1 can only be observed after several hours, and only in the light, as revealed by chlorophyll a fluorescence transients, thermoluminescence and immunoblotting. Despite the marked differences in the manifestations of these short‐ and long‐term effects, they exhibit virtually the same Cd2+ concentration dependence. These data strongly suggest a cascade mechanism of the toxic effect, with a primary effect in the dark reactions.
Efficacy and safety of the interleukin‐1 antagonist rilonacept in Schnitzler syndrome: an open‐label study
Authors: Krause K. , Weller K. , Stefaniak R. , Wittkowski H. , Altrichter S. , Siebenhaar F. , Zuberbier T. , Maurer M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundSchnitzler syndrome (SchS) is a rare disease with suspected autoinflammatory background that shares several clinical symptoms, including urticarial rash, fever episodes, arthralgia, and bone and muscle pain with cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). Cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndromes respond to treatment with interleukin‐1 antagonists, and single case reports of Schnitzler syndrome have shown improvement following treatment with the interleukin‐1 blocker anakinra. This study evaluated the effects of the interleukin‐1 antagonist rilonacept on the clinical signs and symptoms of SchS.MethodsEight patients with SchS were included in this prospective, single‐center, open‐label study. After a 3‐week baseline, patients received a subcutaneous loading dose of rilonacept 320 mg followed by weekly subcutaneous doses of 160 mg for up to 1 year. Efficacy was determined by patient‐based daily health assessment forms, physician's global assessment (PGA), and measurement of inflammatory markers including C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and S100 calcium‐binding protein A12 (S100A12).ResultsTreatment with rilonacept resulted in a rapid clinical response as demonstrated by significant reductions in daily health assessment scores and PGA scores compared with baseline levels (P < 0.05). These effects, which were accompanied by reductions in CRP and SAA, continued over the treatment duration. Rilonacept treatment was well tolerated. There were no treatment‐related severe adverse events and no clinically significant changes in laboratory safety parameters.ConclusionRilonacept was effective and well tolerated in patients with SchS and may represent a promising potential therapeutic option (NCT01045772 [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier]; EudraCT #2006‐004290‐97).
Comparison of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in water pipe and cigarette smokers
Authors: BOSKABADY MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN , FARHANG LILA , MAHMODINIA MAHBOBEH , BOSKABADY MORTEZA , HEYDARI GHOLAM REZA 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  A major type of smoking in Middle Eastern countries is water pipe (WP) smoking. In the present study, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and respiratory symptoms (RS) were compared in WP smokers and deep inspiration (S‐DI) or normal inspiration (S‐NI) cigarette smokers.Methods:  Pulmonary function and RS were compared among WP smokers, deep or normal inspiration cigarette smokers, and non‐smokers.Results:  All PFT values in WP smokers and S‐DI, but only some values in S‐NI, were lower than those of non‐smokers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In addition, all PFT values in WP smokers and S‐DI were lower than the corresponding values in S‐NI, except for forced expiratory volume in 1 s and maximal expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). The prevalence of RS, except for sputum production, was greater in all three groups of smokers than in non‐smokers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). However, the severity of most RS in WP smokers and S‐DI, but only the severity of wheezing in S‐NI, was greater than that in non‐smokers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). There were inverse correlations for PFT values and positive correlations for RS, with duration and total amount of smoking (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).Conclusions:  The results from this study showed that there was a profound effect of WP smoking on PFT values and RS, which were similar to the effects of deep inspiration cigarette smoking.
Anesthesia with sevoflurane and remifentanil under spontaneous respiration assisted with high‐frequency jet ventilation for tracheobronchial foreign body removal in 586 children
Authors: Hu Sheng , Dong Hai‐long , Sun Yan‐yan , Xiong Dong‐fang , Zhang Hao‐peng , Chen Shao‐yang , Xiong Li‐ze 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackground:  Foreign body aspiration is a common life‐threatening event in young children. Tracheobronchial foreign body removal is usually performed by rigid tracheobronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Anesthetic and ventilation techniques vary greatly among anesthesiologists and institutions. In the present retrospective study, we report our anesthetic experience over 5 years. We describe complications and outcomes and analyze the clinical characteristics of anesthesia and ventilation.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed relevant clinical findings of 586 pediatric patients treated with rigid tracheobronchoscopy under general anesthesia. All procedures were performed under inhaled sevoflurane anesthesia combined with remifentanil infusion, with spontaneous respiration assisted by high‐frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) and topical airway anesthesia.Results:  Among 586 patients, the foreign body was successfully removed by rigid tracheobronchoscopy in 558 patients, and no foreign body was found in 28 patients. Laryngospasm was observed during the procedure in five patients. Hypoxemia was observed in 15 patients (2.6%). No severe complications or deaths occurred. The mean operation time was 22 min and the average hospital stay was 2 days.Conclusion:  Inhaled sevoflurane anesthesia combined with remifentanil infusion, with spontaneous respiration assisted by HFJV and topical airway anesthesia, is safe and effective for tracheobronchial foreign body removal.
Divergent selection on locally adapted major histocompatibility complex immune genes experimentally proven in the field
Authors: Eizaguirre Christophe , Lenz Tobias L. , Kalbe Martin , Milinski Manfred 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAlthough crucial for the understanding of adaptive evolution, genetically resolved examples of local adaptation are rare. To maximize survival and reproduction in their local environment, hosts should resist their local parasites and pathogens. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) with its key function in parasite resistance represents an ideal candidate to investigate parasite‐mediated local adaptation. Using replicated field mesocosms, stocked with second‐generation lab‐bred three‐spined stickleback hybrids of a lake and a river population, we show local adaptation of MHC genotypes to population‐specific parasites, independently of the genetic background. Increased allele divergence of lake MHC genotypes allows lake fish to fight the broad range of lake parasites, whereas more specific river genotypes confer selective advantages against the less diverse river parasites. Hybrids with local MHC genotype gained more body weight and thus higher fitness than those with foreign MHC in either habitat, suggesting the evolutionary significance of locally adapted MHC genotypes.
Predictors of decrease in ankle–brachial index among patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hoe J. , Koh W.‐P. , Jin A. , Sum C.‐F. , Lim S.‐C. , Tavintharan S. 
Published: May 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e304–e307 (2012)AbstractAim  Screening for peripheral arterial disease, a complication among patients with diabetes, is performed by periodic assessment of ankle–brachial index. We aimed to study the degree of ankle–brachial index change over time and factors associated with significant change.Method  We assessed difference between two ankle–brachial index measurements over time in a consecutive series of 82 patients with Type 2 diabetes. All patients had ankle–brachial index > 0.9 but ≤ 1.3 for the first measurement, and significant ankle–brachial index decrease was defined as a decrease of > 0.1 in the follow‐up measurement compared with the baseline.Results  The mean follow‐up duration was 27.6 (median 30.0) months. Significant ankle–brachial index decrease was seen in 20.7% of patients, including 5% with follow‐up ankle–brachial index of ≤ 0.9, consistent with the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. After adjusting for age and gender, higher baseline HbA1c and serum creatinine levels, increase in follow‐up serum LDL cholesterol levels compared with baseline and history of retinopathy were predictors of significant ankle–brachial index decrease.Conclusions  Our study suggests that, within two years, one in five patients with diabetes and a normal ankle–brachial index may have significant progression of peripheral arterial disease. Annual ankle–brachial index assessment and better control of hyperlipidaemia may thus be required for at‐risk patients with poor glycaemic control, renal impairment and retinopathy.
Decreased GAD65‐specific Th1/Tc1 phenotype in children with Type 1 diabetes treated with GAD‐alum
Authors: Axelsson S. , Hjorth M. , Ludvigsson J. , Casas R. 
Published: May 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1272–1278 (2012)AbstractAim  The balance between T helper cell subsets is an important regulator of the immune system and is often examined after immune therapies. We aimed to study the immunomodulatory effect of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 formulated with aluminium hydroxide (GAD‐alum) in children with Type 1 diabetes, focusing on chemokines and their receptors.Methods  Blood samples were collected from 70 children with Type 1 diabetes included in a phase II clinical trial with GAD‐alum. Expression of CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and CCR4 was analysed on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes after in vitro stimulation with GAD65 using flow cytometry, and secretion of the chemokines CCL2, CCL3 and CCL4 was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cell supernatants with Luminex.Results  Expression of Th1‐associated CCR5 was down‐regulated following antigen challenge, together with an increased CCR4/CCR5 ratio and CCL2 secretion in GAD‐alum‐treated patients, but not in the placebo group.Conclusion  Our results suggest that GAD‐alum treatment has induced a favourable immune modulation associated with decreased Th1/Tc1 phenotypes upon antigen re‐challenge, which may be of importance for regulating GAD65 immunity.
The variation of tree beta diversity across a global network of forest plots
Authors: De Cáceres Miquel , Legendre Pierre , Valencia Renato , Cao Min , Chang Li‐Wan , Chuyong George , Condit Richard , Hao Zhanqing , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Hubbell Stephen , Kenfack David , Ma Keping , Mi Xiangcheng , Supardi Noor Md. Nur , Kassim Abdul Rahman , Ren Haibao , Su Sheng‐Hsin , Sun I‐Fang , Thomas Duncan , Ye Wanhui , He Fangliang 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTAims  With the aim of understanding why some of the world's forests exhibit higher tree beta diversity values than others, we asked: (1) what is the contribution of environmentally related variation versus pure spatial and local stochastic variation to tree beta diversity assessed at the forest plot scale; (2) at what resolution are these beta‐diversity components more apparent; and (3) what determines the variation in tree beta diversity observed across regions/continents?Location  World‐wide.Methods  We compiled an unprecedented data set of 10 large‐scale stem‐mapping forest plots differing in latitude, tree species richness and topographic variability. We assessed the tree beta diversity found within each forest plot separately. The non‐directional variation in tree species composition among cells of the plot was our measure of beta diversity. We compared the beta diversity of each plot with the value expected under a null model. We also apportioned the beta diversity into four components: pure topographic, spatially structured topographic, pure spatial and unexplained. We used linear mixed models to interpret the variation of beta diversity values across the plots.Results  Total tree beta diversity within a forest plot decreased with increasing cell size, and increased with tree species richness and the amount of topographic variability of the plot. The topography‐related component of beta diversity was correlated with the amount of topographic variability but was unrelated to its species richness. The unexplained variation was correlated with the beta diversity expected under the null model and with species richness.Main conclusions  Because different components of beta diversity have different determinants, comparisons of tree beta diversity across regions should quantify not only overall variation in species composition but also its components. Global‐scale patterns in tree beta diversity are largely coupled with changes in gamma richness due to the relationship between the latter and the variation generated by local stochastic assembly processes.
Monetary Union and Pegging in the Presence of Labor Unions*
Authors: Korpos Attila 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAs the European Economic and Monetary Union grows, power over monetary policy is shifting away from the original founders. Previously, researchers have analyzed the impact of replacing an exchange‐rate peg with a monetary union in the presence of labor unions. In these studies, the authors have consistently concluded that unemployment in the country that originally controlled monetary policy will rise, although they cite very different reasons. In this paper, we present a more general model that reproduces the previous results in special cases and clarifies the relations across the results. In addition, the more general model shows that the results are reversed in certain conditions.
Falls in Newly Admitted Nursing Home Residents: A National Study
Authors: Leland Natalie E. , Gozalo Pedro , Teno Joan , Mor Vince 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between nursing home (NH) organizational characteristics and falls in newly admitted NH residents.DesignObservational cross‐sectional study from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2006.SettingNHs in the United States in 2006.ParticipantsIndividuals (n = 230,730) admitted to a NH in 2006 without a prior NH stay and with a follow‐up Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment completed 30 days or more after admission.MeasurementsThe relationship between experiencing a fall noted on the MDS assessment and NH characteristics (e.g., staffing, profit and chain status, religious affiliation, hospital‐based facility status, number of beds, presence of a special care unit, funding) was examined, adjusting for NH resident characteristics.ResultsTwenty‐one percent of this cohort (n = 47,750) had experienced at least one fall in the NH at the time of the MDS assessment, which was completed for newly admitted NH residents who had at least a 30‐day stay. NHs with higher certified nursing assistant (CNA) staffing had lower rates of falls (adjusted odds ratio = 0.97, 95% confidence interval = 0.95–0.99).ConclusionFor newly admitted NH residents, NHs with higher CNA staffing had a lower fall rate. In an effort to maximize fall prevention efforts, further research is needed to understand the relationship between CNA staffing and falls in this NH population.
Are Geriatricians More Efficient Than Other Physicians at Managing Inpatient Care for Elderly Patients?
Authors: Sorbero Melony E. , Saul Melissa I. , Liu Hangsheng , Resnick Neil M. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo compare outcomes and measures of efficiency for hospitalized elderly adults managed by geriatricians with those managed by other physicians.DesignSecondary data analysis using a system that integrates clinical and financial information for inpatient and outpatient services delivered throughout the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Propensity scores were developed based on participant sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and used to match participants based on the attending physician's specialty (geriatrician, n = 701; nongeriatrician, n = 11,549). Multivariate analyses using generalized estimating equations methods were performed.SettingTwo UPMC hospitals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.ParticipantsPatients aged 65 and older admitted in 2002 in a medical diagnosis‐related group (DRG).MeasurementsOutcomes (inpatient mortality, 30‐day mortality, readmission) and efficiency measures (length of stay, total costs, and surplus, which is the difference between hospital costs and payment received for an admission).ResultsElderly adults managed by geriatricians were significantly older (P < .001) and more likely to be male (P < .001) and had more diagnoses (P < .001). Propensity scores successfully balanced characteristics managed by the two groups. Patients of geriatricians had shorter length of stay (P < .001), lower costs per admission (P < .001), and greater surplus (P < .001) with no differences in outcomes. In multivariate analyses, there were not significant differences in outcomes, but patients of geriatricians had significantly shorter length of stay and lower costs per admission and generated more surplus for the hospitals.ConclusionGeriatricians were more efficient than other physicians in managing hospitalized elderly adults with medical DRGs frequently managed by geriatricians. This efficiency did not compromise patient outcomes.