bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D deficiency and changes in serum vitamin D levels with treatment among tuberculosis patients in South Korea
Authors: KOO HYEON‐KYOUNG , LEE JI SUN , JEONG YUN JEONG , CHOI SUN MI , KANG HYO JAE , LIM HYO‐JEONG , JEONG INA , PARK JONG SUN , LEE SANG‐MIN , YANG SEOK‐CHUL , YOO CHUL‐GYU , KIM YOUNG WHAN , HAN SUNG‐KOO , YIM JAE‐JOON 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be associated with the development of active tuberculosis (TB), but many discrepancies exist among studies. The aims of this study were to compare the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in a Korean population of TB patients and control subjects, and to monitor the changes in vitamin D levels during TB treatment.Methods:  Patients with newly diagnosed TB were prospectively enrolled. In addition, healthy volunteers or patients with diseases other than TB were enrolled as controls. Baseline serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) levels were measured in both groups and compared. In the TB patients, measurements of serum 25‐OHD were repeated 1 month after the initiation of treatment and again after completion of treatment.Results:  In total, 116 patients with TB and 86 control subjects were recruited. The median 25‐OHD concentration was not different in TB patients at diagnosis (13.9 ng/mL; interquartile range (IQR) 8.80–21.8) compared with control subjects (13.2 ng/mL; IQR 9.6–19.3) (P = 0.97). The frequency of vitamin D deficiency (≤10 ng/mL) was also not different in TB patients (36.2%) compared with controls (27.3%) (P = 0.21). In TB patients, the median 25‐OHD concentration decreased significantly during treatment, to 12.5 ng/mL at 1 month and 11.0 ng/mL on completion of treatment (P = 0.01).Conclusions:  Vitamin D levels do not appear to be associated with the development of TB in the Korean population. The median 25‐OHD concentration decreased after treatment for TB.
Physiological dormancy in seeds of two endemic species of Begonia from Yunnan Province, China: diagnosis and classification
Authors: HU XIAO‐JIAN , YANG LI‐HUA , GUAN KAI‐YUN 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWith the purpose of assessing the status of dormancy in seeds of two Begonia species (Begonia lithophila and Begonia guishanensis), freshly matured seeds were given gibberellic acid and moist chilling and allowed to dry after ripening. The seeds were then germinated on media with or without KNO3 at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 18/25°C. All three treatments significantly increased germination percentages. Examination by X‐ray revealed that seeds of both species have a fully developed embryo and thus have no morphological component of dormancy; seeds readily imbibed water and KNO3 solution. Therefore, we conclude that seeds of the two Begonia species have non‐deep physiological dormancy. Although KNO3 significantly increased germination in both species, alternating temperatures did not, suggesting that the most favorable microhabitat for germination is small‐scale disturbances under the forest canopy.
Effects of climatic factors on Fallopia japonica s.l. seedling establishment: evidence from laboratory experiments
Authors: FUNKENBERG TIM , RODERUS DAVID , BUHK CONSTANZE 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe highly invasive Fallopia complex (Fallopia japonica s.l., Fallopia japonica var. japonica, Fallopia sachalinensis and the hybrid Fallopia × bohemica) is known to spread primarily vegetatively by rhizomes and stem fragments in its adventive range. Sexual reproduction has rarely been shown in Europe, despite a high production of germinable seeds. To elucidate this contradiction the aim of the present study was to determine which environmental conditions prevent seed germination or seedling establishment. Several laboratory experiments were conducted focusing on water and light supply as well as the influence of frost. According to morphological and cytological analyses of the parental plants paired with morphological analyses of the seedlings, the seeds used for these experiments were assumed to belong predominantly to the hybrid Fallopia × bohemica. Laboratory experiments revealed that seedling establishment is hampered by severe drought or strong late frost, which are, however, rare events in the study region and could not be crucial in explaining the rarity of seedlings in the field. We discuss the possible role of weather conditions that might lead to a loss of seeds or seedlings under field conditions and include a comparison of several other cited studies carried out in the adventive range of Fallopia japonica s.l. that observed either the presence or the absence of Fallopia seedlings in the field.
Coexistence of two congeneric tree species of Lauraceae in a secondary warm‐temperate forest on Miyajima Island, south‐western Japan
Authors: YAMASAKI NOZOMI , YAMADA TOSHIHIRO , OKUDA TOSHINORI 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe analyzed the spatial distributions of two congeneric tree species, Neolistea aciculata and Neolistea sericea (Lauraceae), in a warm‐temperate forest on Miyajima Island, south‐western Japan. Both species were mainly found in valley sites on the island. Hence, these species shared the same topographic habitat niche. However, we found a clear difference between the spatial distributions of the two species in relation to the light environment. Neolistea aciculata was predominantly found in stands with low light, such as beneath the canopy of dense evergreen broadleaved forest. In contrast, N. sericea was predominantly associated with ample light, such as in secondary Pinus densiflora forest. In stands with moderate light conditions, both species were found. This habitat niche segregation in relation to light conditions presumably allows the coexistence of these two species in the predominantly successional forest on Miyajima Island.
Current status of pharmacotherapy against metastatic renal cell carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Wada Yoshihiro , Takahashi Wataru , Kawano Yoshiaki , Eto Masatoshi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSo far, metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been one of the most treatment‐resistant cancers. The extensive use of cytokines, such as interferon‐α and interleukin‐2, were carried out for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying renal cell carcinoma have led to the development of molecular target‐based drugs, which were desperately awaited for a long time, and now two types of molecular target‐based drugs are available. Two vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and two mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have been approved and available in Japan. The molecular target‐based drugs have unique and characteristic adverse events, whose profile are not well understood in Japanese patients, because most of the clinical trials were carried out in Europe and America. In contrast, immunotherapy is being reconsidered in the selection of more appropriate patients or as a combined treatment form with other drugs, because of few complete responses obtained and unexpected adverse events by molecular targeted treatments. We have several molecular targeted‐drugs available at present and will have more, and we will actually use these drugs in various clinical settings, such as the presurgical setting, the adjuvant setting, sequential administration and combined administration, in addition to cytokines. Therefore, we need more elaborate studies to obtain the optimal treatment methods to maximize the effect of such agents to extend overall survival while maintaining quality of life of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. In this article, we reviewed the issues related to the current status of pharmacotherapy available for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Solitary fibrous tumor arising slowly in the vulva over 10 years: Case report and review
Authors: Taki Mana , Baba Tsukasa , Mandai Masaki , Suzuki Ayako , Mikami Yoshiki , Matsumura Noriomi , Konishi Ikuo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSolitary fibrous tumor (SFT), which was first described as a pleural lesion by Klemperer and Rabin in 1931, is a rare, slow‐growing neoplasm characterized by the proliferation of fibroblast‐like spindle cells arranged in a patternless manner with few nuclear atypia. Extrathoracic SFT have increasingly been recognized, but those in the genital tract are extremely rare. Gynecological SFT behave as tumors with low malignant potential to recur, metastasize, or affect nearby organs resulting in infertility. We report a case of vulvar SFT slowly growing for 10 years, and propose a strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological SFT.
Carbon ion radiotherapy for recurrent malignant transformation from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary
Authors: Ito Yumiko , Morikawa Shigehiko , Kato Shingo , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Nawa Akihiko , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMature cystic teratoma (MCT) is the most common tumor of the ovary; malignant transformation (MT) of squamous cell carcinoma is a rare disorder. A 78‐year‐old woman with stage IIc MT‐MCT (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]) underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy; there was residual tumor in the pelvis. The patient was treated with six courses of paclitaxel and carboplatin, but the recurrent tumor grew. The patient was then treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT). The recurrent tumor shrank and the patient has been free of clinical disease for 53 months. CIRT can be considered as a treatment for recurrent MT‐MCT.
Malignant transformation arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: A report of six cases
Authors: Ulker Volkan , Numanoglu Ceyhun , Akbayir Ozgur , Akyol Alpaslan , Tuncel Ayca , Akca Aysu , Aydin Ovgu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  Malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is an uncommon complication. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific symptoms and signs indicating malignancy. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients and the role of surgery in their management.Material and Methods:  During a 9‐year period (2002–2010), six patients with malignant transformation arising from ovarian MCT were treated at the Gynecologic Oncology Unit of Bakirkoy Woman and Children's Training and Research Hospital. A retrospective chart review and analysis of the patients' data were conducted.Results:  Malignant transformation arising from ovarian MCT accounted for 1.9% of all ovarian MCT (6/321). Three cases were stage IA and the other three were stage IC. Histologically, three of six cases had squamous cell carcinoma (50%), two had a carcinoid tumor (33%), and one had mucinous adenocarcinoma (17%). All patients underwent comprehensive surgical staging. Two patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and one received adjuvant chemoradiation. Five of six patients were observed for 16–104 months and no recurrence was detected. One patient with a carcinoid tumor in stage IC died of disease within 34 months following the surgery.Conclusion:  Early detection of malignant transformation arising from MCT is mandatory for treating patients, but in most patients malignancy was detected intraoperatively. Surgical cytoreduction with a complete staging procedure and adjuvant treatment may be reasonable for stage IC. Additionally, prognosis is better when the tumor is completely excised and does not extend beyond the capsule.
Diagnostic utility of CD117, CD133, SALL4, OCT4, TCL1 and glypican‐3 in malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary
Authors: Trinh Dat Tien , Shibata Kiyosumi , Hirosawa Tomoya , Umezu Tomokazu , Mizuno Mika , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  Primary ovarian malignant germ cell tumors (OMGCTs) are rare and difficult to diagnose. Immunohistochemistry can help in the diagnosis and development of new management strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of CD117, CD133, SALL4, OCT4, TCL1 and glypican‐3 marker expression in OMGCTs.Material and Methods:  We examined the expression of six markers in 87 (85 pure and two mixed OMGCTs) cases of OMGCT using immunohistochemical staining. Staining was graded in a semiquantitative manner as follows: negative (no staining), 1+ (1–30% staining), 2+ (31–60% staining), or 3+ (>60% staining).Results:  All 27 dysgerminomas and all 31 YSTs showed CD117 expression, with only nine (29%) positively stained in immature teratomas. SALL4 and glypican‐3 were strongly positive in 100 and 79.3%, respectively, of YSTs. All dysgerminomas were positive for OCT4, whereas all YSTs and immature teratomas were negative. 100% of dysgerminomas were positive for TCL1, but all immature teratomas were negative. CD133 expression showed generally the same tendency in the 3 OMGCTs.Conclusion:  CD117 can be used as a diagnostic marker for dysgerminoma and YST. SALL4 is a more sensitive and specific marker for YSTs than glypican‐3. SALL4 and OCT4 are useful in distinguishing YST from dysgerminoma.
A curve of thresholds governs plague epizootics in Central Asia
Authors: Reijniers Jonas , Davis Stephen , Begon Mike , Heesterbeek Johan A. P. , Ageyev Vladimir S. , Leirs Herwig 
Published: March 2012

Ecology Letters(2012)AbstractA core concept of infectious disease epidemiology is the abundance threshold, below which an infection is unable to invade or persist. There have been contrasting theoretical predictions regarding the nature of this threshold for vector‐borne diseases, but for infections with an invertebrate vector, it is common to assume a threshold defined by the ratio of vector and host abundances. Here, we show in contrast, both from field data and model simulations, that for plague (Yersinia pestis) in Kazakhstan, the invasion threshold quantity is based on theproductof its host (Rhombomys opimus) and vector (mainlyXenopsyllaspp.) abundances, resulting in a combined thresholdcurvewith hyperbolic shape. This shape implies compensation between host and vector abundances in permitting infection, which has important implications for disease control. Realistic joint thresholds, supported by data, should promote improved understanding, prediction and management of disease occurrence in this and other vector‐borne disease systems.
What controls the distribution of tropical forest and savanna?
Authors: Murphy Brett P. , Bowman David M.J.S. 
Published: March 2012

Ecology Letters (2012) 15: 748–758AbstractForest and savanna biomes dominate the tropics, yet factors controlling their distribution remain poorly understood. Climate is clearly important, but extensive savannas in some high rainfall areas suggest a decoupling of climate and vegetation. In some situations edaphic factors are important, with forest often associated with high nutrient availability. Fire also plays a key role in limiting forest, with fire exclusion often causing a switch from savanna to forest. These observations can be captured by a broad conceptual model with two components: (1) forest and savanna are alternative stable states, maintained by tree cover‐fire feedbacks, (2) the interaction between tree growth rates and fire frequency limits forest development; any factor that increases growth (e.g. elevated availability of water, nutrients, CO2), or decreases fire frequency, will favour canopy closure. This model is consistent with the range of environmental variables correlated with forest distribution, and with the current trend of forest expansion, likely driven by increasing CO2 concentrations. Resolving the drivers of forest and savanna distribution has moved beyond simple correlative studies that are unlikely to establish ultimate causation. Experiments using Dynamic Global Vegetation Models, parameterised with measurements from each continent, provide an important tool for understanding the controls of these systems.
Perception and knowledge of the Sirex woodwasp and other forest pests in South Africa
Authors: Hurley Brett P. , Slippers Jana , Wingfield Michael J. , Dyer Colin , Slippers Bernard 
Published: March 2012

Sirex noctilio F. (Siricidae: Hymenoptera) is one of the most serious invasive pests of pine. In South Africa, there has been a national effort to control S. noctilio, including a campaign to increase awareness of the pest amongst the local forestry community.
We considered the impacts that the arrival of the pest and the awareness campaign have had on perceptions and knowledge of S. noctilio, as well as other forestry pests, amongst members of the forestry community.
For data collection, a survey questionnaire was developed and used in telephone interviews.
The results obtained in the present study showed that the Sirex awareness campaign had increased knowledge of forestry pests in general but basic knowledge regarding the identification and symptoms of specific pests, such as S. noctilio, was poor. This will negatively influence monitoring efficacy.
Traditional paper‐based media and personal contact contributed most to enhanced awareness. Electronic media were less effective and improvement would require a more focused effort. It was of concern that private farmers and contractors, as well as non‐European first language speakers, were less well informed about forestry pests.
Clearly, a fragmented landscape in terms of ownership and language, presents challenges for effective communication of forestry pest threats.
Prostate‐specific antigen testing in older men in the USA: data from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system
Authors: Scosyrev Emil , Wu Guan , Golijanin Dragan , Messing Edward 
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Diagnosis (cohort)Level of Evidence 2aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Previous studies from the USA reported that, in recent years, prostate cancer screening with PSA was very common among the elderly men, including those whose life expectancy was substantially limited by advanced age and known comorbidities. In 2008, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against PSA screening after age 75.The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the USPSTF 2008 recommendation on the frequency of PSA testing among elderly men in the USA. Our findings suggest that the USPSTF recommendation had no major impact on clinical practice.OBJECTIVE
To examine the frequency of PSA testing in men aged ≥75 years before and after the 2008 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation to stop prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening at age 75.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys completed in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Men aged ≥ 76 years at the time of survey and without a prostate cancer diagnosis were included in the study.
The percentage of men who had a PSA test in the year before the survey was computed separately for survey years 2006, 2008 and 2010.
RESULTS
The estimated percentages of men with a PSA test in the year before the survey were 60% (95% CI: 58–62%), based on 9033 respondents interviewed in 2006, 63% (95% CI: 62–65%), based on 12 063 respondents interviewed in 2008, and 60% (95% CI: 59–61%), based on 14 782 respondents interviewed in 2010.
CONCLUSION
No substantial reduction in the frequency of PSA testing was observed in the BRFSS 2010 survey data compared with the earlier years, suggesting that the USPSTF 2008 recommendation had no major impact on the frequency of PSA testing in older men in the USA.
The effect of plum juice on the prevention of struvite calculus formation in vitro
Authors: Zhu Huaijun , Sun Xizhao , Lu Jianlin , Wang Meihua , Fang Yun , Ge Weihong 
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Prevention (cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Urinary struvite calculus is always related to urinary tract infections with urease‐producing bacteria. Prevention strategies for struvite calculus have focused on urine sterilization, urine acidification and urease activity inhibition. The clinical utility of all the available agents remains limited with respect to long‐term use because of serious side effects or antimicrobial resistance. Plum juice has shown antibacterial activity on the urease‐producing bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Importantly, plums also showed an effect on urinary acidification in humans.The present study conducted in vitro reports a concentration‐dependent inhibition of plum juice on urease activity, as well as antibacterial effects on four urease‐producing bacterial commonly found in the urine of patients with struvite calculus. The results of the crystallization experiment perfomed in vitro showed that natural plum juice prevented the occurrence of Proteus mirabilis‐induced crystals, whereas pH‐adjusted plum juice slowed the growth rate of struvite crystals.OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effect of plum juice on struvite calculus formation in vitro and to explore the effect of plum juice on urease‐producing bacteria and urease activity
The compliance of available drugs is low for struvite calculus after surgical treatment and functional food may represent a good choice as an alternative therapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Antibacterial activity was assessed using a microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility test.
Urease activity was determined by measuring ammonia production.
Struvite crystals were induced by Proteus mirabilis in artificial urine with natural and pH‐adjusted plum juice.
The optical density (OD)600 and pH of artificial urine were examined, as well the shape and weights of crystals.
RESULTS
Natural plum juice showed an antibacterial effect on urease‐producing bacteria, whereas the pH‐adjusted juice did not.
A concentration‐dependent inhibition on urease activity was found for both natural and pH‐adjusted juice.
Natural plum juice at a high concentration of 0.5% showed an obvious inhibition on the increase of OD600 and pH of the artificial urine, and crystal formation was prevented by up to or more than 8 h, depending on the concentration of juice.
Crystal weight in the natural plum juice groups was decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner.
The pH‐adjusted plum juice did not show any effect on OD600 and pH, although the presence of juice changed the crystal habit, indicating that the juice slowed the growth rate of crystals.
CONCLUSIONS
Natural plum juice at high and moderate concentrations prevented the formation of P. mirabilis‐induced crystals for up to 8 h in artificial urine. Although pH‐adjusted and low‐concentration natural juice did not prevent the occurrence of crystals, both types of juice slowed their growth rate.
Analyst firm parent–subsidiary relationship and conflict of interest: evidence from IPO recommendations
Authors: Lee Cheolwoo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe uncover a new source for the conflict of interest in analyst coverage existed before the Regulation FD period by examining whether recommendations within the parent–subsidiary (PS) relationship are more optimistic and whether they have better investment value than non‐PS recommendations. We find evidence consistent with the conflict of interest: PS analysts on average issue more optimistic recommendations, but their recommendations have worse or no better investment value in the calendar‐time portfolio analysis. Analyst firm PS relationship is another source for the conflict of interest in analyst coverage that has not been identified before.