bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying climatically associated species pools to the modelling of compositional change in tropical montane forests
Authors: Golicher Duncan J. , Cayuela Luis , Alkemade J. Rob M. , González‐Espinosa Mario , Ramírez‐Marcial Neptalí 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Predictive species distribution modelling is a useful tool for extracting the maximum amount of information from biological collections and floristic inventories. However, in many tropical regions records are only available from a small number of sites. This can limit the application of predictive modelling, particularly in the case of rare and endangered species. We aim to address this problem by developing a methodology for defining and mapping species pools associated with climatic variables in order to investigate potential species turnover and regional species loss under climate change scenarios combined with anthropogenic disturbance.Location  The study covered an area of 6800 km2 in the highlands of Chiapas, southern Mexico.Methods  We derived climatically associated species pools from floristic inventory data using multivariate analysis combined with spatially explicit discriminant analysis. We then produced predictive maps of the distribution of tree species pools using data derived from 451 inventory plots. After validating the predictive power of potential distributions against an independent historical data set consisting of 3105 botanical collections, we investigated potential changes in the distribution of tree species resulting from forest disturbance and climate change.Results  Two species pools, associated with moist and cool climatic conditions, were identified as being particularly threatened by both climate change and ongoing anthropogenic disturbance. A change in climate consistent with low‐emission scenarios of general circulation models was shown to be sufficient to cause major changes in equilibrium forest composition within 50 years. The same species pools were also found to be suffering the fastest current rates of deforestation and internal forest disturbance. Disturbance and deforestation, in combination with climate change, threaten the regional distributions of five tree species listed as endangered by the IUCN. These include the endemic species Magnolia sharpii Miranda and Wimmeria montana Lundell. Eleven vulnerable species and 34 species requiring late successional conditions for their regeneration could also be threatened.Main conclusions  Climatically associated species pools can be derived from floristic inventory data available for tropical regions using methods based on multivariate analysis even when data limitations prevent effective application of individual species modelling. Potential consequences of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance on the species diversity of montane tropical forests in our study region are clearly demonstrated by the method.
1. NARRATIVE EXPLANATION AND ITS MALCONTENTS
Authors: CARR DAVID 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTIn this paper I look at narrative as a mode of explanation and at various ways in which the explanatory value of narrative has been criticized. I begin with the roots of narrative explanation in everyday action, experience, and discourse, illustrating it with the help of a simple example. I try to show how narrative explanation is transformed and complicated by circumstances that take us beyond the everyday into such realms as jurisprudence, journalism, and history. I give an account of why narrative explanation normally satisfies us, and how or in what sense it actually explains. Then I consider how narrative is challenged and rejected as a mode of explanation in many scientific and other contexts and why attempts are made to replace it with something else. I try to evaluate the nature and sources of these challenges, and I describe this controversy over narrative against the historical background of its emergence. My paper ends with a pragmatic defense of narrative explanation against these challenges.
Prediction of placental abruption by testing for C‐reactive protein and chlamydial antibody levels in early pregnancy
Authors: Tikkanen M , Surcel H‐M , Bloigu A , Nuutila M , Hiilesmaa V , Ylikorkala O , Paavonen J 
Published: February 2008

Objective  Placental abruption may be a manifestation of acute and chronic inflammatory process. We wanted to assess the association of first‐trimester serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies, Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies or chlamydial heat‐shock protein 60 (CHSP60) antibodies to placental abruption.Design  Retrospective case–control study.Setting  University Hospital.Population  A total of 181 women with subsequent placental abruption and 261 control women with normal pregnancy.Methods  Serum samples collected at first trimester (mean 10.4 gestational weeks) were analysed for CRP levels, C. pneumoniae‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies and C. trachomatis‐specific IgG, IgA and CHSP60 antibodies.Main outcome measure  Placental abruption.Results  The levels of CRP showed no difference between the cases and the controls (median 2.35 mg/l [interquartile range {IQR} 1.09–5.93] versus 2.28 mg/l [IQR 0.92–5.01], not significant). C. pneumoniae‐specific IgG and IgA as well as C. trachomatis‐specific IgG, IgA and CHSP60 antibody frequencies were similar between the groups. There was no association between CRP levels and chlamydial antibodies.Conclusion  These markers of inflammation in early pregnancy failed to predict subsequent placental abruption.
X‐Linked Nonsyndromic Sinus Node Dysfunction and Atrial Fibrillation Caused by Emerin Mutation
Authors: KARST MARGARET L. , HERRON KATHLEEN J. , OLSON TIMOTHY M. 
Published: February 2008

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heritable disorder with male predilection, suggesting a sex chromosome defect in certain patients. Loss‐of‐function truncation mutations in EMD, encoding the nuclear membrane protein emerin, cause X‐linked Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) characterized by localized contractures and skeletal myopathy in adolescence, sinus node dysfunction (SND) in early adulthood, and atrial fibrillation as a variably associated trait. This study sought to identify the genetic basis for male‐restricted, nonsyndromic sinus node dysfunction and AF in a multigenerational family. Methods and Results: Genealogical and medical records, and DNA samples, were obtained. Progressive SND and AF occurred in four males related through maternal lineages, consistent with X‐linked inheritance. Skeletal myopathy was absent, even at advanced ages. Targeted X chromosome genotyping mapped the disease locus to Xq28, implicating EMD as a positional candidate gene. DNA sequencing revealed hemizygosity for an in‐frame 3‐bp deletion in EMD (Lys37del) in affected males, disrupting a residue within the LEM binding domain critical for nuclear assembly but leaving the remainder of the protein intact. Buccal epithelial cell staining with emerin antibody demonstrated near‐total functional loss of emerin. Female relatives underwent prospective electrocardiographic and genetic testing. Those heterozygous for Lys37del had ∼50–70% emerin‐positive nuclei and variable degrees of paroxysmal supraventricular arrhythmia. Conclusions: Mutation of EMD can underlie X‐linked familial AF. Lys37del is associated with epithelial cell emerin deficiency, as in EDMD, yet it causes electrical atriomyopathy in the absence of skeletal muscle disease. Targeted genetic testing of EMD should be considered in patients with SND‐associated AF and/or family history suggesting X‐linked inheritance.
Blood loss during vascular access cannulation: Quantification using the weighed gauze and drape method
Authors: AWOBUSUYI Jacob O. , MAPAYI Francis A. , ADEDOLAPO Akeem 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAnemia is an important complication of chronic renal disease, with a significant impact on the morbidity, quality of life, and mortality in this group of patients. Inadequate erythropoietin production, reduced life span of erythrocytes in uremic serum, bone marrow suppression by uremic toxins, chronic inflammation, and contaminants in the water treatment unit are recognized etiological causes of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients. Little attention has been paid to possible contributions of small but continual loss of blood during vascular access cannulation for hemodialysis in these patients. The aim of this study is to quantify the volume of blood loss during femoral vein cannulation in patients on hemodialysis. The average volume of blood loss during femoral cannulation was evaluated using a simple and inexpensive procedure of deriving volume of blood lost, from the weights of soaked gauze and drape during the access cannulation procedure. The mean blood loss per procedure during femoral cannulation was 36.52 mL±2.70 SD, with a range of 6.47 to 100.20 mL. The calculated average weekly loss in patients on thrice‐weekly dialysis schedule is 109.56 mL of blood, with a monthly loss of 438.24 mL. Cumulative blood loss during femoral vein cannulation appears to be significant. Its contribution in the sustenance of anemia in hemodialysis patients deserves further evaluation.
Reduction in Ambulance Transports during a Public Awareness Campaign for Appropriate Ambulance Use
Authors: Ohshige Kenji 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:  This study aimed to characterize the change in the upward trend in monthly ambulance transports that occurred during a citywide campaign for appropriate ambulance use. This study also investigated whether the number of ambulance transports for individuals with nonserious conditions decreased separately from the decrease in ambulance transports for individuals with serious conditions.Methods:  A retrospective time series survey was carried out on the number of ambulance transports that occurred per month over a 10‐year period (1997–2006). This study focused on individuals transported by ambulance because of illness. Seasonal decomposition was applied to adjust for the seasonal effect on ambulance transport. The shift in the trend during the campaign period (April 2005–December 2006) was examined by means of linear regression analysis.Results:  The number of individuals transported by ambulance decreased during the campaign period. A decrease in the number of ambulance transports was observed for both nonserious and serious conditions. During the campaign period, the number of ambulance transports per month was estimated to have decreased by 530 (approximately 7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −729 to −331) for individuals with nonserious conditions and by 37 (approximately 8%; 95% CI = −53 to −22) for individuals with serious conditions.Conclusions:  A campaign to educate the public on appropriate ambulance use may reduce ambulance calls for both nonserious and serious conditions.
Clinical and microbiological analysis of subjects treated with Brånemark or AstraTech implants: a 7‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Renvert S. , Lindahl C. , Renvert H. , Persson G. R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims: To assess the impact of different implant systems on the clinical conditions and the microbiota at implants, and whether the presence of bacteria at tooth sites was predictive of the presence at implant sites.Materials and methods: Subjects with either AstraTech or Brånemark in function for 7 years were enrolled. Sub‐gingival bacterial samples at tooth and implant sites were collected with sterile endodontic paper points, and analyzed by the checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method (40 species).Results: Fifty‐four subjects, 27 supplied with AstraTech (n=132 implants) and 27 with Brånemark (n=102) implants, were studied. Test tooth sites had significantly less evidence of bleeding on probing (P<0.001) and presence of plaque (P<0.001) than implant test sites. Implant sites presented with deeper probing pocket depth than tooth sites (mean difference: 1.1 mm, standard error of differences: 0.08, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.9–1.3, P<0.001). Tannerella forsythia (P<0.05), Capnocytophaga sputigena (P<0.05), Actinomyces israelii (P<0.05) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (P<0.05) were found at higher levels at tooth surfaces. No differences in bacterial load for any species were found between the two implant systems. The odds of being present/absent at tooth and implants sites were only significant for Staphylococcus aureus [odds ratio (OR): 5.2 : 1, 95% CI: 1.4–18.9, P<0.01].Conclusions: After 7 years in function, implants presented with deeper probing depths than teeth. S. aureus was commonly present at both teeth and implants sites. S. aureus at tooth sites was predictive of also being present at implant sites.
Diagnostics and staging procedures in non‐small cell lung cancer – is less more?
Authors: Heigener David Felix , Diemel Klaus‐Dieter , Reck Martin , Gatzemeier Ulrich 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroduction:  Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common cancer with approximately 85% of patients dying of the disease. The only chance for cure is in the early stages, when surgery or definite chemoradiotherapy can be performed. Diagnosis and staging of lung cancer can sometimes be difficult, particularly because the intrathoracic structures are not easy to reach.Objective:  This review discusses the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.Results:  When performing lung cancer diagnostics, both invasive and noninvasive procedures, such as computed tomogram of the chest, bronchoscopy and abdominal ultrasound, are mandatory. Suspected mediastinal involvement should be differentiated: bulky disease, contralateral or high mediastinal nodes need further clarification by endoscopic ultrasound, endobronchial ultrasound or mediastinoscopy. In opposition to current guidelines, in all other cases, surgery should be performed. Positron emission tomography will gain even more importance when becoming widely accessible and might replace other imaging techniques in the future. In case of advanced disease, staging should be limited to those examinations with impact on symptom control.Conclusion:  The diagnosis and staging of lung cancer should involve both invasive and noninvasive diagnostic procedures. In the case of advanced disease, staging should be limited to those examinations with impact on symptom control, whereas early stages call for rapid and thorough diagnosis.Please cite this paper as: Heigener DF, Diemel K‐D, Reck M and Gatzemeier U. Diagnostics and staging procedures in non‐small cell lung cancer – is less more? The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 67–73.
Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma with liposomized doxorubicine: prolonged time to progression and good survival. A Nordic study
Authors: Hillerdal Gunnar , Sorensen Jens Benn , Sundström Stein , Vikström Anders , Hjerpe Anders 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroduction:  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has a poor prognosis and there is limited effect of treatment. Lately, pemetrexed and cisplatin have been established as the standard treatment.Objectives:  The present study was planned in 1998, when there was no standard treatment. Single‐dose doxorubicine had, in small studies, accomplished remissions, and the Scandinavian Mesothelioma Groups therefore decided to test a liposomized form of this drug, which had shown limited toxicity but good efficacy in a few small studies.Methods:  Fifty‐four evaluable patients with histologically verified and inoperable MPM were treated with liposomized doxorubicine 40 mg/m2, every 4 weeks for six cycles.Results:  In all, 29 patients (54%) received at least six treatments. The quality of life remained good during the study. Hematologic toxicity was very low. Palmo–plantar erythema occurred in 11 patients (20%), thereof 7 grade II but none was severe and none was dose‐limiting. There were four partial responses (7%). The median time to progression (TTP) was 5 months, the median survival was 12 months, and at 24 months, 22% were still alive.Conclusion:  Liposomized doxorubicine has a low toxicity and is well tolerated; there were a remarkably long TTP and a good survival. Thus, despite the low response rate, liposomized doxorubicine remains an interesting drug for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma.Please cite this paper as: Hillerdal G, Sorensen JB, Sundström S, Vikström A and Hjerpe A. Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma with liposomized doxorubicine: prolonged time to progression and good survival. A Nordic study. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 80–85.
Angiopoietin-1 promotes endothelial cell proliferation and migration through AP-1–dependent autocrine production of interleukin-8
Authors: Abdel-Malak Nelly A. , Srikant Coimbatore B. , Kristof Arnold S. , Magder Sheldon A. , Di Battista John A. , Hussain Sabah N. A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAngiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), ligand for the endothelial cell–specific Tie-2 receptors, promotes migration and proliferation of endothelial cells, however, whether these effects are promoted through the release of a secondary mediator remains unclear. In this study, we assessed whether Ang-1 promotes endothelial cell migration and proliferation through the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8). Ang-1 elicited in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) a dose- and time-dependent increase in IL-8 production as a result of induction of mRNA and enhanced mRNA stability of IL-8 transcripts. IL-8 production is also elevated in HUVECs transduced with retroviruses expressing Ang-1. Neutralization of IL-8 in these cells with a specific antibody significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and induced caspase-3 activation. Exposure to Ang-1 triggered a significant increase in DNA binding of activator protein-1 (AP-1) to a relatively short fragment of IL-8 promoter. Upstream from the AP-1 complex, up-regulation of IL-8 transcription by Ang-1 was mediated through the Erk1/2, SAPK/JNK, and PI-3 kinase pathways, which triggered c-Jun phosphorylation on Ser63 and Ser73. These results suggest that promotion of endothelial migration and proliferation by Ang-1 is mediated, in part, through the production of IL-8, which acts in an autocrine fashion to suppress apoptosis and facilitate cell proliferation and migration.
Modulation of murine embryonic stem cell–derived CD41+c-kit+ hematopoietic progenitors by ectopic expression of Cdx genes
Authors: McKinney-Freeman Shannon L. , Lengerke Claudia , Jang Il-Ho , Schmitt Sabine , Wang Yuan , Philitas Marsha , Shea Jessica , Daley George Q. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCdx1, Cdx2, and Cdx4 comprise the caudal-like Cdx gene family in mammals, whose homologues regulate hematopoietic development in zebrafish. Previously, we reported that overexpression of Cdx4 enhances hematopoietic potential from murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Here we compare the effect of ectopic Cdx1, Cdx2, and Cdx4 on the differentiation of murine ESC-derived hematopoietic progenitors. The 3 Cdx genes differentially influence the formation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors within a CD41+c-kit+ population of embryoid body (EB)–derived cells. Cdx1 and Cdx4 enhance, whereas Cdx2 strongly inhibits, the hematopoietic potential of CD41+ckit+ EB-derived cells, changes that are reflected by effects on hematopoietic lineage-specific and Hox gene expression. When we subject stromal cell and colony assay cultures of EB-derived hematopoietic progenitors to ectopic expression of Cdx genes, Cdx4 dramatically enhances, whereas Cdx1 and Cdx2 both inhibit hematopoietic activity, probably by blocking progenitor differentiation. These data demonstrate distinct effects of Cdx genes on hematopoietic progenitor formation and differentiation, insights that we are using to facilitate efforts at in vitro culture of hematopoietic progenitors from ESC. The behavior of Cdx genes in vitro suggests how derangement of these developmental regulators might contribute to leukemogenesis.
Human Langerhans cells selectively activated via Toll-like receptor 2 agonists acquire migratory and CD4+T cell stimulatory capacity
Authors: Peiser Matthias , Koeck Juliana , Kirschning Carsten J , Wittig Burghardt , Wanner Reinhard 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), the expression pattern and the functions of TLRs have been poorly characterized. By using mAb, we show that LCs from human skin express TLR1, -2, -5, -6, and -9, the cognate receptors for detection of specific bacteria-derived molecules. As compared with other TLR agonists, LCs acquired a more matured phenotype when activated by specific bacterial or synthetic TLR2 agonists. In addition, monocyte-derived Langerin+/CD1c+LCs (CD1c+MoLCs) secreted higher amounts of IL-6 and TNF-α by stimulation via TLR2 than by stimulation via TLR3, -4, -5, -8, and -9. In contrast to MoLCs, dendritic cells, generated from the same donor monocytes, were activated by agonists of TLRs other than TLR2 as well. Lipopeptides triggering TLR2 induced IL-1R-associated kinase-1 phosphorylation and migration toward the chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 in epidermal LCs and CD1c+MoLCs. Up-regulation of CD86, CD83, and CCR7, TNF-α and IL-6, and NF-κB activation and proliferation of CD4+T cells could be inhibited TLR2-specific blockage using antibodies prior to TLR2 activation. Application of anti-TLR1, anti-TLR6, and anti-TLR2 indicated an exclusive role of TLR2 in IL-6 induction in human LCs. Collectively, our results show that TLR2 expressed by LCs mediates inflammatory responses to lipopeptides, which implicates a central role in sensing pathogens in human skin.
The effect of an unplanned excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma on prognosis
Authors: Chandrasekar C. R. , Wafa H. , Grimer R. J. , Carter S. R. , Tillman R. M. , Abudu A. 
Published: February 2008

We investigated whether our policy of routine re-excision of the tumour bed after an unplanned excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma was justified. Between April 1982 and December 2005, 2201 patients were referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of soft-tissue sarcoma, of whom 402 (18%) had undergone an unplanned excision elsewhere. A total of 363 (16.5%) were included in this study. Each patient was routinely restaged and the original histology was reviewed. Re-excision was undertaken in 316 (87%). We analysed the patient, tumour and treatment factors in relation to local control, metastasis and overall survival. Residual tumour was found in 188 patients (59%). There was thus no residual disease in 128 patients of whom 10% (13) went on to develop a local recurrence. In 149 patients (47%), the re-excision specimen contained residual tumour, but it had been widely excised. Local recurrence occurred in 30 of these patients (20%). In 39 patients (12%), residual tumour was present in a marginal resection specimen. Of these, 46% (18) developed a local recurrence. A final positive margin in a high-grade tumour had a 60% risk of local recurrence even with post-operative radiotherapy. Metastases developed in 24% (86). The overall survival was 77% at five years. Survival was related to the grade of the tumour and the finding of residual tumour at the time of re-excision. We concluded that our policy of routine re-excision after unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcoma was justified in view of the high risk of finding residual tumour.