bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dynamic global vegetation model for use with climate models: concepts and description of simulated vegetation dynamics
Authors: Bonan Gordon B. , Levis Samuel , Sitch Stephen , Vertenstein Mariana , Oleson Keith W. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractChanges in vegetation structure and biogeography due to climate change feedback to alter climate by changing fluxes of energy, moisture, and momentum between land and atmosphere. While the current class of land process models used with climate models parameterizes these fluxes in detail, these models prescribe surface vegetation and leaf area from data sets. In this paper, we describe an approach in which ecological concepts from a global vegetation dynamics model are added to the land component of a climate model to grow plants interactively. The vegetation dynamics model is the Lund–Potsdam–Jena (LPJ) dynamic global vegetation model. The land model is the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Land Surface Model (LSM). Vegetation is defined in terms of plant functional types. Each plant functional type is represented by an individual plant with the average biomass, crown area, height, and stem diameter (trees only) of its population, by the number of individuals in the population, and by the fractional cover in the grid cell. Three time‐scales (minutes, days, and years) govern the processes. Energy fluxes, the hydrologic cycle, and carbon assimilation, core processes in LSM, occur at a 20 min time step. Instantaneous net assimilated carbon is accumulated annually to update vegetation once a year. This is carried out with the addition of establishment, resource competition, growth, mortality, and fire parameterizations from LPJ. The leaf area index is updated daily based on prevailing environmental conditions, but the maximum value depends on the annual vegetation dynamics. The coupling approach is successful. The model simulates global biogeography, net primary production, and dynamics of tundra, boreal forest, northern hardwood forest, tropical rainforest, and savanna ecosystems, which are consistent with observations. This suggests that the model can be used with a climate model to study biogeophysical feedbacks in the climate system related to vegetation dynamics.
Induction therapy by anti‐thymocyte globulin (rabbit) in renal transplantation: a 1‐yr follow‐up of safety and efficacy
Authors: Büchler Matthias , Ligny Bruno Hurault de , Madec Corinne , Lebranchu Yvon ,   The French Thymoglobuline Pharmacovigilance Study Group
Published: November 2003

Abstract:Background:Two hundred and forty cadaveric renal transplant recipients given anti‐thymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin®) as induction immunotherapy were followed up prospectively to review safety and efficacy.Methods:The median number of infusions was 10 [2–21] with a cumulative dose of 8.8 mg/kg [2.0–23.2 mg/kg]. During the fortnight following transplantation, 231 patients (96%) received a calcineurin inhibitor; all patients were given steroids and azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil. At 1 yr, 60% of patients were on tripletherapy, 38% on bitherapy, and 2% on monotherapy; 20% had discontinued steroids.Results:Tolerance was excellent with no cases of anaphylaxis. The commonest adverse event was fever (55%). Eighteen patients developed serum sickness on median day 11 [10–14]. Seven patients had thrombocytopenia; six patients had severe neutropenia. All of these adverse events recovered spontaneously. The overall incidence of delayed graft function was 24%.At 1 yr patient and graft survival were 98 and 95%, respectively, and creatinine was 135 ± 43 μmol/L. Clinically suspected and biopsy‐proven acute rejection were observed in 65 patients (27%) and 34 patients (14%), respectively. There were 62 non‐cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections (two fatal) and 81 episodes of CMV infections. Eight malignancies were reported; two possibly related to immunosuppression.Conclusions:These results demonstrate that anti‐thymocyte globulin has a safety profile with good tolerability and excellent efficacy.
Cyclosporin A monitoring by 2‐h levels: preliminary target levels in stable pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Pape L , Lehnhardt A , Latta K , Ehrich JHH , Offner G 
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Clinical trials in adults have shown that management of transplanted patients with cyclosporin A (CsA) 2‐h levels (C2) lead to superior outcome compared with monitoring of 12‐h trough levels (C0). In both adults and children, C2 levels enabled a better estimation of the area under the curve concentration than C0 levels. Therefore, it can be suspected that C2 monitoring might also lead to a better outcome in children. Until now C2 target levels for children have not been defined.We measured C2 levels in 101 stable pediatric kidney recipients with a minimum time of 1 yr after transplantation. C2 levels were compared with changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 6 months later.Median C2 levels in children after renal transplantation were 714 ng/mL (95% confidence interval 654–774). Patients with C2 levels below 750 ng/mL had a significantly higher percentage of decline in GFR than patients with C2 levels above 750 ng/mL (p < 0.05). In children with C2 levels below 500 ng/mL three acute rejections occurred in comparison with no rejection in the remaining patients (p < 0.05).We conclude that the lower C2 target level should be above 750 ng/mL in stable pediatric transplant recipients. An upper target level above 1000 ng/mL should be avoided. The question, whether C2 monitoring in pediatric kidney recipients is superior to C0 monitoring, is yet to be answered.
Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) poisoning; a ‘party drug’ with lethal effects
Authors: Refstad S. 
Published: November 2003

Among young people in Norway the recreational use of amphetamine derivatives seems to be increasing. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), known as ecstasy, is the dominant substance, having both stimulant and psychedelic properties. Depending on the illegal source of these so‐called ‘party drugs’ the content and purity can vary. This case report describes the first lethal case of paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) intoxication reported in Norway.A 16‐year‐old male was admitted to a local hospital in a coma with seizures and hyperthermia after he had been found undressed and barefooted in a local forest (temperature 2°C). He was intubated and given supportive care. Blood chemistry revealed hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia and hyperkalaemia. Shortly after transfer to the central hospital he developed bradycardia with continuous seizures and asystole.Adverse effects of MDMA are well described and include serotonergic and sympathomimetic symptoms with hyperthermia, coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney and liver failure. Case reports of PMA deaths collectively suggest PMA to be more toxic than MDMA. A delayed effect after intake of PMA compared with MDMA can lead to increased intake. Hypoglycaemia and hyperkalaemia may be specific to PMA poisoning. Increased thermo genesis will result in a search for cooling, which explains the attempt to undress and a desire to submerge in water. In a cool climate this behaviour itself can be lethal. Measures to treat seizures, hypoglycaemia, electrolyte anomalies and hyperthermia are the therapeutic goals. No specific treatment is available.
Exhaled nitric oxide continues to reflect airway hyperresponsiveness and disease activity in inhaled corticosteroid‐treated adult asthmatic patients
Authors: REID David W , JOHNS David P , FELTIS Bryce , WARD Chris , WALTERS E. Haydn 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) has been used as a surrogate of airway inflammation in mild asthma. However, whether eNO levels reflect disease activity in symptomatic asthmatics receiving moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is more uncertain.Methodology:  To examine the relationship between eNO levels, sputum and blood eosinophils (SpE and PbE), PD20 methacholine as a marker of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and clinical status in 28 ICS‐treated asthmatic subjects with persistent asthma compared to that in 25 symptomatic asthmatics managed with β2‐agonists alone.Results:  As expected, eNO levels were normalized in ICS‐treated subjects and significantly elevated in the β2‐agonist only group (P < 0.001). SpE, PbE and PD20M did not differ between asthmatic groups but FEV1 was significantly worse in ICS‐treated subjects (P < 0.01). Exhaled NO levels correlated with PbE within both asthmatic groups (P < 0.005), but with SpE only in ICS‐untreated subjects (r(s) = 0.6, P < 0.05). In contrast, PD20M was negatively correlated with eNO and PbE in ICS‐treated subjects only (r(s) = − 0.4, r(s) = − 0.4, respectively, P < 0.05). SpE and PbE were strongly correlated in both asthmatic groups (r(s) = 0.8, r(s) = 0.7, respectively, P < 0.005). Exhaled NO levels, SpE and PbE were all positively associated with increased nocturnal awakenings ( P < 0.05) in ICS‐treated subjects, but not in ICS‐untreated subjects.Conclusions:  In ICS‐treated asthma, eNO reflects clinical activity, PbE and AHR but not eosinophilic airway inflammation. Exhaled NO levels are quantitatively and relationally different in asthmatic subjects treated with ICS and continue to have potential for use as a surrogate of asthma pathophysiology in this group.
Environmental exposure to carcinogens causing lung cancer: Epidemiological evidence from the medical literature
Authors: WHITROW Melissa J. , SMITH Brian J. , PILOTTO Louis S. , PISANIELLO Dino , NITSCHKE Monika 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  In 2000 there were 1.1 million lung or bronchial cancer deaths worldwide, with relatively limited evidence of causation other than for smoking. We aimed to search and appraise the literature regarding evidence for a causal relationship between air pollution and lung cancer according to the 10 Bradford Hill criteria for causality.Methodology:  A MEDLINE search was performed using the following key words: ‘lung neoplasm’, ‘epidemiology’, ‘human’, ‘air pollution’and ‘not molec*’. The criteria for inclusion was: cited original research that described the study population, measured environmental factors, was of case control or cohort design, and was undertaken after 1982.Results:  Fourteen papers (10 case control, four cohort studies) fulfilled the search criteria, with a sample size ranging from 101 cases and 89 controls, to a cohort of 552 cases and 138 controls. Of the 14 papers that fulfilled the search criteria the number of papers addressing each of the Bradford Hill critera were as follows: Strength of association: eight studies demonstrated significant positive associations between environmental exposure and lung cancer with a relative risk range of 1.14–5.2. One study found a negative association with relative risk 0.28. Consistency: eight of 14 studies found significant positive associations and one of 14 a significant negative association. Specificity: tobacco smoking and occupational exposure were addressed in all studies (often crudely with misclassification). Temporality: exposure prior to diagnosis was demonstrated in nine studies. Dose–response relationship: evident in three studies. Coherence, analogy: not addressed in any study.Conclusion:  Evidence for causality is modest, with intermediate consistency of findings, limited dose–response evidence and crude adjustment for important potential confounders. Large studies with comprehensive risk factor quantification are required to clarify the potentially small effect of air pollution given the relatively large effects of tobacco smoking and occupational carcinogen exposure.
The implication of elevated carcinoembryonic antigen level in pleural fluid of patients with non‐malignant pleural effusion
Authors: RYU Jeong‐Seon , LEE Hun‐Jae , CHO Jae‐Hwa , HAN Hye‐Seung , LEE Hong‐Lyeol 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the false positive rate for pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in non‐malignant pleural effusions and to determine whether the falsely elevated CEA level has any relation to other biochemical parameters of pleural effusions.Methodology:  We performed a retrospective analysis of 654 consecutive patients with a pleural effusion admitted to the pulmonary department of a tertiary referral teaching hospital from March 1997 to March 1999. The aetiology of the pleural effusions were classified as tuberculosis (n = 262), malignancy (n = 204), pneumonia (n = 145), exudates of other origin (n = 28) and transudate (n = 1).Results:  A false positive result for pleural fluid CEA level (> 5 ng/mL) was registered in 13.8% of non‐malignant pleural effusion cases: empyema (38.6%), parapneumonic effusion (14.7%), exudates of other origin (14.3%), tuberculosis (7.3%) and transudate (6.7%). In analysis of the subgroup with false positive results for pleural fluid CEA level, the CEA level of non‐malignant pleural effusion showed a significant relationship to the severity of pleural inflammation in terms of the following variables: LDH (rs = 0.4201, P= 0.001), adenosine deaminase (ADA) (rs = 0.4440, P= 0.0004), white blood cell count (rs = 0.4266, P= 0.0004), polymorphonuclear cell percentage (rs = 0.5080, P= 0.0001), and polymorphonuclear cell count (rs = 0.5095, P= 0.0002). In the parapneumonic effusion and empyema groups, the changes in pleural fluid CEA level exhibited a positive association with the changes in the pleural fluid ADA level (rs = 0.8143, P= 0.0002).Conclusions:  The results from our series indicated that false positive results for pleural fluid CEA level were most commonly observed in patients with empyema and parapneumonic effusion and the CEA level showed a significant correlation to the indices of pleural inflammation. The serial measurement of pleural fluid CEA level may be useful as a means of monitoring resolution of pleural inflammation and excluding the possibility of a malignant pleural effusion.
Diagnostic value of gastric aspirate smear and polymerase chain reaction in smear‐negative pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: CHIERAKUL Nitipatana , ANANTASETAGOON Tanakorn , CHAIPRASERT Angkana , TINGTOY Nipa 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine the validity of acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from gastric aspirates for the diagnosis of smear‐negative pulmonary tuberculosis.Methodology:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a university hospital. One hundred and nine patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in whom either sputum smears were negative or who were not producing sputum were recruited to the study. All patients underwent gastric aspiration after an overnight fast followed by standard fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Specimens were subjected to AFB smear, culture, and pathological examination. PCR was performed on culture filtrate after 1 week of incubation.Results:  Eight patients did not complete the follow‐up schedule. Of the 101 patients with final outcomes, a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis from microbiological evidence was established in 54 patients. The gastric aspirate smear, PCR, or either one of them was positive in 34, 30, and 39 tuberculosis patients, respectively. There were 13 false positive smears from 47 non‐tuberculosis patients, with five resulting from non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The PCR was falsely positive in eight patients, five of whom had previous histories of tuberculosis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of gastric aspirate examination by combined smear and PCR were 72, 58, 66, and 64%, respectively.Conclusions:  Gastric aspiration is a useful tool for the diagnosis of smear‐negative pulmonary tuberculosis warranting institution of antituberculosis treatment. Interpretation of the results should be cautious in those who have had tuberculosis in the past or who have been at risk for acquisition of NTM.
Anatomy and systematic affinity ofStanleya neritinoides(Smith, 1880), an enigmatic member of the thalassoid gastropod species flock in Lake Tanganyika, East Africa (Cerithioidea, Paludomidae)
Authors: Strong E. E. , Glaubrecht M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe radiation of gastropods in Lake Tanganyika is an ideal system for testing competing hypotheses of species flock formation. Yet, much of the basic biology of these species remains unknown. In an ongoing effort to understand the evolution of Tanganyikan gastropods, we here describeStanleya neritinoides. Alcohol‐preserved material of the soft parts is rare, consequently, the systematic position of the species, and a repeated suggested affinity toTanganyicia rufofilosa, have been based primarily on features of the shell. However, features of the radula and operculum are unique and do not suggest an affinity to any other Tanganyikan species. Thus,S. neritinoideshas remained a particularly poorly known and enigmatic member of the species flock. This investigation confirmed that several aspects of internal and external anatomy are shared betweenS. neritinoides,T. rufofilosa, and other Tanganyikan gastropods, but thatS. neritinoidesis unique in features of the radula and seminal receptacle. Moreover,S. neritinoidesdiffers fromT. rufofilosain features of the foregut, midgut, hindgut, kidney, nervous system, reproductive system and reproductive strategy. These new data are inconsistent with an interpretation of identity ofStanleyaandTanganyicia.In addition, given the pervasive differences between the two, a sister‐group relationship between the two is unlikely. More precise systematic placement ofS. neritinoidesawaits the establishment of a phylogenetic framework for all Tanganyikan gastropods.
Novel reproductive modes in freshwater clams: brooding and larval morphology in Southeast Asian taxa of Corbicula (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Corbiculidae)
Authors: Korniushin Alexei V. , Glaubrecht Matthias 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWhile the majority of marine bivalves are oviparous, the two freshwater families among the order Veneroida, i.e. Corbiculidae and Sphaeriidae, comprise species with ovoviviparous and viviparous reproduction. Within the Corbiculidae, the genus Corbicula, which is well‐known for its invasive and, thus, ecologically important representatives, is characterized by (i) a wide range of limnic habitats, inhabiting both brackish water and freshwater environments, and (ii) contrasting modes of reproduction, including ‘planktonic’ development via a free‐swimming larva vs. intrabranchial incubation (brooding) of shelled juveniles. The present investigation of five species of Corbicula from the Indonesian islands Sumatra and Sulawesi, which were hitherto not studied anatomically, adds to the diversity in reproductive patterns in this genus. As a unique feature among Corbicula we here report on two newly observed modes of brooding in species endemic to Sulawesi, (i) tetragenous brooding (i.e. in both demibranchs) in Corbicula possoensis Sarasin & Sarasin, 1898 from Lake Poso, and (ii) prolonged incubation in the maternal gills, with juvenile shells reaching up to 1.3 mm in length and with a well‐developed hinge in C. linduensis Bollinger, 1914 from the Lindu River system. In contrast, a third method is seen in the following taxa that incubate their young in their inner demibranchs only until the stage of juveniles with straight‐hinged shells (D‐shaped): C. matannensis Sarasin & Sarasin, 1898 from Lake Matano and Lake Mahalona, C. loehensis Kruimel, 1913 from Lake Masapi (all on Sulawesi) and C. moltkiana Prime, 1878 from Lakes Maninjau and Singkarak (on Sumatra). Details of the anatomical and histological features of ctenidia are described for each type of brooding, and some trends in the evolution of reproductive strategies within the Corbiculidae are discussed, comparing them with those known from other limnic molluscs.
Fast foods, energy density and obesity: a possible mechanistic link
Authors: Prentice A. M. , Jebb S. A. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryFast foods are frequently linked to the epidemic of obesity, but there has been very little scientific appraisal of a possible causal role. Here we review a series of studies demonstrating that the energy density of foods is a key determinant of energy intake. These studies show that humans have a weak innate ability to recognise foods with a high energy density and to appropriately down‐regulate the bulk of food eaten in order to maintain energy balance. This induces so called ‘passive over‐consumption’. Composition data from leading fast food company websites are then used to illustrate that most fast foods have an extremely high energy density. At some typical outlets the average energy density of the entire menus is ∼1100 kJ 100 g–1. This is 65% higher than the average British diet (∼670 kJ 100 g–1) and more than twice the energy density of recommended healthy diets (∼525 kJ 100 g–1). It is 145% higher than traditional African diets (∼450 kJ 100 g–1) that probably represent the levels against which human weight regulatory mechanisms have evolved. We conclude that the high energy densities of many fast foods challenge human appetite control systems with conditions for which they were never designed. Among regular consumers they are likely to result in the accidental consumption of excess energy and hence to promote weight gain and obesity.
Physical inactivity, excess adiposity and premature mortality
Authors: Katzmarzyk P. T. , Janssen I. , Ardern C. I. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe purpose of this report is to review the evidence that physical inactivity and excess adiposity are related to an increased risk of all‐cause mortality, and to better identify the independent contributions of each to all‐cause mortality rates. A variance‐based method of meta‐analysis was used to summarize the relationships from available studies. The summary relative risk of all‐cause mortality for physical activity from the 55 analyses (31 studies) that included an index of adiposity as a covariate was 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78–0.82], whereas it was 0.82 [95% CI 0.80–0.84] for the 44 analyses (26 studies) that did not include an index of adiposity. Thus, physically active individuals have a lower risk of mortality by comparison to physically inactive peers, independent of level of adiposity. The summary relative risk of all‐cause mortality for an elevated body mass index (BMI) from the 25 analyses (13 studies) that included physical activity as a covariate was 1.23 [95% CI 1.18–1.29], and it was 1.24 [95% CI 1.21–1.28] for the 81 analyses (36 studies) that did not include physical activity as a covariate. Studies that used a measure of adiposity other than the BMI show similar relationships with mortality, and stratified analyses indicate that both physical inactivity and adiposity are important determinants of mortality risk.
Psychosocial origins of obesity stigma: toward changing a powerful and pervasive bias
Authors: Puhl R. M. , Brownell K. D. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWidespread bias and discrimination based on weight have been documented in key areas of living, including education, employment, and health care. This paper examines the social and psychological origins of this bias through a review and critique of theoretical and empirical literatures, and proposes how the field might best advance in the area of reducing stigma. Explanations for the development and reduction of weight stigma are examined with different theoretical ap‐proaches, including attribution theory and a social consensus model. Individual and sociocultural contributors to bias suggested by these approaches are highlighted. New directions are discussed in both the understanding and prevention of weight bias.