bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of sleep problems in children with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Makay Balahan , Kiliçaslan Serdar Kamer , Anik Ahmet , Bora Elçin , Bozkaya Özlem , Çankaya Tufan , Ünsal Erbil
Published: March 2014

Aims

This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns, sleep disturbances and possible factors that are associated with sleep disturbances among children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Patients and methods

Fifty‐one patients with FMF and 84 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The patients who had an attack during the last 2 weeks were not included. Demographic data, FMF symptoms, disease duration, dose of colchicine, disease severity score, number of attacks in the last year, MEFV mutation and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded for each patient. A Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was performed.

Results

The total sleep scores of the patients with FMF were significantly higher than the control group. Total sleep durations were similar between FMF patients and controls. Children with FMF had significantly higher scores regarding sleep‐onset delay, sleep anxiety, night wakings and sleep‐disordered breathing when compared to healthy controls. There was a significant positive correlation between number of attacks in the last year and sleep onset delay, night wakings and sleep disordered‐breathing. Disease severity score and CRP levels were not associated with any of the subscale scores. The patients with exertional leg pain had significantly higher total sleep scores than the ones without. Furthermore, patients with exertional leg pain had significantly higher subscale scores regarding sleep onset delay, parasomnias and sleep‐disordered breathing.

Conclusion

This study showed for the first time that children with FMF had more sleep disturbances than their healthy peers. Higher numbers of attacks and exertional leg pain were associated with poor sleep quality. In conclusion, this study underlines the need to assess and manage sleep problems in children with FMF.
Multiseason occupancy models for correlated replicate surveys
Authors: Hines James E. , Nichols James D. , Collazo Jaime A.
Published: March 2014

Occupancy surveys collecting data from adjacent (sometimes correlated) spatial replicates have become relatively popular for logistical reasons. Hineset al. () presented one approach to modelling such data for single‐season occupancy surveys. Here, we present a multiseason analogue of this model (with corresponding software) for inferences about occupancy dynamics. We include a new parameter to deal with the uncertainty associated with the first spatial replicate for both single‐season and multiseason models. We use a case study, based on the brown‐headed nuthatch, to assess the need for these models when analysing data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), and we test various hypotheses about occupancy dynamics for this species in the south‐eastern United States.

The new model permits inference about local probabilities of extinction, colonization and occupancy for sampling conducted over multiple seasons. The model performs adequately, based on a small simulation study and on results of the case study analysis.

The new model incorporating correlated replicates was strongly favoured by model selection for theBBSdata for brown‐headed nuthatch (Sitta pusilla). Latitude was found to be an important source of variation in local colonization and occupancy probabilities for brown‐headed nuthatch, with both probabilities being higher near the centre of the species range, as opposed to more northern and southern areas.

We recommend this new occupancy model for detection–nondetection studies that use potentially correlated replicates.
Improving estimates of biomass change in buttressed trees using tree taper models
Authors: Cushman K. C. , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Condit Richard S. , Hubbell Stephen P.
Published: March 2014

Repeat censuses of tree plots are key tools for investigating forest carbon fluxes. Current measurement procedures for trees with buttresses or trunk irregularities – trees that account for a large fraction of tropical forest biomass –introduce substantial systematic error in plot‐level estimates of biomass change. The diameters of buttressed trees are measured above the standard height of 1·3 m, and the measurement heights on individual trees are often moved upwards as buttresses grow. Because tree trunks taper (diameter decreases with height), biomass growth in buttressed individuals tends to be underestimated. Methods have been introduced to correct biomass growth estimates in individual trees for increases in measurement height; however, these methods change the distribution of effective measurement heights over time, introducing biases in plot‐level estimates of biomass change.

In this study, we developed and applied new methods to measure and model trunk taper, and to use taper models to correct estimates ofAGBchange for changing measurement heights. We measured trunk taper above buttresses in 190 stems on Barro Colorado Island, Panama (BCI), a site where more than half of forest biomass is in trees measured above standard height. We compared proposed taper models to see which best described our measured taper data, then used the best taper model to correct for changing measurement heights in the historical plot data. Specifically, for all diameter measurements taken above 1·3 m, we calculated equivalent diameters at 1·3 m and substituted these into allometric equations to examine biomass change over time.

We found that measured taper was best fit by an exponential model with a rate parameter that varied with measured diameter (tree size), height of measurement (buttress height) and species. Whereas uncorrected data show a decrease in biomass of 0·21% year−1between 1985 and 2010 onBCI, taper‐corrected data show an increase of 0·18% year−1.

The novel correction method presented here converts all measured diameters to one standard effective measurement height. This corrects for biases at the plot level and provides a stronger foundation for measuring biomass change in tropical forests.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the regulation of flowering in temperate and tropical lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) by RNA‐Seq
Authors: Yang M. , Zhu L. , Xu L. , Pan C. , Liu Y.
Published: March 2014

The switch from vegetative to reproductive growth is a major developmental transition in flowering plants, which depends on the balanced expression of the genes within a complex network that is controlled by both environmental and endogenous factors. Molecular regulation of flower development has been investigated extensively in model plants, particularly Arabidopsis. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate flowering in lotus. To analyse the molecular regulation of flowering in lotus, comparative transcript profiling was performed at two stages of bud development – the initial developmental stage (T1) and the fast developing stage (T2) – in the lotus cultivars ‘BG’ (B, temperate lotus) and ‘WR1’ (W, tropical lotus). A total of 140 504 368 high‐quality 100‐bp reads were obtained and aligned against the lotus reference genome. Of the 23 361 genes assembled, at least 88% of these transcripts were detected in each sample. These genes were significantly enriched in 40 Gene Ontology terms and 236 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Further comparisons of the transcripts in the four libraries revealed that 1808, 1330, 785, 702, 1954, and 2050 genes were differentially expressed between BT1 and BT2, WT1 and WT2, BT1 and WT1, BT2 and WT2, BT1 and WT2 and BT2 and WT1 samples, respectively. Analysis of the four libraries identified 147 lotus flowering‐time genes homologous to genes that control flowering‐time pathways in other plants. Differential regulation of the COP1, CCA1, LHY, CO‐LIKE, VIN3, GAI, and FT genes, which participate in the photoperiod, vernalization and gibberellic acid pathways, suggested that they might control the early flowering of lotus. The extensive transcriptome dataset should provide a foundation for comparative gene expression studies on the regulation of flowering in lotus. Comparative transcriptomic analysis detected several differentially expressed genes and potential candidate genes required for early flowering in lotus. These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate flowering in lotus.
Characterising seedling and adult plant resistance to Puccinia hordei in Hordeum vulgare
Authors: Sandhu K.S. , Singh D. , Park R.F.
Published: March 2014

A set of 113 genotypes of barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare), along with the susceptible control genotype Gus, was tested for response to the barley leaf rust pathogen Puccinia hordei in the greenhouse (as seedlings) and field (as adult plants). The tests revealed that 68 lines carried adult plant resistance (APR), 23 lines carried uncharacterised seedling resistance (USR) and that three lines carried the seedling resistance gene Rph3. Nineteen lines lacked detectable seedling resistance and were also susceptible in the field at adult plant growth stages. The presence of marker bPb‐0837, linked to the APR gene Rph20, in 35 of the 68 lines carrying APR, suggested they carry this gene. The remaining 33 lines, which lacked the Rph20 linked marker, are likely sources of new uncharacterised APR. Pedigree analysis of the 68 lines found to carry APR revealed that 32 were related to cv. Gull and to Hordeum laevigatum; two were related to cv. Bavaria and one related to cvv. Manchuria and Taganrog, suggesting that these genotypes may be the ancestral sources of the APR carried by each.
Low effective population sizes and limited connectivity in xerothermic beetles: implications for the conservation of an endangered habitat
Authors: Kajtoch Ł. , Mazur M. , Kubisz D. , Mazur M. A. , Babik W.
Published: March 2014

Fragmentation and isolation may have detrimental effects on the viability of populations. Xerothermic grasslands, which are extra‐zonal analogues of steppes, are among Europe's most endangered natural environments. Information about connectivity between the remaining habitat patches is critical for effective conservation planning. However, very little is known about the actual levels of isolation of individual xerothermic patches at the inter‐regional and local scale. In this study, 16 microsatellite loci were used to investigate genetic diversity, structuring, effective sizes (Ne), and connectivity among populations of the weevil Centricnemus leucogrammus at various geographic scales. Analysis of 22 populations from three geographic regions, differing in the time of origin and the degree of geographic isolation of the populations, showed that the isolated populations from northern Poland showed the least variability, whereas those from central Poland and Ukraine sustained a similar level of microsatellite variability and were moderately connected within regions. Very low effective sizes (Ne = 14–44) were estimated, and signatures of bottlenecks were detected in all populations. Effective sizes were generally higher in larger xerothermic patches, which constitute a good quality habitat, and in populations sampled in nature reserves, as opposed to unprotected turfs. Such information is useful for the design of conservation and management plans. As C. leucogrammus is characteristic of xerothermic and steppic habitats in central and eastern Europe, it may be considered an excellent target species for assessing the quality of xerothermic habitats as well as estimating and monitoring their connectivity.
Systematic review: faecal microbiota transplantation therapy for digestive and nondigestive disorders in adults and children
Authors: Sha S. , Liang J. , Chen M. , Xu B. , Liang C. , Wei N. , Wu K.
Published: March 2014

Background

There has been growing interest in the use of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal diseases.

Aim

To review systematically the reported efficacy and safety of FMT in the management of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal disorders in adults and children.

Methods

The systematic review followed Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. Available articles were identified using three electronic databases in addition to hand searching and contacting experts. Inclusion criteria were any reports of FMT therapy written in English.

Results

A total of 844 patients who had undergone FMT were identified from 67 published studies. The most common indications were refractory/relapsing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) (76.3%) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (13.2%). There has been only one placebo‐controlled trial, a successful trial in 43 patients with recurrent CDI. Seven publications report FMT in paediatric patients with a total of 11 treated, 3 with chronic constipation and the remainder with recurrent CDI or ulcerative colitis (UC). 90.7% of patients with refractory/relapsing CDI were cured and 78.4% of patients with IBD were in remission after FMT. FMT therapy could also be effective in treatment of some nongastrointestinal disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome. The only reported serious adverse event attributed to the therapy was a case of suspected peritonitis.

Conclusions

Although more controlled trials are needed, faecal microbiota transplantation therapy shows promise in both adults and children with gastrointestinal diseases such as CDI and IBD.
Review article: integrating budesonide‐MMX into treatment algorithms for mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis
Authors: Danese S. , Siegel C. A. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L.
Published: March 2014

Background

5‐Aminosalicylates (5‐ASA) are first‐line treatment for mild–moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). When 5‐ASAs fail, systemic corticosteroids have been the standard next step. Due to the significant side effect profile of systemic corticosteroids, alternative options in the treatment algorithm after 5‐ASA failures are needed. Budesonide‐Multi‐Matrix System (MMX) is a novel oral formulation of budesonide that uses colonic release MMX technology to extend release of the drug to the colon. Now that budesonide‐MMX has been approved for use in some countries, and pending in others we need to understand its position in the treatment algorithm for UC.

Aim

To review the available literature for budesonide‐MMX and incorporate it into the treatment algorithm for mild–moderate UC.

Methods

The available efficacy and safety literature regarding budesonide‐MMX was reviewed, and compared to 5‐ASAs and systemic corticosteroids.

Results

In two large studies referred to as CORE (Colonic Release Budesonide trial), budesonide‐MMX 9 mg daily was significantly more effective in achieving a combined end point of clinical and endoscopic remission than placebo in patients with mild–moderately active UC. Safety data are reassuring, with no clinically relevant differences between budesonide‐MMX and placebo, including steroid‐related side effects.

Conclusions

Budesonide‐MMX 9 mg daily is an effective and safe treatment for induction in patients with mild–moderately active UC. At the current time, it should be considered in patients after 5‐ASA failure and before systemic corticosteroids. Data are still needed to understand its role and dose beyond 8 weeks, and if it should be considered first line before 5‐ASAs.
Evidence of Metallic Plating on Archaeological Artefacts by Voltammetry of Microparticles
Authors: Ottenwelter E. , Costa V.
Published: March 2014

Voltammetry of microparticles using a paraffin‐impregnated graphite electrode (VMP/PIGE) was applied as a very local and non‐invasive analytical technique in order to investigate the presence of remains of metallic plating on two ferrous and one cuprous artefact from the medieval period. The analyses have been performed locally and selectively on regions presenting particular features, such as texture, cohesion and colour differences. The results confirm local differences in chemical composition, leading to conclusions about the presence of metallic plating on these artefacts.
Single‐incision laparoscopy: A review of the indications, techniques and results after more than 700 procedures
Authors: Dapri Giovanni
Published: March 2014

Single‐incision laparoscopy (SIL) gained in popularity in the last 5–7 years, as a new philosophy has emerged to reduce the invasiveness of minimally invasive surgery. Various abdominal procedures using fewer and smaller trocars in order to obtain pure SIL have been described. To overcome some known problems of SIL, such as establishing the conventional multiport laparoscopic working triangulation, the non‐ergonomic positioning of the surgeon, and the increased cost of each procedure, a particular SIL technique has been developed. The technique involves reusable trocars along with specially designed DAPRI curved reusable instruments introduced through the same incision but laterally to the optical system. Hence, the main principle of conventional multiport laparoscopy – working in an appropriate triangulation while maintaining the scope in the center – is respected. The final scar is 15 mm and the cost of the procedure remains unchanged because reusable materials are used. All the abdominal procedures, including upper and lower gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliopancreatic, solid organs, gynecologic and abdominal wall hernia repair, are here reported, as are the indications for and the results after 740 procedures. In conclusion, SIL has to be considered as one of the most attractive techniques of the new minimally invasive era.
The Emergence of Prosocial Behavior: Why Do Infants and Toddlers Help, Comfort, and Share?
Authors: Paulus Markus
Published: March 2014

The early development of prosocial behavior has become a major topic in developmental psychology. Although findings on the early presence of prosocial tendencies in infants and toddlers have received much attention and the examination of their subsequent developmental pathways has fostered ample research, little is known about the mechanisms and motives that bring about the first emergence of these prosocial actions. In this article, I introduce and review theoretical approaches, then evaluate them in light of recent findings. I conclude that the forms of early prosocial behavior are related to different social‐cognitive mechanisms and underpinned by various motives.
Does levodopa improve vision in albinism? Results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Summers C Gail , Connett John E , Holleschau Ann M , Anderson Jennifer L , De Becker Inge , McKay Brian S , Brilliant Murray H
Published: March 2014

Background

Dopamine is an intermediate product in the biosynthesis of melanin pigment, which is absent or reduced in albinism. Animal research has shown that supplying a precursor to dopamine, levodopa, may improve visual acuity in albinism by enhancing neural networks. This study examines the safety and effectiveness of levodopa on best‐corrected visual acuity in human subjects with albinism.

Design

Prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐masked clinical trial conducted at the University of Minnesota.

Participants

Forty‐five subjects with albinism.

Methods

Subjects with albinism were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms: levodopa 0.76 mg/kg with 25% carbidopa, levodopa 0.51 mg/kg with 25% carbidopa, or placebo and followed for 20 weeks, with best‐corrected visual acuity measured at enrollment, and at weeks 5, 10, 15, and 20 after enrollment. Side‐effects were recorded with a symptom survey. Blood was drawn for genotyping.

Main Outcome Measures

Side‐effects and best‐corrected visual acuity 20 weeks after enrolment.

Results

All subjects had at least one mutation found in a gene known to cause albinism. Mean age was 14.5 years (range: 3.5 to 57.8 years). Follow up was 100% and compliance was good. Minor side‐effects were reported; there were no serious adverse events. There was no statistically significant improvement in best‐corrected visual acuity after 20 weeks with either dose of levodopa.

Conclusions

Levodopa, in the doses used in this trial and for the time course of administration, did not improve visual acuity in subjects with albinism.
Informed consent for human genetic and genomic studies: a systematic review
Authors: Khan A. , Capps B.J. , Sum M.Y. , Kuswanto C.N. , Sim K.
Published: March 2014

As genetic and genomic studies grow in scale, there are ethical concerns related to the collection and use of genetic information. The emergence of large public databases potentially redefine the terms of participation in genetic and genomic research, and suggests the changing application of traditional ethical principles such as privacy or consent. For this study, we wanted to see whether such developments are reflected in the informed consent processes in human genetic and genomic studies. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of the empirical studies that examined informed consent involving large genetic databases in human genetic and genomic studies, grouped the identified issues related to the different stakeholders (including subjects, researchers, and institutional review boards) and discussed the limitations and implications of these findings. Major themes related to the place of bioethical considerations, procured tissues, people involved, process of informed consent and study procedures. Frequently raised issues included confidentiality of participants, documentation of informed consent, public attitudes, future use of participant samples or data, and disclosure of results. Awareness and attention to these bioethical issues as well as assiduousness in managing these concerns in genetic/genomic research would further strengthen and safeguard the rights, safety and well‐being of genetic research participants.
Influence of mechanical instruments on the biocompatibility of titanium dental implants surfaces: a systematic review
Authors: Louropoulou Anna , Slot Dagmar E. , Van der Weijden Fridus
Published: March 2014

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of mechanical instruments on the biocompatibility of titanium dental implant surfaces.

Materials and methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane‐CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 2013, to identify controlled studies on the ability of cells to adhere and colonize non‐contaminated and contaminated, smooth and rough, titanium surfaces after instrumentation with different mechanical instruments.

Results

A comprehensive search identified 1893 unique potential papers. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. All studies were in vitro studies. Most studies used titanium discs, strips and cylinders. The air abrasive was the treatment mostly evaluated. The available studies had a high heterogeneity which precluded any statistical analysis of the data. Therefore, the conclusions are not based on quantitative data. Instrumentation seems to have a selective influence on the attachment of different cells. In the presence of contamination, plastic curettes, metal curettes, rotating titanium brushes and an ultrasonic scaling system with a carbon tip and polishing fluid seem to fail to restore the biocompatibility of rough titanium surfaces. The air‐powder abrasive system with sodium bicarbonate powder does not seem to affect the fibroblast–titanium surface interaction after treatment of smooth or rough surfaces, even in the presence of contamination.

Conclusion

The available data suggest that treatment with an air‐powder abrasive system with sodium bicarbonate powder does not seem to adversely affect the biocompatibility of titanium dental implant surfaces. However, the clinical impact of these findings requires further clarification.
Gem Depletion: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Spinal Muscular Atrophy Crossover
Authors: Cauchi Ruben J.
Published: March 2014

The determining factor of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most common motor neuron degenerative disease of childhood, is the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN and its Gemin associates form a complex that is indispensible for the biogenesis of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), which constitute the building blocks of spliceosomes. It is as yet unclear whether a decreased capacity of SMN in snRNP assembly, and, hence, transcriptome abnormalities, account for the specific neuromuscular phenotype in SMA. Across metazoa, the SMN‐Gemins complex concentrates in multiple nuclear gems that frequently neighbour or overlap Cajal bodies. The number of gems has long been known to be a faithful indicator of SMN levels, which are linked to SMA severity. Intriguingly, a flurry of recent studies have revealed that depletion of this nuclear structure is also a signature feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult‐onset motor neuron disease. This review discusses such a surprising crossover in addition to highlighting the most recent work on the intricate world of spliceosome building, which seems to be at the heart of motor neuron physiology and survival.
Analyzing the Rate at Which Languages Lose the Influence of a Common Ancestor
Authors: Rafferty Anna N. , Griffiths Thomas L. , Klein Dan
Published: March 2014

Analyzing the rate at which languages change can clarify whether similarities across languages are solely the result of cognitive biases or might be partially due to descent from a common ancestor. To demonstrate this approach, we use a simple model of language evolution to mathematically determine how long it should take for the distribution over languages to lose the influence of a common ancestor and converge to a form that is determined by constraints on language learning. We show that modeling language learning as Bayesian inference ofnbinary parameters or the ordering ofnconstraints results in convergence in a number of generations that is on the order ofn log n. We relax some of the simplifying assumptions of this model to explore how different assumptions about language evolution affect predictions about the time to convergence; in general, convergence time increases as the model becomes more realistic. This allows us to characterize the assumptions about language learning (given the models that we consider) that are sufficient for convergence to have taken place on a timescale that is consistent with the origin of human languages. These results clearly identify the consequences of a set of simple models of language evolution and show how analysis of convergence rates provides a tool that can be used to explore questions about the relationship between accounts of language learning and the origins of similarities across languages.
The Effects of Prior Learned Strategies on Updating an Opponent's Strategy in the Rock, Paper, Scissors Game
Authors: Stöttinger Elisabeth , Filipowicz Alex , Danckert James , Anderson Britt
Published: March 2014

To explore how model building adapts to changing environments, we had participants play “rock‐paper‐scissors” against a computer that played a frequency bias or a player‐dependent bias and then switched. Participants demonstrated their use of prior experience in how quickly they recognized and exploited changes in the computer's play strategy; in general, the more similar the strategies, the more efficient the updating. These findings inform our understanding of previously reported updating impairments in right‐brain damaged patients.
Identification of novel kinase inhibitors by targeting a kinase‐related apoptotic protein–protein interaction network in HeLa cells
Authors: Shi Z. , An N. , Lu B. M. , Zhou N. , Yang S. L. , Zhang B. , Li C. Y. , Wang Z. J. , Wang F. , Wu C. F. , Bao J. K.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Protein kinases orchestrate activation of signalling cascades in response to extra‐ and intracellular stimuli for regulation of cell proliferation. They are directly involved in a variety of diseases, particularly cancers. Systems biology approaches have become increasingly important in understanding regulatory frameworks in cancer, and thus may facilitate future anti‐cancer discoveries. Moreover, it has been suggested and confirmed that high‐throughput virtual screening provides a novel, effective way to reveal small molecule protein kinase inhibitors. Accordingly, we aimed to identify kinase targets and novel kinase inhibitors.

Materials and methods

A series of bioinformatics methods, such as network construction, molecular docking and microarray analyses were performed.

Results

In this study, we computationally constructed the appropriate global human protein–protein interaction network with data from online databases, and then modified it into a kinase‐related apoptotic protein–protein interaction network. Subsequently, we identified several kinases as potential drug targets according to their differential expression observed by microarray analyses. Then, we predicted relevant microRNAs, which could target the above‐mentioned kinases. Ultimately, we virtually screened a number of small molecule natural products from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)@Taiwan database and identified a number of compounds that are able to target polo‐like kinase 1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 in HeLa cervical carcinoma cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, all these findings might hopefully facilitate discovery of new kinase inhibitors that could be promising candidates for anti‐cancer drug development.
Incorporating spatial population structure in gap analysis reveals inequitable assessments of species protection
Authors: Santini L. , Di Marco M. , Boitani L. , Maiorano L. , Rondinini C.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Gap analysis measures the percentage of protected species distribution and generally compares it to a representation target (i.e. minimum area to be protected). The results are used to identify species that need further protection, providing a quantitative baseline to address a possible expansion of a given protected area (PA) systems. However, the achievement of the same representation target may have different implications in terms of species persistence depending on population spatial structure and conservation needs. The aim was to investigate to what extent and why gap analysis may provide inequitable assessments of species protection.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We performed three gap analyses on 27 European species of carnivores and ungulates, measuring the level of protection according to three different types of distribution data: geographical ranges, habitat suitability models and habitat suitability models that incorporate the potential spatial structuring in populations withinPAs.

Results

The estimated degree of species protection depends on the distribution proxy and the target adopted. When the analyses are based on areas able to support viable populations (irrespective of how these areas are quantified), the perceived relative protection of different species changes considerably. The ability of different species to persist inPAsystems mostly depends on their population density and dispersal abilities, as well as the interaction between these two features, which eventually determines the number and relative size of the populations.

Main conclusions

The achievement of the same representation target for different species may imply protecting different numbers of individuals in populations having different spatial structures and may consequently lead to different probabilities of persistence across species. If species spatial structuring is disregarded, gap analysis may thus lead to inequitable assessments ofPAcoverage.
Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells under the stimulation of Toll‐like receptor agonists
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Zheng‐Yun , Zhou Hao , Zhou Guang‐Wen
Published: March 2014

Infective factors cause the perpetuation of inflammation as a result of the permanent exposure of the immune system to exogenous or endogenous products of virus or bacteria. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be exposed to this infective environment, which may change the characteristics and therapeutic potency of these MSCs. MSCs have the ability to repair damaged and inflamed tissues and regulate immune responses. In this study, we demonstrated that MSCs express functional Toll‐like receptors (TLR) 3 and 4, the Toll‐like receptor families that recognize the signals of viral and bacterial mimics, respectively. The specific stimulations did not affect the self‐renewal and apoptosis capabilities of MSCs but instead promoted their differentiation into the adipocytes and osteoblasts with the TLR3 ligand. The reverse of these results were obtained with the TLR4 ligand. The migration of the MSCs to stimulate either of the two specific ligands was inhibited at different times, whereas the immunogenicity and immunosuppressive properties of the MSCs were not weakened unlike in the MSCs group. These results suggest that TLR3 and TLR4 stimulation affect the characterization of MSCs.
Does early treatment improve outcomes in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis?
Authors: Byrne Susan , McCoy Blathanid , Lynch Bryan , Webb David , King Mary D
Published: March 2014

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a treatable cause of autoimmune encephalitis in both children and adults. It is still unclear if the natural history of the condition in children is altered by early treatment with immunosuppressive therapy. We looked at the outcomes of five children (two males, three females; mean age 6y 9mo, range 4–8y) who were treated empirically for autoimmune encephalitis within a brief period of presentation. Features that led clinicians to suspect autoimmune encephalitis included prominent neuropsychiatric features, movement disorder, seizures, and dysautonomic features. Immunosuppressive therapy was carried out in all cases. In this series of children, in whom the median time from symptom onset to treatment was 5 days and median length of time for follow‐up was 24 months, four out of the five (80%) recovered to their baseline. Early initiation of immunosuppressive therapy may result in improved clinical outcomes.
Stability of motor function and associated impairments between childhood and adolescence in young people with cerebral palsy in Europe
Authors: Nystrand Malin , Beckung Eva , Dickinson Heather , Colver Allan
Published: March 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate whether impairments associated with cerebral palsy were stable between childhood and adolescence.

Method

The Study of Participation of Children with Cerebral Palsy Living in Europe (SPARCLE) longitudinal study was conducted in nine European regions. In total, 818 children aged 8 to 12 years were randomly selected from population‐based registers; 594 (73%) were followed up at the age of 13 to 17 years (344 males, 250 females; median age 10y 4mo) Research associates visited them in their homes and recorded their motor function and additional impairments. Stability of impairment was assessed using the weighted kappa coefficient.

Results

The proportion of participants whose level of impairment remained unchanged varied from 63% for fine motor function to 98% for hearing. For gross motor function, communication, and cognitive level, the kappa and the lower bound of its 95% confidence interval (CI) were above 0.75, indicating stability between childhood and adolescence; for fine motor function and feeding, the kappa was above 0.75 but the lower bound of the 95% CI was below 0.75, indicating probable stability; for seizures and vision, the kappa was below 0.75, although the upper bound of the 95% CI was above 0.75, indicating possible change; for hearing the kappa and its entire CI were below 0.75, indicating change. Overall, 81% of participants had no seizures in childhood, of whom 93% were seizure‐free in adolescence.

Interpretation

Motor function and additional impairments were generally stable between childhood and adolescence.
Sleep: the other life of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Newman Christopher J
Published: March 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Atmawidjaja et al. on
pages 681–685 of this issue.
Brogren Carlberg and Löwing reply
Authors: Carlberg Eva Brogren , Löwing Kristina
Published: March 2014

Please also see the reply to this letter by 503–504.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of real‐time medication monitoring with short message service (SMS) reminders for missed doses on the refill adherence of people with Type 2 diabetes: evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vervloet M. , van Dijk L. , de Bakker D. H. , Souverein P. C. , Santen‐Reestman J. , van Vlijmen B. , van Aarle M. C. W. , van der Hoek L. S. , Bouvy M. L.
Published: March 2014

Aims

To investigate short‐ and long‐term effects of real‐time monitoring medication use combined with short message service (SMS) reminders for missed doses on refill adherence to oral anti‐diabetic medication.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups and one control group involving 161 participants with Type 2 diabetes with suboptimal adherence. For 6 months, participants in the SMS group (n = 56) were monitored and received SMS reminders if they missed their medication. Participants in the non‐SMS group (n = 48) were only monitored. The control group (n = 57) was not exposed to any intervention. Primary outcome measure was refill adherence to oral anti‐diabetic medication. Multi‐level regression analyses were performed to examine intervention effects on adherence between and within groups after 1 and 2 years of follow‐up.

Results

At baseline, mean refill adherence was comparable between the groups. After 1 year, adherence in the SMS group was significantly higher than in the control group (79.5% vs. 64.5%; P < 0.001) and showed a significant improvement from baseline (+16.3%; P < 0.001). Mean adherence in the non‐SMS group reached 73.1% (+7.3%; P < 0.05), but did not differ from the control group (P = 0.06). After 2 years, the improved adherence in the SMS group persisted and remained significantly higher than in the control group (80.4% vs. 68.4%; P < .01), contrary to the non‐SMS group whose adherence approached baseline level again (65.5%).

Conclusions

This study shows the long‐term effectiveness of real‐time medication monitoring combined with SMS reminders in improving refill adherence. This new reminder system can strengthen the self‐management of people with diabetes.
Device Landing Zone Calcification Predicts Significant Paravalvular Regurgitation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Study
Authors: Mihara Hirotsugu , Shibayama Kentaro , Harada Kenji , Berdejo Javier , Itabashi Yuji , Makkar Raj R. , Shiota Takahiro
Published: March 2014

Paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is one of the major complications with negative clinical prognosis. Therefore, its prediction is important for further improvement of the outcome. We present a case with TAVR, in which we successfully evaluated aortic valve calcification protruding inward and into the left ventricular outflow tract by real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, and predicted significant PVR after the procedure. In conclusion, device landing zone calcification protruding inward is a key for the prediction of significant PVR after TAVR.
Iatrogenic External Pudendal Artery Pseudoaneurysm with a Communicating Arteriovenous Fistula–A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pitfall
Authors: Lønnebakken Mai Tone , Larsen Terje H. , Gerdts Eva , Pedersen Ole Martin
Published: March 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality in evaluation of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms (PAs). This case illustrates that when a PA originating from the external pudendal artery, a side branch of the common femoral artery, is combined with a communicating arteriovenous fistula the diagnosis, having important therapeutic implications, may be misinterpreted by ultrasound.
Left Ventricular Twist and Ventricular–Arterial Coupling in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Shin Hong‐Won , Kim Hyungseop , Lee Jeong‐Eun , Kim In‐Cheol , Yoon Hyuck‐Jun , Park Hyoung‐Seob , Cho Yun‐Kyeong , Nam Chang‐Wook , Hur Seung‐Ho , Kim Yoon‐Nyun , Kim Kwon‐Bae
Published: March 2014

Background

Left ventricular (LV) twist is usually influenced by LV hypertrophy resulting from hypertension or vascular stiffness. Vascular stiffness would increase arterial elastance (Ea), whereas LV end‐systolic stiffness (Ees) could be influenced by LV hypertrophy. Therefore, in hypertensive patients, we assessed the extent to which ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC; Ea/Ees) affects LV twist, which may be a compensatory mechanism for systolic dysfunction.

Methods

Hypertensive patients (n = 128) and healthy controls (n = 40) underwent conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography including LV twist. Ea and Ees were estimated noninvasively by echocardiography. Patients were divided into 3 tertiles according to the twist angle. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to test the influence of VAC on twist.

Results

Patients in the lowest LV twist tertile had larger LV end‐systolic volume, lower ejection fraction, lesser mid‐wall fractional shortening (MWFS), and higher LV mass index (LVMI), compared to those with the highest tertile. They showed the lower septal tissue Doppler velocity, and global longitudinal and circumferential strain. With regard to VAC, Ea was similar among 3 groups, but Ees was significantly decreased in patient with lower tertile, resulting in increased VAC (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.1, P < 0.001). While LV twist showed significant correlations with Ees, MWFS, and LVMI, VAC (β = −14.92, P < 0.001) was most associated with twist in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

LV twist was significantly associated with VAC in accordance with LV function; LV twist and VAC decreased progressively as LV systolic function deteriorated, while being enhanced during the well‐compensated phase.
Right Superior Vena Cava to Left Atrium: Importance of “Bubbling It Right”
Authors: Shetkar Sudhir Suryakant , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Gulati Gurpreet Singh , Juneja Rajnish
Published: March 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Bubble contrast echocardiogram is conventionally done through left hand while evaluating patients with unexplained cyanosis. We hereby report a case of anomalous drainage of superior vena cava to left atrium in child and highlight the importance of doing bubble contrast echocardiogram through right hand.
Chemosensory cues affect amygdaloid neurogenesis and alter behaviors in the socially monogamous prairie vole
Authors: Liu Y. , Lieberwirth C. , Jia X. , Curtis J. T. , Meredith M. , Wang Z. X.
Published: March 2014

The current study examined the effects of pheromonal exposure on adult neurogenesis and revealed the role of the olfactory pathways on adult neurogenesis and behavior in the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). Subjects were injected with a cell proliferation marker [5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)] and then exposed to their own soiled bedding or bedding soiled by a same‐ or opposite‐sex conspecific. Exposure to opposite‐sex bedding increased BrdU labeling in the amygdala (AMY), but not the dentate gyrus (DG), of female, but not male, voles, indicating a sex‐, stimulus‐, and brain region‐specific effect. The removal of the main olfactory bulbs or lesioning of the vomeronasal organ (VNOX) in females reduced BrdU labeling in the AMY and DG, and inhibited the male bedding‐induced BrdU labeling in the AMY, revealing the importance of an intact olfactory pathway for amygdaloid neurogenesis. VNOX increased anxiety‐like behavior and altered social preference, but it did not affect social recognition memory in female voles. VNOX also reduced the percentage of BrdU‐labeled cells that co‐expressed the neuronal marker TuJ1 in the AMY, but not the DG. Together, our data indicate the importance of the olfactory pathway in mediating brain plasticity in the limbic system as well as its role in behavior.
Different forms of locomotion in the spinal lamprey
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ju , Orlovsky Grigori N. , Zelenin Pavel V.
Published: March 2014

Forward locomotion has been extensively studied in different vertebrate animals, and the principal role of spinal mechanisms in the generation of this form of locomotion has been demonstrated. Vertebrate animals, however, are capable of other forms of locomotion, such as backward walking and swimming, sideward walking, and crawling. Do the spinal mechanisms play a principal role in the generation of these forms of locomotion? We addressed this question in lampreys, which are capable of five different forms of locomotion – fast forward swimming, slow forward swimming, backward swimming, forward crawling, and backward crawling. To induce locomotion in lampreys spinalised at the second gill level, we used either electrical stimulation of the spinal cord at different rostrocaudal levels, or tactile stimulation of specific cutaneous receptive fields from which a given form of locomotion could be evoked in intact lampreys. We found that any of the five forms of locomotion could be evoked in the spinal lamprey by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, and some of them by tactile stimulation. These results suggest that spinal mechanisms in the lamprey, in the absence of phasic supraspinal commands, are capable of generating the basic pattern for all five forms of locomotion observed in intact lampreys. In spinal lampreys, the direction of swimming did not depend on the site of spinal cord stimulation, but on the stimulation strength. The direction of crawling strongly depended on the body configuration. The spinal structures presumably activated by spinal cord stimulation and causing different forms of locomotion are discussed.
Interneuron firing precedes sequential activation of neuronal ensembles in hippocampal slices
Authors: Sasaki Takuya , Matsuki Norio , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: March 2014

Neuronal firing sequences that occur during behavioral tasks are precisely reactivated in the neocortex and the hippocampus during rest and sleep. These precise firing sequences are likely to reflect latent memory traces, and their reactivation is believed to be essential for memory consolidation and working memory maintenance. However, how the organized repeating patterns emerge through the coordinated interplay of distinct types of neurons remains unclear. In this study, we monitored ongoing spatiotemporal firing patterns using a multi‐neuron calcium imaging technique and examined how the activity of individual neurons is associated with repeated ensembles in hippocampal slice cultures. To determine the cell types of the imaged neurons, we applied an optical synapse mapping method that identifies network connectivity among dozens of neurons. We observed that inhibitory interneurons exhibited an increase in their firing rates prior to the onset of repeating sequences, while the overall activity level of excitatory neurons remained unchanged. A specific repeating sequence emerged preferentially after the firing of a specific interneuron that was located close to the neuron first activated in the sequence. The times of repeating sequences could be more precisely predicted based on the activity patterns of inhibitory cells than excitatory cells. In line with these observations, stimulation of a single interneuron could trigger the emergence of repeating sequences. These findings provide a conceptual framework that interneurons serve as a key regulator of initiating sequential spike activity.