bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging alterations related to status epilepticus in an adult population: Definition of MRI findings and clinical‐EEG correlation
Authors: Giovannini Giada , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , McCoy Mark R. , Meletti Stefano , Trinka Eugen 
Published: August 2018

SummaryMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an opportunity for identifying peri‐ictal MRI abnormalities (PMAs) related to status epilepticus (SE). Extremely variable MRI alterations have been reported previously during or after SE, mainly in small selected populations. In a retrospective monocentric study, we analyzed brain MRI changes observed in the ictal/postictal periods of SE in an adult population. We included all consecutive patients observed in a 5‐year period with an electroclinical diagnosis of SE and an MRI performed within 30 days from the beginning of SE. We identified 277 patients. Among them, 32 (12%) showed PMAs related to SE. The duration of SE was strongly associated with MRI alterations, showing a mean duration of 6 days vs 2 days (P = .011) in the group with and without MRI alterations, respectively. Focal electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities (P = .00003) and in particular, lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs) (P < .0001) were strongly associated with PMAs. MRI alterations were unilateral (23 patients, 72%), located in multiple brain structures (19 patients, 59%), and involving mesiotemporal structures (17 patients, 53%). Sixteen patients (50%) had good spatial correspondence between cortical PMAs and the focal EEG pattern; 12 patients (38%) with focal EEG pattern showed cortical PMAs plus MRI signal changes also involving subcortical structures. A follow‐up MRI was available for 14 of 32 patients (44%): 10 patients presented a disappearance of PMAs, whereas in 4, PMAs were still present. This study demonstrates that a long duration SE and the presence of certain EEG patterns (LPDs) are associated with the occurrence of PMAs. A good spatial concordance was observed between cortical PMA location and the EEG focus.
Fueling the FIRES: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome
Authors: Farias‐Moeller Raquel , LaFrance‐Corey Reghann , Bartolini Luca , Wells Elizabeth M. , Baker Meredith , Doslea Alyssa , Suslovic William , Greenberg Jay , Carpenter Jessica L. , Howe Charles L. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryObjectivesAlthough secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been reported in children with critical illness of various etiologies, it has not been reported in patients with febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). We describe a series of patients with concurrent HLH and FIRES in an effort to establish common pathophysiologic abnormalities.MethodsFive patients with FIRES who were assessed for HLH were identified from a neurocritical care database. All were previously healthy and had extensive diagnostic testing. All had clinical deterioration with multiorgan dysfunction prompting HLH screening 20‐29 days after hospitalization. Markers for inflammatory dysregulation were assessed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum at various time points. Outcomes were assessed 6 months after presentation.ResultsThree patients met clinical criteria for secondary HLH. Elevation of specific cytokines/chemokines was variable. CSF neopterin, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) were significantly elevated in all. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18 were not elevated in any of the samples. Treatment and outcomes were variable.SignificanceWe describe 3 patients with HLH and FIRES. The co‐occurrence of these 2 rare disorders suggests the possibility of a common immune dysregulation phenotype prolonging epileptogenesis. HLH screening in critically ill patients with FIRES may yield a broader understanding of shared inflammatory processes.
A guide to quantifying membrane protein dynamics in lipids and other native‐like environments by solution‐state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Bibow Stefan , Hiller Sebastian 
Published: August 2018

Recent biochemical and technical developments permit residue‐specific solution NMR measurements of membrane protein (MP) dynamics in lipidic and chaperone‐bound environments. This is possible by combinations of improved sample preparations with suitable NMR relaxation experiments to correlate protein function to backbone dynamics on timescales from picoseconds to seconds, even for large MP–lipid assemblies above 100 kDa in molecular mass. Here, we introduce the basic concepts of different NMR relaxation experiments, individually sensitive to specific timescales. We discuss the general limitations of detergent environments and highlight the importance for native‐like environments when studying MPs. We then review three practical studies of fast‐ and slow‐timescale MP dynamics in lipid environments, as well as in a natively unfolded, chaperone‐bound state. These examples illustrate the new avenues solution NMR spectroscopy is taking to investigate MP dynamics in native‐like environments with atomic resolution.
Influence of tubificid worms on sediment structure, benthic biofilm and fauna in wetlands: A field enclosure experiment
Authors: Mermillod‐Blondin Florian , Bouvarot Morgane , Déjollat Yann , Adrien Jérome , Maire Eric , Lemoine Damien , Marmonier Pierre , Volatier Laurence 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Bioturbation activities of tubificid worms play a major role in nutrient cycling and microbial processes occurring at water–sediment interfaces of freshwater environments. Nevertheless, evidence of significant contributions of worms to ecosystem functioning largely arises from experiments performed at laboratory scales, because studies exploring the role of tubificid worms in the field are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to test the influence of tubificid worms on benthic habitat structure and functioning in field experiments. According to literature, we predicted that feeding activities of tubificid worms would increase the percentage of clay and silt particles, the bacterial growth and microbial activities in the top sediment layer.

The experiment was performed at the water–sediment interface of a shallow wetland. Enclosures with and without addition of the tubificid worm Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri were used to quantify the influences of tubificid worms on the sedimentary habitat (sediment grain size distribution, water‐filled porosity using microtomography), the biofilm (algal biomass, bacterial abundance, total organic carbon and total nitrogen, microbial enzymatic activity, photosynthetic activity and efficiency of the photosystem II) and the benthic fauna. Measures were performed before worm addition and at the end of the experiment.

After 6 weeks, the proportion of fine sediment particles (<63 μm) and the water‐filled porosity were significantly modified by the bioturbation activities of tubificid worms. The bacterial abundance was stimulated by twofold, the microbial hydrolytic activity by +35% and the algal biomass by +40%. The field enclosures with and without L. hoffmeisteri showed differences in benthic invertebrate assemblages, especially for nematodes that were excluded from enclosures with worms.

Our results indicate that bioturbation mechanisms and impacts reported from laboratory experiments with tubificid worms are not only significant at a field scale, but also highlight unpredicted interactions with other benthic organisms (autotrophic compartment of the biofilm and invertebrates).
Long‐term persistence of freshwater mussel beds in labile river channels
Authors: Sansom Brandon J. , Bennett Sean J. , Atkinson Joseph F. , Vaughn Caryn C. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Freshwater mussels are among the world’s most imperilled species, and much effort has been expended to understand their precipitous decline. The current paradigm is that relative river bed stability over decades is critical to maintaining mussel beds at a given river reach. Such information, however, is in stark contrast to the fundamental understanding of self‐formed rivers.

Here, we examine the relationship between long‐term occurrence of aggregated freshwater mussel communities (mussel beds) and the dynamic rivers in which they live.

We surveyed mussel assemblages in two streams with historical records to document their long‐term persistence, and we simulated bed mobility with a two‐dimensional flow and sediment transport model to estimate bedload transport during channel‐forming discharges.

We found evidence of long‐term mussel bed persistence, in time and in kind, within these two streams and that significant bed mobility within mussel beds occurs every 1–2 years, as to be expected for self‐formed rivers with labile beds. Flow refugia, or bed immobility, thus cannot completely explain the persistence of these mussel beds.

Our results suggest that mussels have adapted to proliferate in river channels that often experience significant bed mobility, but further studies are needed to understand the biophysical mechanisms enabling the long‐term persistence of mussel communities.
Trigeminal herpes zoster and Ramsay Hunt syndrome in an elderly adult: Presentation with prodromal toothache
Authors: Brooks John K. , Rostami Arash M. , McCorkle Douglas C. , Benesh Samuel I. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveThis article describes an atypical herpes zoster (HZ) infection heralded by prodromic dental pain.BackgroundTrigeminal HZ is associated with any of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare variant of HZ infection of the ear, often accompanied with unilateral facial nerve palsy.Materials and methodsAn 87‐year‐old man sought remedy for tooth‐like pain. Within a week, he developed cutaneous, intraoral and otic eruptions, hearing loss, and mild facial palsy.ResultsAfter ruling out odontogenic pain, he was diagnosed with trigeminal HZ and Ramsay Hunt syndrome.ConclusionHerpes zoster infection should be included as a possible aetiologic factor with atypical presentations of odontogenic pain. Diagnosis of trigeminal HZ infection and the Ramsay Hunt syndrome may lead to timely intervention with antivirals and improved patient outcomes.
Environmental and physical factors predisposing middle‐aged and older Japanese adults to falls and fall‐related fractures in the home
Authors: Tanaka Tomoki , Matsumoto Hiroshige , Son Bo‐Kyung , Imaeda Shujirou , Uchiyama Emiko , Taniguchi Sakiko , Nishino Akiko , Miura Takahiro , Tanaka Toshiaki , Otsuki Toshio , Nishide Kazuhiko , Iijima Katsuya , Okata Junichiro 
Published: August 2018

AimTo identify environmental and physical factors that predispose middle‐aged and older Japanese adults to falls and fall‐related fractures in the home.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was carried out in 2014. Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to 15 000 community‐dwelling adults in Japan. The overall crude response rate was 13%. Response data were analyzed from 1561 individuals aged ≥40 years using multiple imputation to analyze missing data. We evaluated falls without fractures and fall‐related fractures during the previous 3 years according to demographic, physical and environmental factors, including age, sex, long‐term care insurance certification, type of house and barrier‐free housing.ResultsOf the 1561 adults (mean age 68.1 ± 13.0 years), 28% experienced a fall in the home. Among the individuals who experienced a fall, 11% experienced fall‐related fractures. These individuals were more likely to be women (OR 2.4, 95.0% CI 1.1–5.1), have LTCI certification (OR 3.9, 95.0% CI 1.6–9.4) and be living in a barrier home (OR 4.0, 95.0% CI 1.6–9.8), after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionsEnvironmental factors, such as living in a barrier home, are critical for fall‐related fractures, in addition to demographic and physical factors. A multidisciplinary approach that considers both physical and environmental factors is necessary for reducing the incidence of fall‐related fractures among middle‐aged and older Japanese adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1372–1377.
Clinical characteristics of patients with dementia in a local emergency clinic in Japan
Authors: Tadokoro Koh , Sasaki Ryo , Wakutani Yosuke , Takao Yoshiki , Abe Koji 
Published: August 2018

AimThe present study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics of patients with dementia in an emergency clinic.MethodsWe retrospectively examined patients with dementia who visited the emergency clinic at Kurashiki Heisei Hospital, Okayama, Japan. Among 16 764 patients who visited our emergency clinic in the 3 years from 2014 to 2017, we focused on 2574 (15.4%) patients with dementia.ResultsThe mean age of patients with dementia was 84.9 ± 0.1 years, which was much older than the age of the total emergency patients (58.1 ± 0.2 years). The hospitalization rate was 54.9% for patients with dementia, which was more than double that of patients without dementia (23.3%; P <0.01), and was higher than that (44.3%) of patients who were aged ≥75 years without dementia. Infection (42.4%) and falls (20.9%) were the most common causes for emergency visits and hospitalization in the present study. Hospitalized patients with dementia spent a longer time in hospital for stroke (64.0 ± 5.3 days) and falls (51.9 ± 2.1 days) than those with infection, epilepsy, syncope, loss of consciousness, other causes (all P <0.01) or dehydration (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with dementia commonly attend our emergency clinic. These patients are older in age, have a higher hospitalization rate and have a longer hospitalization, especially due to stroke and falls, than patients without dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1383–1387.
Lifestyle activities and the risk of dementia in older Japanese adults
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki , Makizako Hyuma , Lee Sangyoon , Doi Takehiko , Lee SungChul 
Published: August 2018

AimThe prevalence of dementia is rising due to increases in the aging population and chronic health conditions. The present study examined whether lifestyle activities, including instrumental activities of daily living and social roles, were associated with dementia incidence in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsThis longitudinal study involved 4564 participants (age ≥65 years) who were classified by age and sex. Lifestyle activities, risk factors for dementia and incidence of new dementia were recorded.ResultsAfter an average of 42.6 months, 219 participants (4.8%) experienced a new onset of dementia. Survival analyses using the Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the probability of dementia was significantly lower in participants who engaged in daily conversation (hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.89, P = 0.015), driving a car (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45–0.88, P = 0.007), shopping (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34–0.96, P = 0.033) and field work or gardening (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.94, P = 0.016).ConclusionsWe concluded that specific lifestyle activities might play an important role in preventing dementia in older adults. The activities that prevent dementia might differ depending on sex and age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1491–1496.
Improved manure and fertilizer practices changes nutrient dynamics in silage meadows on a dairy farm in eastern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Saigusa Toshiya , Matsumoto Takehiko , Osaka Ikuo , Minezaki Yasuhiro 
Published: August 2018

AbstractImproved fertilizer practices were gradually introduced over 8 years to the silage meadows of Konsen Agricultural Experiment Station, a working dairy farm in eastern Hokkaido (approximately 100 ha, a size common in the area). The entire amount of farmyard manure and slurry that was applied to the fields and the entire amount of harvested herbage was measured directly by weighbridge. The nutrient content of the manure was measured every year from 2004, the nutrient content of the harvested herbage and silage was measured every year from 2006, and the amounts of soil‐available nutrients were measured every year from 2008. The two improved fertilizer practices—“more effective use of livestock manure,” which was introduced in 2005, and “nutrient application depending on soil fertility,” which was introduced in 2008—clearly decreased the input of potassium to the silage meadows. By means of improved weed control at grassland renovation from 2008 onwards and implementation of the improved fertilizer practices, herbage yields were maintained at around the target yield for this area, and botanical compositions (percentages of timothy and legumes) were improved. The potassium content of herbage and silage decreased significantly. Furthermore, the potassium content of the slurry also decreased from the year following that when the potassium content of the silage decreased. Reduction of potassium in the farmyard manure tended to be observed the year following the decrease observed in the slurry. Exchangeable potassium in the top 0–5 cm of soil decreased and neared the recommended level. The cost of chemical fertilizer was also reduced. These improved effects measured directly on a commercial‐scale dairy farm at the Konsen Agricultural Experiment Station provide important quantitative evidence for promoting improved fertilizer practices.
PAC1‐PAC2 proteasome assembly chaperone retains the core α4–α7 assembly intermediates in the cytoplasm
Authors: Wu Wei , Sahara Kazutaka , Hirayama Shoshiro , Zhao Xian , Watanabe Ayaka , Hamazaki Jun , Yashiroda Hideki , Murata Shigeo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe proteasome core particle (CP) is a cytoplasmic and nuclear protease complex and is comprised of two α‐rings and two β‐rings stacked in order of αββα. The assembly of CP proceeds by ordered recruitment of β‐subunits on an α‐ring with help of assembly chaperones PAC1‐PAC2, PAC3‐PAC4, and UMP1. However, the mechanism of α‐ring formation remains unsolved. Here, we show that α4, α5, α6, and α7 form a core intermediate as the initial process of α‐ring assembly, which requires PAC3‐PAC4. α1 and α3 can be incorporated independently into the core α4–α7 intermediate, whereas α2 incorporation is dependent on preceding incorporation of α1. Through these processes, PAC1‐PAC2 prevents nonproductive dimerization of α‐ring assembly intermediates. We also found that PAC1‐PAC2 overrides the effect of nuclear localization signals of α‐subunits and retains α‐ring assembly intermediates in the cytoplasm. Our results first show a detailed assembly pathway of proteasomal α‐ring and explain the mechanism by which CP assembly occurs in the cytoplasm.
Assessment of tumour‐associated necrosis provides prognostic information additional to World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology grading for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dagher Julien , Delahunt Brett , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Egevad Lars , Coughlin Geoff , Dunglison Nigel , Gianduzzo Troy , Kua Boon , Malone Greg , Martin Ben , Preston John , Pokorny Morgan , Wood Simon , Samaratunga Hemamali 
Published: August 2018

AimsThe aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of tumour‐associated necrosis (TAN) on metastasis‐free survival for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and to determine whether TAN provides survival information additional to World Health Organization (WHO)/International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading.Methods and resultsThe study consisted of 376 cases of clear cell RCC treated by nephrectomy, for which follow‐up was available. WHO/ISUP grade was assigned, and sections were assessed for the presence of TAN. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) pT staging category and tumour size were also recorded. The development of metastatic disease was taken as the clinical endpoint, and survival analyses, utilising univariate and multivariate models, were performed. WHO/ISUP grades were: grade 1, 35 cases (9.3%); grade 2, 188 cases (50.0%); grade 3, 91 cases (24.2%); and grade 4, 62 cases (16.5%). Staging categories were pT1–pT2 [234 tumours (62.2%)] and pT3–pT4 [139 tumours (37.0%)]. TAN was seen in 128 cases (34.0%). Neither TAN nor metastases were seen in grade 1 tumours. Among grade 2–4 tumours, those with TAN had a significantly worse prognosis than those without TAN (P = 0.017, P = 0.04, and P = 0.006, respectively). Multivariate analysis (WHO/ISUP grade, pT staging category, and TAN) showed all three variables to be independently associated with outcome (P = 0.009, P = 0.005, and P = 0.001, respectively). For all tumour grades and pT staging categories, it was found that the presence of TAN was associated with a 2.91‐fold greater risk of metastatic disease.ConclusionTumour‐associated necrosis is an important prognostic factor for clear cell RCC, independently of WHO/ISUP grade. This supports the suggestion that TAN could be incorporated into tumour grading criteria.
FGF‐2 and FGFR‐1 might be independent prognostic factors in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mariz Bruno A L A , Soares Ciro D , de Carvalho Maria G F , Jorge‐Júnior Jacks 
Published: August 2018

AimsFibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)‐1 are associated with tumour invasiveness, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The aims of this study were to investigate FGF‐2 expression and FGFR‐1 expression in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), and their correlation with OTSCC patients’ prognosis.Methods and resultsOne hundred and sixty‐seven cases were retrospectively selected, including 85 surgical specimens of patients with OTSCC, 46 incisional biopsies of OTSCC, and 36 incisional biopsies of OED. Tissue sections were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for FGF‐2 and FGFR‐1, and digitally scored. Elevated scores of FGF‐2 and FGFR‐1 immunostaining were associated with high‐grade OEDs. FGF‐2 positivity in the stroma was associated with vascular invasion and a worse prognosis, in both overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) analyses, in univariate and multivariate models. FGFR‐1 positivity in the stroma was correlated with lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. FGFR‐1 expression in either the malignant cells or the stroma was strongly correlated with shorter OS and DFS.ConclusionsTaken together, our findings suggest that increased FGF‐2 expression and increased FGFR‐1 expression are associated with high‐grade OEDs, and are correlated with the presence of metastasis and adverse outcomes in OTSCC patients.
INSURANCE‐INDUCED MORAL HAZARD: A DYNAMIC MODEL OF WITHIN‐YEAR MEDICAL CARE DECISION MAKING UNDER UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Cronin Christopher J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study quantifies the moral hazard effect of health insurance on medical expenditure by estimating a dynamic model of within‐year medical care consumption that allows for insurance selection, endogenous health transitions, and individual uncertainty about medical care prices in an environment where insurance has nonlinear cost‐sharing features. The results suggest that moral hazard accounts for 53.1%, on average, of total annual medical expenditure when insured. This estimate is significantly different, and generally larger, than that produced by an alternative model that is representative of the annual medical care decision‐making models commonly found in the literature.
PRICE DYNAMICS WITH CUSTOMER MARKETS
Authors: Paciello Luigi , Pozzi Andrea , Trachter Nicholas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUsing microdata from a U.S. retailer we document that customer turnover responds to pricing. We study the optimal price setting of a firm when its demand has an extensive margin that is elastic to price due to customers' opportunity to search for an alternative supplier. The price pass‐through of idiosyncratic productivity shocks is incomplete, with the most productive firms passing through more. Firm demand is more persistent than price. Higher demand is associated with lower markups due to higher search intensity, despite flexible prices. We find empirical support for these predictions in microdata from the retail industry.