bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Presumptive Ascending/Descending Myelomalacia in Dogs after Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disk Herniation
Authors: Balducci F. , Canal S. , Contiero B. , Bernardini M. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAscending/descending myelomalacia (ADMM) is a severe complication of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (TL‐IVDH) in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence and risk factors for ADMM in nonambulatory dogs with surgically treated TL‐IVDH.AnimalsSix‐hundred and fifty‐two client‐owned dogs evaluated for TL‐IVDH that underwent decompressive spinal surgery.MethodsRetrospective medical record review from February 2007 through December 2015.ResultsThirteen dogs developed ADMM, with an overall prevalence of 2.0%. The prevalence of ADMM was 0% in dogs with neurological signs graded 1 or 2 at admission or before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or surgical procedures, 0.6% in dogs with neurological signs graded 3, 2.7% in dogs with neurological signs graded 4, and 14.5% in dogs with neurological signs graded 5. Age (<5.8 years), neurological status (grade 5), site of disk herniation (L5‐L6), duration of clinical signs before becoming nonambulatory (<24 hours), detection of intramedullary T2‐weighted (T2W) hyperintensity, and a T2 length ratio >4.57 were significant risk factors in the univariate analysis for development of ADMM.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe factors identified in this study may be useful for the prediction of ADMM. Multicenter studies with a higher number of dogs with ADMM are required to confirm these data.
Thermal tolerance in the keystone species Daphnia magna—a candidate gene and an outlier analysis approach
Authors: Jansen M. , Geerts A. N. , Rago A. , Spanier K. I. , Denis C. , De Meester L. , Orsini L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractChanges in temperature have occurred throughout Earth's history. However, current warming trends exacerbated by human activities impose severe and rapid loss of biodiversity. Although understanding the mechanisms orchestrating organismal response to climate change is important, remarkably few studies document their role in nature. This is because only few systems enable the combined analysis of genetic and plastic responses to environmental change over long time spans. Here, we characterize genetic and plastic responses to temperature increase in the aquatic keystone grazer Daphnia magna combining a candidate gene and an outlier analysis approach. We capitalize on the short generation time of our species, facilitating experimental evolution, and the production of dormant eggs enabling the analysis of long‐term response to environmental change through a resurrection ecology approach. We quantify plasticity in the expression of 35 candidate genes in D. magna populations resurrected from a lake that experienced changes in average temperature over the past century and from experimental populations differing in thermal tolerance isolated from a selection experiment. By measuring expression in multiple genotypes from each of these populations in control and heat treatments, we assess plastic responses to extreme temperature events. By measuring evolutionary changes in gene expression between warm‐ and cold‐adapted populations, we assess evolutionary response to temperature changes. Evolutionary response to temperature increase is also assessed via an outlier analysis using EST‐linked microsatellite loci. This study provides the first insights into the role of plasticity and genetic adaptation in orchestrating adaptive responses to environmental change in D. magna.
Association between high cumulative dose of benzodiazepine in Chinese patients and risk of dementia: a preliminary retrospective case–control study
Authors: Chan Tsz‐tai , Leung William Chun‐yin , Li Victor , Wong Kin‐yiu Wesley , Chu Wing‐ming , Leung Ka‐chun , Ng Yuey‐zhun , Kai Yuen‐ming Gary , Shea Yat‐fung , Chang Shek‐kwan Richard , Chu Leung‐wing 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundEvidence describing the association between high‐dose benzodiazepine use and dementia has been conflicting. Most previous studies involved Caucasian populations, with only limited data on Chinese subjects. Possible differences exist between Chinese and Caucasian populations with regard to metabolism and prescription practice. This study aimed to assess the association between high‐dose benzodiazepine use and dementia in a Chinese population.MethodA retrospective case–control study was carried out in all public hospitals under the Hong Kong Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster between 2000 and 2015. The study recruited 273 Chinese adults (91 cases, 182 controls) aged 75 and over, with at least 6 years of follow‐up data. Each dementia case was matched with two controls according to sex, age group, and duration of follow‐up. The number of patients with benzodiazepine ever‐use and the exposure density based on the prescribed daily doses were assessed. Prescribed daily doses were categorized as either <1096 or ≥1096. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed by multivariate analysis.ResultsThe difference in exposure density between the dementia and control groups was statistically significant between prescribed daily doses <1096 and ≥1096 (P = 0.02). There were two multivariate analyses models; one factored in depression (model 1), and the other (model 2) did not. Model 2 showed a statistically significant association (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence intervals = 1.02–2.89, P = 0.04) between benzodiazepine exposure density and dementia.ConclusionHigh‐dose benzodiazepine use may be associated with dementia in the Chinese population. Prospective studies are required.
Tree and bird functional groups as indicators of recovery of regenerating subtropical coastal dune forests
Authors: Rolo Victor , Olivier Pieter I. , van Aarde Rudolph 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFunctional diversity indicators are increasingly used to monitor forest function recovery because they connect biodiversity to ecosystem functions. However, identifying which functions deviate from a reference forest has not received much attention, despite its potential to inform restoration interventions. In this study, we used functional groups to assess the recovery of ecosystem functions in regenerating coastal dune forests. We surveyed birds and trees in forest of different ages and a reference old‐growth forest in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We classified species into functional groups for each taxa based on functional traits or a priori defined categories (i.e. guilds) and quantified the number of species within functional groups as a proxy of function stability. Bird species density followed an asymptotic trajectory, reaching old‐growth forest values after 25 years. Insectivores and granivores showed saturating trajectories, whereas small frugivores and generalists increased linearly. With the exception of large frugivores, relative abundances of bird functional groups progressed towards old‐growth forest values as the forest aged. Tree species density increased linearly with forest age. In contrast to old‐growth forests, large‐canopy trees and understory shrubs were under‐represented, while mid‐canopy trees dominated regenerating forests. Our result suggests that most bird, but not tree, functions may have been restored. The trend in large frugivore numbers may warrant further investigation, as their low numbers may have hampered the recovery of tree functions. We conclude that functional group trajectories can track functions that deviate from a benchmark, and may therefore direct adaptive actions to recover the stability of regenerating forest.
Aid, Environment and Climate Change
Authors: Arndt Channing , Tarp Finn 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAid and aid institutions constitute an important element of the global response to interlinked global developmental and environmental challenges. As such, these institutions are now being drawn into new arenas beyond the traditional focus on improving the livelihoods of poor people in low‐income countries. Development aid, by itself, cannot “save the planet.” Nevertheless, development aid and development institutions do have the potential to become important catalytic actors in achieving developmental and global environmental objectives. This requires bold reforms and political action. Without appropriate restructuring of the international institutional architecture to confront the new development context combined with the necessary complementary policy frameworks, future aid, including aid for environmental objectives, risks substantially under‐performing.
Facilitating and inhibiting factors in transition to parenthood – ways in which health professionals can support parents
Authors: Barimani Mia , Vikström Anna , Rosander Michael , Forslund Frykedal Karin , Berlin Anita 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe transition to parenthood is an overwhelming life event. From a theoretical perspective, transition to parenthood is a developmental transition that contains certain phases and patterns.AimThis study aim was twofold (i) discover, describe and comprehend transitional conditions that parents perceive as facilitating and inhibiting during transition to parenthood and to (ii) use that knowledge to develop recommendations for professional interventions that support and facilitate transition to parenthood.DesignMeleis transition theory framed the study's deductive qualitative approach – from planning to analysis.MethodsIn a secondary analysis, data were analysed (as per Meleis transition theory) from two studies that implemented interviews with 60 parents in Sweden between 2013 and 2014. Interview questions dealt with parents’ experiences of the transition to parenthood – in relation to experiences with parent‐education groups, professional support and continuity after childbirth.Ethical issuesA university research ethics board has approved the research.ResultsThese factors facilitated transition to parenthood: perceiving parenthood as a normal part of life; enjoying the child's growth; being prepared and having knowledge; experiencing social support; receiving professional support, receiving information about resources within the health care; participating in well‐functioning parent‐education groups; and hearing professionals comment on gender differences as being complementary. These factors inhibited transition to parenthood: having unrealistic expectations; feeling stress and loss of control; experiencing breastfeeding demands and lack of sleep; facing a judgmental attitude about breastfeeding; being unprepared for reality; lacking information about reality; lacking professional support and information; lacking healthcare resources; participating in parent‐education groups that did not function optimally; and hearing professionals accentuate gender differences in a problematic way.ConclusionTransition theory is appropriate for helping professionals understand and identify practices that might support parents during transition to parenthood. The study led to certain recommendations that are important for professionals to consider.
How do low‐birthweight neonates fare 2 years after discharge from a low‐technology neonatal care unit in a rural district hospital in Burundi?
Authors: van den Boogaard W. , Zuniga I. , Manzi M. , Van den Bergh R. , Lefevre A. , Nanan‐N'zeth K. , Duchenne B. , Etienne W. , Juma N. , Ndelema B. , Zachariah R. , Reid A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesAs neonatal care is being scaled up in economically poor settings, there is a need to know more on post‐hospital discharge and longer‐term outcomes. Of particular interest are mortality, prevalence of developmental impairments and malnutrition, all known to be worse in low‐birthweight neonates (LBW, <2500 g). Getting a better handle on these parameters might justify and guide support interventions. Two years after hospital discharge, we thus assessed: mortality, developmental impairments and nutritional status of LBW children.MethodsHousehold survey of LBW neonates discharged from a neonatal special care unit in Rural Burundi between January and December 2012.ResultsOf 146 LBW neonates, 23% could not be traced and 4% had died. Of the remaining 107 children (median age = 27 months), at least one developmental impairment was found in 27%, with 8% having at least five impairments. Main impairments included delays in motor development (17%) and in learning and speech (12%). Compared to LBW children (n = 100), very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW, <1500 g, n = 7) children had a significantly higher risk of impairments (intellectual – P = 0.001), needing constant supervision and creating a household burden (P = 0.009). Of all children (n‐107), 18% were acutely malnourished, with a 3½ times higher risk in VLBWs (P = 0.02).ConclusionsReassuringly, most children were thriving 2 years after discharge. However, malnutrition was prevalent and one in three manifested developmental impairments (particularly VLBWs) echoing the need for support programmes. A considerable proportion of children could not be traced, and this emphasises the need for follow‐up systems post‐discharge.
Differential Binding of Mitochondrial Transcripts by MRB8170 and MRB4160 Regulates Distinct Editing Fates of Mitochondrial mRNA in Trypanosomes
Authors: Dixit Sameer , Müller-McNicoll Michaela , David Vojtěch , Zarnack Kathi , Ule Jernej , Hashimi Hassan , Lukeš Julius 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

A dozen mRNAs are edited by multiple insertions and/or deletions of uridine residues in the mitochondrion of
Trypanosoma brucei
. Several protein complexes have been implicated in performing this type of RNA editing, including the mitochondrial RNA-binding complex 1 (MRB1). Two paralogous novel RNA-binding proteins, MRB8170 and MRB4160, are loosely associated with the core MRB1 complex. Their roles in RNA editing and effects on target mRNAs are so far not well understood. In this study, individual-nucleotide-resolution UV-cross-linking and affinity purification (iCLAP) revealed a preferential binding of both proteins to mitochondrial mRNAs, which was positively correlated with their extent of editing. Integrating additional
in vivo
and
in vitro
data, we propose that binding of MRB8170 and/or MRB4160 onto pre-mRNA marks it for the initiation of editing and that initial binding of both proteins may facilitate the recruitment of other components of the RNA editing/processing machinery to ensure efficient editing. Surprisingly, MRB8170 also binds never-edited mRNAs, suggesting that at least this paralog has an additional role outside RNA editing to shape the mitochondrial transcriptome.

IMPORTANCE
Trypanosoma brucei
mitochondrial mRNAs undergo maturation by RNA editing, a unique process involving decrypting open reading frames by the precise deletion and/or insertion of uridine (U) residues at specific positions on an mRNA. This process is catalyzed by multiprotein complexes, such as the RNA editing core complex, which provides the enzymatic activities needed for U insertion/deletion at a single editing site. Less well understood is how RNA editing occurs throughout an mRNA bearing multiple sites. To address this question, we mapped at single-nucleotide resolution the RNA interactions of two unique RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). These RBPs are part of the mitochondrial RNA-binding complex 1, hypothesized to mediate multiple rounds of RNA editing. Both RBPs were shown to mark mRNAs for the process in correlation with the number of editing sites on the transcript. Surprisingly, one also binds mRNAs that bypass RNA editing, indicating that it may have an additional role outside RNA editing.
Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Trastuzumab Is Dependent on HER2/CEP17 Ratio in HER2-Amplified Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Singer Christian F. , Tan Yen Y. , Fitzal Florian , Steger Guenther G. , Egle Daniel , Reiner Angelika , Rudas Margaretha , Moinfar Farid , Gruber Christine , Petru Edgar , Bartsch Rupert , Tendl Kristina A. , Fuchs David , Seifert Michael , Exner Ruth , Balic Marija , Bago-Horvath Zsuzsanna , Filipits Martin , Gnant Michael 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate whether pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant trastuzumab is dependent on the level of HER2 amplification.
Experimental Design: 114 HER2-overexpressing early breast cancer patients who had received neoadjuvant trastuzumab were included in this study. Absolute HER2 and chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) were measured by in situ hybridization analysis, and associations were examined between HER2/CEP17 ratio and tumor pCR status (commonly defined by ypT0 ypN0, ypT0/is ypN0, and ypT0/is).
Results: In trastuzumab-treated patients, ypT0 ypN0 was achieved in 69.0% of patients with high-level amplification (HER2/CEP17 ratio &gt; 6), but only in 30.4% of tumors with low-level amplification (ratio ≤ 6; P = 0.001). When pCR was defined by ypT0/is ypN0 or ypTis, 75.9% and 82.8% of tumors with high-level amplification had a complete response, whereas only 39.1%, and 38.3% with low-level amplification achieved pCR (P = 0.002 and P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Logistic regression revealed that tumors with high-level amplification had a significantly higher probability achieving ypT0 ypN0 (OR, 5.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.86–13.90; P = 0.002) than tumors with low-level amplification, whereas no other clinicopathologic parameters were predictive of pCR. The association between high-level HER2 amplification and pCR was almost exclusively confined to hormone receptor (HR)–positive tumors (ypT0 ypN0: 62.5% vs. 24.0%, P = 0.014; ypT0/is ypN0: 75.0% vs. 28.0%, P = 0.005; and ypT0/is: 87.5% vs. 28.0%, P &lt; 0.001), and was largely absent in HR-negative tumors.
Conclusions: An HER2/CEP17 ratio of &gt;6 in the pretherapeutic tumor biopsy is associated with a significantly higher pCR rate, particularly in HER2/HR copositive tumors, and can be used as a biomarker to predict response before neoadjuvant trastuzumab is initiated. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3676–83. ©2017 AACR.
Does First-Trimester Screening Modify the Natural History of Congenital Heart Disease?
Authors: Jicinska Hana , Vlasin Pavel , Jicinsky Michal , Grochova Ilga , Tomek Viktor , Volaufova Julia , Skovranek Jan , Marek Jan 
Published: February 2017

Background:
The study analyzed the impact of first-trimester screening on the spectrum of congenital heart defects (CHDs) later in pregnancy and on the outcome of fetuses and children born alive with a CHD.

Methods:
The spectrum of CHDs, associated comorbidities, and outcome of fetuses, either diagnosed with a CHD in the first trimester (Group I, 127 fetuses) or only in the second-trimester screening (Group II, 344 fetuses), were analyzed retrospectively between 2007 and 2013. Second-trimester fetuses diagnosed with a CHD between 2007 and 2013 were also compared with Group III (532 fetuses diagnosed with a CHD in the second trimester from 1996 to 2001, the period before first-trimester screening was introduced).

Results:

The spectrum of CHDs diagnosed in the first and second trimesters in the same time period differed significantly, with a greater number of comorbidities (
P
<0.0001), CHDs with univentricular outcome (
P
<0.0001), intrauterine deaths (
P
=0.01), and terminations of pregnancy (
P
<0.0001) in Group I compared with Group II. In Group III, significantly more cases of CHDs with univentricular outcome (
P
<0.0001), intrauterine demise (
P
=0.036), and early termination (
P
<0.0001) were identified compared with fetuses diagnosed with CHDs in the second trimester between 2007 and 2013. The spectrum of CHDs seen in the second-trimester groups differed after first-trimester screening was implemented.

Conclusions:
First-trimester screening had a significant impact on the spectrum of CHDs and the outcomes of pregnancies with CHDs diagnosed in the second trimester. Early detection of severe forms of CHDs and significant comorbidities resulted in an increased pregnancy termination rate in the first trimester.
Cerebral Microbleeds as Predictors of Mortality
Authors: Romero José R. , Preis Sarah R. , Beiser Alexa , Himali Jayandra J. , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Wolf Philip A. , Kase Carlos S. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , DeCarli Charles , Seshadri Sudha 
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—
Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) represent a common magnetic resonance imaging marker of cerebral small vessel disease, increasingly recognized as a subclinical marker of stroke and dementia risk. CMB detection may reflect the cumulative effect of vascular risk burden and be a marker of higher mortality. We investigated the relation of CMB to risk of death in community dwelling participants free of stroke and dementia.

Methods—
We evaluated 1963 Framingham Original and Offspring Cohort participants (mean age 67 years; 54% women) with available brain magnetic resonance imaging and mortality data. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we related CMB to all-cause, cardiovascular, and stroke-related mortality.

Results—
Participants with CMB (8.9%) had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and use of preventive medications. During a mean follow-up of 7.2±2.6 years, we observed 296 deaths. In age- and sex-adjusted analysis, CMB were associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazards ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.88), a relation that was no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk and preventive medication use (hazards ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.63).

Conclusions—
CMBs may represent the deleterious effect of cardiovascular risk factors in the cerebral vasculature. Although their presence was associated with increased all-cause mortality, the effect was no longer present after accounting for vascular risk factors and preventive treatment use. Further studies are required to clarify the role of cardiovascular preventive therapies for prevention of mortality in persons with incidental detection of CMB.
Proportional Motor Recovery After Stroke
Authors: Stinear Cathy M. , Byblow Winston D. , Ackerley Suzanne J. , Smith Marie-Claire , Borges Victor M. , Barber P. Alan 
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—
Recovery of upper-limb motor impairment after first-ever ischemic stroke is proportional to the degree of initial impairment in patients with a functional corticospinal tract (CST). This study aimed to investigate whether proportional recovery occurs in a more clinically relevant sample including patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and previous stroke.

Methods—
Patients with upper-limb weakness were assessed 3 days and 3 months poststroke with the Fugl–Meyer scale. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to test CST function, and patients were dichotomized according to the presence of motor evoked potentials in the paretic wrist extensors. Linear regression modeling of Δ Fugl–Meyer score between 3 days and 3 months was performed, with predictors including initial impairment (66 − baseline Fugl–Meyer score), age, sex, stroke type, previous stroke, comorbidities, and upper-limb therapy dose.

Results—
One hundred ninety-two patients were recruited, and 157 completed 3-month follow-up. Patients with a functional CST made a proportional recovery of 63% (95% confidence interval, 55%–70%) of initial motor impairment. The recovery of patients without a functional CST was not proportional to initial impairment and was reduced by greater CST damage.

Conclusions—
Recovery of motor impairment in patients with intact CST is proportional to initial impairment and unaffected by previous stroke, type of stroke, or upper-limb therapy dose. Novel interventions that interact with the neurobiological mechanisms of recovery are needed. The generalizability of proportional recovery is such that patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and previous stroke may usefully be included in interventional rehabilitation trials.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifier: ANZCTR12611000755932.