bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predominance of thaumarchaeal ammonia oxidizer abundance and transcriptional activity in an acidic fen
Authors: Herrmann Martina , Hädrich Anke , Küsel Kirsten 
Published: September 2012

SummaryWe investigated the abundance, community composition and transcriptional activity of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in the acidic fen Schlöppnerbrunnen (Germany) that was subjected to water table manipulations. Quantitative PCR targeting amoA gene copies and transcripts showed that AOA dominated the ammonia‐oxidizing community in the upper 20 cm of the peat soil. Numbers of archaeal amoA gene copies and transcripts as well as the relative fraction of AOA of the total archaea decreased with depth. AOA‐AmoA sequences were 96.2–98.9% identical to that of Candidatus Nitrosotalea devanaterra while bacterial AmoA sequences affiliated with Nitrosospira clusters 2 and 4. Archaeal but not bacterial amoA transcripts were detected in short‐term laboratory incubations of peat that showed nitrifying activity. Nitrate accumulated in the peat pore water after 6 weeks of induced drought during a field experiment. Subsequent rewetting resulted in a significant decrease of AOA transcriptional activity, indicating that AOA responded to water table fluctuations on the transcriptional level. Our results suggest that nitrification in this fen is primarily linked to archaeal ammonia oxidation. pH and anoxia appear to be key factors regulating AOA community composition, vertical distribution and activity in acidic fens.
Hip circumference, height and risk of type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Janghorbani M. , Momeni F. , Dehghani M. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAlthough several epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hip circumference or height, the results are inconsistent. The present systematic review and meta‐analysis of published observational studies was conducted to assess the effects of hip circumference and height on diabetes risk. Online databases were searched through January 2012, and the reference lists of pertinent articles reporting observational studies in humans were examined. Pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with a random‐effects model. Eighteen studies (nine cross‐sectional and nine cohort) were included, with 250,497 participants and 7,765 cases of T2DM. Hip circumference was inversely associated with an increased risk of T2DM in men (summary RR [95% CI] 0.60 [0.45, 0.80]) and women (0.54 [0.42, 0.70]). These results were consistent between cross‐sectional and cohort studies. An inverse association between height and T2DM was observed in women only (summary RR [95% CI] 0.83 [0.73, 0.95]). Our meta‐analysis strongly supports an inverse relationship between hip circumference and risk of T2DM in men and women. The inverse association between height and risk was significant only in women.
Use of mixture models to characterize site quality in philopatric animals: a case study withBonelli's eagle
Authors: Chevallier C. , Crochet P‐A. , Vincent‐Martin N. , Ravayrol A. , Besnard A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTheFrench population of theBonelli's eagleAquila fasciatahas suffered a sharp decline over the last decades, resulting in the implementation of several conservation actions since 1990. In parallel, a capture–recapture (CR) program has been conducted to monitor the population. Field practitioners suspected that certain breeding sites were responsible for most of the adult deaths and were interested in confirming this hypothesis in order to focus their actions on these particular sites. Our study sought to determine whether there was indeed a quantifiable difference in the quality of the eagle's breeding sites. SinceBonelli's eagles are highly faithful to their breeding site, we tested whether the turnover of breeding individuals observed at different sites resulted from a mixture of two different turnover rates. We also used the recent multi‐eventCRmodeling approach to test whether or not we could detect adult survival heterogeneity in the population. Our study revealed that there was a difference in breeding‐site quality a decade ago, before large efforts were made to insulate high‐voltage power lines, but failed to detect a difference in breeding‐site quality more recently. No survival heterogeneity was detected. These counterintuitive results could be due to a lack of statistical power or because the conservation actions performed over the last 20 years cloud the issue. When noa prioriinformation is available on habitat quality differences, we advocate for the use of a mixture modeling approach since it is consistent and fairly general.
Identification and Confirmation of an Exonic Splicing Enhancer Variation in Exon 5 of the Alzheimer Disease Associated PICALM Gene
Authors: Schnetz‐Boutaud Nathalie C. , Hoffman Joshua , Coe Jared E. , Murdock Deborah G. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Haines Jonathan L. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory and cognitive impairment and is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. A number of genome wide association studies and subsequent replication studies have been published recently on late onset AD (LOAD). These studies identified several new susceptibility genes including phosphatidylinositol‐binding clathrin assembly protein (PICALM) on chromosome 11. The aim of our study was to examine the entire coding sequence of PICALM to determine if the association could be explained by any previously undetected sequence variation. Therefore, we sequenced 48 cases and 48 controls homozygous for the risk allele in the signal SNP rs3851179. We did not find any new variants; however, rs592297, a known coding synonymous SNP that is part of an exonic splice enhancer region in exon 5, is in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs3851179 and should be examined for functional significance in Alzheimer pathophysiology.
Assessing behavioural and morphological responses of frog tadpoles to temporal variability in predation risk
Authors: Hossie T. J. , Murray D. L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFinely tuned adjustment of an individual's phenotype can offer substantial fitness benefits when it is closely matched with environmental change. For instance, prey may be safeguarded against unnecessary costs to growth or development when their responses to temporally variable predation risk include plastic anti‐predator defences. Yet, the correspondence between perceived predation risk and related responses should differ between behavioural and morphological phenotypes when risk fluctuates because behaviour can be modified quickly, whereas morphological phenotypes require time to build. Theoretical models predict intermediate expression when risk fluctuates rapidly relative to the time required to mount a response, whereas traits that can be modified relatively quickly should more closely track current conditions. Using a tadpole‐dragonfly larva system, we sought to compare the expression of behavioural and morphological defences following exposure to constant versus variable predation risk. By varying the pattern and total duration of predator cue exposure, but not cue concentration, we quantified phenotypic plasticity and trait reversibility. Our results show that strong behavioural responses were limited to early ontogeny but closely matched current level of risk. The morphology of prey experiencing a weekly changing predator environment was intermediate to that of prey in the no‐predator and constantly exposed treatments. Yet, prey exposed to a predator environment for the same total duration as the weekly changing environment, but in a different exposure pattern, was morphologically unresponsive to the onset of predation risk. Finally, unexposed tadpoles gained deeper tails and smaller relative body size in late development, coincident with limb bud development. Such changes are consistent with anti‐predator response and represent either an innate response when prey are more vulnerable or shape optimization when faced with increased drag. We conclude that phenotypic expression depends critically on patterns of temporal variability in the environment, although the actual extent of expression depends on the specific trait in question.
Patient–patient interaction – caring and sharing
Authors: Birkelund Regner , Larsen Lene Søndergaard 
Published: September 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study is to provide an understanding of the significance of hospitalized patients’ interpersonal interaction with fellow patients in an infectious disease ward in a large Danish hospital.Method:  A qualitative approach was selected using participant observation and semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Six female participants at the age of 32–81 years with different types of infectious diseases accepted to participate in interviews. The analysis was carried out using Kvales’ three levels of qualitative data analysis. Data were catalogued into two main categories with several subcategories representing significance of patients’ interaction with fellow patients.Results:  The qualitative analysis resulted in two main categories: (i) Caring for fellow patients and (ii) Sharing illness information with fellow patients. Each of the main categories was elucidated through several subcategories.Our findings clearly showed that interpersonal interaction with fellow patients was of utmost importance when it came to care and support and when they needed information about their illness. Typically, the interpersonal interaction was experienced as giving and referred to in positive terms, but occasionally, the opposite was experienced too. Less typically, the patients experienced interaction with fellow patients as a burden and referred to it in negative terms.Conclusions:  Patients’ interaction resembled care as well as self‐care. Patient–patient interaction was an important part of the social support system during hospitalization.
The Relationship between Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment with Second‐Generation Antipsychotics over Time: A National Study of U.S. Medicaid‐Enrolled Children
Authors: Matone Meredith , Localio Russell , Huang Yuan‐Shung , dosReis Susan , Feudtner Chris , Rubin David 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo describe the relationship between mental health diagnosis and treatment with antipsychotics among U.S. Medicaid‐enrolled children over time.Data Sources/Study SettingMedicaid Analytic Extract (MAX) files for 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2002 to 2007.Study DesignRepeated cross‐sectional design. Using logistic regression, outcomes of mental health diagnosis and filled prescriptions for antipsychotics were standardized across demographic and service use characteristics and reported as probabilities across age groups over time.Data CollectionCenter for Medicaid Services data extracted by means of age, ICD‐9 codes, service use intensity, and National Drug Classification codes.Principal FindingsAntipsychotic use increased by 62 percent, reaching 354,000 youth by 2007 (2.4 percent). Although youth with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism proportionally were more likely to receive antipsychotics, youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and those with three or more mental health diagnoses were the largest consumers of antipsychotics over time; by 2007, youth with ADHD accounted for 50 percent of total antipsychotic use; 1 in 7 antipsychotic users were youth with ADHD as their only diagnosis.ConclusionsIn the context of safety concerns, disproportionate antipsychotic use among youth with nonapproved indications illustrates the need for more generalized efficacy data in pediatric populations.
Control of TMEM16A by INO‐4995 and other inositolphosphates
Authors: Tian Yuemin , Schreiber Rainer , Wanitchakool Podchanart , Kongsuphol Patthara , Sousa Marisa , Uliyakina Inna , Palma Marta , Faria Diana , Traynor‐Kaplan Alexis E , Fragata José I , Amaral Margarida D , Kunzelmann Karl 
Published: September 2012

Background And PurposeCa2+‐dependent Cl− secretion (CaCC) in airways and other tissues is due to activation of the Cl− channel TMEM16A (anoctamin 1). Earlier studies suggested that Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels are regulated by membrane lipid inositol phosphates, and that 1‐O‐octyl‐2‐O‐butyryl‐myo‐inositol 3,4,5,6‐tetrakisphosphate octakis(propionoxymethyl) ester (INO‐4995) augments CaCC. Here we examined whether TMEM16A is the target for INO‐4995 and if the channel is regulated by inositol phosphates.Experimental ApproachThe effects of INO‐4995 on CaCC were examined in overexpressing HEK293, colonic and primary airway epithelial cells as well as Xenopus oocytes. We used patch clamping, double electrode voltage clamp and Ussing chamber techniques.Key ResultsWe found that INO‐4995 directly activates a TMEM16A whole cell conductance of 6.1 ± 0.9 nS pF–1 in overexpressing cells. The tetrakisphosphates Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 or Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and enzymes controlling levels of InsP4 or PIP2 and PIP3 had no effects on the magnitude or kinetics of TMEM16A currents. In contrast in Xenopus oocytes, human airways and colonic cells, which all express TMEM16A endogenously, Cl− currents were not acutely activated by INO‐4995. However incubation with INO‐4995 augmented 1.6‐ to 4‐fold TMEM16A‐dependent Cl− currents activated by ionomycin or ATP, while intracellular Ca2+ signals were not affected. The potentiating effect of INO‐4995 on transient ATP‐activated TMEM16A‐currents in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways was twice of that observed in non‐CF airways.Conclusions And ImplicationsThese data indicate that TMEM16A is the target for INO‐4995, although the mode of action appears different for overexpressed and endogenous channels. INO‐4995 may be useful for the treatment of CF lung disease.
The role of the paracrine/autocrine mediator endothelin‐1 in regulation of cardiac contractility and growth
Authors: Drawnel Faye M , Archer Caroline R , Roderick H Llewelyn 
Published: September 2012

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a critical autocrine and paracrine regulator of cardiac physiology and pathology. Produced locally within the myocardium in response to diverse mechanical and neurohormonal stimuli, ET‐1 acutely modulates cardiac contractility. During pathological cardiovascular conditions such as ischaemia, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, myocyte expression and activity of the entire ET‐1 system is enhanced, allowing the peptide to both initiate and maintain maladaptive cellular responses. Both the acute and chronic effects of ET‐1 are dependent on the activation of intracellular signalling pathways, regulated by the inositol‐trisphosphate and diacylglycerol produced upon activation of the ETA receptor. Subsequent stimulation of protein kinases C and D, calmodulin‐dependent kinase II, calcineurin and MAPKs modifies the systolic calcium transient, myofibril function and the activity of transcription factors that coordinate cellular remodelling. The precise nature of the cellular response to ET‐1 is governed by the timing, localization and context of such signals, allowing the peptide to regulate both cardiomyocyte physiology and instigate disease.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Endothelin. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.168.issue‐2
Traumatic brain injury: Risks of epilepsy and implications for medicolegal assessment
Authors: Christensen Jakob 
Published: September 2012

SummaryTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a potentially preventable cause of epilepsy. Increasing incidence among army personnel and the high incidence among children and young people raise concern. This article presents a review of selected studies dealing with the risks of TBI and the risk of posttraumatic epilepsy in humans. The incidence of persons admitted to hospital with TBI has decreased in developed countries in recent years. However, there is little change in TBI‐associated deaths, and the decrease in hospitalization may merely reflect that more people with head injury are cared for on an outpatient basis. It is clear that epilepsy is a frequent consequence of brain injury, even many years after the injury. However, several well‐controlled studies have been unable to identify therapies that prevent the development of epilepsy after TBI. Posttraumatic epilepsy has significant implications for the affected individuals, family, and society. Despite several interventions used to prevent posttraumatic epilepsy, the only proven “intervention” to date is to prevent TBI from occurring.
Seizures and encephalitis: Clinical features, management, and potential pathophysiologic mechanisms
Authors: Michael Benedict D. , Solomon Tom 
Published: September 2012

SummaryEncephalitis is an inflammation and swelling of the brain, which is often caused by a viral infection; it is an important cause of acute symptomatic seizures as well as subsequent epilepsy. Herein we describe the definition, epidemiology, and etiology of encephalitis as a cause of seizures. We then focus on encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus (the most common sporadic viral cause of encephalitis) and Japanese encephalitis virus (the most common epidemic viral cause). We also discuss the evidence for seizures occurring in the context of antibody‐associated encephalitis, an increasingly important condition. Finally, we describe the acute and longer‐term management of encephalitis‐related seizures and their potential pathophysiologic mechanisms, concluding with the emerging etiologic role of human herpesvirus 6.
Surgical treatment of epilepsy associated with cortical dysplasia: 2012 update
Authors: Hauptman Jason S. , Mathern Gary W. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryCortical dysplasia is the most common etiology in children and the third most frequent finding in adults undergoing epilepsy neurosurgery. The new International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification grades isolated cortical dysplasia into mild type I (cortical dyslamination), severe type II (dyslamination plus dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells), and dysplasia associated with other epileptogenic lesions (type III). Multilobar type II lesions present at an earlier age and with more severe epilepsy compared with focal type I abnormalities, often in the temporal lobe, and these findings are reflected in types and age of operations for cortical dysplasia. Presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy from cortical dysplasia can be challenging. Interictal and ictal scalp electroencephalography (EEG) accurately localizes cortical dysplasia with 50–66% accuracy. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is negative in roughly 30% of cases, most often linked with mild type I cases. FDG‐PET can be 80–90% accurate, but is not 100% sensitive. Chronic intracranial electrodes are used in about 50% of cases with cortical dysplasia, but often do not capture restricted ictal‐onset zones. About 60% of patients with cortical dysplasia are seizure free after epilepsy neurosurgery, with much higher rates of becoming seizure free with complete (80%) compared with incomplete (20%) resections. The most common reason for incomplete resection is the risk of an unacceptable neurologic deficit. Future challenges include better tools in identifying subtle forms of type I cortical dysplasia, and development of adjunctive treatments from basic research for those undergoing incomplete resections.
Provoked and reflex seizures: Surprising or common?
Authors: Kasteleijn‐Nolst Trenité Dorothée G. A. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryMost patients with epilepsy report that seizures are sometimes, or exclusively, provoked by general internal precipitants (such as stress, fatigue, fever, sleep, and menstrual cycle) and by external precipitants (such as excess alcohol, heat, bathing, eating, reading, and flashing lights). Some patients describe very exotic and precise triggers, like tooth brushing or listening to a particular melody. Nevertheless, the most commonly noticed seizure increasers by far are stress, lack of sleep, and fatigue. Recognized reflex seizure triggers are usually sensory and visual, such as television, discotheques, and video games. Visually evoked seizures comprise 5% of the total of 6% reflex seizures. The distinction between provocative and reflex factors and seizures seems artificial, and in many patients, maybe all, there is a combination of these. It seems plausible that all of the above‐mentioned factors can misbalance the actual brain network; at times, accumulation of factors leads then to primary generalized, partial, or secondarily generalized seizures. If the provoking factors are too exotic, patients may be sent to the psychiatrist. Conversely, if the seizure‐provoking fluctuating mechanisms include common habits and environmental factors, these may hardly be considered as provocative factors. Awareness of precipitating factors and its possible interactions might help us to unravel the pathophysiology of epilepsy and to change the notion that seizure occurrence is unpredictable. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, classification, diagnosis, treatment, and especially similarities in the variety of provocative and reflex factors with resulting general hypotheses.
Epileptic encephalopathies (including severe epilepsy syndromes)
Authors: Covanis Athanasios 
Published: September 2012

SummaryEpileptic encephalopathies represent a group of devastating epileptic disorders that appear early in life and are characterized by pharmacoresistant generalized or focal seizures, persistent severe electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction or decline. The ictal and interictal epileptic discharges are age‐specific and are the main etiologic factors causing cognitive deterioration. This is most obvious in the idiopathic group. In the symptomatic group, the most common causes are structural, congenital, or acquired and rarely some metabolic disorders. In certain cases, clinical and EEG abnormalities persist and may evolve from one type to another as the child grows older. Various factors trigger and sustain the underlying pathophysiologic process and the ongoing epileptic and epileptiform activity during the most critical periods of brain maturation, perpetuating their deleterious effect on the brain. Immune‐mediated mechanisms may have a role, suggested by certain encephalopathies responding to immune‐modulating treatments and by the finding of various autoimmune antibodies. The chance of a better cognitive outcome improves with early diagnosis and treatment that is appropriate and effective. Current antiepileptic drugs are, in general, not effective: we urgently need new trials in this very special epileptic category. This article briefly reviews the most common epileptic encephalopathies and analyzes the most important clinical issues.