bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher levels of small dense low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) are associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jang E.‐H. , Park Y.‐M. , Hur J. , Kim M.‐K. , Ko S.‐H. , Baek K.‐H. , Song K.‐H. , Lee K.‐W. , Kwon H.‐S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship between small dense LDL cholesterol and cardiac autonomic neuropathy among patients with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsA total of 175 patients who had not taken lipid‐lowering agents previously were enrolled consecutively in this study. Small dense LDL cholesterol level was measured using polyacrylamide tube gel electrophoresis, which fractionates LDL cholesterol into seven components according to particle size and charge. We analysed the mean LDL cholesterol particle size and the proportion of small dense LDL cholesterol.ResultsThe mean (± sd) patient age was 56 (± 14) years, the mean (± sd) duration of diabetes was 10.3 (± 8.3) years, the mean (± sd) proportion of small dense LDL cholesterol was 21.3 (± 17.6)% and the mean (± sd) LDL cholesterol size was 26.33 (± 0.8) nm. Men with cardiac autonomic neuropathy had a longer duration of diabetes compared with those without cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Women with cardiac autonomic neuropathy had a larger waist circumference, higher plasma triglyceride levels, smaller mean (± sd) LDL cholesterol size [26.8 (± 4.3) nm vs 26.4 (± 6.9) nm; P < 0.01] and larger mean (± sd) proportion of small dense LDL cholesterol [10.1 (± 9.9)% vs 19.1 (± 16.8)%; P < 0.01] compared with those without cardiac autonomic neuropathy. After adjusting for other confounding risk factors, the triglyceride/ HDL cholesterol ratio (odds ratio = 1.698, 95% CI: 1.07–2.69; P = 0.025) and mean LDL cholesterol size (odds ratio = 0.873, 95% CI: 0.77–0.99; P = 0.038) remained as independent risk factors for cardiac autonomic neuropathy in women.ConclusionsA more atherogenic lipid profile such as the triglyceride: HDL cholesterol ratio and a smaller mean LDL cholesterol particle size were related to the prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in women with Type 2 diabetes.
Projection of the burden of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Germany: a demographic modelling approach to estimate the direct medical excess costs from 2010 to 2040
Authors: Waldeyer R. , Brinks R. , Rathmann W. , Giani G. , Icks A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo model the future costs of Type 2 diabetes in Germany, taking into account demographic changes, disease dynamics and undiagnosed cases.MethodsUsing a time‐discrete Markov model, the prevalence of diabetes (diagnosed/undiagnosed) between 2010 and 2040 was estimated and linked with cost weights. Demographic, epidemiological and economic scenarios were modelled. Inputs to the model included the official population forecasts, prevalence, incidence and mortality rates, proportions of undiagnosed cases, health expenditure and cost ratios of an individual with (diagnosed/undiagnosed) diabetes to an individual without diabetes. The outcomes were the case numbers and associated annual direct medical excess costs of Type 2 diabetes from a societal perspective in 2010€.ResultsIn the base case, the case numbers of diabetes will grow from 5 million (2.8 million diagnosed) in 2010 to a maximum of 7.9 million (4.6 million diagnosed) in 2037. From 2010 to 2040, the prevalence rate amonf individuals ≥40 years old will increase from 10.5 to 16.3%. The annual costs of diabetes will increase by 79% from €11.8 billion in 2010 to €21.1 billion in 2040 (€9.5 billion to €17.6 billion for diagnosed cases).ConclusionsThe projected increase in costs will be attributable to demographic changes and disease dynamics, and will be enhanced by higher per capita costs with advancing age. Better epidemiological and economic data regarding diabetes care in Germany would improve the forecasting accuracy. The method used in the present study can anticipate the effects of alternative policy scenarios and can easily be adapted to other chronic diseases.
Low RPS14 expression in MDS without 5q ‐ aberration confers higher apoptosis rate of nucleated erythrocytes and predicts prolonged survival and possible response to lenalidomide in lower risk non‐5q‐ patients
Authors: Wu Lingyun , Li Xiao , Xu Feng , Zhang Zheng , Chang Chunkang , He Qi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesHaploinsufficiency of the ribosomal protein S14 (RPS14) has been identified as a causal factor in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with isolated del (5q). This study was carried out to investigate RPS14 expression in MDS without 5q deletion and the role of lower expressed RPS14 plays in pathogenesis and the prognosis and lenalidomide‐response predicting of non‐5q‐MDS.Patients and MethodsThe expression level of RPS14 transcription was detected in 156 MDS patients without 5q‐. The apoptosis of bone marrow (BM) nucleated erythrocytes was also analyzed. Furthermore, patient prognosis with lower or normal RPS14 expression was analyzed, and the role of RPS14 expression in lenalidomide‐response prediction was evaluated.ResultsThe reduced RPS14 expression occurred in 83 of 156 (53.2%) non‐5q‐patients. Patients with RPS14 lower expression presented higher platelet counts in the peripheral blood compared with RPS14 normal patients (P = 0.012). The lower RPS14 expression status was inversely correlated with increased apoptosis ratio in nucleated erythrocytes from BM (r = −0.54, P = 0.013). Patients with lower RPS14 expression have a higher 2‐yr survival probability than normal RPS14 cases in the international prognosis scoring system (IPSS) lower risk group (90.8% vs. 71.7%; P = 0.018). A multivariate analysis showed RPS14 expression status was an independent predictor for survival in lower risk MDS patients without 5q deletion. Twelve patients were treated with lenalidomide. Five of seven patients achieved an erythroid response in the lower RPS14 expression group (5/7, 71.4%), compared with zero responses in the five normal RPS14 patients (P = 0.018).ConclusionLower RPS14 expression in MDS patients without 5q deletion is associated with increased apoptosis of nucleated erythrocytes in lower risk MDS. Additionally, lower RPS14 predicts prolonged survival and possible response to lenalidomide in lower risk MDS patients.
A decision support tool for the management of freshwater pest fish incursions in Australia
Authors: Acevedo Silvana , Saddlier Stephen , Clunie Pam , Ayres Renae 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThere are no national emergency response arrangements for freshwater pest fish incursions in Australia. Individual States and Territories vary widely in their current response arrangements to freshwater pest fish incursions, with many being dealt with on an ad‐hoc basis and with varying degrees of efficacy. In recognition of this, the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre funded a project to ‘Advance the development of national emergency response arrangements for freshwater fish incursions in Australia’. One of the recommendations of this project was creating a web‐based support tool (DST) to provide direction and assistance in managing freshwater pest fish incursions. This article describes the DST created. The DST leads the user through a series of questions relating to the species sighting, details of the fish and its capture, and site information at a particular location. These questions address issues that managers must consider when choosing appropriate control techniques. Information entered in two sections (site details and fish details) influence the suggested control techniques. The final product of the DST is a standard online report that contains a summary of all information entered and a ranking of the most common control techniques used in Australia. The report is then submitted to and assessed by the relevant State Government authority responsible for the management of freshwater pest fish incursions. Managers are then able to consider their options, taking into consideration current permits, resources and capability. The DST is anticipated to maximize the speed and quality of freshwater pest fish incursion reporting and to help the responsible government agency decide on the most appropriate management action. The DST will also provide government agency staff access to other relevant information and facilitate consistency in the decision‐making approach by government agencies throughout Australia.
Neonatal thalamic hemorrhage is strongly associated with electrical status epilepticus in slow wave sleep
Authors: Kersbergen Karina J. , de Vries Linda S. , Leijten Frans S. S. , Braun Kees P. J. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Groenendaal Floris , Benders Manon J. N. L. , Jansen Floor E. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPurposeThalamic hemorrhage has been associated with neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT), especially when the straight sinus is involved, and often presents with neonatal seizures. Early thalamic injury has previously been shown to predispose to epilepsy and electrical status epilepticus in slow wave sleep (ESES). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of sleep‐induced epileptic electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities and postneonatal epilepsy after neonatal thalamic hemorrhage associated with CSVT, in the absence of more widespread cerebral damage.MethodsBetween 2003 and 2008 15 neonates were diagnosed with a thalamic hemorrhage due to suspected or proven CSVT. Neurodevelopment and the history of seizures were assessed at follow‐up in the outpatient clinic in all 14 survivors (age 2–9 years). Whole‐night or sleep‐deprived EEG recordings were obtained to assess the prevalence of interictal epileptiform activity (EA) and calculate a sleep‐induced spike and wave index (SWI).Key FindingsThree children were diagnosed with classic ESES (SWI >85%). Two children had ESES spectrum disorder (SWI between 50% and 85%), and in two children significant sleep‐induced epileptiform activity (SIEA) was noted (SWI between 25% and 50%). Two other children were diagnosed with focal epilepsy, in the absence of sleep‐induced epileptiform EEG abnormalities. Five children (age 2–7 years) had normal EEG recordings at follow‐up. Deficits in neurodevelopment were seen significantly more often in children with ESES, ESES spectrum, or SIEA.SignificanceNeonates with thalamic hemorrhage associated with straight sinus thrombosis, without evidence of more widespread cerebral damage, are at high risk of developing ESES (spectrum) disorder (35%), SIEA (14%), or focal epilepsy (14%). Electrographic abnormalities may already be present prior to recognition of cognitive deficits. Early diagnosis may guide parents and caregivers, and subsequent treatment may improve neurodevelopmental outcome. Routine annual sleep EEG recordings in children with neonatal thalamic injury following CSVT may improve recognition of ESES.
Seizure‐like discharges induced by 4‐aminopyridine in the olfactory system of the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain
Authors: Uva Laura , Trombin Federica , Carriero Giovanni , Avoli Massimo , de Curtis Marco 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPurposeThe study of the interactions leading to network‐ or region‐specific propagation of seizures is crucial to understand ictogenesis. We have recently found that systemic (arterial) application of the potassium channel blocker, 4‐aminopyridine (4AP), induces different and independent seizure activities in olfactory and in limbic structures. Here, we have characterized the network and cellular features that support 4AP‐induced seizure‐like events in the olfactory cortex.MethodsSimultaneous extracellular recordings were performed from the piriform cortex, the entorhinal cortex, the olfactory tubercle, and the amygdala of the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain preparation. Intracellular, sharp electrode recordings were obtained from neurons of different layers of the region of ictal onset, the piriform cortex. Seizure‐like discharges were induced by both arterial perfusion and local intracortical injections of 4AP.Key FindingsArterial application of 4AP induces independent seizure activities in limbic and olfactory cortices. Both local applications of 4AP and cortico‐cortical disconnections demonstrated that region‐specific seizure‐like events initiated in the primary olfactory cortex and propagate to anatomically related areas. Seizures induced by arterial administration of 4‐AP are preceded by runs of fast activity at circa 30–40 Hz and are independently generated in the hemispheres. Simultaneous extracellular and intracellular recordings in the piriform cortex revealed that the onset of seizure correlates with (1) a gradual amplitude increase of fast activity runs, (2) a large intracellular depolarization with action potential firing of superficial layer neurons, and (3) no firing in a subpopulation of deep layers neurons. During the ictal event, neuronal firing was abolished for 10–30 s in all neurons and gradually restored and synchronized before seizure termination.SignificanceOur data show that olfactory neuronal networks sustain the generation of seizure‐like activities that are independent from those observed in adjacent and connected limbic cortex regions. The data support the concept that functionally and anatomically hard‐wired networks generate region‐specific seizure patterns that could be substrates for system epilepsy.
Canine epilepsy as a translational model?
Authors: Potschka Heidrun , Fischer Andrea , von Rüden Eva‐Lotta , Hülsmeyer Velia , Baumgärtner Wolfgang 
Published: March 2013

SummaryDogs with spontaneous diseases can exhibit a striking similarity in etiology, clinical manifestation, and disease course when compared to human patients. Therefore, dogs are intensely discussed as a translational model of human disease. In particular, genetic studies in selected dog breeds serve as an excellent tool to identify epilepsy disease genes. In addition, canine epilepsy is discussed as a translational platform for drug testing. On one hand, epileptic dogs might serve as an interesting model by allowing the evaluation of drug efficacy and potency under clinical conditions with a focus on chronic seizures resistant to standard medication, preventive strategies, or status epilepticus. On the other hand, several limitations need to be considered including owner‐based seizure monitoring, species differences in pharmacokinetics and drug interactions, as well as cost‐intensiveness. The review gives an overview on the current state of knowledge regarding the etiology, clinical manifestation, pathology, and drug response of canine epilepsy, also pointing out the urgent need for further research on specific aspects. Moreover, the putative advantages, the disadvantages, and limitations of antiepileptic drug testing in canine epilepsy are critically discussed.
Maladaptive Habitat Use of a North American Woodpecker in Population Decline
Authors: Frei Barbara , Fyles James W. , Nocera Joseph J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRapid anthropogenic habitat changes can lead to non‐ideal habitat use by animals, often resulting in lower fitness and population declines. An extreme case of use and fitness mismatch is an ecological trap where habitat quality cues are disjointed from the true quality of the habitat. Species primarily associated with anthropogenically altered habitat, such as red‐headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), may be especially vulnerable to use and fitness mismatch as they encounter novel environmental challenges. We investigated multi‐scale habitat use and nesting success of red‐headed woodpeckers to assess their vulnerability to mismatches between use and fitness as a result of non‐ideal habitat use across multiple scales. We found that habitat characteristics that promote feeding potential such as canopy openness and greater dead limb length appeared paramount and were consistent in use across several spatial scales although reproductive fitness suffered. This contrasts with the assumption that habitat use by nesting birds should instead favor predation avoidance at smaller scales to improve reproductive fitness and suggests that maladaptive, food‐based habitat use by red‐headed woodpeckers in southern Ontario may result in ecological traps for the species. Whether due to poor habitat choices or costly ones in favor of feeding potential, it is vital to consider this behavior in conservation and management plans for this and similar species. We suggest multi‐scale habitat use studies that consider fitness outcomes are critical for species‐at‐risk in human‐modified landscapes.
The Costs of Conspecifics: Are Social Distractions or Environmental Distractions More Salient?
Authors: Yee Jennifer , Lee Joshua , Desowitz Amanda , Blumstein Daniel T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAnimals have limited attention that predisposes them to distraction, but the impact of different types of distraction is relatively unknown. We first conducted a discrimination experiment to ensure brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) responded appropriately to model predators (a rubber snake) and model conspecifics. We found anoles responded to the snake by suppressing looking and increasing locomotion, a marked difference than their response when presented with a conspecific. Next, we designed a prime and probe experiment to test the salience of social and environmental distractions on brown anoles. The social distraction consisted of a conspecific exemplar that was presented to the focal individual. Environmental distractions were vegetation that was moved at different speeds (ambient or vigorous) near the focal individual. Following 30 seconds of distraction with one of the three treatments, we presented the model snake, which was initially moved to within 1 m of a subject, and then moved closer until the subject looked in response to the approaching threat, and then fled. There was no effect of distractor on alert distance, but anoles distracted with the conspecific tolerated a closer approach with the model predator before fleeing than they did to either of the vegetative movements. These results cannot be explained by three other models of risk assessment and suggest that social cues distracted brown anoles more than environmental cues. These results may be generalizable to other social species that must simultaneously monitor conspecifics and assess predation risk.
Environmental change as a driver of diversification in temporary aquatic habitats: does the genetic structure of extant fairy shrimp populations reflect historic aridification?
Authors: Pinceel Tom , Brendonck Luc , Larmuseau Maarten H. D. , Vanhove Maarten P. M. , Timms Brian V. , Vanschoenwinkel Bram 
Published: March 2013

SummaryOver the past 65 my, theAustralian continent experienced a pronounced shift from predominantly wet, tropical, conditions to a much drier climate. Little is known, however, about the effect of this important continent‐wide event on freshwater organisms and ecosystems. Fairy shrimps (Crustacea;Anostraca) are ancient and specialist inhabitants of temporary and saline aquatic habitats that typically prevail under semiarid conditions. Therefore, they present suitable evolutionary models to study scenarios of historic environmental change and the impact of a drying climate on aquatic ecosystems in particular.Focussing on both macro‐ and micro‐evolution in the fairy shrimp genusBranchinellaand using mitochondrialDNAdata (16SandCOI), we evaluated whether patterns of contemporary genetic variation reflect historic climate change.There is a close match between episodes ofCenozoic climate change and macro‐evolutionary diversification inAustralian fairy shrimps, presumably mediated by a progressive increase in the abundance and diversity of temporary aquatic habitats on the continent. Micro‐evolutionary patterns reflect both range expansion and recent contraction, linked to extreme drying events during the Pleistocene glacial periods.This study effectively illustrates the potential long‐term effects of environmental change on the diversity and the evolutionary trajectories of the fauna of temporary waters. Moreover, it demonstrates the importance of adaptation to new environments and non‐adaptive processes, such as divergence in isolation, for explaining extant diversity patterns in this particular environment.
Cardiac catheterization and intervention in haemophilia patients: prospective evaluation of the 2009 institutional guideline
Authors: Tuinenburg A. , Damen S. A. J. , Ypma P. F. , Mauser‐Bunschoten E. P. , Voskuil M. , Schutgens R. E. G. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAgeing haemophilia patients are increasingly confronted with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Treatment is complex because of the delicate equilibrium between bleeding and thrombosis. In 2009, we developed an institutional guideline on how to treat IHD in this patient population. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of this guideline. Haemophilia patients who underwent coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2009 and June 2012 were included in the current case series. Nine diagnostic or therapeutic cardiac catheterizations were performed in six haemophilia patients. One patient with moderate haemophilia B was included, whereas the other patients had mild haemophilia A. In six of nine procedures, access to the circulation was gained via the radial artery. Only bare‐metal stents were implanted, after which dual antiplatelet treatment was given for at least 4 weeks. During cardiac catheterization/intervention and dual antiplatelet treatment, clotting factor levels were corrected. No thrombotic or clinically relevant bleeding complications occurred. In one patient, a low‐titre inhibitor recurred 10 months after catheterization. In‐stent restenosis was diagnosed in one patient. This case series indicates that treatment according to the guideline is feasible and safe. Furthermore, based on the case series and developments in new guidelines for non‐haemophilic patients with IHD, some adjustments on the 2009 guideline are proposed.
Variability in platelet‐ and collagen‐binding defects in type 2M von Willebrand disease
Authors: Larsen D. M. , Haberichter S. L. , Gill J. C. , Shapiro A. D. , Flood V. H. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryType 2M von Willebrand disease (VWD) includes qualitative defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF) function, with normal multimer distribution but a defect in VWF activity with respect to platelet or collagen binding. We characterized novel VWF gene mutations found in type 2M VWD subjects enrolled in the Zimmerman Program for the Molecular and Clinical Biology of VWD. Subjects were enrolled based on a pre‐existing diagnosis of type 2M VWD. Testing included full‐length gene sequencing, VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo), VWF collagen binding and multimer distribution. Recombinant VWF variants were synthesized using site‐directed mutagenesis and expressed in HEK293T cells. Platelet binding was measured by flow cytometry with fixed platelets and ELISA with recombinant glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα). Four novel VWF A1 domain mutations were found in individuals with type 2M VWD: S1358N, S1387I, S1394F and Q1402P. All subjects had a history of bleeding, VWF:RCo < 40 IU dL−1, VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratios <0.6 and normal multimer distribution. No defect in expression, secretion, or multimerization was found for any of the mutations. All showed decreased binding to intact platelets, and decreased or absent binding to a mutant GPIbα construct with spontaneous VWF binding. 1387I had decreased binding to all collagen types tested. 1402P had reduced binding exclusively to type VI collagen. Type 2M VWD is a heterogeneous category comprised of both collagen‐ and platelet‐binding defects. Understanding the precise defect for each mutation may ultimately lead to better diagnosis and treatment.