bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Children with unilateral cerebral palsy show diminished implicit motor imagery with the affected hand
Authors: Jongsma Marijtje L A , Baas C Marjolein , Sangen Anouk F M , Aarts Pauline B M , van der Lubbe Rob H J , Meulenbroek Ruud G J , Steenbergen Bert 
Published: June 2015

AimMotor imagery refers to the mental simulation of a motor action without producing an overt movement. Implicit motor imagery can be regarded as a first‐person kinesthetic perceptual judgement, and addresses the capacity to engage into the manipulation of one's body schema. In this study, we examined whether children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) are able to engage in implicit motor imagery.MethodA modified version of the hand laterality judgment task was employed. Erroneous responses, reaction times, and event‐related potentials from the electroencephalograph were analysed.ResultsIn 13 children with typical development (mean age 10y 7mo, SD 1y 2mo; seven male, six female), we observed the classic rotation direction effect. Specifically, when comparing outward rotated with inward rotated hand pictures, decreased accuracy and increased response times were observed. Event‐related potentials analyses of the electroencephalogram revealed a more marked N1 and an enhanced rotation‐related negativity.InterpretationThese findings suggest that an implicit motor imagery strategy was used to solve the task. However, in 10 children with unilateral CP (mean age 10y 7mo, SD 2y 5mo; five male, five female), these effects were observed only when the less‐affected hand was involved. This observation suggests that children with CP could benefit from visual training strategies.
Pain sensitivity of children with Down syndrome and their siblings: quantitative sensory testing versus parental reports
Authors: Valkenburg Abraham J , Tibboel Dick , van Dijk Monique 
Published: June 2015

AimThe aim of this study was to compare thermal detection and pain thresholds in children with Down syndrome with those of their siblings.MethodSensory detection and pain thresholds were assessed in children with Down syndrome and their siblings using quantitative testing methods. Parental questionnaires addressing developmental age, pain coping, pain behaviour, and chronic pain were also utilized.ResultsForty‐two children with Down syndrome (mean age 12y 10mo) and 24 siblings (mean age 15y) participated in this observational study. The different sensory tests proved feasible in 13 to 29 (33–88%) of the children with Down syndrome. These children were less sensitive to cold and warmth than their siblings, but only when measured with a reaction time‐dependent method, and not with a reaction time‐independent method. Children with Down syndrome were more sensitive to heat pain, and only 6 (14%) of them were able to adequately self‐report pain, compared with 22 (92%) of siblings (p<0.001).InterpretationChildren with Down syndrome will remain dependent on pain assessment by proxy, since self‐reporting is not adequate. Parents believe that their children with Down syndrome are less sensitive to pain than their siblings, but this was not confirmed by quantitative sensory testing.
Type 1 diabetes and risk of fracture: meta‐analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Shah V. N. , Shah C. S. , Snell‐Bergeon J. K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimsTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies in order to assess the association between Type 1 diabetes and fractures.BackgroundThe risk of fracture in men and women with Type 1 diabetes has not been studied in a large prospective well designed cohort.MethodsData were selected from Medline and Embase and abstracts from annual scientific meetings of various diabetes and bone and mineral societies. Published studies that reported the fracture risk in people with Type 1 diabetes in comparison with people without diabetes between 1990 and July 2014 and abstracts from various annual meeting (2005 onwards) were included in the present meta‐analysis. Data were extracted from the text of included publications or from abstracts of conferences.ResultsThe 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria reported 2066 fracture events among 27 300 people with Type 1 diabetes (7.6%) and 136 579 fracture events among 4 364 125 people without diabetes (3.1%). The pooled relative risk of any fracture in people with Type 1 diabetes was 3.16 (95% CI 1.51–6.63; P = 0.002). Women and men with Type 1 diabetes had a four and two times higher risk of any fractures, respectively, compared with people without diabetes. The pooled relative risks of hip fractures and spinal fractures were 3.78 (95% CI 2.05–6.98; P < 0.001) and 2.88 (95% CI 1.71–4.82; P < 0.001), respectively, among people with Type 1 diabetes.ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis suggests that both men and women with Type 1 diabetes might have an increased risk of any fractures. A large prospective epidemiological study is needed to confirm our findings.
Low serum omentin levels in the elderly population with Type 2 diabetes and polyneuropathy
Authors: Herder C. , Bongaerts B. W. C. , Ouwens D. M. , Rathmann W. , Heier M. , Carstensen‐Kirberg M. , Koenig W. , Thorand B. , Roden M. , Meisinger C. , Ziegler D. ,   for the KORA Study Group
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimsTo investigate the hypothesis that high serum levels of omentin, an adipokine with anti‐inflammatory, insulin‐sensitizing and cardioprotective properties, may be related to a lower risk of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy.MethodsThe association between serum omentin level and polyneuropathy was estimated in people aged 61–82 years with Type 2 diabetes (47 with and 168 without polyneuropathy) from the population‐based KORA F4 study. The presence of clinical diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy was defined as bilateral impairment of foot vibration perception and/or foot pressure sensation. Omentin levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSerum omentin level was inversely associated with polyneuropathy after adjustment for age, sex, height, waist circumference, hypertension, total cholesterol, smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity [odds ratio 0.45 (95% CI 0.21–0.98); P = 0.043]. Although omentin was positively correlated with adiponectin (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001) and inversely with tumour necrosis factor‐α (r = ‐0.30, P = 0.019), additional adjustment for adiponectin and tumour necrosis factor‐α had little impact on the association.ConclusionsSerum levels of omentin are reduced in people with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy, independently of established risk factors of polyneuropathy. This association is only partially explained by biomarkers of subclinical inflammation.
Right Ventricular Structure and Function in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis with or without Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Stanziola Anna , Di Palma Enza , Martino Maria , D'Alto Michele , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Cocchia Rosangela , Riegler Lucia , Betancourt Cordido Meredyth Vanessa , Lanza Maurizia , Maglione Marco , Diana Veronica , Calabrò Raffaele , Russo Maria Giovanna , Vannan Mani , Bossone Eduardo 
Published: June 2015

AimsTo elucidate right ventricular (RV) function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with and without pulmonary hypertension (PH) and its relation to other features of the disease.Methods and ResultsClinical evaluation, standard Doppler echo, Doppler myocardial imaging (DMI), and 2D strain echocardiography (STE) of RV septal and lateral walls were performed in 52 IPF patients (66.5 ± 8.5 years; 27 males) and in 45 age‐ and sex‐comparable controls using a commercial US system (MyLab Alpha, Esaote). Pulmonary artery mean pressure (mPAP) was estimated by standard echo Doppler. RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) was calculated by averaging RV local strains. The IPF patients were divided into 2 groups by noninvasive assessment of PH: no PH (mPAP<25 mmHg; 36 pts) and PH (mPAP ≥25 mmHg; 16 pts). Left ventricular diameters and ejection fraction were comparable between controls and IPF, while GLS was impaired in IPF (P < 0.01). RV end‐diastolic diameters, wall thickness andmPAP were increased in IPF patients with PH. In addition, pulsed DMI detected in PH IPF impaired myocardial RV early diastolic (Em) peak velocity. Also peak systolic RV strain was reduced in basal and middle RV lateral free walls in IPF, as well as RV GLS (P < 0.0001). The impairment in RV wall strain was more evident when comparing controls with the no PH group than comparing the no PH group with the PH group. By multivariate analysis, independent association of RV strain with both six‐minute walking test distance (P < 0.001), mPAP (P < 0.0001), as well as with forced vital capacity (FVC) % (P < 0.005) in IPF patients were observed.ConclusionsImpaired RV diastolic and systolic myocardial function were present even in IPF patients without PH, which indicates an early impact on RV function and structure in patients with IPF.
Preconception folic acid use influences the follicle fluid proteome
Authors: Twigt John M. , Bezstarosti Karel , Demmers Jeroen , Lindemans Jan , Laven Joop S. E. , Steegers‐Theunissen Régine P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe investigation of the human follicle fluid proteome has gained much interest in the search of new markers as predictors for in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment outcome. Follicular fluid folate, as substrate of one carbon (1‐C) metabolism, affects follicular metabolism and oocyte and embryo quality. From this background, we aim to identify a folate‐related follicle fluid proteome that associates with IVF/ICSI treatment outcome.MethodsIn a nested case–control study embedded in a periconception cohort, we performed qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses using nanoflow LC‐MS/MS and TMT labelling in 30 monofollicular fluid samples from women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment of which 15 used and 15 did not use a folic acid supplement. The protein data are analysed using scaffold proteome Software and differential abundances are expressed as Log2‐fold change. Blood samples were obtained before and after treatment for determination of biomarkers of 1‐C metabolism and estradiol.ResultsWe identified 227 uniquely expressed proteins in follicular fluid. In folic acid supplement users compared to nonusers, we established a lower abundance of C‐reactive protein (−2·03; P = < 0·01) and higher abundances of apolipoproteins from high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), most notably A‐I (+1·28; P = < 0·01) and C‐I (+1·11; P = 0·016).ConclusionPreconception folic acid supplement use is associated with suppression of the inflammatory pathway and upregulation of the HDL pathway in human follicular fluid, being a preferential source of cholesterol for steroid hormone synthesis. Studies are needed on the tissue specificity and on the beneficial effects of embryo quality and IVF/ICSI treatment outcome of the proteome of these pathways.
Long‐term follow up of revascularization using platelet‐rich fibrin
Authors: Ray Herbert L , Marcelino Janel , Braga Raquel , Horwat Richard , Lisien Michael , Khaliq Shahryar 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionTrauma is one of the primary causes of tooth loss and pulpal injury in adolescents and children. Prior to regenerative endodontics, treatment of necrotic, immature teeth with open apices was limited to long‐term calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) apexification and subsequent root canal therapy or extraction. Through revascularization, retention of these teeth can be achieved and the elimination of patient symptoms and the radiographic appearance of continued root development were obtained.Case ReviewThis report illustrates a revascularization protocol through a case where platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) was utilized as an autologous scaffold for traumatized, necrotic, immature teeth with incomplete root development. Through consistent follow‐up reports, comprising of both clinical examination and radiographs, marked improvement in the condition of the traumatized tooth was noted.DiscussionThis case demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing PRF as an effective treatment protocol for traumatized teeth in lieu of traditional treatment protocols, such as long‐term calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) apexification or extraction. The choice of utilizing PRF, as opposed to other platelet concentrates, such as platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) or a blood clot, lies in PRF's ability to allow for a slow, long‐term release of autologous growth factors.
The nocturnal larvae of a specialist folivore perform better on Chromolaena odorata leaves from a shaded environment
Authors: Uyi Osariyekemwen O. , Zachariades Costas , Hill Martin P. , Conlong Des 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that individuals of the same plant species occurring in different microhabitats often show a degree of phenotypic and phytochemical variation. Consequently, insect herbivores associated with such plant species must deal with environment‐mediated changes or variability in the traits of their host plants. In this study, we examined the effects of habitat condition (shaded vs. full‐sun habitats) on plant traits and leaf characteristics of the invasive alien plant, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robinson (Asteraceae). In addition, the performance was evaluated in two generations of a specialist folivore, Pareuchaetes insulata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae), on leaves obtained from both shaded and full‐sun habitats. The study was done in an area where the insect was introduced as a biological control agent. Leaves growing in shade were less tough, had higher water and nitrogen content, and lower total non‐structural carbohydrate, compared with leaves growing in full sun. Plants growing in shade had longer leaves and were taller, but above‐ground biomass was significantly reduced compared with plants growing in full sun. In both generations (parents and offspring), P. insulata developed faster and had larger pupal mass, increased growth rate, and higher fecundity when reared on shaded foliage compared with full‐sun foliage. Although immature survival and adult longevity did not differ between habitats, Maw's host suitability index indicated that shaded leaves were more suitable for the growth and reproduction of P. insulata. We suggest that the benefits obtained by P. insulata feeding on shaded foliage are associated with reduced toughness and enhanced nitrogen and water content of leaves. These results demonstrate that light‐mediated changes in plant traits and leaf characteristics can affect insect folivore performance.
Rates of piscivory predict pharyngeal jaw morphology in a piscivorous lineage of cichlid fishes
Authors: Burress Edward D. , Duarte Alejandro , Serra Wilson S. , Loureiro Marcelo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe pharyngeal jaw apparatus is a key innovation hypothesised to increase foraging efficiency and facilitate utilisation of novel resources among teleost fishes. Here, we tested whether dietary characteristics could predict pharyngeal jaw morphology among eight species of Neotropical Crenicichla. Additionally, we tested the hypothesis that pharyngeal jaws may impose a functional constraint on piscivory via pharyngeal gape. We quantified the shape of the lower pharyngeal jaw (LPJ) using linear and geometric morphometrics and quantified diet using the relative volumetric proportions of prey items. We used principal component analysis to describe major axes of variation in LPJ shape and dietary patterns. The major axis of dietary variation significantly predicted LPJ morphology, which was driven by a significant relationship between LPJ shape and rates of piscivory. We also found that rates of piscivory predicted size‐corrected LPJ depth. Size‐corrected pharyngeal gape also significantly predicted rates of piscivory such that pharyngeal jaws may constrain piscivory by limiting pharyngeal gape. Strong form‐to‐function linkage between pharyngeal morphology and trophic patterns suggests an adaptive quality of the pharyngeal apparatus but may also impose functional constraints when consumers must switch prey or when prey availability is temporally or spatially unpredictable.
Toxicity profile of repeated doses of PEG‐asparaginase incorporated into a pediatric‐type regimen for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Aldoss Ibrahim , Douer Dan , Behrendt Carolyn E. , Chaudhary Preeti , Mohrbacher Ann , Vrona Janice , Pullarkat Vinod 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDespite having been long regarded as too toxic for adult patients, pediatric‐like regimens containing L‐asparaginase have resulted in improved outcomes for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To characterize the spectrum of toxicity of repeated doses of polyethylene glycolated‐asparaginase (PEG‐asp) in adults, we reviewed all doses (2000 IU/m2) administered as part of a pediatric‐inspired regimen in adult ALL at our center. Subjects aged 18–60 yr with ALL (n = 152, 69.1% male) contributed 522 dose cycles to the study. Hepatotoxicity was the most common adverse event: grades 3–4 transaminitis and hyperbilirubinemia occurred in 53.9% and 23.7% of subjects, respectively. Hepatotoxicity was reversible; no cases of fulminate hepatic failure were observed. Other toxicities affecting at least 5% of subjects were grades 3–4 triglyceridemia in 50.9%, hypofibrinogenemia (<100 mg/dL) in 47.9%, clinical pancreatitis in 12.6%, venous thromboembolism in 11.2%, allergic reaction in 7.2%, and any grade bleeding in 5.3%. PEG‐asp was always discontinued after grades 3–4 pancreatitis or allergic reaction. Otherwise, toxicities did not preclude administration of additional cycles of the drug. Our results suggest that repeated PEG‐asp dosing is safe in adults aged 18–60 yr, even after occurrence of a drug‐related toxicity.
Perampanel efficacy and safety by gender: Subanalysis of phase III randomized clinical studies in subjects with partial seizures
Authors: Vazquez Blanca , Yang Haichen , Williams Betsy , Zhou Sharon , Laurenza Antonio 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe antiepileptic drug (AED) perampanel is approved in ≥40 countries as adjunctive therapy for drug‐resistant partial seizures in patients with epilepsy. This post hoc analysis of pooled data from three phase III, double‐blind, randomized studies of perampanel examines between‐gender differences in perampanel efficacy and safety. Of the 1,478 subjects in the pooled analysis (719 male, 759 female), 1,109 were included in the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis. Perampanel oral clearance was 17% lower in female than in male patients not receiving enzyme‐inducing AEDs. Pooled efficacy analysis revealed that seizure frequency was reduced with perampanel treatment regardless of gender; a greater numerical reduction in seizure frequency and increased responder rates occurred in female participants at perampanel doses of 4, 8, and 12 mg. Tolerability was similar between groups, although common adverse events such as dizziness and headache occurred more frequently in female subjects. Modest elevations in perampanel exposure in female patients may result in meaningful between‐gender differences in efficacy and safety; therefore, dosing should be individualized and clinical response monitored.
Changes in Performance of Shared and Unshared Songs Within and Between Years in the White‐crowned Sparrow
Authors: Poesel Angelika , Nelson Douglas A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSong of passerine birds is one of the few animal signals that is learned and that improves with practice. Vocal practice is crucial early in life to perfect a song imitation, but it also occurs throughout life and may continue to improve aspects of song performance. Differences in song performance among males that share song types, that is sing structurally similar songs may be particularly salient to receivers. We here test the hypothesis that aspects of song performance improve in a songbird species that deletes song types from its repertoire early in the first breeding season to share their final single song type with territorial neighbours. Over 3 yrs, we recorded songs in a population of Puget Sound white‐crowned sparrows Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis and measured percentage peak performance and consistency thereof in all of the song types in each male's repertoire. We found that within the first year on territory, percentage peak performance was higher in shared than unshared songs but did not change from first to second recording. Contrary to the hypothesis that song performance improves with age, song performance declined from the first to the second year. Our results support the hypothesis that high‐performance singers share songs. We did not find support for song performance improving within or between years, like it does in some other songbird species.
Oligomeric assembly is required for chaperone activity of the filamentous γ‐prefoldin
Authors: Glover Dominic J. , Clark Douglas S. 
Published: June 2015

Prefoldins (PFDs) are molecular chaperones with a distinctive jellyfish‐shape that have a general role in de novo protein folding in Archaea and in the biogenesis of cytoskeleton proteins in eukaryotes. In general, PFDs are hetero‐hexameric protein assemblies consisting of two α and four β subunits. However, a PFD variant called gamma‐prefoldin (γPFD), isolated from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, exhibits a unique filamentous structure that is composed of hundreds of monomeric subunits. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the morphology of the γPFD filament and its ability to prevent protein aggregation. A chaperone assay demonstrated that γPFD must be in a filamentous assembly for functional activity and the distal regions of the coiled‐coils are required for binding of non‐native proteins. Molecular dynamic simulations were used to model the interactions between in silico thermally denatured protein substrates and the coiled‐coils of a γPFD filament. During molecular dynamic simulations at 300 and 353 K, each coiled‐coil was highly flexible, enabling it to widen the central cavity of the filament to potentially capture various non‐native proteins. Docking molecular dynamic simulations of γPFD filaments with unfolded citrate synthase or insulin showed a size‐dependence between the substrate and the number of interacting coiled‐coils. To confirm this observation, we generated filaments containing specific numbers of subunits, and showed that between six and eight γPFD subunits are required for chaperone activity to prevent citrate synthase from thermal aggregation. These results provide insights into structure–function relationships of oligomeric chaperones and illuminate the potential role of γPFD in its native environment.
Successful reproduction of common carp Cyprinus carpio in irrigation waterways
Authors: Adámek Z. , Anton Pardo M. , Vilizzi L. , Roberts J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSome key reproductive characters of invasive common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., were studied in an irrigation system of south‐eastern Australia. Spawning occurred on a variety of natural (i.e. submerged vegetation, plant debris and stones) and artificial substrates, and the presence of 0+ individuals was an indicator of spawning success. Compared with other C. carpio stocks worldwide, the lower minimum length at maturity reflected the higher water temperatures of the region, whereas the relatively lower mean pseudo‐gonadosomatic indices were attributed to less diverse food resources than those available in floodplain areas. The successful reproduction of feral C. carpio in irrigation waterways confirms its high adaptability and plasticity of traits and its classification into the phytolithophil guild, as opposed to the phytophil wild form. The findings of the present study should be given careful consideration in view of preventative measures for further spread of invasive C. carpio in similar waterways worldwide, but also for the enhancement of the species' fisheries in some man‐made reservoirs.