bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COLQ variant associated with Devon Rex and Sphynx feline hereditary myopathy
Authors: Gandolfi Barbara , Grahn Robert A. , Creighton Erica K. , Williams D. Colette , Dickinson Peter J. , Sturges Beverly K. , Guo Ling T. , Shelton G. Diane , Leegwater Peter A. J. , Longeri Maria , Malik Richard , Lyons Leslie A. 
Published: September 2015

SummarySome Devon Rex and Sphynx cats have a variably progressive myopathy characterized by appendicular and axial muscle weakness, megaesophagus, pharyngeal weakness and fatigability with exercise. Muscle biopsies from affected cats demonstrated variable pathological changes ranging from dystrophic features to minimal abnormalities. Affected cats have exacerbation of weakness following anticholinesterase dosing, a clue that there is an underlying congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). A genome‐wide association study and whole‐genome sequencing suggested a causal variant for this entity was a c.1190G>A variant causing a cysteine to tyrosine substitution (p.Cys397Tyr) within the C‐terminal domain of collagen‐like tail subunit (single strand of homotrimer) of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase (COLQ). Alpha‐dystroglycan expression, which is associated with COLQ anchorage at the motor end‐plate, has been shown to be deficient in affected cats. Eighteen affected cats were identified by genotyping, including cats from the original clinical descriptions in 1993 and subsequent publications. Eight Devon Rex and one Sphynx not associated with the study were identified as carriers, suggesting an allele frequency of ~2.0% in Devon Rex. Over 350 tested cats from other breeds did not have the variant. Characteristic clinical features and variant presence in all affected cats suggest a model for COLQ CMS. The association between the COLQ variant and this CMS affords clinicians the opportunity to confirm diagnosis via genetic testing and permits owners and breeders to identify carriers in the population. Moreover, accurate diagnosis increases available therapeutic options for affected cats based on an understanding of the pathophysiology and experience from human CMS associated with COLQ variants.
Visual impairment and vision‐related quality of life in the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial after 20 years of follow‐up
Authors: Peters Dorothea , Heijl Anders , Brenner Lena , Bengtsson Boel 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPurposeTo determine the association between vision‐related quality of life (VRQOL) and levels of visual function loss in the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial (EMGT).MethodsTwo hundred and fifty‐five patients were included in the EMGT between 1993 and 1997 and followed regularly by ophthalmic examinations. A Swedish translation of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ‐25) was self‐administered at several follow‐up visits until 2014. We analysed the association between Rasch‐calibrated NEI VFQ‐25 scores and visual function in the best eye at the final follow‐up visit.ResultsNinety‐one per cent (233/255) of all participants completed the NEI VFQ‐25 at least once. In univariate logistic regression analysis, NEI VFQ‐25 scores were modestly associated with visual acuity (VA) (r2 = 0.330, p < 0.001), visual field index (VFI) (r2 = 0.200, p < 0.001) and perimetric mean deviation (MD) (r2 = 0.193, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, VA and VFI together accounted for approximately 40% (r2 = 0.380) of the NEI VFQ‐25 scores. NEI VFQ‐25 scores were significantly higher for patients with no visual impairment (mean 73 ± 22) than for visually impaired patients (mean 31 ± 15, p < 0.001). VFI worse than 50% or MD worse than −18 dB was significantly associated with low VRQOL scores (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results support the widespread, albeit arbitrary, use of a better‐eye visual field of <50% as an important threshold for a significant reduction in VRQOL.
Maternal pain influences her evaluation of recurrent pain in 6‐ to 11‐year‐old healthy children
Authors: Graungaard Anette Hauskov , Siersma Volkert , Lykke Kirsten , Ertmann Ruth Kirk , Knudsen Lisbeth E. , Mäkelä Marjukka 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimChildren with recurrent pain rely on their parents to acknowledge it. We compared pain reported by healthy children and their mothers, to evaluate their agreement, and also looked at the effect of maternal health on children's pain.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based survey in Danish public schools. The participants were 131 healthy children aged 6–11 years and their mothers. The main outcome measures were the prevalence of recurrent pain reported by the mother and child, agreements between their reports and any associations between the child's pain, socio‐demographic characteristics and maternal health factors.ResultsRecurrent pain was reported by nearly one‐third (31%) of the children and their mothers. A quarter (25%) of the mother–child pairs disagreed on the existence of pain in the child, and a third (33%) disagreed on the frequency and duration. When the data were adjusted for child characteristics and socio‐demographic parameters, mothers who had chronic pain were five times more likely to report frequent pain in their children than mothers without pain. This is a new finding.ConclusionMaternal health factors may influence her evaluation of her child's pain. Family health and pain behaviour should be considered when recurrent pain is suspected in a child.
Ceftriaxone attenuates acute cocaine‐evoked dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens of the rat
Authors: Barr J L , Rasmussen B A , Tallarida C S , Scholl J L , Forster G L , Unterwald E M , Rawls S M 
Published: September 2015

Background and PurposeCeftriaxone is a β‐lactam antibiotic and glutamate transporter activator that reduces the reinforcing effects of psychostimulants. Ceftriaxone also reduces locomotor activation following acute psychostimulant exposure, suggesting that alterations in dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens contribute to its mechanism of action. In the present studies we tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with ceftriaxone disrupts acute cocaine‐evoked dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens.Experimental ApproachAdult male Sprague–Dawley rats were pretreated with saline or ceftriaxone (200 mg kg−1, i.p. × 10 days) and then challenged with cocaine (15 mg kg−1, i.p.). Motor activity, dopamine efflux (via in vivo microdialysis) and protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the dopamine transporter and organic cation transporter as well as α‐synuclein, Akt and GSK3β were analysed in the nucleus accumbens.Key ResultsCeftriaxone‐pretreated rats challenged with cocaine displayed reduced locomotor activity and accumbal dopamine efflux compared with saline‐pretreated controls challenged with cocaine. The reduction in cocaine‐evoked dopamine levels was not counteracted by excitatory amino acid transporter 2 blockade in the nucleus accumbens. Pretreatment with ceftriaxone increased Akt/GSK3β signalling in the nucleus accumbens and reduced levels of dopamine transporter, TH and phosphorylated α‐synuclein, indicating that ceftriaxone affects numerous proteins involved in dopaminergic transmission.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results are the first evidence that ceftriaxone affects cocaine‐evoked dopaminergic transmission, in addition to its well‐described effects on glutamate, and suggest that its ability to attenuate cocaine‐induced behaviours, such as psychomotor activity, is due in part to reduced dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens.
Reproducibility of incremental maximal cycle ergometer tests in healthy recreationally active subjects
Authors: Dideriksen Kasper , Mikkelsen Ulla Ramer 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPurposeTesting of the ventilatory threshold (VT) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is relevant for the evaluation of a range of training studies, clinical trials and cross‐sectional studies. Due to a possible learning effect, a familiarization test is often performed to increase test reproducibility. However, limited research has investigated this learning effect and reproducibility of maximal exercise testing. The most appropriate ways to determine VT and VO2peak are not clear, and this study evaluated two approaches (V‐slope and a combined method) for the determination of VT and five time‐averaging intervals (60, 30, 15, 10 and 5 s) for the determination of VO2peak to compare test results and reproducibility.MethodsThirteen recreational triathletes completed three identical incremental maximal cycle ergometer tests. The initial workload was 75 and 100 watt (W) for women and men, respectively, and the workload was increased by 4 W/10 s thereafter. No familiarization test was performed.ResultsVO2peak increased significantly as the time‐averaging interval became shorter (e.g. 5‐s interval 48·7 versus 60‐s interval 44·8 ml O2 kg−1 min−1; overall P<0·001). All test results were similar for the three test rounds, indicating that repeated testing was not associated with any learning effect. The different VT measuring methods (CV 7·6 versus 7·7%, P = 0·58) and VO2peak time‐averaging intervals (CV 3·7–4·4%, P = 0·99) did not influence test reliability.ConclusionsThe reproducibility of VT and VO2peak was not affected by measuring methods and time‐averaging intervals. However, the time‐averaging intervals significantly affect the absolute VO2peak values. Furthermore, no learning effect of maximal cycle ergometer testing was observed.
Body composition, maximal aerobic performance and inflammatory biomarkers in endurance‐trained athletes
Authors: Jürimäe Jaak , Tillmann Vallo , Purge Priit , Jürimäe Toivo 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThis study was designed to examine the relationships between body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and simultaneously measured inflammatory parameters in endurance‐trained athletes. In 20 well‐trained rowers (19·0 ± 2·9 years; 185·6 ± 4·8 cm; 85·7 ± 10·8 kg; 17·1 ± 5·1% body fat; maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]: 63·9 ± 8·5 ml min−1 kg−1), body composition was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and cardiorespiratory fitness by direct VO2max test. Twelve inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, vascular endothelial growth factor, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), epidermal growth factor (EGF)] were analysed from serum samples. Serum IFN‐γ was related (P<0·05) to fat‐free mass (FFM) (r = −0·56) and muscle mass (r = −0·50). The stepwise regression analysis showed that IFN‐γ explained 27·5%, and IFN‐γ and IL‐6 together explained 39·8% of the variability of FFM, while IFN‐γ explained 21·1%, and IFN‐γ together with EGF explained 36·6% of the variability of muscle mass in male rowers. Serum IL‐8 (r = −0·65) and VEGF (r = −0·48) correlated (P<0·05) with VO2max kg−1. Serum IL‐8 explained 38·5% of the variability of VO2max kg−1. Significant correlations were also found among several inflammatory parameters, indicating that various inflammatory cytokines act on the body as an ensemble. In conclusion, this cross‐sectional study in endurance‐trained male rowers showed that FFM and muscle mass were negatively correlated with serum IFN‐γ level, whereas cardiorespiratory fitness was negatively related to serum IL‐8 level.
Comparing 10‐yr renal outcomes in deceased donor and living donor liver transplants
Authors: Sandal Shaifali , Almudevar Anthony , Parajuli Sandesh , Bose Anirban 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFew studies have explored whether the type of LT, deceased donor LT (DDLT) or living donor LT (LDLT), impacts long‐term renal outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of 220 LT recipients at our institution to study their renal outcomes at 10 yr. Exclusion criteria were age ≤ 18 yr, graft survival ≤6 months, and multiorgan transplants; 108 DDLTs and 62 LDLTs were eligible. At baseline, DDLTs had a lower eGFR than LDLTs and 10.2% of DDLTs were on dialysis as compared to 0% of LDLTs. At 10 yr, seven DDLT and three LDLT recipients required dialysis or renal transplant (p = 0.75). In recipients with graft survival >6 months, DDLTs had a slower decline in eGFR as compared to LDLTs (p < 0.01). Among LDLTs, the decline in eGFR continued over the entire 10‐yr period, whereas among DDLTs, the decline in eGFR slowed significantly after six months (p = 0.01). This difference between the two groups was not seen among patients in the highest quartile of baseline eGFR. Patient survival and graft survival were similar. In conclusion, the incidence of end‐stage renal disease was similar in both DDLT and LDLT patients, but LDLT recipients seem to have a more sustained decline in eGFR when compared with DDLT recipients.
Addressing the overdose epidemic requires timely access to data to guide interventions
Authors: Davis Corey S. , Green Traci C. , Zaller Nickolas D. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFatal opioid overdose, the leading cause of injury death in the USA, is regularly described as an epidemic. The response to the overdose crisis, however, has largely failed to utilise many of the public health tools that have proven effective in combating epidemics. Chief among these is the systematic and timely use of data by public health officials to track outbreaks and effectively target interventions. This failure is particularly acute regarding data from prescription monitoring programmes, which are routinely used by clinicians and law enforcement agents, but often unavailable to health officials. We argue for a shift in emphasis and resources towards an evidence‐based public health approach to data use for overdose prevention. [Davis CS, Green TC, Zaller ND. Addressing the overdose epidemic requires timely access to data to guide interventions. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:383–386]
Those harmed by others' drinking in the US population are more depressed and distressed
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Kerr William C. , Ye Yu , Kaplan Lauren M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsHarms from second‐hand smoke were instrumental in enacting tobacco controls. Documenting negative impacts of harms from others' drinking (also called second‐hand effects of drinking) is vital to increase political will for optimal alcohol policies. We assessed associations between harms from others' drinking and depression in a national sample of US adults.Design and MethodsUsing the landline sample from the 2010 National Alcohol Survey (n = 5388), weighted logistic regression models adjusting for alcohol problems in family of origin, respondent drinking pattern (volume and heaviest drinking), poverty and other demographics were used to analyse associations between experiencing harms from others' drinking in the last 12 months with mild to moderate depression (8‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale; alpha = 0.92; using cut point ≥8) and current distress.ResultsPast 12 month family/marital harms, financial troubles, assaults, and vandalised property attributed to others' drinking were each associated with higher depression scores (all P < 0.001). In a combined model, all harms other than assaults remained highly significant. Similar patterns were found for current distress, but with some specific differences because of measurement and analytic approaches chosen also evident.DiscussionFindings suggest recently experiencing particular harms from others' drinking significantly affects mental health (both depression and distress). This confirms in a US population results recently reported in Australasian samples.ConclusionsStudies that quantify the extent to which heavy drinkers victimise others are important for alcohol policy. [Greenfield TK, Karriker‐Jaffe KJ, Kerr WC, Ye Y, Kaplan LM. Those harmed by others' drinking in the US population are more depressed and distressed. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;●●:●●–●●]
Economy and Grace: A Defense of Human Capital
Authors: Pedersen Else Marie Wiberg 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLuther develops his idea of the grace of God in tandem with his idea of economy, and a society characterized by ethical and social values such as love of neighbor and caring for the weak and poor. Hence, the reformer's search for a gracious God is developed along with his criticism of the current indulgence doctrine and the emerging oeconomia moderna. Thus, building on a simul gratia et oeconomia, Luther's reformation theology can be perceived as the intersection of an economy of grace and a horizontal social economy (works of love) in quotidian life that together constitute human capital.
Reversible Regional Myocardial Ischemia in a Six‐Month‐Old Infant Post Arterial Switch Operation Demonstrated by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Skinner Gregory J. , Shebani Suhair O. 
Published: September 2015

Mini‐AbstractWe present the case of an infant with coronary artery stenosis following an arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. He was demonstrated to have reversible regional myocardial ischemia using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), which corresponded to the affected territory seen when he underwent cardiac catheterization with revascularization. This demonstrates the utility of STE in infants with regional myocardial dysfunction.
Prognostic value of serum heavy/light chain ratios in patients with POEMS syndrome
Authors: Wang Chen , Su Wei , Cai Qian‐Qian , Cai Hao , Ji Wei , Di Qian , Duan Ming‐Hui , Cao Xin‐Xin , Zhou Dao‐Bin , Li Jian 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPOEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia. Serum concentrations of the monoclonal protein in this disorder are typically low, and inapplicable to monitor disease activity in most cases, resulting in limited practical and prognostic values. Novel immunoassays measuring isotype‐specific heavy/light chain (HLC) pairs showed its utility in disease monitoring and outcome prediction in several plasma cell dyscrasias. We report results of HLC measurements in 90 patients with POEMS syndrome. Sixty‐six patients (73%; 95% confidence interval, 63–82%) had an abnormal HLC ratio at baseline. It could stratify the risk of disease relapse and was strongly associated with worse progression‐free survival in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.021; hazard ratio [HR] 6.89, 95% CI 1.34–35.43). After therapy, HLC ratios improved, with 43 patients (48%) remaining abnormal. The post‐therapeutic HLC ratio, if abnormal, also remained as an independent prognostic factor associated with worse progression‐free survival (P = 0.019; HR 4.30, 95% CI 1.27–14.56). These results suggest the prognostic utility of HLC ratios in clinical management of POEMS patients.
Comparison of long‐stem and standard tube‐stock performance 5 years after planting in a rainforest edge on the Central Coast of NSW
Authors: Chalmers Anita , Bakewell Geoff , Taggart Audrey 
Published: September 2015

SummaryAdoption of the long‐stem planting technique in riparian and nonriparian environments is increasing, despite few scientific studies examining whether the technique improves restoration outcomes. Here, we report on the results of an experiment that compares the performance of long‐stem and standard tube stock planted within a rainforest edge. Our results showed that planting technique had no significant effect on the growth and survival of Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi) and Scentless Rosewood (Synoum glandulosum) individuals, 5 years postplanting. Our findings suggest that long‐stem planting does not enhance tube‐stock performance of these two species, at least under the relatively benign environmental conditions of this study. We recommend that further tests of the technique should focus on habitats where inputs of physical energy are dominant (e.g. rivers, coastal foredunes) and in locations where (and when) growing conditions are particularly harsh.
An overview of pregnancy‐related issues in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pozzilli C. , Pugliatti M. 
Published: September 2015

Although pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) is not generally considered high risk, there are some associated therapeutic challenges. The pregnancy‐associated reduction in the relapse rate, especially in the third trimester, is followed by a sharp increase in the first few months postpartum. Nevertheless, retrospective evidence for pregnant women with and without MS followed for up to 10 years indicates that pregnancy has no perceptible effect on long‐term disease course or disability progression. Likewise, MS has no apparent effects on the pregnancy course or fetal outcomes. All disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) have potential adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes, but the level of risk varies amongst agents. There is some support for continued use of interferon‐β and glatiramer acetate throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of relapse. Use of DMTs during breastfeeding is best avoided if possible. Close evaluation of drug safety information is imperative when managing women with MS who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant. Decision‐making should be a shared experience between patient and physician, and the approach must be individualized for each patient.
Using river discharge to model and deconstruct the latitudinal diversity gradient for fishes of the Western Hemisphere
Authors: McGarvey Daniel J. , Terra Bianca de Freitas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo model the species–discharge relationship (SDR) for native freshwater fishes of the Western Hemisphere, to test whether the SDR is itself a function of latitude, and to create a conceptual framework to integrate the SDR with the species–area relationship and the latitudinal diversity gradient.LocationWestern Hemisphere rivers between 70°N and 50°S latitude.MethodsDischarge and fish richness data were compiled for 107 rivers. Ordinary least squares and simultaneous autoregressive models were built for a hemispheric‐scale SDR using one of three discharge (Q) measures: mean annual Q, annual low flow Q or annual high flow Q. Hemispheric‐scale SDR residuals were used to test for distinct low, mid and high latitude groups and to deconstruct the SDR into separate models for each latitudinal group. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was then used to examine the combined effects of Q, river basin area, and latitude on fish richness.ResultsHemispheric‐scale SDRs were significant (P ≤ 0.001) for each discharge measure. Model residuals showed that the SDR differs among tropical, subtropical and temperate realms. All deconstructed SDRs remained significant (P ≤ 0.001) and minimized the residual effect of latitude. The tropical SDR was significantly steeper (non‐overlapping 95% confidence intervals) than the subtropical and temperate SDRs. For both hemispheric‐scale and deconstructed SDRs, annual low flow Q was the best individual predictor of native fish richness. SEM analysis showed that Q may be an integrative measure of climate and physical habitat effects.Main conclusionsA single, hemispheric‐scale SDR will underestimate fish richness in low latitude, tropical rivers and overestimate richness in high latitude, temperate rivers. Deconstructing the SDR into separate tropical, subtropical, and temperate models can account for much of this bias. Deconstructed SDRs also show that fish richness increases much more rapidly per‐unit Q in tropical rivers than in subtropical or temperate rivers. Low flow Q is the strongest correlate of fish richness. And a preliminary, system‐level model suggests that Q may play a central, integrative role in the regulation of freshwater diversity.