bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambulatory children with cerebral palsy do not exhibit unhealthy weight gain following selective dorsal rhizotomy
Authors: Gutknecht Sarah M , Schwartz Michael H , Munger Meghan E 
Published: April 2015

AimThe aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze changes in age‐ and sex‐adjusted body mass index (BMI) in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).MethodRaw BMI, age‐ and sex‐adjusted BMI z‐scores, weight classification status, energy expenditure, and ambulation function were calculated before and after SDR at multiple post‐SDR time points: 6 to <24 months, 24 to <48 months, 48 to <72, and 72 to <96 months. Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in raw BMI, BMI z‐scores, energy expenditure, and ambulation function.ResultsPre‐ and post‐surgical data were available for 363 children diagnosed with CP who underwent SDR (219 males, 144 females; mean age 6y [SD 2y 1mo]; mean BMI z‐score 0.09 [SD 1.21]). Data from additional post‐surgical time points were collected on subsamples. Although raw BMI significantly increased (p<0.01), these increases were consistent with anticipated growth. BMI z‐scores did not significantly change over the 10‐year study period.InterpretationConcerns of unhealthy weight gain following SDR are not supported by this study. Further work examining possible risk factors for BMI increase following SDR, as well as examining disparities in existing criteria for patient selection, is merited.
Relative roles of ecological and energetic constraints, diversification rates and region history on global species richness gradients
Authors: Belmaker Jonathan , Jetz Walter 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRegions worldwide differ markedly in species richness. Here, for birds and mammals worldwide, we directly compare four sets of hypotheses regarding geographical richness gradients: (1) evolutionary, emphasising heterogeneity in diversification rates, (2) historical, related to differences in region ages and sizes, (3) energetic, associated with variation in productive or ambient energy and (4) ecological, reflecting differences in ecological niche diversity. Among highly independent regions, or ‘evolutionary arenas’, we find that richness is weakly influenced by richness‐standardised ecological niche diversity, questioning the significance of ecological constraints for producing large‐scale diversity gradients. In contrast, we find strong evidence for the importance of region area and its changes over time, together with a role for temperature. These predictors affect richness predominately directly without concomitant positive effects on diversification rates. This suggests that regional richness is governed by historical and evolutionary processes, which promote region‐specific accumulation of diversity through time or following asymmetrical dispersal.
Characteristics in childhood and adolescence associated with future multiple sclerosis risk in men: cohort study
Authors: Gunnarsson M. , Udumyan R. , Bahmanyar S. , Nilsagård Y. , Montgomery S. 
Published: April 2015

Background and purposeAssociations with multiple sclerosis (MS) of living conditions in childhood and characteristics in adolescence including physical fitness, cognitive function and psychological stress resilience were investigated.MethodsA cohort of male Swedish residents born 1952–1956 who were included in the Swedish Military Conscription Register was used to create a nested case−control study comprising 628 MS cases and 6187 controls matched on birth year, county of residence and vital status at time of diagnosis. Conscription examination records were linked with other national register data. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with MS subsequent to the conscription examination.Results and conclusionsMen with MS were less likely to be from more crowded households in childhood (>two persons per room) with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.51–0.86, P = 0.023). They had lower physical working capacity in adolescence with adjusted odds ratio of 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.89–0.99, P = 0.026). Cognitive function and stress resilience scores displayed no significant differences between cases and controls. Parental occupation in childhood and body mass index in adolescence were not associated with future MS risk. The inverse association of MS risk with higher levels of household crowding may reflect environmental factors such as the pattern of exposure to microorganisms. Lower physical fitness in men at MS risk may indicate a protective effect of exercise or could be due to prodromal disease activity, although there was no association with cognitive function. Poor psychological stress resilience (and thus risk of chronic stress arousal) was not associated with MS.
Intelligence after traumatic brain injury: meta‐analysis of outcomes and prognosis
Authors: Königs M. , Engenhorst P. J. , Oosterlaan J. 
Published: April 2015

Worldwide, 54–60 million individuals sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. This meta‐analysis aimed to quantify intelligence impairments after TBI and to determine the value of age and injury severity in the prognosis of TBI. An electronic database search identified 81 relevant peer‐reviewed articles encompassing 3890 patients. Full‐scale IQ (FSIQ), performance IQ (PIQ) and verbal IQ (VIQ) impairments were quantified (Cohen's d) for patients with mild, moderate and severe TBI in the subacute phase of recovery and the chronic phase. Meta‐regressions explored prognostic values of age and injury severity measures for intelligence impairments. The results showed that, in the subacute phase, FSIQ impairments were absent for patients with mild TBI, medium‐sized for patients with moderate TBI (d = −0.61, P < 0.001) and large for patients with severe TBI (d = −1.09, P < 0.001). In the chronic phase, FSIQ impairments were small for patients with mild or moderate TBI (d = −0.37 and −0.19, P ≤ 0.008) and large for patients with severe TBI (d = −0.80, P < 0.001). Adults with mild TBI had larger PIQ and VIQ impairments in the chronic phase than children (both Q ≥ 5.21, P ≤ 0.02), whilst children with severe TBI had larger FSIQ and VIQ impairments than adults (both Q ≥ 4.40, P ≤ 0.04). Glasgow Coma Scale score, duration of loss of consciousness and post‐traumatic amnesia duration moderately to strongly predicted FSIQ, PIQ and VIQ impairments (0.41 ≤ r ≤ 0.82, P ≤ 0.02), but no differences in predictive value were observed. In conclusion, TBI causes persisting intelligence impairments, where children may have better recovery from mild TBI and poorer recovery from severe TBI than adults. Injury severity measures predict intelligence impairments and do not outperform one another.
The Framingham cardiovascular risk score in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Moccia M. , Lanzillo R. , Palladino R. , Maniscalco G. T. , De Rosa A. , Russo C. , Massarelli M. , Carotenuto A. , Postiglione E. , Caporale O. , Triassi M. , Brescia Morra V. 
Published: April 2015

Background and purposeCardiovascular risk factors can increase the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and modify its course. However, such factors possibly interact, determining a global cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to compare the global cardiovascular risk of subjects with and without MS with the simplified 10‐year Framingham General Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score (FR) and to evaluate its importance on MS‐related outcomes.MethodsAge, gender, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, type II diabetes and use of antihypertensive medications were recorded in subjects with and without MS to estimate the FR, an individualized percentage risk score estimating the 10‐year likelihood of cardiovascular events.ResultsIn total, 265 MS subjects were identified with 530 matched controls. A t test showed similar FR in cases and controls (P = 0.212). Secondary progressive MS presented significantly higher FR compared to relapsing−remitting MS (P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed a direct relationship between FR and Expanded Disability Status Scale (P < 0.001) and MS Severity Scale (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe FR, evaluating the global cardiovascular health by the interaction amongst different risk factors, relates to MS disability, severity and course.
Therapies for inherited skin fragility disorders
Authors: Has Cristina , Kiritsi Dimitra 
Published: April 2015

AbstractInherited skin fragility comprises disorders characterized by mechanical induced blistering and erosions within the skin and mucosal membranes as a consequence of mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in intra‐epidermal or dermal–epidermal adhesion. As the molecular pathology is largely known, it is a prototype group of disorders for which numerous experimental treatments have been developed. However, it became clear that single therapeutic strategies will not be able to address all molecular and clinical aspects. Significant progress has been achieved in gene, cell and protein therapies. Although the way towards clinical application seems obvious, major challenges must be addressed before these therapies become largely accessible. Until curative treatments will become available, alternative strategies which aim at increasing protein stability, amending apoptosis, inflammation and scarring may alleviate skin fragility and prevent or delay the onset of complications.
No evidence for consistent long‐term growth stimulation of 13 tropical tree species: results from tree‐ring analysis
Authors: Groenendijk Peter , van der Sleen Peter , Vlam Mart , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Bongers Frans , Zuidema Pieter A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe important role of tropical forests in the global carbon cycle makes it imperative to assess changes in their carbon dynamics for accurate projections of future climate–vegetation feedbacks. Forest monitoring studies conducted over the past decades have found evidence for both increasing and decreasing growth rates of tropical forest trees. The limited duration of these studies restrained analyses to decadal scales, and it is still unclear whether growth changes occurred over longer time scales, as would be expected if CO2‐fertilization stimulated tree growth. Furthermore, studies have so far dealt with changes in biomass gain at forest‐stand level, but insights into species‐specific growth changes – that ultimately determine community‐level responses – are lacking. Here, we analyse species‐specific growth changes on a centennial scale, using growth data from tree‐ring analysis for 13 tree species (~1300 trees), from three sites distributed across the tropics. We used an established (regional curve standardization) and a new (size‐class isolation) growth‐trend detection method and explicitly assessed the influence of biases on the trend detection. In addition, we assessed whether aggregated trends were present within and across study sites. We found evidence for decreasing growth rates over time for 8–10 species, whereas increases were noted for two species and one showed no trend. Additionally, we found evidence for weak aggregated growth decreases at the site in Thailand and when analysing all sites simultaneously. The observed growth reductions suggest deteriorating growth conditions, perhaps due to warming. However, other causes cannot be excluded, such as recovery from large‐scale disturbances or changing forest dynamics. Our findings contrast growth patterns that would be expected if elevated CO2 would stimulate tree growth. These results suggest that commonly assumed growth increases of tropical forests may not occur, which could lead to erroneous predictions of carbon dynamics of tropical forest under climate change.
Validity of the Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006
Authors: Perry Adrienne , Isaacs Barry 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundFamily Quality of Life (FQOL) is an important construct in the Intellectual Disabilities field. Several measures exist, including one developed by an international group, the Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006 (FQOLS‐2006; Brown et al.2006). However, the psychometric properties of this measure have yet to be fully investigated. This study was designed to examine its concurrent validity compared to the well established Beach Center FQOL Scale.Materials and MethodsIn a sample of 62 families of school‐aged Canadian children with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder, both the FQOLS‐2006 and the Beach Center FQOL scale were administered and the scores compared.ResultsThe total scores of the two measures were strongly correlated, as were particular subscales that would be expected to correlate. However, there were several surprising correlations as well.ConclusionsThe FQOLS‐2006 shows good concurrent validity relative to the Beach Center scale, although some domains show unexpected relationships, suggesting further research is needed.
Dispersal and ecological traits explain differences in beta diversity patterns of European beetles
Authors: Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Freijeiro Andrea , Baselga Andrés 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimDisentangling the contributions of niche and dispersal processes as species distribution drivers is crucial from both theoretical and practical standpoints. We investigated whether niche‐related and dispersal‐related functional traits of 19 beetle clades were good predictors of beta diversity patterns across continental European countries.LocationContinental Europe.MethodsWe quantified the overall compositional heterogeneity (a measure of multiple‐site dissimilarity) of each beetle clade in continental Europe and assessed its relationship with body size and the proportion of wingless species as proxies for dispersal ability. Overall compositional heterogeneity was also compared with trophic and habitat preferences of clades as proxies for their ecological specialization. Additionally, beta diversity patterns were characterized as a multivariate pairwise dissimilarity matrix among pairs of countries for each beetle clade. We assessed whether differences among these pairwise structures were related to dispersal ability or the ecological specialization of clades. The turnover and nestedness‐resultant components of compositional dissimilarity were calculated separately for all analyses.ResultsThe dispersal ability and ecological specialization explained a large proportion (> 70%) of the variation in overall compositional heterogeneity but a lower proportion (c. 40%) of the variation in the multivariate pairwise structures. Remarkably, the explained variation was shared between both sets of predictors in the case of overall compositional heterogeneity but was independently related to dispersal ability or ecological specialization for the multivariate pairwise structure analysis.Main conclusionsThese results suggest a tight relationship between ecological specialization, dispersal ability and compositional heterogeneity of European beetle clades. However, the specific patterns of dissimilarities between pairs of countries seem to be determined independently by either ecological or dispersal processes and seem to be subject to other unmeasured factors.
Influence of past and future climate changes on the distribution of three Southeast Asian murine rodents
Authors: Latinne Alice , Meynard Christine N. , Herbreteau Vincent , Waengsothorn Surachit , Morand Serge , Michaux Johan R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimWe tested the influence of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and the potential effect of future climate change on Southeast Asian small mammal distributions using two forest‐dwelling (Leopoldamys herberti and Leopoldamys sabanus) and one karst (Leopoldamys neilli) endemic rodent species as models.LocationSoutheast Asia.MethodsWe used presence–absence data of genetically identified individuals, bioclimatic variables and species distribution modelling techniques to predict potential distributions of the three studied species under current, past [Last Interglacial (LIG) and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)] and future conditions. We applied a variety of modelling techniques and then used consensus techniques to draw up robust maps of potential distribution ranges at all stages.ResultsAccording to our models, these three Leopoldamys species did not experience significant range contraction during the LGM. Our models revealed substantial range contraction during the LIG for L. herberti in northern Indochina, while its distribution expanded in southern Indochina. Evidence of a southward range expansion during that period was also obtained for L. neilli, whereas L. sabanus remained widely distributed in insular Southeast Asia but experienced a range contraction on the Thai‐Malay Peninsula. The two future climate change scenarios used predicted that large climatically suitable areas would still be available in the future for the three species.Main conclusionsOur model predictions contradict the well‐established hypothesis that Southeast Asian forest‐dwelling species were confined to small refugia during the LGM. Moreover, our results suggest that some Southeast Asian taxa may have been distributed in their refugial state during the LIG rather than the LGM. This could be because of vegetation changes that may have occurred at that time as a result of the increased seasonality observed during the LIG. These Pleistocene refugia may have been localized in northern Indochina but our study also revealed that southern Indochina could provide major potential refugia.
Focal Arrhythmia Ablation Determined by High‐Resolution Noninvasive Maps: Multicenter Feasibility Study
Authors: HOCINI MÉLÈZE , SHAH ASHOK J. , NEUMANN THOMAS , KUNISS MALTE , ERKAPIC DAMIR , CHAUMEIL ARNAUD , COPLEY SHAHNAZ‐JAMIL , LIM PHANG BOON , KANAGARATNAM PRAPA , DENIS ARNAUD , DERVAL NICOLAS , DUBOIS RÉMI , COCHET HUBERT , JAIS PIERRE , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL 
Published: April 2015

Rapid Mapping and Ablation Using a Novel PlatformIntroductionA noninvasive 3D mapping technique (ECVUE™, CardioInsight Inc., Cleveland) maps the origin and mechanisms of various arrhythmias without catheterizing the heart.MethodsThirty‐three patients (3 centers, mean 45.0 ± 14.6 years,) with symptomatic premature ventricular complexes (24 PVCs), focal atrial tachycardias (2 ATs), and manifest accessory pathways (7 WPW syndromes) were prospectively explored using 3D, noninvasive bedside electrocardiomapping. The location of origin of the focal arrhythmia was first determined using noninvasive mapping. Subsequently, a stimulus artifact was delivered at this site to confirm and evaluate the precise location of the mapped focal origin. The procedural parameters and clinical efficacy were studied.ResultsAblation was successful in 32/33 (97%) patients (PVCs: 13 right, 10 left, 1 septal; WPW: 3 left, 3 right; ATs: 2 left) without complications. The time from catheterization to permanent arrhythmia elimination/termination, RF duration, skin‐to‐skin procedural duration, and fluoroscopic exposure were median 16, 3.98, 71, and 11.9 minutes (for n = 29), respectively. At mean 24.7 ± 3.7 months of follow‐up, 31 patients remain arrhythmia‐free after a single procedure. One patient (right WPW syndrome) required repeat ablation 1 month later. One patient had recurrence of PVCs and is now deceased. The cumulative radiation (CT scan and fluoroscopy) exposure was median 7.57 mSv.ConclusionECVUETM is a noninvasive tool allowing rapid preprocedural localization of focal arrhythmia and enables the electrophysiologist with highly specific information to direct RF delivery at the source of the arrhythmia with minimal intracardiac mapping.
Low Levels of a Urinary Biomarker of Dietary Polyphenol Are Associated with Substantial Cognitive Decline over a 3‐Year Period in Older Adults: The Invecchiare in Chianti Study
Authors: Rabassa Montserrat , Cherubini Antonio , Zamora‐Ros Raul , Urpi‐Sarda Mireia , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi , Andres‐Lacueva Cristina 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between total urinary polyphenols (TUPs) and total dietary polyphenols (TDPs) and cognitive decline in an older population.DesignThe Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) study, a cohort study with 3 years of follow‐up.SettingTuscany, Italy.ParticipantsIndividuals without dementia aged 65 and older (N = 652).MeasurementsTUP and TDP concentrations were analyzed at baseline using the Folin‐Ciocalteu assay and a validated food frequency questionnaire, respectively. Cognition was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Trail‐Making Test (TMT) at baseline and after 3 years of follow‐up. Substantial cognitive decline was defined as a reduction in MMSE score of three or more points and an increase of at least 29 seconds on the TMT Part A (TMT‐A) and 68 seconds on the TMT Part B (TMT‐B) (the worst 10% of the distribution of decline) or as test discontinued because of multiple mistakes on the TMT A and B at follow‐up.ResultsHigher TUP levels were associated with lower risk of substantial cognitive decline on the MMSE (odds ratio (OR) comparing extreme tertiles = 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.85, P‐trend = .008) and on the TMT‐A (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.28–0.96, P‐trend = .03), but not on TMT‐B in a logistic regression model that adjusted for baseline cognitive score and potential confounding factors. TDP did not affect the development of substantial cognitive decline in either test.ConclusionHigh concentrations of polyphenols, a nutritional biomarker of polyphenol intake, were associated with lower risk of substantial cognitive decline in an older population studied over a 3‐year period, suggesting a protective effect against cognitive impairment.
Risk of Pneumonia in New Users of Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Dementia
Authors: Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng , Wong Monera B. , Iwata Isao , Zhang Yinghong , Hsieh Cheng‐Yang , Kao Yang Yea‐Huei , Setoguchi Soko 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo compare the risk of pneumonia in older adults receiving donepezil, galantamine, or rivastigmine for dementia.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingNationally representative 5% sample of Medicare databases.ParticipantsMedicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who newly initiated cholinesterase inhibitor therapy between 2006 and 2009.MeasurementsPneumonia, defined as the presence of a diagnosis code for pneumonia as the primary diagnosis on an inpatient claim or on an emergency department claim followed by dispensing of appropriate antibiotics. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of pneumonia. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted using alternative pneumonia definitions and adjustments using high‐dimensional propensity scores to test the robustness of the results.ResultsThe mean age of 35,570 new users of cholinesterase inhibitors (30,174 users of donepezil, 1,176 users of galantamine, 4,220 users of rivastigmine) was 82; 75% were women, and 82% were white. The cumulative incidence of pneumonia was 51.9 per 1,000 person‐years. The risk of pneumonia for rivastigmine users was 24% lower than that of donepezil users (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60–0.93). Risk in galantamine users (HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.62–1.23) was not significantly different from risk in donepezil users. Results of subgroup and sensitivity analyses were similar to the primary results.ConclusionThe risk of pneumonia was lower in individuals receiving rivastigmine than in those receiving donepezil. Additional studies are needed to confirm the findings of pneumonia risk between the oral and transdermal forms of rivastigmine and in users of galantamine.