bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adefovir treatment for chronic hepatitis B in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Durante‐Mangoni Emanuele , Iossa Domenico , Pinto Daniela , Molaro Rosa , Agrusta Federica , Amarelli Cristiano , Ragone Enrico , Grimaldi Maria , Maiello Ciro , Utili Riccardo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractChronic hepatitis B is prevalent in the transplant setting and may cause significant complications. Effective control of viral replication is needed. Besides lamivudine, very little data are available on safety and efficacy of other drugs. We describe our experience with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in eight heart transplant recipients. Studies included a baseline liver biopsy, thrice‐monthly clinical, biochemical, and virological evaluations, including genotyping and viral load, polymerase gene sequencing for resistance mutations, liver and kidney function tests, and liver ultrasound. Of eight patients, six had fibrosis score ≤2 and negative HBeAg and seven had hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype D. Upon ADV start, median HBV‐DNA was 5.8 logs IU/mL and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were mostly normal. All patients had prior mild‐to‐moderate renal functional impairment. Seven of eight patients started ADV after a previous course of lamivudine. Five of these seven patients became HBV‐DNA undetectable within eight months. One patient with low baseline viremia started ADV de novo and suppressed HBV‐DNA. Median treatment duration was 66 months. ADV daily dose was halved in one patient due to renal function worsening. No ALT flares, hypophosphatemia, liver decompensation, liver cancer, or emergence of resistance was observed. Our data suggest that ADV may be a safe and effective rescue treatment for heart transplant recipients with lamivudine‐resistant chronic hepatitis B.
From exploitation to conservation: habitat models using whaling data predict distribution patterns and threat exposure of an endangered whale
Authors: Torres Leigh G. , Smith Tim D. , Sutton Phil , MacDiarmid Alison , Bannister John , Miyashita Tomio 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimSufficient data to describe spatial distributions of rare and threatened populations are typically difficult to obtain. For example, there are minimal modern offshore sightings of the endangered southern right whale, limiting our knowledge of foraging grounds and habitat use patterns. Using historical exploitation data of southern right whales (SRW), we aim to better understand their seasonal offshore distribution patterns in relation to broad‐scale oceanography, and to predict their exposure to shipping traffic and response to global climate change.LocationAustralasian region between 130° W and 100° E, and 30° S and 55° S.MethodsWe model 19th century whaling data with boosted regression trees to determine functional responses of whale distribution relative to environmental factors. Habitat suitability maps are generated and we validate these predictions with independent historical and recent sightings. We identify areas of increased risk of ship‐strike by integrating predicted whale distribution maps with shipping traffic patterns. We implement predicted ocean temperatures for the 2090–2100 decade in our models to predict changes in whale distribution due to climate change.ResultsTemperature in the upper 200 m, distance from the subtropical front, mixed layer depth, chlorophyll concentration and distance from ridges are the most consistent and influential predictors of whale distribution. Validation tests of predicted distributions determined generally high predictive capacity. We identify two areas of increased risk of vessel strikes and predict substantial shifts in habitat suitability and availability due to climate change.Main conclusionsOur results represent the first quantitative description of the offshore foraging habitat of SRW. Conservation applications include identifying areas and causes of threats to SRW, generating effective mitigation strategies, and directing population monitoring and research efforts. Our study demonstrates the benefits of incorporating unconventional datasets such as historical exploitation data into species distribution models to inform management and help combat biodiversity loss.
Online solutions and the ‘Wallacean shortfall’: what does GBIF contribute to our knowledge of species' ranges?
Authors: Beck Jan , Ballesteros‐Mejia Liliana , Nagel Peter , Kitching Ian J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the contribution to range filling, range extent and climatic niche space of species of information contained in the largest databank of digitized biodiversity data: the global biodiversity information facility (GBIF). We compared such information with a compilation of independent distributional data from natural history collections and other sources.LocationEurope.MethodsWe used data for the hawkmoths (Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae) to assess three aspects of range information: (1) observed range filling in 100 km × 100 km grid cell squares, (2) observed European range extent and (3) observed climatic niche. Range extents were calculated as products of latitudinal and longitudinal extents. Areas derived from minimum convex polygons drawn onto a 2‐dimensional niche space representing the two main axes of a principal component analysis (PCA) were used to calculate climatic niche space. Additionally, record‐based permutation tests for niche differences were carried out.ResultsWe found that GBIF provided many more distribution records than independent compilation efforts, but contributed less information on range filling, range extent and climatic niches of species.Main conclusionsAlthough GBIF contributed relevant additional information, it is not yet an effective alternative to manual compilation and databasing of distributional records from collections and literature sources, at least in lesser‐known taxa such as invertebrates. We discuss possible reasons for our findings, which may help shape GBIF strategies for providing more informative data.
The crucial role of the predictability of motor response in visuomotor deficits in very preterm children at school age
Authors: De Kieviet Jorrit F , Stoof Cor J J , Geldof Christiaan J A , Smits Niels , Piek Jan P , Lafeber Harrie N , Van Elburg Ruurd M , Oosterlaan Jaap 
Published: March 2013

AimWe aimed to clarify the underpinnings of widespread visuomotor deficits in very preterm children.MethodFifty‐eight very preterm children (26 males, 32 females; mean [SD] age 7y 6mo [5mo], gestational age 29.2wks [1.6]; birthweight 1237g [336]), recruited from a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit, and 64 age‐matched, comparison children born at term (28 males, 36 females; mean age [SD] 7y 8mo [7mo]) participated. IQ was measured using a short form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd edition). A research diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) was defined as a score below the 15th centile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. Visuomotor performance was assessed using a computerized task, in which children followed a predictable (structured condition) or an unpredictable (non‐structured condition) trail on a touch screen using their index finger.ResultsForty‐six per cent of the very preterm children had a research diagnosis of DCD, compared with 16% of children born at term (p<0.001, odds ratio 4.69 [95% CI 2.01–10.99]). No group difference in visuomotor performance was present for the structured condition. In the non‐structured condition, children born very preterm with and without a research diagnosis of DCD had poorer visuomotor performance than those born at term.InterpretationThe predictability of the required motor response plays a crucial role in visuomotor deficits in very preterm children, regardless of DCD status.
PRRT2 mutation screening in patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia from Southwest China
Authors: Chen Y. P. , Song W. , Yang J. , Zheng Z.‐Z. , Huang R. , Chen K. , Zhao B. , Chen X. P. , Burgunder J.‐M. , Shang H.‐F. 
Published: March 2013

Background and purposeProline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) has recently been identified as a causative gene of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). However, the frequencies of its mutations and their correlation with the clinical features of PKD remain largely unknown.MethodsFour exons of PRRT2 in 33 patients with PKD from Southwest China were screened by direct sequencing in this study.ResultsThe mean onset age of the patients was 12.50 ± 2.70 years. Sixteen patients (48.48%) had sensory aura before their attacks. In total, 66.67% of the patients were running when the attacks occurred. c.649_650insC (p.P217fsX7), the most commonly reported insertion mutation, was identified in nine patients (27.27%).ConclusionsOther genes are involved in the development of PKD, but PRRT2 is a common causative gene for patients with PKD from Southwest China.
Postictal psychosis in temporal lobe epilepsy: a case–control study
Authors: Hilger E. , Zimprich F. , Jung R. , Pataraia E. , Baumgartner C. , Bonelli S. 
Published: March 2013

Background and purposeTo investigate the prevalence of postictal psychosis (PP) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and to estimate the predictive value of various variables for the development of PP.MethodsBy retrospectively reviewing the charts of all patients evaluated with video‐electroencephalogram (EEG)‐monitoring at our unit between January 1995 and February 2012, we identified 684 patients with TLE, of which 48 patients had a history of PP. Patients with TLE and PP were compared with 200 controls (patients with TLE without a psychotic history) on demographic, clinical, EEG and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables.ResultsThe prevalence of PP in our TLE sample was 7.0%. Aggressive behaviour during PP was present in 22.9% of the sample. Univariate analysis revealed that PP was significantly associated with early age at epilepsy onset (P = 0.007), longer duration of epilepsy (P = 0.002), presence of ictal fear (P = 0.005), impaired intellectual function (P = 0.045), and bilateral ictal and interictal epileptiform activity (both P < 0.0001). Using logistic regression analysis, ictal fear [odds ratio (OR) 2.88; P = 0.015] and bilateral interictal EEG activity (OR 6.40; P < 0.0001) were predictive of PP development. No association of PP with MRI pathology or epilepsy‐relevant aetiological factors was found.ConclusionsPP is a frequent and potentially dangerous complication within the course of TLE. Bilateral or widespread functional central nervous system disturbances rather than distinct structural brain alterations or certain predisposing aetiologies of epilepsy appear to be a risk factor for the development of PP. Ictal fear may be a predictive clinical variable of PP in TLE.
Utility of transcranial sonography in the diagnosis of drug‐induced parkinsonism: a prospective study
Authors: Olivares Romero J. , Arjona Padillo A. , Barrero Hernández F. J. , Martín González M. , Gil Extremera B. 
Published: March 2013

Background and purposeDrug‐induced parkinsonism usually resolves after discontinuation of the causative agent. However, it persists in some patients, who actually have subclinical neurodegenerative parkinsonism. Identification of this condition is important because these patients could benefit from therapeutic measures. The objective of this study was to prove whether transcranial sonography, a technique used in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative parkinsonism, can be used for the said identification.MethodsIn this prospective study, patients with drug‐induced parkinsonism were followed for at least 6 months after discontinuation of the causative drug and performance of blinded transcranial sonography. Patients were categorized as having iatrogenic parkinsonism if the clinical presentation had resolved or subclinical drug‐exacerbated parkinsonism if it persisted. Once the patient was classified into one of the two groups, an expert assessed the transcranial sonography findings and their agreement with the clinical diagnosis.ResultsTwenty patients composed the group for analysis of results. Assessing hyperechogenicity in the substantia nigra >20 mm2 and/or hyperechogenic lentiform nucleus, differences were detected between the iatrogenic parkinsonism and the subclinical drug‐exacerbated parkinsonism groups, although they did not reach statistical significance (Fisher's exact test 0.09). Joint assessment of sonographic alterations in both structures had a negative predictive value of 85.7% for diagnosis of drug‐induced parkinsonism, with a negative likelihood ratio of 0.3.ConclusionsAlthough in our study statistically significant differences were not found between the transcranial sonography characteristics of subclinical drug‐exacerbated parkinsonism and iatrogenic parkinsonism patients, we believe that transcranial sonography is a valid technique for diagnosis of drug‐induced parkinsonism.
Delphinidin, a dietary antioxidant, induces human epidermal keratinocyte differentiation but not apoptosis: studies in submerged and three‐dimensional epidermal equivalent models
Authors: Chamcheu Jean Christopher , Afaq Farrukh , Syed Deeba N. , Siddiqui Imtiaz A. , Adhami Vaqar M. , Khan Naghma , Singh Sohinderjit , Boylan Brendan T. , Wood Gary S. , Mukhtar Hasan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDelphinidin (Del), [3,5,7,3'‐,4'‐,5'‐hexahydroxyflavylium], an anthocyanidin and a potent antioxidant abundantly found in pigmented fruits and vegetables exhibits proapoptotic effects in many cancer cells. Here, we determined the effect of Del on growth, apoptosis and differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) in vitro in submerged cultures and examined its effects in a three‐dimensional (3D) epidermal equivalent (EE) model that permits complete differentiation reminiscent of in vivo skin. Treatment of NHEKs with Del (10–40 μm; 24–48 h) significantly enhanced keratinocyte differentiation. In Del‐treated cells, there was marked increase in human involucrin (hINV) promoter activity with simultaneous increase in the mRNA and protein expressions of involucrin and other epidermal differentiation markers including procaspase‐14 and transglutaminase‐1 (TGM1), but without any effect on TGM2. Del treatment of NHEKs was associated with minimal decrease in cell viability, which was not associated with apoptosis as evident by lack of modulation of caspases, apoptosis‐related proteins including Bcl‐2 family of proteins and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage. To establish the in vivo relevance of our observations in submerged cultures, we then validated these effects in a 3D EE model, where Del was found to significantly enhance cornification and increase the protein expression of cornification markers including caspase‐14 and keratin 1. For the first time, we show that Del induces epidermal differentiation using an experimental system that closely mimics in vivo human skin. These observations suggest that Del could be a useful agent for dermatoses associated with epidermal barrier defects including aberrant keratinization, hyperproliferation or inflammation observed in skin diseases like psoriasis and ichthyoses.
Antimalarial screening via large‐scale purification of Plasmodium falciparum Ca2+‐ATPase 6 and in vitro studies
Authors: David‐Bosne Stéphanie , Florent Isabelle , Lund‐ Winther Anne‐Marie , Hansen John B. , Buch‐Pedersen Morten , Machillot Paul , le Maire Marc , Jaxel Christine 
Published: March 2013

The most severe form of human malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Despite the current need, there is no effective vaccine and parasites are becoming resistant to most of the antimalarials available. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover new drugs from targets that have not yet suffered from drug pressure with the aim of overcoming the problem of new emerging resistance. Membrane transporters, such as P. falciparum Ca2+‐ATPase 6 (PfATP6), the P. falciparum sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA), have been proposed as potentially good antimalarial targets. The present investigation focuses on: (a) the large‐scale purification of PfATP6 for maintenance of its enzymatic activity; (b) screening for PfATP6 inhibitors from a compound library; and (c) the selection of the best inhibitors for further tests on P. falciparum growth in vitro. We managed to heterologously express in yeast and purify an active form of PfATP6 as previously described, although in larger amounts. In addition to some classical SERCA inhibitors, a chemical library of 1680 molecules was screened. From these, we selected a pool of the 20 most potent inhibitors of PfATP6, presenting half maximal inhibitory concentration values in the range 1–9 μm. From these, eight were chosen for evaluation of their effect on P. falciparum growth in vitro, and the best compound presented a half maximal inhibitory concentration of ~ 2 μm. We verified the absence of an inhibitory effect of most of the compounds on mammalian SERCA1a, representing a potential advantage in terms of human toxicity. The present study describes a multidisciplinary approach allowing the selection of promising PfATP6‐specific inhibitors with good antimalarial activity.
H2‐driven cofactor regeneration with NAD(P)+‐reducing hydrogenases
Authors: Lauterbach Lars , Lenz Oliver , Vincent Kylie A. 
Published: March 2013

A large number of industrially relevant enzymes depend upon nicotinamide cofactors, which are too expensive to be added in stoichiometric amounts. Existing NAD(P)H‐recycling systems suffer from low activity, or the generation of side products. H2‐driven cofactor regeneration has the advantage of 100% atom efficiency and the use of H2 as a cheap reducing agent, in a world where sustainable energy carriers are increasingly attractive. The state of development of H2‐driven cofactor‐recycling systems and examples of their integration with enzyme reactions are summarized in this article. The O2‐tolerant NAD+‐reducing hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha is a particularly attractive candidate for this approach, and we therefore discuss its catalytic properties that are relevant for technical applications.
The evaluation of colon biopsies using virtual microscopy is reliable
Authors: van der Post Rachel S , van der Laak Jeroen A W M , Sturm Bart , Clarijs Ruud , Schaafsma H Ewout , van Krieken J Han J M , Nap Marius 
Published: March 2013

AimsVirtual microscopy offers major advantages for pathology practice, separating slide evaluation from slide production. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of using whole slide images as compared with routine glass slides for diagnostic purposes.Methods and resultsColon biopsies (n = 295) were assessed using both glass slides and whole slide images by four pathologists and two residents. Two pathologists scored the digital images of biopsies in a primary diagnostic setting. For each case, the consensus diagnosis was defined as the majority diagnosis on the study's glass slides. All diagnoses were grouped into seven main diagnostic categories, and further divided into subgroups. The overall concordance rates were 89.6% for whole slide images and 91.6% for light microscopy. The concordance rates of the subgroups ‘adenoma’ and ‘adenocarcinoma’ between whole slide images and conventional microscopy showed only small variability. The intraobserver (whole slide images versus glass slide) agreement, including subgroups, was substantial, with a mean κ‐value of 0.78, and was higher than the interobserver agreement for glass slides (interobserver κ‐value of 0.69).ConclusionsThis study shows good diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility for virtual microscopy, indicating that this technology can reliably be used for pathological evaluation of colon biopsies in a primary clinical setting.
Reduced breeding success of Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca along regulated rivers
Authors: Strasevicius Darius , Jonsson Micael , Nyholm N. Erik I. , Malmqvist Björn 
Published: March 2013

Most large rivers in northern Sweden are regulated to produce hydropower, with subsequent effects on flow dynamics and aquatic insect communities. Several studies have shown that aquatic and terrestrial systems are intimately connected via the export of emergent aquatic insects, but few have assessed how human modifications of aquatic habitats may influence this connection. We compared breeding success of the insectivorous Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in near‐riparian upland forests along two regulated and two free‐flowing large rivers in northern Sweden over 3 years. The regulated rivers showed lower aquatic insect export to the surroundings, as a consequence of regulation‐induced loss of suitable aquatic insect habitats. Survival of Pied Flycatcher nestlings was 10–15% greater along the free‐flowing rivers. Females breeding near the free‐flowing rivers also started egg‐laying earlier and with greater synchrony than those at the regulated rivers, and showed a smaller decrease in weight during breeding than did females along the regulated rivers. However, there were no differences in occupation rate, clutch size or number of successfully hatched juveniles between regulated and free‐flowing rivers. As regulated rivers showed lower abundance of flying aquatic insects, which may also reduce the abundance of terrestrial invertebrate prey, regulation‐induced changes in the export of emergent aquatic insects may explain both directly and indirectly the observed reduction in Pied Flycatcher breeding success along regulated rivers. Large‐scale river regulation may therefore impair the breeding success of insectivorous birds through impacts on prey availability.
Energy reserves stored by migrating Gray‐cheeked Thrushes Catharus minimus at a spring stopover site in northern Colombia are sufficient for a long‐distance flight to North America
Authors: Bayly Nicholas J. , Gómez Camila , Hobson Keith A. 
Published: March 2013

Stopover sites used to accumulate the energy that fuels migration, especially those used prior to crossing ecological barriers, are regarded as critically important for the survival of Nearctic−Neotropical migratory birds. To assess whether South American stopover sites are used to store the energy required to cross the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico to North America by a Neotropical migratory landbird, we studied Gray‐cheeked Thrushes in northern Colombia through constant effort mist‐netting during spring migration in 2010 and 2011. We combined stopover duration estimates and models of body mass change based on recaptures to estimate departure body mass and potential flight range from our study site. We recaptured 62 birds, the majority of which gained mass. Models indicated significant differences in rates of mass gain between years and age groups and with arrival date. Estimated total stopover durations varied between 15.4 (2010) and 12.5 days (2011). Predicted departure mass ranged between 41.3 and 44.9 g, and potential flight range was estimated at between 2727 and 4270 km. Gray‐cheeked Thrushes therefore departed our study site with sufficient energy reserves to cross the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico (2550 km). As the first demonstration that birds departing from South American stopover sites can reach North America without refuelling, this has important implications for stopover site protection. Strategic conservation measures in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta could protect habitats in which up to 40% of the energy required to complete spring migration is stored by a Neotropical migratory land bird.