bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifocal motor neuropathy: correlation of nerve ultrasound, electrophysiological, and clinical findings
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Behrendt Volker , Gold Ralf , Yoon Min‐Suk 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe present nerve ultrasound findings in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and examine their correlation with electrophysiology and functional disability. Eighty healthy controls and 12 MMN patients underwent clinical, sonographic, and electrophysiological evaluation a mean of 3.5 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.1) after disease onset. Nerve ultrasound revealed significantly higher cross‐sectional area (CSA) values of the median (forearm, p < 0.001), ulnar (p < 0.001), and tibial nerve (ankle, p < 0.001) when compared with controls. Electroneurography documented signs of significantly lower values of the motor conduction velocity and compound muscle action potentials (cMAPs) in the upper arm nerves (median, ulnar, radial, p < 0.001). A significant correlation between sonographic and electrophysiological findings in the MMN group was found only between cMAP and CSA of the median nerve at the upper arm (r = 0.851, p < 0.001). Neither nerve sonography nor electrophysiology correlated with functional disability. MMN seems to show inhomogeneous CSA enlargement in various peripheral nerves, with weak correlation to electrophysiological findings. Neither nerve sonography nor electrophysiology correlated with functional disability. Multicentre, prospective studies are required to prove the applicability and diagnostic values of these findings.
ARE WOMEN REALLY MORE RISK‐AVERSE THAN MEN? A RE‐ANALYSIS OF THE LITERATURE USING EXPANDED METHODS
Authors: Nelson Julie A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWhile a substantial literature in economics and finance has concluded that ‘women are more risk averse than men’, this conclusion merits investigation. After briefly clarifying the difference between making generalizations about groups, on the one hand, and making valid inferences from samples, on the other, this essay suggests improvements to how economists communicate our research results. Supplementing findings of statistical significance with quantitative measures of both substantive difference (Cohen's d, a measure in common use in non‐Economics literatures) and of substantive overlap (the Index of Similarity, newly proposed here) adds important nuance to the discussion of sex differences. These measures are computed from the data on men, women and risk used in 35 scholarly works from economics, finance and decision science. The results are considerably more mixed and overlapping than would commonly be inferred from the broad claims made in the literature, with standardized differences in means mostly amounting to considerably less than one standard deviation, and the degree of overlap between male and female distributions generally exceeding 80%. In addition, studies that look at contextual influences suggest that these contribute importantly to observations of differences both between and within the sexes.
CANNABIS USE AND ITS EFFECTS ON HEALTH, EDUCATION AND LABOR MARKET SUCCESS
Authors: van Ours Jan C. , Williams Jenny 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCannabis is the most popular illegal drug. Its legal status is typically justified on the grounds that cannabis use has harmful consequences. Empirically investigating this issue has been a fertile topic for research in recent times. We provide an overview of this literature, focusing on studies which seek to establish the causal effect of cannabis use on health, education, and labor market success. We conclude that there do not appear to be serious harmful health effects of moderate cannabis use. Nevertheless, there is evidence of reduced mental well‐being for heavy users who are susceptible to mental health problems. While there is robust evidence that early cannabis use reduces educational attainment, there remains substantial uncertainty as to whether using cannabis has adverse labor market effects.
Immunoglobulins IgG1, IgM and IgA: a synergistic team influencing survival in sepsis
Authors: Bermejo‐Martín J. F. , Rodriguez‐Fernandez A. , Herrán‐Monge R. , Andaluz‐Ojeda D. , Muriel‐Bombín A. , Merino P. , García‐García M. M. , Citores R. , Gandía F. , Almansa R. , Blanco J. ,   the GRECIA Group (Grupo de Estudios y Análisis en Cuidados Intensivos)
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe impact of endogenous immunoglobulin isotypes on the prognosis of patients with severe sepsis has not been sufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between immunoglobulin levels in plasma and survival in patients with this condition.Design and patientsA prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted. A total of 172 adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe sepsis or septic shock were recruited. Patients were classified based on deciles of immunoglobulin concentrations at diagnosis of sepsis. Categorical variables were created and tested for their association with survival during hospitalization in the ICU.ResultsOverall, 42 patients died in the ICU during the study. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that immunoglobulin concentrations below 300 mg dL−1 for IgG1, 35 mg dL−1 for IgM and 150 mg dL−1 for IgA were associated with shorter survival times. Multivariate regression analysis showed that IgG1 < 300 mg dL−1 was a risk factor for mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–6.03; P = 0.042]. The combined presence of IgG1, IgM and IgA levels below the described thresholds had a synergistic impact on mortality risk (OR 5.27, 95% CI 1.41–19.69; P = 0.013). A similar effect was observed for combined low levels of IgG1 and IgA (OR 4.10, 95% CI 1.28–13.12; P = 0.018) and also of IgG1 and IgM (OR 3.10. 95% CI 1.13–8.49; P = 0.028).ConclusionsThe combined presence of low levels of the endogenous immunoglobulins IgG1, IgM and IgA in plasma is associated with reduced survival in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Assessment of the concentrations of these immunoglobulins could improve the results of treatment with exogenous immunoglobulins in patients with sepsis.
Trends in 28‐day and 1‐year mortality rates in patients hospitalized for a first acute myocardial infarction in Norway during 2001–2009: a “Cardiovascular disease in Norway” (CVDNOR) project
Authors: Sulo E. , Vollset S. E. , Nygård O. , Sulo G. , Igland J. , Egeland G. M. , Ebbing M. , Tell G. S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the trends in 28‐day and 1‐year mortality rates in patients hospitalized for a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Norway during the period 2001–2009. Potential age group and gender differences in these trends were also examined.Design, subjects and settingIn this retrospective nationwide cohort study, patients hospitalized for a first AMI between 2001 and 2009 were identified in the Cardiovascular Disease in Norway 1994–2009 (CVDNOR) project and followed for 1 year.Main outcome measuresTrends in 28‐day and 1‐year mortality [both all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality] were investigated.ResultsA total of 115 608 patients (60.6% men) were hospitalized for a first AMI during the study period. Mortality at 28 days was reduced annually by 3.8% overall and by 6.7%, 4.1% and 2.6% in patients aged 25–64, 65–84 and ≥85 years, respectively (all Ptrend < 0.001). In addition, 1‐year all‐cause mortality was reduced annually by 2.0% overall (Ptrend < 0.001) and by 3.7% (Ptrend = 0.02), 2.5% (Ptrend < 0.001) and 1.1% (Ptrend < 0.001) in patients aged 25–64, 65–84 and ≥85 years, respectively. Furthermore, 1‐year CVD mortality was reduced overall by 6.2% annually; a reduction was observed in all age groups. Finally, 1‐year non‐CVD mortality increased annually overall by 3.9% due to an increase in patients aged ≥65 years.ConclusionMortaity at 28 days after the first AMI declinedin Norway between 2001 and 2009 in both men and women and in all age groups. All‐cause mortality at 1 year also declined both in men and women due to decreases in CVD mortality rates, whilst non‐CVD mortality rates increased amongst patients ≥65 years of age.
Exploring composition and behaviour of fish fauna by in situ observations in the Bari Canyon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Central Mediterranean)
Authors: D'Onghia Gianfranco , Capezzuto Francesca , Carluccio Angela , Carlucci Roberto , Giove Agnese , Mastrototaro Francesco , Panza Michele , Sion Letizia , Tursi Angelo , Maiorano Porzia 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCanyons play a fundamental role in enhancing the abundance and diversity of marine organisms through the transport of organic matter and food resources, the presence of complex physical habitats and the absence of trawl fishing. During four baited lander deployments carried out in the Bari Canyon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Central Mediterranean), at depths of 443–788 m, about 43 h of video records were taken, for a total of 619,200 video frames. A total of 12 benthopelagic fish species (five chondrichthyes and seven osteichthyes) were identified. The blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) was the most often observed fish species. The depth of 787 m represents a new depth record for this fish in the Adriatic Sea. Groups of up to 40 individuals of P. bogaraveo were attracted to the bait and were shown in single frames. The individuals were observed both exploring the area and feeding actively on the bait. The European conger (Conger conger) was recorded at each deployment. Clear scavenger behaviour was also observed in this teleost fish and in the shark Etmopterus spinax. The shark species Centrophorus granulosus and Hexanchus griseus, which are considered ‘vulnerable’ on the published IUCN Mediterranean Regional Red List, were also recorded but, although attracted by the bait, they were never seen feeding on it. Other fish species, harvested on fishing grounds, such as Merluccius merluccius, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Polyprion americanus, were also recorded. This study represents the first in situ documentation, at very low impact, of the fish fauna in the Bari Canyon, providing new insights into its small scale distribution and behaviour, the first in situ direct observation of the variable feeding behaviour of P. bogaraveo and its gregarious habits, as well as indicating that this canyon could act as a refuge area for species that are vulnerable to fishing on the open slope.
Clonal genetic structure and diversity in populations of an aquatic plant with combined vs. separate sexes
Authors: Yakimowski Sarah B. , Barrett Spencer C. H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractClonality is often implicated in models of the evolution of dioecy, but few studies have explicitly compared clonal structure between plant sexual systems, or between the sexes in dioecious populations. Here, we exploit the occurrence of monoecy and dioecy in clonal Sagittaria latifola (Alismataceae) to evaluate two main hypotheses: (i) clone sizes are smaller in monoecious than dioecious populations, because of constraints imposed on clone size by costs associated with geitonogamy; (ii) in dioecious populations, male clones are larger and flower more often than female clones because of sex‐differential reproductive costs. Differences in clone size and flowering could result in discordance between ramet‐ and genet‐based sex ratios. We used spatially explicit sampling to address these hypotheses in 10 monoecious and 11 dioecious populations of S. latifolia at the northern range limit in Eastern North America. In contrast to our predictions, monoecious clones were significantly larger than dioecious clones, probably due to their higher rates of vegetative growth and corm production, and in dioecious populations, there was no difference in clone size between females and males; ramet‐ and genet‐based sex ratios were therefore highly correlated. Genotypic diversity declined with latitude for both sexual systems, but monoecious populations exhibited lower genotypic richness. Differences in life history between the sexual systems of S. latifolia appear to be the most important determinants of clonal structure and diversity.
Chronic Central Nervous System Expression of HIV‐1 Tat Leads to Accelerated Rarefaction of Neocortical Capillaries and Loss of Red Blood Cell Velocity Heterogeneity
Authors: Silva Jharon N. , Polesskaya Oksana , Wei Helen S. , Rasheed Izad‐Yar D. , Chamberlain Jeffrey M. , Nishimura Christopher , Feng Changyong , Dewhurst Stephen 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesHIV‐1 infection of the CNS is associated with impairment of CBF and neurocognitive function, and accelerated signs of aging. As normal aging is associated with rarefaction of the cerebral vasculature, we set out to examine chronic viral effects on the cerebral vasculature.MethodsDOX‐inducible HIV‐1 Tat‐tg and WT control mice were used. Animals were treated with DOX for three weeks or five to seven months. Cerebral vessel density and capillary segment length were determined from quantitative image analyses of sectioned cortical tissue. In addition, movement of red blood cells in individual capillaries was imaged in vivo using multiphoton microscopy, to determine RBCV and flux.ResultsMean RBCV was not different between Tat‐tg mice and age‐matched WT controls. However, cortical capillaries from Tat‐tg mice showed a significant loss of RBCV heterogeneity and increased RBCF that was attributed to a marked decrease in total cortical capillary length (35–40%) compared to WT mice.ConclusionsCerebrovascular rarefaction is accelerated in HIV‐1 Tat‐transgenic mice, and this is associated with alterations in red cell blood velocity. These changes may have relevance to the pathogenesis of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders in an aging HIV‐positive population.
Heat shock protein 70 is necessary for Rice stripe virus infection in plants
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Lu Yuwen , Li Kunfeng , Lin Lin , Zheng Hongying , Yan Fei , Chen Jianping 
Published: May 2014

SummaryHeat shock proteins 70 (HSP70s) are a highly conserved family of genes in eukaryotes, and are involved in a remarkable variety of cellular processes. In many plant positive‐stranded RNA viruses, HSP70 participates in the construction of a viral replication complex and plays various roles during viral infection. Here, we found increased expression of HSP70 following infection by Rice stripe virus (RSV), a negative‐stranded RNA virus, in both rice (the natural host) and Nicotiana benthamiana (an experimental host). Heat treatment of N. benthamiana (Nb) plants enhanced viral infection, whereas RSV infection was retarded and viral RNAs accumulated at a low level when HSP70 was silenced. In both bimolecular fluorescence complement and in vitro pull‐down assays, the N‐terminus of RSV RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) interacted and co‐localized with the HSP70s of both plants (OsHSP70 and NbHSP70). The localization of the N‐terminus of RdRp when expressed alone was not obviously different from when it was co‐expressed with OsHSP or NbHSP, and vice versa. RSV infection also had no effect on the localization of host HSP70. These results demonstrate that host HSP70 is necessary for RSV infection and probably plays a role in viral replication by interacting with viral RdRp, which provides the first evidence of an interacting host protein related to RSV replication, which has been little studied to date.
Forests trapped in nitrogen limitation – an ecological market perspective on ectomycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Franklin Oskar , Näsholm Torgny , Högberg Peter , Högberg Mona N. 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis is omnipresent in boreal forests, where it is assumed to benefit plant growth. However, experiments show inconsistent benefits for plants and volatility of individual partnerships, which calls for a re‐evaluation of the presumed role of this symbiosis.

We reconcile these inconsistencies by developing a model that demonstrates how mycorrhizal networking and market mechanisms shape the strategies of individual plants and fungi to promote symbiotic stability at the ecosystem level.

The model predicts that plants switch abruptly from a mixed strategy with both mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal roots to a purely mycorrhizal strategy as soil nitrogen availability declines, in agreement with the frequency distribution of ectomycorrhizal colonization intensity across a wide‐ranging data set. In line with observations in field‐scale isotope labeling experiments, the model explains why ectomycorrhizal symbiosis does not alleviate plant nitrogen limitation. Instead, market mechanisms may generate self‐stabilization of the mycorrhizal strategy via nitrogen depletion feedback, even if plant growth is ultimately reduced.

We suggest that this feedback mechanism maintains the strong nitrogen limitation ubiquitous in boreal forests. The mechanism may also have the capacity to eliminate or even reverse the expected positive effect of rising CO2 on tree growth in strongly nitrogen‐limited boreal forests.
A novel balanced isotonic sodium solution vs normal saline during major surgery in children up to 36 months: a multicenter RCT
Authors: Disma Nicola , Mameli Leila , Pistorio Angela , Davidson Andrew , Barabino Paola , Locatelli Bruno Guido , Sonzogni Valter , Montobbio Giovanni 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe use of isotonic electrolytic solutions for the intraoperative fluid management in children is largely recognized, but the exact composition still needs to be defined.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this randomized controlled open trial was to compare the changes in chloride plasma concentration using two intraoperative isotonic fluid regimens (Sterofundin vs normal saline, both added with 1% of glucose) in children undergoing major surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare changes in other electrolytes, renal function, and the occurrence of hypoglycemia.MethodsChildren aged between 1 and 36 months, scheduled for major surgery, were randomized to receive Sterofundin or saline during the intraoperative time. Children with preoperative electrolyte abnormalities, hemodynamic instability, and severe renal or hepatic dysfunction were excluded. The primary outcome was the Δ of Cl− (Δ = change in plasma concentration between post‐ and pre‐infusion), and secondary outcomes included Δ of other electrolytes and intraoperative hypoglycemia.ResultsA total of 240 patients were included in the two study sites and randomized to receive Sterofundin plus 1% glucose or normal saline plus 1% glucose, in a open fashion (229 were finally analyzed). Δ of Cl− and Mg++ was statistically less relevant in patients who received intraoperative Sterofundin, and Δ of the other electrolytes was comparable between the two study groups. Relative risk of hyperchloremia was significantly higher when large volumes were infused (over than 46.7 ml·kg−1), regardless of type of crystalloid infused. Hypoglycemia occurred in two of 229 patients.ConclusionsSterofundin is safer than normal saline in protecting young children undergoing major surgery against the risk of increasing plasma chlorides and the subsequent metabolic acidosis.
Pheomelanin‐induced oxidative stress: bright and dark chemistry bridging red hair phenotype and melanoma
Authors: Napolitano Alessandra , Panzella Lucia , Monfrecola Giuseppe , d'Ischia Marco 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors linking sun exposure to melanoma in the red hair phenotype hinges on the peculiar physical and chemical properties of pheomelanins and the underlying biosynthetic pathway, which is switched on by the effects of inactivating polymorphisms in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene. In addition to the long recognized UV‐dependent pathways of toxicity and cell damage, a UV‐independent pro‐oxidant state induced by pheomelanin within the genetically determined background of the red hair phenotype has recently been disclosed. This review provides a detailed discussion of the possible UV‐dependent and UV‐independent chemical mechanisms underlying pheomelanin‐mediated oxidative stress, with special reference to the oxygen‐dependent depletion of glutathione and other cell antioxidants. The new concept of pheomelanin as a ‘living’ polymer and biocatalyst that may grow by exposure to monomer building blocks and may trigger autooxidative processes is also discussed. As a corollary, treatment of inflammatory skin diseases in RHP patients is briefly commented. Finally, possible concerted strategies for melanoma prevention in the red hair phenotype are proposed.
Thermal thresholds of the predatory mite Balaustium hernandezi
Authors: Coombs Megan R. , Bale Jeffrey S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe lower and upper thermal activity thresholds of adult and larval Balaustium hernandezi von Heyden (Acari: Erythraeidae) are compared with those of its prey Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Adult female B. hernandezi retain ambulatory function (CTmin) and movement of appendages (chill coma) at significantly lower temperatures (5.9 and −2.1 °C, respectively) than those of larval B. hernandezi (8.1 and −1.7 °C) and T. urticae (10.6 and 10.3 °C). There is no significant difference between the temperature at which adult and larval B. hernandezi and T. urticae cease walking as the temperature is raised (CTmax) (46.7, 46.3 and 47.3 °C, respectively). However, both life stages of B. hernandezi cease movement (heat coma) below the upper locomotory limits of T. urticae (46.8, 46.7 and 48.7 °C, respectively). Adult B. hernandezi have significantly faster walking speeds than larvae and T. urticae across a range of temperatures. The lower thermal activity threshold data indicate that B. hernandezi would make an effective biological control agent in temperate climates; however, the extent of the low temperature tolerances of the species suggests the potential to establish in a northern European climate.
Chemical aspects of host‐acceptance behaviour in the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi: host‐acceptance signals used by different morphs with the same genotype
Authors: Nam Ki Jung , Hardie Jim 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHost acceptance by gynoparae and winged virginoparae of the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) is investigated utilizing leaves and aqueous extracts of the primary and secondary hosts, as well as nonhost plants. Gynoparae are specialized to reproduce on bird cherry Prunus padus L., whereas virginoparae reproduce and feed on various grasses. Host acceptance is assessed using levels of reproduction and survival for adults, as well as survival for nymphs. Little is known of host acceptance by nymphs. The data show that gynoparae and winged virginoparae produce nymphs almost exclusively on their host plants, bird cherry and barley leaves, respectively, over 72 h. When tested with aqueous plant extracts, however, gynoparae produce nymphs almost exclusively on bird cherry extract and progeny numbers are found to be similar to those on plant leaves. Few nymphs are produced on artificial diet. By contrast, winged virginoparae produce nymphs on aqueous extracts of barley, bird cherry and bean, as well as on artificial diet. The numbers of nymphs deposited by gynoparae are similar on aqueous extracts of bird cherry leaves collected at different times during the growing season. When extracts from leaves of various Prunus species are tested, only leaves of P. padus and Prunus virginiana stimulate parturition. Oviparae, the sexual female nymphs of gynoparae, survive well for 96 h on both bird cherry and barley leaves but not on bean seedlings, whereas nymphs of winged virginoparae survive well only on barley leaves. They do not survive for 96 h on any plant‐leaf extracts, although they do survive on artificial diet.