bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diffusion tensor imaging of the brainstem in children with achondroplasia
Authors: Bosemani Thangamadhan , Orman Gunes , Carson Kathryn A , Meoded Avner , Huisman Thierry A G M , Poretti Andrea 
Published: May 2014

AimThe aims of this study were to compare, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brainstem, microstructural integrity of the white matter in children with achondroplasia and age‐matched participants and to correlate the severity of craniocervical junction (CCJ) narrowing and neurological findings with DTI scalars in children with achondroplasia. This study also aimed to assess the potential role of fibroblast growth factor receptor type 3 on white matter microstructure.MethodDiffusion tensor imaging was performed using a 1.5T magnetic resonance scanner and balanced pairs of diffusion gradients along 20 non‐collinear directions. Measurements were obtained from regions of interest, sampled in each pontine corticospinal tract (CST), medial lemniscus, and middle cerebellar peduncle, as well as in the lower brainstem and centrum semiovale, for fractional anisotropy and for mean, axial, and radial diffusivity. In addition, a severity score for achondroplasia was assessed by measuring CCJ narrowing.ResultEight patients with achondroplasia (seven males, one female; mean age 5y 6mo, range 1y 1mo–15y 1mo) and eight age‐ and sex‐matched comparison participants (mean age 5y 2mo, range 1y 1mo–14y 11mo) were included in this study. Fractional anisotropy was lower and mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity were higher in the lower brainstem of patients with achondroplasia than in age‐matched comparison participants. The CST and middle cerebellar peduncle of the participants showed increases in mean, axial, and radial diffusivity. Fractional anisotropy in the lower brainstem was negatively correlated with the degree of CCJ narrowing. No differences in the DTI metrics of the centrum semiovale were observed between the two groups.InterpretationThe reduction in fractional anisotropy and increase in diffusivities in the lower brainstem of participants with achondroplasia may reflect secondary encephalomalacic degeneration and cavitation of the affected white matter tracts as shown by histology. In children with achondroplasia, DTI may serve as a potential biomarker for brainstem white matter injury and aid in the care and management of these patients.
Modes of delivery in preventive intervention studies: a rapid review
Authors: Beall Reed F. , Baskerville Neill , Golfam Mohammad , Saeed Sara , Little Julian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis review was commissioned to generate broad discussion about how to select intervention delivery modes when designing a complex, preventive intervention aimed at chronic disease through the promotion of physical activity, healthy diet and/or medication adherence. In this context, we asked, what are the delivery modes? What are the important design considerations? And how do these compare (e.g. strengths, limitations)?Materials and methodsThis review utilized the methods of rapid review, an emerging methodology arising from health technology assessment. The search strategy was applied in Embase and MEDLINE. A qualitative, narrative synthesis was performed on included articles.ResultsAfter screening, 21 articles remained for synthesis (10 systematic reviews, including 1 review of reviews; four trials or studies; three commentaries or conference proceedings; and 2 were scoping projects). Our synthesis determined that major categories of design considerations when selecting intervention delivery modes include attention to the (i) candidate mode types, (ii) settings and social environment, (iii) intensity and timing, (iv) provider, (v) study population and participants, (vi) cost, (vii) behaviour change technique and (viii) theoretical basis.ConclusionAn array of modes of delivery is available for each of the intervention strategies under consideration (i.e. physical activity, dietary change and medication adherence). No single delivery mode was clearly more appropriate or more effective than another, each having unique strengths and limitations. Delivery mode decisions that take the above‐mentioned factors (i–viii) into account will be more fit‐for‐purpose than those that do not.
Hepatic steatosis and PNPLA3 I148M variant are associated with serum Fetuin‐A independently of insulin resistance
Authors: Rametta Raffaela , Ruscica Massimiliano , Dongiovanni Paola , Macchi Chiara , Fracanzani Anna L. , Steffani Liliana , Fargion Silvia , Magni Paolo , Valenti Luca 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsFetuin‐A is a liver‐derived peptide associated with insulin resistance. Aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate whether Fetuin‐A is increased in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vs. healthy subjects without metabolic abnormalities and the association with insulin resistance and liver damage. To investigate the causal relationship between fatty liver and Fetuin‐A, we also analysed whether the inherited I148M PNPLA3 variant modulates Fetuin‐A.MethodsIn 137 patients with histological NAFLD, complete metabolic characterization, PNPLA3 genotype, and in 260 healthy subjects without metabolic alterations, Fetuin‐A was measured by enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay.ResultsSerum Fetuin‐A was higher in NAFLD patients than in controls (P < 0·0001), independently of age, sex, BMI, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, adiponectin, PNPLA3 I148M and ALT levels (OR 1·006 95% CI 1·003–1·11; P = 0·003). In NAFLD patients, Fetuin‐A was associated with steatosis severity (P = 0·03) and metabolic syndrome features, but not with hepatic inflammation. At multivariate analysis, Fetuin‐A levels were associated with BMI, triglycerides, hyperglycemia and PNPLA3 I148M (P = 0·034) independently also of age, sex and ALT levels. As PNPLA3 I148M is a strong and inherited determinant of liver fat without affecting insulin resistance and lipid levels, these data suggest that steatosis has a causal role in determining serum Fetuin‐A levels.ConclusionsLiver fat accumulation and the I148M variant of PNPLA3 are associated with serum Fetuin‐A levels independently of insulin resistance. Fetuin‐A may be implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic complications associated with NAFLD.
Failure of predator conditioning: an experimental study of predator avoidance in brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Petersson Erik , Valencia Ana Camargo , Järvi Torbjörn 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMany studies have documented that hatchery‐reared salmonids generally have inferior survival after being stocked compared with wild conspecifics, hatchery and wild salmonids have been observed to differ in their antipredator responses. The response of brown trout (Salmo trutta) juveniles (0+) of differing backgrounds to a live predator was compared in two experiments. First, the antipredator behaviour of predator‐naïve hatchery‐reared brown trout and wild‐exposed brown trout were assessed in behavioural trials which lasted for eight days. Second, predator‐naïve and predator‐conditioned hatchery‐reared brown trout were assessed in identical behavioural trials. Brown trout were ‘predator‐conditioned’ by being held in a stream‐water aquarium with adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and adult brown trout for two days prior to behavioural trials. Predator‐conditioned hatchery‐reared brown trout spent more time in shelters in the trial aquaria than predator‐naïve hatchery‐reared fish, but did not differ in time spent in the predator‐free area. Predator conditioning may account for the increased time spent in the shelter, but does not appear to have affected time spent in the predator‐free area. However, even if significant alteration in behaviour can be noted in the laboratory, the response might not be appropriate in the wild.
A validation of the new definition of drug‐resistant epilepsy by the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Téllez‐Zenteno Jose F. , Hernández‐Ronquillo Lizbeth , Buckley Samantha , Zahagun Ricardo , Rizvi Syed 
Published: May 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo establish applicability, the recently proposed International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) consensus on drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) requires testing in clinical and research settings. This study evaluates the reliability and validity of these criteria in a clinical population.MethodsIn phase I, two independent evaluators reviewed 97 randomly selected medical records of patients with epilepsy at two separate intervals. Both ILEA consensus and standard diagnostic criteria were employed. Kappa, weighted kappa, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine interobserver and intraobserver variability. In phase II, ILAE consensus criteria were applied to 250 patients with epilepsy to determine risk factors associated with development of DRE and to calculate point prevalence.ResultsThe interobserver agreement of the four definitions was as follows: Berg (0.56), Kwan and Brodie (0.58), Camfield and Camfield (0.69), and ILAE (0.77). The intraobserver agreement of the four definition was as follows: Berg (0.81), Kwan and Brodie (0.82), Camfield and Camfield (0.72), and ILAE (0.82). The prevalence of DRE was the following: with the Berg's definition was 28.4%, Kwan and Brodie 34%, Camfield and Camfield 37%, and with ILAE was 33%.SignificanceThis is first study to establish reliability and validity of ILAE criteria for the diagnosis of DRE. This new definition compares favorably with previously established constructs, which continue to retain clinical significance.
Knowledge and attitudes towards homeopathic research: the perspective of new graduates and postgraduate trainees – an Indian scenario
Authors: Koley Munmun , Saha Subhranil , Arya Jogendra Singh , Choubey Gurudev , Ghosh Aloke , Saha Sangita , Ghosh Shubhamoy , Ganguly Subhasish 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundHomeopathic research conducted by new graduates [i.e. house staff (HS)] and postgraduate trainees (PGTs) in India remains seriously compromised.ObjectiveTo assess HS and PGT knowledge and attitudes towards homeopathic research and to identify the barriers to conducting research.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in four government homeopathic schools in West Bengal, India. A total of 118 HS and 54 PGTs were interviewed using a validated and pilot‐tested self‐administered questionnaire. Bivariate analyses were performed to look for putative associations between different variables and the knowledge and attitude scores.ResultsThe survey response rate was 43%. Mean scores ± standard deviation on the knowledge and attitude scales were 31.35% ± 15.27 and 47.3% ± 18.2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the knowledge (P=0.234) and attitude scores (P=0.304) of HS and PGTs. Males had significantly better knowledge of (P=0.020) and attitude towards (P=0.033) research in comparison with females. Constraints in infrastructure (23%), research training (20%) and statistical support (15%) were the major hurdles to pursuing research.ConclusionHomeopathic HS and PGTs demonstrate inadequate knowledge, while having moderate attitudes towards research. Research training needs to undergo major transformation to encourage meaningful research.
A cascade of warming impacts brings bluefin tuna to Greenland waters
Authors: MacKenzie Brian R. , Payne Mark R. , Boje Jesper , Høyer Jacob L. , Siegstad Helle 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRising ocean temperatures are causing marine fish species to shift spatial distributions and ranges, and are altering predator‐prey dynamics in food webs. Most documented cases of species shifts so far involve relatively small species at lower trophic levels, and consider individual species in ecological isolation from others. Here, we show that a large highly migratory top predator fish species has entered a high latitude subpolar area beyond its usual range. Bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus Linnaeus 1758, were captured in waters east of Greenland (65°N) in August 2012 during exploratory fishing for Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus Linnaeus 1758. The bluefin tuna were captured in a single net‐haul in 9–11 °C water together with 6 tonnes of mackerel, which is a preferred prey species and itself a new immigrant to the area. Regional temperatures in August 2012 were historically high and contributed to a warming trend since 1985, when temperatures began to rise. The presence of bluefin tuna in this region is likely due to a combination of warm temperatures that are physiologically more tolerable and immigration of an important prey species to the region. We conclude that a cascade of climate change impacts is restructuring the food web in east Greenland waters.
Functional traits, land‐use change and the structure of present and future bird communities in tropical forests
Authors: Newbold Tim , Scharlemann Jörn P. W. , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Joppa Lucas , Alkemade Rob , Purves Drew W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimHabitat loss continues to cause loss of biodiversity. To quantify the effects of land‐use change on the diversity and composition of ecological communities – in terms of functional groups – we make modelled estimates of the impact of past and future (to 2050) land‐use change on the overall diversity and dietary guild structure of tropical forest bird communities.LocationTropical and subtropical forests (40° S to 40° N).MethodsUsing a likelihood‐based model, we project the impact of land‐use intensity on the diversity and functional structure of tropical forest bird communities, including an estimation of uncertainty. To explore the extent to which predicted impacts are determined by the inherent sensitivity of communities because of the traits possessed by the species present, we quantify communities in terms of trait composition and explore relationships between trait composition and diversity/guild loss.ResultsWe estimate that habitat loss has led to an average decrease of 4% in total abundance, but with marked differences across different guilds, leading to substantial changes in community composition: an 11.4% loss of frugivores, 7.8% loss of nectarivores and 7.3% loss of insectivores, and a 4.0% gain of other herbivores. Projected land‐use change is predicted to result in average future losses of 1% of total abundance, 1% of each of frugivores, nectarivores and insectivores, but no average change in the abundance of other herbivores. Past and future changes have varied substantially across the biome, owing to variation in land‐use change and in the initial trait composition of communities.Main conclusionsWe predict that marked changes in community structure have occurred in the past and will occur in the future, with disproportionate losses of frugivores, nectarivores and insectivores compared with other species; these species are known to provide important ecosystem services. In the past, South America has been particularly strongly affected, while Southeast Asia will experience the strongest impacts in the future.
Sustainable Intensive Thermal Use of the Shallow Subsurface—A Critical View on the Status Quo
Authors: Vienken T. , Schelenz S. , Rink K. , Dietrich P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThermal use of the shallow subsurface for heat generation, cooling, and thermal energy storage is increasingly gaining importance in reconsideration of future energy supplies. Shallow geothermal energy use is often promoted as being of little or no costs during operation, while simultaneously being environmentally friendly. Hence, the number of installed systems has rapidly risen over the last few decades, especially among newly built houses. While the carbon dioxide reduction potential of this method remains undoubted, concerns about sustainability and potential negative effects on the soil and groundwater due to an intensified use have been raised—even as far back as 25 years ago. Nevertheless, consistent regulation and management schemes for the intensified thermal use of the shallow subsurface are still missing—mainly due to a lack of system understanding and process knowledge. In the meantime, large geothermal applications, for example, residential neighborhoods that are entirely dependent up on shallow geothermal energy use or low enthalpy aquifer heat storage, have been developed throughout Europe. Potential negative effects on the soil and groundwater due to an intensive thermal use of the shallow subsurface as well as the extent of potential system interaction still remain unknown.
China's Energy Reduction Policy System: Outcomes and Responses of Local Governments
Authors: Wang Yuzhe , Zhao Jing , Chi Cheryl S.F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe paper examines the outcomes of and responses to the policy system (the “obligatory indicator system”) used by the Chinese central government to induce provincial governments to meet energy‐saving targets during the 11th Five Year Plan. The institutional mechanisms underlying the policy system that promotes implementation of energy saving are identified An analytical framework is developed to identify the strategic responses of provincial governments and the factors shaping their responses. Comprehensive sets of provincial data on economic and energy performance are collected and analyzed. The findings indicate that the central government's credible commitment to implement the policy system drove the initially disparate attitudes of provinces to a converged outcome. However, the outcome is significantly constrained by provinces’ initial energy intensity. In particular, provincial governments have applied strategies of ceremonial implementation, efficiency‐oriented efforts and effectiveness‐focused efforts to attain specific targets. This paper discusses the implications in comparison with the modified obligatory indicator system in the 12th Five Year Plan and offers policy suggestions accordingly.
Origin of the Lake Ohrid gammarid species flock: ancient local phylogenetic lineage diversification
Authors: Wysocka Anna , Grabowski Michał , Sworobowicz Lidia , Mamos Tomasz , Burzyński Artur , Sell Jerzy 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimLake Ohrid is the oldest existing lake in Europe, dating back to the Tertiary. Given its surface area and the adjusted endemism rate, it seems to hold the greatest biodiversity of any ancient lake. Of all the animal groups endemic to this lake, gammarids form one of the largest species flocks. The goal of our study was (1) to develop the phylogenetic framework for the Ohridian endemic Gammarus species flock and place it within a regional palaeobiogeographical context, and (2) to interpret the data with respect to the putative origin of the Lake Ohrid fauna.LocationLake Ohrid, Balkan Peninsula.MethodsSequences of two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA) and one nuclear gene (28S ribosomal RNA) of the Ohridian endemic Gammarus species and of other Balkan gammarids from 69 localities were analysed. The phylogenetic relationships of the group were studied using Bayesian methods. The biogeographical history and the chronology of diversification events were investigated using a relaxed molecular clock with two calibration points.ResultsIt appears that the Lake Ohrid gammarids derive from an old local lineage of the Gammarus balcanicus complex. This lineage arrived from the northern part of the Proto‐Balkans, after its emergence during the Tethys/Paratethys regression, and differentiated during the last 18 Myr of the Dinaric uplift (Alpine orogeny). It is also closely affiliated with the biota endemic to the neighbouring area of the former Miocene lake system and to lineages from the upper Vardar and Črni Drim river systems.Main conclusionsThe Lake Ohrid endemic fauna is closely affiliated to the local biota and its roots are more ancient than the lake itself.
Association between anticonvulsant drugs and teeth‐grinding in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ortega A. O. L. , Dos Santos M. T. B. R. , Mendes F. M. , Ciamponi A. L. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe relation between teeth‐grinding and the use of drugs acting on the central nervous system of cerebral palsy (CP) patients has not yet been described. The aim of this research was to evaluate the presence or absence of teeth‐grinding (sleep and/or awake periods) in normal and in CP children and adolescents, as well as the association of teeth‐grinding and use of anticonvulsant drugs. The sample consisted of 207 children and adolescents, divided into three groups: G1, individuals with CP who did not take anticonvulsant drugs; G2, individuals with CP administered medications on a regular basis; and CG, normal individuals. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of teeth‐grinding with some variables. No significant statistical differences were observed regarding the presence or absence of teeth‐grinding when G1 and G2 were compared. However, compared with the CG, a statistically significant difference was determined, with the CG showing fewer children presenting teeth‐grinding (P < 0·001). Among those children/adolescents prescribed drug therapy, the barbiturate group showed a greater frequency of teeth‐grinding. CP children and adolescents show a greater and significant presence of grinding of the teeth compared with normal individuals. Subjects taking barbiturate drugs showed greater presence of teeth‐grinding, than those who were taking medications from the other groups of anticonvulsant drugs.
Cyclosporine A up‐regulates Sonic hedgehog in gingiva: role of the up‐regulation on gingival cell proliferation
Authors: Chung Y. , Fu E. 
Published: May 2014

Background and ObjectiveSonic hedgehog protein (SHH) is a mitogen that stimulates cell proliferation. Cyclosporine A enhances the proliferation of gingival cells; however, the relationships of SHH to cyclosporine A or to cyclosporine A‐enhanced gingival cell proliferation have not been described.Material and MethodsHere, we investigated SHH expression in gingiva in vitro and in vivo after cyclosporine A treatment and tested the effect of SHH inhibition on cyclosporine A‐enhanced gingival fibroblast proliferation in vitro.ResultsIn human gingival fibroblasts, cyclosporine A treatment increased the expression of SHH transcripts and SHH protein, and stimulated cell proliferation; the addition of cyclopamine, an SHH signaling inhibitor, suppressed cyclosporine A‐enhanced cell proliferation. Up‐regulated expression of SHH and up‐regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen transcripts and protein were observed in the edentulous gingiva of cyclosporine A‐treated rats.ConclusionCyclosporine A up‐regulates gingival SHH expression in vitro and in vivo, and the inhibition of the SHH pathway counteracts the stimulatory effect of cyclosporine A on gingival fibroblast proliferation. Therefore, we suggest that SHH mediates a novel molecular mechanism for cyclosporine A‐induced gingival complications.