bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does prenatal nicotine exposure alter the brain's response to nicotine in adolescence? A neuroanatomical analysis
Authors: Mychasiuk R. , Muhammad A. , Carroll C. , Kolb B. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study examined changes in dendritic morphology and spine density in multiple brain regions [Zilles' areas: (i) the Cg3 region of the anterior cingulate cortex or the medial prefrontal cortex, layer III (Cg3); (ii) the dorsal agranular insular cortex, layer III (AID); (iii) the PAR I region of the parietal cortex, layer III (Par1) and (iv) the nucleus accumbens (NAc)]of Long–Evans rats following exposure to nicotine prenatally, in late adolescence, or both prenatally and in adolescence. Prenatal nicotine exposure induced enduring changes in neuroanatomical organisation that varied between male and female offspring, with males exhibiting increased dendritic complexity of neurons in AID and NAc whereas females experienced increased dendritic complexity in Par1 but decreased dendritic complexity of neurons in NAc. Similarly, nicotine given in late adolescence dramatically reorganised neural circuitry of both male and female offspring, with males exhibiting decreased dendritic complexity of neurons in Par1 and Cg3 but increased dendritic complexity in AID, and females exhibiting decreased dendritic complexity in Cg3 and NAc but increased complexity in AID. Exposure to nicotine both prenatally and in adolescence produced few neuroanatomical parameters that demonstrated a prenatal experience × adolescent drug administration interaction. Females showed additive effects in Par1, Cg3 and NAc whereas males demonstrated additive effects only in AID. Thus, the timing of nicotine exposure produced differential effects on cerebral organisation in a regionally specific manner.
Thymus histology and concomitant autoimmune diseases in Japanese patients with muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase‐antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Nakata R. , Motomura M. , Masuda T. , Shiraishi H. , Tokuda M. , Fukuda T. , Ando T. , Yoshimura T. , Tsujihata M. , Kawakami A. 
Published: May 2013

Background and purposeThe differences in the characteristics of thymus histology, coexisting autoimmune diseases and related autoantibodies between anti‐muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK)‐antibody (Ab)‐positive myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, and anti‐acetylcholine receptor (AChR)‐Ab‐positive MG patients are not clearly defined.MethodsThe types of thymus histology, coexisting autoimmune diseases and associated Abs in 83 MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients nationwide were investigated and were compared with those in AChR‐Ab‐positive patients followed at our institute (n = 83). As for the autoantibodies associated with thymoma, titin Abs were measured.ResultsThymoma was not present in any of the MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients but presented in 21 patients (25.3%) amongst the AChR‐Ab‐positive patients. Titin Abs were absent in MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients but positive in 25 (30.1%) of the AChR‐Ab‐positive patients. Concomitant autoimmune diseases were present in eight MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients (9.6%) amongst whom Hashimoto's thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis predominated, whereas 22 AChR‐Ab‐positive patients (26.5%) had one or more concomitant autoimmune diseases of which Graves' disease predominated.ConclusionsDifferences in frequency of thymoma and thymic hyperplasia, coexisting autoimmune diseases and autoantibody positivity between MuSK‐Ab‐positive and AChR‐Ab‐positive MG were indicated, suggesting that, in contrast with AChR‐Ab‐positive MG, thymus does not seem to be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of MuSK‐Ab‐positive MG.
Neuropsychological course of voltage‐gated potassium channel and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody related limbic encephalitis
Authors: Frisch C. , Malter M. P. , Elger C. E. , Helmstaedter C. 
Published: May 2013

Background and purposeAutoantibodies (abs) to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and to voltage‐gated potassium channels (VGKC) induce distinct courses of limbic encephalitis, related to MRI findings, seizure outcome and cognition.MethodsA detailed analysis of the cognitive course of the two forms is presented, spanning a median time interval of 28 months, including parameters of attention, learning and memory in 15 VGKC‐ab‐positive and 16 GAD‐ab‐positive patients.ResultsIn both groups, the initially significantly impaired attention performance recovered to a putatively premorbid level. In VGKC patients the partially severely impaired learning and memory performance improved under treatment but remained subnormal at last follow‐up. By contrast, GAD‐ab‐positive patients had initially less impaired learning and memory scores but did not show an improvement under treatment.ConclusionsThe results provide evidence of distinct relations between inductive processes and cognitive outcome in VGKC‐ab‐positive and GAD‐ab‐positive subforms of limbic encephalitis, which possibly depend on differences in pathogenic molecular mechanisms and affected cerebral loci.
Atrial fibrillation in young stroke patients: do we underestimate its prevalence?
Authors: Prefasi D. , Martínez‐Sánchez P. , Rodríguez‐Sanz A. , Fuentes B. , Filgueiras‐Rama D. , Ruiz‐Ares G. , Sanz‐Cuesta B. E. , Díez‐Tejedor E. 
Published: May 2013

Background and purposeThe prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in young stroke patients has rarely been reported and is considered an uncommon ischaemic stroke (IS) aetiology. Our objective was to analyse the prevalence of AF in IS patients up to 50 years of age and its relationship with stroke severity and outcomes.MethodsThis was an observational study of consecutive IS patients up to 50 years of age admitted to a stroke centre during a 5‐year period (2007–2011). A complete cardiology study was performed with a daily electrocardiogram and cardiac monitoring for 72 h as well as echocardiography. In cases of stroke of unknown aetiology a 24‐h Holter monitoring was performed. Baseline data, previously or newly diagnosed AF, structural heart disease (SHD) (valvulopathy/cardiomyopathy), stroke severity on admission as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (moderate‐severe stroke if NIHSS ≥ 8) and 3‐month outcomes according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (good outcome if mRS ≤ 2) were analysed. AF was classified as AF associated with SHD (AF‐SHD) and AF not associated with SHD (AF‐NSHD).ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐seven patients were included (mean age 43 years, 58.6% male). Fourteen subjects (8.9%) presented with AF, four with AF‐NSHD and 10 with AF‐SHD. AF was previously known in 10 patients (6.3%), two with AF‐NSHD and eight with AF‐SHD. A multivariate analysis showed an independent association between AF and moderate‐severe IS (odds ratio 3.771, 95% CI 1.182–12.028), but AF was not an independent prognostic factor.ConclusionAF may be more common than expected in young patients with IS and is associated with increased NIHSS scores.
Defining pseudoprogression in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Van Mieghem E. , Wozniak A. , Geussens Y. , Menten J. , De Vleeschouwer S. , Van Calenbergh F. , Sciot R. , Van Gool S. , Bechter O. E. , Demaerel P. , Wilms G. , Clement P. M. 
Published: May 2013

Background and purposePseudoprogression is a frequent phenomenon observed since the introduction of postoperative therapy with radiotherapy and temozolomide (RT/TMZ) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. However, the criteria defining pseudoprogression, its incidence, the time of occurrence and its impact on therapy and outcome remain poorly defined.MethodsThe objective of this study is to compare two sets of criteria (liberal and stringent), defining pseudoprogression, in a cohort of patients treated before and after the introduction of RT/TMZ in the standard postoperative treatment. This retrospective review includes 136 unselected and consecutively treated patients with pathologically diagnosed GBM.ResultsPseudoprogression was observed in 10 (12%) cases applying the stringent criteria, and in 18 (23%) patients when using the liberal criteria, in the cohort treated with RT/TMZ. Pseudoprogression was observed in only one patient treated with RT alone. The median time to pseudoprogression was 4 weeks after the end of RT. Patients with pseudoprogression had a median survival time of 28 months, compared with 12 months for patients without pseudoprogression.ConclusionsThe incidence of pseudoprogression after RT/TMZ strongly depends on the applied criteria. However, regardless of the stringency of the criteria, the impact on survival remains the same.
Decreased striatal dopamine transporter uptake in the non‐fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Gil‐Navarro S. , Lomeña F. , Cot A. , Lladó A. , Montagut N. , Castellví M. , Bosch B. , Rami L. , Antonell A. , Balasa M. , Pavia J. , Iranzo A. , Molinuevo J. L. , Sánchez‐Valle R. 
Published: May 2013

Background and purposePatients with the non‐fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA) may develop atypical parkinsonian syndromes. However, there is no current biomarker to assess which patients are at high risk of developing parkinsonism. 123I‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐N‐(3‐fluoropropyl)‐nortropane (123I‐FP‐CIT)‐SPECT detects striatal dopamine dysfunction in vivo. The objective of the present study was to study whether non‐fluent/agrammatic patients without parkinsonism at baseline present decreased striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake.MethodsVisual and semi‐quantitative assessments of the striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake ratio were carried out in 15 patients with nfvPPA, eight patients with the logopenic variant of PPA (lvPPA) and 18 controls. To rule out progranulin mutations or underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), serum progranulin levels and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD (Aβ42, total‐tau, phosphorylated‐tau181) were determined. A second 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT analysis in the biomarker‐enriched groups was also carried out.ResultsPatients with nfvPPA presented reduced striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT binding, especially in the left hemisphere (P = 0.002), compared with controls. All lvPPA patients had normal striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake. 123I‐FP‐CIT striatal binding in nfvPPA patients with normal progranulin and CSF biomarker levels (nfvPPA/bio‐) was also significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared with lvPPA patients with positive AD biomarkers. Sixty‐four per cent (9/14) of nfvPPA patients and 80% of nfvPPA/bio‐ patients (8/10) showed a diminished individual left striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake ratio. On follow‐up, seven nfvPPA/bio‐ patients developed parkinsonism (median 1.9 years; range 1.2–2.9), six of them with baseline reduced 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake.ConclusionsReduced striatal tracer uptake in nfvPPA patients prior to clinical parkinsonism can be detected by 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT, especially in those with nfvPPA/bio‐, suggesting subclinical nigrostriatal degeneration. Decreased striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT binding might identify PPA patients at increased risk of developing atypical parkinsonian syndromes, probably related to tau‐pathology.
What can mathematical models bring to the control of equine influenza?
Authors: Daly J. M. , Newton J. R. , Wood J. L. N. , Park A. W. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryMathematical modelling of infectious disease is increasingly regarded as an important tool in the development of disease prevention and control measures. This article brings together key findings from various modelling studies conducted over the past 10 years that are of relevance to those on the front line of the battle against equine influenza.The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Ultrasound‐guided injection of the maxillary nerve in the horse
Authors: O'Neill H. D. , Garcia‐Pereira F. L. , Mohankumar P. S. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyInfiltration of the equine maxillary nerve with local anaesthetic can be useful for both diagnostic and surgical procedures. The deep location and proximity of the nerve to surrounding vascular and orbital structures make an accurate, complication‐free injection a challenge using traditional techniques reliant upon surface anatomical landmarks.ObjectivesTo develop an ultrasound‐guided injection technique of the maxillary nerve in equine cadavers and to evaluate its efficacy and potential for complications in vivo.Study designDescriptive cadaver anatomical and clinical study.MethodsThe relevant anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa was reviewed in 6 cadaver heads from mature horses of a range of ages, breeds and genders. In an additional 13 cadaver heads, ultrasound‐guided injection of 0.2 ml New Methylene Blue dye was performed on both left and right maxillary nerves (n = 26 attempts) in the pterygopalatine fossa. An independent observer dissected the area and recorded the number of times that dye successfully contacted the nerve, along with inadvertent penetration of other structures. The procedure was then performed on 8 clinical cases undergoing a variety of standing surgical procedures on the head.ResultsDye was successfully deposited in contact with the nerve during all attempts on cadaver heads, with no penetration of the orbital cone, deep facial vein and maxillary artery or associated branches. In a single cadaver, a unilateral gas artefact in the masseter muscle prohibited an injection attempt. Analgesia of the maxillary nerve was achieved in <15 min in all clinical cases, with complete loss of ipsilateral cutaneous sensation over the rostral face. No gross or ultrasonographic abnormalities were detected following the procedure.ConclusionsUsing ultrasonographic landmarks of the pterygopalatine fossa, local anaesthetic can be deposited around the maxillary nerve without the inadvertent penetration of adjacent vital structures.Potential relevanceThe technique allows for vascular structures to be visualised and avoided, which is currently not possible using traditional blind approaches.
Future Orientation and Saving for Medium‐Term Expenses
Authors: Anong Sophia T. , Fisher Patti J. 
Published: May 2013

This study examined the gap between planning and doing among 3,666 future orienters in the 2010 Survey of Consumer Finances. Future orienters were those who expected at least one foreseeable major expense in 5–10 years. A theory of planned behavior cumulative logistic model testing saving implementation as a strategy was rejected. Then a multinomial logistic regression was estimated. The odds to be currently saving or to have already saved were higher for those with longer planning horizons, moderate risk tolerance, those who were married, White people, blue‐collar workers, and those with self‐discipline in spending and saving habits. A favorable attitude toward installment credit increased the likelihood of not saving. The number rather than the type of expense was more influential in saving although health, family, and general purchases decreased the odds of saving. Attitudes, norms, and behavior control helped explain a lack of saving among future orienters.
Advanced intravital subcellular imaging reveals vital three‐dimensional signalling events driving cancer cell behaviour and drug responses in live tissue
Authors: Nobis Max , Carragher Neil O. , McGhee Ewan J. , Morton Jennifer P. , Sansom Owen J. , Anderson Kurt I. , Timpson Paul 
Published: May 2013

The integration of signal transduction pathways plays a fundamental role in governing disease initiation, progression and outcome. It is therefore necessary to understand disease at the signalling level to enable effective treatment and to intervene in its progression. The recent extension of in vitro subcellular image‐based analysis to live in vivo modelling of disease is providing a more complete picture of real‐time, dynamic signalling processes or drug responses in live tissue. Intravital imaging offers alternative strategies for studying disease and embraces the biological complexities that govern disease progression. In the present review, we highlight how three‐dimensional or live intravital imaging has uncovered novel insights into biological mechanisms or modes of drug action. Furthermore, we offer a prospective view of how imaging applications may be integrated further with the aim of understanding disease in a more physiological and functional manner within the framework of the drug discovery process.
Urbanization and its effects on personality traits: a result of microevolution or phenotypic plasticity?
Authors: Miranda Ana Catarina , Schielzeth Holger , Sonntag Tanja , Partecke Jesko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHuman‐altered environmental conditions affect many species at the global scale. An extreme form of anthropogenic alteration is the existence and rapid increase of urban areas. A key question, then, is how species cope with urbanization. It has been suggested that rural and urban conspecifics show differences in behaviour and personality. However, (i) a generalization of this phenomenon has never been made; and (ii) it is still unclear whether differences in personality traits between rural and urban conspecifics are the result of phenotypic plasticity or of intrinsic differences. In a literature review, we show that behavioural differences between rural and urban conspecifics are common and taxonomically widespread among animals, suggesting a significant ecological impact of urbanization on animal behaviour. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms leading to behavioural differences in urban individuals, we hand‐raised and kept European blackbirds (Turdus merula) from a rural and a nearby urban area under common‐garden conditions. Using these birds, we investigated individual variation in two behavioural responses to the presence of novel objects: approach to an object in a familiar area (here defined as neophilia), and avoidance of an object in a familiar foraging context (defined as neophobia). Neophilic and neophobic behaviours were mildly correlated and repeatable even across a time period of one year, indicating stable individual behavioural strategies. Blackbirds from the urban population were more neophobic and seasonally less neophilic than blackbirds from the nearby rural area. These intrinsic differences in personality traits are likely the result of microevolutionary changes, although we cannot fully exclude early developmental influences.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for symptomatic portal hypertension in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhao Yan , Qi Xingshun , Cai Guohong , He Chuangye , Guo Wengang , Yin Zhanxin , Chen Hui , Chen Xi , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong 
Published: May 2013

AimTransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) represents a major advance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. However, this procedure is contraindicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TIPS in these patients with portal hypertension and determine the predictors of survival after TIPS creation.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2011, 58 consecutive HCC patients with symptomatic portal hypertension and concomitant PVTT underwent TIPS placement. Procedure‐related complications, treatment efficacy of portal hypertension complications and survival were evaluated.ResultsAfter TIPS, no patient experienced major procedure‐related complications such as hemorrhage or contrast extravasation. Portosystemic pressure gradient was decreased by 14 mmHg on average. Refractory ascites was partially or completely resolved in 19 of 20 patients. Hydrothorax was decreased in all of eight patients. Acute variceal bleeding was successfully controlled in all of five patients. Severe diarrhea was controlled successfully in all of nine patients. During the follow‐up period (mean, 78.5 days; range, 11–1713), 56 patients died and two patients remained alive. The median survival period after TIPS was 77 days. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ascites (P = 0.026), white blood cell (P = 0.007) and degree of PVTT (P < 0.001) were independent predictors for survival.ConclusionTIPS may be effective for the palliative treatment of portal hypertension in HCC patients with PVTT. Major procedure‐related complications were rarely observed. Ascites, white blood cell and degree of PVTT were independently associated with survival.
MALDI imaging on large‐scale tissue microarrays identifies molecular features associated with tumour phenotype in oesophageal cancer
Authors: Quaas Alexander , Bahar Ahmad Soliaman , von Loga Katharina , Seddiqi Ahmad Shoaib , Singer Julius Magnus , Omidi Maryam , Kraus Olga , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Trusch Maria , Minner Sarah , Burandt Eike , Stahl Phillip , Wilczak Waldemar , Wurlitzer Marcus , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Marx Andreas , Schlüter Hartmut 
Published: May 2013

AimsMatrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) and tissue microarray (TMA) technologies were jointly utilized to search for molecular features associated with clinicopathological parameters in oesophageal cancer.Methods and resultsTwo TMAs from formalin‐fixed tissue samples, including 300 adenocarcinomas and 177 squamous cell carcinomas with clinical follow‐up data, were analysed. MALDI‐MSI analysis revealed 72 distinct mass per charge (m/z) signals associated with tumour cells, 48 of which were found in squamous cell carcinomas only, and 12 of which were specific for adenocarcinomas. In adenocarcinomas, six signals were linked to early‐stage (pT1–T2) tumours (two signals) and the presence (one signal) or absence (three signals) of lymph node metastasis. In squamous cell carcinomas, 24 signals were strongly linked to different phenotypic features, including tumour stage (four signals), histological grade (four signals), and lymph node metastasis (three signals).ConclusionsThe high number of m/z signals that were found to be significantly linked to one or more phenotypic features of oesophageal cancer highlights the power of MALDI‐MSI in the analysis of high‐density TMAs. The data also emphasise substantial biological differences between adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
‘The Others’: Sex Offenders' Social Identities in Probation Approved Premises
Authors: Reeves Carla 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThrough reporting on an ethnographic study of a Probation Approved Premises, this article explores the informal social structures which shape life for sex offenders in hostels, and the significance of these in terms of social exclusion, support and the work of the institution. The findings illustrate how the practice of the hostel both demonises and reinforces the personal and social identity constructs of residents convicted of sexual offences to accord with the dominant discourse of ‘sex offender’. Of note, the article identifies how informal structural and cultural processes define sex offender residents as essentially different from other people.
Rural Probation Work: Isolation or Autonomy?
Authors: Minkes John , Raynor Peter 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRural probation work has been largely ignored by academic researchers. This article is based on interviews with probation staff who were appointed to rural mid‐Wales between the 1950s and 1980s. It shows that, contrary to the assumption that isolation is problematic, they enjoyed the autonomy and responsibility that rural work offered. They were proud to have contributed to a service which, in their view, held to traditional values and had lessons to offer to probation work as a whole. The article concludes that practice in small communities and non‐urban locations can be demonstrably effective and even sometimes advanced.