bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the validity of using administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy
Authors: Tu Karen , Wang Myra , Jaakkimainen R. Liisa , Butt Debra , Ivers Noah M. , Young Jacqueline , Green Diane , Jetté Nathalie 
Published: January 2014

SummaryObjectivePrevious validation studies assessing the use of administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy have used targeted sampling or have used a reference standard of patients in the neurologist, hospital, or emergency room setting. Therefore, the validity of using administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy in the general population has not been previously assessed. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of using administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy in the general population.MethodsA retrospective chart abstraction study was performed using primary care physician records from 83 physicians distributed throughout Ontario and contributing data to the Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database (EMRALD) A random sample of 7,500 adult patients, from a possible 73,014 eligible, was manually chart abstracted to identify patients who had ever had epilepsy. These patients were used as a reference standard to test a variety of administrative data algorithms.ResultsAn algorithm of three physician billing codes (separated by at least 30 days) in 2 years or one hospitalization had a sensitivity of 73.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 64.8–82.5%), specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 99.6–99.9%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 79.5% (95% CI 71.1–88.0%), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.7% (95% CI 99.5–99.8%) for identifying patients who had ever had epilepsy.SignificanceThe results of our study showed that administrative data can reasonably accurately identify patients who have ever had epilepsy, allowing for a “lifetime” population prevalence determination of epilepsy in Ontario and the rest of Canada with similar administrative databases. This will facilitate future studies on population level patterns and outcomes of care for patients living with epilepsy.
A common SCN1A splice‐site polymorphism modifies the effect of carbamazepine on cortical excitability—A pharmacogenetic transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Menzler Katja , Hermsen Anke , Balkenhol Katharina , Duddek Caroline , Bugiel Hannes , Bauer Sebastian , Schorge Stephanie , Reif Philipp S. , Klein Karl Martin , Haag Anja , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Hamer Hajo M. , Knake Susanne , Trucks Holger , Sander Thomas , Rosenow Felix ,   for the EPICURE‐Consortium
Published: January 2014

SummaryObjectiveSCN1A encodes the alpha subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel and plays a crucial role in several epilepsy syndromes. The common SCN1A splice‐site polymorphism rs3812718 (IVS5N+5 G>A) might contribute to the pathophysiology underlying genetic generalized epilepsies and is associated with electrophysiologic properties of the channel and the effect of sodium‐channel blocking antiepileptic drugs. We assessed the effects of the rs3812718 genotype on cortical excitability at baseline and after administration of carbamazepine in order to investigate the mechanism of this association.MethodsPaired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied in 92 healthy volunteers with the homozygous genotypes AA or GG of rs3812718 at baseline and after application of 400 mg of carbamazepine or placebo in a double‐blind, randomized, crossover design. Resting motor threshold (RMT), short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and cortical silent period (CSP) were determined.ResultsAt baseline there was no significant difference in any TMS parameter. Genotype GG was associated with a higher carbamazepine‐induced increase in CSP duration as compared to AA (multivariate analysis of covariance [MANCOVA], p = 0.013). An expected significant increase in RMT was genotype independent.SignificanceWe found that the rs3812718 genotype modifies the effect of carbamazepine on CSP duration (mainly reflecting modulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibition), but not on RMT (mainly reflecting modulation of voltage‐gated sodium channels). This provides evidence that rs3812718 affects the pharmacoresponse to carbamazepine via an effect on GABAergic cortical interneurons. Our results also confirm that TMS is useful to investigate the effect of genetic variants on cortical excitability and pharmacoresponse.
Tribute to Tinbergen: The Four Problems of Biology. A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Taborsky Michael 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTinbergen's (1963, Z. Tierpsychol. 20, 410–433) four questions have guided the conceptual thinking of behavioural biologists over five decades. This is partly based on a misunderstanding of the aims and virtue of this article. Tinbergen called attention to the fact that his classification of problems is somehow illogical. Here, an attempt is made to remove some of the inconsistency by reformulating the levels of analysis of biological (including behavioural) traits. Furthermore, important merits of Tinbergen's milestone paper that have remained largely unnoticed are put in perspective. Perhaps the most lasting of several functions of that article has been its pivotal role in establishing a new research discipline, behavioural ecology.
Extension of the scapulohumeral joint increases the likelihood of success of centesis of the bursa of the biceps brachii tendon of horses
Authors: Cole R. , Schumacher J. , Wilhite R. , Newton J. , Schumacher J. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe accuracy of a technique for centesis of the bicipital bursa using a 9 cm, spinal needle inserted through the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle was evaluated. A veterinary radiologist who had no previous experience of performing centesis of the bicipital bursa and an equine clinician who had little experience in performing the procedure, attempted to inject a solution of aqueous radiopaque contrast medium into the bicipital bursae of 8 horses using an approach in which the bursa was accessed by directing a needle through the tendon of origin of the biceps brachii muscle until cartilage in the lateral portion of the intertubercular groove was contacted. Centesis of the bicipital bursa using this approach in horses having no signs of disease of the bursa was consistently successful if the cubital joint was flexed and the scapulohumoral joint extended.
A review of equine laryngoplasty complications
Authors: Froydenlund T. J. , Dixon P. M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryProsthetic laryngoplasty is a common treatment for equine recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). Complications of this surgery include immediate post operative problems, such as dysphagia, seroma formation, wound infection and sudden loss of arytenoid abduction. Longer term complications include gradual loss of arytenoid abduction, chronic coughing, arytenoid granulomas and dynamic upper airway collapse unrelated toRLNsuch as palatal dysfunction, and aryepiglottic fold or vocal fold collapse. However, the benefit of this procedure greatly outweighs these potential post operative complications, especially if appropriate surgical and post operative management practices are employed.
Crosstalk among p53 family members in cutaneous carcinoma
Authors: Missero Caterina , Antonini Dario 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common human cancer with a frequency increasing worldwide. The risk of developing cSCC has been strongly associated with chronic sun exposure, especially in light skin people. The aim of this viewpoint is to discuss the contribution of the tumor suppressor p53 and its homologues p63 and p73 in the formation and progression of cSCC. Mutations in the p53 gene are early and frequent events in skin carcinogenesis mainly as a consequence of UV light exposure, often followed by loss of function of the second allele. Although rarely mutated in cancer, p63 and p73 play key roles in human cancers, with their truncated isoforms lacking the N‐terminal transactivating domain (∆N) being often upregulated as compared to normal tissues. ∆Np63 is abundantly expressed in cSCC, and it is likely to favour tumor initiation and progression. The function of p73 in cSCC is more enigmatic and awaits further studies. Interestingly, an intimate interplay exists between both p53 and p63, and the Notch signalling pathway, often inactivated in cSCC. Here, we summarize our current knowledge about the biological activities of p53 family members in cSCC and propose that integration of their signalling with Notch is key to cSCC formation and progression.
Crystal structures of the F88Y obelin mutant before and after bioluminescence provide molecular insight into spectral tuning among hydromedusan photoproteins
Authors: Natashin Pavel V. , Markova Svetlana V. , Lee John , Vysotski Eugene S. , Liu Zhi‐Jie 
Published: January 2014

Ca2+‐regulated photoproteins are responsible for the bioluminescence of a variety of marine coelenterates. All hydromedusan photoproteins are a single‐chain polypeptide to which 2‐hydroperoxycoelenterazine is tightly but non‐covalently bound. Bioluminescence results from oxidative decarboxylation of 2‐hydroperoxycoelenterazine, generating protein‐bound coelenteramide in an excited state. The bioluminescence spectral maxima of recombinant photoproteins vary in the range 462–495 nm, despite a high degree of identity of amino acid sequences and spatial structures of these photoproteins. Based on studies of obelin and aequorin mutants with substitution of Phe to Tyr and Tyr to Phe, respectively [Stepanyuk GA et al. (2005) FEBS Lett 579, 1008–1014], it was suggested that the spectral differences may be accounted for by an additional hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group of a Tyr residue and an oxygen atom of the 6‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl) substituent of coelenterazine. Here, we report the crystal structures of two conformation states of the F88Y obelin mutant that has bioluminescence and product fluorescence spectra resembling those of aequorin. Comparison of spatial structures of the F88Y obelin conformation states with those of wild‐type obelin clearly shows that substitution of Phe to Tyr does not affect the overall structures of either F88Y obelin or its product following Ca2+ discharge, compared to the conformation states of wild‐type obelin. The hydrogen bond network in F88Y obelin being due to the Tyr substitution clearly supports the suggestion that different hydrogen bond patterns near the oxygen of the 6‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl) substituent are the basis for spectral modifications between hydromedusan photoproteins.
The sea anemone actinoporin (Arg‐Gly‐Asp) conserved motif is involved in maintaining the competent oligomerization state of these pore‐forming toxins
Authors: García‐Linares Sara , Richmond Ryan , García‐Mayoral María F. , Bustamante Noemí , Bruix Marta , Gavilanes José G. , Martínez‐del‐Pozo Álvaro 
Published: January 2014

Sea anemone actinoporins constitute an optimum model to investigate mechanisms of membrane pore formation. All actinoporins of known structure show a general fold of a β‐sandwich motif flanked by two α‐helices. The crucial structure for pore formation seems to be the helix located at the N‐terminal end. The role of several other protein regions in membrane attachment is also well established. However, not much is known about the protein residues involved in the oligomerization required for pore formation. Previous detailed analysis of the soluble three‐dimensional structures of different wild‐type and mutant actinoporins from Stychodactyla helianthus suggested residues which could be involved in this oligomerization. One of these stretches contains a conserved sequence compatible with an integrin‐binding RGD motif. The results presented now deal with mutants affecting this motif in the well‐characterized actinoporin sticholysin II. Small modifications along this three‐residue sequence had profound effects on its solubility. Just a single methyl group yielded an RAD mutant version with a highly diminished haemolytic activity and altered oligomerization behaviour. The results obtained are discussed in terms of a key role for the RGD motif in maintaining the actinoporins' pore‐competent state of protein oligomerization.Structured digital abstractStnII and StnII bind by molecular sieving (1, 2)
Chronic water stress reduces tree growth and the carbon sink of deciduous hardwood forests
Authors: Brzostek Edward R. , Dragoni Danilo , Schmid Hans Peter , Rahman Abdullah F. , Sims Daniel , Wayson Craig A. , Johnson Daniel J. , Phillips Richard P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPredicted decreases in water availability across the temperate forest biome have the potential to offset gains in carbon (C) uptake from phenology trends, rising atmosphericCO2, and nitrogen deposition. While it is well established that severe droughts reduce the C sink of forests by inducing tree mortality, the impacts of mild but chronic water stress on forest phenology and physiology are largely unknown. We quantified the C consequences of chronic water stress using a 13‐year record of tree growth (n = 200 trees), soil moisture, and ecosystem C balance at the Morgan–Monroe State Forest (MMSF) in Indiana, and a regional 11‐year record of tree growth (n > 300 000 trees) and water availability for the 20 most dominant deciduous broadleaf tree species across the eastern and midwesternUSA. We show that despite ~26 more days of C assimilation by trees at theMMSF, increasing water stress decreased the number of days of wood production by ~42 days over the same period, reducing the annual accrual of C in woody biomass by 41%. Across the deciduous forest region, water stress induced similar declines in tree growth, particularly for water‐demanding ‘mesophytic’ tree species. Given the current replacement of water‐stress adapted ‘xerophytic’ tree species by mesophytic tree species, we estimate that chronic water stress has the potential to decrease the C sink of deciduous forests by up to 17% (0.04 Pg C yr−1) in the coming decades. This reduction in the C sink due to mesophication and chronic water stress is equivalent to an additional 1–3 days of global C emissions from fossil fuel burning each year. Collectively, our results indicate that regional declines in water availability may offset the growth‐enhancing effects of other global changes and reduce the extent to which forests ameliorate climate warming.
Association between musculoskeletal pain and trips or falls in rural Japanese community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kitayuguchi Jun , Kamada Masamitsu , Okada Shimpei , Kamioka Hiroharu , Mutoh Yoshiteru 
Published: January 2014

AimThe present study examined whether low back pain (LBP) and knee pain (KP) are associated with trips and falls in rural Japanese community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsA population‐based cross‐sectional survey of community‐dwelling older adults was carried out in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture, in Japan. A total of 499 men and women aged 60 years and older living in the community were recruited from 2008 to 2010. The main outcome measures were self‐rated recent trip frequency and self‐reported experience of falls in the past year.ResultsTrips and falls presented in 44.0% and 15.9% of participants, respectively. LBP was not associated with trips, but was significantly associated with falls: severe pain versus single fall (odds ratio [OR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–6.03); and severe pain versus multiple falls (OR 11.09, 95% CI 2.41–51.10). KP was significantly associated with trips: mild pain versus trips (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.20–2.72); mild pain versus multiple falls (OR 4.47, 95% CI 1.21–16.50); severe pain versus trips (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.82–8.04); and severe pain versus multiple falls (OR 7.26, 95% CI 1.51–34.86). Participants with both pain sites were associated with trips (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.45–4.12) and multiple falls (OR 10.79, 95% CI 1.33–87.19).ConclusionsSevere LBP was associated with single and multiple falls, whereas KP was associated with trips and multiple falls, irrespective of severity of pain. In addition, participants with both pain types were associated with trips and multiple falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 54–64.
Perioperative urinary retention, short‐term functional outcome and mortality rates of elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Adunsky Abraham , Nenaydenko Olga , Koren‐Morag Nira , Puritz Lena , Fleissig Yudit , Arad Marina 
Published: January 2014

AimPerioperative urinary retention (POUR) is common among hip fracture patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence, risk factors, functional outcomes and survival rates of patients with and without POUR.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review study that was carried out in an orthogeriatric hip fracture unit. A total of 639 consecutive hip fracture patients who had hip surgery followed by a standard rehabilitation course participated in the study. Post‐void residual volume (PVRV), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores (total and motor FIM, FIM gain) and mortality rates (90 and 365 days, end of follow up) were measured.ResultsA total of 328 patients (51.3%) suffered from POUR. Diabetes (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04–2.31), urinary infection (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.16–4.90) and delirium (OR 1.66. 95% CI 1.09–2.52) emerged as the best predictors for POUR. Functional gains were slightly better in patients without POUR (P = 0.037 and P = 0.023, for discharge motor and total FIM gain, respectively). There were no differences in FIM gains at discharge in male patients, whether with or without POUR. However, female patients without POUR showed significantly better motor and total FIM gains on discharge (P = 0.003 and P = 0.003, respectively), compared with females with POUR. In multiple linear regression analyses, POUR in female (but not male) patients was predictive for adverse motor FIM gain (beta = −0.089, P = 0.046). In Cox regression analysis, urinary retention was not associated with mortality rates.ConclusionsPOUR is highly prevalent in elderly hip fracture patients. It adversely affects the functional outcome of female patients, but is not associated with increased mortality rates. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 65–71.
Association between body mass index and cause‐specific mortality as well as hospitalization in frail Chinese older adults
Authors: Chan Tuen‐Ching , Luk James Ka Hay , Chu Leung‐Wing , Chan Felix Hon Wai 
Published: January 2014

AimA U‐shaped relationship between body mass index (BMI) and all‐cause mortality has been reported, but there are few studies examining the association between BMI and cause‐specific mortality and hospitalization. We carried out a longitudinal study to examine these associations in Chinese older adults with multiple comorbidities, which could provide a reference for the recommended BMI in this population.MethodsFrom 2004 to 2013, a retrospective cohort of Chinese older adults was selected from a geriatric day hospital in Hong Kong. They were divided into groups according to their BMI: BMI <16; BMI 16–18; BMI 18.1–20; BMI 20.1–22; BMI 22.1–24; BMI 24.1–26; BMI 26.1–28; BMI 28.1–30 and BMI >30. Other assessments included medical, functional, cognitive, social and nutritional assessment.ResultsA total of 1747 older adults (mean age 80.8 ± 7.1 years, 44.1% male, 46.1% living in nursing homes, Charlson Comorbidity Index 2.0 ± 1.6) with a median follow up of 3.5 years were included. Older adults with BMI 24–28 had the lowest all‐cause, infection‐related and cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that there was an inverted J‐shaped association between BMI and hazard ratio for all‐cause and infection‐related mortality in both nursing home and community‐dwelling older adults. The rate of all‐cause hospitalization was lower in older adults with BMI 22–28 (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that there was an inverted J‐shaped association between the odds ratio of recurrent hospitalization and BMI.ConclusionChinese older adults with BMI 24–28 had lower all‐cause mortality, infection‐related mortality, cardiovascular‐related mortality and all‐cause hospitalization. This study provides a reference for the recommended BMI in this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 72–79.
Channel Representation in Physically Based Models Coupling Groundwater and Surface Water: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Authors: Käser Daniel , Graf Tobias , Cochand Fabien , McLaren Rob , Therrien René , Brunner Philip 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRecent models that couple three‐dimensional subsurface flow with two‐dimensional overland flow are valuable tools for quantifying complex groundwater/stream interactions and for evaluating their influence on watershed processes. For the modeler who is used to defining streams as a boundary condition, the representation of channels in integrated models raises a number of conceptual and technical issues. These models are far more sensitive to channel topography than conventional groundwater models. On all spatial scales, both the topography of a channel and its connection with the floodplain are important. For example, the geometry of river banks influences bank storage and overbank flooding; the slope of the river is a primary control on the behavior of a catchment; and at the finer scale bedform characteristics affect hyporheic exchange. Accurate data on streambed topography, however, are seldom available, and the spatial resolution of digital elevation models is typically too coarse in river environments, resulting in unrealistic or undulating streambeds. Modelers therefore perform some kind of manual yet often cumbersome correction to the available topography. In this context, the paper identifies some common pitfalls, and provides guidance to overcome these. Both aspects of topographic representation and mesh discretization are addressed. Additionally, two tutorials are provided to illustrate: (1) the interpolation of channel cross‐sectional data and (2) the refinement of a mesh along a stream in areas of high topographic variability.
Enhancement of antioxidant activity of monascal waxy corn by a 2‐step fermentation
Authors: Kongbangkerd Teeraporn , Tochampa Worasit , Chatdamrong Wassana , Kraboun Kitisart 
Published: January 2014

SummaryA 2‐step fermentation process was developed to enhance antioxidant activity of monascal waxy corn, fermented by Monascus purpureus TISTR 3090, compared with the conventional method. The results showed that, after 8 days of fermentation, monacolin K content and pigment intensity of monascal waxy corn from 2‐step fermentation were 62.89 mg kg−1 dry weight and 3072.70 unit g−1 dry weight, respectively, higher than those of the conventional method, while the residual reducing sugars were exhausted, giving the observed highest growth. The IC50 values of DPPH, ferric reducing/antioxidant powder (FRAP) and chelating ability on Fe2+ assays of the 2‐step fermentation were about 50% less than those of the conventional method. A significantly positive correlation was found between pigment intensity and monacolin K content, while significantly negative correlations were found among monacolin K content, IC50 of FRAP and chelating ability on Fe2+. An ideal negative correlation between pigment intensity and chelating ability on Fe2+ was found.