bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D is associated with degree of disability in patients with fully ambulatory relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Thouvenot E. , Orsini M. , Daures J.‐P. , Camu W. 
Published: December 2014

Background and purposeVitamin D deficiency is a recognized risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) and is associated with increased disease activity. It has also been proposed that the lower the vitamin D levels are, the higher is the handicap.MethodsTo refine the links between vitamin D insufficiency and disability in MS patients, a retrospective cohort analysis was performed including 181 patients prospectively followed without previous vitamin D supplementation, and age, gender, age at MS onset, MS type, MS activity, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were analysed in correlation with plasma vitamin D levels.ResultsVitamin D levels were significantly higher in relapsing–remitting MS than in progressive forms of MS in multivariate analyses adjusted for age, ethnicity, gender, disease duration and season (P = 0.0487). Overall, there was a negative correlation between vitamin D level and EDSS score (P = 0.0001, r = –0.33). In relapsing–remitting MS, vitamin D levels were only correlated with disability scores for EDSS < 4 (P = 0.0012). Patients with >20 ng/ml of vitamin D were 2.78 times more likely to have an EDSS < 4 (P = 0.0011, 95% confidence interval 1.49–5.00).ConclusionData support previous work suggesting that vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher risk of disability in MS. Vitamin D levels also correlated with the degree of disability in fully ambulatory patients with relapsing–remitting MS. These additional results support the pertinence of randomized controlled trials analysing the interest of an early vitamin D supplementation in MS patients to influence evolution of disability.
Large‐scale analysis of viral nucleic acid spectrum in temporal lobe epilepsy biopsies
Authors: Esposito Laura , Drexler Jan F. , Braganza Oliver , Doberentz Elke , Grote Alexander , Widman Guido , Drosten Christian , Eis‐Hübinger Anna M. , Schoch Susanne , Elger Christian E. , Becker Albert J. , Niehusmann Pitt 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveChronic inflammatory processes are important promotors of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) development. Based on human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) DNA detection in brain tissue from patients with TLE, an association of persistent viral infection with TLE has been discussed. Individual studies reported increased HHV‐6 DNA in patients with clinical signs of previous inflammatory brain reaction, that is, febrile seizures or meningoencephalitis. However, detection rates vary considerably between different studies. Here we performed a large‐scale analysis of viral DNA/RNA spectrum in high‐quality TLE biopsies. In addition to all Herpesviridae, we addressed potentially relevant neurotropic RNA viruses.MethodsDNA and RNA were extracted from 346 fresh‐frozen tissue samples removed by epilepsy surgery. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR were performed for Herpesviridae and RNA viruses, respectively. Clinical data were analyzed for earlier signs of inflammatory brain reactions. Fresh‐frozen hippocampal tissue samples from patients without chronic central nervous system (CNS) disease served as controls (n = 62). Seven previous PCR studies with overall 178 TLE patients were additionally analyzed regarding a correlation of clinical parameters and HHV‐6 detection.ResultsPCR revealed HHV‐6B DNA in 34 specimens (9.8%) from TLE patients. HHV‐6B DNA was also present in eight control samples (12.9%; p > 0.05), but showed a lower virus concentration (p < 0.001). Other herpesviruses and RNA viruses were virtually absent. In patients with clinical signs of previous brain inflammation, HHV‐6B DNA was observed in 15.0%, whereas only 6.3% of the samples from patients without febrile seizures or meningoencephalitis were positive for HHV‐6B DNA (p < 0.05). A meta‐analysis of the eight HHV‐6 PCR studies revealed similar results.SignificanceThis biopsy‐based study shows no differences in frequency of HHV‐6B DNA detection between TLE patients and controls. These results do not support the hypothesis of a persistent HHV‐6B infection as a major pathogenetic factor in TLE. However, the higher virus load in TLE patients and the increased detection rate of HHV‐6B DNA in patients with previous inflammatory brain reactions require further investigations.
Seizure freedom score: A new simple method to predict success of epilepsy surgery
Authors: Garcia Gracia Camilo , Yardi Ruta , Kattan Michael W. , Nair Dileep , Gupta Ajay , Najm Imad , Bingaman William , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Jehi Lara 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveWe aim to develop a new scale that predicts seizure outcomes after resective epilepsy surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgery for medically refractory epilepsy at our center between 1999 and 2012. Four predictive outcome indicators were selected: preoperative seizure frequency, history of generalized tonic–clonic seizures, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and epilepsy duration. A score of 0 or 1 was given if the indicator was associated with poor or good outcome, respectively. A seizure freedom score (SFS) was calculated by adding these four categories (total score ranged from 0 to 4). A modified SFS (m‐SFS) was then calculated with two additional outcome indicators: invasive electroencephalography (EEG) evaluation (IEI) (performed or not performed) and lobe of resection (temporal vs. extratemporal), for a score ranging from 0 to 6. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was used to calculate the probability of seizure freedom in the overall group. Statistical significance was tested using the log‐rank test and comparison of 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe study population included 466 patients with 244 (52%) male. Seizure freedom rates were directly correlated with the SFS score: at 10 years, 36.9% of patients with SFS of 0 were seizure‐free, as opposed to 45% for SFS = 1, 60% for SFS = 2, 72% for SFS 3 or above (p = 0.002). When calculated including the IEI and the localization, the score's performance improved: 24% of patients with a m‐SFS of 0 were seizure‐free at 10 years, as opposed to 38–59% for m‐SFS = 1–3, and 75–79% for m‐SFS of 4–6 (p < 0.001).SignificanceAn easily measurable seizure freedom score could be a reliable tool to synthesize multiple seizure outcome predictors into a single simple score to predict postoperative seizure freedom. This tool will help with patient and family counseling and estimation of surgical candidacy at both early (SFS) and advanced (m‐SFS) stages of a surgical evaluation.
The Growth of Urban Building Stock: Unintended Lock‐in and Embedded Environmental Effects
Authors: Reyna Janet L. , Chester Mikhail V. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBuilding stocks constitute enduring components of urban infrastructure systems, but little research exists on their residence time or changing environmental impacts. Using Los Angeles County, California, as a case study, a framework is developed for assessing the changes of building stocks in cities (i.e., a generalizable framework for estimating the construction and deconstruction rates), the residence time of buildings and their materials, and the associated embedded environmental impacts. In Los Angeles, previous land‐use decisions prove not easily reversible, and past building stock investments may continue to constrain the energy performance of buildings. The average age of the building stock has increased steadily since 1920 and more rapidly after the post–World War II construction surge in the 1950s. Buildings will likely endure for 60 years or longer, making this infrastructure a quasi‐permanent investment. The long residence time, combined with the physical limitations on outward growth, suggest that the Los Angeles building stock is unlikely to have substantial spatial expansion in the future. The construction of buildings requires a continuous investment in material, monetary, and energetic resources, resulting in environmental impacts. The long residence time of structures implies a commitment to use and maintain the infrastructure, potentially creating barriers to an urban area's ability to improve energy efficiency. The immotility of buildings, coupled with future environmental goals, indicates that urban areas will be best positioned by instituting strategies that ensure reductions in life cycle (construction, use, and demolition) environmental impacts.
Clinical risk scores and blood biomarkers as predictors of long‐term outcome in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia: a 6‐year prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Alan M. , Grolimund E. , Kutz A. , Christ‐Crain M. , Thomann R. , Falconnier C. , Hoess C. , Henzen C. , Zimmerli W. , Mueller B. , Schuetz P. ,   the ProHOSP study group
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivePrediction of long‐term outcomes in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is incompletely understood. We investigated the value of clinical risk scores [pneumonia severity index (PSI) and CURB‐65] (Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood Pressure, Age >65 years) and blood biomarkers of different physiopathological pathways in predicting long‐term survival in a well‐characterized cohort of patients with CAP enrolled in an antibiotic stewardship trial.Design, setting and subjectsPatients admitted with CAP to six medical centres in Switzerland were prospectively followed for 6 years. Cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were used to investigate associations between initial risk assessment and all‐cause mortality.Main outcome measureAll‐cause mortality during a 6‐year follow‐up period.ResultsSix‐year mortality in the present cohort (median age 73 years) was 45.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 41.8–48.3%]. Initial PSI and CURB‐65 scores both had excellent long‐term prognostic accuracy, with a stepwise increase in mortality per risk class. The hazard ratios (95% CI) of the highest PSI and CURB‐65 classes (reference: lowest class) were 38.0 (14.0–103.0) and 7.8 (2.2–14.5), respectively, after 6 years. The addition of inflammatory (pro‐adrenomedullin) and cardiac (pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide) blood biomarkers measured upon hospital admission further improved the prognostic capabilities of the PSI (AUC increase from 0.79 to 0.83; P < 0.0001) and the CURB‐65 score (AUC increase from 0.73 to 0.80; P < 0.001).ConclusionRisk assessment using clinical scores allowed accurate long‐term prognostication, which was further improved by the addition of two inflammatory (pro‐adrenomedullin) and cardiac (pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide) blood biomarkers. These data provide a rationale for a more risk‐adapted, ‘personalized’ strategy for long‐term management of patients with CAP.
The Peripheral Halo Effect: Do Academic Spinoffs Influence Universities' Research Income?
Authors: Pitsakis Konstantinos , Souitaris Vangelis , Nicolaou Nicos 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTExtant literature has drawn attention to the ‘halo effect’ of the good reputation of a core organizational activity on the outcome of a peripheral activity. We contribute to the literature on organizational reputation by illustrating a halo effect in the opposite direction – from the periphery to the core. We show that developing a reputation for a peripheral activity (in our context, universities' social impact via spinoffs) may have positive spillovers for core organizational activities (in our context, university research), a phenomenon we term the ‘peripheral halo effect'. We also show that this effect is more prominent for high‐status than for low‐status organizations. Our research also contributes to the academic‐entrepreneurship literature by revealing that spinoff portfolios can generate income for universities not only directly via equity positions but also indirectly via reputational benefits.
Species are hypotheses: avoid connectivity assessments based on pillars of sand
Authors: Pante Eric , Puillandre Nicolas , Viricel Amélia , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Aurelle Didier , Castelin Magalie , Chenuil Anne , Destombe Christophe , Forcioli Didier , Valero Myriam , Viard Frédérique , Samadi Sarah 
Published: December 2014

AbstractConnectivity among populations determines the dynamics and evolution of populations, and its assessment is essential in ecology in general and in conservation biology in particular. The robust basis of any ecological study is the accurate delimitation of evolutionary units, such as populations, metapopulations and species. Yet a disconnect still persists between the work of taxonomists describing species as working hypotheses and the use of species delimitation by molecular ecologists interested in describing patterns of gene flow. This problem is particularly acute in the marine environment where the inventory of biodiversity is relatively delayed, while for the past two decades, molecular studies have shown a high prevalence of cryptic species. In this study, we illustrate, based on marine case studies, how the failure to recognize boundaries of evolutionary‐relevant unit leads to heavily biased estimates of connectivity. We review the conceptual framework within which species delimitation can be formalized as falsifiable hypotheses and show how connectivity studies can feed integrative taxonomic work and vice versa. Finally, we suggest strategies for spatial, temporal and phylogenetic sampling to reduce the probability of inadequately delimiting evolutionary units when engaging in connectivity studies.
As old as the mountains: the radiations of the Ericaceae
Authors: Schwery Orlando , Onstein Renske E. , Bouchenak‐Khelladi Yanis , Xing Yaowu , Carter Richard J. , Linder Hans Peter 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMountains are often more species‐rich than lowlands. This could be the result of migration from lowlands to mountains, of a greater survival rate in mountains, or of a higher diversification rate in mountains. We investigated this question in the globally distributed family Ericaceae, which includesc. 4426 species ranging from sea level to > 5000 m. We predict that the interaction of low specific leaf area (SLA) and montane habitats is correlated with increased diversification rates.A molecular phylogeny of Ericaceae based onrbcL andmatK sequence data was built and dated with 18 fossil calibrations and divergence time estimates. We identified radiations usingbammand correlates of diversification rate changes using binary‐state speciation and extinction (BiSSE) and multiple‐state speciation and extinction (MuSSE) analyses.Analyses revealed six largely montane radiations. Lineages in mountains diversified faster than nonmountain lineages (higher speciation rate, but no difference in extinction rate), and lineages with lowSLAdiversified faster than high‐SLAlineages. Further, habitat and trait had a positive interactive effect on diversification.Our results suggest that the species richness in mountains is the result of increased speciation rather than reduced extinction or increased immigration. Increased speciation in Ericaceae was facilitated by lowSLA.
Long term effect of trabeculectomy on retrobulbar haemodynamics in glaucoma
Authors: Kuerten David , Fuest Matthias , Koch Eva C. , Remky Andreas , Plange Niklas 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurposePrevious reports showed increased flow velocities in retrobulbar vessels after glaucoma surgery in the first weeks. Colour Doppler imaging was performed to investigate the long‐term effects of trabeculectomy on retrobulbar haemodynamics in patients with primary open–angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsIn a prospective study 30 patients (mean age 63.2 ± 15.4 years) with POAG were included. Colour Doppler imaging was performed before 1–2 weeks, after 2 months, after 4–6 months, and up to 3 years after trabeculectomy to determine the peak systolic and end–diastolic velocities in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and the short nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries.ResultsMean follow‐up was 416 ± 246 days. In the first postsurgical period mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased after trabeculectomy from 25 ± 6 mmHg to 9 ± 4 mm Hg (p < 0.0001) and then increased in the further follow‐up to 13 ± 3 mmHg (p < 0.05) without any anti–glaucomatous medication. Colour Doppler imaging revealed a significant increase of the end–diastolic velocities of the central retinal artery at all postoperative visits compared to pre–surgery (p < 0.003) and of the end–diastolic velocities in the temporal posterior ciliary arteries (p < 0.003). The change of blood flow parameters that increased during follow‐up was significantly correlated to the change in ocular perfusion pressure and IOP.ConclusionsEnd–diastolic velocities of the central retinal artery and of the temporal posterior ciliary arteries increased after successful trabeculectomy and remained stable in a longer period – even if IOP rose significantly in the follow‐up.
Odontogenic myxoma presenting as a spontaneous oro‐nasal fistula: a case report
Authors: Dunphy L. , Shah S. , Halsnad M. , Amel‐Kashipaz R. , Praveen P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractOdontogenic myxoma is a rare benign neoplasm with locally aggressive behaviour and a high risk of recurrence. It has a predilection for the mandible and occurs in the 2nd–3rd decade. The authors report a case of an odontogenic myxoma presenting with a spontaneous oro‐nasal fistula in a 29‐year‐old male. Histo‐pathological analysis of the incisional biopsy specimen initially suggested a diagnosis of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour. A partial maxillectomy was performed, and following assessment of the resection specimen, a diagnosis of odontogenic myxoma was rendered. A 3 cm bicortical iliac crest bone graft was harvested and inset to the right maxillary defect under general anaesthesia. Rehabilitation will be completed with the placement of implants.
Consumption of high‐energy phosphates during active sodium and potassium interchange in frog muscle
Authors: Dydynska Maria , Harris E. J. 
Published: December 2014

1. Potassium‐depleted muscles have been analysed for cations, phosphocreatine, adenosine triphosphate and lactate before or after an exposure to a medium with 10 m
M potassium salt.2. The net movements of sodium out and potassium in when the system is anaerobic but not otherwise poisoned are accompanied by break‐down of phosphocreatine and formation of lactate.3. In bicarbonate media oligomycin has little perceptible effect upon these observed changes, which is taken to indicate that mitochondrial phosphorylation is not essential. An inhibition by oligomycin was noted in media buffered with Tris.4. Dinitrofluorobenzene, which poisons creatine phosphotransferase, leads to the cation changes being accompanied by break‐down of ATP and formation of lactate. This indicates that ATP is more directly concerned with energizing the ion movements than is phosphocreatine.5. Iodoacetate inhibits the glycolytic process and the ion movement is then accompanied by more phosphocreatine break‐down than in the other conditions; the level of ATP also falls.6. The mean number of sodium ions moved out is closely equal to the number of potassium ions moved in. Conditions mentioned in (2) and (3) above lead to about 2·5 sodium ions being moved out per high‐energy phosphate bond hydrolysed provided allowance is made for the glycolytic resynthesis of ATP.7. Some measurements of membrane potential under comparable conditions of ion movement are reported and these are used to calculate the energy requirement of the process of sodium—potassium interchange.
Some differences in uveal reactions between cats and rabbits
Authors: Ambache N. , Kavanagh L. , Whiting Judith 
Published: December 2014

1. Miosis was observed after enucleation in unopened eyes from normal or atropinized, atropinesterase‐free rabbits. Such a phenomenon was not seen in enucleated cat eyes, in which the pupils remained widely dilated, whether atropine had been administered or not.2. Pre‐treatment of the animals with reserpine did not alter this difference between the species.3. The difference does not appear to be due to absence of irins from the cat iris, since aqueous extracts of cat irides contained a smooth‐muscle‐contracting activity (cat irin) extractable into ether at pH 3 and therefore consisting of lipid acid(s).4. The difference is not due to insensitivity of the cat sphincter pupillae muscle to irins, since injections of ether‐purified cat or rabbit irins into the anterior chamber of enucleated cat eyes kept at room temperature constricted the pupil; injections of histamine were ineffective.5. In experiments on animals treated with atropine ± mepyramine I.V., photographic measurements revealed a further difference, namely in the speed of miosis after stroking the iris in vivo. The response started later in the cat, and developed more slowly, but often to a fuller extent than in the rabbit.6. In a proportion of cat eyes there was little or no change in intraocular pressure after irritation of the iris adequate to induce maximum pupillary constriction; this was so whether mepyramine had been administered or not.7. Possible reasons for the above species differences are discussed.
The origin of the early receptor potential of the retina
Authors: Brindley G. S. , Gardner-Medwin A. R. 
Published: December 2014

1. The early receptor potential of the isolated retina of the frog has the following properties:(a) It is unaffected by reversing the direction of incidence of the light, and by soaking the retina in isotonic solutions of salts containing neither sodium nor chloride.(b) Soaking the retina in solutions containing high concentrations of salts or glycerol greatly alters its time course.(c) Soaking the retina in solutions containing formaldehyde or N‐ethyl maleimide slightly shortens its time course but does not otherwise much affect it.2. We argue that the early receptor potential depends on displacements of charge within the monolayers of visual pigment as they undergo a sequence of chemical changes after absorbing light. The time course of the observed response must differ from that of the movement of charge because of filtering by the resistance‐capacity network in the receptors. Changes in the resistive components of this filter will partly or wholly account for the effects of salts and glycerol on the early receptor potential, but cannot explain those of temperature. It seems that at least two successive movements of charge must occur, the second of them strongly influenced by temperature. Neither movement requires the presence of free amino or thiol groups.3. The above hypothesis requires that all or most of the monolayers of visual pigment in a receptor be orientated the same way; they cannot face alternately in opposite directions.
Cation movements in perfused giant axons
Authors: Shaw T. I. 
Published: December 2014

1. The net movements of Na and K into resting squid giant axons perfused with a K2SO4 artificial axoplasm have been determined. Na enters at a rate of 131 ± 25 p‐mole/cm2.sec. The K leakage from the fibre is 942 ± 566 p‐mole/cm2.sec; clearly this latter figure shows how large is the uncertainty in the exact value for the potassium leakage.2. The net entry of sodium associated with activity in such fibres has been measured and is 5·7 ± 0·7 p‐mole/cm2.impulse.