bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants with a periventricular haemorrhagic infarction located in the temporal or frontal lobe
Authors: Soltirovska Salamon Aneta , Groenendaal Floris , van Haastert Ingrid C , Rademaker Karin J , Benders Manon J N L , Koopman Corine , de Vries Linda S 
Published: February 2014

AimThe aim of the study was to compare clinical and neuroimaging characteristics and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with a periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) located in the temporal or frontal periventricular white matter.MethodThe study was a retrospective hospital‐based study of preterm infants with a frontal PVHI (n=21; 11 males, 10 females; mean birthweight 1527g; mean gestational age 30.3wks) or temporal PVHI (n=13; five males, eight females; mean birthweight 1205g; mean gestational age 30.2wks) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between 1990 and 2012. The clinical course, results of neuroimaging studies, and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants with a gestational age less than 34 weeks with a confirmed PVHI on early cranial ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed. For assessment of neurodevelopmental outcome we used the Griffiths Mental Development Scales, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, the Gross Motor Function Classification System, the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, the Child Behavior Checklist, and ophthalmological assessment. An unfavourable neurodevelopmental outcome was defined as moderately or severely atypical neurological examination during the last visit: presence of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, a hearing or visual impairment, and/or atypical cognitive development (Griffiths Mental Development Scales developmental quotient or Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence <85).ResultsUnfavourable outcome was observed in 12 out of 13 children with a temporal PVHI compared with six out of 21 children with a frontal PVHI (p=0.002). Only one of the included infants with a PVHI in the temporal white matter developed cerebral palsy, which was due to a parietal PVHI in the contralateral hemisphere. Cognitive impairment was noted in seven infants with a frontal PVHI and five with a temporal PVHI. There were more infants with a temporal PVHI who developed visual impairment (n=5) or behavioural problems (n=7) compared with those with a frontal PVHI (visual impairment (n=2), behavioural problems (n=3).InterpretationPVHI located in the temporal or frontal lobe is almost invariably related to a typical motor outcome, but carries a risk of cognitive, behavioural, and visual problems, especially in infants with a PVHI located in the temporal lobe.
Duration and patterns of habitual physical activity in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Shkedy Rabani Anat , Harries Netta , Namoora Ibtisam , Al‐Jarrah Muhammed D , Karniel Amir , Bar‐Haim Simona 
Published: February 2014

AimAdolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) show reduced motor function and gait efficiency, and lower levels of habitual physical activity (HPA), than adolescents with typical development and children with CP. This study examined activity duration and patterns in this population in the Middle East through long‐term monitoring of a large sample using accelerometers.MethodAdolescents and young adults with bilateral CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II, III, and IV, were monitored in their habitual environment for four consecutive days with ActivPAL3 monitors. Time spent in sedentary, standing, and walking activities, and frequency of walking steps and transitions, were analysed for each GMFCS level.ResultsMeasurements were made on 222 participants (132 males, 90 females; mean age 16y 9mo SD 2y, range 13y 4mo–22y). The Mann–Whitney U test demonstrated significant differences (p<0.05) between GMFCS levels, showing reduced walking and standing activity and increased sedentary duration at higher GMFCS levels (p<0.001), except for increased standing time between GMFCS levels II and III (p=0.07). Participants in educational facilities exhibited less sedentary behaviour than those who were homebound (p<0.05).InterpretationThese descriptions of duration and frequency of active and sedentary behaviours may serve as a basis for recommendations to minimize inactivity in this population. Adolescents and young adults with CP in the Middle East demonstrate similar patterns of HPA to their peers in other regions.
High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Myocardium In Vivo and Instantaneous Biological Response
Authors: Zheng Minjuan , Shentu Weihui , Chen Dingzhang , Sahn David J. , Zhou Xiaodong 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the instantaneous biological response of canine myocardium in vivo to high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation, and thereby determine the feasibility of this method.MethodsLeft ventricle myocardium HIFU ablation was performed on six dogs at four levels of HIFU energy (acoustic intensity was 3000 W/cm2; ablation durations were 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, and 4.8 sec, respectively). Gross lesion volumes were confirmed and assessed by tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, and electron microscopy. Global cardiac function and focal wall motion were evaluated by echocardiography. Blood enzymes and cardiac troponin T (CTnT) were tested after ablation. HIFU ablation was repeated on another set of six fresh canine hearts in vitro at the same four energy levels. Focal maximum temperatures were detected both in vivo and in vitro.ResultsDifferent sizes of ablation via HIFU can be created in beating hearts using controlled energy emission. Focal maximum temperatures varied from 62 ± 4.8°C to 81 ± 12.9°C. The lesion sizes were significantly smaller in vivo than in vitro, as verified by TTC and HE staining. Focal wall motion immediately decreased after ablation (P < 0.05), although the ejection fraction (EF) and E/A ratio were unchanged (P > 0.05). Enzymes and CTnT immediately increased.ConclusionHIFU can be used for the controllable ablation of myocardial tissue, with instantly increased serum markers, decreased regional wall motion, and unaffected left ventricular global function.
Uncovering clinical and radiological associations of triphasic waves in acute encephalopathy: a case–control study
Authors: Sutter R. , Kaplan P. W. 
Published: February 2014

Background and purposeTriphasic waves (TWs) are archetypal waveforms seen on electroencephalography (EEG) in some forms of encephalopathy. Their particular underlying pathological substrates are largely unexplored. This case–control study was designed to identify and quantify specific clinical and neuroradiological associations underlying TWs and to determine if TWs predicate outcome.MethodsFrom 2004 to 2012, adult encephalopathic patients with TWs (cases) were matched 1:1 with encephalopathic patients without TWs (controls) by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the frequency range of EEG background activity. Clinical characteristics, neuroimaging and outcomes were assessed.ResultsThe mean age of 190 patients (95 with and 95 without TWs) was 66.6 years (±15.6). In multivariable analyses, patients with TWs had significantly higher odds for liver insufficiency [odds ratio (OR) = 8.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98–33.08], alcohol abuse (OR = 3.65, 95% CI 1.25–10.63), subcortical brain atrophy (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.39–5.71) and respiratory tract infections (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–4.71). With each additional independent predictor, the odds increased for the occurrence of TWs (1 predictor, OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.16–5.13; ≥2 predictors, OR = 9.20, 95% CI 3.27–25.62). Mortality was 15% and tended to be higher in patients with TWs (19% with vs. 11% without TWs).ConclusionsAlcohol abuse, liver insufficiency, infections and subcortical brain atrophy were independently associated with TWs in patients matched for clinical and EEG features of encephalopathy. These associations strengthen the hypothesis that TWs evolve from an interplay of pathological neurostructural, metabolic and toxic conditions. When matched for EEG background activity and GCS, TWs were not associated with death.
Hearing loss may be a non‐motor feature of Parkinson's disease in older people in Taiwan
Authors: Lai S.‐W. , Liao K.‐F. , Lin C.‐L. , Lin C.‐C. , Sung F.‐C. 
Published: February 2014

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to explore whether hearing loss is associated with the risk of Parkinson's disease in the elderly in Taiwan.MethodsUsing claims data of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program, 4976 patients (aged 65 years or older) with newly diagnosed hearing loss from 2000 to 2010 were identified and 19 904 subjects without hearing loss were randomly selected as comparisons, frequency matched by sex, age and index year of diagnosing hearing loss. The incidence of Parkinson's disease by the end of 2010 and the associated risk factors were investigated.ResultsThe incidence of Parkinson's disease in the hearing loss group was 1.77‐fold higher than that in the non‐hearing‐loss group (3.11 vs. 1.76 per 1000 person‐years). After controlling for confounding factors, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of Parkinson's disease was 1.53 (95% CI 1.17, 1.99) for the hearing loss group compared with the non‐hearing‐loss group. Male sex (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.02, 1.74), age (for each year, HR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.04, 1.09), hypertension (HR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.26, 2.30) and cerebrovascular disease (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.37, 2.32) were also significantly associated with the risk of Parkinson's disease.ConclusionsHearing loss correlates with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease in the elderly. Further studies are needed to confirm whether hearing loss could be a non‐motor feature of Parkinson's disease.
Neuroinfectious diseases at a European neurological tertiary care center: one‐third of patients require treatment in the neurological intensive care unit
Authors: Buchholz G. , Ormanns S. , Pfister H.‐W. , Koedel U. , Klein M. 
Published: February 2014

Background and purposeStudies on the impact of infectious diseases affecting the nervous system are sparse.MethodsAll patients with neuroinfectious diseases (NIDs) who were treated at our Department of Neurology from 2005 until 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsPatients with NIDs required treatment at the intensive care unit in 34.8%. The mortality rate of patients with NIDs was significantly higher than that of other inpatients with neurological diseases (5.1% vs. 3.0%, respectively, P = 0.018).ConclusionIn summary, this study shows that patients with NIDs are severely ill and mortality is high.
Generalist versus specialist strategies of plasticity: snail responses to predators with different foraging modes
Authors: Hoverman Jason T. , Cothran Rickey D. , Relyea Rick A. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Phenotypic plasticity is a common adaptation to environmental heterogeneity, and theory predicts that the evolution of constitutive versus plastic strategies should depend on the frequency of alternative environments, the magnitude of constraints and the costs of plasticity per se. However, it is unclear how species should evolve when they experience more than two environments that favour divergent phenotypes, particularly when they have absolute constraints on their morphology.

We examined the plasticity of three freshwater snail species (Helisoma anceps, H. campanulata and H. trivolvis) in response to three environments: (i) no predator; (ii) shell‐invading water bugs (Belostoma flumineum) and (iii) shell‐crushing crayfish (Orconectes rusticus). We found distinct responses by each snail species to the predator treatments. Helisoma anceps starts with a relatively low, narrow and thick shell that becomes lower and thicker in response to crayfish but is unresponsive to water bugs. In contrast, H. campanulata starts with a relatively high, wide and thin shell that becomes lower and wider in response to water bugs but is unresponsive to crayfish. Helisoma trivolvis starts with a shell of intermediate height and width while the predators induce defences in different directions.

These results suggest that H. trivolvis has a generalist plastic strategy while H. anceps and H. campanulata have specialised plastic strategies orientated against a single type of predator at the potential cost of being unable to respond to others.

We then performed predation trials to determine predator preferences using a mixture of the three species. After 2 weeks of exposure to crayfish cues, H. anceps had higher survival than both H. trivolvis and H. campanulata with uncaged crayfish. After 2 weeks of exposure to water bug cues, both H. trivolvis and H. campanulata had higher survival than H. anceps with uncaged water bugs. When predation trials were conducted after 5 weeks of exposure to predator cues, H. trivolvis and H. campanulata reached a size refuge from both predators and this shifted predation pressure to H. anceps.

Collectively, these results suggest that closely related prey species with different absolute constraints in their morphology had different defences that are either specialised or generalised to alternative environments.
Food resources and vegetation structure mediate climatic effects on species richness of birds
Authors: Ferger Stefan W. , Schleuning Matthias , Hemp Andreas , Howell Kim M. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimClimate is widely recognized as a major predictor of species richness patterns along large‐scale environmental gradients. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which climate influences species richness are still a matter of debate. We disentangle whether climate influences species richness of birds directly via physiological limitations or indirectly via vegetation structure or the availability of food resources.LocationMount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.MethodsWe recorded bird species richness along an elevational gradient from 870 to 4550 m a.s.l. We quantified local climatic conditions, vegetation structure and the availability of food resources, and applied path analysis to disentangle their direct and indirect effects on species richness of all birds, frugivores and insectivores.ResultsOverall, we recorded 2945 individuals from 114 bird species. Species richness of all birds was closely correlated with temperature, vegetation structure and invertebrate biomass and both direct and indirect (via vegetation structure and availability of food resources) climatic effects were important for the diversity of the whole, trophically heterogeneous bird community. The species richness of insectivorous birds was linked to vegetation structure and invertebrate biomass, while the richness of frugivores was strongly associated with fruit abundance. Climatic factors influenced bird species richness of both avian feeding guilds exclusively indirectly via vegetation structure and availability of food resources.Main conclusionsWe reveal the importance of trophic interactions for generating species richness patterns along large‐scale environmental gradients. Our results challenge the general assumption that temperature and water availability influence species richness mostly directly, and underscore the importance of vegetation structure and the availability of food resources as principal mediators of climatic effects on species richness patterns on macroecological scales.
Identifying factors associated with changes in physical functioning in an older population
Authors: Chen Chun‐Min , Chang Wen‐Chiung , Lan Tzuo‐Yun 
Published: February 2014

AimThe present study evaluated the association between changes in physical functioning and a variety of factors in an older population in Taiwan.MethodsThe data of 907 participants were derived from a three‐wave cohort study of aging, the Functioning and Aging Study in Taipei, with a study period from 2005 to 2009. Functional status was assessed using activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living and mobility tasks, and classified as being normal, with mild disability, moderate disability, and severe disability. All potential factors were allocated into five groups including demography, chronic diseases, geriatric conditions, lifestyle and physical assessments. Generalized estimating equations and generalized linear mixed‐effects models were used to identify factors responsible for changes in physical functioning across different waves of data.ResultsThe proportion of elderly participants with normal function decreased with time throughout the study period. The results of Generalized estimating equations and mixed effects models showed nearly identical sets of factors. These included age, living arrangements, social support, self‐rated health, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, depression, cognition, vision, history of fracture and falls, incontinence of urine and feces, physical activity, body mass index, and short physical performance battery.ConclusionsOlder persons with stroke, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, geriatric conditions and poor short physical performance battery score should be considered as the target of prevention against functional decline. Those not living with spouses, with poor self‐rated health, with low social support, being underweight or obese and with a sedentary lifestyle might also require major attention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 156–164.
FTY720 stimulated ROS generation and the Sty1/Atf1 signaling pathway in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Hagihara Kanako , Mizukura Aya , Kitai Yuki , Yao Mariko , Ishida Kouki , Kita Ayako , Kunoh Tatsuki , Masuko Takashi , Matzno Sumio , Chiba Kenji , Sugiura Reiko 
Published: February 2014

Fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720) is the first‐in‐class immune modulator known as sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor agonists. FTY720 has also been reported to exert a variety of physiological functions such as antitumor effect, angiogenesis inhibition, and Ca2+ mobilization. Here, we show that FTY720 treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and investigated the effect of FTY720 on the stress‐activated MAP kinase Spc1/Sty1, a functional homologue of p38 MAPK, using a Renilla luciferase reporter construct fused to the CRE, which gives an accurate measure of the transcriptional activity of Atf1 and thus serves as a faithful readout of the Spc1/Sty1 MAPK signaling in response to oxidative stresses. FTY720 stimulated the CRE responses in a concentration‐dependent manner, which was markedly reduced by deletion of the components of the Spc1/Sty1 MAPK pathway. The blockade of ROS production by NAC (N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine) significantly reversed the FTY720‐induced ROS accumulation, subsequent activation of the Spc1/Sty1 MAPK pathway, and inhibition of cell proliferation. Cells lacking the components of the Spc1/Sty1 MAPK exhibited higher sensitivity to FTY720 and higher ROS levels upon FTY720 treatment than in wild‐type cells. Thus, our results demonstrate the usefulness of fission yeast for elucidating the FTY720‐mediated signaling pathways involving ROS.
Triple Therapy with High‐Dose Proton‐Pump Inhibitor, Amoxicillin, and Doxycycline Is Useless for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: Almeida Nuno , Romãozinho José M. , Donato Maria M. , Luxo Cristina , Cardoso Olga , Cipriano Maria A. , Marinho Carol , Sofia Carlos 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroductionHelicobacter pylori resistance to antibiotics is steadily increasing and multidrug‐resistant strains are common and difficult to eliminate, mainly in countries where bismuth, tetracycline, furazolidone, and rifabutin are unavailable.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a triple therapy with proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, and doxycycline in patients with multidrug‐resistant H. pylori.Patients and MethodsThis prospective study involved 16 patients (13 females; mean age – 50 ± 11.3 years) infected by H. pylori with known resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin, but susceptibility to amoxicillin and tetracycline. All patients were previously submitted to upper endoscopy with gastric biopsies for H. pylori culture and susceptibility testing by Etest. Mutations in 23S rRNA and gyrA genes were determined by real‐time PCR. A 10‐day eradication regimen with PPI (double‐standard dose b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.), and doxycycline (100 mg b.i.d.) was prescribed after pretreatment with PPI during 3 days. Eradication success was assessed by 13C‐urea breath test 6–10 weeks after treatment. Compliance and adverse events were determined through phone contact immediately after treatment and specific written questionnaires.ResultsOnly one patient did not complete treatment due to adverse events. Another four patients experienced mild side effects not affecting compliance. The control 13C‐urea breath test was positive in all patients. Per‐protocol and intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 0%.ConclusionsAlthough safe, a triple‐therapy protocol with high‐dose PPI, amoxicillin, and doxycycline is useless for multidrug‐resistant H. pylori eradication.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection by Birth Year and Geographic Area in Japan
Authors: Ueda Junko , Gosho Masahiko , Inui Yoshikatsu , Matsuda Toru , Sakakibara Masatoshi , Mabe Katsuhiro , Nakajima Shigemi , Shimoyama Tadashi , Yasuda Mitsugi , Kawai Takashi , Murakami Kazunari , Kamada Tomoari , Mizuno Motowo , Kikuchi Shogo , Lin Yingsong , Kato Mototsugu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐related diseases are responsible for a tremendous amount of morbidity and mortality in Japan. We estimated the prevalence of H. pylori infection by sex, birth year, and geographic area among Japanese adults.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 14,716 subjects aged 20 years or more who underwent a health checkup between May 1997 and March 2013 in seven geographic areas throughout Japan. Relevant information on the demographics and status of H. pylori infection was retrieved from the electronic database. The univariate log‐binominal regression model was used to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori infection, taking birth year into consideration. The multivariate log‐binominal regression model was used to compare the prevalence of H. pylori infection between seven geographic areas.ResultsThe overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 37.6% in women and 43.2% in men. Among seven geographic areas, Hokkaido showed the lowest prevalence (29.4%), while Yamagata Prefecture represented the highest (54.5%). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was highest in the 1940–1949 birth cohort and then decreased in the ensuing birth cohorts; the risk ratio (RR) was 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–0.87) for changes in the 10‐year birth cohort. Individuals in Yamagata Prefecture had the highest RR of acquiring H. pylori infection in all three birth cohorts (RR = 1.53 for 1940, RR = 1.69 for 1950, and RR = 1.85 for 1960) when compared with those in Hokkaido.ConclusionsThe prevalence of H. pylori infection increases with age and exhibits geographic variation in Japan. There has been a striking decrease in the prevalence of H. pylori infection, especially in younger Japanese populations.