bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome following multiple subpial transection in Landau‐Kleffner syndrome and related regression
Authors: Downes Michelle , Greenaway Rebecca , Clark Maria , Helen Cross J. , Jolleff Nicola , Harkness William , Kaliakatsos Marios , Boyd Stewart , White Steve , Neville Brian G. R. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo determine whether multiple subpial transection in the posterior temporal lobe has an impact on long‐term outcome in children who have drug‐resistant Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS) or other “electrical status epilepticus during sleep” (ESES)‐related regression. Given the wide variability in outcomes reported in the literature, a secondary aim was to explore predictors of outcome.MethodsThe current study includes a surgery group (n = 14) comprising patients who underwent multiple subpial transection of the posterior temporal lobe and a nonsurgery comparison group (n = 21) comprising patients who underwent presurgical investigations for the procedure, but who did not undergo surgery. Outcomes were assessed utilizing clinical note review as well as direct assessment and questionnaires.ResultsThe distribution of nonclassical cases was comparable between groups. There were some differences between the surgery and nonsurgery groups at presurgical investigation including laterality of discharges, level of language impairment, and age; therefore, follow‐up analyses focused on change over time and predictors of outcome. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in language, nonverbal ability, adaptive behavior, or quality of life at follow‐up. There was no difference in the proportion of patients showing improvement or deterioration in language category over time for either group. Continuing seizures and an earlier age of onset were most predictive of poorer quality of life at long‐term follow‐up (F2,23 = 26.2, p = <0.001, R2 = 0.714).SignificanceBoth surgery and nonsurgery groups had similar proportions of classic LKS and ESES‐related regression. Because no significant differences were found in the changes observed from baseline to follow‐up between the two groups, it is argued that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that multiple subpial transection provides additional benefits over and above the mixed recovery often seen in LKS and related regressive epilepsies.
Spatial and temporal gait characteristics in pre‐frail community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Freire Junior Renato Campos , Porto Jaqueline Mello , Rodrigues Natália Camargo , Brunelli Roberta de Matos , Braga Luis Felipe Pinto , de Abreu Daniela Cristina Carvalho 
Published: September 2015

AimA number of studies have explored possible relationships, behavior, and meanings of spatial and temporal gait variables in frail and pre‐frail older adults, particularly the gait speed variable. However, it is necessary to know the relationship of other spatial and temporal gait variables of pre‐frail older adults. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare gait standards between pre‐frail and non‐frail older people.MethodsA total of 69 older adults aged 60 year and older, divided into two groups, non‐frail (n = 42) and pre‐frail (n = 27), were evaluated. Gait parameters were analyzed using the GAITRite® Platinum 26′ Portable Walkway System.ResultsPre‐frail older people had smaller step lengths (P = 0.041), larger base of support (P = 0.040), lower speed (P = 0.019), lower single support percentage (P = 0.033) and higher double support percentage (P = 0.036), compared with non‐frail older people. A history of falls was correlated to lower gait speed and step length in pre‐frail older adults.ConclusionsIdentifying pre‐frail older people could have significant clinical consequences, as frailty is a dynamic process, and such individuals can therefore progress into a state of frailty or revert to a non‐frail state. Therefore, the identification of gait variables in pre‐frail older people can be an important tool to recognize gait deficits and to initiate the appropriate treatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1102–1108.
Prognostic value of preoperative N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide in non‐cardiac surgery of elderly patients with normal left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Kim In Jai , Moon Jae Youn , Ko Eun‐Jung , Lim Yeong‐Min , Kim Sang Hoon , Yang Woo‐In , Sung Jung‐Hoon , Lim Sang‐Wook , Cha Dong‐Hun 
Published: September 2015

AimWe investigated the prognostic value of preoperative N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in non‐cardiac surgery in elderly patients who showed normal left ventricular function on preoperative echocardiography.MethodsWe analyzed 1459 patients aged older than 70 years who had consulted a cardiologist for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk for non‐cardiac surgery. Of the 721 patients who simultaneously underwent echocardiography and NT‐proBNP assessments, 506 who showed normal left ventricular systolic function were included. The predictive power of NT‐proBNP for the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was evaluated.ResultsMACCE occurred in 40 (7.9%) of the 506 patients, and the median value of NT‐proBNP was higher in patients with complications than in those without (MACCE group: 1700.5 pg/mL vs non MACCE group: 206.35 pg/mL; P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.804 (P < 0.001), with an optimal cut‐off of 425.3 pg/mL. Multivariate analysis showed that increased NT‐proBNP (>425.3 pg/mL; odds ratio 6.381; P < 0.001) was the only independent risk factor for the prediction of MACCE.ConclusionsIn elderly patients who showed normal left ventricular systolic function on echocardiography, measurement of preoperative NT‐proBNP concentration might be a useful test for predicting the occurrence of MACCE after non‐cardiac surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1109–1116.
Inflammatory hypothesis as a link between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bozluolcay Melda , Andican Gülnur , Fırtına Sinem , Erkol Gökhan , Konukoglu Dildar 
Published: September 2015

AimsThe aim of the present study was to evaluate whether there was an inflammation‐mediated link between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) status.MethodsAn age‐matched control group and patient groups designated as AD without treatment (AD); AD under cholinesterase inhibitors (AD‐CEI); DM without treatment (DM); DM under oral antidiabetic agents (DM‐OAD); AD under treatment, who had newly diagnosed DM (AD‐CEI+DM); and DM under treatment, who had newly diagnosed probable AD (DM‐OAD+AD) were studied. Serum inflammation status was evaluated by the determination of serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 levels. CRP levels were determined by an immunonephelometric method. The others were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay methods.ResultsIL‐1β levels were found to be significantly lower in the DM group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The AD group had significantly higher serum IL‐1β levels than the DM group (P < 0.01). IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in the AD and DM groups than in controls (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01). Serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and CRP levels in the AD (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) and DM groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) were significantly higher when compared with the controls. The presence of AD or DM or therapies of the diseases did not significantly change in serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha levels. The AD‐CEI + DM and DM‐OAD+AD groups had significantly higher CRP levels than the AD‐CEI group (P < 0.05) and DM‐OAD groups (P < 0.001), respectively. Serum CRP levels showed a positive correlation with Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (r = 0.339, P < 0.01).ConclusionOur findings support the presence of a low‐grade systemic inflammation link between AD and DM. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1161–1166.
A Study of Permeability Changes Due to Cold Fluid Circulation in Fractured Geothermal Reservoirs
Authors: Gholizadeh Doonechaly Nima , Abdel Azim Reda R. , Rahman Sheik S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractReservoir behavior due to injection and circulation of cold fluid is studied with a shear displacement model based on the distributed dislocation technique, in a poro‐thermoelastic environment. The approach is applied to a selected volume of Soultz geothermal reservoir at a depth range of 3600 to 3700 m. Permeability enhancement and geothermal potential of Soultz geothermal reservoir are assessed over a stimulation period of 3 months and a fluid circulation period of 14 years. This study—by shedding light onto another source of uncertainty—points toward a special role for the fracture surface asperities in predicting the shear dilation of fractures. It was also observed that thermal stress has a significant impact on changing the reservoir stress field. The effect of thermal stresses on reservoir behavior is more evident over longer circulation term as the rock matrix temperature is significantly lowered. Change in the fracture permeability due to the thermal stresses can also lead to the short circuiting between the injection and production wells which in turn decreases the produced fluid temperature significantly. The effect of thermal stress persists during the whole circulation period as it has significant impact on the continuous increase in the flow rate due to improved permeability over the circulation period. In the current study, taking into account the thermal stress resulted in a decrease of about 7 °C in predicted produced fluid temperature after 14 years of cold fluid circulation; a difference which notably influences the potential prediction of an enhanced geothermal system.
Hyper‐responsive Toll‐like receptor 7 and 9 activation in NADPH oxidase‐deficient B lymphoblasts
Authors: McLetchie Shawna , Volpp Bryan D. , Dinauer Mary C. , Blum Janice S. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryChronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency linked with mutations in the multi‐subunit leucocyte NADPH oxidase. Myeloid‐derived phagocytic cells deficient in NADPH oxidase fail to produce sufficient levels of reactive oxygen species to clear engulfed pathogens. In this study we show that oxidase also influences B‐cell functions, including responses to single‐stranded RNA or unmethylated DNA by endosomal Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 9. In response to TLR7/9 ligands, B‐cell lines derived from patients with CGD with mutations in either the NADPH oxidase p40phox or p47phox subunits produced only low levels of reactive oxygen species. Remarkably, cytokine secretion and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation by these oxidase‐deficient B cells was significantly increased upon TLR7/9 activation when compared with oxidase‐sufficient B cells. Increased TLR responsiveness was also detected in B cells from oxidase‐deficient mice. NADPH oxidase‐deficient patient‐derived B cells also expressed enhanced levels of TLR7 and TLR9 mRNA and protein compared with the same cells reconstituted to restore oxidase activity. These data demonstrate that the loss of oxidase function associated with CGD can significantly impact B‐cell TLR signalling in response to nucleic acids with potential repercussions for auto‐reactivity in patients.
The experiences of support persons of people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: an interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Strickland Karen , Worth Allison , Kennedy Catriona 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThis study explores the experience of the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis for the support person and identifies the impact on their lives.BackgroundAt the time of diagnosis, the support person may not be readily identified in a traditional caring role; however, the diagnosis itself brings with it the possibility of changes to the roles in the relationship and possible consequences for biographical construction.DesignA hermeneutic phenomenological study.MethodsA convenience sample of nine support persons was interviewed between December 2008 ‐ March 2010. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.FindingsThe participants in this study were often not readily identifiable as ‘carers’; however, the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis implied a shift towards a caring role at some point in the future. The uncertainty surrounding the nature and progression of the condition left this identity hanging, incomplete and as such contributed to a liminal way of being.ConclusionsThis paper reveals that biographical disruption is not limited to the person diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but that the support person also undergoes a transition to their sense of self to that of ‘anticipatory carer’. The findings provide insight into the biographical and emotional impact of Multiple Sclerosis on the support persons early in the development of the condition.
Impact of Remote Monitoring on Clinical Outcomes
Authors: VARMA NIRAJ , RICCI RENATO PIETRO 
Published: September 2015

Impact of RM on Clinical OutcomesFollow‐up of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices is challenging due to both their increasing volume and technical complexity coupled to increasing clinical complexity of recipient patients. Remote monitoring (RM) offers an opportunity to resolve some of these difficulties by improving clinic efficiencies and providing a mechanism for device monitoring and patient management. Several recent randomized clinical trials and registries have demonstrated that RM may reduce in‐hospital visit numbers, time required for patient follow‐up, physician and nurse time, and hospital and social costs. Furthermore, patient retention and adherence to follow‐up schedule are significantly improved by RM. Continuous wireless monitoring of data stored in the device memory with automatic alerts allows early detection of device malfunctions and of events, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure suitable for clinical intervention. Early reaction may improve patient outcome. RM is easy to use and patients showed a high level of acceptance and satisfaction. Implementing RM in daily practice may require changes in clinic workflow. New organizational models promote significant efficiencies regarding physician and nursing time. Data management techniques are under development. Despite these demonstrable advantages of RM, adoption still remains modest, even in health care systems incentivized to use this follow‐up method.
Temperature‐ and sex‐related effects of serine protease alleles on larval development in the Glanville fritillary butterfly
Authors: Ahola V. , Koskinen P. , Wong S. C. , Kvist J. , Paulin L. , Auvinen P. , Saastamoinen M. , Frilander M. J. , Lehtonen R. , Hanski I. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe body reserves of adult Lepidoptera are accumulated during larval development. In the Glanville fritillary butterfly, larger body size increases female fecundity, but in males fast larval development and early eclosion, rather than large body size, increase mating success and hence fitness. Larval growth rate is highly heritable, but genetic variation associated with larval development is largely unknown. By comparing the Glanville fritillary population living in the Åland Islands in northern Europe with a population in Nantaizi in China, within the source of the post‐glacial range expansion, we identified candidate genes with reduced variation in Åland, potentially affected by selection under cooler climatic conditions than in Nantaizi. We conducted an association study of larval growth traits by genotyping the extremes of phenotypic trait distributions for 23SNPs in 10 genes. Three genes in clip‐domain serine protease family were associated with larval growth rate, development time and pupal weight. Additive effects of twoSNPs in the prophenoloxidase‐activating proteinase‐3 (ProPO3) gene, related to melanization, showed elevated growth rate in high temperature but reduced growth rate in moderate temperature. The allelic effects of the vitellin‐degrading protease precursor gene on development time were opposite in the two sexes, one genotype being associated with long development time and heavy larvae in females but short development time in males. Sexually antagonistic selection is here evident in spite of sexual size dimorphism.
Different susceptibility of indigenous populations of Lymantria dispar to the exotic entomopathogen Entomophaga maimaiga
Authors: Contarini M. , Ruiu L. , Pilarska D. , Luciano P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe recovery of the host‐specific entomopathogen Entomophaga maimaiga is still limited to certain world areas, although it is recently spreading to Eastern Europe. This study evaluated the effectiveness and fitness of an E. maimaiga isolate from Balkans against Lymantria dispar populations collected along the Italian peninsula and main islands, where the fungus has never been reported. As a result of different bioassays, the pathogenicity against gypsy moth larvae was generally confirmed, although significant differences among insects feeding upon diverse forest plant species were observed. The lack of significant susceptibility of other lepidopteran species from the same areas is also reported.
DO MOTIVATED INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS MONITOR FIRM PAYOUT AND PERFORMANCE?
Authors: Nagel Gregory L. , Qayyum M. Arif , Roskelley Kenneth D. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe document a positive relation between shareholder monitoring and total payout to shareholders using two monitoring proxies that jointly consider an investor's ability and incentive to monitor. We find that this relation is even stronger for firms with poor growth options and with greater potential for agency problems. Unlike traditional proxies, our two proxies do not exhibit any endogeneity with payout policy. We further show that monitoring is positively associated with future improvements in payout and operating performance. These findings are consistent with the prediction that shareholder monitoring leads to higher payout through increased efficiency and reduced agency costs.
Main path and byways: non‐vesicular glutamate release by system xc− as an important modifier of glutamatergic neurotransmission
Authors: Massie Ann , Boillée Séverine , Hewett Sandra , Knackstedt Lori , Lewerenz Jan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSystem xc− is a cystine/glutamate antiporter that exchanges extracellular cystine for intracellular glutamate. Cystine is intracellularly reduced to cysteine, a building block of GSH. As such, system xc− can regulate the antioxidant capacity of cells. Moreover, in several brain regions, system xc− is the major source of extracellular glutamate. As such this antiporter is able to fulfill key physiological functions in the CNS, while evidence indicates it also plays a role in certain brain pathologies. Since the transcription of xCT, the specific subunit of system xc−, is enhanced by the presence of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines, system xc− could be involved in toxic extracellular glutamate release in neurological disorders that are associated with increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. System xc− has also been reported to contribute to the invasiveness of brain tumors and, as a source of extracellular glutamate, could participate in the induction of peritumoral seizures.Two independent reviews (Pharmacol. Rev. 64, 2012, 780; Antioxid. Redox Signal. 18, 2013, 522), approached from a different perspective, have recently been published on the functions of system xc− in the CNS. In this review, we highlight novel achievements and insights covering the regulation of system xc− as well as its involvement in emotional behavior, cognition, addiction, neurological disorders and glioblastomas, acquired in the past few years.
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System xc− constitutes an important source of extrasynaptic glutamate in the brain. By modulating the tone of extrasynaptic metabotropic or ionotropic glutamate receptors, it affects excitatory neurotransmission, the threshold for overexcitation and excitotoxicity and, as a consequence, behavior. This review describes the current knowledge of how system xc− is regulated and involved in physiological as well as pathophysiological brain functioning.
A new role for AMP‐activated protein kinase in the circadian regulation of L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels in late‐stage embryonic retinal photoreceptors
Authors: Huang Cathy C.Y. , Shi Liheng , Lin Chia‐Hung , Kim Andy Jeesu , Ko Michael L. , Ko Gladys Y.‐P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor, which is activated when the intracellular ATP production decreases. The activities of AMPK display circadian rhythms in various organs and tissues, indicating that AMPK is involved in the circadian regulation of cellular metabolism. In vertebrate retina, the circadian clocks regulate many aspects of retinal function and physiology, including light/dark adaption, but whether and how AMPK was involved in the retinal circadian rhythm was not known. We hypothesized that the activation of AMPK (measured as phosphorylated AMPK) in the retina was under circadian control, and AMPK might interact with other intracellular signaling molecules to regulate photoreceptor physiology. We combined ATP assays, western blots, immunostaining, patch‐clamp recordings, and pharmacological treatments to decipher the role of AMPK in the circadian regulation of photoreceptor physiology. We found that the overall retinal ATP content displayed a diurnal rhythm that peaked at early night, which was nearly anti‐phase to the diurnal and circadian rhythms of AMPK phosphorylation. AMPK was also involved in the circadian phase‐dependent regulation of photoreceptor L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels (L‐VGCCs), the ion channel essential for sustained neurotransmitter release. The activation of AMPK dampened the L‐VGCC currents at night with a corresponding decrease in protein expression of the L‐VGCCα1 pore‐forming subunit, while inhibition of AMPK increased the L‐VGCC current during the day. AMPK appeared to be upstream of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) but downstream of adenylyl cyclase in regulating the circadian rhythm of L‐VGCCs. Hence, as a cellular energy sensor, AMPK integrates into the cell signaling network to regulate the circadian rhythm of photoreceptor physiology.
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We found that in chicken embryonic retina, the activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is under circadian control and anti‐phase to the retinal ATP rhythm. While ATP content is higher at night, phosphorylated AMPK (pAMPK) is higher during the day. AMPK appears to be upstream of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) but downstream of adenylyl cyclase in regulating the circadian rhythm of L‐VGCCs. Therefore, as a cellular energy sensor, AMPK integrates into the cell signaling network to regulate the circadian rhythm of photoreceptor physiology.
Is Historical Cost Accounting a Panacea? Market Stress, Incentive Distortions, and Gains Trading
Authors: ELLUL ANDREW , JOTIKASTHIRA CHOTIBHAK , LUNDBLAD CHRISTIAN T. , WANG YIHUI 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTAccounting rules, through their interactions with capital regulations, affect financial institutions’ trading behavior. The insurance industry provides a laboratory to explore these interactions: life insurers have greater flexibility than property and casualty insurers to hold speculative‐grade assets at historical cost, and the degree to which life insurers recognize market values differs across U.S. states. During the financial crisis, insurers facing a lesser degree of market value recognition are less likely to sell downgraded asset‐backed securities. To improve their capital positions, these insurers disproportionately resort to gains trading, selectively selling otherwise unrelated bonds with high unrealized gains, transmitting shocks across markets.