bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety of intra‐arterial treatment in acute ischaemic stroke patients on oral anticoagulants. A cohort study and systematic review
Authors: Rozeman A. D. , Wermer M. J. H. , Lycklama à Nijeholt G. J. , Dippel D. W. J. , Schonewille W. J. , Boiten J. , Algra A. ,   the MR CLEAN pre‐trial study group
Published: May 2015

Background and purposeAn elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of >1.7 is a contraindication for the use of intravenous thrombolytics in acute ischaemic stroke. Local intra‐arterial therapy (IAT) is considered a safe alternative. The safety and outcome of IAT were investigated in patients with acute ischaemic stroke using oral anticoagulants (OACs).MethodsData were obtained from a large national Dutch database on IAT in acute stroke patients. Patients were categorized according to the INR: >1.7 and ≤1.7. Primary outcome was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), defined as deterioration in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≥4 and ICH on brain imaging. Secondary outcomes were clinical outcome at discharge and 3 months. Occurrence of outcomes was compared with risk ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Further, a systematic review and meta‐analysis on sICH risk in acute stroke patients on OACs treated with IAT was performed.ResultsFour hundred and fifty‐six patients were included. Eighteen patients had an INR > 1.7 with a median INR of 2.4 (range 1.8–4.1). One patient (6%) in the INR > 1.7 group developed a sICH compared with 53 patients (12%) in the INR ≤ 1.7 group (risk ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.07–3.13). Clinical outcomes did not differ between the two groups. Our meta‐analysis showed a first week sICH risk of 8.1% (95% confidence interval 3.9%–17.1%) in stroke patients with elevated INR treated with IAT.ConclusionThe use of OACs, leading to an INR > 1.7, did not seem to increase the risk of an sICH in patients with an acute stroke treated with IAT.
Perineuronal net degradation in epilepsy
Authors: Rankin‐Gee Elyse K. , McRae Paulette A. , Baranov Esther , Rogers Stephanie , Wandrey Luke , Porter Brenda E. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryObjectiveWe previously reported loss of perineuronal net (PN) immunohistochemical staining around parvalbumin‐positive interneurons in the hippocampus of rats after an episode of status epilepticus (SE). We hypothesized that the loss of thePNcould alter seizure susceptibility and that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were candidates for degradation of thePNfollowingSE.MethodsThe pilocarpine chemoconvulsant rodent epilepsy model was used to characterize the degradation of the aggrecan component of thePNin the hippocampus following SE. ChondroitinaseABC(ChABC) was used to degrade thePNin mice. Onset, number, and duration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)–induced seizures were assessed.ResultsThe loss of thePNin the hippocampus followingSEis at least partially related to degradation of the aggrecanPNcomponent byMMPactivity. Forty‐eight hours afterSE, a neoepitope created byMMPcleavage of aggrecan was present and concentrated around parvalbumin‐positive interneurons. The increase in aggrecan cleavage products was found at 48 h, 1 week, and 2 months afterSE, with different fragments predominating over time. We demonstrate ongoing aggrecan proteolysis and fragment accumulation in the hippocampus of adult control rats, as well as inSE‐treated animals. Degradation of thePNalters the seizure response toPTZ. ChABC treatment caused an increase in myoclonic seizures followingPTZadministration, a delayed onset of Racine stage 4/5 seizure, and a decreased duration of Racine stage 4/5 seizure.SignificanceStatus epilepticus increasesMMPproteolysis of aggrecan, pointing toMMPactivity as one mechanism ofPNdegradation post‐SE. There is accumulation of aggrecan fragments in adult rat hippocampus of both control andSE‐exposed animals. Loss of thePNwas associated with increased numbers of myoclonic seizures; it also, delayed and shortened the duration of Racine stage 4/5 seizures, suggesting a complex relationship between thePNand seizure susceptibility.
Colour and Escape Behaviour in Polymorphic Populations of an Aposematic Poison Frog
Authors: Dugas Matthew B. , Halbrook Susannah R. , Killius Allison M. , del Sol Jillian F. , Richards‐Zawacki Corinne L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe phenomenon of aposematism, or the pairing of antipredator defence with conspicuous or distinctive signals, serves as an excellent example of how traits act in concert to shape fitness. Not only does this complex phenotype require the integration of multiple traits, it alters the fitness pay‐offs of yet others. The protection offered by aposematism may, for example, reduce the costs associated with foraging or sexual display. Thus, well‐protected aposematic lineages should be bolder, more active and less likely to respond to perceived threats of predation than more cryptic lineages. Comparisons of differently coloured morphs of the polytypic strawberry poison frog (Oophaga pumilio) have supported the predicted behavioural correlates of aposematism, with the exception of those regarding responsiveness to simulated predators. We tested the key prediction that aposematic coloration will be associated with reduced sensitivity to predators in two polymorphic O. pumilio populations. The novel approach of studying polymorphic populations allowed us to assess the effect of colour in the absence of potentially confounding habitat differences. We found that colour was associated with the probability that a frog would attempt escape and the distance at which it fled, but only in one population, and not in the predicted direction. An overall comparison of the two populations superficially supported our predictions, but this pattern actually arose because frogs occupying higher perches were less likely to respond, a pattern that may reflect the value of high perches and the costs associated with returning to them after attempted escape. These results highlight the complexity of the relationship between predators and prey, the challenges associated with understanding how and why traits are correlated, and the intimate ties between behaviour and morphological evolution.
Discovery and characterization of thermophilic limonene‐1,2‐epoxide hydrolases from hot spring metagenomic libraries
Authors: Ferrandi Erica Elisa , Sayer Christopher , Isupov Michail N. , Annovazzi Celeste , Marchesi Carlotta , Iacobone Gianluca , Peng Xu , Bonch‐Osmolovskaya Elizaveta , Wohlgemuth Roland , Littlechild Jennifer A. , Monti Daniela 
Published: May 2015

The epoxide hydrolases (EHs) represent an attractive option for the synthesis of chiral epoxides and 1,2‐diols which are valuable building blocks for the synthesis of several pharmaceutical compounds. A metagenomic approach has been used to identify two new members of the atypical EH limonene‐1,2‐epoxide hydrolase (LEH) family of enzymes. These two LEHs (Tomsk‐LEH and CH55‐LEH) show EH activities towards different epoxide substrates, differing in most cases from those previously identified for Rhodococcus erythropolis (Re‐LEH) in terms of stereoselectivity. Tomsk‐LEH and CH55‐LEH, both from thermophilic sources, have higher optimal temperatures and apparent melting temperatures than Re‐LEH. The new LEH enzymes have been crystallized and their structures solved to high resolution in the native form and in complex with the inhibitor valpromide for Tomsk‐LEH and poly(ethylene glycol) for CH55‐LEH. The structural analysis has provided insights into the LEH mechanism, substrate specificity and stereoselectivity of these new LEH enzymes, which has been supported by mutagenesis studies.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors of the crystal structures have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with the codes 5AIF (Tomsk‐LEH native structure), 5AIG (Tomsk‐LEH valpromide complex), 5AIH (CH55‐LEH native structure) and 5AII (CH55‐LEH PEG complex). Nucleotide sequence data are available in the GenBank databases under the accession numbers KP765711 (Tomsk‐LEH) and KP765710 (CH55‐LEH).
Silicon‐based quantum dots induce inflammation in human lung cells and disrupt extracellular matrix homeostasis
Authors: Stan Miruna‐Silvia , Sima Cornelia , Cinteza Ludmila Otilia , Dinischiotu Anca 
Published: May 2015

Quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystalline semiconductor materials that have been tested for biological applications such as cancer therapy, cellular imaging and drug delivery, despite the serious lack of information of their effects on mammalian cells. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of Si/SiO2 QDs to induce an inflammatory response in MRC‐5 human lung fibroblasts. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of Si/SiO2 QDs (25–200 μg·mL−1) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The results obtained showed that uptake of QDs was dependent on biocorona formation and the stability of nanoparticles in various biological media (minimum essential medium without or with 10% fetal bovine serum). The cell membrane damage indicated by the increase in lactate dehydrogenase release after exposure to QDs was dose‐ and time‐dependent. The level of lysosomes increased proportionally with the concentration of QDs, whereas an accumulation of autophagosomes was also observed. Cellular morphology was affected, as shown by the disruption of actin filaments. The enhanced release of nitric oxide and the increase in interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 protein expression suggested that nanoparticles triggered an inflammatory response in MRC‐5 cells. QDs decreased the protein expression and enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 and also MMP‐1 caseinase activity, whereas the protein levels of MMP‐1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 increased. The present study reveals for the first time that silicon‐based QDs are able to generate inflammation in lung cells and cause an imbalance in extracellular matrix turnover through a differential regulation of MMPs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 protein expression.
The influence of feedstock supply risk on location of stover‐based bio‐gasoline plants
Authors: Sesmero Juan , Sun Xin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study models and quantifies spatially referenced probability distributions of corn residue cost and assesses their influence on comparative advantages of different areas of the Corn Belt to attract biofuel plants. Results suggest that irrigated areas of the Corn Belt, despite their relatively low planting density, may result more attractive than some of their rainfed counterparts in the eastern Corn Belt due to low risk in feedstock cost resulting from stability of yields. Therefore, agricultural districts in the Great Plains of the US may not need to pay high subsidies to compete with those in the eastern Corn Belt to attract biofuel firms. Policy restrictions on irrigation due to concerns over groundwater depletion may, however, diminish the relative comparative advantage of the irrigated Corn Belt for biofuel production.
The effect of physically applied alpha hydroxyl acids on the skin pore and comedone
Authors: Kim S. J. , Baek J. H. , Koh J. S. , Bae M. I. , Lee S. J. , Shin M. K. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveAlpha hydroxy acids (AHA) have been recognized as commonly used therapy for acne. Our studies examined whether an additional effect of physical treatment using chemical peeling combined with negative pressure and compared with AHA treatment only occurs in acne‐prone subjects.MethodsThe chemical peeling agent used 4% of an AHA solution (mixture of 1000 mL of carbonated water, 20 mL of glycolic acid and 20 mL of lactic acid). All subjects’ faces were randomly divided into test and control groups. The test group was treated with chemical peeling combined with a physical effect, and the control group applied chemical peeling alone. For the 23 healthy females (average age: 30.17 ± 5.06 year), we measured sebum output level by light transmission, pore area and number by optical image analyser, and comedone counting before treatment and at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after a single treatment.ResultsCompared to the before treatment, whiteheads and blackheads were significantly decreased at 1, 2 and 4 weeks in the test group (P < 0.05), but for the control group, whiteheads and blackheads showed a tendency to decrease at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. Also at 1 week, whiteheads and blackheads of the test group significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Pore area and number significantly decreased at 1 week (P < 0.05), and the sebum output level was significantly decreased at 4 weeks (P < 0.05) only in the test group, which did not show any significant group difference for individual parameters.Conclusion4% AHA solution combined with a physical effect had rapidly improving effects on whiteheads and blackheads synergistically. Combined physical therapy may have more impact on pore size and seborrhoea.
Renin–angiotensin system blockade: Its contribution and controversy
Authors: Miyajima Akira , Kosaka Takeo , Kikuchi Eiji , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAngiotensin II is a key biological peptide in the renin–angiotensin system that regulates blood pressure and renal hemodynamics, and extensive experimental studies have shown that angiotensin II promotes diverse fibrotic changes and induces neovascularization in several inflammatory diseases. It is known that angiotensin II can be controlled using renin–angiotensin system blockade when angiotensin II is the main factor inducing a particular disease, and renin–angiotensin system blockade has assumed a central role in the treatment of inflammatory nephritis, cardiovascular disorders and retinopathy. In contrast, renin–angiotensin system blockade was found to have not only these effects but also other functions, such as inhibition of cancer growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Numerous studies have sought to elucidate the mechanisms and support these antitumor effects. However, a recent meta‐analysis showed that renin–angiotensin system blockade use might in fact increase the incidence of cancer, so renin–angiotensin system blockade use has become somewhat controversial. Although the renin–angiotensin system has most certainly made great contributions to experimental models and clinical practice, some issues still need to be resolved. The present review discusses the contribution and controversy surrounding the renin–angiotensin system up to the present time.
Implications of paraureteral diverticulum for the management of vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Im Young Jae , Lee Yong Seung , Kim Sang Woon , Han Sang Won 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical importance of paraureteral diverticulum in the management of vesicoureteral reflux by analyzing the relationship between paraureteral diverticulum and recurrent urinary tract infections.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 131 children diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux. We diagnosed vesicoureteral reflux and paraureteral diverticulum by initial voiding cystourethrography and defined “delayed ureteral drainage” as the presence of contrast media in the upper urinary tract on delayed films after voiding. We analyzed the relationships between paraureteral diverticulum, delayed ureteral drainage and recurrent urinary tract infections.ResultsThe mean age at diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux was 20.7 months. Of the 202 refluxing ureters, 55 (27.2%) had a paraureteral diverticulum. Of the 55 ureters with paraureteral diverticulum, 51 (92.7%) showed delayed ureteral drainage of refluxing contrast, which was significantly higher than the percentage of delayed ureteral drainage in ureters without paraureteral diverticulum (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis of the effect of reflux grade or paraureteral diverticulum on delayed ureteral drainage of refluxing contrast, the odds ratio of paraureteral diverticulum was 11.47 (P < 0.001). In addition, the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections increased in ureters with paraureteral diverticulum (P = 0.020).ConclusionsIn patients with vesicoureteral reflux and paraureteral diverticulum, the risk of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections seems to increase. Therefore, more progressive surveillance and treatment protocols should be considered in these patients.
Comparative study of postoperative morbidity in dental treatment under general anesthesia in pediatric patients with and without an underlying disease
Authors: Escanilla‐Casal Alejandro , Ausucua‐Ibáñez Martina , Aznar‐Gómez Mireia , Viaño‐García José M. , Sentís‐Vilalta Joan , Rivera‐Baró Alejandro 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo identify and quantify the variables and their influence on postoperative morbidity in dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) in pediatric patients with and without an underlying disease.MethodsA prospective, descriptive, and comparative analysis was conducted of healthy (n = 49) and disabled/medically compromised (n = 81) children treated under GA. Intra‐/post‐surgical, clinical epidemiology, technical, care‐related, and pharmacologic data were gathered, as were postoperative complications.ResultsThe average age of ASA I patients (6.7 ± 4.4 years) was younger than that of ASA II‐III patients (9.0 ± 4.5 years). Average hospitalization time was 4.27 ± 6.5 h in ASA I and 7.41 ± 6.8 h in ASA II‐III. Significant differences were found between the two groups in fillings, pulpotomies, oral surgery, and scaling. Postoperative morbidity in ASA I and ASA II‐III was similar both in frequency and severity and decreased during the first 72 h. The most common complication in both groups was toothache.ConclusionPostoperative morbidity is high after dental treatment under GA, but it is not higher in disabled/medically compromised patients.
On Authority and its Relationship to Power
Authors: Barnes Barry 
Published: May 2015

This paper suggests an alternative to the received view of the relationship between power and authority. It regards authorities as the passive agents of powers. Thus to possess authority is to possess less than to possess power in its own right. Contrast this with the received view where to possess authority is to possess more than to possess power: authority may be power plus legitimacy, or power plus consent. The paper goes on to consider some of the implications of this alternative view, and shows how it allows an analogy between possessing authority in relation to actions and being an authority in relation to knowledge and culture.
Patterns and predictors of medication discrepancies in primary care
Authors: Coletti Daniel J. , Stephanou Hara , Mazzola Nissa , Conigliaro Joseph , Gottridge JoAnne , Kane John M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesIdentifying medication discrepancies across transitions of care is a common patient safety problem. Research examining relations between medication discrepancies and adherence, however, is limited. The objective of this investigation is to explore the relations between adherence and patient–provider medication discrepancies, and to test the hypothesis that non‐adherence would be associated with medication discrepancies.MethodsThree hundred twenty‐eight outpatients completed a current medication list and measures of health literacy, adherence, perceived physical functioning and subjective well‐being. Patient lists were compared with active medications in the electronic medical record. Multivariate analyses identified demographic, clinical and patient‐reported variables associated with discrepancies involving prescribed daily medications.ResultsDespite high rates of self‐reported adherence, patients reported taking fewer medications than the number of active medications in their medical record (3.79 vs. 4.83, P < 0.001). We identified one or more discrepancies in most records (294/328 or 89.6%). Identified discrepancies were completely reconciled in only 21.1% of patients with discrepancies. Discrepancies were associated with lower health literacy, poorer physical health status and subjective well‐being, and poorer adherence to the regimen patients believed they had been prescribed. Multivariate analysis indicated that the number of medical record‐reported medications and subjective well‐being independently predicted the presence of discrepancies.ConclusionsFindings suggest a complex relation between treatment adherence and medication discrepancies in which patient well‐being and regimen complexity work in tandem to create discordance between patient and provider medication plans. Simplifying regimens when possible and attending to patient life satisfaction may improve adherence to a regimen constructed jointly between patient and provider.
Rapid assessment of cognitive function in down syndrome across intellectual level and dementia status
Authors: Walsh D. M. , Doran E. , Silverman W. , Tournay A. , Movsesyan N. , Lott I. T. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdults with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk of developing dementia and cognitive assessment is a fundamental part of the diagnostic process. Previously, we developed a Rapid Assessment for Developmental Disabilities (RADD), a brief, broadly focused direct test of cognition. In the current report, we assess whether the RADD is sensitive to dementia in DS and the degree to which it compares with other cognitive measures of dementia in this population.MethodsIn a sample of 114 individuals with DS, with dementia diagnosed in 62%, the RADD was compared with the Dementia Questionnaire for Mentally Retarded Persons (DMR), the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale, Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), and the Brief Praxis Test (BPT).ResultsThe RADD showed predicted effects across intellectual disability (ID) levels and dementia status (p < 0.001). Six‐month test‐retest reliability for the subset of individuals without dementia was high (r(41) = 0.95, p < 0.001). Criterion‐referenced validity was demonstrated by correlations between RADD scores and ID levels based upon prior intelligence testing and clinical diagnoses (rs(114) = 0.67, p = 0.001) and with other measures of cognitive skills, such as the BPT, SIB, and DMR‐Sum of Cognitive scores (range 0.84 through 0.92). Using receiver operating characteristic curves for groups varying in pre‐morbid severity of ID, the RADD exhibited high sensitivity (0.87) and specificity (0.81) in discriminating among individuals with and without dementia, although sensitivity was somewhat lower (0.73) for the subsample of dementia cases diagnosed no more than 2 years prior to their RADD assessment.ConclusionTaken together, findings indicated that the RADD, a relatively brief, easy‐to‐administer test for cognitive function assessment across ID levels and dementia status, would be a useful component of cognitive assessments for adults with DS, including assessments explicitly focused on dementia.