bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcranial direct current stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex modulates arithmetic learning
Authors: Grabner Roland H. , Rütsche Bruno , Ruff Christian C. , Hauser Tobias U. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe successful acquisition of arithmetic skills is an essential step in the development of mathematical competencies and has been associated with neural activity in the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC). It is unclear, however, whether this brain region plays a causal role in arithmetic skill acquisition and whether arithmetic learning can be modulated by means of non‐invasive brain stimulation of this key region. In the present study we addressed these questions by applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left PPC during a short‐term training that simulates the typical path of arithmetic skill acquisition (specifically the transition from effortful procedural to memory‐based problem‐solving strategies). Sixty participants received either anodal, cathodal or sham tDCS while practising complex multiplication and subtraction problems. The stability of the stimulation‐induced learning effects was assessed in a follow‐up test 24 h after the training. Learning progress was modulated by tDCS. Cathodal tDCS (compared with sham) decreased learning rates during training and resulted in poorer performance which lasted over 24 h after stimulation. Anodal tDCS showed an operation‐specific improvement for subtraction learning. Our findings extend previous studies by demonstrating that the left PPC is causally involved in arithmetic learning (and not only in arithmetic performance) and that even a short‐term tDCS application can modulate the success of arithmetic knowledge acquisition. Moreover, our finding of operation‐specific anodal stimulation effects suggests that the enhancing effects of tDCS on learning can selectively affect just one of several cognitive processes mediated by the stimulated area.
Clinical significance of CYP2C9‐status guided valproic acid therapy in children
Authors: Bűdi Tamás , Tóth Katalin , Nagy Andrea , Szever Zsuzsa , Kiss Ádám , Temesvári Manna , Háfra Edit , Garami Miklós , Tapodi Adrienn , Monostory Katalin 
Published: May 2015

SummaryObjectivesValproic acid (VPA)–induced adverse effects, which are sometimes serious in children, can be associated with alterations in VPA metabolism. VPA‐evoked toxicity is attributed to both the parent compound and its unsaturated metabolites, primarily formed by the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C9 enzyme. Thus, patients’ CYP2C9‐status may account for the predisposition to adverse reactions, and testing CYP2C9‐status may contribute to the improvement and rationalization of VPA therapy in children.MethodsIn the CYPtest group, children's CYP2C9‐status was screened before initiating antiepileptic therapy. CYP2C9‐status was estimated by the identification of defective CYP2C9 allelic variants (CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3) and current CYP2C9 expression in patients’ leukocytes, which reflects hepatic CYP2C9 activities. When the results of CYP2C9 genotyping and CYP2C9 expression were combined, the patients’ VPA‐metabolizing capacity was predicted, and VPA dosing was adjusted to the patients’ CYP2C9‐status. Clinical and biochemical parameters, such as VPA serum levels, blood cell counts, liver function parameters, and adverse effects in patients of CYPtest group were compared with those of the control group treated with VPA according to conventional clinical practice.ResultsCYP2C9‐guided treatment significantly reduced VPA misdosing and consequently decreased the ratio of patients out of the range of target VPA blood concentrations. In the CYPtest group of children who received CYP2C9‐status adapted dose, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level and the ratio of patients with abnormal ALP levels were substantially lower than in the control group. The incidence of serious side effects, notably hyperammonemia, was reduced in the CYPtest group; however, some other side effects, such as weight changes and somnolence, could not be avoided.SignificanceThe knowledge of pediatric patients’ CYP2C9‐status can contribute to the optimization of VPA dosing and to the avoidance of misdosing‐induced side effects.
Equine atypical myopathy caused by hypoglycin A intoxication associated with ingestion of sycamore maple tree seeds
Authors: Żuraw A. , Dietert K. , Kühnel S. , Sander J. , Klopfleisch R. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyEvidence suggest there is a link between equine atypical myopathy (EAM) and ingestion of sycamore maple tree seeds.ObjectivesTo further evaluate the hypothesis that the ingestion of hypoglycin A (HGA) containing sycamore maple tree seeds causes acquired multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and might be associated with the clinical and pathological signs of EAM.Study designCase report.MethodsNecropsy and histopathology, using hematoxylin and eosin and Sudan III stains, were performed on a 2.5‐year‐old mare that died following the development of clinical signs of progressive muscle stiffness and recumbency. Prior to death, the animal ingested sycamore maple tree seeds (Acer pseudoplatanus). Detection of metabolites in blood and urine obtained post mortem was performed by rapid ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Data from this case were compared with 3 geldings with no clinical history of myopathy.ResultsMacroscopic examination revealed fragments of maple tree seeds in the stomach and severe myopathy of several muscle groups including Mm. intercostales, deltoidei and trapezii. Histologically, the affected muscles showed severe, acute rhabdomyolysis with extensive accumulation of finely dispersed fat droplets in the cytoplasm of degenerated skeletal muscle cells not present in controls. Urine and serum concentrations of several acyl carnitines and acyl glycines were increased, and both contained metabolites of HGA, a toxic amino acid present in sycamore maple tree seeds.ConclusionsThe study supports the hypothesis that ingestion of HGA‐containing maple tree seeds may cause EAM due to acquired multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Estuarine fish communities respond to climate variability over both river and ocean basins
Authors: Feyrer Frederick , Cloern James E. , Brown Larry R. , Fish Maxfield A. , Hieb Kathryn A. , Baxter Randall D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEstuaries are dynamic environments at the land–sea interface that are strongly affected by interannual climate variability. Ocean–atmosphere processes propagate into estuaries from the sea, and atmospheric processes over land propagate into estuaries from watersheds. We examined the effects of these two separate climate‐driven processes on pelagic and demersal fish community structure along the salinity gradient in the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA. A 33‐year data set (1980–2012) on pelagic and demersal fishes spanning the freshwater to marine regions of the estuary suggested the existence of five estuarine salinity fish guilds: limnetic (salinity = 0–1), oligohaline (salinity = 1–12), mesohaline (salinity = 6–19), polyhaline (salinity = 19–28), and euhaline (salinity = 29–32). Climatic effects propagating from the adjacent Pacific Ocean, indexed by the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), affected demersal and pelagic fish community structure in the euhaline and polyhaline guilds. Climatic effects propagating over land, indexed as freshwater outflow from the watershed (OUT), affected demersal and pelagic fish community structure in the oligohaline, mesohaline, polyhaline, and euhaline guilds. The effects of OUT propagated further down the estuary salinity gradient than the effects of NPGO that propagated up the estuary salinity gradient, exemplifying the role of variable freshwater outflow as an important driver of biotic communities in river‐dominated estuaries. These results illustrate how unique sources of climate variability interact to drive biotic communities and, therefore, that climate change is likely to be an important driver in shaping the future trajectory of biotic communities in estuaries and other transitional habitats.
HIV infection is associated with an increased prevalence of coronary noncalcified plaque among participants with a coronary artery calcium score of zero: Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS)
Authors: Metkus TS , Brown T , Budoff M , Kingsley L , Palella FJ , Witt MD , Li X , George RT , Jacobson LP , Post WS 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesHIV‐infected individuals bear increased cardiovascular risk even in the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In the general population, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning is of value for cardiovascular risk stratification, but whether a CAC score of zero implies a low noncalcified coronary plaque burden in HIV‐infected persons is unknown.MethodsWe assessed the prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaque and compared noncalcified coronary plaque burden between HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected participants who had CAC scores of zero in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) using coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography.ResultsHIV infection was associated with the presence of noncalcified coronary plaque among these men with CAC scores of zero. In a model adjusted only for age, race, centre, and pre‐ or post‐2001 cohort, the prevalence ratio for the presence of noncalcified plaque was 1.27 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.56; P = 0.02). After additionally adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, HIV infection remained associated with the presence of noncalcified coronary plaque (prevalence ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.6; P = 0.01).ConclusionsAmong men with CAC scores of zero, HIV infection is associated with an increased prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaque independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This finding suggests that CAC scanning may underestimate plaque burden in HIV‐infected men.
Psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire
Authors: Kool Nienke , van Meijel Berno , van der Bijl Jaap , Koekkoek Bauke , Kerkhof Ad 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe attitude of nurses and treatment staff is crucial in the treatment of patients who self‐harm. However, many patients experience that attitude as negative. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire. A total of 261 questionnaires were used to measure validity and reliability. Sensitivity to change was measured using a post‐test measurement (n = 171) and a subgroup of 78 participants were given the questionnaire twice for test–retest measurement. Factor analysis revealed four factors explaining 33% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha values ranged 0.585–0.809, with 0.637 for the total scale. Intraclass correlation coefficient was assessed in order to estimate test–retest reliability, revealing the questionnaire was stable over time; the exception was factor 3, which had a value of 0.63. Sensitivity to change was found for the total score, factor one and two, and for three of the five items of factor three. We conclude that the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire possesses adequate psychometric properties and is potentially an acceptable instrument for measuring the attitude of nurses and health‐care staff towards patients who self‐harm in Dutch‐speaking countries.
Natural history of dental caries in very young Australian children
Authors: Gussy Mark , Ashbolt Rosie , Carpenter Lauren , Virgo‐Milton Monica , Calache Hanny , Dashper Stuart , Leong Pamela , de Silva Andrea , de Livera Alysha , Simpson Julie , Waters Elizabeth 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundWhilst the global burden of caries is increasing, the trajectory of decay in young children and the point at which prevention should occur has not been well established.AimTo identify the ‘natural history’ of dental caries in early childhood.DesignA birth cohort study was established with 467 mother/child dyads followed at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 36 months of age. Parent‐completed surveys captured demographic, social, and behavioural data, and oral examinations provided clinical and data.ResultsEight per cent of children (95% confidence interval (CI): 5–12%) at 18 months and 23% (95% CI: 18–28%) at 36 months experienced decay. Interesting lesion behaviour was found between 18 and 36 months, with rapid development of new lesions on sound teeth (70% of teeth, 95% CI: 63–76%) and regression of many lesions from non‐cavitated lesions to sound (23% of teeth, 95% CI: 17–30%). Significant associations were found between soft drink consumption and lesion progression.ConclusionsFindings suggest optimal time periods for screening and prevention of a disease which significantly impacts multiple health and well‐being outcomes across the life course.
Unravelling the historical biogeography and diversification dynamics of a highly diverse conifer‐feeding aphid genus
Authors: Meseguer Andrea S. , Coeur d'acier Armelle , Genson Gwenaelle , Jousselin Emmanuelle 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimScenarios of aphid evolution suggest that adaptation to host plants plays a major role in aphid diversification. It is therefore commonly assumed that host association has also shaped the biogeographical patterns of aphids; particularly, it has been hypothesized that the intercontinental disjunctions observed in the Holarctic for many aphid groups resulted from the disappearance or migration of their hosts. We explored this hypothesis for the conifer‐feeding genusCinara, one of the most diverse and widely distributed aphid genera in the Holarctic.LocationHolarctic.MethodsSixDNAfragments from 361 specimens representing 92 species were used to reconstruct the phylogeny ofCinaraspecies. We used species‐delimitation methods to identify putative species, and estimated times of divergence using Bayesian relaxed clocks and fossil calibrations. We investigated rates of diversification, biogeographical and host‐association history using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches.ResultsCinaraoriginated in Asiac. 50 Ma following a host switch to conifers from an angiosperm‐feeding ancestor. The steady diversification observed since then suggests that this host switch did not cause adaptive radiation inCinara, as previously assumed. Switches between conifer host genera could have facilitated the expansion ofCinarain the Holarctic, but the intercontinental disjunctions observed today are most likely the result of vicariance mediated by climatic or geological barriers.Main conclusionsThis study shows that biogeographical and diversification patterns inCinarahave not only been shaped by host‐plant adaptation processes, but also by the climatic and geological changes that occurred through the Cenozoic.
Achieving the Optimal Peri‐implant Soft Tissue Profile by the Selective Pressure Method via Provisional Restorations in the Esthetic Zone
Authors: Nam Jung , Aranyarachkul Prasit 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFor the successful single‐tooth implant therapy in the esthetics zone, achieving an ideal peri‐implant soft tissue profile is paramount. It can achieve by the manipulation of the provisional restorations. This clinical report demonstrate the selective pressure method and concave transmucosal profile of the provisional restorations to achieve the ideal and stable gingival profile in esthetic single tooth implant restorations.Clinical SignificanceThe selective pressure method and the concave transmucosal profile in implant provisional restorations facilitate stable and harmonized peri‐implant gingival tissue in the esthetic zone.
Treatment with infliximab or azathioprine negatively impact the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Andrade Patrícia , Santos‐Antunes João , Rodrigues Susana , Lopes Susana , Macedo Guilherme 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimImmunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is recommended in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in those under immunosuppressive therapy. Limited data are available about IBD patient's response to HBV vaccination. We assessed the response rate to HBV vaccination in IBD patients and evaluated the impact of different factors on the efficacy of HBV vaccination.MethodsAnti‐HBs titers were measured in a cohort of IBD patients under treatment with infliximab and/or azathioprine. Vaccination was considered efficient when anti‐HBs titers were higher than 10 IU/L.ResultsWe have identified 217 patients with IBD under infliximab who were vaccinated for hepatitis B, 172 (79%) with Crohn's Disease and the remaining with ulcerative colitis; 114 patients (53%) were male and mean age was 33 ± 11 years. Overall, HBV vaccine was successful in 164 (76%) patients. Only 14 patients were vaccinated after infliximab was initiated, and only two of them had antibody levels above 10 IU/L. Among the patients that received vaccination before the beginning of infliximab, 88% of those who were vaccinated before starting azathioprine developed antibodies in contrast to 55% who already were under azathioprine. In multivariable analysis, treatment with infliximab (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 17.642 [8.514–33.937]) and with azathioprine (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 3.344 [1.653–9.145]) were the only factors associated with weaker response to HBV vaccination.ConclusionThe response rate to the standard HBV vaccination in IBD patients is low mainly in those treated with infliximab and/or azathioprine.
Serum diamine oxidase activity as a predictor of gastrointestinal toxicity and malnutrition due to anticancer drugs
Authors: Miyoshi Jinsei , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Goji Takahiro , Taniguchi Tatsuya , Tomonari Tetsu , Sogabe Masahiro , Kimura Tetsuo , Kitamura Shinji , Okamoto Koichi , Fujino Yasuteru , Muguruma Naoki , Okahisa Toshiya , Takayama Tetsuji 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimObjective evaluation of intestinal mucosal damage due to anticancer drugs is generally difficult. Serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity is reported to reflect the integrity and maturity of the small intestinal mucosa. Therefore, we investigated whether serum DAO activity is an indicator of gastrointestinal toxicity or nutritional status in patients receiving chemotherapy.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 20 patients with unresectable metastatic gastric cancer who received oral S‐1 (80 mg/m2) on days 1–14, and intravenous cisplatin (60 mg/m2) and docetaxel (50 mg/m2) on day 8 every 3 weeks. Serum DAO activity was measured by colorimetry. Gastrointestinal toxicity was evaluated by Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Endoscopic examination and biopsy of duodenal mucosa assessed mucosal damage. Malnutrition was evaluated by measuring serum total protein and albumin levels.ResultsSerum DAO activity decreased step‐by‐step significantly during anticancer drug treatment and recovered after drug holidays. In all 14 patients who experienced diarrhea, serum DAO activity significantly decreased prior to diarrhea onset. Percent decrease in DAO activity was significantly correlated with severity of diarrhea. Significant correlation was observed between percent decrease in DAO activity and percent decrease in duodenal villus height or surface area from baseline. There were also significant correlations between percent decrease in serum DAO activity at day 14 and percent decrease in serum total protein or albumin levels at day 21 from baseline.ConclusionSerum DAO activity sensitively indicates gastrointestinal damage prior to symptom onset and can be a useful predictor of intestinal mucosal damage and nutritional status in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Single‐day sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate versus split‐dose polyethylene glycol for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy: A prospective randomized endoscopist‐blinded trial
Authors: Klare Peter , Poloschek Anne , Walter Benjamin , Rondak Ina‐Christine , Attal Soher , Weber Andreas , von Delius Stefan , Bajbouj Monther , Schmid Roland M , Huber Wolfgang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThe intake of polyethylene glycol (PEG) prior colonoscopy is frequently associated with nausea and abdominal discomfort. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate (PMC) is superior to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparation in regard to patient acceptance. Furthermore, it investigates possible differences in efficiency and patient safety.MethodsIn a randomised, prospective, and endoscopist‐blinded study patients were 1:1 randomized to either use PMC or 4‐L PEG in order to prepare for colonoscopy. Cleansing regimes consisted of a split‐dose administration in the PEG arm and standard administration in the PMC arm. Primary end point was proportion of patients evaluating the bowel preparation procedure as “very distressing,” defined as ≥ 8 points on a 10‐point numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary end points were quality of bowel preparation and electrolyte parameters.ResultsPMC bowel‐cleansing procedure was better tolerated compared with PEG (PMCNRS<8 = 89.9% vs PEGNRS<8 = 79.2%, P = 0.037). Mean declines in serum sodium (ΔSodiumPEG = −0.76 ± 3.07 vs ΔSodiumPMC = −3.38 ± 3.56 mmol/L; P < 0.001), chloride (ΔChloridePEG = −1.00 ± 3.22 vs ΔChloridePMC = −3.49 ± 3.51 mmol/L; P < 0.001), and osmolality (ΔOsmolalityPEG = −4.23 ± 6.82 vs ΔOsmolalityPMC = −8.83 ± 7.43 mosmol/kg; P < 0.001) were higher in the PMC arm than in the PEG arm. Hyponatremia after bowel preparation occurred more often in PMC (21.2%) than in PEG (4.0%) (P < 0.001). Successful preparation was achieved more frequently in the PEG arm (42.9% vs 82.2%; P < 0.001).ConclusionStandard picosulfate/magnesium citrate is better accepted than a split‐dose PEG regimen. From the perspective of successful preparation and patients' safety, PEG is superior to PMC.
Constipation prophylaxis reduces length of stay in elderly hospitalized heart failure patients with home laxative use
Authors: Staller Kyle , Khalili Hamed , Kuo Braden 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimElderly, hospitalized patients suffer disproportionately from constipation; however, little data suggest that constipation prophylaxis reduces length of stay (LOS). We performed a retrospective analysis of elderly patients admitted to our hospital with congestive heart failure (CHF) to determine the effects of constipation prophylaxis on LOS.MethodsPatients ≥ 65 years old admitted with the diagnosis of CHF in 2012 were evaluated for home and hospital laxative use on admission. Our primary outcome was LOS. We used linear regression modeling to independently evaluate the impact of constipation prophylaxis on LOS.ResultsAmong 618 patients who were eligible for our study, 201 (32.5%) were using laxatives at home, whereas 254 (41.1%) were started on a prophylactic laxative on admission. There was no significant difference in LOS between patients receiving prophylaxis versus those who did not (P = 0.32). Patients with home laxative use had a 1 day longer LOS compared to those without laxative use (6 vs 5, P = 0.03). Among patients with home laxative use, there were 2 days longer LOS in those who were not given constipation prophylaxis on admission (8 vs 6, P = 0.002). After multivariate adjustment, failure to use constipation prophylaxis in patients with home laxative use was the only independent predictor of increased LOS (P = 0.03).ConclusionsAmong elderly patients admitted for CHF exacerbations, failure to use constipation prophylaxis in patients with home laxative use is associated with a significantly longer LOS. Our data suggest that routine use of bowel prophylaxis for elderly CHF patients with preexisting constipation may reduce LOS.