bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late Quaternary climatic vegetational shifts in an ecological transition zone of northern Madagascar: insights from genetic analyses of two endemic rodent species
Authors: Rakotoarisoa J.‐E. , Raheriarisena M. , Goodman S. M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Loky‐Manambato region, located in northern Madagascar, is a biotically rich contact zone between different forest biomes. Local current forest cover is composed of both humid and dry formations, which show elevational stratification. A recent phylogeographical study of a regional dry forest rodent, Eliurus carletoni (subfamily Nesomyinae), found genetic evidence of forest contractions between 18 750 and 7500 years BP, which based on extrapolation of the pollen subfossil record, was thought to be associated with an expansion of local humid forests. Herein, we conduct a genetic test of this hypothesis and focused on populations on two neighbouring massifs of forest‐dependent rodent species, one associated with low‐elevation dry forests (E. carletoni) and the other with higher elevation humid forests (Eliurus tanala). Using mitochondrial markers and a combination of traditional and coalescent‐based phylogeographical, historical demographic and population genetic methods, we found evidence of historical connections between populations of E. tanala. Adjacent populations of E. carletoni and E. tanala exhibit opposite historical demographic patterns, and for both, evidence suggests that historical demographic events occurred within the last 25 000 years BP. These findings strongly support the proposed late Quaternary shifts in the floristic composition of the Loky‐Manambato region.
Apolipoprotein E ε4 Allele Interacts with Sex and Cognitive Status to Influence All‐Cause and Cause‐Specific Mortality in U.S. Older Adults
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Beydoun Hind A. , Kaufman Jay S. , An Yang , Resnick Susan M. , O'Brien Richard , Ferrucci Luigi , Zonderman Alan B. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo confirm associations of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 carrier status, sex, and time‐dependent cognitive status with mortality risk and to investigate these joint effects of these associations in a cohort of community‐dwelling U.S. adults.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThe Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).ParticipantsOf 3,047 BLSA participants aged 17 to 98 at first visit (60.1% male), 1,704 with complete ApoE genotype data were included, of whom 1,461 aged 50 and older with one or more visits were eligible.MeasurementsTime to death from all, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular causes.ResultsProbability of survival was lower for ApoE ε4 carriers, particularly those who were older. A Cox proportional hazards model for all‐cause mortality yielded a hazard ratio (HR) for ApoE ε4 carrier versus noncarriers of 1.31 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.68). This association was also found for cardiovascular mortality. Time‐dependent all‐cause dementia (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.33–2.26) and mild cognitive impairment (HR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.42–2.67) increased all‐cause mortality risk, associations that were also detected for noncardiovascular mortality. When individuals were free of cognitive impairment, a dose‐response relationship with ε4 alleles was found for all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 0.94–2.07 for 1 ε4; HR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.12–6.07 for 2 ε4). After onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD), carrying only one ε4 allele resulted in an approximately 77% greater all‐cause mortality risk than in noncarriers. ApoE ε4 carrier status increased all‐cause mortality risk in men and interacted with time‐dependent AD to increase the risk of this outcome (relative excess risk due to interaction = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.22–3.07).ConclusionApoE ε4 carrier status was found to increase all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality risks and interacted with sex and time‐dependent AD status to affect all‐cause mortality.
Scoring of sweat losses in exercised horses – a pilot study
Authors: Zeyner A. , Romanowski K. , Vernunft A. , Harris P. , Kienzle E. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBased on a series of exercise tests which included the estimation of sweat losses, this article proposes a novel sweat scoring system for exercising horses. This provides a practical estimate of individual animal exercise‐induced sweat losses, based on visible appearance of sweat on the coat after work, which takes into account the effect of various influencing factors. In terms of accuracy and flexibility, the score seems to provide advantages over estimates based on current general recommendations from reference books. Additional studies are needed to validate this scoring system and its use under more diverse situations.
Soil characteristics determine microhabitat selection of the fossorial amphisbaenian Trogonophis wiegmanni
Authors: Martín J. , López P. , García L. V. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAmphisbaenians are reptiles specialized for a fossorial lifestyle, which may limit their opportunities for microhabitat selection in comparison with epigeal reptiles. We hypothesized that, given the fossorial habits of amphisbaenians, a detailed analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the soil may reveal their patterns of habitat use. We investigated microhabitat and soil use by a population of the amphisbaenian Trogonophis wiegmanni from the Chafarinas Islands (North‐West Africa) and compared them with those available in the habitat. Results showed that some soil physical and chemical characteristics determined microhabitat use by T. wiegmanni. Amphisbaenians selected soils that were relatively sandy, basic, carbonated and shallow, having a high cover of medium‐sized rocks, whereas they avoided marine salinized, more acid and deeper heavy‐textured soils (i.e. with percentages of silt comparatively high), and those covered mainly by small rocks. No differences were found between soils with and without influence of seabird colonies, although this was the main driver of soil chemical variations in these Islands. Vegetation cover per se did not seem to have a direct influence on microhabitat use. We discuss how energetic costs of burrowing and the direct and indirect influences of soil chemical properties could explain these patterns of habitat use.
Expression and function of the Transforming Growth Factor‐b system in the human and rat enteric nervous system
Authors: Hagl C. , Schäfer K.‐H. , Hellwig I. , Barrenschee M. , Harde J. , Holtmann M. , Porschek S. , Egberts J.‐H. , Becker T. , Wedel T. , Böttner M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundTransforming growth factor‐betas (TGF‐bs) are pleiotropic growth factors exerting neurotrophic functions upon various neuronal populations of the central nervous system. In contrast, the role of TGF‐b isoforms in the enteric nervous system (ENS) is largely unknown. We therefore analyzed the gene expression pattern of the TGF‐b system in the human colon and in rat myenteric plexus, and smooth muscle cell cultures and determined the effect of TGF‐b isoforms on neuronal differentiation.MethodsHuman colonic samples as well as cultured rat myenteric plexus, and smooth muscle cells were assessed for mRNA expression levels of the TGF‐b system (TGF‐b1‐3, TbR‐1‐3) by qPCR. The colonic wall was separated into mucosa and tunica muscularis and enteric ganglia were isolated by laser microdissection (LMD) to allow site‐specific gene expression analysis. Effects of TGF‐b isoforms on neurite outgrowth and branching pattern of cultured myenteric neurons were monitored.Key ResultsmRNA expression of the TGF‐b system was detected in all compartments of the human colonic wall as well as in LMD‐isolated myenteric ganglia. Cultured myenteric neurons and smooth muscle cells of rat intestine also showed mRNA expression of all ligands and receptors. Transforming growth factor‐b2 treatment increased neurite length and branching pattern in cultured myenteric neurons.Conclusions & InferencesThe TGF‐b system is abundantly expressed in the human and rat ENS arguing for an auto‐/paracrine function of this system on enteric neurons. Transforming growth factor‐b2 promotes neuronal differentiation and plasticity characterizing this molecule as a relevant neurotrophic factor for the ENS.
Hypoxia, energy balance and obesity: from pathophysiological mechanisms to new treatment strategies
Authors: Kayser B. , Verges S. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryHigh altitude exposure is often accompanied by weight loss. Postulated mechanisms are a reduction of nutritional energy intake, a reduction of intestinal energy uptake from impaired intestinal function and increased energy expenditure. Beyond the field of altitude, there are good reasons for renewed interest in the relationship between hypoxia and energy balance. The increasing prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities represent a major health concern. Obesity is frequently associated with sleep disorders leading to intermittent systemic hypoxia with deleterious cardiovascular and metabolic consequences. Hypoxic regions may be present within hypertrophic white adipose tissue leading to chronic systemic inflammation. Among the increasing number of people commuting to altitude for work or leisure, obesity is a risk factor for acute mountain sickness. Paradoxically, exposure to intermittent hypoxia might be considered as a means to lose body mass and to improve metabolic risk factors. Daytime exposure to intermittent hypoxia has been used to treat hypertension in former Soviet Union countries and is now being experimented elsewhere. Such intermittent hypoxic exposure at rest or during exercise may lead to improvement in body composition and health status with improved exercise tolerance, metabolism and systemic arterial pressure. Future research should confirm whether hypoxic training could be a new treatment strategy for weight loss and comorbidities in obese subjects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms and signalling pathways.
Incidence of difficult bag‐mask ventilation in children: a prospective observational study
Authors: Valois‐Gómez Teresa , Oofuvong Maliwan , Auer Grant , Coffin Donna , Loetwiriyakul Witthaya , Correa José A. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundDifficult airway (DA), including difficult bag‐mask ventilation (DBMV), and difficult intubation (DI) is an important challenge for the pediatric anesthesiologist. While expected DBMV can be successfully managed with appropriate equipment and personnel, unexpected DBMV relies on the resources available and the experience of the anesthesiologist at the time of the emergency. The incidence and risk factors of unexpected DA in otherwise healthy children, including DBMV among pediatric patients are not known. The aim of this study was to expand the scientific knowledge of unexpected DBMV among pediatric patients.MethodsPatients between the ages of 0 and 8 years, undergoing elective surgery requiring bag‐mask ventilation BMV and intubation at the Montreal Children's Hospital were recruited in this prospective observational study. Data on the incidence of DBMV and risk factors were collected over a 3‐year period.ResultsIn a sample of 484 children, the incidence of unexpected difficult BMV was 6.6% (95% CI [4.6, 9.2]). The incidence of expected DA among the screened patients (N = 4865) was 0.5% (95% CI [0.3, 0.7]). In a logistic regression analysis, age (OR 0.98; 95%CI [0.97, 0.99]), undergoing otolaryngology (ENT) surgery (OR 2.92; 95% CI [1.08, 7.95]) and use of neuromuscular blocking agents (OR 3.49; 95%CI [1.50–8.11]) were independently associated with DBMV. The incidence of DI was 1.2%. No association between DBMV and DI was found (Fisher's exact test, P = 1.0).ConclusionsThis is the first published report of the incidence of unexpected DBMV among healthy pediatric patients.
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Pharmacological Therapies for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Snedecor Sonya J. , Sudharshan Lavanya , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Sadosky Alesia , Mehta Sonam , Botteman Marc 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundPainful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) is prevalent among persons with diabetes and increases over time. Published guidelines recommend a number of medications to treat this condition providing clinicians with a variety of treatment options. This study provides a comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis of published pharmacologic therapies for pDPN.MethodsThe published literature was systematically searched to identify randomized, controlled trials of all available pharmacologic treatments for pDPN (recommended or nonrecommended) reporting predefined efficacy and safety outcomes. Bayesian fixed‐effect mixed treatment comparison methods were used to assess relative therapeutic efficacy and harms.ResultsData from 58 studies including 29 interventions and 11,883 patients were analyzed. Pain reduction over that of placebo on the 11‐point numeric rating scale ranged from −3.29 for sodium valproate (95% credible interval [CrI] = [−4.21, −2.36]) to 1.67 for Sativex (−0.47, 0.60). Estimates for most treatments were clustered between 0 and −1.5 and were associated with more study data and smaller CrIs. Pregabalin (≥ 300 mg/day) was the most effective on the 100‐point visual analog scale (−21.88; [−27.06, −16.68]); topiramate was the least (−3.09; [−3.99, −2.18]). Relative risks (RRs) of 30% pain reduction ranged from 0.78 (Sativex) to 1.84 (lidocaine 5% plaster). Analysis of the RR ratio of these 2 treatments reveals marginal significance for Sativex (3.27; [1.07, 9.81]), indicating the best treatment is only slightly better than the worst. Relative risks of 50% pain reduction ranged from 0.98 (0.56, 1.52) (amitriptyline) to 2.25 (1.51, 3.00) (alpha‐lipoic acid). RR ratio for these treatments was not statistically different (3.39; [0.88, 3.34]). Fluoxetine had the lowest risk of adverse events (0.94; [0.62, 1.23]); oxycodone had the highest (1.55; [1.45, 1.64]). Discontinuation RRs were clustered around 0.8 to 1.5, with those on the extreme having greater uncertainty.ConclusionsSelecting an appropriate pDPN therapy is key given the large number of available treatments. Comparative results revealed relative equivalence among many of the studied interventions having the largest overall sample sizes and highlight the importance of standardization of methods to effectively assess pain.
Acral Peeling Skin Syndrome Resulting from a Homozygous Nonsense Mutation in the CSTA Gene Encoding Cystatin A
Authors: Krunic Aleksandar L. , Stone Kristina L. , Simpson Michael A. , McGrath John A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAcral peeling skin syndrome (APSS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. We used whole‐exome sequencing to identify the molecular basis of APSS in a consanguineous Jordanian‐American pedigree. We identified a homozygous nonsense mutation (p.Lys22X) in the CSTA gene, encoding cystatin A, that was confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Cystatin A is a protease inhibitor found in the cornified cell envelope, and loss‐of‐function mutations have previously been reported in two cases of exfoliative ichthyosis. Our study expands the molecular pathology of APSS and demonstrates the value of next‐generation sequencing in the genetic characterization of inherited skin diseases.
Periocular Granuloma Annulare: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Chiang Katherine , Bhalla Rohan , Mesinkovska Natasha A. , Piliang Melissa P. , Tamburro Joan E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGranuloma annulare (GA) is a granulomatous dermatosis that rarely presents on the face and is extremely uncommon in the periocular region. We report our experience with the presentation and management of GA lesions on the eyelids of a 17‐year‐old girl. We performed a review of published literature and identified 13 cases of pediatric periocular GA. One additional case was identified upon review of all pediatric GA cases at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Review of these cases suggests that periocular GA is a benign condition that spontaneously regresses within a few months. GA nodules have a predilection for the upper eyelids. A greater incidence is noted in African American children. Awareness of the self‐resolving nature of this condition can prevent unnecessary surgical excisions in affected children.
Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis in Lipoid Proteinosis: Case Report and Discussion of Pathophysiology
Authors: O'Blenes Catherine , Pasternak Sylvia , Issekutz Andrew , Gillis Jane , Chowdhury Dhiman , Finlayson Laura 
Published: March 2013

AbstractLipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis caused by mutations in extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) that involves deposition of basement membrane–like material in the skin and other organs. Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is also a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis involving susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and squamous cell carcinoma, caused in most cases by homozygous mutations in EVER1 or EVER2. We describe a case of EV in a patient with LP and discuss the pathophysiology. A 3‐year‐old Lebanese girl presented with hoarseness, beaded papules along the eyelid margins, waxy papules and plaques on her head and neck, and lichenoid verrucous papules on the forearms and hands. Histopathology of the waxy papules exhibited deposition of periodic acid Schiff–positive basement membrane–like material in the superficial dermis, characteristic of LP. The verruca plana–like lesions exhibited acanthosis and enlarged keratinocytes with pale blue‐grey cytoplasm and a perinuclear halo, consistent with verrucae and EV. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of ECM1, EVER1, and EVER2 demonstrated a homozygous point mutation, c.389C>T (p.Thr130Met), in exon 6 of ECM1 and a heterozygous point mutation, c.917 A>T (p.Asn306Ile), in exon 8 in EVER2, known to cause EV in homozygous patients. The homozygous point mutation c.389C>T in ECM1 may be a novel mutation causing LP. Verruca plana–like lesions seen in LP appear to represent a form of acquired EV. In this patient, a heterozygous mutation in EVER2 at c.917 A>T may also have conferred susceptibility to HPV infection.
Eccrine Nevus Affecting the Forearm of an 11‐Year‐Old Girl Successfully Controlled with Topical Glycopyrrolate
Authors: Dua Janet , Grabczynska Sophie 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEccrine nevi are rare lesions characterized by a sharply demarcated area of localized hyperhidrosis. We present an 11‐year‐old girl with an eccrine nevus on her right lower forearm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case successfully controlled with topical glycopyrrolate wipes.
Silent, invisible and unacknowledged: experiences of young caregivers of single parents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bjorgvinsdottir Katrin , Halldorsdottir Sigridur 
Published: March 2013

The study's rationaleMost people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) choose to live at home without known consequences for their children.Aims and objectivesTo study the personal experience of being a young caregiver of a chronically ill parent diagnosed with MS.Methodological design and justificationPhenomenology was the methodological approach of the study since it gives an inside information of the lived experience.Ethical issues and approvalThe study was approved by the National Bioethics Committee and reported to the Data Protection Authority.Research methodsWe explored in 21 interviews the lived experience of 11 young caregivers who had cared for single chronically ill parents, diagnosed with MS.ResultsThe participants felt silent, invisible and unacknowledged as caregivers and received limited professional assistance. They were left to provide their parents with intimate physical and emotional care and support that was demanding, embarrassing and quite difficult while feeling unsupported, excluded and abandoned. Their caring responsibilities lead to severe restrictions in life as their parents' disease progressed and they lived without a true childhood; left to manage far too many responsibilities completely on their own and at a young age. At the time of the interviews, most of the participants had left their post as primary caregivers. They were learning to let go of the emotional pain, some of them with a welcomed partner. Most of them were experiencing a healthy transition and personal growth, existentially moving from feeling abandoned towards feeling independent. However, some of them were still hurting.Study limitationsIn choosing participants for the study a sampling bias may have occurred.ConclusionsHealth professionals are urged to provide information, support and guidance for young carers in a culturally sensitive way and to take on the leading role of helping and empowering children and adolescents in similar situations.
Revised status ofChlorideaDuncan and (Westwood), 1841, for theHeliothis virescensspecies group (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae) based on morphology and three genes
Authors: POGUE MICHAEL G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Heliothinae comprise some of the world's most injurious agricultural pests. This study reanalyses a subsample of theHeliothisgroup to determine the monophyly ofChloridea(Heliothis virescensandH. subflexa). Two nuclear gene regions,elongation factor‐1α(EF‐1α; 1240 bp) anddopa decarboylase(DDC; 687 bp), and the barcoding region of mitochondrialcytochrome oxidase I(COI; 708 bp) were used in this analysis for a total of 2635 bp and a morphological dataset of 20 characters and 62 character states. Sixteen species representing five genera plus two outgroup species were used in the analysis. Analyses used were Maximum Parsimony (MP), Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI). The revised status for the monophyletic genusChlorideaDuncan and (Westwood) was supported by a very strong bootstrap support (BP = 98–100). Larval host‐plant usage is discussed within theHeliothisclade. Polyphagy is most likely the ancestral condition with a host shift to monophagy and oligophagy. Based on known larval hosts,Heliocheilusis oligophagous on Poaceae. Traits of host plant use inHelicoverpaandChlorideawhere both polyphagy and oligophagy occur in closely related species are discussed.