bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate longitudinal data analysis with mixed effects hidden Markov models
Authors: Raffa Jesse D. , Dubin Joel A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryMultiple longitudinal responses are often collected as a means to capture relevant features of the true outcome of interest, which is often hidden and not directly measurable. We outline an approach which models these multivariate longitudinal responses as generated from a hidden disease process. We propose a class of models which uses a hidden Markov model with separate but correlated random effects between multiple longitudinal responses. This approach was motivated by a smoking cessation clinical trial, where a bivariate longitudinal response involving both a continuous and a binomial response was collected for each participant to monitor smoking behavior. A Bayesian method using Markov chain Monte Carlo is used. Comparison of separate univariate response models to the bivariate response models was undertaken. Our methods are demonstrated on the smoking cessation clinical trial dataset, and properties of our approach are examined through extensive simulation studies.
Bayesian path specific frailty models for multi‐state survival data with applications
Authors: de Castro Mário , Chen Ming‐Hui , Zhang Yuanye 
Published: March 2015

SummaryMulti‐state models can be viewed as generalizations of both the standard and competing risks models for survival data. Models for multi‐state data have been the theme of many recent published works. Motivated by bone marrow transplant data, we propose a Bayesian model using the gap times between two successive events in a path of events experienced by a subject. Path specific frailties are introduced to capture the dependence structure of the gap times in the paths with two or more states. Under improper prior distributions for the parameters, we establish propriety of the posterior distribution. An efficient Gibbs sampling algorithm is developed for drawing samples from the posterior distribution. An extensive simulation study is carried out to examine the empirical performance of the proposed approach. A bone marrow transplant data set is analyzed in detail to further demonstrate the proposed methodology.
Voluntary Running Attenuates Memory Loss, Decreases Neuropathological Changes and Induces Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Tapia‐Rojas Cheril , Aranguiz Florencia , Varela‐Nallar Lorena , Inestrosa Nibaldo C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory and cognitive abilities, and the appearance of amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles formed of tau protein. It has been suggested that exercise might ameliorate the disease; here, we evaluated the effect of voluntary running on several aspects of AD including amyloid deposition, tau phosphorylation, inflammatory reaction, neurogenesis and spatial memory in the double transgenic APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of AD. We report that voluntary wheel running for 10 weeks decreased Aβ burden, Thioflavin‐S‐positive plaques and Aβ oligomers in the hippocampus. In addition, runner APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice showed fewer phosphorylated tau protein and decreased astrogliosis evidenced by lower staining of GFAP. Further, runner APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice showed increased number of neurons in the hippocampus and exhibited increased cell proliferation and generation of cells positive for the immature neuronal protein doublecortin, indicating that running increased neurogenesis. Finally, runner APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice showed improved spatial memory performance in the Morris water maze. Altogether, our findings indicate that in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice, voluntary running reduced all the neuropathological hallmarks of AD studied, reduced neuronal loss, increased hippocampal neurogenesis and reduced spatial memory loss. These findings support that voluntary exercise might have therapeutic value on AD.
Treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia with recombinant human follicle‐stimulating hormone: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study in Chinese population
Authors: Ding Yin‐man , Zhang Xin‐ji , Li Jing‐Ping , Chen San‐san , Zhang Ren‐tao , Tan Wan‐long , Shi Xiao‐Jun 
Published: March 2015

SummaryObjectiveFollicle‐stimulating hormone plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with FSH in Chinese infertility population.DesignProspective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study.PatientsA total of 354 men affected by idiopathic oligozoospermia from three medical centres.MeasurementsThis study contained three parts: (i) treatment with different doses of rhFSH (50 IU, 100 IU, 200 IU and 300 IU); (ii) the efficacy of rhFSH at different periods (2, 3, 4, 5 months); (iii) FSH treatment in patients with different levels of inhibin B (normal‐level group, low‐level group and high‐level group). Semen parameters were evaluated in all subjects. The patients who had not reached spontaneous pregnancy underwent assisted reproductive techniques.ResultsSperm number was significantly increased after treatment with FSH at doses of at least 200 IU, and the improvement was observed beginning at the third month. The significant improvement in both morphology and forward motility was observed beginning at the fifth month. Moreover, 300 IU rhFSH administration for 5 months could significantly improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate (12/40) and ART pregnancy rate (14/28), while the rates for placebo group were two of twenty‐nine and five of twenty‐seven, respectively. The seminal parameters (total sperm count, sperm concentration, forward motility and morphology) were significantly improved in the normal‐ and low‐level inhibin B groups, but no significant variation was observed in the high‐level group at the end of the study.ConclusionsThe efficacy of FSH treatment was associated with the dose of FSH and duration of treatment, and FSH therapy was more effective in patients with normal level and low level of inhibin B.
Is it ‘fair'? Representation of children, young people and parents in an adversarial court system
Authors: Thomson Lorraine , McArthur Morag , Camilleri Peter 
Published: March 2015

AbstractChildren's Courts in Australia are important parts of the systems which protect children and deal with young people who offend. They make decisions about the best interests of these vulnerable children and young people and require that children are represented in court. The paper reports on views of 46 stakeholders about quality of and access to representation in the care jurisdiction of the Childrens Court in Australian Capital Territory. Most stakeholders were adamant that for all parties to receive as fair a hearing as possible, they needed representation. There were a range of views about the quality of representation and about what quality representation looks like in an adversarial system of decision‐making.
Esthetic, clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of immediately placed implants (Type 1) and early placed implants (Type 2): preliminary 3‐month results of an ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Huynh‐Ba Guy , Meister David J. , Hoders Ashley B. , Mealey Brian L. , Mills Michael P. , Oates Thomas W. , Cochran David L. , Prihoda Thomas J. , McMahan C. Alex 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThe objective of the study was to compare (i) esthetic, (ii) clinical and (iii) patient‐centered outcomes following immediate (Type 1) and early implant placement (Type 2).Material and methodsThirty‐eight subjects needing a single extraction (premolar to premolar) were randomly allocated to Type 1 or Type 2 implant placement. Three months following permanent crown insertion, evaluation of (i) esthetic outcomes using soft tissue positions, and the pink and white esthetic scores (PES/WES), (ii) clinical performance using probing pocket depth (PPD), modified plaque index (mPI) and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI) around each implant and (iii) patient satisfaction by means of a questionnaire using a visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed.ResultsThirty‐two patients completed the 3‐month follow‐up examination (Type 1, n = 17; Type 2, n = 15) with a 100% implant survival rate. Type 1 implants lost 0.54 ± 0.18 mm of mid‐facial soft tissue height, while Type 2 implants lost 0.47 ± 0.31 mm (P > 0.05). The papillae height on the mesial and distal was reduced about 1 mm following both procedures. The PES/WES following Type 1 implant placement amounted to 13.7 ± 0.6 and 12.5 ± 0.7 in the Type 2 group (P > 0.05). PPD, mPI and mSBI were low in both groups (P > 0.05). Patient‐centered outcomes failed to demonstrate any statistical difference between the two cohorts.ConclusionThree months following final crown delivery, there were no significant differences in esthetic, clinical and patient‐centered outcomes following Type 1 and Type 2 implant placement. On the short term, one may achieve good optimal esthetic and clinical results irrespective of these two placement protocols. These results need to be confirmed on the long term.
Faecal incontinence in men referred for specialty care: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cohan J. N. , Chou A. B. , Varma M. G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimLittle is known about men with faecal incontinence. We compared clinical findings and quality of life in a large cohort of men and women with faecal incontinence to guide its evaluation and treatment in men.MethodWe analysed men and women presenting to a tertiary referral centre with faecal incontinence between 2005 and 2013. Demographics, physical examination, anorectal physiology testing, symptom severity (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index) and quality of life (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale) were recorded. We determined differences between men and women and analysed the association between gender and quality of life.ResultsData were obtained from 144 men and 897 women. Men with faecal incontinence were slightly younger than women (55.3 vs 57.6 years, P = 0.001), more likely to report coexisting constipation (P = 0.004) and more likely to have normal internal and external sphincter function on physical examination (both P < 0.001). Anorectal physiology testing revealed fewer sphincter defects (P < 0.05) and less pudendal neuropathy (P < 0.05) in men compared with women. Although symptom severity and overall quality of life were similar, men had improved coping and less embarrassment compared with women after we adjusted for important clinical factors.ConclusionMen with faecal incontinence presenting to a tertiary referral centre are more likely than women to have a mixed presentation characterized by constipation and less sphincter dysfunction. They exhibited better coping and less embarrassment than women. These findings should be taken into consideration when evaluating and treating men with faecal incontinence.
Drug‐induced EEG pattern predicts effectiveness of ketamine in treating refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Basha Maysaa M. , Alqallaf Abdulradha , Shah Aashit K. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryRefractory status epilepticus (RSE) can lack overt clinical manifestation and is usually treated with continuous infusion of intravenous anesthetic drugs (IVADs), where the use of continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) is imperative. Ketamine has recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of RSE. We retrospectively review a cohort of 11 patients receiving ketamine as part of their treatment regimen for RSE. We report on the presence of a characteristic EEG rhythm consisting of a generalized archiform theta to beta rhythms (7–20 Hz) appearing after ketamine administration. This pattern was seen in five patients, four of whom achieved successful resolution of RSE. Ketamine‐induced EEG pattern may serve as a biomarker predictive of successful treatment outcome in RSE.
Effects of chronic administration of valproic acid to epileptic patients on coagulation tests and primary hemostasis
Authors: Zighetti Maddalena L. , Fontana Gessica , Lussana Federico , Chiesa Valentina , Vignoli Aglaia , Canevini Maria Paola , Cattaneo Marco 
Published: March 2015

SummaryValproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug that has been associated with impaired hemostasis and increased risk for postsurgical bleeding. However, the published reports provide controversial results. We measured parameters of primary hemostasis in VPA‐treated patients with epilepsy, focusing on adenosine nucleotide–dependent platelet responses, which play a central role in primary hemostasis. We enrolled 20 cases (epileptic patients receiving treatment with VPA) and 20 controls (12 epileptic patients receiving treatment with drugs different from VPA and 8 healthy subjects). Measurements included prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), platelet count, platelet function analyzer (PFA)‐100 closure times, plasma von Willebrand factor levels, platelet content of ADP, ATP, and serotonin (all stored in platelet dense granules), and platelet shape change and aggregation induced by ADP and other platelet agonists, including the ATP analog α,β‐methylene‐ATP. The plasma concentration of VPA was in the therapeutic range in 17 patients and slightly above the upper limit in 3 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the studied parameters in cases versus controls. Our thorough controlled study failed to show that chronic treatment with VPA induces significant abnormalities of coagulation and primary hemostasis. Therefore, VPA, when present in the circulation in the therapeutic range, does not impair hemostasis.
Effects of climate change and management on net climate impacts of production and utilization of energy biomass in Norway spruce with stable age‐class distribution
Authors: Torssonen Piritta , Kilpeläinen Antti , Strandman Harri , Kellomäki Seppo , Jylhä Kirsti , Asikainen Antti , Peltola Heli 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe studied the effects of climate change and forest management scenarios on net climate impacts (radiative forcing) of production and utilization of energy biomass, in a Norway spruce forest area over an 80‐year simulation period in Finnish boreal conditions. A stable age‐class distribution was used in model‐based analyses to identify purely the management effects under the current and changing climate (SRES B1 and A2 scenarios). The radiative forcing was calculated based on an integrated use of forest ecosystem model simulations and a life cycle assessment (LCA) tool. In this work, forest‐based energy was used to substitute coal, and current forest management (baseline management) was used as a reference management. In alternative management scenarios, the stocking was maintained 20% higher in thinning compared to the baseline management, and nitrogen fertilization was applied. Intensity of energy biomass harvest (e.g. logging residues, coarse roots and stumps) was varied in the final felling of the stands at the age of 80 years. Also, the economic profitability (NPV, 3% interest rate) of integrated production of timber and energy biomass was calculated for each management scenario. Our results showed that compared to the baseline management, climate benefits could be increased by maintaining higher stocking in thinning over rotation, using nitrogen fertilization and harvesting logging residues, stumps and coarse roots in the final felling. Under the gradually changing climate (in both SRES B1 and A2), the climate benefits were lower compared to the current climate. Trade‐offs between NPV and net climate impacts also existed.
Does Tourism Affect House Prices? Evidence from Italy
Authors: Biagi Bianca , Brandano Maria G. , Lambiri Dionysia 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe purpose of the present work is to analyze whether—and to what extent—tourism activity affects urban house price dynamics in Italy. Using a system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM‐SYS) approach and after controlling for socioeconomic characteristics of the local housing markets as well as amenities and disamenities, we test for the effect of tourism by employing a composite index that enables us to capture the complexity of the tourism market. Data consist of yearly observations on the average house prices of 103 Italian cities over the period of 1996–2007. The results confirmed by several robustness checks demonstrate that tourism activity positively affects house prices. In addition, this work provides several first hints that this relationship might not be the same for all types of cities; hence, further developments of the present work should proceed in the direction of searching for different potential regimes through the use of mixture models.
Vision and Migraine
Authors: Vincent Maurice B. 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundMigraine, a common brain disorder, disrupts vision more than any other motor or sensory function. The possible visual aura symptoms vary from occasional small flashes of light to complex visual hallucinations, the stereotyped teichopsia being the most typical pattern. It is unclear as to why aura occurs serendipitously, sometimes preceding, but also occurring after the headache, and why aura can present with multiple phenotypes.MethodsTo better understand the nature of visual disturbances in migraine, 4 aspects must be considered: What are the visual perceptions in migraine; why vision is affected in migraine; the role of cortical spreading depression (CSD); how does vision could affect migraine. Evidence supporting each of these topics is reviewed.ResultsCSD travels at a similar pace as the march of symptoms in the visual field. Functional neuroimaging studies show spreading changes compatible with CSD regardless of aura. Computerized models reproducing the CSD march on the visual cortex predict a sensory experience compatible with naturally occurring visual auras. Rather than spreading in all directions, these models suggest that CSD moves preferentially in one direction. Migraine‐preventive drugs increase the CSD threshold and reduce CSD velocity. Blind migraineurs may present atypical visual aura, with more colors, shorter duration, different shapes, and atypical symptoms, such as auditory experiences.ConclusionsCSD is the underlying phenomenon in migraine with and without aura. In migraine without aura, CSD probably does not run over silent areas of the cortex, but rather does not reach symptomatology threshold. Normal vision is important in migraine, as lack of sight may change the visual experience during migraine aura, probably due to cortical reorganization and changes in local susceptibility to CSD.
The Behaviour Problems Inventory‐Short Form: Reliability and Factorial Validity in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Mascitelli Andréa N. , Rojahn Johannes , Nicolaides Vias C. , Moore Linda , Hastings Richard P. , Christian‐Jones Ceri 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThe Behaviour Problems Inventory‐Short Form (BPI‐S) is a spin‐off of the BPI‐01 that was empirically developed from a large BPI‐01 data set. In this study, the reliability and factorial validity of the BPI‐S was investigated for the first time on newly collected data from adults with intellectual disabilities.MethodsThe sample consisted of 232 adults with intellectual disabilities who represented all levels of intellectual functioning. They were recruited at several day programs in the USA (n = 148) and the UK (n = 84).ResultsWe found acceptable reliability in terms of internal consistency, inter‐rater agreement and test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the three BPI‐S subscale structure.ConclusionsWe corroborated the factor structure underly‐ing the three subscales and found the BPI‐S to have adequate to good psychometric properties in a newly collected sample of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Ageing and reproduction: antioxidant supplementation alleviates telomere loss in wild birds
Authors: Badás E. P. , Martínez J. , Rivero de Aguilar Cachafeiro J. , Miranda F. , Figuerola J. , Merino S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractReproduction is inherently costly. Environmental stressors, such as infection and limited food resources, can compromise investment at each breeding attempt. For example, recent data on captive birds showed that increased reproductive effort accelerates ageing. However, the effects of nutritional status and infection on ageing remain unknown. Telomeres function as protective caps at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, and changes in telomere length is a commonly used proxy for ageing. To partially address the mechanisms of ageing following reproduction, we supplemented, medicated or administered a combined treatment to wild blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) breeding in central Spain during 2012. The nutritional supplement consisted of two different antioxidants, whereas the medication was an antimalarial treatment against blood parasites. We evaluated the effect of these manipulations on reproductive success and parasite loads in the first breeding season, and on changes in telomere length between two consecutive breeding seasons. Supplemented birds showed no reduction in blood parasite infections in 2012, although they exhibited higher body mass and fledging success. The antimalarial drugs reduced infections by several parasite species, but this had no effect on fitness parameters. In the following season, telomeres from supplemented birds had shortened less. Altogether, we found that supplementation with antioxidants provided fitness benefits in the short term and reduced telomere loss a year following treatment. Our results provide indirect empirical support for accelerated telomere loss as a cost of reproduction.
Tau regulates the localization and function of End‐binding proteins 1 and 3 in developing neuronal cells
Authors: Sayas Carmen Laura , Tortosa Elena , Bollati Flavia , Ramírez‐Ríos Sacnicte , Arnal Isabelle , Avila Jesús 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe axonal microtubule‐associated protein tau is a well‐known regulator of microtubule stability in neurons. However, the putative interplay between tau and End‐binding proteins 1 and 3 (EB1/3), the core microtubule plus‐end tracking proteins, has not been elucidated yet. Here, we show that a cross‐talk between tau and EB1/3 exists in developing neuronal cells. Tau and EBs partially colocalize at extending neurites of N1E‐115 neuroblastoma cells and axons of primary hippocampal neurons, as shown by confocal immunofluorescence analyses. Tau down‐regulation leads to a reduction of EB1/3 comet length, as observed in shRNA‐stably depleted neuroblastoma cells and TAU−/− neurons. EB1/3 localization depends on the expression levels and localization of tau protein. Over‐expression of tau at high levels induces EBs relocalization to microtubule bundles at extending neurites of N1E‐115 cells. In differentiating primary neurons, tau is required for the proper accumulation of EBs at stretches of microtubule bundles at the medial and distal regions of the axon. Tau interacts with EB proteins, as shown by immunoprecipitation in different non‐neuronal and neuronal cells and in whole brain lysates. A tau/EB1 direct interaction was corroborated by in vitro pull‐down assays. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assays performed in neuroblastoma cells confirmed that tau modulates EB3 cellular mobility. In summary, we provide evidence of a new function of tau as a direct regulator of EB proteins in developing neuronal cells. This cross‐talk between a classical microtubule‐associated protein and a core microtubule plus‐end tracking protein may contribute to the fine‐tuned regulation of microtubule dynamics and stability during neuronal differentiation.
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We describe here a novel function for tau as a direct regulator of End binding (EB) proteins in differentiating neuronal cells. EB1/3 cellular mobility and localization in extending neurites and axons is modulated by tau levels and localization. We provide new evidence of the interplay between classical microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) and “core” microtubule plus‐end tracking proteins (+TIPs) during neuronal development.