bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Headache in a Patient With Crowned Dens: Report of a New Case
Authors: Viana Michele , Sainaghi Pier P. , Stecco Alessandro , Mortara Franco , Sprenger Till , Goadsby Peter J. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundCrowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a clinical‐radiological entity characterized by acute attacks of neck pain with fever, rigidity, general signs of inflammation, and calcification of the periodontoid articular structures.MethodsCase report with 42 months follow‐up.Case descriptionAn 81‐year‐old man, who had never suffered from headache before July 2010, developed strictly left‐sided headaches. The pain was restricted to the left side of the scalp and felt more intense in the frontal area. The intensity was moderate to high with a throbbing quality. The pain had an orthostatic component and was worsened by neck hyperextension and Valsalva maneuvers. Neurological and general examinations were normal, except for a reduced range of motion of the neck. He was prescribed indomethacin orally 25 mg t.i.d. and had a partial response. After a week, he was given a dosage of 50 mg t.i.d. with complete remission of the pain. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal, while an magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed a non‐homogeneous mass behind the odontoid process of C2, narrowing the subarachnoid space in C1, stretching the posterior longitudinal ligament, and touching the left vertebral artery. A computed tomography scan showed calcification of the soft tissue around the odontoid process and a thickening of the left C2 root. After 4 months, the indomethacin dosage was reduced step‐by‐step. Indomethacin was discontinued in March 2012. Since then, the headache has not recurred.DiscussionWe here present the case of a patient with headache and radiological findings of crowned dens. However, the clinical presentation differed from previous CDS cases in the literature in that the pain was unilateral with frontal localization and throbbing quality, as well as an orthostatic component and lack of either fever or inflammatory signs. The differential diagnosis also includes a remitting form of hemicrania continua, presenting with an atypical presentation, with neuroimaging incidental finding of CDS.ConclusionThis case widens the spectrum of the clinical presentation of crowned dens, a condition that should be kept in mind in cases of unilateral headache in older patients.
Contribution of cardiorespiratory fitness, relative to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, to common carotid intima–media thickness
Authors: Scholl J. , Bots M. L. , Peters S. A. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundStudies have suggested that being slightly overweight but fit is better for cardiovascular health than being somewhat leaner but unfit. Here, we sought to determine the contribution of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), relative to the presence of risk factors, to common carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), a measurement of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk.MethodsData were analysed from a cohort of 7300 German employed individuals aged 46 (±7) years who participated in a preventive health check‐up at a specialized prevention centre. In addition to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment, participants performed an exercise test with spirometry to exhaustion, and common CIMT was measured. Individuals were defined as being fit or unfit based on the median age‐ and sex‐specific relative maximum oxygen consumption.ResultsIn a multivariable analysis, there was a strong inverse association between CRF and common CIMT. Individuals who were considered fit and did not have any cardiovascular disease risk factors had the lowest common CIMT values (reference group). Those who were unfit and had an increased risk factor level always had the highest common CIMT values. Good CRF partly compensated for the increased common CIMT due to a risk factor. However, unfit individuals without increased risk factor levels had a common CIMT that was not significantly different from that of the reference group, whereas fit individuals who smoked, had a high body mass index, a low HDL cholesterol concentration or a high systolic blood pressure had an increase in common CIMT.ConclusionCardiorespiratory fitness is a major determinant of common CIMT. Improved CRF does slightly, but not completely, abolish the adverse consequences of cardiovascular disease risk factors on common CIMT.
Concurrent West Nile Virus Infection in Pneumococcal Meningitis: Clinical and MRI Features
Authors: Szatmary Gabriella , Leis A. Arturo 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe report the clinical and neuroimaging findings of an immunocompetent patient with concurrent pneumococcal and West Nile virus meningoencephalitis with relapsing clinical course despite a full course of antibiotic treatment. The patient developed acute oculomotor nerve palsy with pupillary involvement and bilateral hearing loss, and delayed right leg monoparesis. We speculate that coexisting bacterial and viral neuroinvasive infections contributed to the unusual clinical and imaging manifestations, and that overwhelming laboratory and clinical features of bacterial meningitis masked the typical features of CNS viral infection. Therefore, atypical presentations of bacterial meningitis should raise a high index of suspicion for coexisting infections, even in immunocompetent patients, and evolving neuroimaging findings may be helpful in substantiating clinical suspicion and guiding further management.
Genetic structure of the reef grouper Epinephelus merra in the West Indian Ocean appears congruent with biogeographic and oceanographic boundaries
Authors: Muths Delphine , Tessier Emmanuel , Bourjea Jerome 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe reef fauna connectivity of the West Indian Ocean (WIO) is one of the least studied globally. Here we use genetic analyses of the grouper Epinephelus merra (Bloch 1793) to determine patterns of connectivity and to identify barriers to dispersal in this WIO marine area. Phylogeographic and population‐level analyses were conducted on cytochrome b sequences and microsatellites (13 loci) from 557 individuals sampled in 15 localities distributed across the West Indian Ocean. Additional samples from the Pacific Ocean were used to benchmark the WIO population structure. The high level of divergence revealed between Indian and Pacific localities (of about 4.5% in sequences) might be the signature of the major tectonic and climatic changes operating at the Plio‐Pleistocene transition, congruently with numerous examples of Indo‐Pacific speciation. In comparison, the E. merra sequences from the Indian Ocean constitute a monophyletic clade with a low average genetic distance (d < 0.5%). However both genetic markers indicated some structure within this ocean. The main structure revealed was the isolation of the Maldives from the WIO localities (a different group signature identified by clustering analysis, great values of differentiation). Both marker types reveal further significant structure within the WIO, mainly the isolation of the Mascarene Islands (significant AMOVA and isolation‐by‐distance patterns) and some patchy structure between the northernmost localities and within the Mozambique Channel. The WIO genetic structure of E. merra appeared congruent with main biogeographic boundaries and oceanographic currents.
Clinical and pathological analyses of transplant glomerulopathy cases
Authors: Shimizu Tomokazu , Ishida Hideki , Toki Daisuke , Nozaki Taiji , Omoto Kazuya , Tanabe Kazunari , Honda Kazuho , Koike Junki 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTransplant glomerulopathy (TG) is included as one of the criteria of chronic active antibody‐mediated rejection (c‐AMR) in Banff 09 classification. In this report, we discuss the clinical and pathological analyses of cases of TG after renal transplantation.PatientsTG was diagnosed in 86 renal allograft biopsy specimens (BS) obtained from 50 renal transplant patients followed up at our institute between January 2006 and October 2012. We retrospectively reviewed the data of these 86 BS and 50 patients.ResultsAmong the 50 patients, 42 (84%) had a history of acute rejection (AR); of these, 30 (60%) had acute antibody‐mediated rejection (a‐AMR). Among the 86 BS of TG, the TG was mild in 35 cases (cg1 in Banff classification), moderate in 28 cases (cg2) and severe in 23 cases (cg3). Peritubular capillaritis was present in 74 BS (86%), transplant glomerulitis in 65 (76%), interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) in 71 (83%), thickening of the peritubular capillary (PTC) basement membrane in 72 (84%), and interstitial inflammation in 40 (47%). C4d deposition in the PTC was present in 49 BS (57%); 39 of these 49 BS showed diffuse C4d deposits in the PTC (C4d3), while the remaining 10 BS showed focal deposits (C4d2). Diffuse C4d deposition in the glomerular capillaries (GC) was seen in 70 BS (81%), while focal C4d deposition in the GC was seen in 9 (11%). In the assay using plastic beads coated with HLA antigen performed in 67 serum samples obtained in the peri‐biopsy period, circulating ant‐HLA alloantibody was detected in 55 (82%); in 33 of the 55 (49%) samples, donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) were detected. Among our study, the findings in 22 BS (26%) fully met the criteria for c‐AMR in Banff ’09 classification, including TG, C4d deposition in the PTC and presence of DSA, while those in 27 BS were suspicious of c‐AMR. Deterioration of the renal allograft function after the biopsies was seen in 31 patients (62%), of which 11 lost their graft.ConclusionsWe suggest that histopathological changes of transplant glomerulopathy might be accompanied by inflammation of the microvasculature, such as transplant glomerulitis and peritubular capillaritis, thickening of the peritubular capillary basement membrane, and circulating anti‐HLA antibodies. C4d deposition in the PTC is not always present in biopsy specimens of TG. We speculated that C4d deposition in the GC, rather than that in the PTC might be a more characteristic manifestation of TG. Many of the patients with TG had a history of AR. Anti‐HLA antibody Class II, particularly when the antibody was DSA Class II, appeared to be associated with the development of TG. The prognosis of grafts exhibiting TG was not too good even under the currently used immunosuppressive protocol.
Recurrent glomerular disease after kidney transplantation: An update of selected areas and the impact of protocol biopsy
Authors: Morozumi Kunio , Takeda Asami , Otsuka Yasuhiro , Horike Keiji , Gotoh Norihiko , Watarai Yoshihiko 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRecurrence of native kidney disease following kidney transplantation affects between 10% and 20% of patients, and accounts for up to 8% of graft failures. In a considerable number of recipients with transplant glomerulopathy, it is impossible to distinguish between recurrent and de novo types. An accurate estimate of the incidence of recurrence is difficult due to limitations in the diagnosis of recurrent glomerulonephritis. De novo glomerular lesions may be misclassified if histological confirmation of the patient's native kidney disease is lacking. Asymptomatic histological recurrence in renal allografts may be missed if protocol biopsies are not available. Studies based on protocol biopsy are pivotal to accurately estimate the incidence of recurrence. Many factors are known to influence recurrence of kidney disease after transplantation, including the type and severity of the original disease, age at onset, interval from onset to end‐stage renal disease, and clinical course of the previous transplantation. Early recognition of recurrence is possible in several glomerular diseases. Factors such as the existence of circulating permeability factors, circulating urokinase receptor and anti‐phospholipase A2 receptor antibody, as well as disorders of complement regulatory proteins like factor I mutation and factor H mutation factors are expected to be useful predictors of recurrence. Peculiar clinical course of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome after kidney transplantation is an informative sign of recurrent glomerular disease. These factors play pivotal roles in the development of recurrence of certain types of glomerulopathies. Understanding the pathogenesis of recurrent glomerulonephritis is critical to optimize prevention as well as treat individual cases of recurrent glomerulonephritis. Subclinical recurrence of IgA nephropathy after kidney transplantation is well recognized. Only protocol biopsies of clinically silent recipient can provide the accurate prevalence of recurrent IgA nephropathy. The study of recurrent glomerulonephritis will contribute not only to improving long‐term graft survival, but also to clarifying the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. Protocol biopsy is one the most effective methods for elucidating the pathogenesis of recurrent glomerulonephritis.
Root traits predict decomposition across a landscape‐scale grazing experiment
Authors: Smith Stuart W. , Woodin Sarah J. , Pakeman Robin J. , Johnson David , van der Wal René 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Root litter is the dominant soil carbon and nutrient input in many ecosystems, yet few studies have considered how root decomposition is regulated at the landscape scale and how this is mediated by land‐use management practices. Large herbivores can potentially influence below‐ground decomposition through changes in soil microclimate (temperature and moisture) and changes in plant species composition (root traits).

To investigate such herbivore‐induced changes, we quantified annual root decomposition of upland grassland species in situ across a landscape‐scale livestock grazing experiment, in a common‐garden experiment and in laboratory microcosms evaluating the influence of key root traits on decomposition.

Livestock grazing increased soil temperatures, but this did not affect root decomposition. Grazing had no effect on soil moisture, but wetter soils retarded root decomposition. Species‐specific decomposition rates were similar across all grazing treatments, and species differences were maintained in the common‐garden experiment, suggesting an overriding importance of litter type. Supporting this, in microcosms, roots with lower specific root area (m2 g−1) or those with higher phosphorus concentrations decomposed faster.

Our results suggest that large herbivores alter below‐ground carbon and nitrogen dynamics more through their effects on plant species composition and associated root traits than through effects on the soil microclimate.
Piscivore Responses to Enhancement of the Channelized Kissimmee River, Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Jordan Frank , Arrington D. Albrey 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEvaluation of the success of ecosystem restoration projects requires identification of appropriate ecological metrics. Comparison of reconstructed food webs (or subsets thereof) from restored and non‐restored habitats may be a valuable tool to evaluate restoration success because food webs help identify critical predator–prey relationships, keystone species, relative importance of direct and indirect trophic interactions, and other aspects of ecological function. We compared the diets of apex predatory fishes collected from enhanced and non‐enhanced portions of the channelized Kissimmee River, Florida, USA to determine whether food web structure responded to experimental hydrologic manipulations. Diets were reconstructed for black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), bowfin (Amia calva), chain pickerel (Esox niger), Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) collected from enhanced and non‐enhanced portions of the Kissimmee River. Prey eaten by apex predatory fishes in the enhanced portion of the Kissimmee River were quantitatively and qualitatively different from prey eaten in non‐enhanced portions of the river. Predators in the enhanced portion of the river had fewer empty stomachs, more prey items per individual, more prey types per individual, more fish prey per individual, greater overall richness of prey, and a multivariate suite of prey distinct from predators in non‐enhanced portions of the river. Results from hydrologic manipulations suggest that large‐scale restoration of hydrologic linkages between the main channel and floodplain habitats will positively affect food web structure and ecosystem function in the Kissimmee River.
Comprehensive assessment of the long‐term safety of pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Valeyre Dominique , Albera Carlo , Bradford Williamson Z. , Costabel Ulrich , King Talmadge E. , Leff Jonathan A. , Noble Paul W. , Sahn Steven A. , du Bois Roland M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground and objectivePirfenidone is an oral antifibrotic agent that is approved in several countries for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We performed a comprehensive analysis of safety across four clinical trials evaluating pirfenidone in patients with IPF.MethodsAll patients receiving pirfenidone 2403 mg/day in the Phase 3 CAPACITY studies (Studies 004 and 006) and all patients receiving at least one dose of pirfenidone in one of two ongoing open‐label studies in patients with IPF (Studies 002 and 012) were selected for inclusion. Safety outcomes were evaluated from baseline until 28 days after the last dose of study drug.ResultsA total of 789 patients were included in the analysis. The median duration of exposure to pirfenidone was 2.6 years (range, 1 week–7.7 years), and the cumulative total exposure was 2059 person exposure years (PEY). Gastrointestinal and skin‐related events were the most commonly reported adverse events; these were almost always mild to moderate in severity, and rarely led to treatment discontinuation. Elevations (>3× upper limit of normal) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 21/789 (2.7%) patients; the adjusted incidence of AST/ALT elevations was 1.7 per 100 PEY.ConclusionsThis comprehensive analysis of safety in a large cohort of IPF patients receiving pirfenidone for a total of 2059 PEY demonstrates that long‐term treatment with pirfenidone is safe and generally well tolerated.
Impact of Buccotherm® on xerostomia: a single blind study
Authors: Alpöz Esin , Çankaya Hülya , Güneri Pelin , Epstein Joel B. , Boyacioglu Hayal , Kabasakal Yasemin , Ocakci Pınar Talu 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe purpose of this single blind study was to investigate effects of Buccotherm® spray on subjective symptoms of xerostomia patients.MethodsTwenty patients with dry mouth complaint were instructed to use placebo six times a day for 2 weeks. After a wash period, mineral water spray was provided. Patients were asked to reply questions regarding dry mouth using visual analog scale (VAS). Baseline and subsequent subjective findings on 1 hour after the application of the materials at the end of 1st, 7th, and 14th days were recorded.ResultsAt the end of 14‐day treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed between the efficacy of placebo and commercial mineral water dental spray (p > 0.05). The VAS scores revealed that difficulty in mastication (p = 0.006), difficulty in swallowing (p = 0.00), need to sip liquids while eating (p = 0.000), difficulty in speech (p = 0.003), and waking up at night to sip water (p = 0.005) were statistically lower for placebo than commercial mineral water spray.ConclusionThe commercial mineral water dental spray was not more efficient than placebo in the management of dry mouth‐related symptoms.Clinical relevanceThis study emphasizes the fundamental role of saliva in oral health and evaluates the clinical utility of a commercial dental spray.
Suppression of OsRAD51D results in defects in reproductive development in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Byun Mi Young , Kim Woo Taek 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe cellular roles of RAD51 paralogs in somatic and reproductive growth have been extensively described in a wide range of animal systems and, to a lesser extent, in Arabidopsis, a dicot model plant. Here, the OsRAD51D gene was identified and characterized in rice (Oryza sativa L.), a monocot model crop. In the rice genome, three alternative OsRAD51D mRNA splicing variants, OsRAD51D.1, OsRAD51D.2, and OsRAD51D.3, were predicted. Yeast two‐hybrid studies, however, showed that only OsRAD51D.1 interacted with OsRAD51B and OsRAD51C paralogs, suggesting that OsRAD51D.1 is a functional OsRAD51D protein in rice. Loss‐of‐function osrad51d mutant rice plants displayed normal vegetative growth. However, the mutant plants were defective in reproductive growth, resulting in sterile flowers. Homozygous osrad51d mutant flowers exhibited impaired development of lemma and palea and contained unusual numbers of stamens and stigmas. During early meiosis, osrad51d pollen mother cells (PMCs) failed to form normal homologous chromosome pairings. In subsequent meiotic progression, mutant PMCs represented fragmented chromosomes. The osrad51d pollen cells contained numerous abnormal micro‐nuclei that resulted in malfunctioning pollen. The abnormalities of heterozygous mutant and T2 Ubi:RNAi‐OsRAD51D RNAi‐knock‐down transgenic plants were intermediate between those of wild type and homozygous mutant plants. The osrad51d and Ubi:RNAi‐OsRAD51D plants contained longer telomeres compared with wild type plants, indicating that OsRAD51D is a negative factor for telomere lengthening. Overall, these results suggest that OsRAD51D plays a critical role in reproductive growth in rice. This essential function of OsRAD51D is distinct from Arabidopsis, in which AtRAD51D is not an essential factor for meiosis or reproductive development.
Results from England’s 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Authors: Standage Martyn , Wilkie Hannah J. , Jago Russell , Foster Charlie , Goad Mary A. , Cumming Sean P. 
Published: May 2014

Background:The Active Healthy Kids 2014 England Report Card aims to provide a systematic assessment of how England is performing in relation to engaging and facilitating physical activity (PA) in children and young people.Methods:The systematic methods and processes that underpin the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card were used and adapted. Data and evidence were consolidated, reviewed by a panel of content experts, and used to inform the assignment of letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) to 9 core indicators related to PA.Results:Children’s Overall Physical Activity received a grade of C/D. Active Transportation and Organized Sport Participation received grades of C and C-, respectively. The indicators of School and Community and the Built Environment were graded favorable with grades of A- and B, respectively. Active Play, Sedentary Behaviors, Family and Peers, and Government Strategies and Investments were graded as INC (incomplete) due to a lack of nationally representative data and/or as a result of data not mapping onto the benchmarks used to assign the grades.Conclusions:Substantial provision for PA opportunities in England exists. Yet more effort is required to maximize use of these resources to increase PA participation.