bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of substance use reduction in an epidemiological first‐episode psychosis cohort
Authors: Rebgetz Shane , Conus Philippe , Hides Leanne , Kavanagh David J. , Cotton Sue , Schimmelmann Benno G. , McGorry Patrick D. , Lambert Martin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo assess the predictors of a significant decrease or cessation of substance use (SU) in a treated epidemiological cohort of first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients.MethodParticipants were FEP patients of the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre in Australia. Patients' medical files were reviewed using a standardized file audit. Data on 432 patients with FEP and baseline co‐morbid substance use disorder (SUD) were available for analysis. Predictors of reduction/cessation of SU at follow up were examined using logistic regression analyses.ResultsIn univariate analyses, a reduction/cessation of SU was predicted by baseline measures reflecting higher education, employment, accommodation with others, cannabis use disorder (CUD) only (rather than poly‐SUDs), better global functioning and better premorbid social and occupational functioning, later age at onset of psychosis, and a diagnosis of non‐affective psychosis. In multivariate analysis, CUD alone and better premorbid social and occupational functioning remained significant predictors.ConclusionsAddressing SUDs and social and occupational goals in people with FEP may offer opportunities to prevent SUDs becoming more severe or entrenched. Further longitudinal research on recovery from SU and FEP is needed to disentangle directions of influence and identify key targets for intervention.
Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels in epilepsy
Authors: Hong Z. , Li W. , Qu B. , Zou X. , Chen J. , Sander J. W. , Zhou D. 
Published: July 2013

Background and purposeTo clarify the utility of serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker for epilepsy diagnosis and severity.MethodsSerum BDNF levels in 135 consecutive people with epilepsy meeting our criteria were assessed. Controls were 34 healthy individuals who over 12 months or longer had no complaints or signs of a neurological disorder. Serum BDNF concentrations were measured using Luminex technology.ResultsGender, but not age, was found to be a significant factor related to serum BDNF levels in controls and people with epilepsy. Serum BDNF levels in people with epilepsy (mean 8798.5, SE 321.5 pg/ml) were not different from those of controls (mean 8919.5, SE 709.0 pg/ml). A multiple linear regression analysis, however, suggests that seizure frequency (P < 0.001) and epilepsy duration (P = 0.025) negatively correlate with serum BDNF levels independently of other factors. When BDNF cut‐off values of 6260 pg/ml were used, the sensitivity for distinguishing people with daily or more frequent seizures from those with fewer seizures was 80% and specificity was 90%.ConclusionsIt seems that the concentration of BDNF in serum is associated with disease severity in people with epilepsy and may be a helpful marker for severity.
Quantitative FLAIR analysis indicates predominant affection of the amygdala in antibody‐associated limbic encephalitis
Authors: Wagner Jan , Schoene‐Bake Jan‐Christoph , Malter Michael P. , Urbach Horst , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Elger Christian E. , Weber Bernd 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPurposeLimbic encephalitis is an autoimmune‐mediated disease leading to temporal lobe epilepsy, mnestic deficits, and affective disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually shows signal and volume changes of the temporomesial structures. However, these abnormalities may be subtle, thereby hampering the diagnosis by conventional visual assessment. In the present study we evaluated the diagnostic value of a fully automated MRI postprocessing technique in limbic encephalitis and hippocampal sclerosis.MethodsThe MRI postprocessing was based largely on a recently described method allowing for an observer‐independent quantification of the fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal intensities of amygdala and hippocampus. A 95% confidence region was calculated from the FLAIR intensities of 100 healthy controls. We applied this analysis to the MRI data of 39 patients with antibody‐associated limbic encephalitis and 63 patients with hippocampal sclerosis. Moreover, the results were compared to those of visual assessment by an experienced neuroradiologist.Key FindingsThe method detected limbic encephalitis and hippocampal sclerosis with a high sensitivity of 85% and 95%, respectively. The detection rate of the automated approach in limbic encephalitis was significantly superior to visual analysis (85% vs. 51%; p = 0.001), whereas no statistically significant difference for the detection rate in hippocampal sclerosis was found. Patients with limbic encephalitis had significantly higher absolute intensity values of the amygdala and a significantly higher percentage fell outside of the amygdalar confidence region compared to those with hippocampal sclerosis (79% vs. 27%; p < 0.001), whereas we found opposite results in the hippocampal analysis (38% vs. 95%; p < 0.001).SignificanceThe FLAIR analysis applied in this study is a powerful tool to quantify signal changes of the amygdala and hippocampus in limbic encephalitis and hippocampal sclerosis. It significantly increases the diagnostic sensitivity in limbic encephalitis in comparison to conventional visual analysis. Furthermore, the method provides an interesting insight into the distinct properties of these two disease entities on MRI, indicating a predominant affection of the amygdala in limbic encephalitis, whereas the affection of the hippocampus is far less pronounced when compared to hippocampal sclerosis.
Antagonistic relationships between intron content and codon usage bias of genes in three mosquito species: functional and evolutionary implications
Authors: Behura Susanta K. , Singh Brajendra K. , Severson David W. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractGenome biology of mosquitoes holds potential in developing knowledge‐based control strategies against vectorborne diseases such as malaria, dengue, WestNile, and others. Although the genomes of three major vector mosquitoes have been sequenced, attempts to elucidate the relationship between intron and codon usage bias across species in phylogenetic contexts are limited. In this study, we investigated the relationship between intron content and codon bias of orthologous genes among three vector mosquito species. We found an antagonistic relationship between codon usage bias and the intron number of genes in each mosquito species. The pattern is further evident among the intronless and the intron‐containing orthologous genes associated with either low or high codon bias among the three species. Furthermore, the covariance between codon bias and intron number has a directional component associated with the species phylogeny when compared with other nonmosquito insects. By applying a maximum likelihood–based continuous regression method, we show that codon bias and intron content of genes vary among the insects in a phylogeny‐dependent manner, but with no evidence of adaptive radiation or species‐specific adaptation. We discuss the functional and evolutionary significance of antagonistic relationships between intron content and codon bias.
A questionnaire study of equine gastrointestinal parasite control in Scotland
Authors: Stratford C. H. , Lester H. E. , Morgan E. R. , Pickles K. J. , Relf V. , McGorum B. C. , Matthews J. B. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyAnthelmintic resistance in equine gastrointestinal nematodes is a threat to equine health and welfare. Detailed knowledge of anthelmintic use and parasite control methods is a prerequisite to identification of potential risk factors for resistance.ObjectivesTo identify parasite control practices employed by equine owners in Scotland and investigate management factors associated with anthelmintic resistance.Study designQuestionnaire study of equine parasite control in Scotland.MethodsQuestionnaires were available electronically, distributed at a conference and mailed to clients. Key areas explored included general background, grazing management, anthelmintic treatment practices and use of diagnostic tests.ResultsA total of 193 responses detailing information on parasite control programmes of 993 equids were analysed. Moxidectin (MOX) and ivermectin or related combination products were the most commonly administered anthelmintics in the preceding 12 months. Treatments licensed for use against cyathostomin encysted larvae and tapeworms were administered by 80% and 90% of respondents, respectively. This was often achieved through indiscriminate use of MOX and MOX‐praziquantel products. Faecal egg count (FEC) analysis had been performed on 62% of yards and regular use of FECs reduced annual anthelmintic treatment frequency. Veterinarians had the greatest influence on control practices. While 40% of respondents believed that they practised targeted dosing, this was not associated with delaying treatment beyond the egg reappearance period of the anthelmintic used.ConclusionsResponses indicated increasing veterinary involvement and use of FECs. The majority of respondents administered anthelmintics licensed against cyathostomin encysted larvae and tapeworms. However, responses suggested that owners did not understand the definition of ‘targeted’ dosing regimens.Potential relevanceThe high frequency of MOX use represents a potential risk factor for macrocyclic lactone resistance. As veterinarians were the most influential factor in anthelmintic choice, awareness of macrocyclic lactone resistance and potential risk factors for its development and spread should be incorporated into client advice.
Factors associated with survival in 148 recumbent horses
Authors: Winfield L. S. , Kass P. H. , Magdesian K. G. , Madigan J. E. , Aleman M. , Pusterla N. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyThere are currently few data available on the prognosis and outcome of recumbent horses.ObjectivesTo investigate the outcome of hospitalised horses that had been recumbent in the field or hospital and factors affecting their survival within the first 3 days of hospitalisation and survival after 3 days to hospital discharge.Study designRetrospective analysis of clinical records.MethodsRecords of 148 horses admitted to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis from January 1995 to December 2010 with a history of recumbency or horses that became recumbent while hospitalised were evaluated. Exact logistic regression was used to assess the association between clinical parameters and survival within the first 3 days of hospitalisation and survival to hospital discharge after 3 days.ResultsThere were 109 nonsurvivors and 39 survivors. Multivariate analysis showed variables associated with an increased odds of death within the first 3 days of hospitalisation included duration of clinical signs prior to presentation, with horses showing clinical signs for over 24 h having increased odds of death (P = 0.043, odds ratio [OR] 4.16, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–16.59), the presence of band neutrophils (P = 0.02, OR 7.94, 95% CI 1.39–45.46), the horse not using the sling (P = 0.031, OR 4.22, 95% confidence interval 1.14–15.68) and horses that were unable to stand after treatment (P<0.0001, OR 231.15, 95% CI 22.82–2341.33). Increasing cost was associated with lower odds of death (P = 0.017, OR 0.96, for each additional $100 billed, 95% CI 0.93–0.99).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the duration of clinical signs, response to treatment and the ability of horses to use a sling are associated with survival to hospital discharge for recumbent horses.
Structure of NADP+‐dependent glutamate dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli – reflections on the basis of coenzyme specificity in the family of glutamate dehydrogenases
Authors: Sharkey Michael A. , Oliveira Tânia F. , Engel Paul C. , Khan Amir R. 
Published: July 2013

Glutamate dehydrogenases (GDHs; EC 1.4.1.2&#x2013;4) catalyse the oxidative deamination of l‐glutamate to α‐ketoglutarate, using NAD+ and/or NADP+ as a cofactor. Subunits of homo‐hexameric bacterial enzymes comprise a substrate‐binding domain I followed by a nucleotide‐binding domain II. The reaction occurs in a catalytic cleft between the two domains. Although conserved residues in the nucleotide‐binding domains of various dehydrogenases have been linked to cofactor preferences, the structural basis for specificity in the GDH family remains poorly understood. Here, the refined crystal structure of Escherichia coli GDH in the absence of reactants is described at 2.5‐Å resolution. Modelling of NADP+ in domain II reveals the potential contribution of positively charged residues from a neighbouring α‐helical hairpin to phosphate recognition. In addition, a serine that follows the P7 aspartate is presumed to form a hydrogen bond with the 2′‐phosphate. Mutagenesis and kinetic analysis confirms the importance of these residues in NADP+ recognition. Surprisingly, one of the positively charged residues is conserved in all sequences of NAD+‐dependent enzymes, but the conformations adopted by the corresponding regions in proteins whose structure has been solved preclude their contribution to the coordination of the 2′‐ribose phosphate of NADP+. These studies clarify the sequence–structure relationships in bacterial GDHs, revealing that identical residues may specify different coenzyme preferences, depending on the structural context. Primary sequence alone is therefore not a reliable guide for predicting coenzyme specificity. We also consider how it is possible for a single sequence to accommodate both coenzymes in the dual‐specificity GDHs of animals.
Functional differentiation of small heat shock proteins in diapause‐destined Artemia embryos
Authors: King Allison M. , Toxopeus Jantina , MacRae Thomas H. 
Published: July 2013

Encysted embryos of Artemia franciscana cease development and enter diapause, a state of metabolic suppression and enhanced stress tolerance. The development of diapause‐destined Artemia embryos is characterized by the coordinated synthesis of the small heat shock proteins (sHsps) p26, ArHsp21 and ArHsp22, with the latter being stress inducible in adults. The amounts of sHsp mRNA and protein varied in Artemia cysts, suggesting transcriptional and translational regulation. By contrast to p26, knockdown of ArHsp21 by RNA interference had no effect on embryo development. ArHsp21 provided limited protection against stressors such as desiccation and freezing but not heat. ArHsp21 may have a non‐essential or unidentified role in cysts. Injection of Artemia adults with amounts of ArHsp22 double‐stranded RNA less than those used for other sHsps killed females and males, curtailing the analysis of ArHsp22 function in developing embryos and cysts. The results indicate that diapause‐destined Artemia embryos synthesize varying amounts of sHsps as a result of differential gene expression and mRNA translation and also suggest that these sHsps have distinctive functions.
Association of decreased sympathetic nervous activity with mortality of older adults in long‐term care
Authors: Shibasaki Koji , Ogawa Sumito , Yamada Shizuru , Iijima Katsuya , Eto Masato , Kozaki Koichi , Toba Kenji , Akishita Masahiro , Ouchi Yasuyoshi 
Published: July 2013

AimTo investigate the relationship between physical function, mortality and autonomic nervous activity measured by heart rate variability of elderly in long‐term care.MethodsCross‐sectional and longitudinal studies were carried out at hospitals and health service facilities for the elderly in Nagano prefecture, Japan, from July 2007 to March 2011. A total of 105 long‐term care older adults and 17 control older adults with independent physical function were included. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Barthel Index were determined as indices of physical function. Twenty‐four‐hour Holter monitoring was carried out. From RR intervals in electrocardiograms, heart rate and standard deviations of all NN intervals in all 5‐min segments of the entire recording, power spectral density, low frequency, high frequency and low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) were calculated.ResultsFIM score and Barthel Index were 46 ± 26 and 30 ± 31, respectively, in long‐term care elderly. FIM and Barthel index were significantly correlated with heart rate and the standard deviations of all NN intervals after adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and FIM. Furthermore, LF/HF was significantly decreased in long‐term care elderly compared with control elderly after adjustment for covariates. In addition, decrease in LF/HF was an independent risk factor for mortality.ConclusionLow LF/HF activity was observed in long‐term care elderly and was related to an increase of overall mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 159–166.
Size variability of handwriting in healthy Korean older adults
Authors: Yoon Ji Hye , Kim HyangHee , Kim JungWan , Park Eunjeong , Kim Soo Ryon 
Published: July 2013

AimThe aim of the present study was to delineate how age‐related deterioration affects the handwriting of healthy elderly (HE) subjects.MethodsA total of 235 HE (54 males, 181 females) aged 57–91 years participated as subjects in the study. In order to compare the area of handwriting, we divided the participants into two groups: (i) aged 57–74 years; and (ii) aged 75–91 years. The writing stimulus was a four‐syllabic word with one‐to‐one grapheme‐to‐phoneme correspondence. The size of each syllable in the target word was measured using a software program. Alignment of the word to baseline was assessed using a multiple‐choice checklist.ResultsAs compared with handwriting by the younger group, the older group showed greater variability in the size of the written syllables within the word (P = 0.023).ConclusionThe handwriting was characterized by unequal size among syllables and non‐perpendicular alignment, which could be explained by several factors. First, the variability might have resulted from irregular fine movement motor control in older adults. Second, the deterioration of visual feedback and visuomotor integration in normal aging might have affected handwriting performance. In conclusion, variability of handwriting can be sensitive in predicting the aging process. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 458–463.
Successful tunneled catheter placement in a hemodialysis patient with idiopathic multiple central venous stenoses
Authors: Zhao Yuliang , Cui Tianlei , Yu Yang , Liu Fang , Fu Ping , Zhou Li , Li Xiao 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCentral venous stenosis (CVS) in hemodialysis patients could be secondary to central venous catheterization, high flow arteriovenous fistula, as well as extrinsic compression. However, we report a senile hemodialysis patient of left internal jugular vein stenosis and right innominate vein occlusion unrelated to any known risk factors. Aided by computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography, we managed to dilate the stenosis by percutaneous balloon angioplasty, followed by successful tunneled catheter placement. Nephrologists should be aware of idiopathic CVS and its impact on the creation and preservation of vascular access. When confronted with difficulties in catheter placement, practitioners need to consider the possibilities of idiopathic CVS and refer to radiological tests.
Central Nervous System Venulitis Presenting as Migraine
Authors: Orr Serena L. , dos Santos Marlise P. , Jurencak Roman , Michaud Jean , Miller Elka , Doja Asif 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo describe a case of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) venulitis.BackgroundPrimary angiitis of the CNS is a rare but increasingly well‐recognized cause of morbidity in children. It primarily involves the arteries and arterioles of the CNS, with only 1 published case of a pediatric patient found to have isolated CNS venulitis on brain biopsy.Case ReportA 17‐year‐old female with a 4‐year history of migraines presented with increasingly frequent migraines and right‐sided hemiplegia. Infectious, hematologic, and rheumatologic work‐ups were negative. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple rim‐enhancing lesions consistent with calcifications affecting the deep left white matter. On brain biopsy, there was evidence of an inflammatory process involving small veins and venules. The patient displayed clinical improvement with a course of high‐dose steroids and 6 monthly cyclophosphamide infusions followed by maintenance therapy with mycophenolate mofetil.DiscussionWe describe a case of pediatric CNS venulitis presenting with migraine.
Preserving hepatic artery flow during portal triad blood inflow occlusion reduces the outgrowth of hepatocarcinoma in mice after ischemia–reperfusion
Authors: Shi Bin , Li Chong Hui , Chen Yong Wei , Yang Shi Zhong , Zhang Ai Qun , Dong Jia Hong 
Published: July 2013

AimTo investigate the effect of different hepatic vascular occlusion maneuvers on the growth of hepatocarcinoma after liver ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury.MethodsA mice hepatocarcinoma model was established by portal vein injection of H22 hepatoma cells. After 3 days, the mice underwent sham operation, occlusion of portal triad (OPT), portal vein (OPV), or intermittent clamping (INT) operation. The hepatic I/R injury, pathological changes, hepatic replacement area, proliferative cell nuclear antigen expression, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation were assessed 5 days after reperfusion.ResultsAlanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the OPV group were significantly lower than those in the OPT and INT groups at 24 h after reperfusion. The hepatic injury of clamped liver lobes in the OPV group, represented by histopathological alterations and myeloperoxidase activity, was much slighter than that in the OPT and INT groups. The values of hepatic replacement area in the sham operation, OPT, OPV, and INT groups were 7.661 2.55%, 35.61 1 4.23%, 9.02 1 3.01%, and 19.95 1 4.10%, respectively. Proliferative cell nuclear antigen expression and ERK1/2 activation of tumor cells were the highest in the OPT group, and the lowest in the OPV and INT groups.ConclusionPreserving hepatic artery flow during portal triad blood inflow occlusion substantially inhibits the outgrowth of hepatocarcinoma via attenuating hepatic I/R injury in a murine liver tumor model. These results suggest a better prevention of hepatic tumor outgrowth after hepatectomy by using the selective portal vein clamping method in liver cancer patients.