bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of stent retriever and intra‐arterial fibrinolysis in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Song D. , Kim B. M. , Kim D. J. , Kim Y. D. , Kim J. , Lee H. S. , Nam H. S. , Heo J. H. 
Published: February 2014

Background and purposeAlthough the stent retriever (SR) has shown a better reperfusion rate and clinical outcome than the older generation mechanical clot retrieval device, it is uncertain whether the SR is superior to intra‐arterial fibrinolysis (IAF).MethodsIschaemic stroke patients who were treated with SR or IAF as initial endovascular treatment modality for unilateral arterial occlusion in the anterior circulation were included. Successful reperfusion was defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade ≥2b. A favourable clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Score ≤2 at 3 months.ResultsBetween January 2009 and May 2012, 55 patients were treated with SR and 50 patients were treated with IAF. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups except for the occlusion site and rescue treatment. In binary logistic regression analysis adjusted for the occlusion site and rescue treatment, SR was independently associated with increased successful reperfusion [82.0% vs. 47.3%; odds ratio (OR) 5.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92–14.14) and a more favourable clinical outcome at 3 months (54.0% vs. 43.6%; OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.31–8.84). The frequency of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and mortality at 3 months was not different between the two groups.ConclusionsStent retriever was as safe as and more effective than IAF. Our findings suggest that SR may be considered as an initial modality rather than IAF in acute stroke patients who undergo endovascular treatment.
Adjunctive zonisamide therapy in the long‐term treatment of children with partial epilepsy: Results of an open‐label extension study of a phase III, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Rosati Anna , Bradshaw Kate , Giorgi Luigi 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the safety/tolerability and efficacy of long‐term adjunctive zonisamide and its impact on growth and development in children (6–18 years) with partial epilepsy.MethodsOpen‐label extension of a phase III, placebo‐controlled trial. Started with double‐blind transition period (2–11 weeks), during which patients on zonisamide continued at the same dose and those on placebo switched to zonisamide 1 mg/kg/day, up‐titrated to 8 mg/kg/day (maximum 500 mg/day). During the subsequent open‐label period (45–57 weeks), zonisamide dosing could be adjusted according to tolerability/response. Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), clinical laboratory parameters, and vital signs. Efficacy assessments included responder rate (primary assessment) and seizure freedom rate during the open‐label period. Growth and development assessments comprised Tanner stages, hand x‐rays, Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 6/18), School Performance questionnaire, Physician and Parent/Guardian Global Impression of Change, and Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT).ResultsOne hundred forty‐four children entered the study; 99 (68.8%) of 144 children completed it, and 108 (75.0%) of 144 received zonisamide for ≥1 year. TEAEs occurred in 39 (27.1%) of 144 patients. There were low incidences of serious TEAEs (2.1%) and TEAEs leading to discontinuation (2.8%). Bicarbonate level decreases >3.5 mm occurred in 64 patients (44.4%), and 24 patients (16.7%) had a weight decrease of ≥10% from baseline. During the open‐label period, 81 (56.3%) of 144 patients were responders and 16 (11.1%) of 144 achieved seizure freedom. Tanner staging and skeletal development were as expected for the study population. Changes were minimal for CBCL 6/18 and School Performance scores. Most patients were “much improved”/“very much improved” on Physician (73.8%) and Parent/Guardian (75.4%) Global Impressions of Change. Median changes in COWAT Category and Letter Fluency scores were 2.0 and 0.5, respectively.SignificanceAdjunctive zonisamide was well tolerated and efficacious over a period of at least 1 year in children with partial epilepsy, with no unexpected safety concerns and no consistent detrimental effects on growth and development.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Attention and executive functions in a rat model of chronic epilepsy
Authors: Faure Jean‐Baptiste , Marques‐Carneiro José E. , Akimana Gladys , Cosquer Brigitte , Ferrandon Arielle , Herbeaux Karine , Koning Estelle , Barbelivien Alexandra , Nehlig Astrid , Cassel Jean‐Christophe 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveTemporal lobe epilepsy is a relatively frequent, invalidating, and often refractory neurologic disorder. It is associated with cognitive impairments that affect memory and executive functions. In the rat lithium‐pilocarpine temporal lobe epilepsy model, memory impairment and anxiety disorder are classically reported. Here we evaluated sustained visual attention in this model of epilepsy, a function not frequently explored.MethodsThirty‐five Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to lithium‐pilocarpine status epilepticus. Twenty of them received a carisbamate treatment for 7 days, starting 1 h after status epilepticus onset. Twelve controls received lithium and saline. Five months later, attention was assessed in the five‐choice serial reaction time task, a task that tests visual attention and inhibitory control (impulsivity/compulsivity). Neuronal counting was performed in brain regions of interest to the functions studied (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, nucleus basalis magnocellularis, and pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus).ResultsLithium‐pilocarpine rats developed motor seizures. When they were able to learn the task, they exhibited attention impairment and a tendency toward impulsivity and compulsivity. These disturbances occurred in the absence of neuronal loss in structures classically related to attentional performance, although they seemed to better correlate with neuronal loss in hippocampus. Globally, rats that received carisbamate and developed motor seizures were as impaired as untreated rats, whereas those that did not develop overt motor seizures performed like controls, despite evidence for hippocampal damage.SignificanceThis study shows that attention deficits reported by patients with temporal lobe epilepsy can be observed in the lithium‐pilocarpine model. Carisbamate prevents the occurrence of motor seizures, attention impairment, impulsivity, and compulsivity in a subpopulation of neuroprotected rats.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Simulating local adaptation to climate of forest trees with a Physio‐Demo‐Genetics model
Authors: Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie , Davi Hendrik 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOne challenge of evolutionary ecology is to predict the rate and mechanisms of population adaptation to environmental variations. The variations in most life history traits are shaped both by individual genotypic and by environmental variation. Forest trees exhibit high levels of genetic diversity, large population sizes, and gene flow, and they also show a high level of plasticity for life history traits. We developed a new Physio‐Demo‐Genetics model (denoted PDG) coupling (i) a physiological module simulating individual tree responses to the environment; (ii) a demographic module simulating tree survival, reproduction, and pollen and seed dispersal; and (iii) a quantitative genetics module controlling the heritability of key life history traits. We used this model to investigate the plastic and genetic components of the variations in the timing of budburst (TBB) along an elevational gradient of Fagus sylvatica (the European beech). We used a repeated 5 years climatic sequence to show that five generations of natural selection were sufficient to develop nonmonotonic genetic differentiation in the TBB along the local climatic gradient but also that plastic variation among different elevations and years was higher than genetic variation. PDG complements theoretical models and provides testable predictions to understand the adaptive potential of tree populations.
Expression of p53, Ki67, EcPV2‐ and EcPV3 DNA, and viral genes in relation to metastasis and outcome in equine penile and preputial squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: van den Top J. G. B. , Harkema L. , Lange C. , Ensink J. M. , van de Lest C. H. A. , Barneveld A. , van Weeren P. R. , Gröne A. , Martens A. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyEquine penile and preputial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a potentially lethal disease of which little is known regarding the relationship between tumour characteristics and prognosis.ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between tumour differentiation grade (tumour subtype), presence of papillomaviruses, expression of viral genes (E2, E6, L1), nuclear proteins p53 and Ki67 and metastasis in equine penile and preputial SCC and to assess the relationship of tumour subtype, presence of papillomavirus type 2, p53 and Ki67 with survival.Study designRetrospective case–control study using archived material.MethodsSamples (n = 103) from 87 horses with penile and/or preputial intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), papilloma or SCC and corresponding case files were evaluated. Tumours were graded microscopically and p53 and Ki67 expression evaluated immunohistochemically. Equine papillomavirus (EcPV) types 2 and 3 DNA was detected by conventional PCR. Real‐time PCR was used for quantification of E2, E6 and L1 mRNA.ResultsEquine papillomavirus type 2 DNA was detected in 89.4% and EcPV3 in 1.5% of horses. No differences in quantitative expression of E2, E6 and L1 oncogenes between subtypes were found. Expression of p53 and occurrence of metastasis were positively correlated to a less differentiated subtype (r = 0.429, P<0.001 and r = 0.769, P = 0.001, respectively). Differences in survival between subtypes were significant (log Rank P<0.001); horses with less differentiated tumours were more likely to die of the disease (papilloma 8.3%; G1 26.1%; G2 26.3%; G3 63.3%).ConclusionsIn equine penile and preputial SCC, tumour grading is an important prognosticator for survival and a predictor for presence of metastases. Expression of p53 and Ki67 and presence or expression of EcPV2 and EcPV3 do not appear to be important prognosticators.
Effects of age on the pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamics of intravenously administered fentanyl in foals
Authors: Knych H. K. , Steffey E. P. , Mitchell M. M. , Casbeer H. C. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe use of fentanyl is limited in adult horses, in part due to potential for central nervous system excitation. The pharmacokinetics and the plasma concentration‐related behavioural actions of fentanyl have not been described for young foals.ObjectivesThe goal of the present study was to describe the pharmacokinetics and behavioural effects of fentanyl following administration to the same group of foals at 3 different ages.Study designExperimental study in healthy foals.MethodsFentanyl was administered i.v. (4 μg/kg bwt) to a group of 9 foals on 3 separate occasions at 6–8, 20–22 and 41–42 days of age. Blood samples were collected prior to administration and at multiple times until 24 h post administration. Blood samples were analysed for fentanyl concentrations and pharmacokinetics determined at each age. Behavioural and physiological effects were also assessed.ResultsThe average volume of distribution was 3.55, 1.53 and 1.82 l/kg bwt and clearance 50.2, 40.7 and 35.7 ml/min/kg bwt when foals were 6–8, 20–22 and 41–42 days of age, respectively. The elimination half‐life was slightly prolonged (49.3 min) at 6–8 days relative to 20–22 and 41–42 days of age (25.8 and 33.7 min, respectively). The primary metabolite detected in blood samples was the same as for adult horses. While the onset and duration varied widely between foals, sedation was observed at all ages studied.ConclusionsFentanyl appears to be consistently well tolerated following i.v. administration of 4 μg/kg bwt to foals ranging in age from 1 to 6 weeks. The results of this study support further study of fentanyl for clinical use in foals.
Family matters: sibling rivalry and bonding between p53 and p63 in cancer
Authors: Romano Rose‐Anne , Sinha Satrajit 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe p53 family (p53, p63 and p73) is intimately linked with an overwhelming number of cellular processes during normal physiological as well as pathological conditions including cancer. The fact that these proteins are expressed in myriad isoforms, each with unique biochemical properties and distinct effects on tumorigenesis, complicates their study. A case in point is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) where p53 is often mutated and the ΔNp63 isoform is overexpressed. Given that p53 and p63 can hetero‐dimerize, bind to quite similar DNA elements and share common co‐factors, any alterations in their individual expression levels, activity and/or mutation can severely disrupt the family equilibrium. The burgeoning genomics data sets and new additions to the experimental toolbox are offering crucial insights into the complex role of the p53 family in SCC, but more mechanistic studies are needed.
Analysis of 5‐lipoxygenase phosphorylation on molecular level by MALDI‐MS
Authors: Markoutsa Stavroula , Sürün Duran , Karas Michael , Hofmann Bettina , Steinhilber Dieter , Sorg Bernd L. 
Published: February 2014

The enzyme 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) catalyzes the first reactions in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, powerful lipid mediators that are involved in several physiological and pathological processes. 5‐LO activity is tightly regulated by several factors, including post translational modifications (PTMs). Phosphorylations of 5‐LO by the kinases extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (Erk2), mitogen‐activated protein kinase activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) and protein kinase A (PKA) have been described to regulate 5‐LO activity. Furthermore, 5‐LO phosphorylation is considered a determinant of drug candidate potency. However, no evidence on a molecular level, as can be provided by MS, has as yet been presented for these PTMs. Here, we employ a workflow including different proteolytic cleavages and phosphopeptide enrichment for detection of 5‐LO phosphorylation by MALDI‐MS. Proof for the known phosphorylation sites of MK2 (Ser271) and PKA (Ser523) was provided by MS after in vitro phosphorylation, but not for the postulated Erk2 site (Ser663). Detection limits have been determined for all three sites. Moreover, we identified novel tyrosine kinase target sites within 5‐LO using in silico and in vitro methods. Tyr42, Tyr53 and either Tyr94 or Tyr445 were phosphorylated by the Src kinases Fgr, hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) and Yes. To analyze the phosphorylation state in the cellular context, we created stably 5‐LO‐transduced Mono Mac 6 cells. Here, we only detected phospho‐Ser271 by MS, whereas immunoblot analysis indicated tyrosine phosphorylation, phospho‐Ser271 and phospho‐Ser663. Unexpectedly, phospho‐Ser271 occurred independent of cell stimulation. Taken together, we describe a method for the molecular analysis of 5‐LO phosphorylation, provide insights regarding the occurrence of known phosphorylation sites partly in contrast to earlier studies and present first evidence on novel phosphosites.Structured digital abstract

Yes phosphorylates 5-LO by enzymatic study (1, 2)
PKA phosphorylates 5-LO by enzymatic study (1, 2)
CaMK II phosphorylates 5-LO by enzymatic study (View interaction)
Fgr phosphorylates 5-LO by enzymatic study (1, 2)
MK2 phosphorylates 5-LO by enzymatic study (View interaction)
HCK phosphorylates 5-LO by enzymatic study (1, 2)
Finite element estimation of the plastic ηpl factors for pipe‐ring notched bend specimen using the load separation method
Authors: Likeb A. , Gubeljak N. , Matvienko Y. G. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe object of this paper is to develop the load separation method for the new pipe‐ring notched bend specimen. The paper presents an approach for determining the plastic load line displacement (ηplLLD) and the plastic crack mouth opening displacement (ηplCMOD) correction factors for pipe‐ring notched bend specimens. The estimated plastic factors are possible to use in estimation approach based on load versus displacement test. The ηpl factors could be applied for fracture toughness testing of pipeline materials when standard specimens cannot be applied. Finite element method is employed for estimating the separation parameters. The notch tip radius of blunt notched specimens varies within an interval Rn = 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.25, 1.5 and 2 mm. The effect of the notch tip radius on the ηpl factors is analyzed.
Scaled body‐mass index shows how habitat quality influences the condition of four fish taxa in north‐eastern Spain and provides a novel indicator of ecosystem health
Authors: Maceda‐Veiga Alberto , Green Andy J. , De Sostoa Adolfo 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Natural and anthropogenic disturbances are key forces governing the structure and functioning of aquatic communities. Understanding how these factors shape organism performance can help to identify the most vulnerable species and develop effective management strategies. This is particularly important for ichthyofaunas with high endemicity and low diversity, such as those of the Iberian Peninsula.

We explored the suitability of a novel and simple condition index, the scaled mass index (SMI), based on mass–length relationships, for analysis of the effects that abiotic and biotic pressures have on the body condition of four fish taxa widely distributed in Mediterranean rivers in north‐eastern Spain: brown trout (Salmo trutta), Iberian redfin barbel (Barbus haasi), Ebro barbel (Luciobarbus graellsii) and minnows (Phoxinus spp.). The SMI performed better in explaining spatial variation in body condition than the Fulton Index, a traditional method for fish studies.

For all taxa, anthropogenic stressors influencing water quality and physical habitat explained more variance in SMI than other factors. Variation partitioning and GLM approaches consistently showed that SMI increased with altitude, reduced concentrations of toxic nitrogenous compounds, and well‐preserved riparian canopy and natural channel morphology, despite the fact that three of the study taxa are in expansion and generally considered ‘tolerant’. In addition, the application of SMI to an independent fish data set showed that SMI provides a novel indicator of ecosystem health, which performs better than the current index of biotic integrity developed in this region.

We discuss the likely mechanisms behind the strong effects of habitat quality on SMI and the implications for our understanding of tolerance. Incorporating SMI into studies of fish monitoring is likely to improve the value of fish studies as indicators of river quality and ecological change. Further studies should compare the response of SMI to specific fish health indicators such as parasite load, haematological assays and pollutant bioaccumulation to improve our understanding of the value of SMI as a non‐lethal diagnostic procedure.
Climate change alters the trophic niche of a declining apex marine predator
Authors: Bond Alexander L. , Lavers Jennifer L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractChanges in the world's oceans have altered nutrient flow, and affected the viability of predator populations when prey species become unavailable. These changes are integrated into the tissues of apex predators over space and time and can be quantified using stable isotopes in the inert feathers of historical and contemporary avian specimens. We measured δ13C and δ15N values in Flesh‐footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) from Western and South Australia from 1936–2011. The Flesh‐footed Shearwaters more than doubled their trophic niche (from 3.91 ± 1.37 ‰2 to 10.00 ± 1.79 ‰2), and dropped an entire trophic level in 75 years (predicted δ15N decreased from +16.9 ‰ to + 13.5 ‰, and δ13C from −16.9 ‰ to −17.9 ‰) – the largest change in δ15N yet reported in any marine bird, suggesting a relatively rapid shift in the composition of the Indian Ocean food web, or changes in baseline δ13C and δ15N values. A stronger El Niño‐Southern Oscillation results in a weaker Leeuwin Current in Western Australia, and decreased Flesh‐footed Shearwater δ13C and δ15N. Current climate forecasts predict this trend to continue, leading to increased oceanic ‘tropicalization' and potentially competition between Flesh‐footed Shearwaters and more tropical sympatric species with expanding ranges. Flesh‐footed Shearwater populations are declining, and current conservation measures aimed primarily at bycatch mitigation are not restoring populations. Widespread shifts in foraging, as shown here, may explain some of the reported decline. An improved understanding and ability to mitigate the impacts of global climactic changes is therefore critical to the long‐term sustainability of this declining species.
Retrospective study of oral and maxillofacial lesions in older Taiwanese patients
Authors: Lei Frank , Chen Jing‐Yi , Wang Wen‐Chen , Lin Li‐Min , Huang Hsien‐Cheng , Ho Kun‐Yen , Chen Yuk‐Kwan 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveThe aim was to provide information regarding oral and maxillofacial (OMF) lesions in an older Taiwanese population.BackgroundThe rate of increase of older people in Taiwan is expected to be rapid. OMF lesions are very frequent in the older population, but no studies have been performed on these lesions in Taiwan.Materials and methodsOMF cases (between 2000 and 2011) in geriatric patients (≥60 years of age) with records of age, sex and histological diagnoses were retrieved from the Oral Pathology Department of our institution. These lesions were classified into four main categories: tumour/tumour‐like reactive lesions, cystic/pseudocystic lesions, inflammatory/infective lesions and other miscellaneous lesions.ResultsSix thousand seven hundred and twenty‐six lesions were collected from a total of 39 503 OMF lesions in older Taiwanese patients in this study. Most of these lesions were distributed in the inflammatory/infective group, followed by tumour/tumour‐like reactive lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common lesion, and, additionally, there was a high frequency of oral potentially malignant disorders.ConclusionsThe present study showed trends similar to previous reports from other countries. However, some detailed information was different, perhaps due to the different criteria and different geographic distribution. Worthy of note, our results indicated that screening for oral potentially malignant disorder and oral malignancy in the older population is essential.