bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cause‐specific mortality among patients with epilepsy: Results from a 30‐year cohort study
Authors: Trinka Eugen , Bauer Gerhard , Oberaigner Willi , Ndayisaba Jean‐Pierre , Seppi Klaus , Granbichler Claudia A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryPurpose: Death rates of patients with epilepsy are two to three times higher than expected. The aim of our study was to further delineate the causes and the patterns of premature death in patients with epilepsy.Methods: We included all patients who were prospectively enrolled between 1970 and 1999 in our epilepsy outpatient clinical database. Patients were followed until death or December 31, 2003. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using reference rates from the same region.Key Findings: After 48,595 person years of follow‐up, 648 of 3,334 patients had died, resulting in an overall SMR of 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–2.4). The highest SMRs were for patients aged 26–45 years (6.8, 95% CI 3.8–11.2) and with symptomatic epilepsies (3.1, 95% CI 2.3–4.9); those for cryptogenic causes (2.2, 95% CI 1.6–3.1) were also elevated, whereas those for idiopathic causes were not increased (2.7, 95% CI 0.7–7.0) after 2 years of follow‐up. SMRs for patients with persistent seizures (3.3, 95% CI 2.6–4.4) were higher than those for seizure‐free patients (1.4, 95% CI 0.8–2.3). The highest cause‐specific SMRs were for epilepsy (91.6, 95% CI 66.3–123.4), brain tumors (22.7, 95% CI 15.7–31.8), and external causes (2.4, 95% CI 1.8–3.3) at end of study period.Significance: Epilepsy patients have a higher‐than‐expected risk of death throughout life and especially during the first 2 years following diagnosis. Standardized mortality rates were especially high in younger patients and in patients with symptomatic epilepsies. Persistent seizures are strongly related to excess mortality.
Anatomic and neuromuscular characterisation of the equine cricothyroid muscle
Authors: Reesink H. L. , Hermanson J. W. , Cheetham J. , Mu L. , Mitchell L. M. , Soderholm L. V. , Ducharme N. G. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyAs part of investigation into laryngeal stability and reanimation using functional electrical stimulation, the cricothyroid muscle might be utilised to increase laryngeal cross‐sectional area in horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. For optimal electrode placement and muscle recruitment, the neuroanatomy and excitability of the equine cricothyroid muscle needs to be defined.ObjectivesTo describe the anatomy, innervation and function of the equine cricothyroid muscle and its contribution to laryngeal diameter.MethodsSeventeen equine larynges were collected at necropsy and 12 were grossly dissected. Seven larynges (five grade 1, two grade 4) were prepared for immunohistochemistry following gross dissection and 5 larynges were prepared for special staining: acetylcholinesterase staining of motor endplates (n = 3) and Sihler's staining (n = 2). Three larynges were stimulated following in situ cadaver dissection and 2 larynges were removed and stimulated ex vivo.ResultsThree neuromuscular compartments, each innervated by a primary nerve branch of the external branch of the cranial laryngeal nerve, were identified in all larynges. Stimulation of each neuromuscular compartment resulted in ventral displacement of the thyroid cartilage with respect to the cricoid cartilage, thereby increasing dorsoventral height of the rima glottis.ConclusionsThe equine cricothyroid muscle has 3 distinct neuromuscular compartments with discrete innervation, fibre type distribution and muscle fibre sizes. All neuromuscular compartments tense the vocal cords by increasing dorsoventral height of the rima glottis through ventral displacement of the thyroid cartilage with respect to the cricoid cartilage.Potential relevanceSimultaneous functional electrical stimulation of the cricothyroid and dorsal cricoarytenoid muscles may enhance laryngeal cross‐sectional area in horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy.
The mycobacterial binuclear iron monooxygenases require a specific chaperonin‐like protein for functional expression in a heterologous host
Authors: Furuya Toshiki , Hayashi Mika , Semba Hisashi , Kino Kuniki 
Published: November 2012

The mimABCD gene clusters in Mycobacterium smegmatis strain mc2155 and Mycobacterium goodii strain 12523 encode binuclear iron monooxygenases that oxidize propane and phenol. In this study, we attempted to express each mimABCD gene cluster in a heterologous host. The actinomycetous strain Rhodococcus opacus B‐4, which is phylogenetically close to Mycobacterium, was selected as the host. Each mimABCD gene cluster was cloned into the Rhodococcus–Escherichia coli shuttle vector, pTip‐QC2, and then introduced into R. opacus cells. Although whole‐cell assays were performed with phenol as a substrate, the transformed R. opacus cells did not oxidize this substrate. SDS/PAGE analysis revealed that the oxygenase large subunit MimA was expressed in the insoluble fraction of R. opacus cells. We found that a gene designated mimG, which lies downstream of mimABCD, exhibits similarity in the amino acid sequence of its product with the products of genes encoding the chaperonin GroEL. When the mimG gene was cloned and coexpressed with each mimABCD gene cluster in R. opacus strain B‐4, this host successfully acquired oxidation activity towards phenol. SDS/PAGE and western blotting analyses demonstrated that MimA was clearly soluble when in the presence of MimG. These results indicated that MimG played essential roles in the productive folding of MimA, and that the resulting soluble MimA protein led to the active expression of MimABCD.
Characterizing the potential habitat of European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in the Mediterranean Sea, at different life stages
Authors: GIANNOULAKI M. , IGLESIAS M. , TUGORES M. P. , BONANNO A. , PATTI B. , DE FELICE A. , LEONORI I. , BIGOT J. L. , TIČINA V. , PYROUNAKI M. M. , TSAGARAKIS K. , MACHIAS A. , SOMARAKIS S. , SCHISMENOU E. , QUINCI E. , BASILONE G. , CUTTITTA A. , CAMPANELLA F. , MIQUEL J. , OÑATE D. , ROOS D. , VALAVANIS V. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIdentification of the potential habitat of European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) at different life stages in relation to environmental conditions is an interesting subject from both ecological and management points of view. For this purpose, acoustic data from different seasons and different parts of the Mediterranean Sea along with satellite environmental and bathymetry data were modelled using generalized additive models. Similarly, egg distribution data from summer ichthyoplankton surveys were used to model potential spawning habitat. Selected models were used to produce maps presenting the probability of anchovy presence (adults, juveniles and eggs) in the entire Mediterranean basin, as a measure of habitat adequacy. Bottom depth and sea surface chlorophyll concentration were the variables found important in all models. Potential anchovy habitats were located over the continental shelf for all life stages examined. An expansion of the potential habitat from the peak spawning (early summer) to the late spawning season (early autumn) was observed. However, the most suitable areas for the presence of anchovy spawners seem to maintain the same size between seasons. Potential juvenile habitats were associated with highly productive inshore waters, being less extended and closer to coast during winter than late autumn. Potential spawning habitat in June and July based on ichthyoplankton surveys overlapped but were wider in extent compared with adult potential habitat from acoustics in the same season. Similarities and dissimilarities between the anchovy habitats as well as comparisons with sardine habitats in the oligotrophic Mediterranean Sea and other ecosystems with higher productivity are discussed.
Regional unified model‐based leaf unfolding prediction from 1960 to 2009 across northern China
Authors: Xu Lin , Chen Xiaoqiu 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUsing first leaf unfolding data of Salix matsudana, Populus simonii, Ulmus pumila, and Prunus armeniaca, and daily mean temperature data during the 1981–2005 period at 136 stations in northern China, we fitted unified forcing and chilling phenology models and selected optimum models for each species at each station. Then, we examined performances of each optimum local species‐specific model in predicting leaf unfolding dates at all external stations within the corresponding climate region and selected 16 local species‐specific models with maximum effective predictions as the regional unified models in different climate regions. Furthermore, we validated the regional unified models using leaf unfolding and daily mean temperature data beyond the time period of model fitting. Finally, we substituted gridded daily mean temperature data into the regional unified models, and reconstructed spatial patterns of leaf unfolding dates of the four tree species across northern China during 1960–2009. At local scales, the unified forcing model shows higher simulation efficiency at 83% of data sets, whereas the unified chilling model indicates higher simulation efficiency at 17% of data sets. Thus, winter temperature increase so far has not yet significantly influenced dormancy and consequent leaf development of deciduous trees in most parts of northern China. Spatial and temporal validation confirmed capability and reliability of regional unified species‐specific models in predicting leaf unfolding dates in northern China. Reconstructed leaf unfolding dates of the four tree species show significant advancements by 1.4–1.6 days per decade during 1960–2009 across northern China, which are stronger for the earlier than the later leaf unfolding species. Our findings suggest that the principal characteristics of plant phenology and phenological responses to climate change at regional scales can be captured by phenological and climatic data sets at a few representative locations.
Psychometric assessment of the Chinese version of the decisional conflict scale in Chinese women making decision for breast cancer surgery
Authors: Lam Wendy W. T. , Kwok Marie , Liao Qiuyan , Chan Miranda , Or Amy , Kwong Ava , Suen Dacita , Fielding Richard 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe decisional conflict scale (DCS) measures the perception of uncertainty in choosing options, factors contributing to decision conflict and effective decision making. This study examined the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the DCS in Hong Kong Chinese women deciding breast cancer (BC) surgery.MethodA Chinese version of the 16‐item DCS was administered to 471 women awaiting initial consultation for BC diagnosis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the factor structure. Internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validities of the factor structure were assessed.ResultsCFA revealed the original factor structure of the DCS showed poor fit to this sample. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an alternative three‐factor structure, Informed and Values Clarity, Uncertainty and Effective Decision and Support, was optimal. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.51 to 0.87. Correlations between decision‐making difficulties and satisfaction with medical consultation demonstrated acceptable convergent validity. Construct validity was supported by correlations between decision regret and psychological distress. Discriminant validity was supported by differentiation between delaying and non‐delaying decision‐makers.ConclusionsThe three‐factor DCS‐14 is a valid and practical measure for assessing decisional conflict in deciding BC surgery. It shows good potential for use in assessing decision satisfaction for women diagnosed with BC.
The power of information: health information and UK agendas
Authors: Carlyle Ruth , Grant Maria J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe Department of Health published a new health information strategy in May 2012. The document provides a framework for health information in England over the next 10 years. Health information developments in England, however, do not mirror developments in other parts of the United Kingdom. This article is a personal reflection on the new health information strategy in England, including comparison with developments in the other UK nations.
Evaluation of physico‐chemical properties, trace metal content and antioxidant activity of Indian honeys
Authors: Kamboj Rajni , Bera Manav Bandhu , Nanda Vikas 
Published: November 2012

SummaryIn this study, effect of plant sources viz. Gossypium hirsutum, Coriander sativum, Murraya koenigii and Dalbergia sisso on twelve physico‐chemical properties, phenolic content, flavonoids content as well as on trace mineral (Fe, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cd and Pb) contents of honey were investigated and compared. All the physico‐chemical values were in the range of approved limits of European Commission Regulation and the source of honey had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on physico‐chemical properties, phenol content, flavonoid content and trace mineral content. The results of positive correlations between physico‐chemical properties (colour and antioxidant properties) and compositional components (phenols and flavonoids content) established that antioxidant properties were dependent on source of honey rather than on colour of honey. Pattern recognition methods such as principal component analysis and linear discriminate analysis were performed to classify honey on the basis of physico‐chemical properties, phenolic content, flavonoids content and trace metal content. The variables proline and lead exhibited higher discrimination power.
Hydrolysis degree, peptide profile and phenylalanine removal from whey protein concentrate hydrolysates obtained by various proteases
Authors: Silvestre Marialice P. C. , da Silva Maitê C. , de Souza Mariana W. S. , Silva Viviane D. M. , de Aguiar Marcos J. B. , Silva Mauro R. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe action of various proteases was tested for preparing whey protein concentrate (WPC) hydrolysates with high degree of hydrolysis (DH), appropriate peptide profiles and reduced phenylalanine (Phe) content. The peptide profile analysis included the fractionation of hydrolysates by size‐exclusionHPLC. The rapid correct fraction area method was used to quantify the components of the chromatographic fractions. Activated carbon (AC) was used to remove Phe, and its efficiency was evaluated by measuring the amount of Phe by second‐derivative spectrophotometry. The results showed that theDHofWPChydrolysates increased and that the protease fromAspergillus oryzaeyielded the highestDHvalue. This protease also produced the best peptide profile, that is, the highest di‐ and tripeptide content (16.14%), the highest amounts of free amino acids (18.43%) and the lowest amount of large peptides (18.76%). The proteases from bothA. oryzaeandBacillus subtilisproduced the highest Phe removals (79.0 and 77.8%, respectively).
Chemical composition, antioxidant activity and anti‐lipase activity of Origanum vulgare and Lippia turbinata essential oils
Authors: Quiroga Patricia R. , Grosso Nelson R. , Lante Anna , Lomolino Giovanna , Zygadlo Julio A. , Nepote Valeria 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThis study reported the chemical composition, phenolic content, antioxidant and anti‐lipase activity of oregano and Lippia essential oils. The major compounds found in oregano essential oil were γ‐terpinene (32.10%), α‐terpinene (15.10%), p‐cymene (8.00%) and thymol (8.00%). In Lippia essential oil, α‐limonene (76.80%) and 1,8‐cineole (4.95%) represented the major compounds. Oregano essential oil had higher phenolic content (12.47 mg gallic acid mL−1) and DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 0.357 μg mL−1) than Lippia essential oil (7.94 mg gallic acid mL−1 and IC50 0.400 μg mL−1, respectively). Both essential oils had similar antioxidant indexes (about 1.2) determined by Rancimat. Moreover, oregano essential oil had also higher anti‐lipase activity (IC50 5.09 and 7.26 μg mL−1). Higher phenolic content in the essential oils was related with higher scavenging and anti‐lipase activities. Oregano and Lippia essential oils could be used as natural antioxidants on food products.
The Wage Gap between Foreign and Spanish Nationals in Spain: an Analysis Using Matched Employer–Employee Data
Authors: Ignacio García‐Pérez J. , Muñoz‐Bullón Fernando , Prieto‐Rodríguez Manuela 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we analyse wage differences between foreign and Spanish nationals in Spain. This analysis is relevant because Spain has witnessed a sharp increase in the proportion of foreign workers over the past decade. In our analysis, we explicitly account for unobserved heterogeneity at firm level, a situation which occurs when relevant covariates (for example, those connected to a specific firm's production process) are not included in the model because they are unmeasurable, unobservable or unavailable for the researcher. When accounting for such heterogeneity, our results show that wage gaps between foreign nationals from developing countries and Spanish nationals range between −6.35 per cent and −11.30 per cent. We also find that wage differences, between Spanish nationals and others in the same firm and job, are substantially greater for almost every group of low‐tenured foreign workers and also for those holding open‐ended contracts.
Warfarin‐related intracerebral haemorrhage: better outcomes when reversal includes prothrombin complex concentrates
Authors: Hanger H. C. , Geddes J. A. A. , Wilkinson T. J. , Lee M. , Baker A. E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundWarfarin‐related intracerebral haemorrhage (WRICH) has high mortality. Haematoma expansion is prolonged in WRICH and independently predicts worse outcomes. Guidelines recommend prompt reversal of the warfarin coagulopathy, but evidence of benefit is lacking.AimsTo determine whether the introduction of a WRICH reversal protocol (late 2008), which includes prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC), improves outcomesMethodsAll patients presenting with WRICH between January 2004 and July 2010 were included. Retrospective case note and radiology review was performed, collecting data on intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) severity, degree and timeliness of reversal, and patient outcomes. Cox's proportional hazards analysis was used to compare outcomes associated with and without PCC after controlling for ICH severity.ResultsEighty‐eight patients were included (27 treated palliatively). Mean international normalised ratio was 2.9. Vitamin K, PCC and fresh frozen plasma were given alone or in combination to 68, 23 and 44 patients, and mean time from computed tomography scanning to administration was 2.2, 3.3 and 3.1 h respectively. Four patients received PCC pre‐protocol (none before 2007), two during development and seventeen patients post‐protocol. Those who received PCC had improved survival (P < 0.001). After controlling for ICH score, hazard ratio for death was 0.27 (P < 0.01) for use of PCC. Survival tended to be greater with earlier administration of PCC (P = 0.053). Despite improved survival, discharge domicile and function were not significantly worse.ConclusionsPCC reversal was associated with improved survival without worsened disability. Delays in administration may have reduced the potential benefits.
Recent advances in understanding viral evasion of type I interferon
Authors: Taylor Kathryne E. , Mossman Karen L. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe type I interferon (IFN) system mediates a wide variety of antiviral effects and represents an important first barrier to virus infection. Consequently, viruses have developed an impressive diversity of tactics to circumvent IFN responses. Evasion strategies can involve preventing initial virus detection, via the disruption of the Toll‐like receptors or the retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG‐I) ‐like receptors, or by avoiding the initial production of the ligands recognized by these receptors. An alternative approach is to preclude IFN production by disarming or degrading the transcription factors involved in the expression of IFN, such as interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)/IRF7, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), or ATF‐2/c‐jun, or by inducing a general block on host cell transcription. Viruses also oppose IFN signalling, both by disturbing the type I IFN receptor and by impeding JAK/STAT signal transduction upon IFN receptor engagement. In addition, the global expression of IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) can be obstructed via interference with epigenetic signalling, and specific ISGs can also be selectively targeted for inhibition. Finally, some viruses disrupt IFN responses by co‐opting negative regulatory systems, whereas others use antiviral mechanisms to their own advantage. Here, we review recent developments in this field.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of four dressing materials in pulpotomized primary molars: a randomized clinical trial with 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Fernández Cristina Cuadros , Martínez Sandra Sáez , Jimeno Francisco Guinot , Lorente Rodríguez Ana I. , Mercadé Montse 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundAlthough multiple materials have been suggested for pulpotomized primary molars, there is no reliable evidence of the superiority of one particular type.AimTo compare the effectiveness of formocresol (FC), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), ferric sulphate, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as pulp dressing agents in primary molars after 2 years.DesignOne hundred primary molars requiring pulp treatment were allocated randomly to the control (FC) and experimental groups (MTA, ferric sulphate, and NaOCl). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Statistical analysis using Fischer's exact test was performed to determine the significant differences between groups.ResultsIn the FC and MTA groups, 100% of the available teeth were clinically successful at all follow‐up appointments. In the NaOCl group, one clinical failure was found at 18 months, and two clinical failures in the ferric sulphate group were noted at 12 and 24 months, but no significant differences were found among the groups (P = 0.41). No significant differences in radiographic success were found among all the groups at 24 months of follow‐up (P = 0.303).ConclusionsNo statistically significant differences among the four materials were found at 24 months suggesting that NaOCl may be an appropriate substitute for FC.