bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting cognitive dysfunction in a busy multiple sclerosis clinical setting: a computer generated approach
Authors: Lapshin H. , Audet B. , Feinstein A. 
Published: November 2013

Background and purposeThis study aims to explore the effectiveness of a brief, computerized battery of tests in detecting cognitive differences between clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients.MethodsFour groups of patients between the ages of 18 and 63 were enrolled from two hospital‐based multiple sclerosis clinics: CIS (n = 42), RRMS (n = 44), PPMS (n = 15) and SPMS (n = 37). All subjects were administered a validated battery of five computerized cognitive tests: the STROOP Color‐Word Test, the Computerized Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Paced Visual Serial Addition Test (PVSAT) 4 s and 2 s trials, and a speed of cognition index obtained by subtracting simple reaction time from choice reaction time. Results were recorded by the test administrator.ResultsSignificant between‐group differences in cognition were evident on all tests (P < 0.01) with the exception of the PVSAT 2 s trial. CIS patients were the least impaired, SPMS the most. RRMS and PPMS patients generally had a similar cognitive profile, more impaired than the CIS patients but less so than the SPMS patients. These differences persisted after controlling for the effects of age and education.ConclusionsThe ability of this computerized cognitive battery to distinguish the progression of cognitive deficits across the entire multiple sclerosis disease spectrum from CIS through to SPMS enhances its construct validity. This finding, coupled with the battery's brevity (20 min) and ease of administration, highlights its potential utility in a busy clinic setting.
Evaluation of laryngeal function under the influence of various head and neck positions during exercise in 58 performance horses
Authors: Go L. , Barton A. K. , Ohnesorge B. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe objective of this study was to examine laryngeal function at rest and during ridden exercise and to further analyse the impact of different head and neck positions on the laryngeal function in ridden sport horses. Fifty‐eightWarmblood horses were examined endoscopically during ridden exercise as well as during quiet breathing at rest before and after sedation. Four different head‐neck positions (unrestrained, reference, elevation and hyperflexion) were assessed during the exercise test. Laryngeal function was graded at rest and for every combination of gait and head and neck position during exercise. There was a significant correlation between the grade of laryngeal function during exercise and at rest both before (correlation coefficient = 0.794) and after (correlation coefficient = 0.741) sedation (P<0.01). No significant association was found between the grade of laryngeal function during exercise and the different head and neck positions.
Effect of long‐chain triglyceride lipid emulsion on bupivacaine‐induced changes in electrophysiological parameters of rabbit Purkinje cells
Authors: Lemoine Sandrine , Rouet René , Manrique Alain , Hanouz Jean‐Luc 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLipid emulsions are used in the reversal of local anesthetic toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular electrophysiological effects of long‐chain triglyceride lipid emulsion (LCTE) on cardiac action potential characteristics and conduction disturbances induced by bupivacaine. Purkinje fibers were dissected from the left ventricle of New Zealand white rabbit hearts and superfused with either Tyrode's solution during 30 min (control group), with bupivacaine 10−6 m, 10−5 m, and 5.10−5 m alone, or in the presence of LCTE 0.5%, in addition, LCTE at 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% was perfused alone. Electrophysiological parameters were recorded using the conventional microelectrode technique (37 °C, 1 Hz frequency). Bupivacaine 5.10−5 m‐induced conduction blocks (8/8 preparations): LCTE 0.5% suppressed the bupivacaine 5.10−5 m‐induced conduction blocks (1/8 preparations). Exposure to bupivacaine 10−6 m, 10−5 m, and 5.10−5 m resulted in a significant decrease in the maximal rate of depolarization (Vmax) (respectively, 25%, 55%, 75%; P < 0.002 vs. control group). In the presence of LCTE 0.5%, bupivacaine 10−6 m did not significantly decreased Vmax (13%; P = 0.10 vs. control group). The decrease in Vmax resulting from bupivacaine 10−5 m alone was significantly less in the presence of LCTE 0.5% (P < 0.01 vs. bupivacaine 10−5 m alone). Exposure to bupivacaine 10−6 m, 10−5 m, and 5.10−5 m alone or in the presence of LCTE 0.5% resulted in a significant decrease in action potential duration measured at 50% and 90% repolarization (APD50 and APD90; P < 0.01 vs. control group). LCTE inhibited the Purkinje fibers conduction blocks induced by bupivacaine. Moreover, LCTE 0.5% attenuates the decrease in Vmax induced by bupivacaine 10−6 m and 10−5 m.
Global dependence of field‐observed leaf area index in woody species on climate: a systematic review
Authors: Iio Atsuhiro , Hikosaka Kouki , Anten Niels P. R. , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Ito Akihiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimLeaf area index (LAI) is one of the key variables related to carbon, water and nutrient cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, but its global distribution patterns remain poorly understood. We evaluated the dependence of LAI on mean annual temperature (MAT) and wetness index (WI; a ratio of annual precipitation to potential evapotranspiration) for three plant functional types (PFTs: deciduous broadleaf, DB; evergreen conifer, EC; evergreen broadleaf, EB) at the global scale.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe developed a new global database of unprecedented size (2606 published values) of field‐observed LAI (site‐specific maximum) values for vegetation of woody species. To maximize the generic applicability of our analysis, we standardized the definition of LAI, and corrected or excluded potentially erroneous data obtained from indirect optical methods.ResultsThe global dependence of LAI on MAT showed a reverse S‐shaped pattern, in which LAI peaked at around 8.9 and 25.0°C and was lowest at around −10.0 and 18.8°C. The dependence on WI followed a saturation curve levelling off at around log WI = 0.30. LAI for evergreen forests increased linearly with increasing WI, but that for DB showed a curvilinear pattern saturating at log WI = 0.03. EC forests had higher LAI values than those of DB forests under cool conditions (MAT ≤ 8.9°C), but similar values under temperate conditions (MAT = 8.9–18.8°C).Main conclusionsThis analysis of global LAI−climate relationships supports the general belief that temperature limits LAI under cool conditions whereas water availability plays a predominant role under other conditions. We also found that these patterns differed significantly between PFTs, suggesting that the LAI of different PFTs may respond differently to climate change. Our study provides a broad empirical basis for predicting the global distribution of LAI and for analysing the effects of global climate change on vegetation structure and function.
The Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry: description and initial results from the first population‐based Fontan registry
Authors: Iyengar A. J. , Winlaw D. S. , Galati J. C. , Gentles T. L. , Weintraub R. G. , Justo R. N. , Wheaton G. R. , Bullock A. , Celermajer D. S. , d'Udekem Y. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Fontan procedure is the final in a series of staged palliations for single‐ventricle congenital heart disease, which encompasses rare and heterogeneous cardiac lesions. It represents an unusual and novel physiological state characterised by absence of a subpulmonary ventricle.AimsThe population is growing steadily, prompting creation of this registry to study their epidemiology, demographic trends, treatment and outcomes.MethodsThis multicentre, binational, prospective and retrospective, web‐based registry involving all congenital cardiac centres in the region has identified nearly all Fontan patients in Australia and New Zealand. Patients identified retrospectively were approached for recruitment. New recipients are automatically enrolled prospectively unless they choose to opt‐out. Follow‐up data are collected yearly.ResultsBaseline data were obtained in 1072 patients as at 1 January 2011. Ninety‐nine patients died; 64 were lost to follow up. Forty‐four per cent of patients lost were between 20 and 30 years of age. The size of the Fontan population is increasing steadily. Among 973 living patients, 541 (56%) gave consent for prospective collection of follow up. Between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2013, an additional 47 subjects were enrolled prospectively. The current proportion of patients operated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is currently 29% and is growing rapidly.ConclusionThe population surviving after the Fontan procedure has been growing in recent decades, especially since survival with hypoplastic left heart syndrome has improved. The Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry provides population‐based data, and only large databases like this will give opportunities for understanding the population and performing prospective trials.
Treatment outcomes of rapid desensitisation protocols for chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies following hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Kuo J. C. , Hawkins C. , Yip D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundHypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies are common and may limit further therapeutic options. Drug desensitisation aims to induce a temporary clinical unresponsiveness to drug antigens so the causative drugs of HSR can continue to be administered. Rapid desensitisation using standardised protocols has been conducted by the Department of Immunology at The Canberra Hospital for patients who developed HSR to chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies.AimsThis retrospective audit reviewed the safety and efficacy of the desensitisation protocols used for patients across the Capital Region Cancer Service (CRCS).MethodsPatients across the CRCS who received rapid desensitisation were identified through a search of archived correspondence. Clinical files and pharmacy records were analysed to determine protocol safety and efficacy.ResultsFrom June 2006 to July 2013, 13 patients underwent rapid desensitisations to oxaliplatin, carboplatin, docetaxel or rituximab. A total of 25 desensitisations was conducted with 21 (84%) achieving full target dose without inducing recurrent HSR. As a result, nine patients were successfully desensitised and continued to receive treatment without any further HSR. Desensitisation was aborted in three patients because of recurrence of HSR, which was not of a greater severity than the initial HSR. After successful desensitisation, seven patients were able to resume the regular protocols without requiring additional supervision.ConclusionRapid desensitisation to various chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies with standardised protocols used across CRCS is safe and effective; it provides a feasible treatment option enabling continuation of effective regimens in the setting of HSR.
Prenatal influenza exposure and cardiovascular events in adulthood
Authors: Cocoros Noelle M. , Lash Timothy L. , Ozonoff Al , Nørgaard Mette , DeMaria Alfred , Andreasen Viggo , Sørensen Henrik Toft 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesThis study examined the association between prenatal exposure to pandemic influenza and cardiovascular events in adulthood.DesignUsing Danish surveillance data to identify months when influenza activity was highest during three previous pandemics (1918, 1957, and 1968), persons were defined as exposed/unexposed based on whether they were in utero during peak months of one of the pandemics. Episodes of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke were identified in the Danish National Registry of Patients covering all Danish hospitals since 1977.Setting/SampleInformation from Danish national registries on all persons with a Civil Personal Registry number and birthdates in 1915 through 1922, 1954 through 1960, and 1966 through 1972 was collected.Main outcome measuresCrude incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated per pandemic. Generalized linear models were fit to estimate IRRs adjusted for sex.ResultsFor acute MI, sex‐adjusted IRRs for persons in utero during peaks of the 1918, 1957, and 1968 pandemics, compared with those born afterward, were 1·02 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0·99, 1·05), 0·96 (95% CI: 0·87, 1·05), and 1·18 (95% CI: 0·96, 1·45), respectively. For stroke, the corresponding IRRs were 0·99 (95% CI: 0·97, 1·02), 0·99 (95% CI: 0·92, 1·05), and 0·85 (95% CI: 0·77, 0·94), respectively.ConclusionsThere was generally no evidence of an association between prenatal influenza exposure and acute MI or stroke in adulthood. However, survivor bias and left truncation of outcomes for the 1918 pandemic are possible, and the current young ages of persons included in the analyses for the 1957 and 1968 pandemics may warrant later re‐evaluation.
Who are the Europeans? European Identity Outside of European Integration
Authors: Schilde Kaija E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWhat do we know about the relationship between Europe, the European Union and European identity? While national identity is a multifaceted phenomenon, European identity has been linked to the growth of the European Union. This article attempts to analyze some of the attributes of individuals with European identity in central and eastern Europe prior to EU accession by applying existing hypotheses on correlates of European identity. The phenomenon of identification with Europe prior to EU accession provides a window into understanding the identity mechanisms that inform the concept of European identity. The first Eurobarometer surveys measuring European identification in central and eastern accession states reported a puzzling finding: that more people, not less, identified with Europe than in existing EU states. An analysis of the Eurobarometer results provides counter‐intuitive comparisons and contrasts between eastern and western Europe and uncovers potential mechanisms illustrating the content of contemporary European identity.
Initiation of TNF inhibitor therapy and change in physiologic measures in psoriasis
Authors: Wu J.J. , Liu L. , Asgari M.M. , Curtis J.R. , Harrold L. , Salman C. , Herrinton L.J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis may predispose to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor in mediating this risk is controversial.ObjectiveTo assess this relationship, we estimated change in metabolic physiologic measures before and after initiation of TNF inhibitor therapy compared with methotrexate (MTX) therapy among psoriasis patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study, 2007–2012, using computerized clinical data for 1274 new users of TNF inhibitor and 979 new users of MTX therapy to compare change in blood pressure, lipids, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose and body mass index (BMI) before and after start of TNF inhibitors or MTX. The study was restricted to new users. We computed within‐person change in each measure, so that each patient served as their own control. In addition, we compared TNF inhibitor patients to MTX patients, by computing the adjusted difference in their group means. In secondary analyses, we examined phototherapy as a comparator.ResultsAmong starters of TNF inhibitor and MTX therapy, within‐person change in physiologic measures at 6 months did not differ significantly. We observed no important or significant changes in any of the physiologic measures with initiation of TNF inhibitor compared with MTX. The same results were found in subgroup analyses focused on men, and on those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or obesity. The same results were observed with phototherapy, except that diastolic blood pressure declined by 0.6 mmHg within person during the 6 months after starting phototherapy (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study provides no evidence for improvement of physiologic measures associated with the metabolic syndrome resulting from TNF inhibitor use for psoriasis.
Updated morphology, histopathology and molecular phylogeny of Myxobolus hearti, cardiac myxosporea in gibel carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch)
Authors: Ye LT , Li WX , Wang WW , Wu SG , Wang GT 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe original description of Myxobolus hearti is supplemented with new data on spore morphology, histopathology and molecular phylogeny. Myxobolus hearti are found in the heart ventricle of the gibel carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch), where they form whitish oval or irregularly shaped plasmodia. Mature spores are oval or shortly ellipsoidal in frontal view, lemon‐shaped in sutural view and eye‐shaped in apical view. The spores are 14.12 ± 0.35 (13.6–15) μm long (mean ± SD), 11.85 ± 0.34 ± 0.36 (11–12) μm wide and 7.32 ± 0.36 (7–8) μm thick. The two polar capsules are equal in size, 6.11 ± 0.29 (6–7) μm long and 3.89 ± 0.31(3–4) μm wide, and are long pyriform in shape. Polar filaments have six or seven coils situated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the polar capsules. Histopathology indicates that the plasmodia are encased by the host connective tissue, and no inflammatory responses are found in the heart ventricles. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S small‐subunit ribosomal DNA sequences indicates that M. hearti is, genetically, most similar to Henneguya doneci, a gill‐infecting species.
Management of sleep‐time masticatory muscle activity using stabilisation splints affects psychological stress
Authors: Takahashi H. , Masaki C. , Makino M. , Yoshida M. , Mukaibo T. , Kondo Y. , Nakamoto T. , Hosokawa R. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryTo treat sleep bruxism (SB), symptomatic therapy using stabilisation splints (SS) is frequently used. However, their effects on psychological stress and sleep quality have not yet been examined fully. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of SS use on psychological stress and sleep quality. The subjects (11 men, 12 women) were healthy volunteers. A crossover design was used. Sleep measurements were performed for three consecutive days or longer without (baseline) or with an SS or palatal splint (PS), and data for the final day were evaluated. We measured masseter muscle activity during sleep using portable electromyography to evaluate SB. Furthermore, to compare psychological stress before and after sleep, assessments were made based on STAI‐JYZ and the measurement of salivary chromogranin A. To compare each parameter among the three groups (baseline, SS and PS), Friedman's and Dunn's tests were used. From the results of the baseline measurements, eight subjects were identified as high group and 15 as low group. Among the high group, a marked decrease in the number of bruxism events per hour and an increase in the difference in the total STAI Y‐1 scores were observed in the SS group compared with those at baseline (P < 0·05). No significant difference was observed in sleep stages. SS use may be effective in reducing the number of SB events, while it may increase psychological stress levels, and SS use did not apparently influence sleep stages.
Prognostic role of salivary CD44sol levels in the follow‐up of laryngeal carcinomas
Authors: Allegra Eugenia , Trapasso Serena , La Boria Alessandro , Aragona Teodoro , Pisani Davide , Belfiore Antonino , Garozzo Aldo 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to verify CD44sol levels in the saliva of patients during follow‐up after surgery for laryngeal cancer, to compare them with those registered at the time of diagnosis (pre‐intervention) in the same patients, and to assess the reliability of the test as a prognostic indicator.MethodsThis prospective study was performed on 21 patients having laryngeal cancer who underwent surgery at the Division of Otolaryngology, University of Catanzaro; twelve adults with head and neck benign disease were recruited to form a control group. For each patient, the clinical–anamnestic data were collected and entered into a database. The sampling of undiluted saliva was performed the day before surgery and during the follow‐up, every 3 months. Salivary CD44sol levels were determined using the ELISA method.ResultsMean salivary CD44sol levels in the patients group before surgery (pre‐intervention) were significantly higher than those in the control group (70.75 ± 33.8 vs. 12.4 ± 8.7 ng/ml). At follow‐up performed 3 months after surgery, 18 of 21 (85.71%) patients had a reduction in salivary CD44sol levels, with a mean value of 50.1 ng/ml; the difference between these and pre‐intervention CD44sol levels was statistically significant (P < 0.04). Mean CD44sol levels of 31.1 ng/ml at 6 months post‐intervention have been determined in 19 of 21 enrolled patients; none of the 19 patients have actual signs of recurrence.ConclusionsThese data seem to show that the determination of salivary CD44sol levels can represent a promising prognostic test in laryngeal carcinomas.
Differentiating between feline pleural effusions of cardiac and non‐cardiac origin using pleural fluid NT‐proBNP concentrations
Authors: Humm K. , Hezzell M. , Sargent J. , Connolly D. J. , Boswood A. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo assess whether pleural fluid and urine amino terminal proB‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) can distinguish cardiac from non‐cardiac causes of pleural effusion.MethodsBlood, urine and pleural fluid were prospectively collected from cats presenting with pleural effusion categorised as cardiac or non‐cardiac in origin. NT‐ProBNP concentrations were measured using a feline‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Groups were statistically compared and receiver operating characteristic curves constructed to determine cut‐offs to distinguish cardiac from non‐cardiac pleural effusion in plasma, pleural fluid and urine.ResultsForty cats with pleural effusion (22 cardiac and 18 non‐cardiac) were studied. NT‐proBNP concentrations in plasma and pleural fluid were strongly correlated. Plasma (P<0·001) and pleural fluid (P<0·001) NT‐proBNP concentrations and urinary NT‐proBNT/creatinine ratios (P=0·035) were significantly higher in the cardiac group. After receiver operating characteristic curve analysis a plasma NT‐proBNP cut‐off of 214·3 pmol/mL was suggested [sensitivity=86·4% (95% CI: 66·7 to 95·3%), specificity=88·9% (95% CI: 67·2 to 96·9%)] and a pleural fluid NT‐proBNP cut‐off of 322·3 pmol/mL was suggested [sensitivity=100% (95% CI: 85·1 to 100%), specificity=94·4% (95% CI: 74·2 to 99·0%)]. No cut‐off with adequate sensitivity and specificity for urinary NT‐proBNP/creatinine ratios was suggested.Clinical SignificanceMeasurement of NT‐proBNP in pleural fluid distinguishes cardiac from non‐cardiac causes of pleural effusion in cats.