bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The seasonal diet of British pine marten determined from genetically identified scats
Authors: Caryl F. M. , Raynor R. , Quine C. P. , Park K. J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractKnowledge of a carnivore's foraging behaviour is central to understanding its ecology. Scat‐content analysis provides a non‐invasive way to collect such information but its validity depends on attributing scats to the correct species, which can prove problematic where similarly sized species occur sympatrically. Here we provide the first description of the diet of European pine marten Martes martes in Scotland based on genetically identified scats (n = 2449). Concurrent small mammal live trapping also allowed us to determine preferential selection of small mammal species. We found the marten diet was almost entirely formed by three principal foods: Microtus agrestis (39%), berries (Sorbus aucuparia and Vaccinium myrtillus: 30%) and small birds (24%). The seasonal dominance of these foods in the diet suggested a facultative foraging strategy, with a short period in which the diet was more generalized. A discrepancy in the occurrence of
Microtus in the diet (77% of small mammals consumed) and marten home ranges (12% of small mammals trapped) indicated a frequency‐independent preference for this prey, one which differentiated British marten from marten in continental Europe. Microtus were the marten's staple prey and taken with relative consistency throughout the year, even at times when rodent populations were at their least abundant. Martens supplemented their diet with small birds and fruits as these foods became abundant in summer. The diet became generalized at this time, reflected by a threefold increase in diet niche breadth. Microtus consumption was significantly reduced in autumn, however, when their populations peak in abundance. The autumn diet was instead dominated by fruit; an abrupt dietary switch suggesting a frequency‐dependent preference for fruit irrespective of the abundance of alternative prey.
Construct validity of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: THORLEY MEGAN , LANNIN NATASHA , CUSICK ANNE , NOVAK IONA , BOYD ROSLYN 
Published: July 2012

Aim  The aim of the study was to investigate the construct validity of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).Method  A total of 170 QUEST assessments from a convenience sample of 94 children with CP involved in clinical and research treatment programmes (54 males, 40 females; mean age 6y 10mo, SD 2y 11mo, range 2–16y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–V) were reviewed.Results  The QUEST was not unidimensional; many items demonstrated poor fit when total scores were analysed; goodness of fit improved when domains were considered independently and limbs separately examined. QUEST items involving elbow flexion and/or forearm in pronation were easily achieved, thus reducing test sensitivity. Postures items in the grasp domain behaved erratically, with little total score relationship.Interpretation  Calculating total scores is discouraged. Reporting QUEST results separately for domains and each limb is recommended. Posture items in the grasp domain had little relationship with total scores and it is recommended that they be removed from the test.
Exposure to predator odor and resulting anxiety enhances the expression of the α2δ subunit of voltage‐sensitive calcium channels in the amygdala
Authors: Nasca Carla , Orlando Rosamaria , Marchiafava Moreno , Boldrini Paolo , Battaglia Giuseppe , Scaccianoce Sergio , Matrisciano Francesco , Pittaluga Anna , Nicoletti Ferdinando 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe α2δ subunit of voltage‐sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) is the molecular target of pregabalin and gabapentin, two drugs marked for the treatment of focal epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders. Expression of the α2δ subunit is up‐regulated in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord in models of neuropathic pain, suggesting that plastic changes in the α2δ subunit are associated with pathological states. Here, we examined the expression of the α2δ‐1 subunit in the amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex in the trimethyltiazoline (TMT) mouse model of innate anxiety. TMT is a volatile molecule present in the feces of the rodent predator, red fox. Mice that show a high defensive behavior during TMT exposure developed anxiety‐like behavior in the following 72 h, as shown by the light–dark test. Anxiety was associated with an increased expression of the α2δ‐1 subunit of VSCCs in the amygdaloid complex at all times following TMT exposure (4, 24, and 72 h). No changes in the α2δ‐1 protein levels were seen in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mice exposed to TMT. Pregabalin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced anxiety‐like behavior in TMT‐exposed mice, but not in control mice. These data offer the first demonstration that the α2δ‐1 subunit of VSCCs undergoes plastic changes in a model of innate anxiety, and supports the use of pregabalin as a disease‐dependent drug in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Hepatitis C virus infection and risk of coronary artery disease: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Roed Torsten , Lebech Anne‐Mette , Kjaer Andreas , Weis Nina 
Published: July 2012

SummaryBackgroundSeveral chronic infections have been associated with cardiovascular diseases, including Chlamydia pneumoniae, human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis. This review evaluates the literature on the association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsStudies were identified using several databases. Only studies on CAD in patients with HCV infection were included. A set of criteria for evaluating potential biases was made, based on known confounders and biases in observational research. Data were not synthesized because of the large heterogeneity in the included studies.ResultsTwelve eligible references were identified. Nine did not comply with our criteria of minimizing bias, and six studies were evaluated as potentially heavily biased. The studies of the highest quality showed a trend towards association of HCV with CAD. Five studies showed this association (three studies significantly), while one showed that HCV was a protective factor against CAD.ConclusionOur findings suggest an increased risk of CAD in HCV‐infected individuals. Further studies are needed to confirm this and to evaluate the magnitude of the association. Clinicians should be aware of this and strive to reduce CAD risk factors in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Fatigue and rapid hamstring/quadriceps force capacity in professional soccer players
Authors: Greco Camila C. , da Silva Wendell L. , Camarda Sérgio R. A. , Denadai Benedito S. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fatigue induced by an exhaustive laboratory‐based soccer‐specific exercise on different hamstrings/quadriceps (H:Q) ratios of soccer players. Twenty‐two male professional soccer players (23·1 ± 3·4 year) performed maximal eccentric (ecc) and concentric (con) contractions for knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) at 60° s−1 and 180° s−1 to assess conventional (Hcon:Qcon) and functional (Hecc:Qcon) ratios. Additionally, they performed maximal voluntary isometric contraction for KE and KF, from which the maximal muscle strength, rate of force development (RFD) and RFD H:Q strength ratio (RFDH:Q) were extracted. Thereafter, subjects were performed an exhaustive laboratory‐based soccer‐specific exercise and a posttest similar to the pretest. There was significant reduction in Hcon:Qcon (0·60 ± 0·06 versus 0·58 ± 0·06, P<0·05) and in Hecc:Qcon (1·29 ± 0·2 versus 1·16 ± 0·2, P<0·01) after the soccer‐specific exercise. However, no significant difference between Pre and Post exercise conditions was found for RFDH:Q at 0–50 (0·53 ± 0·23 versus 0·57 ± 0·24, P>0·05) and 0–100 ms (0·53 ± 0·17 versus 0·55 ± 0·17, P>0·05). In conclusion, H:Q strength ratios based on peak force values are more affected by fatigue than RFDH:Q obtained during early contraction phase. Thus, fatigue induced by soccer‐specific intermittent protocol seems not reduce the potential for knee joint stabilization during the initial phase of voluntary muscle contraction.
Light History Influences the Response of Fluvial Biofilms to Zn Exposure
Authors: Corcoll Natàlia , Bonet Berta , Leira Manel , Montuelle Bernard , Tlili Ahmed , Guasch Helena 
Published: July 2012

Fluvial biofilms are subject to multistress situations in natural ecosystems, such as the co‐occurrence of light intensity changes and metal toxicity. However, studies simultaneously addressing both factors are rare. This study evaluated in microcosm conditions the relationship between short‐term light intensity changes and Zn toxicity on fluvial biofilms with long‐term photoacclimation to different light conditions. Biofilms that had long‐term photoacclimation to 25 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1 (low light [LL] biofilms), 100 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1 (medium light [ML] biofilms), and 500 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1 (high light [HL] biofilms) were characterized by different structural (Chlorophyll‐a [Chl‐a], total biomass‐AFDW, EPS, algal groups, and diatom taxonomy) and physiological attributes (ETR‐I curves and photosynthetic pigments). HL biofilms showed higher light saturation intensity and a higher production of xanthophylls than LL biofilms. In contrast, LL biofilms had many structural differences; a higher proportion of diatoms and lower AFDW and EPS contents than ML and HL biofilms. A clear effect of light intensity changes on Zn toxicity was also demonstrated. Zn toxicity was enhanced when a sudden increase in light intensity also occurred, mainly with LL biofilms, causing higher inhibition of both the Φ′PSII and the ΦPSII. A decoupling of NPQ from de‐epoxidation reaction (DR) processes was also observed, indicating substantial damage to photoprotective mechanisms functioning in biofilms (i.e., xanthophyll cycle of diatoms) due to Zn toxicity. This study highlights the need to take into account environmental stress (e.g., light intensity changes) to better assess the environmental risks of chemicals (e.g., metals).
Prospective Evaluation of a Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnosis of Appendicitis in Children
Authors: Santillanes Genevieve , Simms Sonia , Gausche‐Hill Marianne , Diament Michael , Putnam Brant , Renslo Richard , Lee Jumie , Tinger Elga , Lewis Roger J. 
Published: July 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:886–893 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  The objective was to assess the performance of a clinical practice guideline for evaluation of possible appendicitis in children. The guideline incorporated risk stratification, staged imaging, and early surgical involvement in high‐risk cases.Methods:  The authors prospectively evaluated the clinical guideline in one pediatric emergency department (ED) in a general teaching hospital. Patients were risk‐stratified based on history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. Imaging was ordered selectively based on risk category, with ultrasound (US) as the initial imaging modality. Computed tomography (CT) was ordered if the US was negative or indeterminate. Surgery was consulted before imaging in high‐risk patients.Results:  A total of 475 patients were enrolled. Of those, 193 (41%) had appendicitis. No low‐risk patient had appendicitis. Medium‐risk patients had a 19% rate of appendicitis, and 83% of high‐risk patients had appendicitis. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of appendicitis included decreased bowel sounds; rebound tenderness; and presence of psoas, obturator, or Rovsing’s signs. Of the 475 patients, 276 (58%) were managed without a CT scan. Seventy‐one of the 193 (37%) patients with appendicitis went to the operating room without any imaging. The rate of missed appendicitis was 2%, and the rate of negative appendectomy was 1%.Conclusions:  The clinical practice guideline performed well in a general teaching hospital. Rates of negative appendectomy and missed appendicitis were low and 58% of patients were managed without a CT scan.
Altered passive eruption diagnosis and treatment: a cone beam computed tomography‐based reappraisal of the condition
Authors: Batista Eraldo L. , Moreira Carla C. , Batista Felipe C. , de Oliveira Rafael R. , Pereira Karina K. Y. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimTo characterize anatomical features of altered passive eruption (APE)‐affected teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to present a novel combined surgical approach to its correction.Clinical Innovation ReportEighty‐four teeth from 14 subjects affected by APE were subjected to CBCT. Periodontal variables were recorded before surgery, and anatomical variables were measured on CBCTs. Clinical crown length was measured on study casts. Surgical treatment was carried out based on the lengths of the anatomical crowns transferred to a surgical guide that served as a reference for the incisions. The mean distance between the CEJ and the bone crest was on average <1 mm, facial bone thickness was ≥1 mm and soft tissue thickness was >1 mm for every tooth analysed; no association between the soft and the hard tissue thicknesses was observed.ConclusionThe CBCT can be used in the diagnosis and treatment planning of APE cases. Anatomically, the APE cases described often presented a thick facial bone plate.
Skin‐to‐skin care in neonatal intensive care units in the Nordic countries: a survey of attitudes and practices
Authors: Olsson Emma , Andersen Randi D. , Axelin Anna , Jonsdottir Rakel B. , Maastrup Ragnhild , Eriksson Mats 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim:  To investigate the application of skin‐to‐skin care (SSC) in the Nordic countries, the existence of guidelines for SSC and the attitudes of neonatal staff towards SSC.Methods:  One questionnaire was distributed at unit level and one at staff level in all Nordic neonatal intensive care units (n = 109).Results:  The unit questionnaire was answered by 95 (87%) units and the staff questionnaire by 1446 staff members (72%). All units offered SSC to various degrees, but guidelines only existed at 47% of them. Units in Denmark, Norway and Sweden seemed to use SSC earlier, longer and in more medically complicated situations than units in Finland and Iceland. Seventy‐seven per cent of the units had private rooms where parents and infants could stay together, still the physical environment of the units limited the use of SSC. Medical risks were considered the main barrier for further implementation of SSC, while general development and early interaction were the most frequently mentioned benefits.Conclusion:  Skin‐to‐skin care is implemented in all Nordic neonatal units, but offered to various degrees, to various populations and to varying extents. Danish, Norwegian and Swedish units are offering SSC more extensively than units in Finland and Iceland.
Clinical outcomes of brain metastases treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery with 3.0 T versus 1.5 T MRI‐based treatment planning: Have we finally optimised detection of occult brain metastases?
Authors: Loganathan Amritraj G , Chan Michael D , Alphonse Natalie , Peiffer Ann M , Johnson Annette J , McMullen Kevin P , Urbanic James J , Saconn Paul A , Bourland J Daniel , Munley Michael T , Shaw Edward G , Tatter Stephen B , Ellis Thomas L 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionThe goal of this study was to determine if clinically relevant endpoints were changed by improved MRI resolution during radiosurgical treatment planning.Methods and MaterialsBetween 2003 and 2008, 200 consecutive patients with brain metastases treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) using either 1.5 T or 3.0 T MRI for radiosurgical treatment planning were retrospectively analysed. The number of previously undetected metastases at time of radiosurgery, distant brain failures, time delay to whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), overall survival and likelihood of neurological death were determined.ResultsAdditional metastases were detected in 31.3% and 24.5% of patients at time of radiosurgery with 3.0 T and 1.5 T MRI, respectively (P = 0.27). Patients with multiple metastases at diagnostic scan were more likely to have additional metastases detected by 3.0 T MRI (P < 0.1). Median time to distant brain failure was 4.87 months and 5.43 months for the 3.0 T and 1.5 T cohorts, respectively (P = 0.44). Median time to WBRT was 5.8 months and 5.3 months for the 3.0 T and 1.5 T cohorts, respectively (P = 0.87). Median survival was 6.4 months for the 3.0 T cohort, and 6.1 months for the 1.5 T cohort (P = 0.71). Likelihood of neurological death was 25.3% and 16.7% for the 3.0 and 1.5 T populations, respectively (P = 0.26).ConclusionsThe 3.0 T MRI‐based treatment planning for GKRS did not appear to affect the likelihood of distant brain failure, the need for WBRT or the likelihood of neurological death in this series.
Glutamine‐fueled mitochondrial metabolism is decoupled from glycolysis in melanoma
Authors: Filipp Fabian V. , Ratnikov Boris , De Ingeniis Jessica , Smith Jeffrey W. , Osterman Andrei L. , Scott David A. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryIn this perspective, we revise the historic notion that cancer is a disease of mitochondria. We summarize recent findings on the function and rewiring of central carbon metabolism in melanoma. Metabolic profiling studies using stable isotope tracers show that glycolysis is decoupled from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. This decoupling is not ‘dysfunction’ but rather an alternate wiring required by tumor cells to remain metabolically versatile. In large part, this requirement is met by glutamine feeding the TCA cycle as an alternative source of carbon. Glutamine is also used in non‐conventional ways, like traveling in reverse through the TCA flux to feed fatty acid biosynthesis. Biosynthetic networks linked with non‐essential amino acids alanine, serine, arginine, and proline are also significantly impacted by the use of glutamine as an alternate carbon source.
Regulation of the sodium pump during cardiomyocyte adaptation to pregnancy
Authors: Elzwiei F. , Bassien‐Capsa V. , St‐Louis J. , Chorvatova A. 
Published: July 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?Pregnancy leads to sustained increases in cardiac output and stroke volume. The cellular mechanisms underlying the associated changes in myocardial function are poorly understood. We investigated the role of the sodium pump in the functional adaptations of cardiomyocytes to normal pregnancy.
What is the main finding and its importance?We found that in normal pregnancy the expression of the α1 Na+–K+‐ATPase isoform is reduced in cardiomyocytes, and there is decreased sodium pump membrane current and elevated steady‐state intracellular sodium. Our findings suggest an important role for reduced expression and activity of the myocardial membrane sodium pump in the cardiac adaptations to pregnancy.
Regulation of the sodium pump during normal pregnancy and its effect on the function of cardiomyocytes is poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate the possible implication of the Na+–K+‐ATPase, the sodium pump which controls cellular ionic and metabolic homeostasis, in the adaptations of cardiomyocytes to normal pregnancy. We have used Western blots and patch‐clamp measurements to identify changes in the sodium pump proteins. Confocal microscopy was applied to estimate intracellular sodium concentration. Time‐resolved spectroscopy was employed to measure mitochondrial NAD(P)H fluorescence and estimate oxidative metabolic state. Optical microscopy was adopted to study the contractility responses of cardiomyocytes. Cells from non‐pregnant and pregnant rats (1 day prior parturition) were studied. Our results showed lower protein expression of the α1 Na+–K+‐ATPase isoform in cardiomyocytes in pregnant rats, decreased sodium pump membrane current and elevated steady‐state sodium concentration. In addition, ouabain, the inhibitor of the sodium pump capable of increasing cardiomyocyte contractility in non‐pregnant rats in a concentration‐dependent manner, failed to affect cell contractions in pregnant rats. We also noted modified responsiveness of the mitochondrial metabolic state to ouabain in cardiac cells. The gathered data confirmed that in pregnant rats, the sodium pump protein content and transmembrane flux are decreased, while the sensitivity of cardiomyocyte contractility and the sensitivity of mitochondrial metabolic redox state to ouabain are modified, pointing to regulation of the Na+–K+‐ATPase during cardiac cell adaptations to normal pregnancy.
Sustained postexercise vasodilatation and histamine receptor activation following small muscle‐mass exercise in humans
Authors: Barrett‐O'Keefe Zachary , Kaplon Rachelle E. , Halliwill John R. 
Published: July 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?The role of histamine‐mediated vasodilatation has been studied in the context of whole‐body cycling but not small muscle‐mass exercise.
What is the main finding and its importance?These data indicate that histamine receptors are activated following dynamic, but not resistance, exercise. Furthermore, these data suggest that local factors associated with aerobic exercise, and not systemic factors, are responsible for activation of histamine receptors in the previously exercised muscle.
A sustained postexercise vasodilatation, which is histamine receptor mediated, has been observed following single bouts of whole‐body exercise, but the mechanisms that regulate activation of histamine receptors following exercise are undefined. Exploration of vasodilatation after small muscle‐mass dynamic or resistance exercise could provide novel insight into the pathways responsible for histamine receptor activation. We hypothesized that there would be a vasodilatation of the previously exercised limb following small muscle‐mass dynamic and resistance exercise, which would be mediated by histamine receptors. We studied men and women before and after single‐leg dynamic (n= 9) or resistance knee‐extension exercise (n= 12) on control and blockade days (combined oral H1 and H2 receptor antagonism with fexofenadine and ranitidine). We measured arterial blood pressure (automated brachial oscillometry) and femoral artery blood flow (Doppler ultrasound). Dynamic exercise elevated leg vascular conductance in the active leg by 27.2 ± 8.4% at 60 min postexercise (P < 0.05 versus pre‐exercise), but did not alter conductance in the rested leg (change, 4.6 ± 3.5%; P= 0.8 versus pre‐exercise). The rise in conductance was abolished on the blockade day (change, 3.7 ± 5.1%; P= 0.8 versus pre‐exercise, P= 0.2 versus control). Resistance exercise did not produce a sustained vasodilatation (change, –4.3 ± 4.7% at 60 min postexercise; P= 0.7 versus pre‐exercise). These data indicate that histamine receptors are activated following dynamic, but not resistance, exercise. Furthermore, these data suggest that local factors associated with aerobic exercise, and not systemic factors or factors associated with high muscle force, are responsible for activation of histamine receptors in the previously exercised muscle.