bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into the spatiotemporal component of feeding ecology: an isotopic approach for conservation management sciences
Authors: Ramos Raül , Ramírez Francisco , Carrasco Josep Lluís , Jover Lluís 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim  Bringing new approaches to trace spatiotemporal variations in animals’ feeding ecology, which is fundamental for wildlife management and conservation since the accessibility of animals to trophic resources plays a key role in the dynamics of populations and metapopulations.Location  Western Mediterranean coast.Methods  The analysis of naturally occurring stable isotopes constitutes an exceptional approach to assess variations in the trophic ecology of species within the spatiotemporal dimensions. Here, we examined the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in resource exploitation of a nuisance and overpopulated gull species with a great feeding plasticity, the Yellow‐legged gull Larus michahellis, by measuring the stable isotope ratios of carbon (13C/12C, δ13C), nitrogen (15N/14N, δ15N) and sulphur (34S/33S, δ34S) in different wing feathers.Results  Tracing isotopic changes among feathers in relation to moulting sequence, we showed that isotopic analyses on first primary feathers were good indicators of breeding trophic ecology, while others, such as eighth secondary feathers, reflected the feeding behaviour during the non‐breeding period. This knowledge was then used to report on estimations of seasonal feeding patterns throughout the year for seven gull populations along the Western Mediterranean coast.Main conclusions  The high diversity in the exploitation patterns of the foraging habitats found in the study area both at spatial and at temporal scale indicated the opportunistic feeding behaviour of Yellow‐legged gulls. Proposed isotopic approach has revealed as a useful tool to evaluate spatiotemporal variations in the feeding ecology of populations which may become clue for dealing with the management of wild species, not only nuisance populations but also endangered species. We finally pointed out the relevance of the isotopic variability among individuals to infer diet diversity and food availability of a given population, thereby allowing demographic forecasts when trophic resources vary in abundance.
The impact of human immunodeficiency virus on viral hepatitis
Authors: Mallet Vincent , Vallet‐Pichard Anaïs , Pol Stanislas 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe combination of antiretroviral (ARV) therapies introduced at the end of the 1990s profoundly changed the natural history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Liver diseases are one of the three primary causes of ‘non‐AIDS‐related’ death in people living with HIV for three reasons: the high prevalence of hepatotropic viral co‐infections, the hepatotoxicity of ARV drugs and new emerging liver diseases, including nodular regenerative hyperplasia and hepatitis E virus infection. The impact of HIV infection on the natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV)/HIV co‐infection has markedly changed in the past few decades with the progress made in ARV treatment and the improved definition of therapeutic strategies for HCV or HBV. Initially, HIV had a negative impact on hepatotropic infections. Today, HIV does not appear to significantly modify the natural history of HCV and HBV infection. This is associated with fair immune restoration, viral suppression associated with analogues having dual activity against HBV and HIV and with the increasing efficacy of antiviral treatments against HCV. A significant decline is expected in the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic liver infection in co‐infected patients. Nevertheless, today, there are three major issues: (i) improving preventive measures including vaccination and risk reduction; (ii) screening patients infected with HBV or HCV and evaluating the impact of chronic infection on the liver and finally; (iii) early screening of hepatocellular carcinoma whose occurrence is higher and that evolves more rapidly in co‐infected than in mono‐infected patients.
The role of triple therapy in HCV genotype 1‐experienced patients
Authors: Fried Michael W. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe ability to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) to peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) depends on numerous host and virological factors, as well as adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen. Patients who have failed to achieve a SVR to PEG‐IFN and RBV have limited options for retreatment. Emerging data from phase II and phase III clinical trials of direct‐acting antiviral agents suggest that new therapeutic regimens will be available for many patients. Treatment with protease inhibitors such as PEG‐IFN, RBV, ribavirin. and boceprevir, combined with PEG‐IFN and RBV, has been shown to produce high rates of virological response in both prior relapsers and, to a lesser extent, prior non‐responders. The benefits of these novel treatment regimens for each individual patient must be weighed against the side effects, costs and potential of developing viral resistance. Regulatory approval of telaprevir and boceprevir is expected to begin in mid‐late 2011.
Criteria for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: what is an acceptable outcome?
Authors: Belghiti Jacques , Durand François 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe incidence of hepato cellular carcinoma (HCC) and the shortage of grafts restrict liver transplantation (LT) in HCC patients with a low risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence is mainly related to the presence of vascular invasion which increases in parallel with tumour size and number of nodules. A favourable post‐transplant outcome has been observed in patients who meet the empirically defined Milan criteria, namely, a single nodule < 5 cm or two or three nodules each < 3 cm in the absence of macroscopic vascular invasion, based on pre‐transplant imaging. These criteria were felt to be too restrictive, leading several centers to propose expanded criteria for LT. However, increasing both the size and number of nodules resulted in an increased risk of recurrence. It has not been demonstrated that loco‐regional treatment in HCC patients listed for LT (bridging therapies) improve post‐transplant survival. More precise predictors of negative prognostic factors including elevated α‐feto protein level, poor differentiation and molecular techniques should be considered in order to optimize the use of grafts and achieve zero recurrence.
Family members' satisfaction with critical care: a pilot study
Authors: Karlsson Christina , Tisell Anna , Engström Åsa , Andershed Birgitta 
Published: January 2011

Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to describe family members' satisfaction with the care provided in a Swedish intensive care unit (ICU) based on the following needs: assurance, information, proximity, support, and comfort, which are all included in the Critical Care Family Satisfaction Survey (CCFSS). Background: Knowledge concerning satisfaction with care among family members with a critically ill relative in an ICU is important if the family is to be met professionally. Design: The study design was descriptive and retrospective, with a consecutive selection of family members of critically ill people cared for in an ICU. In total 35 family members participated. Method: Quantitative analyses based on 20 questions, and a qualitative analysis, based on two open questions was used. The median, average value and percent were computed for every question. The open questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The family members had a high level of satisfaction regarding all groups of needs. They were especially satisfied with flexible visiting hours and the high quality of treatment that the ill person received. The shortcomings that emerged were that family members wanted the physician to be more available for regular talks, the room for relatives was felt to be uncomfortable; and it was felt there were deficiencies in the preparations before the patient's transferral to a ward. Relevance to clinical practice: The results highlight the family members' need for regular information and the need to improve the environment in the waiting rooms for family members. The ICU staff's competence and their way of encountering the ill person and their family seem to be important for family members' satisfaction with the care.
Antiepileptic drugs, sex hormones, and PCOS
Authors: Verrotti Alberto , D’Egidio Claudia , Mohn Angelika , Coppola Giangennaro , Parisi Pasquale , Chiarelli Francesco 
Published: January 2011

SummaryReproductive endocrine dysfunction in women with epilepsy is an important issue, and in recent years there is growing evidence to support the effect on sex hormones of both epilepsy per se and various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Focal epileptic discharges from the temporal lobe may have a direct influence on the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, thereby altering the release of sex steroid hormones. The role of laterality and severity of epilepsy is still conflicting. The use of the liver enzyme–inducing AEDs—such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine—can increase serum sex hormone–binding globulin concentrations, leading to diminished bioactivity of testosterone (T) and estradiol. Valproic acid, an enzyme inhibitor, has been associated with the occurrence of reproductive endocrine disorders characterized by high serum T, free androgen index, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations, and with polycystic changes in ovaries and menstrual disorders. A better understanding of the effects of AEDs on sex hormones is key to selecting the appropriate AEDs and is crucial for reproductive health in female patients.
The EL mouse: A natural model of autism and epilepsy
Authors: Meidenbauer Joshua J. , Mantis John G. , Seyfried Thomas N. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryPurpose:  Autism is a multifactorial disorder that involves impairments in social interactions and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. About 30% of individuals with autism develop epilepsy by adulthood. The EL mouse has long been studied as a natural model of multifactorial idiopathic generalized epilepsy with complex partial seizures. Because epilepsy is a comorbid trait of autism, we evaluated the EL mouse for behaviors associated with autism.Methods:  We compared the behavior of EL mice to age‐matched control DDY mice, a genetically related nonepileptic strain. The mice were compared in the open field and in the light–dark compartment tests to measure activity, exploratory behavior, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. The social transmission of food preference test was employed to evaluate social communication. Home‐cage behavior was also evaluated in EL and DDY mice as a measure of repetitive activity.Key Findings:  We found that EL mice displayed several behavioral abnormalities characteristic of autism. Impairments in social interaction and restricted patterns of interest were evident in EL mice. Activity, exploratory behavior, and restricted behavior were significantly greater in EL mice than in DDY mice. EL mice exhibited impairment in the social transmission of food preference assay. In addition, a stereotypic myoclonic jumping behavior was observed in EL mice, but was not seen in DDY mice. It is of interest to note that seizure activity within 24 h of testing exacerbated the autistic behavioral abnormalities found in EL mice.Significance:  These findings suggest that the EL mouse expresses behavioral abnormalities similar to those seen in persons with autism. We propose that the EL mouse can be utilized as a natural model of autism and epilepsy.
Kozhevnikov epilepsy: The disease and its eponym
Authors: Vein Alla A. , van Emde Boas Walter 
Published: January 2011

SummaryEponyms continue to have their place in medicine but there are pitfalls associated with their use. “Priorities” may be debatable, misattributions are not uncommon, and knowledge of the original papers is often insufficient. A. Ya. Kozhevnikov (1836–1902) is considered to be the founder of the Russian neurology, best known in the West for his work on epilepsia partialis continua (EPC), published in 1894. Kozhevnikov considered various natures for this disorder but thought chronic infectious etiology to be the most probable. Shortly the eponym Kozhevnikov epilepsy was coined and used in clinical practice and writing. Thirty‐five years after Kozhevnikov’s death, in 1937, a new form of viral encephalitis, Russian spring‐summer tick‐borne encephalitis (RTBE), was discovered, which was strongly associated with EPC and at times incorrectly attributed to Kozhevnikov by Russian (Soviet) and West‐European scientists, although he never specifically identified or even could have recognized this disease entity. When, in 1958, Canadian scientists published about persisting focal epilepsy due to chronic focal encephalitis in children, a new disease was proclaimed: Rasmussen syndrome or Rasmussen chronic encephalitis. The only reference to Kozhevnikov in the Canadian papers was the incorrect suggestion that Kozhevnikov himself described EPC in RTBE. This historical error resulted in continuing misquotations of Kozhevnikov in the current literature and controversies concerning the place of Kozhevnikov epilepsy in the Classification Scheme of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). The history of Kozhevnikov epilepsy thereby offers an illustrative example of the successive misunderstandings, errors, and controversies that arise due to insufficient knowledge or understanding of the original publications, questionable post hoc interpretations of earlier findings, misquoting of secondary papers, or a combination of all these.
Epilepsy, cognition, and behavior: The clinical picture
Authors: Berg Anne T. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryAlthough epilepsy is defined by the occurrence of spontaneous epileptic seizures, a large body of evidence indicates that epilepsy is linked to a spectrum of behavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive disorders as well as to sudden death. Explanations for these associations include the following: (1) The effects of structural lesions that may impair the functions subserved by the regions of the brain involved in the lesion. (2) The effects of seizure activity that may begin well before a clinical seizure occurs and may persist long after it is over, raising questions about what truly constitutes “interictal.” In addition, encephalopathic effects of epilepsy in infancy during critical periods in development may be particularly severe and potentially irreversible. (3) Shared mechanisms underlying seizures as well as these other disorders in the absence of structural lesions or separate diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Epidemiologic and clinical studies demonstrate the elevated risk of cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral disorders not just during but also prior to the onset of epilepsy (seizures) itself. These may outlast the active phase of epilepsy as well. The mounting evidence argues strongly for the recognition of epilepsy as part of a spectrum of disorders and against the notion that even uncomplicated epilepsy can a priori be considered benign.
Molecular mechanisms of cognitive and behavioral comorbidities of epilepsy in children
Authors: Brooks‐Kayal Amy 
Published: January 2011

SummaryIntellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) such as autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) and epilepsies are heterogeneous disorders that have diverse etiologies and pathophysiologies. The high rate of co‐occurrence of these disorders, however, suggests potentially shared underlying mechanisms. A number of well‐known genetic disorders share epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism as prominent phenotypic features, including tuberous sclerosis complex, Rett syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. In addition, mutations of several genes involved in neurodevelopment, including ARX, DCX, neuroligins, and neuropilin 2 have been identified in children with epilepsy, IDDs, ASDs, or a combination of thereof. Finally, in animal models, early life seizures can result in cellular and molecular changes that could contribute to learning and behavioral disabilities. Increased understanding of the common genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of IDDs, ASDs, and epilepsy may provide insight into their underlying pathophysiology and elucidate new therapeutic approaches for these conditions.
The serotonin axis: Shared mechanisms in seizures, depression, and SUDEP
Authors: Richerson George B. , Buchanan Gordon F. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThere is a growing appreciation that patients with seizures are also affected by a number of comorbid conditions, including an increase in prevalence of depression (Kanner, 2009), sleep apnea (Chihorek et al., 2007), and sudden death (Ryvlin et al., 2006; Tomson et al., 2008). The mechanisms responsible for these associations are unclear. Herein we discuss the possibility that underlying pathology in the serotonin (5‐HT) system of patients with epilepsy lowers the threshold for seizures, while also increasing the risk of depression and sudden death. We propose that postictal dysfunction of 5‐HT neurons causes depression of breathing and arousal in some epilepsy patients, and this can lead to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). We further draw parallels between SUDEP and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which may share pathophysiologic mechanisms, and which have both been linked to defects in the 5‐HT system.
Evaluation of Strength at the Acrylic–Pin Interface for Variably Treated External Skeletal Fixator Pins
Authors: Brad Case Joseph , Egger Erick L. 
Published: January 2011

Objective:To report pullout force to failure at the acrylic–pin interface for variably treated 3.2 mm external skeletal fixator pins.Study Design:In vitro biomechanical evaluation.Sample Population:3.2 mm external skeletal fixator pins in polymethylmethacrylate bars.Methods:3.2 mm external skeletal fixator pins were used for each of 5 treatment groups: polished, unpolished, 3 notched, 5 notched, and machine knurled. Each pin was seated into a 2‐cm‐diameter acrylic connecting bar and tested in pullout force to failure. Each group consisted of 6 pins. The force required to remove the pins from the acrylic bar was measured and compared between groups.Results:Significant differences between treatment groups were determined (P<.05). Within a construct group failure mode was consistent. Fracture of the acrylic bar was only seen with knurled pin ends.Conclusions:When using 2 cm acrylic bars in external skeletal fixation (ESF), a knurled pin shaft or a pin surface with 5 notches should be considered to improve the overall stability of the ESF construct.
Vascular Distribution in Ruptured Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Hayashi Kei , Bhandal Jitender , Rodriguez, Jr. Carlos O. , Kim Sun Young , Entwistle Rachel , Naydan Diane , Kapatkin Amy , Stover Susan M. 
Published: January 2011

Objective:To (1) determine the microanatomic vascular distribution in ruptured canine cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL) using specific vascular immunohistochemical techniques, and (2) compare vessel density between ruptured and intact canine CCL and between different areas of interest in ruptured CCL using histomorphometric analysis.Study Design:In vitro study.Animals:Dogs (n=41) admitted for surgical treatment of ruptured CCL and 19 dogs euthanatized for nonorthopedic conditions.Methods:Diseased (variable CCL rupture) and intact (normal control) CCL were processed for immunohistochemical staining specific to vessels (factor VIII, laminin). Mean vascular density was assessed and compared in areas of interest (torn end versus remaining core regions of CCL, proximal femoral versus distal tibial core CCL regions).Results:Ruptured CCL was more vascular than intact CCL; however there was no difference in vascular density between the torn end and the remaining core area of the ruptured CCL. Ruptured CCL was vascularized to a greater degree at the proximal portion than the distal portion of the CCL. Partially ruptured CCLs had a higher vessel density than completely ruptured CCLs.Conclusions:Vascular density is increased in diseased CCL compared with intact CCL. It remains to be determined whether this finding is associated with the cause of CCL rupture or is a result of CCL degeneration and rupture.
Molecular analysis of the York antigen of the Knops blood group system
Authors: Veldhuisen Barbera , Ligthart Peter C. , Vidarsson Gestur , Roels Ingrid , Folman Claudia C. , van der Schoot C. Ellen , de Haas Masja 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: Antigens of the Knops blood group system are present on complement component (3b/4b) receptor 1 (CR1/CD35), which is a transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by the CR1 gene. Eight of the nine known antigens of this system are linked to polymorphisms in Exon 29. The molecular background of one antigen, York (Yka), has not yet been described.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We aimed to identify a polymorphism associated with the absence of Yka to enable molecular typing. Yka‐negative individuals were identified by serologic typing. Their CR1 gene was partially sequenced and compared to that of Yka‐positive individuals. Loss of Yka antigen was investigated by expressing the SCR22/23 domain of both wild‐type and mutated CR1 as a GPI‐linked protein on HEK293 cells.RESULTS: We observed that absence of the Yka antigen is caused by a mutation in Exon 26 of the CR1 gene. This 4223C>T mutation results in a 1408T>M change at the protein level. Ten of 117 donors (8.5%) were homozygous TT, confirming the Caucasian frequency of 8% Yka‐negative individuals. Serologically, these TT donors showed a Yka‐negative phenotype, while CC/CT individuals were Yka‐positive. While the Yka antigen was present on HEK293 cells expressing wild‐type constructs, cells expressing the 4223C>T variant were Yka negative.CONCLUSION: We identified a 4223C>T sequence variation in the CR1 gene causing absence of the Yka antigen of the Knops blood group system. With this finding, all polymorphisms of the known Knops blood group antigens have been revealed, enabling molecular testing to contribute to red blood cell alloantibody identification procedures.
Transmission of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease by blood transfusion: risk factor or possible biases
Authors: Puopolo Maria , Ladogana Anna , Vetrugno Vito , Pocchiari Maurizio 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of transfusion transmissions of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) cases has reawakened attention to the possible similar risk posed by other forms of CJD.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CJD with a definite or probable diagnosis (sporadic CJD, n = 741; genetic CJD, n = 175) and no‐CJD patients with definite alternative diagnosis (n = 482) with available blood transfusion history were included in the study. The risk of exposure to blood transfusion occurring more than 10 years before disease onset and for some possible confounding factors was evaluated by calculating crude odds ratios (ORs). Variables with significant ORs in univariate analyses were included in multivariate logistic regression analyses.RESULTS: In the univariate model, blood transfusion occurring more than 10 years before clinical onset is 4.1‐fold more frequent in sporadic CJD than in other neurologic disorders. This significance is lost when the 10‐year lag time was not considered. Multivariate analyses show that the risk of developing sporadic CJD after transfusion increases (OR, 5.05) after adjusting for possible confounding factors. Analysis conducted on patients with genetic CJD did not reveal any significant risk factor associated with transfusion.CONCLUSION: This is the first case‐control study showing a significant risk of transfusion occurring more than 10 years before clinical onset in sporadic CJD patients. It remains questionable whether the significance of these data is biologically plausible or the consequence of biases in the design of the study, but they counterbalance previous epidemiologic negative reports that might have overestimated the assessment of blood safety in sporadic CJD.