bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment preferences for biologicals in psoriasis: experienced patients appreciate sustainability
Authors: Kromer Christian , Peitsch Wiebke K. , Herr Raphael , Schmieder Astrid , Sonntag Diana , Schaarschmidt Marthe‐Lisa 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackground and objectivesTreatment satisfaction can be improved by integrating patients’ preferences into shared decision‐making. We recently investigated patients’ preferences for attributes of biologicals, and showed high preferences for safety and efficacy. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of treatment experience on these preferences.Patients and methodsPreferences for outcome (probability of 50 % and 90 % improvement, time until response, sustainability of success, probability of mild and severe adverse events, probability of ACR 20 response) and process attributes (treatment location, frequency, duration, and delivery method) were analyzed in 200 participants with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis using conjoint analysis. The impact of current and previous therapies, disease duration, and treatment satisfaction on ‘Relative Importance Scores’ was determined by analysis of variance, post hoc tests, and multivariate regression.ResultsParticipants presently on topical therapy (p = 0.02) or phototherapy (p = 0.032) placed more importance on treatment duration than others. Individuals who had previously been given traditional systemic agents (p = 0.028) or biologicals (p = 0.044) favored sustainability more than others. With an increasing number of systemic agents ever received (p = 0.045) and longer disease duration (p = 0.018), the latter attribute became increasingly important.ConclusionsPatients’ preferences for biologicals vary in correlation with treatment experience and disease duration, aspects to be addressed in the context of shared decision‐making.
Prä‐ und perioperative Aspekte der Versorgung dermatochirurgischer Patienten
Authors: Müller Cornelia S. L. , Hubner Wakiko , Thieme‐Ruffing Sigrid , Pföhler Claudia , Vogt Thomas , Volk Thomas , Gärtner Barbara C. , Bialas Patric 
Published: February 2017

ZusammenfassungDie Dermatochirurgie nimmt hinsichtlich vieler Punkte eine Sonderstellung unter den operativen Fächern ein. Hierzu gehört in erster Linie die Tatsache, dass bis auf wenige Ausnahmen fast alle Eingriffe traditionell in Lokal‐ bzw. Regionalanästhesie und oft auch in räumlich‐infrastruktureller Trennung von den großen Zentral‐Operationssälen stattfinden können. Die peri‐ und postoperative Überwachung obliegt dabei dem dermatochirurgischen Operationsteam. Das sui generis kleinere OP‐Team hat somit eine ganze Reihe perioperativer Notwendigkeiten zu beachten, um die sich in den „großen“ chirurgischen Fächern eine Vielzahl verschiedener beteiligter Fachgruppen gemeinsam kümmern. Hierzu gehören neben Hygieneaspekten, Kenntnissen in der Überwachung der Patienten sowie dem Aspekt der surgical site infections auch Fragen zur postoperativen Schmerztherapie sowie detailliertes pharmakologisches Wissen über die zur Anwendung kommenden Lokalanästhetika und das Handling der damit assoziierten toxischen und allergischen Reaktionen. Eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit und Verantwortung für den Patienten ist notwendig und erfordert die Erarbeitung und Umsetzung qualitätsorientierter und evidenzbasierter Handlungsanweisungen, die im dermatochirurgischen OP‐Setting meist weit über das eigentliche Fach hinausgehen. Ziel dieses Weiterbildungsartikels soll die komprimierte Darstellung der genannten fachübergreifenden Standpunkte bezüglich der wichtigsten perioperativen Aspekte sein.
Update: Treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica
Authors: Peckruhn Melanie , Tittelbach Jörg , Elsner Peter 
Published: February 2017

SummaryNecrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous disease of hitherto unclear etiology frequently seen in patients with diabetes. Characterized by its potential for ulcerations, it often presents a serious burden for those affected. There are currently neither German nor European guidelines for the treatment of NL. At the same time, standard treatment with topical or intralesional corticosteroids does not always show satisfactory results. We therefore set out to evaluate whether the various treatment regimens published since 2000 have actually expanded the therapeutic armamentarium in a relevant manner. Included were all publications that described more than one patient being treated with any given therapeutic modality. Overall, we analyzed data for 16 different treatment regimens reported in 49 publications.The largest amount of data exists for topical PUVA therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and systemic treatment with fumaric acid esters. Remarkably, our analysis showed that with an increase in the number of documented patients treated with a given therapeutic modality, the proportion of those achieving a complete or partial response actually decreased. This was interpreted as publication bias. Thus, no clear recommendation can be given for second‐line therapy in case topical or intralesional corticosteroids fail.
Tuned protection of aphids by ants against a predatory hoverfly
Authors: DETRAIN CLAIRE , FICHAUX MELANIE , VERHEGGEN FRANÇOIS 
Published: February 2017

1. Aphid‐tending ants that feed on honeydew have evolved strategies against aphidophagous insects and tune their aggressive behaviour according to the level of danger for their trophobionts. Here we investigate howLasius nigerLinnaeus (Hymenoptera:Formicidae) ants react to different instars ofEpisyrphus balteatusDeGeer (Diptera:Syrphidae) hoverflies which vary in their voracity and defensive abilities.2. During pairwise encounters, early syrphid instars (eggs,L1,andL2larvae) elicited lower aggression scores compared to third larval instars (L3), which was intensively bitten by ants.L3tried to escape from ants by releasing a sticky and toxic secretion over biting ants that died or underwent severe morbidity.3. In a standardised system including the host plant, aphid, tending ant, and hoverfly, the ability of ants to protect anAphis fabaeScopoli (Hemiptera:Aphididae) colony was evaluated. EarlyE. balteatusinstars placed onto the plant elicited no mobilisation of ants, which often removed the hoverfly successfully. Eggs and early instars appeared as the weak links for integrated pest management by hoverfly auxiliaries.4. In contrast,L3induced the number of ant patrollers to increase at a local scale without any further recruitment from inside the ant nest.L3syrphids were quite efficient at gluing ants with defensive secretions and at resisting to removal attempts by ants.5. While supporting the assumption that ants tune their defensive response to the aphidophagous predator, the present results also showed a lack of efficient protection of their trophobionts from the most voracious late syrphid instar.
Flight dimorphism is related to survival, reproduction and mating success in the leaf beetle Oreina cacaliae
Authors: KALBERER NICOLE M. , KÖLLIKER MATHIAS 
Published: February 2017

1. Alternative life histories may be maintained in populations due to variation in the costs and benefits of the underlying strategies. In this study, potential costs of dispersal by flight were investigated as an alternative life‐history strategy in the mountain‐living chrysomelid beetle Oreina cacaliae.2. In this species, previous mark–recapture studies showed a dispersal dimorphism in both males and females. While a fraction of the population engages in flight in autumn and spring (in the following referred to as ‘flyers’), the other part does not fly (non‐flyers). Flyers emerge earlier than non‐flyers and feed on a spring host plant before the emergence of the main host plant.3. In this study, the overwintering and dispersal locations were recorded over 7 years in the field, flyers from the spring host plant were collected, and morphology and lifetime reproductive output and survival of collected flyers and non‐flyers were compared.4. A potential trade‐off between flight and life‐history traits was observed: flyers were smaller in size, lighter in body mass, had a lower lifetime fecundity and a higher mortality.5. Mating experiments of field‐caught beetles in the laboratory showed that larger beetles had a higher (multiple) mating success, but there was no evidence for size‐assortative mating. It is hypothesized that one reason for small beetles to disperse by flight might be to escape competition for mates with larger non‐flyers.6. The overwhelming quantity of beetles found on the spring host every year reveals that the flying strategy is successful, despite the costs and risks.
Impact of dexamethasone in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Czorlich P. , Sauvigny T. , Ricklefs F. , Abboud T. , Nierhaus A. , Vettorazzi E. , Reuter D. A. , Regelsberger J. , Westphal M. , Schmidt N. O. 
Published: February 2017

Background and purposeThe role of corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has remained controversial for decades. Recent studies have suggested that the administration of corticosteroids in SAH patients is associated with favourable outcomes. Given their significant adverse effects, it is essential to identify those patients who will benefit from treatment with corticosteroids.MethodsA retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort (n = 306) with SAH who were treated by microsurgical clipping or endovascular intervention was performed. The role of dexamethasone administration was analysed with regard to clinical conditions and SAH‐related complications. Outcome was assessed at discharge and during follow‐up using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).ResultsPatients treated with dexamethasone presented with more episodes of hyperglycaemia (P < 0.001), more overall infections (P < 0.001) and more ventriculostomy‐related infections (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that treatment with dexamethasone was associated with an unfavourable outcome at discharge (GOS 1–3) [odds ratio (OR) 2.814, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.440–5.497, P = 0.002]. In the subgroup of microsurgically treated patients, dexamethasone administration was associated with a favourable outcome at follow‐up (OR 0.193, 95% CI 0.06–0.621, P = 0.006). A higher risk for unfavourable outcome (OR 3.382, 95% CI 1.67–6.849, P = 0.001) at discharge was observed in endovascularly treated patients who received dexamethasone but this had no impact on the outcome at follow‐up.ConclusionsTreatment with dexamethasone seems to be associated with a risk reduction for an unfavourable outcome in those patients who underwent microsurgical clipping. Despite an increased frequency of adverse effects, glucocorticoids may have a potential benefit in this specific surgical subgroup compared to endovascularly treated SAH patients.
Antifatigue effects of troxerutin on exercise endurance capacity, oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 levels in trained male rats
Authors: Zamanian Mohammad , Hajizadeh Mohammad R. , Esmaeili Nadimi Ali , Shamsizadeh Ali , Allahtavakoli Mohammad 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate effects of troxerutin (TRX) on endurance capacity, oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) levels in trained male rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The control (Vehicle) and exercise training (5 days/week) with vehicle treatment (Exercise), exercise training with TRX treatment at 75 (Ex‐TRX75), 150 (Ex‐TRX150), and 300 mg/kg (Ex‐TRX300). The treated groups received TRX by gavage every day while the other groups received water for 30 days. On the 30th day, rats were sacrificed immediately after exhaustive swimming test, and some biochemical parameters were measured. Exhaustion swimming time in the Ex‐TRX75, Ex‐TRX150 and Ex‐TRX300 groups significantly increased 1.2‐, 1.93‐ and 2.1‐fold compared to the vehicle group, respectively. TRX significantly increased glucose level (P < 0.05) and reduced creatine kinase activity (P < 0.001) compared to the vehicle and exercise groups. TRX300 significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities (P < 0.05) and blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.05) and MMP‐9 levels (P < 0.05) compared to the vehicle and exercise groups. Additionally, TRX300 and TRX150 significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity compared to the vehicle group (P < 0.05). Our results provide experimental evidence in supporting clinical use of TRX as an effective agent against fatigue.
Native brook trout and invasive rainbow trout respond differently to seasonal weather variation: Spawning timing matters
Authors: Kanno Yoichiro , Kulp Matt A. , Moore Stephen E. , Grossman Gary D. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Salmonids have been introduced globally, and native and invasive salmonids co‐exist in many regions. However, their responses to seasonal weather variation and global climate change are poorly known.

The aim of this study was to compare effects of inter‐annual variation in seasonal weather patterns on native brook trout (BKT) (Salvelinus fontinalis) versus invasive rainbow trout (RBT) (Oncorhynchus mykiss) abundance using summer electrofishing data (May through September) spanning 28 years in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A. (c. 200 stream sites per species). In particular, we tested if different spawning timing between BKT (autumn) and RBT (late winter) would result in heterogeneous population responses to high seasonal precipitation, which would negatively affect early life stages with impaired swimming ability.

As predicted, young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) abundance of autumn‐spawning BKT was most strongly impacted by total precipitation between February and March, and RBT YOY abundance was most strongly impacted by peak precipitation between April and May. Despite the presence of these different key seasonal drivers, inter‐annual variation in YOY density of these two species was positively correlated because precipitation in April and May also impacted the abundance of BKT YOY.

Adult abundance was less responsive to weather variation than YOY abundance, and was most strongly correlated with YOY abundance in the previous year, indicating the importance of flow‐driven population control influences on early life stages affecting population sizes into subsequent years. Adult BKT densities were not affected by any weather covariate, whereas adult RBT densities were correlated with four weather covariates in competing models. As a result, there was no correlation in the inter‐annual variation in adult density in these two species.

The differing responses of BKT and RBT to long‐term seasonal weather patterns suggest that they will likely respond differently to global climate change. In particular, winter precipitation will likely be the key environmental driver of differences in their population responses.
Animal pee in the sea: consumer‐mediated nutrient dynamics in the world's changing oceans
Authors: Allgeier Jacob E. , Burkepile Deron E. , Layman Craig A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHumans have drastically altered the abundance of animals in marine ecosystems via exploitation. Reduced abundance can destabilize food webs, leading to cascading indirect effects that dramatically reorganize community structure and shift ecosystem function. However, the additional implications of these top‐down changes for biogeochemical cycles via consumer‐mediated nutrient dynamics (CND) are often overlooked in marine systems, particularly in coastal areas. Here, we review research that underscores the importance of this bottom‐up control at local, regional, and global scales in coastal marine ecosystems, and the potential implications of anthropogenic change to fundamentally alter these processes. We focus attention on the two primary ways consumers affect nutrient dynamics, with emphasis on implications for the nutrient capacity of ecosystems: (1) the storage and retention of nutrients in biomass, and (2) the supply of nutrients via excretion and egestion. Nutrient storage in consumer biomass may be especially important in many marine ecosystems because consumers, as opposed to producers, often dominate organismal biomass. As for nutrient supply, we emphasize how consumers enhance primary production through both press and pulse dynamics. Looking forward, we explore the importance of CDN for improving theory (e.g., ecological stoichiometry, metabolic theory, and biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships), all in the context of global environmental change. Increasing research focus on CND will likely transform our perspectives on how consumers affect the functioning of marine ecosystems.
Sustainable intensification in the production of grass and forage crops in the Low Countries of north‐west Europe
Authors: Reheul D. , Cougnon M. , Kayser M. , Pannecoucque J. , Swanckaert J. , De Cauwer B. , van den Pol‐van Dasselaar A. , De Vliegher A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractProduction of grass and fodder crops in areas under intensive production systems in the Low Countries of north‐west Europe faces a number of threats related to increased regulations, scarcity of land and restricted freedom of use of the land, and from climate change. Grassland‐based farmers are pushed to do more with less, i.e., to improve eco‐efficiency, and this requires “more knowledge per ha.” This article argues that progress in variety breeding, the application of crop rotation instead of monocultures, a proper use of catch crops, ley‐arable farming and overall good management offer realistic opportunities to cope with current threats. A large capacity for mechanization also allows improvement of net yields per ha. This article highlights that progress in plant breeding has compensated for yield declines caused by nutrient‐input restrictions in forage maize (Zea mays L.). Both forage maize and grass–clover can take advantages of ley‐arable farming, and crop rotation provides an insurance against the effects of low‐yielding years and a buffer for reduced nutrient inputs.
The effect of preoperative submucosal administration of tramadol on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block on mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: De Pedro‐Muñoz A. , Mena‐Álvarez J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial was designed to improve the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) by means of preoperative submucosal administration of 50 mg tramadol.MethodologyForty‐two patients with a mandibular molar diagnosed with SIP took part in the trial. Patients were assigned randomly to one of two groups: tramadol group (n = 21), who received 50 mg tramadol in 1 mL by mandibular infiltration, and a placebo group (n = 21), who received 1 mL of normal saline administered to the affected tooth by the same means. Ten minutes later, all patients received an IANB with 4% articaine with epinephrine 1 : 100 000. A 10‐min waiting time was established after local anaesthetic (LA) administration before carrying out three consecutive tests to assess anaesthesia of the pulp, that is two consecutive negative responses to an electric pulp test, positive or negative response to a cold test and no pain during access cavity preparation. IANB was considered successful only if the patient did not experience pain arising from these tests. Data were analysed by the Chi‐squared frequency test and the Fisher's exact test, for qualitative variables, Mann–WhitneyU‐test for independent samples and two‐wayanovafor more than two independent samples.ResultsIn the tramadol group IANB was achieved successfully in 57% of the sample, whilst the placebo group obtained 29%. The difference between groups was not significant (P = 0.06). When performing endodontic access, the anaesthetic success rate was significantly in favour of tramadol (P = 0.03).ConclusionsPreoperative submucosal administration of 50 mg tramadol in mandibular molars with SIP significantly improved the success of IANB using 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine during access cavity preparation in comparison with a placebo.
Craniosynostosis, delayed closure of the fontanelle, anal, genitourinary, and skin abnormalities (CDAGS syndrome): first report in a Mexican patient and review of the literature
Authors: Pastrana‐Ayala Rodrigo , Peña‐Castro Gretty L. , Valencia‐Herrera Adriana M. , Mena‐Cedillos Carlos A. , Toussaint‐Caire Sonia , Akaki‐Carreño Yumiko I. , García‐Delgado Constanza , Morán‐Barroso Veronica F. , Toledo‐Bahena Mirna 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionCraniosynostosis and clavicular hypoplasia, delayed closure of the fontanelle, cranial defects, anal and genitourinary abnormalities, and skin (CDAGS), is an infrequent autosomal recessive entity with only 10 cases reported; no associated gene has been identified so far.Case ReportThe proband is a 2‐year‐old Mexican female with brachycephaly, cleft palate, anal malformation with rectovestibular fistula, and clinodactyly of the third toe overlapping the second. At 4 months of age, she developed a disseminated dermatosis with erythematous scaly nummular plaques, elevated keratotic sharp borders with thin to broad flaking, hematic crusts, and keratotic surface in others. The lesions were slightly pruritic and began at the lower limbs with posterior dissemination to the upper limbs, head, and trunk; palms and soles were unaffected. A skin biopsy showed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, and perivascular inflammatory infiltration in the upper reticular dermis among other alterations. She also presented mild bilateral neurosensory hypoacusia and enamel dysplasia. Her karyotype was normal. Treatment with topical hydrating creams partially improved the skin lesions at their center, while the sharply keratotic borders remained, giving a clinical resemblance to porokeratosis.DiscussionThe patient suffers from CDAGS syndrome but has normal development, and feet abnormality was described in only one other patient. The treatment with topical hydrating creams improved the skin lesions at their center, while porokeratotic characteristics persisted. CDAGS remains a diagnostic challenge; a comparison with previously reported cases is discussed. The timely detection of the syndrome will allow early treatment that may improve the condition of the patients.
Local governments' efficiency: a systematic literature review—part I
Authors: Narbón‐Perpiñá Isabel , De Witte Kristof 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe efficient management of the available resources in local governments has been a topic of high interest in the field of public sector. We provide an extensive and comprehensive review of the existing literature on local governments' efficiency from a global point of view, covering all articles from 1990 to August 2016. This paper is the first of two. It covers the basic aspects related to local governments' efficiency measurement not taking into account the effect of environmental conditions. First, we show a detailed overview of the studies investigating public sector efficiency across various countries, comparing the data and samples employed, and the main results obtained. Second, we describe which techniques have been used for measuring efficiency in the context of local governments. Third, we summarize the inputs and outputs used. Finally, we discuss some operative directions and considerations for further research in the field.