bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gonococcal infections in Austria: a long‐term observation of prevalence and resistance profiles from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Stary Angelika , Heller‐Vitouch Claudia , Binder Michael , Geusau Alexandra , Stary Georg , Rappersberger Klemens , Komericki Peter , Hoepfl Reinhard , Haller Maria 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackground and objectivesThe increase in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cephalosporins for Neisseria gonorrhoeae has given rise to concerns regarding potentially untreatable gonococcal infections. The goal was to ascertain the prevalence of gonorrhea in a Viennese patient group and determine resistance patterns. Another objective was to evaluate resistance profiles and MIC values of gonococcal isolates in an Austria‐wide surveillance project.Patients and methodsFrom 1999 to 2014, 350,000 individuals were tested for gonococci at the Viennese Outpatient Clinic. In addition, from 2010 to 2014, the MICs of recommended antibiotics was determined in 3,584 gonococcal isolates, initially by agar dilution and breakpoint determination, and, from 2012 onwards, by Etest®.ResultsDuring the observation period, the prevalence of gonorrhea increased eightfold, with a significantly greater number of quinolone, penicillin, and tetracycline‐ resistant strains. In gonococcal strains isolated from across Austria, there was an increase in cefixime and ceftriaxone MICs toward breakpoints. Twenty‐one isolates showed cefixime resistance, and while there was an increase in azithromycin resistance from 0.9 % (2013) to 3.2 % (2014), no resistance to ceftriaxone was observed.ConclusionCurrently, there is no imminent risk of untreatable gonorrhea in Austria. However, continuing the use of gonococcal cultures as a diagnostic tool for establishing resistance profiles is essential in order to monitor trends in the development of Neisseria (N.) gonorrhoeae resistance.
Patient perspectives on treating psoriasis with classic inpatient dithranol therapy: a retrospective patient survey
Authors: Painsi Clemens , Patscheider Michael , Inzinger Martin , Lange‐Asschenfeldt Bernhard , Quehenberger Franz , Wolf Peter 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundEvidence of the efficacy of dithranol and patient perspectives on the treatment is scant.Patients and MethodsUsing a telephone interview survey, we collected retrospective data from 63 patients (41 men [65.1 %] and 22 women [34.9 %]) who had been treated with classic inpatient dithranol (CID). PsoRA (www.psoriasisregistry.at) was used to obtain clinical data and treatment responses, which were then correlated with the interview responses.ResultsFifty‐two (82.5 %) patients achieved a PASI75 and 51 (81 %) a PASI90 response within a median of 12.5 (range: 3 to 25) days. Ten out of twelve (83 %) patients showed a satisfactory response to CID (PASI75 or greater reduction) despite the fact that they had previously failed to adequately respond to methotrexate, oral retinoids, cyclosporine, or ustekinumab. Overall, patients recalled a median recurrence‐free interval of four (95 % CI: 3–9) months after responding to CID, which was positively correlated with the patients’ recommendation of (p = 0.018) and their overall high satisfaction with the treatment (p = 0.012).ConclusionsDespite the known limitations of CID, this survey indicates that dithranol remains a highly efficacious and valuable treatment option as induction therapy in psoriasis. CID can be effective in patients who have failed to respond to systemic therapy, including traditional agents and biologics.
Epidermale Barriere bei hereditären Ichthyosen, atopischer Dermatitis und Psoriasis
Authors: Schmuth Matthias , Blunder Stefan , Dubrac Sandrine , Gruber Robert , Moosbrugger‐Martinz Verena 
Published: October 2015

ZusammenfassungZahlreiche Hautkrankheiten gehen mit Störungen der Hautbarriere einher. Man unterscheidet primäre und sekundäre Barrierestörungen. Erstere sind monogen durch Defekte in Schlüsselkomponenten der Epidermis bedingt (z.B. Ichthyosen). Sekundäre Barrierestörungen treten bei entzündlichen Hautkrankheiten auf, bei denen die epidermale Homöostase beeinträchtigt ist (z.B. Ekzeme, Psoriasis u.v.a.m.). Bei diesen Erkrankungen hemmt die Entzündung den Aufbau oder Erhalt intakter Barrierstrukturen. Neue Forschungsergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass bei der atopischen Dermatitis und in geringerem Maß bei der Psoriasis eine Kombination primärer und sekundärer Barrierestörungen vorliegt. Voraussichtlich lassen sich zukünftig Subtypen dieser Erkrankungen definieren, bei denen die eine oder die andere Komponente im Vordergrund steht.SummarySeveral skin disorders are associated with impaired skin barrier function. Primary dysfunction is caused by monogenic defects in key components of the epidermis (for example ichthyoses). Secondary barrier impairment occurs in inflammatory dermatoses marked by disturbed epidermal homeostasis (eczema, psoriasis, etc.). In these disorders, inflammation impedes the synthesis or maintenance of skin barrier structures. Recent evidence suggests a combination of primary and secondary barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis and, to a lesser extent, also in psoriasis. In the future, subtypes of atopic dermatitis may likely be defined, in which one or the other component is prevalent.
Muscle growth is reduced in 15‐month‐old children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Herskind Anna , Ritterband‐Rosenbaum Anina , Willerslev‐Olsen Maria , Lorentzen Jakob , Hanson Lars , Lichtwark Glen , Nielsen Jens B 
Published: October 2015

AimLack of muscle growth relative to bone growth may be responsible for development of contractures in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Here, we used ultrasonography to compare growth of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in children with and without CP.MethodTwenty‐six children with spastic CP (15 males, 11 females; mean age 35mo, range 8–65mo) and 101 typically developing children (47 males, 54 females; mean age 29mo, range 1–69mo) were included. Functional abilities of children with CP equalled levels I to III in the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Medial gastrocnemius muscle volume was constructed from serial, transverse, two‐dimensional ultrasonography images.ResultsIn typically developing children, medial gastrocnemius volume increased linearly with age. Among children with CP, medial gastrocnemius volume increased less with age and deviated significantly from typically developing children at 15 months of age (p<0.05). Bone length increased with age without significant difference (p=0.49).InterpretationMuscle growth in children with CP initially follows that of typically developing children, but decreases at 15 months of age. This may be related to reduced physical activity and neural activation of the muscle. Interventions stimulating muscle growth in young children with CP may be important to prevent contractures.
Prevalence and risk of diabetes based on family history in the Shanghai High‐Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) study
Authors: Zhang Y. , Chen H. , Lu H. , Shen Y. , Chen R. , Fang P. , Du X. , Bao Y. , Wang C. , Jia W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the prevalence and risk of diabetes based on family history in high‐risk subjects and also to evaluate insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in these subjects.MethodsData were analysed from 9756 participants in the Shanghai High‐Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) Project. Family history of diabetes was classified according to parental and sibling diabetes status. The prevalence and odds ratios were calculated for each grouping after adjusting for other risk factors. Insulin resistance and sensitivity were evaluated using oral glucose tolerance test‐derived indices that were validated by hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic clamps.ResultsA total of 30.4% of the subjects had a family history of diabetes in a first‐degree relative. The proportions of subjects with a father, mother or sibling with diabetes were 7.5, 11.9 and 5.5%, respectively. The prevalence rates of diabetes in subjects with sibling history, maternal history or paternal history of diabetes were 39.3, 38.3 and 36.4%, respectively. Sibling history was a strong risk factor for diabetes (odds ratio 1.53, 95% CI 1.27–1.84; P < 0.05). Insulin secretion was significantly lower in those with a maternal or sibling history of diabetes; however, insulin sensitivity was not significantly different among subjects with a family history of diabetes.ConclusionsSibling history of diabetes was more strongly associated with diabetes risk than parental history among high‐risk subjects. Subjects with a sibling or maternal history of diabetes had significantly lower insulin secretion. Sibling history is an important and independent risk factor for diabetes even among multi‐risk populations. Those with a sibling history of diabetes warrant intensive care and follow‐up screening.
Professional karate‐do and mixed martial arts fighters present with a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Bonotto Daniel , Namba Eli Luis , Veiga Danielle Medeiros , Wandembruck Fernanda , Mussi Felipe , Afonso Cunali Paulo , Ribeiro Rosa Edvaldo Antonio , Azevedo‐Alanis Luciana Reis 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground/aimFacial trauma in sports has been associated with temporomandibular disorders. Because of the intensity and duration of training needed for elite‐level competitions, high‐performance athletes can have two to five times more traumatic injuries than recreational athletes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in high‐performance martial arts fighters and compare it with the prevalence in recreational athletes and non‐athletes.Material and MethodsThe Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to diagnose and classify professional karate‐do practitioners (group I; n = 24), amateur karate‐do practitioners (group II; n = 17), high‐performance mixed martial arts fighters (group III; n = 13), and non‐athletes (n = 28). The groups were compared with the chi‐square test and tested for the difference between two proportions using a significance level of 5% (P < 0.05).ResultsThe prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in groups I (54.2%; P = 0.003) and III (61.5%; P = 0.002) was significantly higher than in group IV (14.3%). The prevalence in group II was similar to that in group IV (P > 0.05). A diagnosis of arthralgia from disk displacement was made more frequently in groups I (45.8%; P = 0.013) and III (38.5%; P = 0.012) than in group IV (7.1%). The chronic pain associated with TMD was low intensity and low disability.ConclusionsWhile there was a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in the professional athletes in our study, the prevalence of the condition in recreational athletes was similar to that in individuals who did not practice martial arts.
Biological control of Dothistroma needle blight on pine with Aneurinibacillus migulanus
Authors: Alenezi F. N. , Fraser S. , Bełka M. , Doğmuş T.H. , Heckova Z. , Oskay F. , Belbahri L. , Woodward S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe ability of two strains of the antibiotic‐producing bacillus Aneurinibacillus migulanus to control Dothistroma septosporum infection of pine was tested in artificial inoculation experiments on 2‐year‐old Pinus contorta plants. Disease severity (% needles with conidiomata) on control plants was 5.8 ± 1.7%, compared with 6.2 ± 2.0% on plants treated with A. migulanus NCTC 7096. In contrast, treatment with A. migulanus Nagano reduced Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) severity to 1.1 ± 0.4%. The conidial density and percentage germination of D. septosporum on needles were also greatly reduced on seedlings treated with A. migulanus Nagano compared with the A. migulanus NCTC 7096 and control treatments. The results suggest that A. migulanus Nagano has potential as a biological control agent for use against DNB in forest nurseries.
Interactions between callus cultures of Pinus sylvestris and pine fungi with different trophic properties
Authors: Nawrot‐Chorabik K. , Grad B. , Kowalski T. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryFungal virulence may be studied using tissues cultures of host plants in dual cultures in vitro, enabling analyses of interactions with undifferentiated cells of their host plants. Three genotypes of Pinus sylvestris callus, initiated by somatic embryogenesis, were used for establishing dual cultures with fungi pathogenic, endophytic or saprotrophic on pine needles or shoots. Fungal growth towards the plant callus tissue differed, depending on the life strategy of the fungus. The pathogen Gremmeniella abietina proved the slowest colonizer of callus whereas the saprotrophic Phacidium lacerum was the fastest. Gremmeniella abietina partially overgrew the callus, causing extensive necrosis and death within 10 days after inoculation. Anthostomella formosa, an endophyte of pines, did not cause evident symptoms of callus degradation: after 10 days of dual culture, the callus cells remained greenish and at least 50% of cells were alive. In dual cultures Ph. lacerum, callus remained alive until the end of the experiment, maintaining a white‐creamy colour with a loose cell structure. Electrophoresis of protein extracts from the callus showed the presence of additional bands of 25–35 kDa only in host tissues challenged with the pathogen G. abietina, possibly indicating the production of pathogenesis‐related proteins. This work has shown that pine callus does not respond equally to challenge with different fungal isolates. In general, one‐third of the isolates of each fungus examined showed greater virulence compared to other isolates.
Changes in balance function with chronic antiepileptic drug therapy: A twin and sibling study
Authors: Shiek Ahmad Baemisla , Wark John D. , Petty Sandra J. , O'Brien Terence J. , Gorelik Alexandra , Sambrook Phillip N. , Hill Keith D. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate cross‐sectional and longitudinal differences in static and dynamic standing balance measures and lower limb muscle strength in patients who are treated chronically with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).MethodsTwenty‐six AED exposure–discordant same‐gender twin and sibling pairs were studied. Clinical and laboratory balance examinations were conducted twice, separated by at least 1 year. The mean within‐pair differences in balance measures were calculated cross‐sectionally at baseline and follow‐up, and longitudinally.ResultsNo significant mean within‐pair difference was found at baseline in age (44 years), weight, and height (p > 0.05). Between study assessments, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) interval was 3.0 (2.1–4.3) years in users and 2.9 (2.0–4.4) years in nonusers. The median duration of AED therapy was 19 (11–21) years.At baseline and follow‐up, cross‐sectional sway measures from posturography (Chattecx Balance System) and clinical static balance tests showed poorer performance in users compared to nonusers on several test conditions (p = 0.002–0.032). At follow‐up, the users took longer than nonusers to complete the Four‐Square‐Step Test (p = 0.005) and Five‐Times‐Sit‐to‐Stand Test (p = 0.018).A greater annual rate of deterioration in sway was found in users compared to nonusers using posturography on the anteroposterior tilting platform task with distraction (p = 0.032). In both groups, higher baseline sway predicted greater annual deterioration in sway in all platform conditions (β = 0.3–0.5, p < 0.001–0.013). The annual change in measures did not differ between groups in the clinical balance and lower limb strength assessments.SignificanceIn this longitudinal twin and sibling study, chronic AED users had poorer standing balance compared to nonusers. Users showed greater deterioration in postural sway with one dynamic platform condition. AEDs may progressively impair balance mechanisms, although this requires further investigations. Repeated dynamic posturography could provide a basis for preventive trials for maintaining or improving balance.
Oxygen supplementation before induction of general anaesthesia in horses
Authors: van Oostrom H. , Schaap M. W. H. , van Loon J. P. A. M. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyHypoventilation or apnoea, caused by the induction of general anaesthesia, may cause hypoxaemia. Preoxygenation may lengthen the period before this happens. No scientific studies are published on preoxygenation in equine anaesthesia.ObjectivesTo determine whether supplementation of oxygen at a flow rate of 15 l/min for 3 min via a nasal cannula before induction of general anaesthesia is effective in elevating the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) directly after induction.Study designRandomised, prospective clinical trial.MethodsA total of 18 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 or 2 adult horses undergoing elective anaesthesia were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups. The first group (control) received no oxygen supplementation before induction of general anaesthesia, whereas the second group (oxygen) did. All horses were anaesthetised with intravenous detomidine, butorphanol, ketamine, midazolam and isoflurane. Directly after induction (T = 0) and 30 min later (T = 30) an arterial blood sample was taken for blood gas analysis. At T = 30 an estimate of intrapulmonary shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) was calculated.ResultsAt T = 0 arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) was significantly higher in the oxygen group compared with the control group (11.0 ± 2.6 kPa vs. 7.4 ± 1.6 kPa; mean ± s.d., P = 0.005) and at T = 30 differences were not statistically significant. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and Qs/Qt did not differ between groups.ConclusionsSupplementing oxygen by a nasal cannula before induction of general anaesthesia in horses is feasible and does effectively elevate the PaO2 immediately after induction. Future research is needed to determine whether supplementation of oxygen before induction of general anaesthesia in horses will affect outcomes.
Mutually enhancing anti‐inflammatory activities of dimethyl fumarate and NF‐κB inhibitors – implications for dose‐sparing combination therapies
Authors: Hund Anna‐Carina , Lockmann Anike , Schön Michael P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractFumaric acid esters, dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in particular, have been established for the therapy of psoriasis and, more recently, multiple sclerosis. In the light of therapy‐limiting dose‐dependent side effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation, reducing the effective doses of FAE is a worthwhile goal. In search of strategies to maintain the anti‐inflammatory activity of DMF at reduced concentrations, we found that NF‐κB inhibition augmented key anti‐inflammatory effects of DMF in two complementary experimental settings in vitro. At non‐toxic concentrations, both proteasome inhibition with bortezomib as well as blocking NF‐κB activation through KINK‐1, a small molecule inhibitor of IKKβ‐profoundly enhanced DMF‐dependent inhibition of nuclear NF‐κB translocation in TNFα‐stimulated human endothelial cells. This resulted in significant and selective co‐operative down‐regulation of endothelial adhesion molecules crucial for leucocyte extravasation, namely E‐selectin (CD62E), VCAM‐1 (CD106) and ICAM‐1 (CD54), on both mRNA and protein levels. Functionally, these molecular changes led to synergistically decreased rolling and firm adhesion of human lymphocytes on TNF‐activated endothelial cells, as demonstrated in a dynamic flow chamber system. If our in vitro findings can be translated into clinical settings, it is conceivable that anti‐inflammatory effects of DMF can be achieved with lower doses than currently used, thus potentially reducing unwanted side effects.
The contrasting effects of short‐ and long‐term habitat drainage on the population dynamics of freshwater turtles in a human‐dominated landscape
Authors: Owen‐Jones Zoey , Priol Pauline , Thienpont Stephanie , Cheylan Marc , Sauret Gabrielle , Coïc Christophe , Besnard Aurélien 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Most studies on the effect of drought on the biodiversity of freshwater systems have focussed on natural droughts. We sought to assess the effects of artificial drainage on the population dynamics of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). We investigated whether the probability of survival and emigration/immigration was affected by short‐term drawdown (for a few months over winter) or long‐term habitat drainage (a full year of drying out) in this long‐lived species of low dispersal ability.

The study was replicated in two different areas using a Capture–Recapture monitoring programme over 5 years. In the two areas, we marked 1412 and 282 individuals, respectively. Short‐term drawdown had no impact on the vital rates of this species, while long‐term drainage promoted greater mobility among the ponds in both areas. This increase in movement might reduce survival, due to road mortality, or result in turtles leaving the study area.

Moreover, as the transition probability between ponds was higher when ponds were close together and directly connected, for instance by a ditch, the construction and maintenance of ditches might reduce the effects of drainage. To implement effective conservation plans, studies that aim to assess the effect of human disturbance should monitor population dynamics and vital rates to allow a more complete picture of the real impacts.
Inflammation‐associated upregulation of the sulfated steroid transporter Slc10a6 in mouse liver and macrophage cell lines
Authors: Kosters Astrid , Abebe Demesew F. , Felix Julio C. , Dawson Paul A. , Karpen Saul J. 
Published: October 2015

AimSlc10a6, an incompletely characterized member of the SLC10A bile acid transporter family, was one of the most highly induced RNA transcripts identified in a screen for inflammation‐responsive genes in mouse liver. This study aimed to elucidate a role for Slc10a6 in hepatic inflammation.MethodsMice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 mg/kg) or interleukin (IL)‐1β (5 mg/kg) for various time points. Cells were treated with LPS (1 μg/mL) at various time points, with cell signaling inhibitors, nuclear receptor ligands and Slc10a6 substrates. All mRNA levels were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsSlc10a6 mRNA levels were upregulated in mouse liver at 2 h (7‐fold), 4 h (100‐fold) and 16 h (50‐fold) after LPS treatment, and 35‐fold by the cytokine IL‐1β (4 h). Both absence of the nuclear receptor Fxr and pretreating mice with the synthetic retinoid X receptor‐α ligand LG268 attenuated the LPS upregulation of Slc10a6 mRNA by 60–75%. In vitro, Slc10a6 mRNA was induced 30‐fold by LPS in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages in a time‐dependent manner (maximum at 8 h). The Slc10a6 substrate dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) enhanced LPS induction of CCL5 mRNA, a pro‐inflammatory chemokine, by 50% in RAW264.7 cells. This effect was abrogated in the presence of anti‐inflammatory nuclear receptor ligands 9‐cis‐retinoic acid and dexamethasone.ConclusionDramatic upregulation of Slc10a6 mRNA by LPS combined with enhanced LPS stimulation of CCL5 expression by the Slc10a6 substrate DHEAS in macrophages suggests that Slc10a6 function contributes to the hepatic inflammatory response.