bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Primary Treatment of Cartilage Lesions in the Knee
Authors: Briggs Dustin T. , Sadr Kamran N. , Pulido Pamela A. , Bugbee William D. 
Published: July 2015

Objective: To assess the outcome of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation as the primary treatment for cartilage injury in patients with no previous surgical treatment. Study Design: Case series. Patients were identified in our outcomes database. Patients undergoing primary OCA transplantation with no prior surgical treatment and a minimum of 2 years follow-up were selected. Pain and function were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed. Reoperations following OCA transplantation were captured. Failure was defined as revision OCA or conversion to arthroplasty. Results: Fifty-five patients (61 knees) were included in the analysis. The study consisted of 30 males and 25 females (mean age = 32.9 years; range = 15.7-67.8 years). The most common diagnoses for the OCA transplantation were osteochondritis dissecans (44.3%) and avascular necrosis (31.1%). Pain and function improved preoperatively to postoperatively on all outcome scales ( P < 0.01). The majority of patients (86%) were “extremely satisfied” or “satisfied.” OCA survivorship was 89.5% at 5 years and 74.7% at 10 years. At latest follow-up (mean = 7.6 years; range = 1.9-22.6 years), OCA remained in situ in 50 knees (82%). Eighteen knees (29.5%) had further surgery; 11 OCA failures and 7 other surgical procedure(s). Of the failed knees (mean time to failure = 3.5 years; range = 0.5-13.7 years), 8 were converted to arthroplasty, 2 had OCA revisions, and 1 had a patellectomy. Conclusions: OCA transplantation is an acceptable primary treatment method for some chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee. Failure of previous treatment(s) is not a prerequisite for OCA transplantation.
Clinical characteristics of patients with Rutherford category IV, compared with V and VI
Authors: Tsuchiya Taketsugu , Iida Osamu , Shiraki Tatsuya , Soga Yoshimitsu , Hirano Keisuke , Suzuki Kenji , Yamaoka Terutoshi , Miyashita Yusuke , Kitayama Michihiko , Kajinami Koji 
Published: July 2015

Objective: Patients categorized Rutherford category IV might have different characteristics compared with Rutherford category V and VI. Our study aims were to estimate the clinical differences between Rutherford category IV and Rutherford category V and VI, for those underwent endovascular therapy for isolated infrapopliteal disease, and also to find risk factors for endovascular therapy in Rutherford category IV. Methods: Based on the Japanese multi-center registry data, 1091 patients with 1332 limbs (Rutherford category IV: 226 patients with 315 limbs, Rutherford category V and VI: 865 patients with 1017 limbs) were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Patients’ backgrounds and lesions’ characteristics had significant differences. Both freedom rate from major adverse limb event with perioperative death and amputation-free survival rate at 1 year were better in Rutherford category IV than Rutherford category V and VI (93.6% vs 78.3%, 87.7% vs 66.7%) and those maintained to 3 years ( p < 0.0001). Significant predictors for major adverse limb event/perioperative death were small body mass index (<18.5 kg/m3) and initial endovascular therapy success, and those for amputation-free survival were small body mass index (<18.5 kg/m3), non-ambulatory status, high systematic inflammatory reaction (C-reactive protein > 3.0 mg/dL), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and coronary artery disease in Rutherford category IV. Conclusion: From the present results, Rutherford category IV should be recognized to have quite different backgrounds and better outcome from Rutherford category V and VI.
The impact of socio-economic deprivation on incidence, treatment and mortality from prostate cancer in England, 1990–2010
Authors: Eylert MF , Bahl A , Hounsome L , Verne J , Jefferies ER , Persad RA 
Published: July 2015

Objective: To explore any association between socio-economic deprivation and prostate cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Patients and methods: Data was extracted as follows: We gained the incident cases and staging from the National Cancer Data Repository, survival from the Cancer Information System, mortality from the Office for National Statistics, treatment data from Hospital Episode Statistics and National Clinical Analysis and Specialised Applications Team. Our analysis regarding socio-economic deprivation was controlled for age distribution. Results: We recorded 518,453 diagnoses of prostate cancer; 174,579 prostate cancer deaths; 33,889 prostatectomies and 21,351 radiotherapy treatments. Incidence is increasing in all groups, but the highest is amongst the least deprived. Mortality is decreasing, with survival consistently better in the least deprived. Prostatectomies are more frequent in the least deprived; however, this gap is narrowing. Conclusions: Prostate cancer incidence, survival and treatment are associated with socio-economic deprivation. Prostatectomy rates show a decrease in the gap of inequality. Multiple potential confounding factors, such as rates of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing and access to health care are associated with socio-economic deprivation. The unifying influences of Improving Outcomes Guidance and the National Treatment Guidelines are intended to counteract the above inequalities. Particularly in prostate cancer, where long-term gain depends on multiple factors, individualised treatment decisions are paramount.
Return to Play After Soleus Muscle Injuries
Authors: Pedret Carles , Rodas Gil , Balius Ramon , Capdevila Lluis , Bossy Mireia , Vernooij Robin W.M. , Alomar Xavier 
Published: July 2015

Background Soleus muscle injuries are common in different sports disciplines. The time required for recovery is often difficult to predict, and reinjury is common. The length of recovery time might be influenced by different variables, such as the involved part of the muscle. Hypothesis Injuries in the central aponeurosis have a worse prognosis than injuries of the lateral or medial aponeurosis as well as myofascial injuries. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A total of 61 high-level or professional athletes from several sports disciplines (soccer, tennis, track and field, basketball, triathlon, and field hockey) were reviewed prospectively to determine the recovery time for soleus muscle injuries. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation was performed on 44 soleus muscle injuries. The association between the different characteristics of the 5 typical muscle sites, including the anterior and posterior myofascial and the lateral, central, and medial aponeurosis disruption, as well as the injury recovery time, were determined. Recovery time was correlated with age, sport, extent of edema, volume, cross-sectional area, and retraction extension or gap. Results Of the 44 patients with muscle injuries who were analyzed, there were 32 (72.7%) strains affecting the myotendinous junction (MT) and 12 (23.7%) strains of the myofascial junction. There were 13 injuries involving the myotendinous medial (MTM), 7 affecting the MT central (MTC), 12 the MT lateral (MTL), 8 the myofascial anterior (MFA), and 4 the myofascial posterior (MFP). The median recovery time (±SD) for all injuries was 29.1 ± 18.8 days. There were no statistically significant differences between the myotendinous and myofascial injuries regarding recovery time. The site with the worst prognosis was the MTC aponeurosis, with a mean recovery time of 44.3 ± 23.0 days. The site with the best prognosis was the MTL, with a mean recovery time of 19.2 ± 13.5 days ( P < .05). There was a statistically significant correlation between recovery time and age ( P < .001) and between recovery time and the extent of retraction ( P < .05). Conclusion Wide variation exists among the different types of soleus injuries and the corresponding recovery time for return to the same level of competitive sports. Injuries in the central aponeurosis have a significantly longer recovery time than do injuries in the lateral and medial aponeurosis and myofascial sites.
Coexpression Network Analysis of Macronutrient Deficiency Response Genes in Rice
Authors: Takehisa Hinako , Sato Yutaka , Antonio Baltazar , Nagamura Yoshiaki 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Background
Macronutrients are pivotal elements for proper plant growth and development. Although extensive gene expression profiling revealed a large number of genes differentially expressed under various nutrient deprivation, characterization of these genes has never been fully explored especially in rice. Coexpression network analysis is a useful tool to elucidate the functional relationships of genes based on common expression. Therefore, we performed microarray analysis of rice shoot under nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) deficiency conditions. Moreover, we conducted a large scale coexpression analysis by integrating the data with previously generated gene expression profiles of organs and tissues at different developmental stages to obtain a global view of gene networks associated with plant response to nutrient deficiency.

Results
We statistically identified 5400 differentially expressed genes under the nutrient deficiency treatments. Subsequent coexpression analysis resulted in the extraction of 6 modules (groups of highly interconnected genes) with distinct gene expression signatures. Three of these modules comprise mostly of downregulated genes under N deficiency associated with distinct functions such as development of immature organs, protein biosynthesis and photosynthesis in chloroplast of green tissues, and fundamental cellular processes in all organs and tissues. Furthermore, we identified one module containing upregulated genes under N and K deficiency conditions, and a number of genes encoding protein kinase, kinase-like domain containing protein and nutrient transporters. This module might be particularly involved in adaptation to nutrient deficiency via phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction and/or post-transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that large scale coexpression analysis is an efficient approach in characterizing the nutrient response genes based on biological functions and could provide new insights in understanding plant response to nutrient deficiency.
The reliability of a smartphone goniometer application compared with a traditional goniometer for measuring first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion
Authors: Otter Simon J. , Agalliu Brunilda , Baer Nicola , Hales Georgie , Harvey Katrina , James Keeley , Keating Richard , McConnell Warren , Nelson Rachel , Qureshi Saddaf , Ryan Steven , St. John Abigail , Waddington Heather , Warren Katie , Wong Duane 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdequate sagittal plane motion of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) is important during normal gait and goniometric measurement is commonly used as a diagnostic and outcome assessment tool. We aimed to determine the intra and inter‐rater reliability together with the concurrent validity of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and a smartphone applicationlication (Dr G) for the measurement of dorsiflexion at the 1st MTPJ.MethodsMeasurement of joint position and passive range of motion of the 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion was compared using a UG and DrG goniometer. A double‐blind repeated measures design was utilized, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) used to determine levels of reliability.ResultsFor joint position good intra‐rater reliability (ICC >0.861) and good inter‐rater reliability (ICC >0.823) was noted. However, the Dr G application consistently measured lower angles (mean 27.8° (SD 8.37)) than the UG (mean 32° (SD 11.7)) and these associations were significant (r = 0.399, p < 0.001). For passive range of motion, the mean total range of dorsiflexion motion (from maximum plantarflexed position to maximum dorsiflexed position) was 82.8° (SD 12.2) for the UG and 82.9° (SD 11.3) for the Dr G application. Both instruments demonstrated high levels of intra‐rater reliability (ICC >0.809). Inter‐rater reliability was moderate to good for the UG (ICC 0.693 (95 % CI 0.580 to 0.788)) and good for the Dr G application (ICC 0.708 (95 % CI 0.597 to 0.799)).ConclusionsModerate to high intra and inter‐rater reliability of joint position and passive 1st MTPJ motion can be achieved with traditional and smartphone‐based goniometric measurement. The Dr G application may provide a slightly higher reliability, but devices should not be used inter‐changeably as significant variation in measurement between devices may occur.
Effects of Souvenaid on plasma micronutrient levels and fatty acid profiles in mild and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rijpma Anne , Meulenbroek Olga , van Hees Anneke M. J. , Sijben John W. C. , Vellas Bruno , Shah Raj C. , Bennett David A. , Scheltens Philip , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Circulating levels of uridine, selenium, vitamins B12, E and C, folate, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to be lower in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than in healthy individuals. These low levels may affect disease pathways involved in synapse formation and neural functioning. Here, we investigated whether, and to what extent, circulating levels of micronutrients and fatty acids can be affected by oral supplementation with Souvenaid (containing a specific nutrient combination), using data derived from three randomized clinical trials (RCT) and an open-label extension (OLE) study with follow-up data from 12 to 48 weeks.

Methods
Subjects with mild (RCT1, RCT2) or mild-to-moderate AD (RCT3) received active or control product once daily for 12–24 weeks or active product during the 24-week OLE following RCT2 (n = 212–527). Measurements included plasma levels of B vitamins, choline, vitamin E, selenium, uridine and homocysteine and proportions of DHA, EPA and total n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and erythrocytes. Between-group comparisons were made using t tests or non-parametric alternatives.

Results
We found that 12–24-week active product intake increased plasma and/or erythrocyte micronutrients: uridine; choline; selenium; folate; vitamins B6, B12 and E; and fatty acid levels of DHA and EPA (all p < 0.001). In the OLE study, similar levels were reached in former control product/initial active product users, whereas 24-week continued active product intake showed no suggestion of a further increase in nutrient levels.

Conclusions
These data show that circulating levels of nutrients known to be decreased in the AD population can be increased in patients with mild and mild-tomoderate AD by 24–48-week oral supplementation with Souvenaid. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first report of the effects of sustained dietary intake of uridine monophosphate on plasma uridine levels in humans. Uptake of nutrients is observed within 6 weeks, and a plateau phase is reached for most nutrients during prolonged intake, thus increasing the availability of precursors and cofactors in the circulation that may be used for the formation and function of neuronal membranes and synapses in the brain.
Ex vivo immunosuppressive effects of mesenchymal stem cells on Crohn’s disease mucosal T cells are largely dependent on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity and cell-cell contact
Authors: Ciccocioppo Rachele , Cangemi Giuseppina C. , Kruzliak Peter , Gallia Alessandra , Betti Elena , Badulli Carla , Martinetti Miryam , Cervio Marila , Pecci Alessandro , Bozzi Valeria , Dionigi Paolo , Visai Livia , Gurrado Antonella , Alvisi Costanza , Picone Cristina , Monti Manuela , Bernardo Maria E. , Gobbi Paolo , Corazza Gino R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionCrohn’s disease (CD) is a disabling chronic enteropathy sustained by a harmful T-cell response toward antigens of the gut microbiota in genetically susceptible subjects. Growing evidence highlights the safety and possible efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a new therapeutic tool for this condition. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of bone marrow-derived MSCs on pathogenic T cells with a view to clinical application.MethodsT-cell lines from both inflamed and non-inflamed colonic mucosal specimens of CD patients and from healthy mucosa of control subjects were grown with the antigen muramyl-dipeptide in the absence or presence of donors’ MSCs. The MSC effects were evaluated in terms of T-cell viability, apoptotic rate, proliferative response, immunophenotype, and cytokine profile. The role of the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) was established by adding a specific inhibitor, the 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan, and by using MSCs transfected with the small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting IDO. The relevance of cell-cell contact was evaluated by applying transwell membranes.ResultsA significant reduction in both cell viability and proliferative response to muramyl-dipeptide, with simultaneous increase in the apoptotic rate, was found in T cells from both inflamed and non-inflamed CD mucosa when co-cultured with MSCs and was reverted by inhibiting IDO activity and expression. A reduction of the activated CD4+CD25+subset and increase of the CD3+CD69+population were also observed when T-cell lines from CD mucosa were co-cultured with MSCs. In parallel, an inhibitory effect was evident on the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-17A and -21, whereas that of the transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-6 were increased, and production of the tolerogenic molecule soluble HLA-G was high. These latter effects were almost completely eliminated by blocking the IDO, whose activity was upregulated in MSCs co-cultured with CD T cells. The use of a semipermeable membrane partially inhibited the MSC immunosuppressive effects. Finally, hardly any effects of MSCs were observed when T cells obtained from control subjects were used.ConclusionMSCs exert potent immunomodulant effects on antigen-specific T cells in CD through a complex paracrine and cell-cell contact-mediated action, which may be exploited for widespread therapeutic use.
ASSURE‐CSU: a real‐world study of burden of disease in patients with symptomatic chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Weller Karsten , Maurer Marcus , Grattan Clive , Nakonechna Alla , Abuzakouk Mohamed , Bérard Frédéric , Sussman Gordon , Giménez‐Arnau Ana M. , Ortiz de Frutos Javier , Knulst André , Canonica G. Walter , Hollis Kelly , McBride Doreen , Balp Maria‐Magdalena 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) formerly known as chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a severe and distressing skin condition that remains uncontrolled in approximately one half of patients, despite the use of licensed, recommended doses of modern, second‐generation H1‐antihistamines. So far, the humanistic, societal and economic burden of CSU/CIU has not been well quantified. Therefore it is important to broaden our understanding of how CSU/CIU impacts patients, society, and healthcare systems, by determining the disease burden of CSU/CIU and the associated unmet need; as well as to further guide the use of new treatments in an efficient and cost‐effective manner.MethodsASSURE‐CSU is an observational, multicenter study being conducted in the UK, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and The Netherlands. The study comprises a retrospective medical chart review in conjunction with patient surveys (including validated tools for assessment of disease impact) and an 8‐day patient diary. The primary objectives of the study are to describe patient demographics, medical history, treatments, and healthcare resource utilization based on medical‐record data and to assess the impact of disease, healthcare resource utilization, work days missed, and productivity loss based on patient‐reported data. Approximately 700 patients (aged ≥18 years) will be enrolled who have CSU/CIU despite currently receiving treatment, and have had persistent symptoms for at least 12 months. Data will be collected retrospectively for the 12 months (±1 month) prior to enrolment wherever possible, and prospectively for the week following enrolment.DiscussionASSURE‐CSU will be the first study to examine the economic and humanistic burden of disease in patients diagnosed with CSU/CIU who are symptomatic despite treatment. By combining retrospective evaluation of medical records with prospective patient surveys and 8‐day diaries, across seven different countries, the ASSURE‐CSU study will contribute to a better understanding and acknowledgement of the burden of disease in patients with symptomatic chronic spontaneous urticaria.
Female labour market outcomes and the impact of maternity leave policies
Authors: Low Hamish , Sánchez-Marcos Virginia 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This paper shows how family policies aimed at reconciling the pressures of family and work generate substantial variation in labour market outcomes across developed countries. We use a life-cycle model of female labour supply and savings behaviour, calibrated to the US economy, to assess the effect of introducing to the US a maternity leave policy similar to Scandinavian-type policies. We focus on the impact on gender differences in participation and in wages. We distinguish between the effect of the job protection offered by maternity leave and the effect of income replacement. Job protection leads to substantial increases in participation of mothers with children under 6, but with little long term effects. The effects on wages are minimal, with negative selection effects offsetting the reduced human capital depreciation. Income replacement has a limited impact on participation or wages.

JEL codes:
J13; J18; J22
Redox stress unbalances the inflammatory cytokine network: role in autoinflammatory patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Lavieri Rosa , Rubartelli Anna , Carta Sonia 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe cell stress and redox responses are increasingly acknowledged as factors contributing to the generation and development of the inflammatory response. Several inflammation-inducing stressors have been identified, inside and outside of the cell. Furthermore, many hereditary diseases associate with inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting a role for mutated proteins as stressors. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an important node at the crossroad between redox response and inflammation. Remarkably, monocytes from patients with mutations in the NLRP3 gene undergo oxidative stress after stimulation with minute amounts of TLR agonists, resulting in unbalanced production of IL-1β and regulatory cytokines. Similar alterations in cytokine production are found in healthy monocytes upon TLR overstimulation. This mini-review summarizes recent progress in this field, discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of control of the cytokine network following oxidative stress, and proposes new therapeutic opportunities.