bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergency Department Use in the US‐Mexico Border Region and Violence in Mexico: Is There a Relationship?
Authors: Geissler Kimberley H. , Holmes George M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study assessed the association between homicide rates in northern Mexico and potentially avoidable use of emergency departments (ED) in the US‐Mexico border region. The border region is largely rural and underserved, making the identification and correction of potential barriers to access crucial.MethodsWe used secondary data from state inpatient and ED discharge databases for California and Arizona for 2005‐2010. A retrospective observational analysis using generalized linear models was used to determine whether the probability that an ED encounter was potentially avoidable was associated with homicide rates in the nearest Mexican municipality. To conduct the analysis, the location of ED encounters were identified and matched with homicide rates in the nearest Mexican municipality and regional characteristics. The probability that an ED encounter was potentially avoidable was calculated using the Billings ED algorithm.FindingsWe found that 77% of ED encounters were potentially avoidable, with a higher percentage in border counties. There was no statistically significant relationship between homicide rates and the probability that an ED encounter was for a potentially avoidable condition for the full analytic sample (n = 24,859,273) and the uninsured and underinsured in the sample (n = 11,700,123).ConclusionA substantial majority of ED encounters in the US‐Mexico border region were potentially avoidable. However, there was not a strong relationship between homicide rates in northern Mexico and the distribution of ED discharges in Arizona and California. Given the large percentage of potentially avoidable ED encounters and the ongoing violence in Mexico, continuing to monitor this relationship is important.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of meloxicam in beef calves after repeated oral administration
Authors: Coetzee J. F. , Mosher R. A. , Griffith G. R. , Gehring R. , Anderson D. E. , KuKanich B. , Miesner M. 
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of meloxicam after repeated oral administration in calves. Thirteen male British × Continental beef calves aged 4 to 6 months and weighing 297–392 kg received 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam per os once daily for 4 days. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were determined in 8 calves over 6 days after first treatment. Calves were randomly assigned to be euthanized at 5, 10, 15 (n = 3/timepoint), and 19 days (n = 4) after final administration. Meloxicam concentrations were determined in plasma (LOQ= 0.025 μg/mL) and muscle, liver, kidney, and fat samples (LOQ = 2 ng/g) after extraction using validated LC–MS–MS methods. The mean (± SD) Cmax, Cmin, and Caverage plasma meloxicam concentrations were 4.52 ± 0.87 μg/mL, 2.95 ± 0.77 μg/mL, and 3.84 ± 0.81 μg/mL, respectively. Mean (± SD) tissue meloxicam concentrations were highest in liver (226.67 ± 118.16 ng/g) and kidney samples (52.73 ± 39.01 ng/g) at 5 days after final treatment. Meloxicam concentrations were below the LOQ in all tissues at 15 days after treatment. These findings suggest that tissue from meloxicam‐treated calves will have low residue concentrations by 21 days after repeated oral administration.
Stochastic Tension‐Stiffening Approach for the Solution of Serviceability Problems in Reinforced Concrete: Constitutive Modeling
Authors: Gribniak Viktor , Mang Herbert Anton , Kupliauskas Rimantas , Kaklauskas Gintaris 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA number of studies have indicated that the tension‐stiffening law is an important input parameter in a numerical analysis of serviceability (deformations and cracking) problems of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The stochastic nature of concrete cracking, which results in a large scatter of experimental results, renders the constitutive modeling a very difficult task. Even data obtained from short‐term tests are to some degree uncertain due to time‐dependent processes occurring in concrete, such as shrinkage and creep relaxation. This article provides statistical analysis tools that can be readily applied to engineering practice. Stochastic principles are applied to modeling of tension‐stiffening for the purpose of predicting not only the average deformation response of RC elements, but also bounds of these predictions that are of vital importance for practical problems. Unlike common practice, shrinkage of concrete is taken into account in the short‐term numerical simulation.
Tackling the bottleneck in bacterial signal transduction research: high‐throughput identification of signal molecules
Authors: Krell Tino 
Published: February 2015

SummarySignal transduction processes are typically initiated by the interaction of signal molecules with sensor domains. The current lack of information on the signal molecules that feed into regulatory circuits forms a major bottleneck that hampers the understanding of regulatory processes. McKellar et al. report a high‐throughput approach for the identification of signal molecules, which is based on thermal shift assays of recombinant sensor domains in the absence and presence of compounds from commercially available ligand collections. Initial binding studies with the sensor domain of the PctA chemoreceptor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a close match between thermal shift assay results and microcalorimetric studies reported previously. Using thermal shift assays the authors then identify signals that bind to three chemoreceptors of the kiwifruit pathogen P. syringae pv. Actinidiae NZ‐V13. Microcalorimetric binding studies and chemotaxis assays have validated the relevance of these ligands. The power of this technique lies in the combination of a high‐throughput analytical tool with commercially available compound collections. The approach reported is universal since it can be employed to identify signal molecules to any type of sensor domain. There is no doubt that this technique will facilitate the identification of many signal molecules in future years.
Degradation of the benzoxazolinone class of phytoalexins is important for virulence of Fusarium pseudograminearum towards wheat
Authors: Kettle Andrew J. , Batley Jacqueline , Benfield Aurelie H. , Manners John M. , Kazan Kemal , Gardiner Donald M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryWheat, maize, rye and certain other agriculturally important species in the Poaceae family produce the benzoxazolinone class of phytoalexins on pest and pathogen attack. Benzoxazolinones can inhibit the growth of pathogens. However, certain fungi can actively detoxify these compounds. Despite this, a clear link between the ability to detoxify benzoxazolinones and pathogen virulence has not been shown. Here, through comparative genome analysis of several Fusarium species, we have identified a conserved genomic region around the FDB2 gene encoding an N‐malonyltransferase enzyme known to be involved in benzoxazolinone degradation in the maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides. Expression analyses demonstrated that a cluster of nine genes was responsive to exogenous benzoxazolinone in the important wheat pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum. The analysis of independent F. pseudograminearum FDB2 knockouts and complementation of the knockout with FDB2 homologues from F. graminearum and F. verticillioides confirmed that the N‐malonyltransferase enzyme encoded by this gene is central to the detoxification of benzoxazolinones, and that Fdb2 contributes quantitatively to virulence towards wheat in head blight inoculation assays. This contrasts with previous observations in F. verticillioides, where no effect of FDB2 mutations on pathogen virulence towards maize was observed. Overall, our results demonstrate that the detoxification of benzoxazolinones is a strategy adopted by wheat‐infecting F. pseudograminearum to overcome host‐derived chemical defences.
Ocean acidification decreases the light‐use efficiency in an Antarctic diatom under dynamic but not constant light
Authors: Hoppe Clara J. M. , Holtz Lena‐Maria , Trimborn Scarlett , Rost Björn 
Published: February 2015

Summary

There is increasing evidence that different light intensities strongly modulate the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on marine phytoplankton. The aim of the present study was to investigate interactive effects of OA and dynamic light, mimicking natural mixing regimes.

The Antarctic diatom Chaetoceros debilis was grown under two pCO2 (390 and 1000 μatm) and light conditions (constant and dynamic), the latter yielding the same integrated irradiance over the day. To characterize interactive effects between treatments, growth, elemental composition, primary production and photophysiology were investigated.

Dynamic light reduced growth and strongly altered the effects of OA on primary production, being unaffected by elevated pCO2 under constant light, yet significantly reduced under dynamic light. Interactive effects between OA and light were also observed for Chl production and particulate organic carbon quotas.

Response patterns can be explained by changes in the cellular energetic balance. While the energy transfer efficiency from photochemistry to biomass production (Φe,C) was not affected by OA under constant light, it was drastically reduced under dynamic light. Contrasting responses under different light conditions need to be considered when making predictions regarding a more stratified and acidified future ocean.
Cementless Revision for Infected Hip Arthroplasty: an 8.6 Years Follow‐up
Authors: Li Peng , Hou Ming , Zhu Zhi‐qi , Shi Zhan‐jun 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate cementless revision for postoperative infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsFrom November 1997 to December 2009, 10 patients (10 hips; four males, six females) of mean age 58 years (36–73 years) with infection after THA were treated. Six of the 10 hips underwent revision total hip arthroplasty, two only received new acetabular components and two underwent stem revision. One‐stage revision was performed in six cases and two‐stage revision in four. Consecutive radiographs were compared to evaluate component conditions. Harris hip scores were determined before surgery and at final follow‐up. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein were assessed.ResultsAll patients were followed up for a mean duration of 8.6 years (6.5–15.6 years). The mean Harris hip score improved from 35 (18–63) points preoperatively to 89 (60–99) points at final follow‐up. No re‐infection occurred. Femoral component exsertion was occurred in one asymptomatic patient. Hip joint pain resolved in seven cases; three patients had mild pain when walking long distances. At final follow‐up, six patients still had slight limps. Heterotopic ossification developed in two hips. Mean polyethylene liner wear was 0.08 mm per year at final follow‐up. Deep vein phlebothrombosis and nerve injury did not occur.ConclusionOne‐ or two‐stage revisions using cementless prosthesis can produce satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with infection after THA. Whether the original prosthesis can be partially retained when attached tightly to the femur or acetabular bone needs further investigation.
Sanders II Type Calcaneal Fractures: a Retrospective Trial of Percutaneous versus Operative Treatment
Authors: Wang Ye‐ming , Wei Wan‐fu 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation for Sanders II calcaneal fractures with those of operative management through an extensile lateral approach.MethodsFifty‐three patients treated with standard open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF group) and 54 patients who had undergone percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation (CRIF group) were retrospectively reviewed. There were no differences between the groups regarding sex, age or fracture classification. Pain and functional outcome were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Wound complications and radiological results were compared.ResultsAt a mean follow‐up of 40.4 months (24 to 56 months), there were no differences between the two groups in mean AOFAS score, VAS score or radiologically determined variables. Two cases of deep infection and six of poor wound healing occurred in the ORIF group and none in the CRIF group. Subtalar and ankle motion was found to be better in the CRIF group.ConclusionsPercutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation minimizes complications and achieves functional outcomes comparable to those of the open techniques in patients with Sanders II calcaneal fractures.
Extended implementation of educational programs for atopic dermatitis in childhood
Authors: Ahrens Birgit , Staab Doris 
Published: February 2015

AbstractChildren with atopic dermatitis (AD) suffer from chronic relapsing inflammatory skin lesions accompanied by insatiable itching, dryness, excoriated skin, or even (super‐)infections. This burden impairs the quality of life of affected children and their families. Due particularly to the recurrent course of the disease, patients often lose confidence in treatment and fear side effects of steroids. Family education programs for AD have been established in the last decades to provide appropriate education and psychosocial support. However, the need for long‐lasting strategies in treatment and prevention has even increased. Recent findings not only underline the importance of an intact skin barrier in regard to acute therapy but also suggest that an impairment of skin barrier integrity promotes the development of subsequent atopic diseases in the course of the atopic march. Moreover, in addition to the psychosocial burden due to stigmatized appearance or sleep disturbance, new observations document an increased presence of psychosomatic comorbidities in patients with AD. We reviewed recent educational interventions regarding the theoretical background and here will discuss the heterogeneous approaches of existing programs in childhood. Despite high variations of educational strategies, an overriding aim should be the broader integration of supporting programs in the treatment of children with AD to empower the affected child and its caregiver's to obtain the best possible care, quality of life, and to promote (secondary) prevention.
Tacrolimus vs. cyclosporine eyedrops in severe cyclosporine‐resistant vernal keratoconjunctivitis: A randomized, comparative, double‐blind, crossover study
Authors: Pucci Neri , Caputo Roberto , di Grande Laura , de Libero Cinzia , Mori Francesca , Barni Simona , di Simone Lorena , Calvani Annamaria , Rusconi Franca , Novembre Elio 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundVernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic sight‐threatening ocular disease. Topical cyclosporine A (Cyc) has been widely administered as a steroid‐sparing drug, although in about 7–10% of cases, it has been ineffective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.1% topical tacrolimus (Tcr) in patients with severe VKC who failed to respond to 1% Cyc eyedrops.MethodsConsecutive patients with severe, Cyc‐resistant VKC were enrolled in a double‐blind, comparative, crossover (DBCO) trial; all patients were treated with 1% Cyc in one eye and 0.1% Tcr in the other eye for 3 wk. After a washout period of 7 days, patients were instructed to cross over the medications for three additional weeks. Objective ocular score, subjective score, and quality‐of‐life questionnaires (QoLQ) were collected during the trial. Blood samples were drawn to assess several safety parameters.ResultsThirty patients have been enrolled (mean age 9.05 ± 2.12 yr). In each of the two phases of the DBCO trial, a significant improvement in objective and subjective scores was observed in the eyes treated with 0.1% Tcr (p < 0.001). Likewise, the quality of life significantly improved despite only half the eyes being successfully treated. Serum creatinine and blood parameters were constantly within the normal range, and both blood Cyc and Tcr concentrations remained below the lowest detectable levels.ConclusionsTopical Tcr is very effective and safe in the short term for patients suffering from severe VKC resistant to topical Cyc.
The development of tea blister caused by Exobasidium vexans in tea (Camellia sinensis) correlates with the reduced accumulation of some antimicrobial metabolites and the defence signals salicylic and jasmonic acids
Authors: Mur L. A. J. , Hauck B. , Winters A. , Heald J. , Lloyd A. J. , Chakraborty U. , Chakraborty B. N. 
Published: February 2015

Blister blight (causal agent, Exobasidium vexans) is an economically devastating disease of tea (Camellia sinensis). To determine what metabolite changes occur with tea blister that could be linked to disease progression, metabolomic approaches were used on E. vexans infected tea from a Darjeeling (India) plantation. Samples were classified according to disease phenotypes, i.e. either healthy or at one of three stages of disease progression. Initial metabolite fingerprinting using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that metabolite changes could be related to disease stage. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) highlighted caffeine and flavonoid metabolism changes as disease progressed. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with online photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐PDA‐ESI/MSn) was used to characterize the caffeine, flavan‐3‐ol, flavone and flavonol profiles. There were increases in quercetin and kaempferol glucosides, kaempferol triglycosides and some catechin‐class antioxidants, but also substantial reductions in apigenin and myricetin glycosides and, particularly, caffeine as disease progressed. The content of important defence hormones, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, was also reduced in blister blight diseased samples. Thus, E. vexans infections perturb defence signalling and reduce many potentially antimicrobial compounds, such as caffeine, to aid disease progression.
Trade Openness and Cross‐country Income Differences
Authors: Hepenstrick Christian , Tarasov Alexander 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis paper asks how variations in trade openness contribute to cross‐country income differences. We approach this question using counterfactual experiments within a quantified general equilibrium model of trade. We find that trade costs gain their relevance only by amplifying the effects of existing differences in endowments, population sizes and technologies. If, for example, market entry costs were the same in all countries, inequality would be about 13% lower. Variable trade costs are found to have a similar effect. In contrast, if countries differed only by their degree of trade openness, the resulting variance of per capita income would be negligible.
Food Availability in the Heartland: Exploring the Effects of Neighborhood Racial and Income Composition
Authors: Miller Michael , Middendorf Gerad , Wood Spencer D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis article examines the relationships between neighborhood racial and income composition and healthy food availability. We explore the extent to which physical and social isolation affects healthy food availability for groups marginalized by race and class in a context largely missing from the literature. We use census tract data and five‐year estimates from the American Community Survey to produce maps illustrating the patterns of race and income composition in Topeka, Kansas. Included in these maps are data points illustrating the distribution of stores offering healthy foods. We find that, as in the large metro areas analyzed thus far, the distribution of healthy food stores in Topeka is similarly patterned. Blacker (and poorer) neighborhoods tend to have the lowest levels of healthy food availability. We conclude with a discussion of the relevance of this work to the knowledge base regarding food environments and health in the United States.
Corneal plaque containing levofloxacin in a dog
Authors: Park Young‐Woo , Kang Byung‐Jae , Lim Jae Hyun , Ahn Jung‐Mo , Lim Hyun Sook 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA 13‐year‐old castrated male Yorkshire terrier developed a corneal ulcer 2 weeks after intracapsular lens extraction (ICLE) in the right eye. The corneal ulcer was treated with levofloxacin eye drops. A plaque with a white luster developed in the central cornea 2 weeks after treatment with levofloxacin eye drops. The corneal plaque was surgically removed under inhalant anesthesia. The corneal plaque displayed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Furthermore, levofloxacin content in the plaque was confirmed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). The corneal ulcer completely resolved 2 weeks after the surgical removal of the corneal lesion and replacement of levofloxacin eye drops with tobramycin eye drops. Although the topical use of levofloxacin is unlikely to lead to corneal chemical deposits due to the high water solubility of the drug compared to other topical fluoroquinolones, this patient developed corneal plaque of the antibiotic drop.