bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Class I odorant receptors, TAS1R and TAS2R taste receptors, are markers for subpopulations of circulating leukocytes
Authors: Malki Agne , Fiedler Julia , Fricke Kristina , Ballweg Ines , Pfaffl Michael W , Krautwurst Dietmar 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Our cellular immune system has to cope constantly with foodborne substances that enter the bloodstream postprandially. Here, they may activate leukocytes via specific but yet mostly unknown receptors. Ectopic RNA expression out of gene families of chemosensory receptors, i.e., the ∼400 ORs, ∼25 TAS2R bitter-taste receptors, and the TAS1R umami- and sweet-taste receptor dimers by which we typically detect foodborne substances, has been reported in a variety of peripheral tissues unrelated to olfaction or taste. In the present study, we have now discovered, by gene-specific RT-PCR experiments, the mRNA expression of most of the Class I ORs (TAS1R) and TAS2R in 5 different types of blood leukocytes. Surprisingly, we did not detect Class II OR mRNA. By RT-qPCR, we show the mRNA expression of human chemosensory receptors and their cow orthologs in PMN, thus suggesting an evolutionary concept. By immunocytochemistry, we demonstrate that some olfactory and taste receptors are expressed, on average, in 40–60% of PMN and T or B cells and largely coexpress in the same subpopulation of PMN. The mRNA expression and the size of subpopulations expressing certain chemosensory receptors varied largely among individual blood samples, suggesting a regulated expression of olfactory and taste receptors in these cells. Moreover, we show mRNA expression of their downstream signaling molecules and demonstrate that PTX abolishes saccharin- or 2-PEA-induced PMN chemotactic migration, indicating a role for Gi-type proteins. In summary, our data suggest “chemosensory”-type subpopulations of circulating leukocytes.
MERTK as negative regulator of human T cell activation
Authors: Cabezo´n Raquel , Carrera-Silva E Antonio , Flo´rez-Grau Georgina , Errasti Andrea E , Caldero´n-Go´mez Elisabeth , Lozano Juan Jose´ , Espan~a Carolina , Ricart Elena , Pane´s Julia´n , Rothlin Carla Vanina , Beni´tez-Ribas Daniel 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis whether MERTK, which is up-regulated in human DCs treated with immunosuppressive agents, is directly involved in modulating T cell activation. MERTK is a member of the TAM family and contributes to regulating innate immune response to ACs by inhibiting DC activation in animal models. However, whether MERTK interacts directly with T cells has not been addressed. Here, we show that MERTK is highly expressed on dex-induced human tol-DCs and participates in their tolerogenic effect. Neutralization of MERTK in allogenic MLR, as well as autologous DC–T cell cultures, leads to increased T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. Additionally, we identify a previously unrecognized noncell-autonomous regulatory function of MERTK expressed on DCs. Mer-Fc protein, used to mimic MERTK on DCs, suppresses nai¨ve and antigen-specific memory T cell activation. This mechanism is mediated by the neutralization of the MERTK ligand PROS1. We find that MERTK and PROS1 are expressed in human T cells upon TCR activation and drive an autocrine proproliferative mechanism. Collectively, these results suggest that MERTK on DCs controls T cell activation and expansion through the competition for PROS1 interaction with MERTK in the T cells. In conclusion, this report identified MERTK as a potent suppressor of T cell response.
Making Cuts to Medicare: The Views of Patients, Physicians, and the Public
Authors: Gogineni Keerthi , Shuman Katherine , Chinn Derek , Weber Anita , Cosenza Carol , Colten Mary Ellen , Emanuel Ezekiel J. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose Cancer-related expenditures are increasing health care costs. Determining how patients with cancer, oncologists, and the general public view Medicare spending and whether they would support cost-containment measures is important to identifying acceptable approaches to reducing health care expenditures. Methods Patients with cancer treated at an academic medical center, a random national sample of oncologists, and the general public were surveyed between July 2012 and March 2013 about causes of high health care costs and proposed cost-control measures. Results Three hundred twenty-six patients (response rate, 72%), 250 oncologists (response rate, 55%), and 891 members of the general public (response rate, 50%) completed surveys. The majority thought Medicare spending was a moderate or big problem (75.8% of patients; 97.2% of oncologists; 75.3% of the general public) and thought Medicare could spend less without causing harm (65.6% of patients; 74.0% of oncologists; 69.7% of the general public). There was broad consensus that drug and insurance companies' profits added to costs, although physicians, hospitals, and patients were also perceived as sharing responsibility. More than 75% of respondents supported enabling Medicare to refuse reimbursement for more expensive treatment if less costly, equally effective treatment was available. Respondents generally favored means testing Medicare cost sharing but, except for oncologists, resisted the idea of an independent oversight panel. All groups opposed annual ceilings on Medicare spending per patient. Conclusion The majority of respondents view Medicare costs as a substantial problem and that all players in the system, including providers, contribute to high costs. Most thought Medicare could spend less without causing harm. Overall, respondents strongly favored not paying for more expensive treatments when cheaper ones are equally effective.
How Do Integrated Health Care Systems Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Colon Cancer?
Authors: Rhoads Kim F. , Patel Manali I. , Ma Yifei , Schmidt Laura A. 
Published: January 2015

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) disparities have persisted over the last two decades. CRC is a complex disease requiring multidisciplinary care from specialists who may be geographically separated. Few studies have assessed the association between integrated health care system (IHS) CRC care quality, survival, and disparities. The purpose of this study was to determine if exposure to an IHS positively affects quality of care, risk of mortality, and disparities.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective secondary-data analysis study, using the California Cancer Registry linked to state discharge abstracts of patients treated for colon cancer (2001 to 2006), compared the rates of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline–based care, the hazard of mortality, and racial/ethnic disparities in an IHS versus other settings.ResultsMore than 30,000 patient records were evaluated. The IHS had overall higher rates of adherence to NCCN guidelines. Propensity score–matched Cox models showed an independent and protective association between care in the IHS and survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.90). This advantage persisted across stage groups. Black race was associated with increased hazard of mortality in all other settings (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.27); however, there was no disparity within the IHS for any minority group (P > .11 for all groups) when compared with white race.ConclusionThe IHS delivered higher rates of evidence-based care and was associated with lower 5-year mortality. Racial/ethnic disparities in survival were absent in the IHS. Integrated systems may serve as the cornerstone for developing accountable care organizations poised to improve cancer outcomes and eliminate disparities under health care reform.
Total Synthesis of Stylissatin A, A Cyclic Peptide That Inhibits Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Akindele Tito , Gise Baro , Sunaba Taiki , Kita Masaki , Kigoshi Hideo 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Stylissatin A is a proline-rich cyclic heptapeptide isolated from the Papua New Guinean marine sponge Stylissa massa. The first synthesis of stylissatin A was achieved by a combination of solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis. The natural and synthetic samples of stylissatin A showed comparable inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production with negligible cytotoxicity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells (EC50 = 73 µM for synthetic sample). Furthermore, while the d-allo-Ile5 epimer was less potent, a tert-butyl ether analog of stylissatin A was approximately six times more potent than the natural product (EC50 = 12 µM).
Zonal fixation in revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Morgan-Jones R. , Oussedik S. I. S. , Graichen H. , Haddad F. S. 
Published: January 2015

Revision knee arthroplasty presents a number of challenges, not least of which is obtaining solid primary fixation of implants into host bone. Three anatomical zones exist within both femur and tibia which can be used to support revision implants. These consist of the joint surface or epiphysis, the metaphysis and the diaphysis. The methods by which fixation in each zone can be obtained are discussed. The authors suggest that solid fixation should be obtained in at least two of the three zones and emphasise the importance of pre-operative planning and implant selection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:147–9.
Major trauma patients with spinal fractures have more complex injuries than non-major trauma patients
Authors: Prime M. , Al-Obaidi B. , Safarfashandi Z. , Lok Y. , Mobasheri R. , Akmal M. 
Published: January 2015

This study examined spinal fractures in patients admitted to a Major Trauma Centre via two independent pathways, a major trauma (MT) pathway and a standard unscheduled non-major trauma (NMT) pathway. A total of 134 patients were admitted with a spinal fracture over a period of two years; 50% of patients were MT and the remainder NMT. MT patients were predominantly male, had a mean age of 48.8 years (13 to 95), commonly underwent surgery (62.7%), characteristically had fractures in the cervico-thoracic and thoracic regions and 50% had fractures of more than one vertebrae, which were radiologically unstable in 70%. By contrast, NMT patients showed an equal gender distribution, were older (mean 58.1 years; 12 to 94), required fewer operations (56.7%), characteristically had fractures in the lumbar region and had fewer multiple and unstable fractures. This level of complexity was reflected in the length of stay in hospital; MT patients receiving surgery were in hospital for a mean of three to four days longer than NMT patients. These results show that MT patients differ from their NMT counterparts and have an increasing complexity of spinal injury. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:235–9.
A comparison of proximal and distal Chevron osteotomy, both with lateral soft-tissue release, for moderate to severe hallux valgus in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral correction
Authors: Lee K. B. , Cho N. Y. , Park H. W. , Seon J. K. , Lee S. H. 
Published: January 2015

Moderate to severe hallux valgus is conventionally treated by proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Several recent studies have shown that the indications for distal metatarsal osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure could be extended to include moderate to severe hallux valgus.The purpose of this prospective randomised controlled trial was to compare the outcome of proximal and distal Chevron osteotomy in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus.The original study cohort consisted of 50 female patients (100 feet). Of these, four (8 feet) were excluded for lack of adequate follow-up, leaving 46 female patients (92 feet) in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years (30.1 to 62.1) and the mean duration of follow-up 40.2 months (24.1 to 80.5). After randomisation, patients underwent a proximal Chevron osteotomy on one foot and a distal Chevron osteotomy on the other.At follow-up, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score, patient satisfaction, post-operative complications, hallux valgus angle, first-second intermetatarsal angle, and tibial sesamoid position were similar in each group. Both procedures gave similar good clinical and radiological outcomes.This study suggests that distal Chevron osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure is as effective and reliable a means of correcting moderate to severe hallux valgus as proximal Chevron osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:202–7.
Reconstruction of defects involving the Achilles tendon and local soft tissues
Authors: Soons J. , Rakhorst H. A. , Ruettermann M. , Luijsterburg A. J. M. , Bos P. K. , Zöphel O. T. 
Published: January 2015

A total of seven patients (six men and one woman) with a defect in the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue underwent reconstruction using either a composite radial forearm flap (n = 3) or an anterolateral thigh flap (n = 4). The Achilles tendons were reconstructed using chimeric palmaris longus (n = 2) or tensor fascia lata (n = 2) flaps or transfer of the flexor hallucis longus tendon (n = 3). Surgical parameters such as the rate of complications and the time between the initial repair and flap surgery were analysed. Function was measured objectively by recording the circumference of the calf, the isometric strength of the plantar flexors and the range of movement of the ankle. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) questionnaire was used as a patient-reported outcome measure. Most patients had undergone several previous operations to the Achilles tendon prior to flap surgery. The mean time to flap surgery was 14.3 months (2.1 to 40.7). At a mean follow-up of 32.3 months (12.1 to 59.6) the circumference of the calf on the operated lower limb was reduced by a mean of 1.9 cm (sd 0.74) compared with the contralateral limb (p = 0.042). The mean strength of the plantar flexors on the operated lower limb was reduced to 88.9% of that of the contralateral limb (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in the range of movement between the two sides (p = 0.317). The mean ATRS score was 72 points (sd 20.0). One patient who had an initial successful reconstruction developed a skin defect of the composite flap 12 months after free flap surgery and this resulted in recurrent infections, culminating in transtibial amputation 44 months after reconstruction. These otherwise indicate that reconstruction of the Achilles tendon combined with flap cover results in a successful and functional reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:215–20.
The Exeter technique can lead to a lower incidence of leg-length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Halai M. , Gupta S. , Gilmour A. , Bharadwaj R. , Khan A. , Holt G. 
Published: January 2015

We evaluated an operative technique, described by the Exeter Hip Unit, to assist accurate introduction of the femoral component. We assessed whether it led to a reduction in the rate of leg-length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty (THA).A total of 100 patients undergoing THA were studied retrospectively; 50 were undertaken using the test method and 50 using conventional methods as a control group. The groups were matched with respect to patient demographics and the grade of surgeon. Three observers measured the depth of placement of the femoral component on post-operative radiographs and measured the length of the legs.There was a strong correlation between the depth of insertion of the femoral component and the templated depth in the test group (R = 0.92), suggesting accuracy of the technique. The mean leg-length discrepancy was 5.1 mm (0.6 to 21.4) pre-operatively and 1.3 mm (0.2 to 9.3) post-operatively. There was no difference between Consultants and Registrars as primary surgeons. Agreement between the templated and post-operative depth of insertion was associated with reduced post-operative leg-length discrepancy. The intra-class coefficient was R ≥ 0.88 for all measurements, indicating high observer agreement. The post-operative leg-length discrepancy was significantly lower in the test group (1.3 mm) compared with the control group (6.3 mm, p < 0.001).The Exeter technique is reproducible and leads to a lower incidence of leg-length discrepancy after THA.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:154–9.
A cemented acetabular component with a reinforcement cross provides excellent medium-term fixation in total hip arthroplasty after pelvic irradiation
Authors: Felden A. , Vaz G. , Kreps S. , Anract P. , Hamadouche M. , Biau D. J. 
Published: January 2015

Conventional cemented acetabular components are reported to have a high rate of failure when implanted into previously irradiated bone. We recommend the use of a cemented reconstruction with the addition of an acetabular reinforcement cross to improve fixation. We reviewed a cohort of 45 patients (49 hips) who had undergone irradiation of the pelvis and a cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an acetabular reinforcement cross. All hips had received a minimum dose of 30 Gray (Gy) to treat a primary nearby tumour or metastasis. The median dose of radiation was 50 Gy (Q1 to Q3: 45 to 60; mean: 49.57, 32 to 72). The mean follow-up after THA was 51 months (17 to 137). The cumulative probability of revision of the acetabular component for a mechanical reason was 0% (0 to 0%) at 24 months, 2.9% (0.2 to 13.3%) at 60 months and 2.9% (0.2% to 13.3%) at 120 months, respectively. One hip was revised for mechanical failure and three for infection. Cemented acetabular components with a reinforcement cross provide good medium-term fixation after pelvic irradiation. These patients are at a higher risk of developing infection of their THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:177–84.
Can the pre-operative Western Ontario and McMaster score predict patient satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Rogers B. A. , Alolabi B. , Carrothers A. D. , Kreder H. J. , Jenkinson R. J. 
Published: January 2015

In this study we evaluated whether pre-operative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis scores can predict satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Prospective data for a cohort of patients undergoing THA from two large academic centres were collected, and pre-operative and one-year post-operative WOMAC scores and a 25-point satisfaction questionnaire were obtained for 446 patients. Satisfaction scores were dichotomised into either improvement or deterioration. Scatter plots and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used to describe the association between pre-operative WOMAC and one-year post-operative WOMAC scores and patient satisfaction. Satisfaction was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis against pre-operative, post-operative and δ WOMAC scores. We found no relationship between pre-operative WOMAC scores and one-year post-operative WOMAC or satisfaction scores, with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients of 0.16 and –0.05, respectively. The ROC analysis showed areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.54 (pre-operative WOMAC), 0.67 (post-operative WOMAC) and 0.43 (δ WOMAC), respectively, for an improvement in satisfaction. We conclude that the pre-operative WOMAC score does not predict the post-operative WOMAC score or patient satisfaction after THA, and that WOMAC scores can therefore not be used to prioritise patient care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:150–3.
Management of melioidosis osteomyelitis and septic arthritis
Authors: Shetty R. P. , Mathew M. , Smith J. , Morse L. P. , Mehta J. A. , Currie B. J. 
Published: January 2015

Little information is available about several important aspects of the treatment of melioidosis osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.We undertook a retrospective review of 50 patients with these conditions in an attempt to determine the effect of location of the disease, type of surgical intervention and duration of antibiotic treatment on outcome, particularly complications and relapse.We found that there was a 27.5% risk of osteomyelitis of the adjacent bone in patients with septic arthritis in the lower limb. Patients with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of an adjacent bone were in hospital significantly longer (p = 0.001), needed more operations (p = 0.031) and had a significantly higher rate of complications and re-presentation (p = 0.048).More than half the patients (61%), most particularly those with multifocal bone and joint involvement, and those with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of an adjacent bone who were treated operatively, needed more visits to theatre.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:277–82.
Survivorship of the cementless Spotorno femoral component in patients under 50 years of age at a mean follow-up of 18.4 years
Authors: Biemond J. E. , Venkatesan S. , van Hellemondt G. G. 
Published: January 2015

The long-term survival of the cementless Spotorno CLS femoral component in patients aged > 50 years at the time of arthroplasty was investigated. Survivorship analysis of a consecutive series of 85 patients (100 hips; under 50 years of age at a mean follow-up of 18.4 years (16.3 to 20.8)) was performed. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were satisfactory. The overall rate of survival of the femoral component was 93.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 90.9 to 96.1) after 19 years. Survival with revision for aseptic loosening as the end point was 95.7% (95% CI 93.6 to 97.8%) at 19 years. This study demonstrates an excellent long-term survival of the Spotorno CLS femoral component after 16 to 20 years in young patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:160–3.
Cause of death and factors associated with early in-hospital mortality after hip fracture
Authors: Chatterton B. D. , Moores T. S. , Ahmad S. , Cattell A. , Roberts P. J. 
Published: January 2015

The aims of this study were to identify the early in-hospital mortality rate after hip fracture, identify factors associated with this mortality, and identify the cause of death in these patients. A retrospective cohort study was performed on 4426 patients admitted to our institution between the 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2013 with a hip fracture (1128 male (26%), mean age 82.0 years (60 to 105)). Admissions increased annually, but despite this 30-day mortality decreased from 12.1% to 6.5%; 77% of these were in-hospital deaths. Male gender (odds ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 3.0), increasing age (age ≥ 91; OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 12.2) and comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3 to 5; OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.0 to 8.7) were independently and significantly associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality. From 220 post-mortem reports, the most common causes of death were respiratory infections (35%), ischaemic heart disease (21%), and cardiac failure (13%). A sub-group of hip fracture patients at highest risk of early death can be identified with these risk factors, and the knowledge of the causes of death can be used to inform service improvements and the development of a more didactic care pathway, so that multidisciplinary intervention can be focused for this sub-group in order to improve their outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:246–51.