bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gout‐mimicking sarcoma recurrence at a prosthesis bone interface remote from any joint
Authors: Ogunwale Bamikole Busayo Kenneth , Amary M Fernanda , Skinner John Andrew Mcinnes , Green Ruth Amanda Rachel 
Published: February 2015

SummaryGout is known to occur in a variety of organs but most commonly presents as an inflammatory arthropathy. A few reported cases have documented its occurrence in prosthetic neo‐joints or juxta‐articular to this. We present the first reported case at a bone prosthesis interface remote from any joint and mimicking sarcoma recurrence because of its unusual location.
Shifts in the meso‐ and bathypelagic archaea communities composition during recovery and short‐term handling of decompressed deep‐sea samples
Authors: La Cono Violetta , Smedile Francesco , La Spada Gina , Arcadi Erika , Genovese Maria , Ruggeri Gioacchino , Genovese Lucrezia , Giuliano Laura , Yakimov Michail M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryDark ocean microbial communities are actively involved in chemoautotrophic and anaplerotic fixation of bicarbonate. Thus, aphotic pelagic realm of the ocean might represent a significant sink of CO2 and source of primary production. However, the estimated metabolic activities in the dark ocean are fraught with uncertainties. Typically, deep‐sea samples are recovered to the sea surface for downstream processing on deck. Shifts in ambient settings, associated with such treatments, can likely change the metabolic activity and community structure of deep‐sea adapted autochthonous microbial populations. To estimate influence of recovery and short‐term handling of deep‐sea samples, we monitored the succession of bathypelagic microbial community during its 3 days long on deck incubation. We demonstrated that at the end of exposition, the deep‐sea archaeal population decreased threefold, whereas the bacterial fraction doubled in size. As revealed by phylogenetic analyses of amoA gene transcripts, dominance of the active ammonium‐oxidizing bathypelagic Thaumarchaeota groups shifted over time very fast. These findings demonstrated the simultaneous existence of various ‘deep‐sea ecotypes’, differentially reacting to the sampling and downstream handling. Our study supports the hypothesis that metabolically active members of meso‐ and bathypelagic Thaumarchaeota possess the habitat‐specific distribution, metabolic complexity and genetic divergence at subpopulation level.
Quality Indicators for Musculoskeletal Injury Management in the Emergency Department: a Systematic Review
Authors: Strudwick Kirsten , Nelson Mark , Martin‐Khan Melinda , Bourke Michael , Bell Anthony , Russell Trevor 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesThere is increasing importance placed on quality of health care for musculoskeletal injuries in emergency departments (EDs). This systematic review aimed to identify existing musculoskeletal quality indicators (QIs) developed for ED use and to critically evaluate their methodological quality.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the gray literature, including relevant organizational websites, were searched in 2013. English‐language articles were included that described the development of at least one QI related to the ED care of musculoskeletal injuries. Data extraction of each included article was conducted. A quality assessment was then performed by rating each relevant QI against the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation (AIRE) Instrument. QIs with similar definitions were grouped together and categorized according to the health care quality frameworks of Donabedian and the Institute of Medicine.ResultsThe search revealed 1,805 potentially relevant articles, of which 15 were finally included in the review. The number of relevant QIs per article ranged from one to 11, resulting in a total of 71 QIs overall. Pain (n = 17) and fracture management (n = 13) QIs were predominant. Ten QIs scored at least 50% across all AIRE Instrument domains, and these related to pain management and appropriate imaging of the spine.ConclusionsMethodological quality of the development of most QIs is poor. Recommendations for a core set of QIs that address the complete spectrum of musculoskeletal injury management in emergency medicine is not possible, and more work is needed. Currently, QIs with highest methodological quality are in the areas of pain management and medical imaging.
Direct versus indirect facilitation (herbivore mediated) among woody plants in a semiarid Chaco forest: A spatial association approach
Authors: Tálamo Andrés , Barchuk Alicia , Cardozo Silvana , Trucco Carlos , MarÁs Gustavo , Trigo Carolina 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn arid environments, direct facilitation (microhabitat amelioration) and indirect facilitation (‘associational resistance’ via protection from herbivory) among plants of different species may act simultaneously. Little is known about their relative effects. One way to disentangle the effects is by evaluating spatial associations. We examined the relative importance of these two mechanisms of facilitation in the semiarid Chaco vegetation of north‐central Argentina, through an eight‐way observational study in which we quantified the degree of spatial association between saplings of each of two key tree species, Schinopsis lorentzii (Anacardiaceae) and Aspidosperma quebracho‐blanco (Apocynaceae), with shrub neighbours either possessing spines or without spines and in both an ungrazed site and a site with a long history of cattle grazing. We analysed data across 400 subparcels at each site with spatial analysis by distance indices. Saplings of both tree species showed positive spatial associations with spiny shrubs in the grazed site but not in the ungrazed site, and never with non‐spiny shrubs. This result suggests that spiny shrubs may indeed provide associational resistance for saplings of key tree species in grazed habitats in these dry subtropical forests, that is, that indirect facilitation may predominate over direct facilitation. If confirmed by experimental studies, this result can have implications for the silvopastoral management of rapidly expanding ranches in the semiarid Chaco, where current practice includes the near elimination of native shrubs.
IL‐33 drives airway hyper‐responsiveness through IL‐13‐mediated mast cell: airway smooth muscle crosstalk
Authors: Kaur D. , Gomez E. , Doe C. , Berair R. , Woodman L. , Saunders R. , Hollins F. , Rose F.R. , Amrani Y. , May R. , Kearley J. , Humbles A. , Cohen E.S. , Brightling C.E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundMast cell localization within the airway smooth muscle (ASM)‐bundle plays an important role in the development of airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR). Genomewide association studies implicate the ‘alarmin’ IL‐33 in asthma, but its role in mast cell–ASM interactions is unknown.ObjectivesWe examined the expression and functional role of IL‐33 in bronchial biopsies of patients with and without asthma, ex vivo ASM, mast cells, cocultured cells and in a mouse model system.MethodsIL‐33 protein expression was assessed in human bronchial tissue from 9 healthy controls, and 18 mild‐to‐moderate and 12 severe asthmatic patients by immunohistochemistry. IL‐33 and ST2 mRNA and protein expression in human‐derived ASM, epithelial and mast cells were assessed by qPCR, immunofluorescence and/or flow cytometry and ELISA. Functional assays were used to assess calcium signalling, wound repair, proliferation, apoptosis and contraction. AHR and inflammation were assessed in a mouse model.ResultsBronchial epithelium and ASM expressed IL‐33 with the latter in asthma correlating with AHR. ASM and mast cells expressed intracellular IL‐33 and ST2. IL‐33 stimulated mast cell IL‐13 and histamine secretion independent of FcεR1 cross‐linking and directly promoted ASM wound repair. Coculture of mast cells with ASM activated by IL‐33 increased agonist‐induced ASM contraction, and in vivo IL‐33 induced AHR in a mouse cytokine installation model; both effects were IL‐13 dependent.ConclusionIL‐33 directly promotes mast cell activation and ASM wound repair but indirectly promotes ASM contraction via upregulation of mast cell‐derived IL‐13. This suggests that IL‐33 may present an important target to modulate mast cell–ASM crosstalk in asthma.
Recent trends in testosterone testing, low testosterone levels, and testosterone treatment among Veterans
Authors: Walsh T. J. , Shores M. M. , Fox A. E. , Moore K. P. , Forsberg C. W. , Kinsey C. E. , Heckbert S. R. , Zeliadt S. , Thompson M. L. , Smith N. L. , Matsumoto A. M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryLow serum testosterone (T) is common and increasingly prevalent with increased age. Recent studies report an ‘epidemic’ of T prescribing and concern about unnecessary T treatment. We investigated the number of men tested for T, the prevalence of low serum T levels, and initiation of T treatment among those with low T levels in men treated at Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in the Northwest US (VISN 20). We identified male Veterans aged 40–89 years and examined yearly proportions of men tested for T, found to have low T levels (total T < 280 ng/dL, free T < 34 pg/mL, or bioavailable T < 84 ng/dL), and subsequently treated with T from 2002 to 2011. We excluded men who had T treatment in the year prior and men with diagnoses of prostate or breast cancer. Treatment initiation was defined as the first prescription for T within a year following a low T test. From 2002 to 2011, the yearly population of eligible men in VISN 20 increased from 129 247 to 163 572. The proportion of men who had serum T tests increased from 3.2% in 2002 to 5.8% in 2011. Among the tested men, the percentage of men with low T levels increased from 35.0 to 47.3%. However, the proportion of men with low T levels who were given T treatment within a year decreased from 31.0 to 28.0%. Despite large increases in T testing, and detection of men with low T levels, there was a slight decrease in the proportion of men with low T levels who were treated with T. The decrease in T treatment during this time period contrasts with other studies and may be related to higher comorbidity in Veterans and/or VA formulary restrictions on the use of transdermal T formulations.
Implementation of client versus care‐provider strategies to improve external cephalic version rates: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vlemmix Floortje , Rosman Ageeth N. , Rijnders Marlies E. , Beuckens Antje , Opmeer Brent C. , Mol Ben W.J. , Kok Marjolein , Fleuren Margot A.H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a client or care‐provider strategy to improve the implementation of external cephalic version.DesignCluster randomized controlled trial.SettingTwenty‐five clusters; hospitals and their referring midwifery practices randomly selected in the Netherlands.PopulationSingleton breech presentation from 32 weeks of gestation onwards.MethodsWe randomized clusters to a client strategy (written information leaflets and decision aid), a care‐provider strategy (1‐day counseling course focused on knowledge and counseling skills), a combined client and care‐provider strategy and care‐as‐usual strategy. We performed an intention‐to‐treat analysis.Main outcome measuresRate of external cephalic version in various strategies. Secondary outcomes were the percentage of women counseled and opting for a version attempt.ResultsThe overall implementation rate of external cephalic version was 72% (1169 of 1613 eligible clients) with a range between clusters of 8–95%. Neither the client strategy (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.4–1.5) nor the care‐provider strategy (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–2.3) showed significant improvements. Results were comparable when we limited the analysis to those women who were actually offered intervention (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3–1.4 and OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.7–4.5).ConclusionsNeither a client nor a care‐provider strategy improved the external cephalic version implementation rate for breech presentation, neither with regard to the number of version attempts offered nor the number of women accepting the procedure.
Spontaneous corneal perforation associated with atopic keratoconjunctivitis: a case series and literature review
Authors: Nivenius Emma , Montan Per 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeTo describe spontaneous corneal perforations in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis.MethodsRecords of patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis and spontaneous corneal perforation seen by the authors were reviewed. A literature search of corneal complications in atopic keratoconjunctivitis and predisposing factors for spontaneous corneal perforations in corneal ectasias was undertaken.ResultsThree patients with seven incidents of corneal perforation were identified and presented. Corneal thinning and keratoconus are observed at a higher rate in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and severe ocular allergy has been reported as a risk factor for corneal hydrops.ConclusionsAtopic keratoconjunctivitis appears to be a risk factor for spontaneous sterile corneal perforation. Corneal thinning and keratoconus in addition to inflammatory changes of the cornea in these patients probably predispose to the corneal melt in these perforations. A close observation of the fellow eye of affected patients is important and systemic immunosuppressive therapy should be considered.
Impact of visceral fat and pro‐inflammatory factors on the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Haas Paulina , Kubista Katharina E. , Krugluger Walter , Huber Johannes , Binder Susanne 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposePrevious studies have indicated that the immune system is involved in the pathogenesis of the AMD. Increased visceral fat, in addition, has a pro‐inflammatory effect on the organism by producing or influencing different kinds of inflammatory factors. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship of body fat distribution in patients with age‐related macula degeneration in comparison to a control group in the Austrian population.MethodsIn this case–control study, body weight and height, and body mass index (BMI) were measured for each subject in 54 patients with exudative AMD and compared to 46 gender‐ and age‐matched healthy control subjects. Body composition and abdominal fat areas were measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Data on age, gender distribution, smoking history and systemic diseases, respectively, were compared. The inflammatory markers CRP, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha), leptin, amyloid A, amyloid beta and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were assayed by ELISA (R&D).ResultsDEXA revealed central‐abdominal‐to‐total body fat ratio of 0.073 +/− 0.011 in AMD patients compared to 0.061 +/− 0.013 in the controls (p <0.001; d = 0.98). The calculation of BMI has provided a significant result (p =0.045). U‐test results for Aß1‐42, IL‐6, SAA and CRP each were significant (p < 0.05), with higher values in AMD patients. Leptin, TNF‐alpha and Aß1‐40 showed no significant differences between the groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that abdominal fat distribution is significantly associated with age‐related macular degeneration. Analysis of patients with exudative AMD revealed higher levels of CRP, amyloid ß1‐42, IL‐6 and amyloid alpha.
Vascular smooth muscle cell in atherosclerosis
Authors: Chistiakov D. A. , Orekhov A. N. , Bobryshev Y. V. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractVascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exhibit phenotypic and functional plasticity in order to respond to vascular injury. In case of the vessel damage, VSMCs are able to switch from the quiescent ‘contractile’ phenotype to the ‘proinflammatory’ phenotype. This change is accompanied by decrease in expression of smooth muscle (SM)‐specific markers responsible for SM contraction and production of proinflammatory mediators that modulate induction of proliferation and chemotaxis. Indeed, activated VSMCs could efficiently proliferate and migrate contributing to the vascular wall repair. However, in chronic inflammation that occurs in atherosclerosis, arterial VSMCs become aberrantly regulated and this leads to increased VSMC dedifferentiation and extracellular matrix formation in plaque areas. Proatherosclerotic switch in VSMC phenotype is a complex and multistep mechanism that may be induced by a variety of proinflammatory stimuli and hemodynamic alterations. Disturbances in hemodynamic forces could initiate the proinflammatory switch in VSMC phenotype even in pre‐clinical stages of atherosclerosis. Proinflammatory signals play a crucial role in further dedifferentiation of VSMCs in affected vessels and propagation of pathological vascular remodelling.
GABAergic signalling in the immune system
Authors: Barragan A. , Weidner J. M. , Jin Z. , Korpi E. R. , Birnir B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe GABAergic system is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. Signalling of the transmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) via GABA type A receptor channels or G‐protein‐coupled type B receptors is implicated in multiple CNS functions. Recent findings have implicated the GABAergic system in immune cell functions, inflammatory conditions and diseases in peripheral tissues. Interestingly, the specific effects may vary between immune cell types, with stage of activation and be altered by infectious agents. GABA/GABA‐A receptor‐mediated immunomodulatory functions have been unveiled in immune cells, being present in T lymphocytes and regulating the migration of Toxoplasma‐infected dendritic cells. The GABAergic system may also play a role in the regulation of brain resident immune cells, the microglial cells. Activation of microglia appears to regulate the function of GABAergic neurotransmission in neighbouring neurones through changes induced by secretion of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. The neurotransmitter‐driven immunomodulation is a new but rapidly growing field of science. Herein, we review the present knowledge of the GABA signalling in immune cells of the periphery and the CNS and raise questions for future research.
Nature will have its way: local vegetation trumps restoration treatments in semi‐natural grassland
Authors: Auestad Inger , Austad Ingvild , Rydgren Knut 
Published: February 2015

AbstractQuestionsHow do various grassland restoration methods (hay transfer from local or distant donors, seed sowing or natural regeneration) perform in restoration of species‐rich, semi‐natural grasslands? Are any of the donors particularly well suited as reference vegetation? Do bare soil treatments give better results than treatments where the soil is covered? What are the probabilities of steering vegetation development towards donor vegetation under the various restoration treatments?LocationSunnfjord open‐air museum in rural, Western Norway.MethodsIn a replicated field trial we tested four restoration methods: transferring fresh hay from a local or a distant donor (hay transfer), seeding with a regional species mix, and allowing natural regeneration. We evaluated outcomes by comparing species richness, transfer rates and vegetation dynamics in donor and trial vegetation over four successive years.ResultsOur study revealed considerable changes in species composition under all restoration treatments, which decreased over time, indicating decelerating succession rates. Many non‐trial grassland species became established, especially after seeding and natural regeneration (bare soil treatments). All trajectories became synchronized from the second year, and by trial end, the restoration treatments converged with respect to species richness and species composition.ConclusionAll restoration treatments gave high resemblance to a specific donor: the local one. Distant hay transfer resulted in larger temporal changes and exemplified a climatic donor–receiver mismatch, while the failure of several seeded species to germinate indicated an ecological mismatch under the seeding treatment. Vigorous germination of non‐trial seeds in the two bare soil treatments evened out the initial treatment‐related differences. Dispersal from the surrounding area and between treatments may be utilized for restoration purposes, but also limits the potential for restoring a specific species composition. Although we apparently failed to tailor donor species composition to the recipient, we note that the slow dynamics of long‐lived grassland species may lead to a different long‐term restoration outcome.
Ecological disturbance regimes caused by agricultural land uses and their effects on tropical forest regeneration
Authors: Zermeño‐Hernández Isela , Méndez‐Toribio Moisés , Siebe Christina , Benítez‐Malvido Julieta , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsAcross tropical regions, large forest areas have been converted to different agricultural land uses. These uses impose ecological disturbances affecting forest regeneration potential after field abandonment. Finding ways to identify those agricultural land uses limiting forest regeneration is a critical issue for conserving biodiversity in human‐modified landscapes. Here, we developed a fast and inexpensive index, useful for quantifying ecological disturbance regimes associated with agricultural land uses, and tested its power to predict forest regeneration potential.LocationMunicipality of Marqués de Comillas, southeast Mexico.MethodsInterviews were conducted with local farmers to quantify disturbance components (size, duration and severity) associated with agricultural land uses. The scaled values of these disturbance components were added in a simple ecological disturbance index (EDI). In each one of nine recently abandoned fields representing a wide range of EDI values, two 10‐m2 plots, one close to and one far from nearby forest remnants, were established. On each plot, all woody plants of 10–100 m in height were counted, identified and measured in four 1‐m2 subplots, at the time of field abandonment and 2 yr later. In addition, at each plot, 18 site condition (microclimate and soil) attributes were quantified at the time of abandonment. Plant density, biomass, species richness and species diversity were used as regeneration variables, and EDI and site condition attributes as independent ones.ResultsTwo years after abandonment, most regeneration variables declined exponentially with EDI. Biomass was not explained by EDI but changed positively with light availability. EDI was strongly correlated to vapour pressure deficit, which also predicted regeneration potential (except biomass).ConclusionsEDI is a cheap and easy tool for quantifying the ecological disturbance produced by a wide range of agricultural land uses. The index predicted several regeneration variables as well as or better than direct measurements of the site condition at the time of abandonment. EDI can be used to identify biodiversity‐friendly agricultural land uses in human‐modified landscapes.