bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to inventory tropical flies (Diptera)—One of the megadiverse orders of insects
Authors: BORKENT ART , BROWN BRIAN V. 
Published: April 2015

A new approach to inventory Diptera species in tropical habitats is described. A 150 x 266 m patch of cloud forest at Zurquí de Moravia, Costa Rica (10.047N, 84.008W) at 1585 meters asl was sampled with two Malaise traps for slightly more than one year (Sept. 12, 2012–Oct. 18, 2013). Further concomitant sampling with a variety of trapping methods for three days every month and collecting during a one-week intensive "Diptera Blitz", with 19 collaborators collecting on-site, provided diverse additional samples used in the inventory. Two other Costa Rican sites at Tapantí National Park (9.720N, 83.774W, 1600 m) and Las Alturas (8.951N, 82.834W, 1540 m), 40 and 180 km southeast from Zurquí de Moravia, respectively, were each sampled with a single Malaise trap to allow for beta-diversity assessments. Tapantí National Park was sampled from Oct. 28, 2012–Oct. 13, 2013 and Las Alturas from Oct. 13, 2012–Oct. 13, 2013. A worldwide group of 54 expert systematists are identifying to species level all 72 dipteran families present in the trap samples. Five local technicians sampled and prepared material to the highest curatorial standards, ensuring that collaborator efforts were focused on species identification. This project, currently in its final, third year of operation (to end Sept. 1, 2015), has already recorded 2,348 species and with many more yet expected. Unlike previous All Taxon Biodiversity Inventories, this project has attainable goals and will provide the first complete estimate of species richness for one of the four megadiverse insect orders in a tropical region. Considering that this is the first complete survey of one of the largest orders of insects within any tropical region of the planet, there is clearly great need for a consistent and feasible protocol for sampling the smaller but markedly more diverse smaller insects in such ecosystems. By weight of their species diversity and remarkable divergence of habit, the Diptera are an excellent model to gauge microhabitat diversity within such systems. Our model appears to be the first to provide a protocol that can realistically be expected to provide a portrayal of the true species diversity of a megadiverse order of insects in the tropics.
Deriving Arctic Cloud Microphysics at Barrow, Alaska: Algorithms, Results, and Radiative Closure
Authors: Shupe Matthew D. , Turner David D. , Zwink Alexander , Thieman Mandana M. , Mlawer Eli J. , Shippert Timothy 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCloud phase and microphysical properties control the radiative effects of clouds in the climate system and are therefore crucial to characterize in a variety of conditions and locations. An Arctic-specific, ground-based, multisensor cloud retrieval system is described here and applied to 2 yr of observations from Barrow, Alaska. Over these 2 yr, clouds occurred 75% of the time, with cloud ice and liquid each occurring nearly 60% of the time. Liquid water occurred at least 25% of the time, even in winter, and existed up to heights of 8 km. The vertically integrated mass of liquid was typically larger than that of ice. While it is generally difficult to evaluate the overall uncertainty of a comprehensive cloud retrieval system of this type, radiative flux closure analyses were performed in which flux calculations using the derived microphysical properties were compared with measurements at the surface and the top of the atmosphere. Radiative closure biases were generally smaller for cloudy scenes relative to clear skies, while the variability of flux closure results was only moderately larger than under clear skies. The best closure at the surface was obtained for liquid-containing clouds. Radiative closure results were compared with those based on a similar, yet simpler, cloud retrieval system. These comparisons demonstrated the importance of accurate cloud-phase and cloud-type classification, and specifically the identification of liquid water, for determining radiative fluxes. Enhanced retrievals of liquid water path for thin clouds were also shown to improve radiative flux calculations.
Perception of social exclusion, neuropathy, and quality of life among Hansen’s disease patients
Authors: Borges-de-Oliveira Roberta , Rocha-Leite Clarissa I , Araujo-de-Freitas Lucas , Queiroz Dermival A , Machado Paulo RL , Quarantini Lucas C 
Published: May 2015

Background Leprosy subjects are strongly affected not only by physical issues such as peripheral neuropathy but also by massive social exclusion that may be related to quality of life (QoL) impairment. However, there are as yet no studies evaluating the impact of perceived stigma in conjunction with neuropathy on QoL and the respective role of each one on QoL. Objective The present study aims to investigate the variations in clinical and socio-demographic profile of Hansen’s disease patients with/without perception of social exclusion (PSE) and neuropathy as the impact of both conditions on their QoL. Methods A sample of 160 consecutive leprosy outpatients seeking treatment in two reference centers for leprosy in Brazil was recruited. Patients were assessed using a socio-demographic questionnaire, M.I.N.I. PLUS and SF-36. Data from medical records were also collected. Participants were divided into four groups: control group, perceived stigma, neuropathy, and stigma neuropathy. Results Of the 160 patients who consented to participate, 78.75% completed the survey. All four groups were similar in terms of demographic parameters, except for occupational status, which was compensated statistically. The group with neuropathy and PSE reported the worst QoL in half of the evaluated domains. The cross-sectional design does not allow cause and effect to be established between variables, and the relatively small sample size may limit the ability to demonstrate a relative decrease in QoL scores from the isolated variables analyzed. Conclusions The results of this survey show that the presence of both neuropathy and PSE significantly increases impairment in QoL, especially in some specific domains.
Vocal Fold Paralysis as a Delayed Consequence of Neck and Chest Radiotherapy
Authors: Crawley Brianna K. , Sulica Lucian 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo describe a series of cases of vocal fold paralysis years after radiation therapy, including presentation, clinical course, and treatment.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsA review of 8 years of patient records yielded 10 patients (8 male and 2 female; average age 57 years [range, 29‐76 years]) with vocal fold paralysis and a history of radiation therapy to the head, neck, or mediastinum. These patients did not have other possible etiologies of vocal fold paralysis. Demographic, diagnostic, clinical course, and treatment data were collected.ResultsOn average, 21 years (range, 1‐27 years) elapsed between completion of radiation and presentation with vocal fold paralysis. Original pathologies included Hodgkin lymphoma (5), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (4), and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (1). Eight patients had unilateral left vocal fold paralysis, and 2 had bilateral neuropathy; none recovered spontaneously. All patients had dysphonia, and nearly all patients also complained of dysphagia. Six elected not to be treated. Four underwent injection augmentation with resolution of voice complaints.ConclusionsRadiation therapy has the potential to cause laryngeal neuropathy years to decades after treatment. The potential for recovery is low, but injection augmentation can relieve symptoms. Development of contralateral neuropathy and altered tissue response are considerations in treatment.
Short-term patient-centered nutrition counseling impacts weight and nutrient intake in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Everett S T , Wolf R , Contento I , Haiduc V , Richey M , Erkan D 
Published: May 2015

Background Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to increased prevalence of traditional and nontraditional CVD risks factors. Objective To evaluate the effect of patient-centered nutrition counseling methods on changes in select nutrient, anthropometric, and clinical outcomes in SLE patients enrolled in a CVD prevention counseling program (CVD PCP). Methods From March 2009 to June 2011 a subgroup of SLE patients enrolled in our CVD PCP were referred to a registered dietitian for individualized nutrition counseling. Outcomes of interest were assessed at baseline and six months. A primary analysis evaluated the six-month changes in nutrient intake, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid levels. A secondary analysis compared the same measurements between the nutrition counseling patients and the group that was referred but did not attend. Results Of 71 referrals, 41 (58%) attended nutrition counseling (female: 89%, African American/Hispanic: 72%, mean age of 39.7 ± 12.82 years, and a mean disease duration of 11.49 ± 8.02 years). Over a six-month period, patients attending nutritional counseling: (a) reduced their intake of sodium ( p = 0.006), total calories ( p = 0.07), and percent calories from fat ( p = 0.011) and saturated fat ( p = 0.068); (b) had decreased weight (−1.64 kg, p = 0.025); and (c) were more likely to report increases in eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables ( p < 0.001), a high fiber diet ( p = 0.011), ≥two servings of fish/week ( p = 0.002), and a low cholesterol diet ( p = 0.034). There were no significant changes observed over the six months in BMI and clinical outcomes among nutrition counseling patients. When comparing nutrition counseling patients to those who were referred but did not attend, we found at six months a higher percentage of nutrition counseling patients reportedly followed a high-fiber diet ( p = 0.03), consumed two or more servings of fish per week ( p = 0.01), followed a low-cholesterol diet ( p = 0.03), and achieved a greater weight loss ( p = 0.04) compared to the group that did not attend. Conclusion At six months we found that nutrition counseling using patient-centered methods appears to be an effective method for promoting changes in nutrient intake, diet habits, and, possibly, anthropometric measures in SLE patients. However, the counseling did not show a significant improvement in lipid levels, possibly due to short follow-up and/or SLE related factors.
Five-year patient outcomes with risperidone long-acting injection or oral aripiprazole
Authors: Deslandes Paul Nicholas , Dwivedi Matthew , Sewell Robert D. E. 
Published: May 2015

Background: This study examined 5-year outcomes of patients prescribed risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) or aripiprazole in a clinical setting, using treatment discontinuation as a measure of effectiveness. Method: Patients who received RLAI or aripiprazole in the 18 months following their respective UK launches were included. Two-year outcome data were previously reported for these cohorts; this study reported an additional 3 years of follow up for each group. Data were collected from pharmacy records and by retrospective case note review. Patients were classified as continuers or discontinuers at 5 years and reasons for treatment discontinuation noted. Results: The number of patients remaining on treatment at 2 years (and included in this study) was 28/84 and 27/92 for RLAI and aripiprazole respectively. Two patients treated with RLAI and three treated with aripiprazole were lost to follow up. Therefore, 5-year outcome data were available for 50 patients. Fifteen patients from each group were continuers at 5 years. Of these, four receiving RLAI and three receiving aripiprazole were coprescribed other antipsychotics at study endpoint. Reasons for discontinuation of RLAI and aripiprazole respectively were lack of effect ( n = 4; n = 4), adverse effects ( n = 3; n = 1), noncompliance or patient choice ( n = 2; n = 4) and patient death ( n = 2; n = 0). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the proportions of patients continuing RLAI or aripiprazole for 5 years. Continuation rates were relatively low (18% and 16% of the original RLAI and aripiprazole cohorts respectively), whilst coprescription of other antipsychotics at endpoint was relatively common. Lack of effectiveness was the most common reason for discontinuation of both compounds. These findings suggested that clinical effectiveness was somewhat disappointing, although the long period of follow up and number of patients previously treated with clozapine in the original cohorts were confounding factors.
Efficacy of Blood Flow-Restricted Low-Load Resistance Training For Quadriceps Strengthening in Men at Risk of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Segal Neil , Davis Maria D. , Mikesky Alan E. 
Published: May 2015

Background: Greater quadriceps strength has been associated with lower risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in older adults. However, factors that confer elevated risk of knee OA (eg, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and knee injury) also contribute to a reduced tolerance of resistance training programs at ≥60% 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Therefore, the current study assessed whether concurrent application of blood flow restriction (BFR) to low-load resistance training is an efficacious and tolerable means of improving quadriceps strength in men at risk of symptomatic knee OA. Methods: Men older than age 45, with a history of knee injury or elevated body mass index (BMI), were randomized to low-load resistance training (30% 1RM) either with or without concurrent BFR. Isotonic double-leg press strength and isokinetic knee extensor strength were assessed before and after 4 weeks of training 3 times/wk. Knee pain (Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) was assessed for tolerance. Results: Of the 42 men (mean age 56.1 ± 7.7 years) who were randomized, 41 completed the program. There were no significant intergroup differences in age, BMI, knee pathology, or muscle strength at baseline. Although leg press 1RM improved in both control and BFR groups, there were no significant intergroup differences in primary or secondary measures of muscle strength. The BFR was not associated with worsening of knee pain, but there was a significant improvement in knee pain in the control group. Conclusions: In comparison with training without BFR, addition of BFR to 30% 1RM resistance training for 4 weeks did not confer significantly greater increases in leg press or quadriceps strength in older men with risk factors for symptomatic knee OA.
French multicentric validation ofALKrearrangement diagnostic in 547 lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Lantuejoul Sylvie , Rouquette Isabelle , Blons Hélène , Le Stang Nolwenn , Ilie Marius , Begueret Hugues , Grégoire Valerie , Hofman Paul , Gros Audrey , Garcia Stephane , Monhoven Nathalie , Devouassoux-Shisheboran Mojgan , Mansuet-Lupo Audrey , Thivolet Françoise , Antoine Martine , Vignaud Jean-Michel , Penault-Llorca Frederique , Galateau-Sallé Françoise , McLeer-Florin Anne 
Published: May 2015

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements in lung adenocarcinoma result in kinase activity targetable by crizotinib. Although fluorescencein situhybridisation (FISH) is the reference diagnostic technique, immunohistochemistry (IHC) could be useful for pre-screening.Diagnostic yields ofALKIHC, FISH and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR performed in 14 French pathology/molecular genetics platforms were compared. 547 lung adenocarcinoma specimens were analysed using 5A4 and D5F3 antibodies, two break-apart FISH probes and TaqMan kits. Clinicopathological data were recorded.140 tumours wereALKrearranged (FISH with ≥15% of rearranged cells) and 400 wereALKFISH negative (<15%). FISH was not interpretable for seven cases.ALKpatients were young (p=0.003), mostly females (p=0.007) and light/nonsmokers (p<0.0001). 13 cases were IHC negative but FISH ≥15%, including six cases with FISH between 15% and 20%; eight were IHC positive with FISH between 10% and 14%. Sensitivity and specificity for 5A4 and D5F3 were 87% and 92%, and 89% and 76%, respectively. False-negative IHC, observed in 2.4% of cases, dropped to 1.3% for FISH >20%. Variants were undetected in 36% ofALKtumours.Discordances predominated with FISH ranging from 10% to 20% of rearranged cells and were centre dependent. IHC remains a reliable pre-screening method forALKrearrangement detection.
Sildenafil in a cigarette smoke-induced model of COPD in the guinea-pig
Authors: Domínguez-Fandos David , Valdés César , Ferrer Elisabet , Puig-Pey Raquel , Blanco Isabel , Tura-Ceide Olga , Paul Tanja , Peinado Víctor I. , Barberà Joan A. 
Published: May 2015

Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor used to treat pulmonary hypertension, may have effects on pulmonary vessel structure and function. We evaluated the effects of sildenafil in a cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).42 guinea-pigs were exposed to cigarette smoke or sham-exposed and treated with sildenafil or vehicle for 12 weeks, divided into four groups. Assessments included respiratory resistance, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, endothelial function of the pulmonary artery and lung vessel and parenchymal morphometry.CS-exposed animals showed increased PAP, RV hypertrophy, raised respiratory resistance, airspace enlargement and intrapulmonary vessel remodelling. CS exposure also produced wall thickening, increased contractility and endothelial dysfunction in the main pulmonary artery. CS-exposed animals treated with sildenafil showed lower PAP and a trend to less RV hypertrophy than CS-exposed only animals. Furthermore, sildenafil preserved the intrapulmonary vessel density and attenuated the airspace enlargement induced by CS. No differences in gas exchange, respiratory resistance, endothelial function and vessel remodelling were observed.We conclude that in this experimental model of COPD, sildenafil prevents the development of pulmonary hypertension and contributes to preserve the parenchymal and vascular integrity, reinforcing the notion that the nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate axis is perturbed by CS exposure.
Preclinical validation and imaging of Wnt-induced repair in human 3D lung tissue cultures
Authors: Uhl Franziska E. , Vierkotten Sarah , Wagner Darcy E. , Burgstaller Gerald , Costa Rita , Koch Ina , Lindner Michael , Meiners Silke , Eickelberg Oliver , Königshoff Melanie 
Published: May 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by a progressive loss of lung tissue. Inducing repair processes within the adult diseased lung is of major interest and Wnt/β-catenin signalling represents a promising target for lung repair. However, the translation of novel therapeutic targets from model systems into clinical use remains a major challenge.We generated murine and patient-derived three-dimensional (3D)ex vivolung tissue cultures (LTCs), which closely mimic the 3D lung microenvironmentin vivo.Using two well-known glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors, lithium chloride (LiCl) and CHIR 99021 (CT), we determined Wnt/β-catenin-driven lung repair processes in high spatiotemporal resolution using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, (immuno)histological assessment, and four-dimensional confocal live tissue imaging.Viable 3D-LTCs exhibited preserved lung structure and function for up to 5 days. We demonstrate successful Wnt/β-catenin signal activation in murine and patient-derived 3D-LTCs from COPD patients. Wnt/β-catenin signalling led to increased alveolar epithelial cell marker expression, decreased matrix metalloproteinase-12 expression, as well as altered macrophage activity and elastin remodelling. Importantly, induction of surfactant protein C significantly correlated with disease stage (per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s) in patient-derived 3D-LTCs.Patient-derived 3D-LTCs represent a valuable tool to analyse potential targets and drugs for lung repair. Enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signalling attenuated pathological features of patient-derived COPD 3D-LTCs.
Coeliac disease and asthma association in children: the role of antibiotic consumption
Authors: Canova Cristina , Pitter Gisella , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Romor Pierantonio , Zanier Loris , Zanotti Renzo , Simonato Lorenzo 
Published: May 2015

The relationship between coeliac disease and asthma has been scarcely investigated. Infant antibiotic exposure has been linked to both diseases. We evaluated the association between childhood coeliac disease and asthma and the role of antibiotics in the first year of life.We followed a cohort of children born in 1995–2011 in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (Italy). Prescriptions for antibiotics in the first year of life and subsequent treated asthma were retrieved from drug prescription records; coeliac disease incident cases were identified from pathology reports, hospital discharges and exemption from prescription charges for clinical tests. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using multivariate Poisson regression models.Among the 143 144 children, we identified 717 coeliac children and 34 969 asthmatics. Children with asthma were at increased risk of coeliac disease (IRR 1.46, 95% CI 1.25–1.67). Restricting the analysis to asthma that occurred before the diagnosis of coeliac disease, the excess risk disappeared, except for coeliac disease diagnosed after 5 years of age (IRR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09–1.71). Antibiotics were not a confounding factor in these associations.Childhood treated asthma and coeliac disease are significantly associated. This association is not confounded by antibiotic exposure in the first year of life and may be explained by other shared risk factors.
Matrix metalloproteinase activation by free neutrophil elastase contributes to bronchiectasis progression in early cystic fibrosis
Authors: Garratt Luke W. , Sutanto Erika N. , Ling Kak-Ming , Looi Kevin , Iosifidis Thomas , Martinovich Kelly M. , Shaw Nicole C. , Kicic-Starcevich Elizabeth , Knight Darryl A. , Ranganathan Sarath , Stick Stephen M. , Kicic Anthony 
Published: May 2015

Neutrophil elastase is the most significant predictor of bronchiectasis in early-life cystic fibrosis; however, the causal link between neutrophil elastase and airway damage is not well understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in extracellular matrix modelling and are activated by neutrophil elastase. The aim of this study was to assess if MMP activation positively correlates with neutrophil elastase activity, disease severity and bronchiectasis in young children with cystic fibrosis.Total MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and TIMP-1 levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collected from young children with cystic fibrosis during annual clinical assessment. Active/pro-enzyme ratio of MMP-9 was determined by gelatin zymography. Annual chest computed tomography imaging was scored for bronchiectasis.A higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was associated with free neutrophil elastase activity. In contrast, MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio decreased and MMP-1 and MMP-7 were not detected in the majority of samples. Ratio of active/pro-enzyme MMP-9 was also higher in the presence of free neutrophil elastase activity, but not infection. Across the study cohort, both MMP-9/TIMP-1 and active MMP-9 were associated with progression of bronchiectasis.Both MMP-9/TIMP-1 and active MMP-9 increased with free neutrophil elastase and were associated with bronchiectasis, further demonstrating that free neutrophil elastase activity should be considered an important precursor to cystic fibrosis structural disease.