bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translation and validation of the Turkish language version of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index‐5
Authors: Sunar Ismihan , Yilmaz Tasdelen Ozlem , Garip Cimen Yesim , Bodur Hatice 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to translate the Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index‐5 (RADAI‐5), which is a tool for measuring disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, into Turkish language and prove its validity, reliability and sensitivity to changes.MethodsTranslation from the original German version was performed according to the standardized methods. One hundred and two patients with RA completed in the Turkish RADAI‐5 twice within 3 days interval. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability was investigated by calculating Cronbach's alpha and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC), respectively. Validity was assessed by analyzing the correlations between the Turkish RADAI‐5 and some measurement tools evaluating the disease activity, functional status and quality of life. To test the scale's responsiveness to the changes, another 23 patients with uncontrolled disease activity and three newly diagnosed RA patients completed the RADAI‐5 before and after a biologic agent or methotrexate treatment.ResultsThere were no floor or ceiling effects. Cronbach's alpha (0.91) and ICC (0.997) values certified the Turkish version's reliability. Strong correlations between the Turkish questionnaire and Disease Activity Score‐28 (DAS28), DAS28‐CRP, DAS28‐three variables, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life questionnaire, patient's and doctor's global assessments, tender joint count proved the convergent validity of the scale. Effect size (3.08) demonstrated that the Turkish RADAI‐5 is sensitive to the changes.ConclusionThe Turkish RADAI‐5 is a feasible, reliable and valid questionnaire and sensitive to changes; thus it can be used to monitor disease activity in Turkish RA patients.
Tuberculosis risk and anti‐tumour necrosis factor agents in rheumatoid arthritis: a critical appraisal of national registry data
Authors: Scrivo Rossana , Armignacco Orlando 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the risk of reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI) is increased and treatment with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists further increases this risk. However, interpretation of results describing comparative TB risk during therapy with different TNF antagonists is difficult. This is not only a result of different patient ethnic groups and background TB rates, but also because of differing methods of data acquisition. This paper offers a critical appraisal of registry data pertaining to RA patients treated with different anti‐TNF agents, focusing on methodological approaches that may limit the generalizability of findings or invalidate the direct comparison of TB risk between different national registries. Underlying factors that can make data interpretation challenging are discussed, including differences in methods for TB diagnosis or data collection and reporting, as well as background TB risk. The introduction of special monitoring systems, such as prospective multinational registries, to strengthen surveillance and better quantify the extent of under‐reporting is required, especially in countries where the background TB risk is high.
A systematic review of the clinical relevance of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Lepping P. , Schönfeldt‐Lecuona C. , Sambhi R. S. , Lanka S. V. N. , Lane S. , Whittington R. , Leucht S. , Poole R. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an approved treatment for depression. The clinical relevance of its efficacy is unclear. The clinical relevance of findings in the rTMS literature was assessed by translating Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) data into Clinical Global Impression–Improvement scale (CGI‐I) scores.MethodWe performed electronic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for RCTs and non‐RCT trials on rTMS using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). Articles were included if published in English before January 2014. We translated HAMD scores into nominal CGI‐I scores for rTMS for depression and for treatment‐resistant depression (TRD).ResultsAbout 960 abstracts were retrieved. Sixty‐three studies were included, yielding 130 study arms. For depression, the mean percentage change in HAMD scores in all sham‐controlled rTMS treatment arms was 35.63 (SD 16.35) and for sham‐rTMS 23.33 (SD 16.51). For TRD, active rTMS in sham‐controlled studies showed a mean HAMD percentage reduction of 45.21 (SD 10.94) versus 25.04 (SD 17.55) for sham‐rTMS. When aggregated scores were translated into notional CGI‐I scores, for the treatment of depression, the notional CGI‐I score difference between rTMS and sham‐rTMS was 0.5 in favour of rTMS; for TRD, it was 0.75 in favour of rTMS. Differences between rTMS and sham‐rTMS were bigger when all study arms were combined.ConclusionWhilst rTMS appears to be efficacious for both non‐refractory and treatment‐resistant depression, the clinical relevance of its efficacy is doubtful.
Evaluating national guidelines for the prophylactic treatment of respiratory syncytial virus in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Granbom Elin , Fernlund Eva , Sunnegårdh Jan , Lundell Bo , Naumburg Estelle 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThis is the first study to evaluate compliance with the 2003 Swedish national guidelines for prophylactic treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). We estimated the relative risk (RR) of children with CHD being hospitalised with a RSV infection, studied the extent to which RSV prophylactic treatment with palivizumab corresponded to the guidelines and determined the morbidity of children with CHD who developed RSV infection despite prophylaxis.MethodsThis national observational study comprised prospectively registered data on 219 children with CHD treated with palivizumab, medical records on RSV cases and information on hospitalisation rates of children with CHD and RSV infection.ResultsThe calculated RR of children with CHD being hospitalised with RSV infection was 2.06 (95% CI 1.6–2.6; p < 0.0001) compared with children without CHD. Approximately half of the patients (49%) born before the RSV season and 25% born during the RSV season did not start treatment as recommended by the guidelines.ConclusionHaving CHD increased the rate and estimated RR of children being hospitalised with RSV infection. The guidelines were not followed for about half of the children born before a RSV season and a quarter of the children born during a RSV season and need updating.
Contribution of copy number variations in CMT1X: a retrospective study
Authors: Capponi S. , Geroldi A. , Pezzini I. , Gulli R. , Ciotti P. , Ursino G. , Lamp M. , Reni L. , Schenone A. , Grandis M. , Mandich P. , Bellone E. 
Published: April 2014

Background and purposeCharcot−Marie−Tooth disease type 1X (CMT1X) is an X‐linked dominant hereditary motor‐sensory peripheral neuropathy, which results from mutations in the Gap Junction B1 (GJB1) gene. In a few cases, gene deletions have been linked to the disease, but their relative contribution in the pathogenesis of CMT1X has not been assessed yet. Herein a retrospective study to establish the incidence of gene deletions is described.MethodsCopy number variation analysis was performed by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, whilst the breakpoints were defined by Sanger sequencing.ResultsA novel GJB1 deletion was identified in a family presenting with a classical CMT1X phenotype. The rearrangement includes the coding and the regulatory regions of GJB1.ConclusionsGJB1 deletions appear to be a rare but not insignificant cause of CMT1X and are associated with a typical disease phenotype. Accordingly, patients negative for point mutations whose pedigree and clinical records strongly suggest the possibility of CMT1X should be tested for GJB1 copy number variations.
Climate change and geothermal ecosystems: natural laboratories, sentinel systems, and future refugia
Authors: O'Gorman Eoin J. , Benstead Jonathan P. , Cross Wyatt F. , Friberg Nikolai , Hood James M. , Johnson Philip W. , Sigurdsson Bjarni D. , Woodward Guy 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUnderstanding and predicting how global warming affects the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems is a key challenge of the 21st century. Isolated laboratory and field experiments testing global change hypotheses have been criticized for being too small‐scale and overly simplistic, whereas surveys are inferential and often confound temperature with other drivers. Research that utilizes natural thermal gradients offers a more promising approach and geothermal ecosystems in particular, which span a range of temperatures within a single biogeographic area, allow us to take the laboratory into nature rather than vice versa. By isolating temperature from other drivers, its ecological effects can be quantified without any loss of realism, and transient and equilibrial responses can be measured in the same system across scales that are not feasible using other empirical methods. Embedding manipulative experiments within geothermal gradients is an especially powerful approach, informing us to what extent small‐scale experiments can predict the future behaviour of real ecosystems. Geothermal areas also act as sentinel systems by tracking responses of ecological networks to warming and helping to maintain ecosystem functioning in a changing landscape by providing sources of organisms that are preadapted to different climatic conditions. Here, we highlight the emerging use of geothermal systems in climate change research, identify novel research avenues, and assess their roles for catalysing our understanding of ecological and evolutionary responses to global warming.
A simplified method for monomeric carbohydrate analysis of corn stover biomass
Authors: Mourtzinis Spyridon , Arriaga Francisco J. , Bransby David , Balkcom Kipling S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractConstituent determination of biomass for theoretical ethanol yield (TEY) estimation requires the removal of nonstructural carbohydrates prior to analysis to prevent interference with the analytical procedure. According to the accepted US Department of Energy‐National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) method, biomass extractives in corn stover should be removed by a two‐step extraction process. Alternatively, Neutral Detergent Fiber method (NDF) is a fast and cost‐effective method used to determine structural carbohydrates of forage biomass. The objective of this study was to determine whether the NDF method can be used as an alternative to the NREL extraction procedure for corn (Zea mays L.) stover biomass. Arabinan content varied between the two methods. However, glucan, xylan, and TEYs were not statistically different. Furthermore, the average TEYs per unit of mass and unit of area varied by 2.0 and 1.9%, respectively. Additionally, the NDF extraction procedure was faster and less expensive than the NREL procedure.
Shelf life stability of red‐fleshed plum nectars: role of polyphenol fortification on quality parameters
Authors: de Beer Dalene , Joubert Elizabeth , Steyn Naomi , Muller Magdalena 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe effect of polyphenol fortification of red‐fleshed plum nectars by addition of plum skin extract on the stability of quality, defined in terms of sensory attributes, phenolic composition and antioxidant activity, during shelf life storage was investigated. The sensory attributes were stable throughout the 3‐month storage period at 5 °C for the control and fortified formulations. Among the phenolic compounds measured only the anthocyanins decreased during the storage period; however, the total antioxidant activity was not affected. The loss of red colour was less pronounced compared to the loss of anthocyanins for both formulations. This might be attributed to enhanced co‐pigmentation as the content of the co‐pigment, neochlorogenic acid, increased, while flavonols remained stable during storage. Polyphenol fortification enhanced the retention of red colour, polyphenol content and total antioxidant capacity compared to the control formulation.
Effect of Dorsal Acetabular Rim Loss on Stability of the Zurich Cementless Total Hip Acetabular Cup in Dogs
Authors: DeSandre‐Robinson Dana M. , Kim Stanley E. , Peck Jeffrey N. , Coggeshall Jason D. , Tremolada Giovanni , Pozzi Antonio 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate magnitude and mode of acute load to failure of the Zurich Cementless acetabular cup prosthesis in cadaveric specimens with and without 50% dorsal acetabular rim loss.Study DesignIn vitro mechanical study.Sample PopulationCadaveric hemipelves of adult dogs (n = 8).MethodsEach pair of hemipelves was prepared by dissection of surrounding musculature and implantation of a Zurich Cementless acetabular cup prosthesis. One hemipelvis had the dorsal rim left intact (group 1) and the contralateral hemipelvis had 50% of the dorsal rim excised (group 2). Each hemipelvis underwent acute load to failure with an axial load applied through a prosthetic femoral head. Load at failure was compared between hemipelves with and without dorsal rim loss with a paired t‐test; P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsMean failure load was not significantly different between group 1 (3,713 ± 362 N) and group 2 (3,640 ± 751 N; P = .8). Bone fracture (n = 6), ventroversion of the cup (1), and absolute failure unreached at 6,000 N (1) occurred in group 1 and bone fracture (6), ventroversion of cup (1), and cup loosening (1) occurred in group 2.ConclusionsZurich Cementless acetabular cup stability does not appear to be compromised by 50% acetabular rim loss at normal physiologic weight bearing loads. Thus, for this system, modifying procedures such as augmentation of the dorsal acetabular rim or deeper reaming for acetabular bed preparation may not be necessary with up to 50% dorsal rim loss with the Zurich Cementless acetabular cup.
Male mate choice relies on major histocompatibility complex class I in a sex‐role‐reversed pipefish
Authors: Roth O. , Sundin J. , Berglund A. , Rosenqvist G. , Wegner K. M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMate choice for compatible genes is often based on genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). AlthoughMHC‐based mate choice is commonly observed in female choice, male mate choice remains elusive. In particular, if males have intense paternal care and are thus the choosing sex, male choice for females with dissimilarMHCcan be expected. Here, we investigated whether male mate choice relies onMHCclass I genes in the sex‐role reversed pipefishSyngnathus typhle. In a mate choice experiment, we determined the relative importance of visual and olfactory cues by manipulating visibility and olfaction. We found that pipefish males chose females that maximize sequence‐based amino acid distance betweenMHCclass I genotypes in the offspring when olfactory cues were present. Under visual cues, large females were chosen, but in the absence of visual cues, the choice pattern was reversed. The use of sex‐role reversed species thus revealed that sexual selection can lead to the evolution of male mate choice forMHCclass I genes.
Recognizing odd smells and ejection of brood parasitic eggs. An experimental test in magpies of a novel defensive trait against brood parasitism
Authors: Soler J. J. , Pérez‐Contreras T. , De Neve L. , Macías‐Sánchez E. , Møller A. P. , Soler M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOne of the most important defensive host traits against brood parasitism is the detection and ejection of parasitic eggs from their nests. Here, we explore the possible role of olfaction in this defensive behaviour. We performed egg‐recognition tests in magpie Pica pica nests with model eggs resembling those of parasitic great spotted cuckoos Clamator glandarius. In one of the experiment, experimental model eggs were exposed to strong or moderate smell of tobacco smoke, whereas those of a third group (control) were cleaned with disinfecting wipes and kept in boxes containing odourless cotton. Results showed that model eggs with strong tobacco scent were more frequently ejected compared with control ones. In another experiment, models were smeared with scents from cloacal wash from magpies (control), cloacal wash or uropygial secretions from cuckoos, or human scents. This experiment resulted in a statistically significant effect of treatment in unparasitized magpie nests in which control model eggs handled by humans were more often rejected. These results provide the first evidence that hosts of brood parasites use their olfactory ability to detect and eject foreign eggs from their nests. These findings may have important consequences for handling procedures of experimental eggs used in egg‐recognition tests, in addition to our understanding of interactions between brood parasites and their hosts.
Radiographic and MRI characteristics of lumbar disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis and spondylosis deformans in dogs
Authors: Togni A. , Kranenburg H. J. C. , Morgan J. P. , Steffen F. 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate clinical signs, describe lesions and differences in the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of spinal new bone formations classified as disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis and/or spondylosis deformans on radiographs and compare degeneration status of the intervertebral discs using the Pfirrmann scale.METHODSRetrospective analysis of 18 dogs presented with spinal disorders using information from radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging examinations.RESULTSAll dogs were found to be affected with both disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis and spondylosis deformans. Neurological signs due to foraminal stenosis associated with disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis were found in two dogs. Spondylosis deformans was associated with foraminal stenosis and/or disc protrusion in 15 cases.The Pfirrmann score on magnetic resonance imaging was significantly higher in spondylosis deformans compared with disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis and signal intensity of new bone due to disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis was significantly higher compared to spondylosis deformans.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEDifferences between disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis and spondylosis deformans found on magnetic resonance imaging contribute to an increased differentiation between the two entities. Clinically relevant lesions in association with disseminated idiopathic spinal hyperostosis were rare compared to those seen with spondylosis deformans.
Global DNA methylation: uncommon event in oral lichenoid disease
Authors: Bediaga NG , Marichalar‐Mendia X , Aguirre‐Urizar JM , Calvo B , Echebarria‐Goicouria MA , de Pancorbo MM , Acha‐Sagredo A 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesAccumulating evidence indicates that aberrant DNA methylation is closely related to oral carcinogenesis, and it has been shown that methylation changes might be used as prognostic biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral lichenoid disease (OLD) is the most common oral potentially malignant disorder in our region. The aim of this study was to perform the first wide DNA methylation study in OLD in order to investigate the relevance of DNA methylation changes in this premalignant disorder.Materials and MethodsTwo different Illumina microarray platforms, namely the GoldenGate Cancer Panel I and the HumanMethylation27 DNA Analysis BeadChip, were utilized in the discovery phase to interrogate the methylation profile of 59 OLD cases and 9 healthy individuals. Top‐ranked genes were further validated by pyrosequencing in a second sample set consisting of 160 OLD and 65 controls.ResultsOur results show that the frequency of aberrant DNA methylation is rare in OLD, and this finding was further corroborated by pyrosequencing in the biological validation.ConclusionsThese findings reinforce the notion that molecular alterations associated with oral carcinogenesis do not seem to be common events in OLD, which in turn might explain the low rate of malignization of this disorder.
Theβ2‐adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline recovers rat pharyngeal dilator muscle force decline during severe hypoxia
Authors: McDonald FB , Skelly JR , O'Halloran KD 
Published: April 2014

RationaleObstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a debilitating condition characterized by recurrent occlusions of the pharyngeal airway during sleep accompanied by arterial hypoxaemia. Upper airway muscle dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology ofOSAS. Pharmacological agents that improve muscle contractile and endurance properties may have therapeutic value.AimWe tested the hypothesis that theβ2‐adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline improves rat sternohyoid muscle performance especially during hypoxic stress.MethodsIsometric contractile and endurance properties were examinedex vivoin Krebs solution at 35°C. Muscles were incubated in tissue baths under hyperoxic (95% O2/5%CO2) conditions in the absence (control) or presence of theβ2‐adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline (1 μM). In additional experiments under hypoxic (95% N2/5%CO2) conditions, the effects of terbutaline were examined in the presence of theβ‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (1 μM).ResultsHypoxia significantly impaired sternohyoid force production. Terbutaline completely recovered hypoxic depression of force, an effect that was blocked by co‐application with propranolol.ConclusionTheβ2‐adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline completely recovers hypoxic depression of upper airway muscle force.β2‐adrenoceptor agonists warrant investigation in animal models ofOSASreporting upper airway and diaphragm muscle dysfunction.