bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mediterranean diversification of the grass‐feeding Anisopliina beetles (Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae, Anomalini) as inferred by bootstrap‐averaged dispersal–vicariance analysis
Authors: Micó Estefanía , Sanmartín Isabel , Galante Eduardo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim  The circum‐Mediterranean region is one of the most complex regions of the Earth in terms of geography and natural history. The Old World species of the beetle subtribe Anisopliina (Scarabaeidae) feed almost exclusively on the pollen of grasses (Poaceae). Within this group, the ‘anisopliine clade’ forms a monophyletic group distributed mainly in the circum‐Mediterranean region. Here, we reconstruct the biogeographical history of the anisopliine beetles in relation to the diversification of grasses, and compare this reconstruction with previous hypotheses concerning the evolution of the Mediterranean fauna and with palaeogeographical accounts of the history of this region.Location  The Mediterranean region, including North Africa, the Western Mediterranean, Balkans–Anatolia, Middle East and Caucasus.Methods  Dispersal–vicariance analysis (diva) was used to reconstruct ancestral distributions based on the morphological phylogeny and to infer the biogeographical processes that have shaped the observed distribution patterns. To account for phylogenetic uncertainty in the biogeographical reconstruction, we ran alternative ancestral distributions derived by diva over a sample of trees obtained by bootstrapping the original data set, reflecting the relative confidence of the ancestral areas on the various clades in the phylogeny.Results  The Eastern Mediterranean region and the Caucasus are inferred as the ancestral area of most of the anisopliine lineages. The Eastern Mediterranean region is also reconstructed as the source area of the majority of dispersal events, in particular towards North Africa and the Western Mediterranean. The Iberian Peninsula is inferred as part of the ancestral distribution of the anisopliine clade but also as the setting of several independent colonization events via both the North African platform (Anthoplia) and a European dispersal route (Anisoplia).Main conclusions  Our results confirm the role played by the Eastern Mediterranean as an evolutionary cradle of diversity for Mediterranean lineages. This can be explained by a recent and intense orogenic activity that might have promoted isolation and allopatric speciation within lineages. Both the Anomalini fossil record and the close association of anisopliine beetles with grasses suggest that the anisopliine clade originated in the Late Tertiary and that its spatial and temporal evolution within the Mediterranean Basin coincided with that of its major food source, the Mediterranean Poaceae.
Likelihood ratios of clinical, laboratory and image data of pancreatic cancer: Bayesian approach
Authors: De Icaza Esteban , López‐Cervantes Malaquías , Arredondo Armando , Robles‐Díaz Guillermo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPurpose  The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) is most frequently established in advanced stages. The aim of this study is to estimate the likelihood ratios (LRs) of diagnostic data with regards to PC that could be used to approach an earlier diagnosis.Methods  A case–control study of 300 patients – 150 histological diagnosed cases of PC and 150 age‐matched controls hospitalized for study of jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss and/or chronic pancreatitis – was conducted. Bayesian probabilities in the form of LRs were estimated for PC predictions.Results  Probability of PC was associated with jaundice [odds ratio (OR) 2.89; confidence interval (CI) 1.71–4.85], glycemic disturbance (OR 5.64; CI 2.36–13.46), tobacco index >20 (OR 2.11; CI 1.08–4.09) and tumour marker CA 19‐9 (OR 9.33; CI 1.36–63.95). Computed tomography showed the highest test performance with regards to PC when comparing with other diagnostic tests. LRs for variables relevant to PC were estimated, among the most relevant: jaundice LR + 1.92, CA 19‐9 LR + 5.36 and computed tomography LR + 4.15. The prediction model with an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at a tertiary referral hospital determined a 67% probability of detecting PC.Conclusions  Through a Bayesian approach we can combine clinical, laboratory and imaging data to approximate to an earlier diagnosis of PC.
Willingness to pay for a hearing aid: comparing the payment scale and open‐ended question
Authors: Grutters Janneke P. C. , Anteunis Lucien J. C. , Chenault Michelene N. , Joore Manuela A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRationale & objectives Different question formats elicit different willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) results, but there is no consensus on which method elicits the most valid WTP. In spite of the methodological controversies, WTP is a potentially valuable tool in health economics to value health services. Our general objective was to provide additional evidence on the validity of two WTP elicitation formats: the open‐ended question and the payment scale.Methods We elicited WTP for a hearing aid among hearing aid users (n = 108), using both a payment scale and an open‐ended question. We compared the results from both formats. We tested criterion validity by comparing both formats with the actual out‐of‐pocket payment. Construct validity was tested by examining whether WTP was consistent with positive income elasticity.Results The WTP results elicited with the payment scale and open‐ended question were not statistically significantly different. Both formats showed good criterion validity, although the open‐ended question showed a stronger association with the actual out‐of‐pocket payment. The open‐ended format showed better construct validity, as it was influenced by family income.Conclusion The results of the present study showed that the open‐ended question was more valid than the payment scale question. We, therefore, recommend that in future WTP studies on hearing aids the open‐ended question is used to directly elicit WTP values. The same recommendation may apply to other studies where respondents are familiar with costs or payments for the intervention under evaluation.
Validation of a prioritization tool for patients on the waiting list for total hip and knee replacements
Authors: Escobar Antonio , González Marta , Quintana José Ma , Bilbao Amaia , Ibañez Berta 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRationale and aims  Total hip and knee replacements, usually, have long waiting lists. There are several prioritization tools for these kind of patients. A new tool should undergo a standardized validation process. The aim of the present study was to validate a new prioritization tool for primary hip and knee replacements.Methods  We carried out a prospective study. Consecutive patients placed on the waiting list were eligible for the study. Patients included were mailed a questionnaire which included, among other questions, the seven items of the priority tool and the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) specific questionnaire. The priority tool gives a score from 0 to 100 points, and three categories (urgent, preferent and ordinary). We studied the content and construct validity. We used Student's t‐test or one‐way analysis of variance. Correlational analysis was used to evaluate convergent and discriminate validity.Results  The sample consisted of 838 patients (62.3% were female), with mean age of 70.2 years (SD 8.4). A total of 55.5% patients underwent knee replacement. Given that the tool was elaborated by patients and orthopaedic surgeons, it shows a good content validity. The priority score was statistically different (P < 0.001) among the three urgency categories created. The scores of the three WOMAC dimensions showed differences (P < 0.001) by the three urgency categories created. The correlations between the priority score and WOMAC dimensions were 0.79 (function), 0.69 (pain) and 0.51 (stiffness). The correlations between WOMAC items and items from priority tool were greater (0.47–0.69) between items measuring similar constructs than those measuring different constructs (0.27–0.49). These data are similar in both joints.Conclusions  Results support the validity of the prioritization tool to be used with patients waiting for hip or knee replacement.
Chronic kidney disease: appropriateness of therapeutic management and associated factors in the AVENIR study
Authors: Thilly Nathalie , Boini Stéphanie , Kessler Michèle , Briançon Serge , Frimat Luc 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  The nephrology literature contains little information about the global patterns of medication used in the management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to evaluate the appropriateness of nephrological therapeutic management of CKD patients compared with current guidelines and to investigate associations between patient characteristics and the quality of therapeutic management.Methods  All adult CKD patients who were starting dialysis in Lorraine (France) between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2006 and who had been referred to a nephrologist no less than 1 month previously were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic data were collected retrospectively from medical records covering the period from the first nephrology consultation to initiation of dialysis. Outcomes of interest were the appropriateness of the therapeutic management of five aspects of CKD: hypertension/proteinuria, anaemia, bone disease, metabolic acidosis and dyslipidemia. Therapeutic care was given a global rating (high, moderate or poor), depending on the number of aspects being managed appropriately. Relationships between the global rating and demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were explored.Results  During predialysis nephrology follow‐up, 93.1% of the 420 patients enrolled were receiving antihypertensive therapy; 67.1% were taking a renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor. Other prescriptions included: erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (67.4%), iron (48.3%), phosphate binders (38.1%), vitamin D (21.1%), bicarbonates (15.5%) and statins (36.2%). Hypertension/proteinuria was managed appropriately in 72.4% of cases, anaemia in 56.2%, bone disease in 16.7%, metabolic acidosis in 60.2% and dyslipidemia in 61.4%. The global quality of care was high in 22.1% of cases, moderate in 65.7% and poor in 12.2%. After adjustment, the more nephrology consultations a patient had before dialysis, the higher the quality of his or her care.Conclusion  The quality of therapeutic care delivered to CKD patients in nephrology setting was suboptimal when assessed in terms of adherence to guidelines.
Expanding roles in orthopaedic care: a comparison of physiotherapist and orthopaedic surgeon recommendations for triage
Authors: MacKay Crystal , Davis Aileen M , Mahomed Nizar , Badley Elizabeth M 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Innovative service delivery models are emerging using physiotherapists in the assessment and management of patients referred for orthopaedic consultation. The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical recommendations of specially trained physiotherapists with those of an orthopaedic surgeon on: (1) appropriateness to be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon; and (2) candidacy and willingness to undergo total joint replacement (TJR) for patients with hip or knee problems. A secondary objective was to examine their recommendations for non‐surgical management and agreement on clinical diagnosis.Methods  Physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons independently assessed patients with hip and knee problems referred for consideration for TJR and completed a standardized form on treatment recommendations. Agreement between providers was determined using the kappa coefficient and per cent agreement.Results  Two physiotherapists and three orthopaedic surgeons participated in the study that included 45 and 17 patients with knee and hip problems respectively. In 91.8% (56/61) of cases, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons agreed on the recommendation of appropriateness for the patient to see a surgeon (kappa 0.69). In discordant cases, the physiotherapists tended to refer for consultation. There was 85.5% (53/62) agreement on whether a patient was a candidate and willing to have TJR (kappa 0.70). The physiotherapists commonly recommended exercise and education for non‐surgical patients. Orthopaedic surgeons most commonly referred patients to rehabilitation services.Conclusions  Patients with hip or knee pain referred to orthopaedic surgeons can be appropriately referred for orthopaedic consultation by physiotherapists working in extended roles. Further research is required to evaluate the value‐added and the most appropriate use of extended role physiotherapists.
Fluoxetine and imipramine: are there differences in cost‐utility for depression in primary care?
Authors: Serrano‐Blanco Antoni , Suárez David , Pinto‐Meza Alejandra , Peñarrubia Maria T. , Haro Josep Maria ,   DAPGA Group (Depressió en Atenció Primària de Gavà)
Published: February 2009

AbstractRationale Depressive disorders generate severe personal burden and high economic costs. Cost‐utility analyses of the different therapeutical options are crucial to policy‐makers and clinicians. Previous cost‐utility studies, comparing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, have used modelling techniques or have not included indirect costs in the economic analyses.Objective To determine the cost‐utility of fluoxetine compared with imipramine for treating depressive disorders in primary care.Methods A 6‐month randomized prospective naturalistic study comparing fluoxetine with imipramine was conducted in three primary care centres in Spain. One hundred and three patients requiring antidepressant treatment for a DSM‐IV depressive disorder were included in the study. Patients were randomized either to fluoxetine (53 patients) or to imipramine (50 patients) treatment. Patients were treated with antidepressants according to their general practitioner's usual clinical practice. Outcome measures were the quality of life tariff of the European Quality of Life Questionnaire: EuroQoL‐5D (five domains), direct costs, indirect costs and total costs. Subjects were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and after 1, 3 and 6 months. Incremental cost‐utility ratios (ICUR) were obtained. To address uncertainty in the ICUR's sampling distribution, non‐parametric bootstrapping was carried out.Results Taking into account adjusted total costs and incremental quality of life gained, imipramine dominated fluoxetine with 81.5% of the bootstrap replications in the dominance quadrant.Conclusion Imipramine seems to be a better cost‐utility antidepressant option for treating depressive disorders in primary care.
The Manitoba arthroplasty waiting list: impact on health‐related quality of life and initiatives to remedy the problem
Authors: Mascarenhas Randy 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRationale  With the aging population, arthritis of the hip and knee is increasing exponentially. While total joint replacement of the hip and knee have been proven to provide excellent outcomes for this debilitating clinical entity, the demand in Canada has grown to such an extent that there are thousands of people suffering on wait lists across the country. There have been numerous recent studies focusing on the effects that waiting have on patient post‐operative subjective and objective clinical outcomes.Aims and Objectives  This commentary attempts to provide a review of the relevant data on the impact that waiting has on the health related quality of life of these patients. Additionally, the hip and knee arthroplasty wait list in Manitoba is illustrated to provide an example of interventions that have helped to combat a potential crisis situation in the province.Methods  The literature on the impact of waiting times on health‐related quality of life in hip and knee arthroplasty patients is reviewed. The example of the Manitoba arthroplasty waiting list is then provided to illustrate potential measures that can be implemented to decrease waiting times.Results  The literature shows that health‐related quality of life declines as patients wait for surgery. The interventions that the province of Manitoba has implemented in the last seven years seem to be reducing waiting times and the number of patients on the waiting list.Conclusions  The framework used in Manitoba may serve as an example for other provinces and potentially countries that find themselves faced with the same problem. However, more measures are required to build on the positive results encountered with these initial successes.
Prolamellar bodies formed by cyanobacterial protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase in Arabidopsis
Authors: Masuda Shinji , Ikeda Rei , Masuda Tatsuru , Hashimoto Haruki , Tsuchiya Tohru , Kojima Hiroko , Nomata Jiro , Fujita Yuichi , Mimuro Mamoru , Ohta Hiroyuki , Takamiya Ken‐ichiro 
Published: February 2009

SummaryIn angiosperms, chlorophyll biosynthesis is light dependent. A key factor in this process is protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR), which requires light to catalyze the reduction of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide. It is believed that this protein originated from an ancient cyanobacterial enzyme that was introduced into proto‐plant cells during the primary symbiosis. Here we report that PORs from the cyanobacteria Gloeobacter violaceus PCC7421 and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 function in plastids. First, we found that the G. violaceus POR shows a higher affinity to its substrate protochlorophyllide than the Synechocystis POR but a similar affinity to plant PORs. Secondly, the reduced size of prolamellar bodies caused by a knockdown mutation of one of the POR genes, PORA, in Arabidopsis could be complemented by heterologous expression of the cyanobacterial PORs. Photoactive protochlorophyllide in the etioplasts of the complementing lines, however, was retained at a low level as in the parent PORA knockdown mutant, indicating that the observed formation of prolamellar bodies was irrelevant to the assembly of photoactive protochlorophyllide. This work reveals a new view on the formation of prolamellar bodies and provides new clues about the function of POR in the etioplast–chloroplast transition.
Stress‐induced changes in the Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptome analyzed using whole‐genome tiling arrays
Authors: Zeller Georg , Henz Stefan R. , Widmer Christian K. , Sachsenberg Timo , Rätsch Gunnar , Weigel Detlef , Laubinger Sascha 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe responses of plants to abiotic stresses are accompanied by massive changes in transcriptome composition. To provide a comprehensive view of stress‐induced changes in the Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptome, we have used whole‐genome tiling arrays to analyze the effects of salt, osmotic, cold and heat stress as well as application of the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), an important mediator of stress responses. Among annotated genes in the reference strain Columbia we have found many stress‐responsive genes, including several transcription factor genes as well as pseudogenes and transposons that have been missed in previous analyses with standard expression arrays. In addition, we report hundreds of newly identified, stress‐induced transcribed regions. These often overlap with known, annotated genes. The results are accessible through the Arabidopsis thaliana Tiling Array Express (At‐TAX) homepage, which provides convenient tools for displaying expression values of annotated genes, as well as visualization of unannotated transcribed regions along each chromosome.
TRPV1‐mediated itch in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Alenmyr L. , Högestätt E. D. , Zygmunt P. M. , Greiff L. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Patients with allergic rhinitis may be abnormally sensitive to stimulation of the ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1).Aim of the study:  To examine effects of various TRP ion channel activators on sensory symptoms in allergic rhinitis prior to and during seasonal allergen exposure.Methods:  Nasal challenges were carried out with the TRPV1‐activators capsaicin, anandamide and olvanil. Moreover, challenges were performed with mustard oil (allylisothiocyanate) and cinnamaldehyde as well as menthol, activators of TRPA1 and TRPM8, respectively. Nasal symptoms were monitored after each challenge and compared with symptoms reported following corresponding sham challenges. Symptoms recorded after challenge prior to pollen season were also compared with challenge‐induced symptoms during pollen season.Results:  The TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8‐activators produced sensory symptoms dominated by pain and smart. During seasonal allergen exposure, but not prior to season, TRPV1‐activators also induced itch. Furthermore, the seasonal challenge to the TRPV1‐activator olvanil was associated with rhinorrhoea.Conclusion:  Patients with allergic rhinitis feature an increased itch response to TRPV1 stimulation at seasonal allergen exposure. We suggest that this reflects part of the hyperresponsiveness that characterizes on‐going allergic rhinitis. Intervention with the TRPV1‐signalling pathway may offer potential treatments of this condition.
Increased metal allergy in patients with failed metal‐on‐metal hip arthroplasty and peri‐implant T‐lymphocytic inflammation
Authors: Thomas P. , Braathen L. R. , Dörig M. , Auböck J. , Nestle F. , Werfel T. , Willert H. G. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  In 16 patients with revised metal‐on‐metal arthroplasty and peri‐implant lymphocytic inflammation, we verified the role of metal hypersensitivity by patch testing (PT) and lymphocyte transformation test (LTT).Methods:  In the 16 patients with lymphocyte dominated periprosthetic inflammation, allergy history was obtained by a questionnaire, specific serum IgE to aeroallergens was measured to assess atopy, PT to standard and metal series was performed and metal sensitivity was further assessed by LTT using blood mononuclear cells.Results:  Revision surgery was performed because of pain (8/16), osteolysis (4/16), dislocation (3/16) and loosening of the stem (1/16). Histological examination showed perivascular infiltrates of T lymphocytes, high endothelial venules, fibrin exudation and accumulation of macrophages with drop‐like inclusions. Five patients had a history of cutaneous metal allergy and atopy was found in 25% of the patients. In 13/16 patients (81%), systemic metal sensitivity was found based on PT and/or LTT. Patch test reactions were seen in 11/16 patients (69%; partly multiple reactions/patient): 7/16 to Cobalt (Co), 7/16 to Chromium (Cr), 4/16 to Nickel (Ni), and one each to Molybdenum (Mo) and Manganese (Mn). Ten of 16 patients (62%) showed enhanced LTT reactivity to metals: 7/16 to Ni, 7/16 to Co, 5/16 to Cr, 5/16 to Mo and 4/16 to Mn.Conclusions:  The lymphocyte dominated peri‐implant inflammation may well reflect an allergic hyper‐reactivity in these patients, given the high rate of concomitantly found metal allergy. Despite the overall incidence of metal implant allergy being low, allergic reactions should be included as differential diagnosis in failed metal‐on‐metal arthroplasty.