bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The safety of statins in children
Authors: Lamaida Norman , Capuano Ernesto , Pinto Laura , Capuano Eduardo , Capuano Rocco , Capuano Vincenzo
Published: April 2013

Current American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines recommended that statins should be considered as a first‐line agent in children as early as 8 years of age. The aim of our work is to assess the safety of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors in children with hypercholesterolaemia.

Conclusion

Controlled studies in children show that statin monotherapy is efficacious, well tolerated and safe in the short‐time. Unfortunately, these studies have relatively short‐term follow‐up periods, and therefore, long‐term safety remains unclear.
A UK national survey of investigations for beta‐lactam hypersensitivity – heterogeneity in practice and a need for national guidelines – on behalf of British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI)
Authors: Richter A. G. , Nasser S. M. , Krishna M. T.
Published: April 2013

Background

Beta lactams (BL) are the most widely prescribed antibiotics in the UK and the commonest cause of hypersensitivity reactions. There are no UK guidelines for BL testing and the most relevant guidelines were devised by the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) on behalf of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Objective

Delivery of allergy services differs across Europe, so this survey was designed to investigate how closely UK practice adhered to these guidelines.

Methods

An online survey, using surveymonkey.com software, was sent to all consultants offering an allergy service in the UK and who were members of either BSACI or ‘Travellers’ (Immunology consultant group).

Results

The response rate was 48% (n=81/165) and BL allergy testing was undertaken by 78% of respondents. All responders requested SsIgE, although four responders stated they rarely requested. Skin testing was undertaken by 87% of respondents who perform beta lactam testing with 17% undertaking skin prick testing (SPT) only, 77% SPT followed by intra‐dermal testing (IDT) if the former were negative or indeterminate and 6% SPT and IDT in all cases. The drugs, doses and protocols for skin testing varied considerably. Drug provocation testing was undertaken by 87% of respondents who undertake beta lactam testing with significant heterogeneity in protocols. Respondents that investigated ≤ 20 patients per year demonstrated lower adherence to ENDA recommendations compared to those who saw > 20. Following positive testing, 79% advised avoidance of all penicillins only and the remainder advised additional drug avoidance.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

This survey revealed variation in the investigation and management of BL hypersensitivity in the UK with some centres reporting procedures that could potentially put patients at risk of anaphylaxis if allergy was falsely excluded. This survey highlights an urgent need for evidence based national guidelines and standardisation of practice.
Advanced phenotyping in hypersensitivity drug reactions to NSAIDs
Authors: Ayuso P. , Blanca‐López N. , Doña I. , Torres M. J. , Guéant‐Rodríguez R. M. , Canto G. , Sanak M. , Mayorga C. , Guéant J. L. , Blanca M. , Cornejo‐García J. A.
Published: April 2013

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the medications most frequently involved in hypersensitivity drug reactions. Because NSAIDs are prescribed for many conditions, this is a world‐wide problem affecting patients of all ages. Various hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, mainly affecting the skin and/or the respiratory airways. The most frequent of these is acute urticaria, which can be induced by several different NSAIDs. Both specific and non‐specific immunological pathways have been proposed as underlying mechanisms. This review presents the clinical phenotypes and the drugs involved in NSAID hypersensitivity. Five major clinical syndromes can be distinguished: aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), aspirin‐exacerbated cutaneous disease (AECD), multiple NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema (MNSAID‐UA), single NSAID‐IgE reactions and single NSAID T cell responses. However, further classification is possible within these five major entities, by detailed descriptions of the clinical characteristics enabling more phenotypes to be defined. This detailed differentiation now seems required in order to undertake appropriate pharmacogenetic studies.
Screening for overt thyroid disease in early pregnancy may be preferable to searching for small aberrations in thyroid function tests
Authors: Laurberg Peter , Andersen Stine L. , Pedersen Inge B. , Andersen Stig , Carlé Allan
Published: April 2013

Thyroid hormones are important regulators of foetal development, and in recent years, there has been much focus on the screening and treatment of pregnant women for even small aberrations in thyroid function tests. We searched PubMed for publications on thyroid function and pregnancy outcomes including child cognition, and included references from the retrieved articles. Both small aberrations in thyroid function tests in early pregnancy and an increase in risk of pregnancy complications may be caused by a functional change in the uteroplacental unit. Thus, the association found in several studies between small thyroid test abnormalities and pregnancy complications may be due to confounding, and thyroid hormone therapy will have no effect. On the other hand, screening of thyroid function in early pregnancy may identify 200–300 women with undiagnosed overt hypothyroidism per 100 000 pregnancies, which is at least five times more than the number of hypothyroid newborns identified by screening. A number of studies indicate that untreated overt thyroid disease in pregnancy may lead to complications. The potential benefit of screening and early therapy is supported by evidence, indicating that even severe maternal hypothyroidism does not lead to neurocognitive deficiencies in the child, if the condition is detected and treated during the first half of pregnancy. Screening and therapy for overt thyroid dysfunction in early pregnancy may be indicated, rather than focusing on identifying and treating small aberrations in thyroid function tests.
Practitioner–mother relationships and the processes that bind them
Authors: Waterhouse Lorraine , McGhee Janice
Published: April 2013

This paper outlines a theoretical contribution to conceptualizing practitioner–mother relationships in child protection social work. It examines what is represented when these face‐to‐face encounters takes place. It suggests an intersubjective dimension where mothers are in effect asked to give an account of themselves. Drawing on humanities and social science writing, practitioner–mother relations are examined to analyse their symbolic and literal significance and the underlying purposes and assumptions that bind them. Butler's theory of recognition is utilized to alert us to the importance of supporting the narrative capacity of women caught up in child protection processes and of allowing the mother to give an account of herself as a woman and as a mother.
Adenoma, advanced adenoma and colorectal cancer prevalence in asymptomatic 40‐ to 49‐year‐old subjects with a first‐degree family history of colorectal cancer
Authors: Del Vecchio Blanco G. , Cretella M. , Paoluzi O. A. , Caruso A. , Mannisi E. , Servadei F. , Romeo S. , Grasso E. , Sileri P. , Giannelli M. , Biancone L. , Palmieri G. , Pallone F.
Published: April 2013

Aim

First‐degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have an increased CRC risk. Few studies have addressed if adenoma and advanced adenoma risk is increased among individuals, 40–49 years of age, with a family history of CRC. Therefore, the aim of the study was to define the prevalence and location of adenoma, advanced adenoma and CRC, according to age, in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of CRC.

Method

Retrospective study of asymptomatic FDRs, 40 to ≥70 years of age undergoing first screening colonoscopy over a 3‐year period, of CRC patients.

Results

Among 464 individuals studied, the prevalence of adenoma and advanced adenoma was 18.1% and 6.4%, respectively. According to age intervals, the prevalences of adenoma and advanced adenoma were 14% and 3.5%, respectively, in subjects 40–49 years of age; 14.4% and 6.3%, respectively, in subjects 50–59 years of age; 27% and 8%, respectively, in subjects 60–69 years of age; and 25% and 14%, respectively, in subjects ≥70 years of age; no significant difference was found among the four groups. No difference in lesion location was found, with similar numbers of preneoplastic lesions being present in the right colon and the left colon. CRC was diagnosed in three (0.64%) subjects, one of whom was in the 40–49 years age group.

Conclusion

In our population of FDRs of CRC patients, 40–49 years of age, the prevalences of adenoma and advanced adenoma were similar to those observed in older subjects with the same CRC risk. Our data support the current indication to perform screening colonoscopy earlier than 45 years of age in subjects at high CRC risk.
Melting Lizards and Crying Mailboxes: Children's Preferential Recall of Minimally Counterintuitive Concepts
Authors: Banerjee Konika , Haque Omar S. , Spelke Elizabeth S.
Published: April 2013

Previous research with adults suggests that a catalog of minimally counterintuitive concepts, which underlies supernatural or religious concepts, may constitute a cognitive optimum and is therefore cognitively encoded and culturally transmitted more successfully than either entirely intuitive concepts or maximally counterintuitive concepts. This study examines whether children's concept recall similarly is sensitive to the degree of conceptual counterintuitiveness (operationalized as a concept's number of ontological domain violations) for items presented in the context of a fictional narrative. Seven‐ to nine‐year‐old children who listened to a story including both intuitive and counterintuitive concepts recalled the counterintuitive concepts containing one (Experiment 1) or two (Experiment 2), but not three (Experiment 3), violations of intuitive ontological expectations significantly more and in greater detail than the intuitive concepts, both immediately after hearing the story and 1 week later. We conclude that one or two violations of expectation may be a cognitive optimum for children: They are more inferentially rich and therefore more memorable, whereas three or more violations diminish memorability for target concepts. These results suggest that the cognitive bias for minimally counterintuitive ideas is present and active early in human development, near the start of formal religious instruction. This finding supports a growing literature suggesting that diverse, early‐emerging, evolved psychological biases predispose humans to hold and perform religious beliefs and practices whose primary form and content is not derived from arbitrary custom or the social environment alone.
A longitudinal study on cardiac effects of deconditioning and physical reconditioning using the anterior cruciate ligament injury as a model
Authors: Steding‐Ehrenborg Katarina , Hedén Bo , Herbertsson Pär , Arheden Håkan
Published: April 2013

Background

Studies of cardiovascular deconditioning are primarily carried out after experimental bed rest. No previous study has followed the cardiovascular effects of decreased and resumed physical activity in athletes after acute physical injury and convalescence. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury causes a significantly decreased activity level over a long period, making it an ideal model for studying effects of deconditioning and reconditioning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how cardiac dimensions and maximal exercise capacity change after an ACL‐injury.

Method

Seventeen athletes (5 women) were included. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed within 5 days of the injury (CMR1), before endurance training was resumed (CMR2) and 6 months after the second scan (CMR3). Maximal exercise testing was performed on the same day as CMR2 and 3.

Results

The deconditioning phase between CMR1 and CMR2 was 59 ± 28 days. Total heart volume (THV) decreased with −3·1 ± 6·7%, P = 0·056. Between CMR2 and 3 (reconditioning), THV increased significantly (2·5 ± 4·6%, P<0·05). Left and right ventricular EDV decreased during deconditioning (−3·0 ± 5·6% and −4·7 ± 6·6%) and increased during reconditioning (1·7 ± 3·9% and 2·6 ± 6·2%) however not statistically significant. Left ventricular mass (LVM) remained unchanged. VO2 peak (mlmin−1kg−1) increased significantly during the reconditioning phase (6·1 ± 5·3%, P<0·001).

Conclusion

Physiological cardiac adaptation to deconditioning and reconditioning caused by severe knee injury with maintained normal daily living during convalescence was smaller than previously shown in bed rest studies. Total heart volume and VO2 peak were significantly affected by reconditioning whilst LVEDV, RVEDV and LVM remained unchanged over the study period.
EFNS review on the role of muscle biopsy in the investigation of myalgia
Authors: Kyriakides T. , Angelini C. , Schaefer J. , Mongini T. , Siciliano G. , Sacconi S. , Joseph J. , Burgunder J. M. , Bindoff L. A. , Vissing J. , de Visser M. , Hilton‐Jones D.
Published: April 2013

Background

Myalgia, defined as any pain perceived in muscle, is very common in the general population and a frequent cause for referral to neurologists, rheumatologists and internists in general. It is however only rarely due to primary muscle disease and often referred from ligaments, joints, bones, the peripheral and central nervous system. A muscle biopsy should only be performed if this is likely to be diagnostically useful. At present no ‘guidelines’ exist.

Methods

An EFNS panel of muscle specialists was set to review relevant studies from PubMed dating as far back as 1/1/1990. Only Class IV studies were available and therefore the recommendations arrived at are ‘best practice recommendations’ based on information harvested from the literature search and expert opinion.

Results

Muscle cramps should be recognized while drugs, infections, metabolic/ endocrinological and rheumatological causes of myalgia should be identified from the history and examination and pertinent laboratory tests. A muscle biopsy is more likely to be diagnostically useful if myalgia is exertional and if one or more of the following apply: i) there is myoglobinuria, (ii) there is a second wind phenomenon, (iii) there is muscle weakness, (iv) there is muscle hypertrophy /atrophy, (v) there is hyperCKemia (>2–3× normal), and (vi) there is a myopathic EMG.

Conclusions

Patients presenting with myalgia can be recommended to have a biopsy based on careful history and examination and on simple laboratory screening.
Proximity to agriculture is correlated with pesticide tolerance: evidence for the evolution of amphibian resistance to modern pesticides
Authors: Cothran Rickey D. , Brown Jenise M. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: April 2013

Anthropogenic environmental change is a powerful and ubiquitous evolutionary force, so it is critical that we determine the extent to which organisms can evolve in response to anthropogenic environmental change and whether these evolutionary responses have associated costs. This issue is particularly relevant for species of conservation concern including many amphibians, which are experiencing global declines from many causes including widespread exposure to agrochemicals. We used a laboratory toxicity experiment to assess variation in sensitivity to two pesticides among wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) populations and a mesocosm experiment to ascertain whether resistance to pesticides is associated with decreased performance when animals experience competition and fear of predation. We discovered that wood frog populations closer to agriculture were more resistant to a common insecticide (chlorpyrifos), but not to a common herbicide (Roundup). We also found no evidence that this resistance carried a performance cost when facing competition and the fear of predation. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that organophosphate insecticide (the most commonly applied class of insecticides in the world) resistance increases with agricultural land use in an amphibian, which is consistent with an evolutionary response to agrochemicals.
Temperature variation makes ectotherms more sensitive to climate change
Authors: Paaijmans Krijn P. , Heinig Rebecca L. , Seliga Rebecca A. , Blanford Justine I. , Blanford Simon , Murdock Courtney C. , Thomas Matthew B.
Published: April 2013

Ectotherms are considered to be particularly vulnerable to climate warming. Descriptions of habitat temperatures and predicted changes in climate usually consider mean monthly, seasonal or annual conditions. Ectotherms, however, do not simply experience mean conditions, but are exposed to daily fluctuations in habitat temperatures. Here, we highlight how temperature fluctuation can generate ‘realized’ thermal reaction (fitness) norms that differ from the ‘fundamental’ norms derived under standard constant temperatures. Using a mosquito as a model organism, we find that temperature fluctuation reduces rate processes such as development under warm conditions, increases processes under cool conditions, and reduces both the optimum and the critical maximum temperature. Generalizing these effects for a range of terrestrial insects reveals that prevailing daily fluctuations in temperature should alter the sensitivity of species to climate warming by reducing ‘thermal safety margins’. Such effects of daily temperature dynamics have generally been ignored in the climate change literature.
Biological Performance of Calcium Pyrophosphate‐coated Porous Alumina Scaffolds
Authors: Naga Salma M. , Awaad Mohamed , El‐Maghraby Hesham F. , El‐Kady Abeer M.
Published: April 2013

The present work aims at synthesis and study the bioactivity of porous alumina scaffolds coated with calcium pyrophosphate. Characterization of the formed calcium pyrophosphate and the coated scaffolds was assessed by X‐ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscope examinations. The in vivo studies revealed the ability of the porous scaffolds to regenerate bone tissue in femur defects of albino rats. Histological analysis showed that the defect is almost entirely filled with new bone. The formed bone is characterized as a mature bone. The produced bone grafts are intended to be used as bone substitute or bone filler.
Sustainable Infrastructure Materials: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Pour‐Ghaz Mohammad
Published: April 2013

The recent quest for developing new low carbon footprint construction materials to lower the environmental emissions and implications of infrastructure has imposed many challenges and has created many opportunities for research and development in academia and industrial sectors. The present paper, discusses and summaries these challenges and opportunities and provides a synopsis of the ideas presented in the Infrastructure sessions of the Fourth International Congress on Ceramics (ICC4). This paper also discusses recent advances in the development of sustainable infrastructure materials.
Reaction‐Bonded Boron Carbide/Magnesium–Silicon Composites
Authors: Cafri Matan , Malka Alon , Dilman Helen , Dariel Moshe P. , Frage Nahum
Published: April 2013

Reaction‐bonded boron carbide was manufactured by infiltrating porous boron carbide preforms at 1273 K with a Mg‐Si eutectic alloy. The resulting composite material consists, in addition to the original B4C, of SiC, Mg2Si, and a Mg‐rich complex boride/carbide Mgx(Al,Si)y(B,C)z phase. The composites display high hardness (1700 HV), Young's modulus (356 MPa) and a moderate bending strength (230 MPa). The ballistic efficiency (of about 6.7), as determined by the depth of penetration method, is much higher than that of alumina and similar to that of silicon‐infiltrated reaction‐bonded composites.
Giovanni Bellini's Baptism of Christ in its visual and devotional context: transforming sacred space in Santa Corona in Vicenza
Authors: Allen Joanne
Published: April 2013

The Dominican church of Santa Corona in Vicenza owed its status and nomenclature to its prestigious relic from the crown of thorns. In the early fifteenth century, the reliquary and its procession were enhanced; the community appeared to increase in number and was taken over by a reform movement. From the late 1470s, an ambitious spatial transformation involved removing the prominent choir precinct from the upper nave; constructing an extended high altar chapel to house new choir stalls; and the creation of a crypt in which the precious relic would be displayed. In 1500, textile merchant Battista Graziani was granted a side chapel location in the newly liberated space of the upper nave. Giovanni Bellini's Baptism of Christ altarpiece, with its unique use of light and composition, focused attention on the figure of Christ and, as suggested by an interpretation of a Dominican text, made reference to the crowning of thorns. Graziani's altar was also subtly related to the high altar, possibly intended to house an image of the crowning of thorns above the projected new site for the relic below.
Effects of nutrient content claims, sports celebrity endorsements and premium offers on pre‐adolescent children's food preferences: experimental research
Authors: Dixon H. , Scully M. , Niven P. , Kelly B. , Chapman K. , Donovan R. , Martin J. , Baur L. A. , Crawford D. , Wakefield M.
Published: April 2013

What is already known about this subject

Food marketing has come under scrutiny for its likely contribution to promoting unhealthy eating and obesity in children.

There is limited published evidence regarding the effects of food packaging promotions on children.

Nutrient content claims and sports celebrity endorsements on food packs influence adults to prefer energy‐dense and nutrient‐poor (EDNP) products bearing such promotions, especially among the majority who do not read the nutrition information panel.

What this study adds

This study experimentally tested pre‐adolescent children's responses to three common food marketing techniques: nutrient content claims, sports celebrity endorsements and premium offers.

On‐pack nutrient content claims made pre‐adolescents more likely to choose EDNP products and increased perceptions of their nutrient content.

Sports celebrity endorsements made pre‐adolescent boys more likely to choose EDNP products.

Objectives

To assess pre‐adolescent children's responses to common child‐oriented front‐of‐pack food promotions.

Methods

Between‐subjects, web‐based experiment with four front‐of‐pack promotion conditions on energy‐dense and nutrient‐poor (EDNP) foods: no promotion [control]; nutrient content claims; sports celebrity endorsements (male athletes) and premium offers. Participants were 1302 grade 5 and 6 children (mean age 11 years) from Melbourne, Australia. Participants chose their preferred product from a randomly assigned EDNP food pack and comparable healthier food pack then completed detailed product ratings. Child‐oriented pack designs with colourful, cartooned graphics, fonts and promotions were used.

Results

Compared to the control condition, children were more likely to choose EDNP products featuring nutrient content claims (both genders) and sports celebrity endorsements (boys only). Perceptions of nutritional content were enhanced by nutrient content claims. Effects of promotions on some product ratings (but not choice) were negated when children referred to the nutrition information panel. Premium offers did not enhance children's product ratings or choice.

Conclusions

Nutrient content claims and sports celebrity endorsements influence pre‐adolescent children's preferences towards EDNP food products displaying them. Policy interventions to reduce the impact of unhealthy food marketing to children should limit the use of these promotions.
Nursing, sexual health and youth with disabilities: a critical ethnography
Authors: McCabe Janet , Holmes Dave
Published: April 2013

Aim

To explore the experiences of nurses providing sexual health care to adolescents with physical and/or developmental disabilities, with attention to the institutional and social discourses that shape these interactions.

Background

Previous research has shown that nurses demonstrate a lack of attention to the impact of illness or disability on sexual health. However, in their therapeutic relationship with patients and families, nurses are in an ideal position to promote sexual health.

Design

A critical ethnography study was conducted in an urban paediatric rehabilitative facility.

Method

Field work occurred over 4 months (2008–2009) and data collection included interviews (n = 9), key informant discussions, collection of documentary evidence and observation of the institutional setting.

Findings

Four themes were identified (institutional space, professional interactions, engaging with sexuality, nursing experience), which revealed that nurse–patient interactions about sexual health were affected by a complex network of discourses. These encounters were shaped by practical discourses, such as time and space and by more complex discourses, such as professional relationships, normalization and asexuality.

Conclusion

Nurses occupy and strive to maintain, the role of a caring agent. However, aspects of the clinical, institutional and broader social environments may undermine their ability to promote sexual health. In nurses' efforts to maintain therapeutic relationships with clients, sexual health is often medicalised to legitimize it as an appropriate topic of discussion with patients and families. Facilities serving youth with disabilities should take steps to address barriers to the delivery of sexual health promotion and several solutions are proposed.
Stigmatization of individuals with sexually transmitted infections: effects of illness and observer characteristics
Authors: Foster Lyndsay R. , Byers E. Sandra
Published: April 2013

There has been little experimental research examining characteristics that contribute to the stigmatization of individuals with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV. We examined 3 illness characteristics (STI type, control over transmission, target gender) and 3 observer characteristics (sexual attitudes, sexual experience, observer gender) characteristics. Undergraduates (N = 207) read 1 of 8 vignettes and provided ratings of enacted stigma, felt stigma, and attributions of blame. As predicted, ratings of blame and stigmatization were significantly greater by individuals with more conservative attitudes and in the conditions in which the target had more behavioral control and contracted herpes. We found little evidence for a sexual double standard. Implications for the development and maintenance of illness‐related stigmas are discussed.
A review of the evidence for pathogenic mechanisms that may link periodontitis and diabetes
Authors: Taylor John J. , Preshaw Philip M. , Lalla Evanthia
Published: April 2013

Aims

To review the evidence for the molecular and cellular processes that may potentially link periodontal disease and diabetes. The pathogenic roles of cytokines and metabolic molecules (e.g. glucose, lipids) are explored and the role of periodontal bacteria is also addressed. Paradigms for bidirectional relationships between periodontitis and diabetes are discussed and opportunities for elaborating these models are considered.

Methods

Database searches were performed using MeSH terms, keywords, and title words. Studies were evaluated and summarized in a narrative review.

Results

Periodontal microbiota appears unaltered by diabetes and there is little evidence that it may influence glycaemic control. Small‐scale clinical studies and experiments in animal models suggest that IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, OPG and RANKL may mediate periodontitis in diabetes. The AGE‐RAGE axis is likely an important pathway of tissue destruction and impaired repair in diabetes‐associated periodontitis. A role for locally activated pro‐inflammatory factors in the periodontium, which subsequently impact on diabetes, remains speculative.

Conclusion

There is substantial information on potential mechanistic pathways which support a close association between diabetes and periodontitis, but there is a real need for longitudinal clinical studies using larger patient groups, integrated with studies of animal models and cells/tissues in vitro.
Effects of insulin changes on quality of life and glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The insulin‐changing study intending to gain patients' insights into insulin treatment with patient‐reported health outcomes in actual clinical treatments (INSIGHTs) study
Authors: Ishii Hitoshi , Terauchi Yasuo , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Taketsuna Masanori , Takeuchi Masakazu , Imaoka Takeshi
Published: April 2013

Aims/Introduction

Our primary objective was to assess changes in quality of life (QOL) associated with changes in insulin regimen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Secondary objectives were to assess the reasons for and patterns of changes in insulin regimen, and the effects on glycemic control.

Materials and Methods

This 12‐week, observational study included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 625) who planned to change insulin regimen (type of insulin, injection device and/or number of injections). The primary outcome measure was a change from baseline in QOL assessed by the Insulin Therapy‐Related (ITR) QOL questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures included change from baseline in plasma glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, the reasons for and pattern of insulin regimen change, and change from baseline in QOL assessed by Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ).

Results

QOL did not worsen during the study. Improvements were seen in the ITR‐QOL ‘daily activities’ subscale score (baseline: 12.7 ± 2.3; week 12: 12.9 ± 2.3; P = 0.038, n = 568) and the DTSQ ‘perceived frequency of hyperglycemia’ subscale score (baseline: 3.4 ± 1.6; week 12: 3.0 ± 1.7; P < 0.001, n = 573). Glycemic control improved, as evidenced by decreased plasma HbA1c levels (baseline: 8.21 ± 1.47%; week 12: 7.85 ± 1.31%; P < 0.001, n = 606).

Conclusions

It was suggested that insulin regimen changes might improve glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without worsening QOL. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT01055808).
Effect of Processing Variables on the Oil Uptake, Textural Properties and Cooking Quality of Instant Fried Noodles
Authors: Gulia Neelam , Khatkar Bhupendar Singh
Published: April 2013

Five processing variables comprising mixing time, dough sheet thickness, steaming time, frying temperature and frying time were investigated to determine their effect on oil uptake, cooking quality, textural properties and overall acceptability of instant fried noodles using response surface methodology. Models capable of predicting the quality of instant noodles were derived. Processing variables were found to play a decisive role in determining noodle quality. Higher mixing time was found associated with improved cooked weight but was not much desirable for noodle preparation in laboratory as it resulted in crumblier dough leading to higher oil uptake along with an increase in cooking loss. Thinner noodles contributed to higher overall acceptability and a lower cooking time though increased oil uptake in noodles. For best noodle quality, the optimized values were 4.0 min, 1.2 mm, 6.4 min, 142C, 2.0 min for processing variables mixing time, dough sheet thickness, steaming time, frying temperature and frying time, respectively.

Practical Applications

Instant noodle is the most enjoyed product not only inChina,Japan,Korea andIndonesia but in developing countries also. Preparation of instant noodles involves many steps, which have been investigated for their effect on the quality and acceptability of the product. Process variables have been found to be associated with the oil uptake, cooking, as well as textural quality, which are the important parameters determining the quality of instant fried noodles. The research implications may be utilized both by industry personnel as well as researchers to monitor the process steps accordingly and attain a better product.
Ethanol Development in Tissues of Spoiling Whole Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Authors: Himelbloom Brian H. , Oliveira Alexandra C.M. , Chantarachoti Jiraporn , Crapo Charles A.
Published: April 2013

Whole pink salmon, undergoing 4 days of spoilage in elevated temperature (10C) seawater, were dissected to determine ethanol content and changes in the aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria flora. Intestinal tract, viscera, coagulated blood, reproductive organs, skin and muscle were analyzed daily for ethanol content using headspace gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The intestinal tract contained 32 ppm ethanol initially, increased eightfold on day 1 and reached 314 ppm on day 3. Most other tissues had ethanol concentrations of <100 ppm. Log aerobic plate counts (APC) were determined only for pink salmon skin and belly cavities, and the flora identified. The APC, which include the enumeration of facultatively anaerobic bacteria, were poorly correlated with ethanol production in pink salmon because the APC were low (∼2 log) for the belly cavity where ethanol concentrations were high. Although the APC were higher (∼5 log) in skin, ethanol concentrations were 3–10 times lower for skin than for the intestinal tract. We suggest aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria may not be the primary source of ethanol in spoiling pink salmon.

Practical Applications

Ethanol is recommended as an indicator of preprocessed fish spoilage before canning. In a previous pink salmon spoilage study, which monitored ethanol incidence in the canned product, we demonstrated that ethanol levels were low when whole pink salmon spoiled on ice (1C) in contrast to higher levels for fish stored in temperature‐abused (14C) seawater. The present study established that during whole pink salmon spoilage, the ethanol concentration of different tissues varies widely, and the intestinal tract had significantly higher (P < 0.05) ethanol levels than all other tissues studied. Our findings indicate the need to determine the mechanism of formation of ethanol in fish tissues during bacterial spoilage.
A high‐fibre bean‐rich diet versus a low‐carbohydrate diet for obesity
Authors: Tonstad S. , Malik N. , Haddad E.
Published: April 2013

Background

High‐fibre and low‐carbohydrate diets may enhance satiety and promote weight loss. We compared a diet rich in beans aiming to increase dietary fibre and promote weight loss with a low‐carbohydrate diet in a randomised controlled trial to assess effect and tolerability of the high‐fibre bean‐rich diet.

Methods and results

One hundred and seventy‐three women and men, with a mean body mass index of approximately 36 kg m−2 (one‐fifth with diabetes type 2) were randomised to a high‐fibre bean‐rich diet that achieved mean (SD) fibre intakes of 35.5 (18.6) g day−1 for women and 42.5 (30.3) g day−1 for men, or a low‐carbohydrate diet. Both diets were induced gradually over 4 weeks and included a 3‐day feeding phase. Among 123 (71.1%) completers at 16 weeks, mean (SD) weight loss was 4.1 (4.0) kg in the high‐fibre versus 5.2 (4.5) kg in the low‐carbohydrate group [difference, 1.1 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −2.6 to −0.5; P = 0.2], with results similar to the intent‐to‐treat population. Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol levels decreased with the high‐fibre diet (difference in LDL‐cholesterol versus low‐carbohydrate diet, 0.2 mmol L−1, 95% CI = 0.01–0.44 mmol L−1; P = 0.045), as did total cholesterol (P = 0.038), whereas changes in other lipids and glucose did not differ. After 52 weeks, the low‐carbohydrate (n = 24) group tended to retain weight loss better than the high‐fibre group (P = 0.06), although total cholesterol remained lower with the bean‐rich diet (P = 0.049).

Conclusions

A high‐fibre bean‐rich diet was as effective as a low‐carbohydrate diet for weight loss, although only the bean‐rich diet lowered atherogenic lipids.
Relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire to assess nutrient intake in pregnant women
Authors: McGowan C. A. , Curran S. , McAuliffe F. M.
Published: April 2013

Background

To date, there are no food frequency questionnaires that have been validated to assess nutrient intakes in pregnant women in Ireland. The present study aimed to assess the relative validity of a self‐administered food frequency questionnaire during pregnancy.

Methods

The food frequency questionnaire was administered once during pregnancy between 12 and 34 weeks. Participants also completed a 3‐day food diary during each trimester of pregnancy (reference method) and intakes from both the food frequency questionnaire and the mean of the 3‐day food diaries were compared in a sample of 130 participants from the control arm of an intervention study.

Results

Energy‐adjusted Pearson's correlation coefficients ranged from 0.24 (riboflavin) to 0.59 (magnesium) and were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). The food frequency questionnaire tended to report higher energy and nutrient intakes compared to the food diaries. On average, 74% of participants were classified into the same ± 1 quartile and 7% into opposing quartiles by the two methods.

Conclusions

Overall, our food frequency questionnaire showed good relative validity. We conclude that a single administration of a food frequency questionnaire is a valid tool for ranking women in accordance with their nutrient intakes during pregnancy.
Exposure to life events as a risk factor for psychological problems in adults with intellectual disabilities: a longitudinal design
Authors: Hulbert‐Williams L. , Hastings R. , Owen D. M. , Burns L. , Day J. , Mulligan J. , Noone S. J.
Published: April 2013

Background

Several cross‐sectional studies have shown an association between exposure to life events and psychological problems in adults with intellectual disability (ID). To establish life events as a risk factor, prospective designs are needed.

Methods

Support staff informants provided data on the psychological problems of 68 adults with ID and their recent exposure to life events. Using data collected on the same sample 3.5 to 4 years earlier, prospective analysis of the relationships between life events exposure and psychological problems over time was explored.

Results

Hierarchical linear regression analyses demonstrated a contribution of life events to the prediction of later psychological problems after controlling for earlier psychological problems. Exploratory analyses showed that the relationship between life events and psychological problems might be unidirectional, and non‐spurious; remaining present once the impact of other correlates of psychological problems was controlled.

Conclusions

These data offer support for the status of life events (with a negative valence) as a risk factor for psychological problems in adults with ID. To establish life events as a causal risk factor, research is needed to examine the mechanisms via which life events have their impact on psychological well‐being.
Screening for Substance Abuse in Women's Health: A Public Health Imperative
Authors: Goodman Daisy J. , Wolff Kristina B.
Published: April 2013

Alcohol and drug use is a significant public health problem with particular implications for the health and safety of women. Women who abuse these substances are more likely to have untreated depression and anxiety and are at higher risk for intimate partner violence, homelessness, incarceration, infectious disease, and unplanned pregnancy. Substance abuse during pregnancy places both mother and fetus at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. Data regarding the prevalence of substance abuse in women are conflicting and difficult to interpret. On the clinical level, strong arguments exist against routine urine drug testing and in favor of the use of validated instruments to screen women for drug and alcohol use both in primary women's health care and during pregnancy. A number of sex‐specific screening tools are available for clinicians, some of which have also been validated for use during pregnancy. Given the risks associated with untreated substance abuse and dependence in women, the integration of drug and alcohol screening into daily clinical practice is imperative. This article reviews screening tools available to providers in both the prenatal and primary women's health care settings and addresses some of the challenges raised when women screen positive for drug and alcohol abuse.
Minor Changes in Gene Expression in the Mouse Preoptic Hypothalamic Region by Inflammation‐Induced Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Vasilache A. M. , Kugelberg U. , Blomqvist A. , Nilsberth C.
Published: April 2013

We investigated to what extent inflammation‐induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) regulates gene expression in the central nervous system. Wild‐type mice and mice with deletion of the gene encoding microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1), which cannot produce inflammation‐induced PGE2, were subjected to peripheral injection of bacterial wall lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and killed after 5 h. The median and medial preoptic nuclei, which are rich in prostaglandin E receptors, were isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM), and subjected to whole genome microarray analysis. Although the immune stimulus induced robust transcriptional changes in the brain, as seen by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) on selected genes, only small PGE2‐dependent gene expression changes were observed in the gene array analysis and, for only two genes, a pronounced differential expression between LPS‐treated wild‐type and mPGES‐1 knockout mice could be verified by qRT‐PCR. These were Hspa1a and Hspa1b, encoding heat shock proteins, which showed a two‐ to three‐fold higher expression in wild‐type mice than in knockout mice after immune challenge. However, the induced expression of these genes was found to be secondary to increased body temperature because they were induced also by cage exchange stress, which did not elicit PGE2 synthesis, and thus were not induced per se by PGE2‐elicited transcriptional events. Our findings suggest that inflammation‐induced PGE2 has little effect on gene expression in the preoptic region, and that centrally elicited disease symptoms, although PGE2‐dependent, occur as a result of regulation of neuronal excitability that is a consequence of intracellular, transcriptional‐independent signalling cascades. Our findings also imply that the profound changes in gene expression in the brain that are elicited by peripheral inflammation occur independently of PGE2 via a yet unidentified mechanism.
The effects of CD44 down‐regulation on stem cell properties of head and neck cancer cell lines
Authors: Kidwai Fahad , Costea Daniela E. , Hutchison Iain , Mackenzie Ian
Published: April 2013

Background

There is now substantial evidence that only a subpopulation of cells in solid cancers is able to sustain tumour growth and to re‐initiate new tumours. Various cancers and cancer‐derived cell lines, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), have a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), marked by high levels of expression of the CD44 adhesion molecule. However, it has been unclear whether, in addition to acting as a marker, CD44 has functions that directly influence stem cell properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CD44 in the maintenance of the CSC population in HNSCC cell lines.

Methods

CD44 was down‐regulated either by treating cultures with 1 mM sodium butyrate or by the more specific method of knockdown with siRNAs directed against CD44. Changes in CD44 expression levels were assessed at the mRNA and protein levels, and the effects of CD44 down‐regulation on cell proliferation and on the fate of the CSC subpopulations were assessed.

Results

Reduced CD44 expression resulted in a decreased rate of population expansion, both initially and on repassage, and there was an alteration in colony morphologies indicative of stem cell loss. Down‐regulation of CD44 also led to reduced expression of Oct4A, an alternative marker of CSCs.

Conclusions

The results suggest that CD44 has a functional role in maintaining stem cell properties in HNSCC cell lines and provides support for the concept that therapies targeting CD44, or its related signalling pathways, may allow development of more efficient treatment strategies.
Melatonin treatment reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress and modulates the unfolded protein response in rabbits with lethal fulminant hepatitis of viral origin
Authors: Tuñón María J. , San‐Miguel Beatriz , Crespo Irene , Laliena Almudena , Vallejo Daniela , Álvarez Marcelino , Prieto Jesús , González‐Gallego Javier
Published: April 2013

Hepatocyte apoptosis plays an important role in the development of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The objective of this study was to investigate whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) inhibition is an underlying mechanism of melatonin anti‐apoptotic effects in an animal model of FHF of viral origin induced by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Rabbits were experimentally infected with 2 × 104 hemagglutination units of a RHDV isolate and received melatonin at two concentrations of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg at 0 hr, 12 hr and 24 hr postinfection. RHDV infection induced increased expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP/GRP78), glucose‐regulated protein 94 (GRP94), phospho‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and caspase‐12. These effects were attenuated by melatonin. Double immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of CHOP and cleaved caspase‐3 in liver sections of RHDV‐infected rabbits, while immunostaining decreased markedly with melatonin treatment. RHDV infection resulted in significant increases in the mRNA levels of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), ATF4, inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), spliced X‐box binding protein‐1 (XBP1s) and tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2). Melatonin attenuated the extent of the changes. Data obtained provide evidence that in rabbits with experimental infection by RHDV, reduction in apoptotic liver damage by melatonin is associated with attenuation of ER stress through a modulation of the three arms of UPR signaling and further support a potential hepatoprotective role of melatonin in FHF.