bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross talk between androgen and Wnt signaling potentially contributes to age-related skeletal muscle atrophy in rats
Authors: Mumford Petey W. , Romero Matthew A. , Mao Xuansong , Mobley C. Brooks , Kephart Wesley C. , Haun Cody T. , Roberson Paul A. , Young Kaelin C. , Martin Jeffrey S. , Yarrow Joshua F. , Beck Darren T. , Roberts Michael D. 
Published: May 2018

We sought to determine whether age-related gastrocnemius muscle mass loss was associated with parallel decrements in androgen receptor (AR) or select Wnt signaling markers. To test this hypothesis, serum-free and total testosterone (TEST) and gastrocnemius AR and Wnt signaling markers were analyzed in male Fischer 344 rats that were 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo (mo) old ( n = 9 per group). Free and total TEST was greatest in 6 mo rats, and AR protein and Wnt5 protein levels linearly declined with aging. There were associations between Wnt5 protein levels and relative gastrocnemius mass ( r = 0.395, P = 0.007) as well as AR and Wnt5 protein levels (r = 0.670, P < 0.001). We next tested the hypothesis that Wnt5 affects muscle fiber size by treating C2C12-derived myotubes with lower (75 ng/ml) and higher (150 ng/ml) concentrations of recombinant Wnt5a protein. Both treatments increased myotube size ( P < 0.05) suggesting this ligand may affect muscle fiber size in vivo. We next tested if Wnt5a protein levels were androgen-modulated by examining 10-mo-old male Fischer 344 rats ( n = 10–11 per group) that were orchiectomized and treated with testosterone-enanthate (TEST-E); trenbolone enanthate (TREN), a nonaromatizable synthetic testosterone analogue; or a vehicle (ORX only) for 4 wk. Interestingly, TEST-E and TREN treatments increased Wnt5a protein in the androgen-sensitive levator ani/bulbocavernosus muscle compared with ORX only ( P < 0.05). To summarize, aromatizable and nonaromatizable androgens increase Wnt5a protein expression in skeletal muscle, age-related decrements in muscle AR may contribute Wnt5a protein decrements, and our in vitro data imply this mechanism may contribute to age-related muscle loss. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Results from this study demonstrate androgen and Wnt5 protein expression decrease with aging, and this may be a mechanism involved with age-related muscle loss.
Social Authorship and the Production of Texts in Late Chosŏn: An Analytical Bibliography
Authors: Yoo Jamie Jungmin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis research aims to revisit the study of theCh’ŏngjanggwan chŏnsŏ(Complete works of Yi Tŏngmu, 1741-1793), with particular emphasis on its collaborative production, transmission, and modern appropriation. By analyzing eight different versions from North America, Japan, Korea, and China, I explore how each text was constructed by multiple agencies and constantly transformed through historical transmission. In the process of the collaborative production of the book, the selection of a primary author’s work was reinterpreted by the choices of those who received and collected the given collection of Yi’s writings. Although Yi is considered the author, each manuscript collection was transformed without his knowledge or consent. Thus, through a complex process of adaptation and transformation, a multiplicity of agencies involved in the production of the book have filtered and negotiated the author’s original intention. Addressing the notion of “social authorship,” this research challenges the solitary author model as well as the notion of canon as a complete and fixed entity. All the texts examined in this study were cultural and social products.Ch’ŏngjanggwan chŏnsŏwas produced and transformed through constant negotiations among the original author, editors, and readers. Although it has been valued as one of the most important literary canons of late Chosŏn, the collection was not a closed set of texts; rather, the particular set of texts in any version is “fluid and flexible,” and transformation during transmission was expected.
Undocumented Migrants and Healthcare
Authors: Jossen Marianne 
Published: May 2018

What do undocumented migrants experience when they try to access healthcare? How do they navigate the (often contradictory) challenges presented by bureaucratic systems, financial pressures, attitudes to migrants, and their own healthcare needs?
This urgent study uses a grounded theory approach to explore the ways in which undocumented migrants are included in or excluded from healthcare in a Swiss region. Marianne Jossen explores the ways migrants try to obtain healthcare on their own, with the help of NGOs or via insurance, and how they cope if they fail, whether by using risky strategies to access healthcare or leaving serious health issues untreated. Jossen shows that even for those who succeed, inclusion remains partial and fraught with risks.
Based on interviews with migrants, health practitioners and NGO staff and using a rigorous academic approach, Undocumented Migrants and Healthcare is an important contribution to a vital contemporary issue. It is necessary reading for researchers in Public Health and Migration Studies, as well as government and non-governmental organisations in Switzerland and beyond. It will be of interest to anyone concerned with healthcare and migration in the twenty-first century.
Successful sedation of pediatric patients via chloral hydrate during diagnostic studies
Authors: Lee Choung Ah , Park Ju Ok , Choi Sang Cheon , Park Seung Min 
Published: May 2018

Background and Objectives:Patients’ movements often need to be restrained to obtain high‐quality diagnostic images. Chloral hydrate is the primary agent for pediatric sedation prior to diagnostic studies in some countries. However, because of the agent's long half‐life, the need for augmentation must be minimized by ensuring the success of the initial dose. This study aimed to identify factors influencing sedation success rate and sedation duration.Methods:Pediatric patients’ age, sex, and dose according to body weight, type of clinic, duration of stay, and weight‐for‐age percentile were analyzed in univariate and multivariate regression analyses.Results:Of the total of 1590 patients, 1325 (82.7%) were successfully sedated. Predictors of successful sedation were a minimum dosage of 60 mg/kg and a younger age. Early sedation (mean − 1 standard deviation, <18 min) occurred in 10.9% of the pediatric patients who were successfully sedated. For this value, visits to emergency center B (adjusted odds ratio, 2.673; 95% confidence interval, 1.660–4.305) and visits during daytime hours appeared to be influencing factors.Conclusion:For safe and successful pediatric sedation, the child's age and appropriate dose must be thoroughly reviewed, and a quiet and secluded environment must be ensured. Furthermore, taking into account that the patient's age and developmental stage can affect induction time, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary augmentation
A local review of child abuse in Hong Kong: From the perspective of emergency physicians
Authors: So Chung Wai , Lui Chun Tat , Ng Paulin , Fung Hin Tat 
Published: May 2018

Background:Child abuse occurs all over the world, including Hong Kong. The Accident and Emergency Department is one of the places in which cases of child abuse may present to.Objectives:As an emergency physician in the hospital, we need to understand the signs and symptoms and the risk factors of child abuse. We also need to perform risk assessment and formulate the plan of management.Methods:Databases in Hong Kong were searched to obtain the current situation of child abuse in Hong Kong. Literature about the nature of child abuse was also searched.Results:The epidemiology of child abuse in Hong Kong was reviewed. Signs and symptoms, risk factors, and management of child abuse were summarized in this review article. Conclusion: High vigilance is needed for emergency physicians to pick up cases of child abuse. Most cases of child abuse would finally need assessment from a multidisciplinary team.
Association of baseline level of physical activity and its temporal changes with incident hypertension and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lee Jong-Young , Ryu Seungho , Sung Ki-Chul 
Published: May 2018

Background The association between baseline and temporal changes in physical activity and incident hypertension or diabetes mellitus in initially non-hypertensive or non-diabetic subjects is rarely known. Methods Among individuals who underwent consecutive comprehensive health screenings, their physical activity level was measured using a self-reported international physical activity questionnaire. First, subjects were classified into four categories: no regular physical activity with a sedentary lifestyle; minimal physical activity (<75 min/week); insufficient physical activity (≥75 min but <150 min/week); and sufficient physical activity (≥150 min/week). Second, subjects were sub-grouped, based on temporal changes in physical activity level between baseline and consecutive follow-up: increase, no change, and decrease. Results Finally, among 174,314 subjects (mean age 36.7 ± 6.9 years), 5544 (3.18%) and 21,276 (12.2%) developed incident diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension, respectively. After a multivariate adjustment, sufficient baseline physical activity was associated with significantly lower risk for incident hypertension (hazard ratio 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.97), but the difference was not significant, and showed a lower trend in diabetes mellitus incidence (hazard ratio 0.87; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.04) in reference to no regular physical activity group. Regardless of the baseline physical activity level, subjects with a temporal increase in physical activity showed significantly decreased risk for incident hypertension (hazard ratio 0.93; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99) and diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio 0.83; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.92) compared with those with a temporal decrease in their physical activity level. Conclusion Both sufficient baseline physical activity level and its temporal increase were associated with a lower risk of incident hypertension and diabetes mellitus in a large, relatively healthy, cohort.
Mind-Body Skills Training for Resident Wellness: A Pilot Study of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention
Authors: Romcevich Laura E , Reed Suzanne , Flowers Stacy R , Kemper Kathi J , Mahan John D 
Published: April 2018

Background: Interventions to address burnout include mind-body skills training (MBST), but few studies have evaluated the feasibility of MBST for busy pediatric residents. Objective: In this pilot study, we tested the feasibility of a brief MBST intervention, using in-person peer-led training supported by online modules, to decrease stress and burnout in pediatric resident physicians. Methods: Of 99 (10%) residents, 10 residents at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio participated in up to four 90-minute MBST sessions more than 1 month, led by a co-resident with 5 years of informal training in mind-body skills. Participants were offered 8 assigned online modules through OSU Center for Integrative Health and Wellness. Measures including Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Cohen’s Perceived Stress, Smith’s Brief Resilience, Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised, and Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale (NSS) were administered before (T1) and after (T2) the course. Participants were offered optional monthly “maintenance” sessions for 6 months and completed a third set of measures at this follow-up (T3). Results: The residents completed an average of 4.3/8 online modules and attended an average of 2.8/4 in-person sessions. There was significant improvement in positive attitude, perceived stress, and resilience post intervention (T2). Follow-up evaluation (T3) also demonstrated significant improvement in burnout (depersonalization) and mindfulness. More than 75% of participants found the course worthwhile. Conclusions: A short mixed-method mindfulness-based skills course may be a practical way to offer resilience and stress management training to busy resident physicians.
Compatibility of Ammonium Lactate 12% with Halobetasol Propionate 0.05% and Hydrocortisone Valerate 0.2%
Authors: Cheng Ruofan , Krazmien Rick , Czopp Mark , Panaro Stephen A. , Patel Bhiku 
Published: April 2018

Background Topical corticosteroids are the most common agents used to treat psoriasis in the United States but are associated with a number of side effects including cutaneous atrophy. Ammonium lactate is proven to prevent cutaneous atrophy by preserving dermal ground substance and reducing steroid-induced epidermal atrophy. Objective To determine the compatibility of ammonium lactate with halobetasol propionate and hydrocortisone valerate when mixed together. Methods 0.05% halobetasol propionate ointment and 0.2% hydrocortisone valerate ointment were mixed with 12% buffered ammonium lactate lotion and analyzed at regular time intervals for evidence of degradation via high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results No significant degradation of either halobetasol propionate or hydrocortisone valerate was observed after mixing with ammonium lactate 12%. Conclusion It is possible to treat psoriasis with the simultaneous application of either halobetasol propionate ointment or hydrocortisone valerate ointment, and ammonium lactate 12% lotion. Limitations Clinical correlation should be performed examining the concomitant application of halobetasol propionate or hydrocortisone valerate, and ammonium lactate 12%.
An Open-Label Trial of Thalidomide in the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Tusa Mark G. , Pearce Daniel , Camacho Fabian , Willard Joy , McCarty Ann , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: April 2018

Background Thalidomide inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Purpose To assess the effectiveness of thalidomide in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods Twenty subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis were treated with 200 mg of thalidomide daily. Clinical response was observed for 16 weeks with the last dose of thalidomide at 12 weeks. Results The severity of psoriasis improved as measured by both psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and body surface area (BSA) with 40% having >50% improvement by 16 weeks. Mean PASI improvement at weeks 12 and 16 was 32% and 48%, respectively. Lower extremity edema developed in three of the first six patients enrolled, and the starting dose was amended from 200 mg/day to 100 mg/day. Limitations The open-label study design and concomitant therapy, albeit inadequately effective, complicates interpretation. Conclusion Thalidomide was effective and moderately well-tolerated in patients with psoriasis.
Clinical Experience with Alefacept in Canadian Patients with Psoriasis: The Amevive Wisdom Acquired from Real-world Evidence (AWARE) Study
Authors: Landells Ian , Searles Gordon , Shear Neil , Bissonnette Robert 
Published: April 2018

Background Alefacept was the first biologic therapy approved for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis in Canada. Objective The AWARE study was an observational phase IV study whose main goal was to describe the outcomes of alefacept treatment in a broad population of Canadian psoriasis patients. Methods A total of 426 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were enrolled from 37 clinics across Canada. Patients were treated with up to two courses of alefacept and followed for up to 60 weeks. Results The majority of patients had a moderate to marked response to alefacept treatment. Treatment with concomitant systemic therapy was discontinued or reduced in up to a third of subjects. Forty percent completed the entire follow-up period without receiving a second course of alefacept. Conclusion In routine clinical settings in Canada, alefacept is an effective and safe option for the treatment of a wide range of patients with psoriasis.
Narrow-band UVB: Is It Carcinogenic?
Authors: Price Meredith , Lim Henry W. 
Published: April 2018

Background Phototherapy has been used for many years as a treatment for psoriasis. It has progressed from simple heliotherapy, to the utilization of specific wavelengths including ultraviolet light A (UVA), psoralen plus UVA (PUVA photochemotherapy), broad-band ultraviolet light B (BB-UVB), and narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB). NB-UVB in particular has become a much utilized treatment for psoriasis due to its efficacy and safety profile. Objective This paper reviews the published literature regarding the question of increased carcinogenesis with the use of NB-UVB in psoriasis. Methods Studies published between 1980 and 2008 with English abstracts identified in PubMed, with the key words psoriasis, phototherapy, carcinogenesis, and NB-UVB, were reviewed. Results Rates of carcinogenesis with the use of NB-UVB are lower than or equal to other current phototherapy modalities. Conclusion NB-UVB is an effective and overall safe treatment option in the therapy of psoriasis.
Cellular Interactions in Vitro: Psoriatic Keratinocytes Enhance T Lymphocyte Survival
Authors: Rosa Fortin Marie-Michèle , Poubelle Patrice E. , Soucy Jacques , Pouliot Roxane 
Published: April 2018

Background The pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris is attributed to an immune dysregulation of T lymphocytes, and psoriatic plaques result from interactions between keratinocytes and T lymphocytes. Objective To decipher the impact of keratinocyte-T lymphocyte interactions on cell survival during active cutaneous psoriasis by using a new in vitro model of psoriasis. Methods Cocultures of psoriatic or healthy keratinocytes were performed with normal human blood T lymphocytes. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry after labeling cells with annexin V and propidium iodide. Results Psoriatic keratinocytes were significantly more efficient than healthy keratinocytes in enhancing T lymphocyte survival. Conclusion Our in vitro model is pertinent to understanding the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis and to discovering new pharmacological targets.
Infliximab in the Management of Psoriasis in Patients Previously Treated with Other Biologic Agents
Authors: Vergou Theognosia , Moustou Aikaterini E. , Tseke Paraskevi , Stratigos Alexander J. , Katsambas Andreas , Antoniou Christina 
Published: April 2018

Objective To determine the efficacy of infliximab in psoriatic patients with moderate to severe disease who failed to respond, relapsed, or experienced an adverse event with other biologics. Methods We evaluated 19 patients with plaque-type psoriasis. Ten also suffered from psoriatic arthritis. All subjects had been previously treated with one or more biologics and discontinued treatment either because of no response or adverse events from the precedent therapy. We evaluated the Psoriatic Area and Severity Index (PASI) score as a response to treatment. Results Overall, there was a statistically significant reduction in PASI (P = 0.002). At week 14, 88% had achieved PASI 50, 61% PASI 75, and 44% PASI 90. At this time point, no patient had discontinued treatment for any reason. Before completion of the first year of treatment, four patients discontinued infliximab because they had not seen any response. At week 78, the result remained the same as at week 14, taking into consideration the bias caused by some patients' discontinuation. Two patients discontinued because of serious adverse events. Conclusions In the small cohort of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis refractory to other biologics, infliximab is an important and safe therapeutic pathway. Differences in chemical structure, mode of action, or immunogenicity could explain the successful change to infliximab. The expanding use of biologics in clinical dermatology will allow us to describe and delineate more fully the benefit of switching from one biologic agent to another.
Selection of Therapies in Patients with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Stevenson Mary L. , Markowitz Orit 
Published: April 2018

Background Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic and debilitating condition. The biologic therapies are targeted therapeutic options that have shown promise; notably, there are substantial data supporting the use of the anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and in the prevention of radiographic progression of joint destruction. We report three cases that demonstrate the selective benefits of ustekinumab and of TNF blockers, depending on the relative severities of joint and cutaneous symptoms. Observations We describe three cases of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis in patients being treated with anti-TNF agents who, after switching to ustekinumab from TNF blockers, complained of worsening joint pain, although their cutaneous findings improved. Two of these patients opted to discontinue their therapy with ustekinumab and restart anti-TNF therapy; they prioritized control of their joint pain over the skin clearing they had while taking ustekinumab. Conclusions Ustekinumab may not be as efficacious as agents that block TNF for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Further study is needed to assess its efficacy in psoriatic arthritis.
Increased Prevalence of Sleep Disorders and Medical Comorbidities in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Compared with Patients with and without Psoriasis
Authors: Wong Bob , Machan Mac , Krueger Gerald G. , Duffin Kristina Callis 
Published: April 2018

Background The relationship between sleep quality and medical comorbidities of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is poorly understood. Objective To evaluate the association of sleep disturbance and medical comorbidities in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis compared with healthy volunteers. Methods This cross-sectional study compared patients with psoriasis, patients with psoriatic arthritis, and control participants. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) and the Global Fatigue Scale were used to measure sleep disturbance and fatigue. Results The psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and control groups had elevated mean PSQI scores indicating poor sleep quality; the psoriatic arthritis group had the statistically highest mean score. Psoriatic arthritis patients had higher mean body mass index and a higher prevalence of diabetes, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia. Conclusions Poor sleep quality and medical comorbidities were prevalent in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but are highest in patients with psoriatic arthritis. The link between sleep disorder, psoriatic disease, and medical comorbidities deserves more study.
A Review of Home Phototherapy and Available Home and Handheld Phototherapy Units
Authors: Narang Kirti , Gottlieb Alice B. 
Published: April 2018

Psoriasis is considered one of the most prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, which leads to physical and emotional disabilities that can severely impact patients' quality of life. Phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been an effective treatment for psoriasis for well over 85 years. Home phototherapy is becoming more popular as several factors act as a barrier for outpatient phototherapy for moderate to severe psoriasis. Various studies have shown home phototherapy to be an effective and safe option. Today, many phototherapy units are available for home use. In this article, we will review the efficacy and safety of home phototherapy and briefly discuss the available home phototherapy units, including handheld units for scalp psoriasis and psoriasis limited to smaller body surface area.