bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical characterization of inorganic deposits associated with granulomas in cutaneous sarcoidosis
Authors: Colboc H. , Moguelet P. , Bazin D. , Bachmeyer C. , Frochot V. , Weil R. , Letavernier E. , Jouanneau C. , Daudon M. , Bernaudin J.F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundSarcoidosis, characterized by epithelioid granulomas, is considered to be caused by a complex interplay between genetics and environmental agents. It has been hypothesized that exogenous inorganic particles as crystalline silica could be a causal or adjuvant agent in sarcoidosis onset.ObjectivesTo investigate the location, frequency and physicochemical characteristics of foreign materials and mineral tissue deposits in the granulomatous area of cutaneous sarcoidosis.MethodsSkin biopsies (n = 14) from patients diagnosed with cutaneous sarcoidosis (mean age 43 years; 11 patients with extracutaneous involvement) were investigated using polarized light examination (PLE), μFourier Transform Infra‐Red (μFT‐IR) spectroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (FE‐SEM/EDX).ResultsCombined PLE, μFT‐IR, FE‐SEM/EDX analysis allowed to characterize mineral deposits in 7/14 biopsies (50%). It identified crystalline silica (SiO2) inside granulomas in three biopsies and calcite (CaCO3) at their periphery in 4.ConclusionThis study emphasizes the need of using combined methods for assessment of mineral deposits in granulomatous diseases. According to the location and characteristics of deposits, we can hypothesize that SiO2 particles contribute to the granuloma formation, whereas CaCO3 deposits are related to the granuloma biology. However, the significance of the association between SiO2 deposits and sarcoidosis is still disputed.
A randomized, double‐blind controlled study of the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil vs. 3% minoxidil solution in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Suchonwanit P. , Srisuwanwattana P. , Chalermroj N. , Khunkhet S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe synergism of combined use between oral finasteride and topical minoxidil has been established in treating androgenetic alopecia among men. However, the concern regarding adverse effects of finasteride use has been rising.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil vs. 3% minoxidil solution in men with androgenetic alopecia.MethodsForty men aged 18–60 years with androgenetic alopecia were randomized to 24 weeks of treatment with a finasteride/minoxidil or minoxidil solution twice daily. Primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in hair density and hair diameter at week 24. Secondary endpoints included global photographic assessment by treatment‐blinded investigators and subjects. Changes in plasma dihydrotestosterone levels and adverse events were recorded.ResultsAt week 24, the combined solution of finasteride and minoxidil was significantly superior to minoxidil alone in improvements of hair density, hair diameter and global photographic assessment (all P < 0.05). About 90% of patients treated with the combined solution experienced moderate to marked improvement. The combined solution also had minimal effect on plasma dihydrotestosterone levels, approximately 5% reduction. There were also no systemic adverse events reported by patients in both groups.ConclusionTreatment with topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil was significantly superior to 3% minoxidil solution for promoting hair growth in male androgenetic alopecia, and well tolerated.
Indirect exposure to Bt maize through pig faeces causes behavioural changes in dung beetles
Authors: Campos Renata Calixto , Holderbaum Daniel Ferreira , Nodari Rubens Onofre , Hernandez Malva Isabel Medina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGenetically modified (GM) Bt plants currently represent a highly adopted alternative for pest control in agricultural crops. However, their safety to non‐target organisms has been an unsolved issue. Non‐target organisms associated to nutrient cycling in natural and agricultural systems, such as dung beetles, use faeces of mammals as a food resource and could be exposed to Bt‐plant material through faeces of livestock fed with Bt‐crops. The aim of this study was to assess whether indirect exposure to transgenic Bt maize MON810 can reduce fitness in dung beetles. Four dung beetles species, Canthon angularis, Canthon rutilans cyanescens, Coprophanaeus saphirinus and Phanaeus splendidulus, were reared under laboratory conditions and fed with pig faeces using two treatments/diets: faeces of pigs fed transgenic maize and of pigs fed conventional maize. The behaviour of insects was tested by experiments on the incorporation of organic matter in the soil and nesting, and experiments of foraging behaviour with olfactometry measures. Organic matter incorporation in the soil per male–female pairs of C. rutilans was similar between GM and conventional treatments, as was their reproductive success, but beetles fed with faeces from transgenic maize produced more brood balls. In another trial regarding the incorporation of organic matter in the soil, C. saphirinus fed with faeces derived from conventional maize showed greater ability to bury food resource in comparison with GM fed ones. In an olfactometer test, the time to reach the food source was longer for individuals of C. rutilans, previously fed with transgenic faeces during 1 month, than individuals fed with conventional faeces. Our results suggest that differences found in dung beetles’ ability represent potential indirect effects of transgenic maize through the food chain and may also affect ecological functions of these organisms in natural habitats, by means of reduced beetle efficiency in removal and burial of faecal masses.
The Value of Unstructured Electronic Health Record Data in Geriatric Syndrome Case Identification
Authors: Kharrazi Hadi , Anzaldi Laura J. , Hernandez Leilani , Davison Ashwini , Boyd Cynthia M. , Leff Bruce , Kimura Joe , Weiner Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo examine the value of unstructured electronic health record (EHR) data (free‐text notes) in identifying a set of geriatric syndromes.DesignRetrospective analysis of unstructured EHR notes using a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm.SettingLarge multispecialty group.ParticipantsOlder adults (N=18,341; average age 75.9, 58.9% female).MeasurementsWe compared the number of geriatric syndrome cases identified using structured claims and structured and unstructured EHR data. We also calculated these rates using a population‐level claims database as a reference and identified comparable epidemiological rates in peer‐reviewed literature as a benchmark.ResultsUsing insurance claims data resulted in a geriatric syndrome prevalence ranging from 0.03% for lack of social support to 8.3% for walking difficulty. Using structured EHR data resulted in similar prevalence rates, ranging from 0.03% for malnutrition to 7.85% for walking difficulty. Incorporating unstructured EHR notes, enabled by applying the NLP algorithm, identified considerably higher rates of geriatric syndromes: absence of fecal control (2.1%, 2.3 times as much as structured claims and EHR data combined), decubitus ulcer (1.4%, 1.7 times as much), dementia (6.7%, 1.5 times as much), falls (23.6%, 3.2 times as much), malnutrition (2.5%, 18.0 times as much), lack of social support (29.8%, 455.9 times as much), urinary retention (4.2%, 3.9 times as much), vision impairment (6.2%, 7.4 times as much), weight loss (19.2%, 2.9 as much), and walking difficulty (36.34%, 3.4 as much). The geriatric syndrome rates extracted from structured data were substantially lower than published epidemiological rates, although adding the NLP results considerably closed this gap.ConclusionClaims and structured EHR data give an incomplete picture of burden related to geriatric syndromes. Geriatric syndromes are likely to be missed if unstructured data are not analyzed. Pragmatic NLP algorithms can assist with identifying individuals at high risk of experiencing geriatric syndromes and improving coordination of care for older adults.
Novel surfaces and osseointegration in implant dentistry
Authors: Pellegrini Gaia , Francetti Luca , Barbaro Bruno , del Fabbro Massimo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSurvival, differentiation capability, and activity of cells are strictly related to structural features and the composition of the extracellular matrix, and its variation affects tissue homeostasis. Placement of a dental implant in bone tissue activates a sequence of molecular and cellular events that lead to the apposition of newly‐formed bone directly onto the titanium surface. Due to implant's interaction with the mineralized tissue, osseointegration is affected by the surface structure of the implanted material. Surface nanotopography and microtopography can modify the shape and activity of mesenchymal stem cells leading to a higher differentiation rate of these cells into osteogenic lineage with the upregulation of osteoblastic genes. Several approaches for implant surface modification are currently under investigation or have been recently proposed to improve osseointegration. Most surface treatments are aimed at the formation of a thick layer of titanium oxide, at the alteration of surface chemical composition by incorporating bioactive molecules and drugs, and at the creation of a surface topography that is more attractive for osteoblast differentiation, adhesion, and osteogenic activity. Data on the cellular‐substrate interaction, as well as in vivo studies assessing the response to these novel surfaces, are reviewed in the present study. The application of modern surfaces in dental clinical practice might increase and accelerate implant osseointegration, but could also reduce the occurrence of peri‐implant bone loss and favor the re‐osseointegration of an affected surface.
Towards Measuring the Informal City: A Societal Metabolism Approach
Authors: Smit Suzanne , Musango Josephine K. , Kovacic Zora , Brent Alan C. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe rapid growth of urban informal settlements, or slums, poses a particular challenge for balancing developmental and environmental goals. In South Africa, high levels of inequality, poverty, and unemployment contribute to widespread migration. The influx of migrant workers to cities, however, is rarely matched with adequate housing and infrastructure, resulting in the formation and growth of urban informal settlements. Despite the persistence of the slum phenomenon, very few studies provide an in‐depth understanding of the metabolic processes that link these spaces, and informal economies, to the broader urban environment and economy. This article therefore utilized a multiscale integrated assessment of the societal and ecosystem metabolism approach to examine human activity and land use in Enkanini, an urban informal settlement in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The results highlight a number of issues to be addressed through spatial, developmental, and local economic policy, such as the need for improved transport linkages. The time‐use results show that Enkanini is a net provider of labor to the surrounding area. Further, geographical mapping indicates Enkanini as a small, but vibrant, informal economy, while being grossly underserviced in terms of water, waste, and sanitation infrastructure. Key implications are discussed in terms of the theoretical, methodological, societal, and policy impact of the study, including the need for city observatories that conduct regular data collection and analysis.
Psychological Interventions for Runaway and Homeless Youth
Authors: Noh Dabok 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPurposeIn this review we examined previous studies of psychological interventions for runaway and homeless youth and evaluated the effectiveness of these interventions in terms of mental health outcomes.DesignLiterature review.MethodsA search of various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), was conducted. In this review we systematically described the characteristics of the included studies and interventions, and conducted a narrative synthesis and meta‐analyses of the mental health outcomes of the interventions.FindingsFive types of psychological interventions were identified in the included 11 studies: art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)‐based interventions, family therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths‐based interventions. The narrative synthesis found positive effects of family therapy on substance use and positive effects of CBT‐based interventions on depression. However, according to the meta‐analyses, none of the interventions had any significant effects.ConclusionsFamily therapies are likely to be effective in cases of substance use, and CBT‐based interventions are likely to be effective in dealing with cases of depression. However, as the quantitative synthesis did not support the effects of any of the psychological interventions on mental health outcomes, further research is needed.Clinical RelevanceNurse‐led interventions were identified in two studies. Mental health nurses should assess the mental health status of runaway and homeless youth and provide timely and effective interventions.
Longitudinal Changes in Symptom Cluster Membership in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Conley Samantha , Jeon Sangchoon , Proctor Deborah D. , Sandler Robert S. , Redeker Nancy S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPurposeTo describe changes in symptom cluster membership over 1 year and to examine which demographic and clinical factors predict changes in symptom cluster membership among adults with inflammatory bowel disease.DesignA retrospective longitudinal study of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Partners Cohort from 2012 to 2015.MethodsWe measured symptoms of pain interference, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. We used latent transition analysis to describe changes in symptom cluster membership (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) and multinomial regressions to examine factors associated with symptom cluster membership transition.FindingsFour groups were identified (N = 5,296): high symptom burden (32.3%–35.3%), low symptom burden (24.2%–27.1%), physical symptoms (19.0%–20.9%; pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance), and psychological symptoms (20.0%–21.5%; depression, anxiety). The probability of staying in the same group was .814 to .905. Moving from active disease into remission was associated with moving from the high burden to low burden and psychological symptom groups.ConclusionsSymptom cluster membership was quite stable over 1 year. Research is needed to understand the underlying etiology of symptom clusters better and to develop interventions to reduce symptom burden in this vulnerable population.Clinical RelevanceCareful consideration of symptom management options should be done with patients to select options that are effective and potentially target multiple symptoms.
Nurse Perspectives of Maintaining Patient Dignity in Indonesian Clinical Care Settings: A Multicenter Qualitative Study
Authors: Asmaningrum Nurfika , Tsai Yun‐Fang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPurposeNurses have a professional obligation to maintain patient dignity when providing nursing care. The concept of dignity, however, is dependent on cultural context. The aim of this study was to elicit nurses’ perspectives for maintaining patient dignity in Indonesian clinical care settings.DesignA qualitative descriptive study was performed.MethodsA total of 40 clinical nurse participants were recruited by purposive sampling from six general public hospitals in Eastern Java, Indonesia, including six medical and six surgical units. Data were collected in 2017 using individual face‐to‐face semistructured interviews. Inductive content analysis was employed.FindingsThe interview data revealed nurses considered three main elements were necessary to maintain patient dignity in clinical care: personalized care, which included prioritizing patients and treating as individuals; compassionate care, which included empathizing and providing emotional support; and patient care advocacy, which included protecting patient rights and being a representative for the patient.ConclusionsThis study provided knowledge on how to maintain patient dignity from the cultural perspective of clinical nurses in Indonesia. Our findings highlight the importance of providing dignified care in a manner that is congruent with culture. The nurses in our study considered compassion and beneficence necessary values for providing dignified patient‐centered care, which might be qualities that are culturally sensitive for an Indonesian population.Clinical RelevanceStrategies should be developed to improve dignity of care for hospitalized patients in Indonesia as well as other cultural settings, which could be incorporated into patient care. These should include improving patients’ health literacy to increase patient‐centered communication, eliminating mixed‐gender wards to enhance patient privacy, and involving family members as partners in health care.
The hepatitis C cascade of care in people who inject drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mohamed Zameer , Rwegasha John , Kim Jin U. , Shimakawa Yusuke , Poiteau Lila , Chevaliez Stéphane , Bhagani Sanjay , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Thursz Mark R. , Mbwambo Jessie , Lemoine Maud 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe World Health Organisation has recently called for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination and has identified people who inject drugs (PWID) as a key population to scale‐up screening and linkage to care. This study reports the cascade of care for HCV in PWID attending the largest opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinic in Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania. Between February 2011 and March 2016, HCV serology for all PWID registered at the Muhimbili National Hospital OST clinic, Dar‐es‐Salaam were obtained from records. In 2015, consecutive HCV‐seropositive PWID were invited to undergo a clinical evaluation including epidemiological questionnaire, liver stiffness measurement (Fibroscan) and virological analysis (HCV RNA viral load and genotyping). During the study period, 1350 persons registered at the OST clinic: all had a HCV serology including 409 (30%) positive results. Among the HCV‐seropositive individuals, 207 (51%) were active attenders and 153 (37%) were enrolled for clinical assessment: 141 (92%) were male, median age: 38 years (IQR 34‐41), and 65 (44%) were co‐infected with HIV; 116 patients (76%) had detectable HCV RNA, with genotypes 1a (68%) and 4a (32%); 21 (17%) had clinically significant fibrosis (≥F2) and 6 (5%) had cirrhosis (F4). None were offered HCV treatment. Chronic hepatitis C among PWID enrolled in the OST centre in Dar‐es‐Salaam is frequent, but its continuum of care is insufficient; integration of HCV diagnosis and treatment should form a part of OST intervention in PWID in Tanzania.
Repurposing Ionophores as novel antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by Gram‐positive pathogens
Authors: Hickey Elizabeth E. , Wong Hui San , Khazandi Manouchehr , Ogunniyi Abiodun D. , Petrovski Kiro R. , Garg Sanjay , Page Stephen W. , O'Handley Ryan , Trott Darren J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIncreasing reports of multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections in animals has created a need for novel antimicrobial agents that do not promote cross‐resistance to critically important antimicrobial classes used in human medicine. In response to the recent emergence of antimicrobial resistance in several bovine mastitis pathogens, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for four polyether ionophores (lasalocid, monensin, narasin and salinomycin) against Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. isolated from clinical cases. In addition, erythrocyte haemolysis and WST‐1 cell proliferation assays were used to assess in vitro mammalian cell cytotoxicity and biofilm susceptibility testing was performed using the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC™) biofilm assay. Lasalocid, monensin, narasin and salinomycin exhibited bacteriostatic antimicrobial activity against all pathogens tested, including methicillin‐resistant staphylococci, with MIC90 values <16 μg/ml. Narasin and monensin displayed the least toxicity against mammalian cell lines and all compounds significantly reduced viable cell numbers in a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. Based on in vitro characterization, all four ionophores offer potentially novel treatments against bovine mastitis but in vivo studies will be essential to determine whether acceptable safety and efficacy is present following intramammary administration.
Growth, mortality and recruitment of silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea) in the open waters of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Yongo Edwine , Manyala Julius , Agembe Simon 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the growth, mortality and recruitment of Rastrineobola argentea in Lake Victoria on the basis of length–frequency data collected during the period 2014–2015. The asymptotic length (L∞) had a mean (±SE) value of 53.50 ± 0.50 mm SL, growth curvature (K) of 0.81 ± 0.06 year−1, total mortality (Z) of 2.96 ± 0.12 year−1, a natural mortality (M) of 1.23 ± 0.06 year−1, a fishing mortality (F) of 1.74 ± 0.07 year−1, an exploitation rate (E) of 0.59 ± 0.01, a growth performance index (∅′) of 3.36 ± 0.02 and a length at 50% capture (L50) of 28.25 ± 0.43 mm SL. The fish exhibited a peak breeding during the months of May and August. The Beverton and Holt relative yield‐per‐recruit model indicated mean (±SE) indices as 0.37 ± 0.01 for optimum sustainable yield (E0.5), 0.76 ± 0.01 for maximum sustainable yield (Emax) and 0.66 ± 0.01 for economic yield (E0.1). Compared with previous studies, there is a great decline in the sizes of R. argentea stocks in Lake Victoria. Thus, management measures should include restriction on illegal seine nets <10 mm mesh size and re‐enforcement of a fishing ban or a closed season.
SOD2 is upregulated in periodontitis to reduce further inflammation progression
Authors: Yoon Yong , Kim Tae‐Jun , Lee Jae‐Mok , Kim Do‐Yeon 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectivesPeriodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease that results in destruction of tooth‐supporting structures followed by tooth‐loss. Until now, periodontitis has been regarded to be initiated by bacterial infection followed by aberrant host response. Although increasing evidence suggests a strong association between oxidative stress and periodontitis, precise molecular mechanism has been left unanswered. In this study, we investigated roles of SOD2, the main antioxidant enzyme maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, under inflammatory conditions.MethodsWe computationally analyzed SOD2 expression in periodontitis. To confirm this data, immunoblot assay was performed with samples from periodontitis patients. The cellular mechanism of change in SOD2 expression was identified through immunoblot assay and immunofluorescence. To evaluate the molecular function of SOD2, we generated SOD2‐deficient cells by utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system.ResultsWe first determined that SOD2 expression was significantly increased in periodontitis. We also confirmed that SOD2 expression was upregulated through the NF‐κB pathway when the inflammatory signal was stronger and extended. Gene manipulation against SOD2 through the CRISPR/Cas9 system showed that the absence of SOD2 increased production of NLRP3 inflammasome components.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that intracellular SOD2 has a protective role by suppressing NLRP inflammasome‐caspase‐1‐IL‐1β axis under inflammatory conditions.