bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis of the forehead and scalp with the Aktilite CL 128: Is there a cut‐off value for PpIX‐weighted irradiance for effective treatment?
Authors: Vicentini Claire , Vignion‐Dewalle Anne‐Sophie , Thecua Elise , Lecomte Fabienne , Béhal Hélène , Maire Cyril , Tylcz Jean‐Baptiste , Abi‐Rached Henry , Mortier Laurent , Mordon Serge 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackground/purposePhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established treatment for actinic keratosis (AK). Among the approved protocols in Europe, the most widely used involves irradiation with the Aktilite CL 128 (C‐PDT). We aimed to assess the heterogeneity of irradiance over the treatment area when using C‐PDT. We also investigated whether there is a cut‐off value for protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)‐weighted irradiance that may predict the treatment outcome of C‐PDT.MethodsAn Ophir PD300 photodiode sensor connected to an Ophir Laser Star power meter was used to measure the irradiance delivered to 114 AKs of the scalp and forehead of 19 patients treated with C‐PDT. The PpIX‐weighted irradiances were deduced and cross‐referenced with the complete responses at 3 months.ResultsFrom the measured irradiances ranging from 0.25 to 60 mW/cm2 (average: 31.94 mW/cm2), a standard deviation of 17.17 mW/cm2 was computed. Irradiance heterogeneity over the treatment area during C‐PDT was demonstrated. The 66/114 AKs with a complete response at 3 months (57.89%) received a mean PpIX‐weighted irradiance of 0.52 mW/cm2 vs 0.56 mW/cm2 for the resistant 48/114 AKs (42.11%). No significant effect of PpIX‐weighted irradiance on the complete response at 3 months was found (odds ratio for a 0.1‐unit change, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 1.10; P = 0.53). Therefore, no cut‐off value for PpIX‐weighted irradiance that predicts treatment outcome could be identified.ConclusionsA device enabling homogeneous irradiation at a lower irradiance than the Aktilite CL 128 may therefore be suitable. This lower irradiance may further increase the treatment tolerance by patients.
When Evolution Works Against the Future: Disgust's Contributions to the Acceptance of New Food Technologies
Authors: Egolf Aisha , Hartmann Christina , Siegrist Michael 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNew food technologies have a high potential to transform the current resource‐consuming food system to a more efficient and sustainable one, but public acceptance of new food technologies is rather low. Such an avoidance might be maintained by a deeply preserved risk avoidance system called disgust. In an online survey, participants (N = 313) received information about a variety of new food technology applications (i.e., genetically modified meat/fish, edible nanotechnology coating film, nanotechnology food box, artificial meat/milk, and a synthetic food additive). Every new food technology application was rated according to the respondent's willingness to eat (WTE) it (i.e., acceptance), risk, benefit, and disgust perceptions. Furthermore, food disgust sensitivity was measured using the Food Disgust Scale. Overall, the WTE both gene‐technology applications and meat coated with an edible nanotechnology film were low and disgust responses toward all three applications were high. In full mediation models, food disgust sensitivity predicted the disgust response toward each new food technology application, which in turn influenced WTE them. Effects of disgust responses on the WTE a synthetic food additive were highest for and lowest for the edible nanotechnology coating film compared to the other technologies. Results indicate that direct disgust responses influence acceptance and risk and benefit perceptions of new food technologies. Beyond the discussion of this study, implications for future research and strategies to increase acceptance of new food technologies are discussed.
A provider‐observed tool to assess Oral Hygiene Skill Mastery (OHSIM) in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive (HIV+) adults
Authors: Vernon Lance T. , Seacat Jason D. , Demko Catherine A. , Paes B. da Silva Andre , Zyzanski Stephen J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimsPeriodontal diseases (PDs) affect nearly half of Americans ≥30 years old and are common in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive (HIV+) adults. A validated measure of oral hygiene skill could improve tailored prevention‐focused health communication.MethodsWe developed Oral Hygiene Skill Mastery (OHSIM), a provider‐observed measure of toothbrushing and flossing ability. We examined OHSIM's inter‐rater reliability (IRR) and concurrent validity using a blinded, cross‐sectional study design with a convenience sample of HIV+/− adults. Clinical outcome measures included bleeding on probing (BOP) and abbreviated plaque and gingival indices. Analyses included IRR and, after identifying relevant predictor variables for each outcome, backward elimination regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to demonstrate concurrent validity.ResultsWe saw 173 research participants (reliability: n = 61; validity: n = 112). The average IRR was α = 0.73 for toothbrushing and α = 0.84 for flossing. Toothbrushing and flossing skill were moderately correlated (r = 0.49, P < 0.001). SEM analyses demonstrated that OHSIM toothbrushing significantly and independently predicted variance in plaque and gingival indices and BOP, while OHSIM flossing skill significantly and independently predicted plaque index and BOP.ConclusionOHSIM is a provisionally reliable and valid provider‐observed measure of toothbrushing and flossing skill. Most predictors of clinical outcomes were modifiable behaviors. Toothbrushing quality is a critical component of oral health.
Oral administration of nanomicelle curcumin in the prevention of radiotherapy‐induced mucositis in head and neck cancers
Authors: Delavarian Zahra , Pakfetrat Atessa , Ghazi Ala , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Homaei Shandiz Fatemeh , Dalirsani Zohreh , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang , Rahimi Hamid Reza 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOral mucositis (OM) is a complication of head and neck cancer (HNC) therapy with negative impact on the quality of life. Although definitive treatment has not yet been established, there is interest towards the use of natural compounds owing to their few side effects. Curcumin has a variety of biological and pharmacological properties including anticancer and anti‐inflammatory effects.AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of curcumin in the form of nanomicelle on OM in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 32 HNC patients were allocated to case and control groups, and respectively received nanocurcumin or placebo during radiotherapy.ResultsWe found a statistically significant difference in the severity of mucositis between the 2 groups at all visits. In contrast to the control‐group patients, who all developed OM in the 2nd week of radiotherapy, only 32% of the case group developed OM with no obvious oral or systemic side effects.ConclusionOur data show that nanomicelle curcumin is an effective agent in the prevention of OM or reducing its severity. Thus, the administration of nanocurcumin can be considered as a reasonable approach to hinder the development of OM in HNC patients requiring radiotherapy.
Influence of polyester spacer fabric, cotton, chloroprene rubber, and silicone on microclimatic and morphologic physiologic skin parameters in vivo
Authors: Jung Sora , Schleusener Johannes , Knorr Fanny , Kraft Marc , Thiede Gisela , Richter Heike , Darvin Maxim E. , Schanzer Sabine , Gallinger Simon , Wegener Ulrich , Lademann Jürgen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundSkin diseases can develop upon disadvantageous microclimate in relation to skin contact with textiles of supporting devices. Increased temperature, moisture, mechanical fracture, pressure, and inflammatory processes often occur mutually and enhance each other in their adverse effects. Therefore, the early prevention of skin irritations by improvement of microclimatic properties of skin in contact with supporting devices is important.Materials and MethodsIn this study, the microclimate under occlusion with polyester, cotton, chloroprene rubber, and silicone textiles, used for supporting devices, was analyzed by determining several characteristic physiologic skin parameters in vivo, including temperature, moisture, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is achieved by comparing a miniaturized in vivo detection device with several established optical and sensory methods in vivo.ResultsA highly significant TEWL decrease was found after polyester, chloroprene rubber, and silicone application. The application of all materials showed highly significant decrease in skin surface temperature, with chloroprene rubber showing the lowest. Similarly, all materials showed highly significant increase in relative moisture, where the highest increase was found for chloroprene rubber and silicone and the lowest increase for cotton. The cutaneous carotenoid concentration of chloroprene rubber, silicone, and polyester decreased. A manipulation of the surface structure of the stratum corneum was recognized for all materials except for cotton by laser scanning microscopy.ConclusionThe skin parameters temperature, relative moisture, antioxidant status, and TEWL can effectively characterize the microclimatic environment during occlusion with medical supporting materials. These parameters could potentially be used to develop standardized testing procedures for material evaluation.
Evaluation of different factors influencing objective measurement of skin color by colorimetry
Authors: Anbar Tag S. , Eid Amira A. , Anbar Mohamed T. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundObjective determination of skin color has become an essential requirement in managing pigmentary disorders including vitiligo. The readings of available devices can be influenced by factors such as surrounding temperature, vasodilation/constriction, and skin surface properties. Our aim was to investigate the influence of hair color and length, skin stretching, incomplete contact of the device with the skin, and the pressure with which the device is applied to the test area on skin color determination.Materials and methodsDermacatch® was used to determine the influence of hair color and length in 30 vitiligo patients, and of wrinkles, incomplete contact of the device with the skin and pressure of the device on the test area in 30 healthy volunteers on melanin and erythema indices measured by the device.ResultsMelanin index was significantly higher in lesions with black hair compared to lesions with white hair (P < 0.001) and the MI significantly decreased when the black hair was shaved (P < 0.001) and when the skin over the test area was stretched (P < 0.001). Incomplete contact of the device with the test area led to significantly higher MI (P < 0.001) and lower EI (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, high pressure induced by the device on the test area led to significantly lower MI (P < 0.001) and significantly higher EI (P < 0.001).ConclusionsFactors influencing the readings of devices used for objective determination of skin color have to be taken consideration to ensure accuracy of the measurements done.
Comparing preservice teachers’ professional noticing skills in elementary mathematics classrooms
Authors: Fisher Molly H. , Thomas Jonathan , Jong Cindy , Schack Edna O. , Dueber David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper examines the implementation of an instructional module on preservice elementary teachers’ professional noticing of children’s mathematical thinking. The module focuses on professional noticing skills through the content focus of early algebraic reasoning and uses complex video vignettes from whole class instruction in authentic elementary mathematics classrooms. Findings indicated that two of the three components of professional noticing (attending and interpreting) showed statistically significant increases in a treatment group that did not occur in a comparison group. The deciding component remains a challenge that warrants further research.
Current challenges for CAR T‐cell therapy of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sauer Tim , Rooney Cliona M. 
Published: February 2019

KEY IDEAS
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has the potential to improve the dismal outcome of patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
A major challenge for CAR T‐cell therapy of AML patients is identifying leukemia‐specific target antigens.
Immune escape through down‐regulation of target antigens and/or a suppressive tumor microenvironment jeopardizes the success of CAR T‐cell therapy.
Effects of antiarrhythmics on the electrical restitution in perfused guinea‐pig heart are critically determined by the applied cardiac pacing protocol
Authors: Osadchii Oleg E. 
Published: February 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Are modifications in the restitution of ventricular action potential duration induced by antiarrhythmic drugs the same when assessed with premature extrastimulus application at variable coupling intervals (the standard stimulation protocol) and with steady state pacing at variable rates (the dynamic stimulation protocol)?
What is the main finding and its importance?
With class I and class III antiarrhythmics, the effects on electrical restitution determined with the standard stimulation protocol dissociate from those obtained during dynamic pacing. These findings indicate a limited value of the electrical restitution assessments based on extrasystolic stimulations alone, as performed in the clinical studies, in estimating the outcomes of antiarrhythmic drug therapies.

AbstractA steep slope of the ventricular action potential duration (APD) to diastolic interval (DI) relationships (the electrical restitution) can precipitate tachyarrhythmia, whereas a flattened slope is antiarrhythmic. The derangements in APD restitution responsible for transition of tachycardia to ventricular fibrillation can be assessed with cardiac pacing at progressively increasing rates (the dynamic stimulation protocol). Nevertheless, this method is not used clinically owing to the risk of inducing myocardial ischaemia. Instead, the restitution kinetics is determined with a premature extrastimulus application at variable coupling intervals (the standard stimulation protocol). Whether the two protocols are equivalent in estimating antiarrhythmic drug effects is uncertain. In this study, dofetilide and quinidine, the agents blocking repolarizing K+ currents, increased epicardial APD in perfused guinea‐pig hearts, with effects being greater at long vs. short DIs. These changes were more pronounced during dynamic pacing compared to premature extrastimulations. Accordingly, although both agents markedly steepened the dynamic restitution, there was only a marginal increase in the standard restitution slope with dofetilide, and no effect with quinidine. Lidocaine and mexiletine, selective Na+ channel blockers, prolonged the effective refractory period without changing APD, and increased the minimum DI that enabled ventricular capture during extrastimulations. No change in the minimum DI was noted during dynamic pacing. Consequently, although lidocaine and mexiletine reduced the standard restitution slope, they failed to flatten the dynamic restitution. Overall, these findings imply a limited value of the electrical restitution assessments with premature extrastimulations alone in discriminating arrhythmic vs. antiarrhythmic changes during drug therapies.
Postglacial faulting near Crater Lake, Oregon, and its possible association with the Mazama caldera-forming eruption
Authors: Bacon Charles R. , Robinson Joel E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractVolcanoes of subduction-related magmatic arcs occur in a variety of crustal tectonic regimes, including where active faults indicate arc-normal extension. The Cascades arc volcano Mount Mazama overlaps on its west an ∼10-km-wide zone of ∼north-south–trending normal faults. A lidar (light detection and ranging) survey of Crater Lake National Park, reveals several previously unrecognized faults west of the caldera. Postglacial vertical separations measured from profiles across scarps range from ∼2 m to as much as 12 m. Scarp profiles commonly suggest two or more postglacial surface-rupturing events. Ignimbrite of the ca. 7.6 ka climactic eruption of Mount Mazama, during which Crater Lake caldera formed, appears to bury fault strands where they project into thick, valley-filling ignimbrite. Lack of lateral offset of linear features suggests principally normal displacement, although predominant left stepping of scarp strands implies a component of dextral slip. West-northwest–east-southeast and north-northwest–south-southeast linear topographic elements, such as low scarps or ridges, shallow troughs, and straight reaches of streams, suggest that erosion was influenced by distributed shear, consistent with GPS vectors and clockwise rotation of the Oregon forearc block.Surface rupture lengths (SRL) of faults suggest earthquakes of (moment magnitude) Mw6.5 from empirical scaling relationships. If several faults slipped in one event, a combined SRL of 44 km suggests an earthquake of Mw7.0. Postglacial scarps as high as 12 m imply maximum vertical slip rates of 1.5 mm/yr for the zone west of Crater Lake, considerably higher than the ∼0.3 mm/yr long-term rate for the nearby West Klamath Lake fault zone. An unanswered question is the timing of surface-rupturing earthquakes relative to the Mazama climactic eruption. The eruption may have been preceded by a large earthquake. Alternatively, large surface-rupturing earthquakes may have occurred during the eruption, a result of decrease in east-west compressive stress during ejection of ∼50 km3 of magma and concurrent caldera collapse.
Charity financial support to motor neuron disease (MND) patients in Greater London: the impact of patients’ socioeconomic status—a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gkiouleka Anna , Manning Alison , Smith Dianna , Malaspina Andrea , Gallo Valentina 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThere is an immense socioeconomic burden for both the patients with motor neuron disease (MND) and their families. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent to which the provision offered by the Motor Neurone Disease Association is distributed among patients with MND living in the ethnically and socially diverse area of Greater London, according to the patients’ socioeconomic situation and needs.SettingGreater London, where age and sex-adjusted prevalence rates of MND in 2016 were calculated.ParticipantsPrevalent MND cases in Greater London, using anonymised data extracted from the Association’s database.ExposureDemographic and socioeconomic characteristicsPrimary and secondary outcome measuresReceiving a Motor Neurone Disease Association grant, and the amount of money received.Results396 individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were detected, the age-specific and sex-specific prevalence of MND was 4.02 per 100 000 inhabitants, higher among men (5.13 per 100 000) than women (3.01 per 100 000). Men were statistically significantly 40% less likely to receive a grant compared with women; among grant recipients, the younger the age of the participant, the higher the size of the grant received. The Index of Multiple Deprivation was not associated with either receiving a grant nor the amount of money received, among recipients.ConclusionFinancial support by the Motor Neurone Disease Association is provided across individuals and across boroughs regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances. Differences that benefits women and younger patients were detected.
Clinical evaluation of deep brain stimulation of nucleus accumbens/anterior limb of internal capsule for opioid relapse prevention: protocol of a multicentre, prospective and double-blinded study
Authors: Qu Liang , Ge Shunnan , Li Nan , Wang Wei , Yang Kaijun , Wu Ping , Wang Xuelian , Shi Jie 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is a new potential surgical treatment for opioid dependence. However, the implement of DBS treatment in addicted patients is currently controversial due to the significant associated risks. The aim of this study was mainly to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of bilateral DBS of nucleus accumbens and the anterior limb of the internal capsule (NAc/ALIC-DBS) in patients with refractory opioid dependence (ROD).Methods and analysis60 patients with ROD will be enrolled in this multicentre, prospective, double-blinded study, and will be followed up for 25 weeks (6 months) after surgery. Patients with ROD (semisynthetic opioids) who meet the criteria for NAc/ALIC-DBS surgery will be allocated to either the early stimulation group or the late stimulation group (control group) based on the randomised ID number. The primary outcome was defined as the abstinence rate at 25 weeks after DBS stimulation on, which will be confirmed by an opiate urine tests. The secondary outcomes include changes in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for craving for opioid drugs, body weight, as well as psychological evaluation measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence assessment, social disability screening schedule, the Activity of Daily Living Scale, the 36-item Short Form-Health Survey and safety profiles of both groups.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approval from the medical ethical committee of Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03424616; Pre-results.
Can the Easter break induce a long-term break of exercise routines? An analysis of Danish gym data using a regression discontinuity design
Authors: Fredslund Eskild Klausen , Leppin Anja 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesMany sedentary individuals are aware of the health benefits of regular physical activity and start becoming more physically active. Yet, despite good intentions, many struggle to keep up initial exercise levels and experience a decline in exercise frequency. A possible explanation is that it is hard to establish habits or routines, and that such routines—once established—might be easy to break. In this paper, we analyse whether a break in habitual/routine behaviour—induced by the Easter holidays—results in individuals exercising less after the break.MethodsThe study included a sample of 1210 members of a Danish chain of fitness centres who were gym members at least since the preceding New Year’s Day. Participants granted access to gym attendance data, which were automatically recorded when entering the gym. We use a regression discontinuity design encompassing a time period of 10 weeks prior to and 10 weeks after Easter.ResultsWe found a significant and relevant discretionary drop in exercise frequency right after the Easter holidays of 0.24 times per week (p=0.001) corresponding to a fall of 12.25% compared with the week prior to the Easter holidays. The effect was especially profound for individuals below retirement age and for individuals who had attended the gym with a higher frequency (twice a week or more) in the 6 weeks prior to the Easter break.DiscussionThis information is potentially relevant for helping individuals maintain an exercise habit. Motivational support should focus on the time period after normative breaks, such as Easter or other holidays.