bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Der Einfluss von Alitretinoin auf die Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit schwerem chronischen Handekzem: FUGETTA ‐ Beobachtungsstudie unter Praxisbedingungen
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Thaçi Diamant , Kamps Anja 
Published: December 2016

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und ZieleAlitretinoin ist die einzige zugelassene Behandlung für schweres chronisches Handekzem (CHE), das refraktär gegenüber potenten topischen Corticosteroiden ist. Bei dieser Studie (FUGETTA) wurde die Wirksamkeit von leitliniengerecht angewendetem oralem Alitretinoin sowie dessen Einfluss auf die Lebensqualität (LQ) bei Patienten mit schwerem refraktärem CHE beurteilt.Patienten und MethodenMultizentrische, offene, nichtinterventionelle Beobachtungsstudie, durchgeführt in Deutschland. Die Patienten wurden nach Ermessen ihres behandelnden Arztes mit Alitretinoin 10 mg oder 30 mg einmal täglich über maximal 24 Wochen behandelt. Die Wirksamkeit wurde anhand des Physician Global Assessment (PGA) und des Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) bewertet. Zudem wurden unerwünschte Ereignisse (UE) erfasst.ErgebnisseDie Studienpopulation bestand aus 658 Patienten (30 mg: n = 581; 10 mg: n = 77). Bei Beobachtungsbeginn litten die meisten Patienten (83 %) gemäß PGA an einem schweren CHE. Bei Beobachtungsende war das Handekzem bei 48 % der Patienten gemäß PGA vollständig oder fast vollständig abgeheilt (30 mg: 49 %; 10 mg: 43 %). Die mittlere Verbesserung des DLQI‐Scores in Woche 24 betrug 58 % (30 mg: mittlere [SD] Veränderung gegenüber dem Ausgangswert ‐10,4 [8,04]) und 70 % (10 mg: mittlere [SD] Veränderung gegenüber dem Ausgangswert ‐10,8 [7,29]). Die Gesamtinzidenz von NW war niedrig und in den beiden Gruppen ähnlich.SchlussfolgerungenAlitretinoin führte zu einer schnellen, deutlichen Verbesserung der LQ bei Patienten mit schwerem CHE.
Compression therapy – current practice of care: level of knowledge in patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Protz Kerstin , Heyer Kristina , Dissemond Joachim , Temme Barbara , Münter Karl‐Christian , Verheyen‐Cronau Ida , Klose Katharina , Hampel‐Kalthoff Carsten , Augustin Matthias 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBackground and objectivesCompression therapy is a mainstay in the causal treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers. It facilitates healing, reduces pain and recurrences, and increases quality of life. Up until now, there is a scarcity of scientific data with respect to the level of care and the specific knowledge of patients with venous leg ulcers.Patients and methodsAt first presentation, patients with venous leg ulcers anonymously answered a standardized questionnaire. Participating facilities nationwide included 55 outpatient care services, 32 medical practices, four wound centers, and one specialized care center.ResultsOverall, 177 patients (mean age of 69.4; 75.1 % women) participated in the study. The average duration of florid venous leg ulcers was 17 months. With regard to compression therapy, 31.1 % of patients received none; 40.1 % got bandages; 28.8 % had stockings. Of the latter, 13.7 % were treated with compression class III; 67.4 %, with compression class II; and 19.6 %; with compression class I. While 70.6 % put on their stockings after getting out of bed in the morning, 21.1 % wore them day and night. In 39.2 % of individuals, the stockings caused them discomfort. Merely 11.7 % owned a donning device. On average, bandages were worn for 40.7 weeks, and 69 % were used without underpadding. In 2.8 % of patients, ankle and calf circumference was measured to monitor therapeutic success. 45.9 % reported doing leg exercises.ConclusionsAlthough it is considered a basic therapeutic measure in venous leg ulcers, one‐third of all patients received no compression treatment. Moreover, given the long duration of ulcers, adequate product selection and correct use have to be questioned, too. Our findings indicate that improvements in the level of knowledge among users and prescribers as well as patient training are required.
Validation of the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS 31) for the assessment of symptoms of autonomic neuropathy in people with diabetes
Authors: Greco C. , Di Gennaro F. , D'Amato C. , Morganti R. , Corradini D. , Sun A. , Longo S. , Lauro D. , Pierangeli G. , Cortelli P. , Spallone V. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimTo validate the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS) 31, in its Italian version, for the diagnosis of diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in a clinic‐based, single‐centre study.MethodsA total of 73 participants with diabetes (age 55 ± 14 years) completed the COMPASS 31 questionnaire before undergoing cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy assessment according to cardiovascular reflex tests, neuropathic symptoms and signs, and vibration and thermal thresholds.ResultsThe COMPASS 31 total weighted score differed between participants with and without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (29.9 ± 19.5 vs 16.1 ± 14.7; P = 0.003) and with and without diabetic polyneuropathy (28.9 ± 19.1 vs 12.7 ± 11.3; P < 0.0001). It was related to cardiovascular reflex tests score (rho = 0.38, P = 0.0013) as well as diabetic polyneuropathy symptoms (rho=0.61, P < 0.0001) and signs scores (rho = 0.49, P < 0.0001). Receiver‐operating curve analysis showed a fair diagnostic accuracy of total score for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (area under the curve 0.748 ± 0.068, 95% CI 0.599–0.861) and diabetic polyneuropathy (area under the curve 0.742 ± 0.061, 95% CI 0.611–0.845). The best score thresholds were 16 for early cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (sensitivity 75.0%, specificity 64.9%, positive predictive value 37.5% and negative predictive value 90.2%), and 17 for both confirmed cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy (sensitivity 70.0% and 65.5%, respectively; specificity 66.7% and 79.5%, respectively; positive predictive value 25.0% and 67.9%, respectively; and negative predictive value 93.0% and 77.8%, respectively). COMPASS 31 had a good internal consistency according to Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.73.ConclusionsCOMPASS 31 can represent a valid, easy‐to‐use, quantitative assessment tool for autonomic symptoms in diabetic neuropathy, with a fair diagnostic accuracy for both cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy.
Muscle atrophy is associated with cervical spinal motoneuron loss in BACHD mouse model for Huntington's disease
Authors: Valadão Priscila Aparecida Costa , de Aragão Bárbara Campos , Andrade Jéssica Neves , Magalhães‐Gomes Matheus Proença S. , Foureaux Giselle , Joviano‐Santos Julliane Vasconcelos , Nogueira José Carlos , Ribeiro Fabíola Mara , Tapia Juan Carlos , Guatimosim Cristina 
Published: December 2016

AbstractInvoluntary choreiform movements are clinical hallmark of Huntington's disease, an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an increased number of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the huntingtin gene. Involuntary movements start with an impairment of facial muscles and then affect trunk and limbs muscles. Huntington's disease symptoms are caused by changes in cortex and striatum neurons induced by mutated huntingtin protein. However, little is known about the impact of this abnormal protein in spinal cord motoneurons that control movement. Therefore, in this study we evaluated abnormalities in the motor unit (spinal cervical motoneurons, motor axons, neuromuscular junctions and muscle) in a mouse model for Huntington's disease (BACHD). Using light, fluorescence, confocal, and electron microscopy, we showed significant changes such as muscle fibers atrophy, fragmentation of neuromuscular junctions, axonal alterations, and motoneurons death in BACHD mice. Noteworthy, the surviving motoneurons from BACHD spinal cords were smaller than WT. We suggest that this loss of larger putative motoneurons is accompanied by a decrease in the expression of fast glycolytic muscle fibers in this model for Huntington's disease. These observations show spinal cord motoneurons loss in BACHD that might help to understand neuromuscular changes in Huntington's disease.
Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator modulates mammalian circadian clock phase regulation in tissue‐type plasminogen activator knockout mice
Authors: Cooper Joanna M. , Rastogi Ashutosh , Krizo Jessica A. , Mintz Eric M. , Prosser Rebecca A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractGlutamate phase shifts the circadian clock in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) by activating NMDA receptors. Tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) gates phase shifts by activating plasmin to generate m(ature) BDNF, which binds TrkB receptors allowing clock phase shifts. Here, we investigate phase shifting in tPA knockout (tPA−/−; B6.129S2‐Plattm1Mlg/J) mice, and identify urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) as an additional circadian clock regulator. Behavioral activity rhythms in tPA−/− mice entrain to a light‐dark (LD) cycle and phase shift in response to nocturnal light pulses with no apparent loss in sensitivity. When the LD cycle is inverted, tPA−/− mice take significantly longer to entrain than C57BL/6J wild‐type (WT) mice. SCN brain slices from tPA−/− mice exhibit entrained neuronal activity rhythms and phase shift in response to nocturnal glutamate with no change in dose‐dependency. Pre‐treating slices with the tPA/uPA inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), inhibits glutamate‐induced phase delays in tPA−/− slices. Selective inhibition of uPA with UK122 prevents glutamate‐induced phase resetting in tPA−/− but not WT SCN slices. tPA expression is higher at night than the day in WT SCN, while uPA expression remains constant in WT and tPA−/− slices. Casein‐plasminogen zymography reveals that neither tPA nor uPA total proteolytic activity is under circadian control in WT or tPA−/− SCN. Finally, tPA−/− SCN tissue has lower mBDNF levels than WT tissue, while UK122 does not affect mBDNF levels in either strain. Together, these results suggest that either tPA or uPA can support photic/glutamatergic phase shifts of the SCN circadian clock, possibly acting through distinct mechanisms.
Quantifying Heterogeneity of Small Test Portion Masses of Geological Reference Materials by Portable XRF Spectrometry: Implications for Uncertainty of Reference Values
Authors: Rostron Peter D. , Ramsey Michael H. 
Published: December 2016

There is an increasing use of analytical macro‐beam techniques (such as portable XRF, PXRF) for geochemical measurements, as a result of their convenience and relatively low cost per measurement. Reference materials (RMs) are essential for validation, and sometimes calibration, of beam measurements, just as they are for the traditional analytical techniques that use bulk powders. RMs are typically supplied with data sheets that tabulate uncertainties in the reference values by element, for which purpose they also specify a minimum recommended mass of material to be used in the chemical analysis. This minimum mass may not be achievable using analytical beam techniques. In this study, the mass of the test portion interrogated by a handheld PXRF within pellets made from three silicate RMs (SdAR L2, M2 and H1) was estimated using a theoretical approach. It was found to vary from 0.001 to 0.3 g for an 8 mm beam size and 0.0001 to 0.045 g for a 3 mm beam. These test portion masses are mainly well below the recommended minimum mass for these particular RMs (0.2 g), but were found to increase as a function of atomic number (as might be expected). The uncertainties caused by heterogeneity (UHET) in PXRF measurements of the three RMs were experimentally estimated using two different beam diameters for eighteen elements. The elements showing the highest levels of heterogeneity (UHET > 5%) seem generally to be those usually associated with either an accessory mineral (e.g., Zr in zircon, As in pyrite) or low test portion mass (associated with low atomic number). When the beam size was changed from nominally 8 to 3 mm, the uncertainty caused by heterogeneity was seen to increase for most elements by an average ratio of 2.2. These values of UHET were used to calculate revised uncertainties of the reference values that would be appropriate for measurements made using a PXRF with these beam sizes. The methods used here to estimate UHET in PXRF measurements have a potential application to other analytical beam techniques.
The role of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) in peripheral nerve sheath tumours
Authors: Panse Gauri , Leung Cheuk H , Ingram Davis R , Wani Khalida , Torres Keila E , Lin Heather , Lazar Alexander J , Wang Wei‐Lien 
Published: December 2016

AimsSTAT3 is a pro‐oncogenic transcription factor that requires phosphorylation for transcriptional activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) expression in neurofibromas, schwannomas, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs).Methods and ResultsTwenty‐six neurofibromas, 62 schwannomas and 39 MPNSTs from a formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue microarray were examined. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with an anti‐pSTAT3 (Tyr705) antibody. Nuclear expression was reviewed for both intensity and percentage of tumoral labelling. Distributions of disease‐specific overall survival (DSOS) and event‐free survival (EFS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method, and compared between two pSTAT3 groups by use of the log‐rank test. MPNSTs had higher median tumoral labelling than neurofibromas (P = 0.0012) or schwannomas (P = 0.0008). Moderate to strong pSTAT3 expression (defined as at least moderate labelling in ≥50% of cells) was found more frequently in MPNSTs than in neurofibromas (P = 0.026). Among MPNSTs, pSTAT3 expression differed between primary, recurrent and metastatic disease (P = 0.063 with increased expression in recurrent and metastatic cases). pSTAT3 expression (at least moderate labelling in ≥10% of cells) in primary MPNSTs was associated with worse DSOS (P = 0.048) and trended towards being associated with worse EFS (P = 0.063). Paired specimens revealed no increase in pSTAT3 expression in the recurrences or metastases relative to the primary tumour, suggesting that pSTAT3 expression may be an early indicator of aggressive disease at disease onset.ConclusionspSTAT3 is expressed in a higher proportion of MPNSTs than neurofibromas and schwannomas. Moderate to strong pSTAT3 expression in ≥10% of cells was found to be a negative prognostic factor for DSOS among primary MPNSTs, suggesting a role of pSTAT3 in the progression of these tumours.
RNA interference in mosquito: understanding immune responses, double‐stranded RNA delivery systems and potential applications in vector control
Authors: Balakrishna Pillai A. , Nagarajan U. , Mitra A. , Krishnan U. , Rajendran S. , Hoti S. L. , Mishra R. K. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) refers to the process of post‐transcriptional silencing of cellular mRNA by the application of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). RNAi strategies have been widely employed to regulate gene expression in plants and animals including insects. With the availability of the full genome sequences of major vector mosquitoes, RNAi has been increasingly used to conduct genetic studies of human pathogens in mosquito vectors and to study the evolution of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. This review summarizes the recent progress in our understanding of mosquito–pathogen interactions using RNAi and various methods of dsRNA delivery in mosquitoes at different stages. We also discuss potential applications of this technology to develop novel tools for vector control.
Parents’ Opinions about an Intervention to Manage Repetitive Behaviours in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hodgson Anna R. , Grahame Victoria , Garland Deborah , Gaultier Fiona , Lecouturier Jan , Le Couteur Ann 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundEarly intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tends to focus on enhancing social communication skills. We report data collected via focus group discussions as part of a feasibility and acceptability pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) about a new parent group intervention to manage restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRB) in young children with ASD.MethodsThe focus groups were led by two independent facilitators and followed a semi‐structured topic guide with the aim of considering three key topics: experiences of participating in a RCT, opinions about the intervention and the impact of the intervention on the participants, their children and the family.ResultsFourteen participants attended the focus groups. Most participants reported that they had little knowledge of RRB before attending the intervention and that it had had a positive impact on them, their children and their family.ConclusionThe findings support the view that there is an unmet need for a parent‐mediated intervention focusing on RRB.
Mortality in Incident Cognitive Impairment: Results of the Prospective AgeCoDe Study
Authors: Luck Tobias , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , Roehr Susanne , Wiese Birgitt , van der Leeden Carolin , Heser Kathrin , Bickel Horst , Pentzek Michael , König Hans‐Helmut , Werle Jochen , Mamone Silke , Mallon Tina , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Weeg Dagmar , Fuchs Angela , Brettschneider Christian , Scherer Martin , Maier Wolfgang , Weyerer Siegfried ,   the AgeCoDe study group
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate mortality risk and survival time in new‐incident cases of cognitive impairment (CI) in old age.DesignProspective cohort study in six German cities.SettingGerman Study on Ageing, Cognition, and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe).ParticipantsTwo thousand eighty‐nine nondemented GP patients aged 75+.MeasurementsEvery 18 months, trained psychologists and physicians conducted structured clinical interviews at the participants’ homes. Dates of death were obtained from relatives, general practitioner (GP), or the local registry offices. We used the Kaplan–Meier survival method to estimate survival times of individuals with and without incident CI and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions to assess the association between CI and mortality risk, controlled for covariates.ResultsOut of the 2,089 included patients at follow‐up I, 859 (41.1%) died during the subsequent mean observation period of 8.0 years. Patients with incident CI at follow‐up I showed a significantly higher case‐fatality rate per 1,000 person‐years (74.2, 95% CI = 64.2–84.2 vs 47.8, 95% CI = 44.6–51.0) and a significantly shorter mean survival time in the observation period than those without (7.8 vs 9.1 years; P < .001). The association between incident CI and mortality remained significant in the multivariable Cox analyses–incident CI was associated with a 42% increased, incident severe CI with a 75% increased mortality risk.ConclusionOur findings suggest an elevated mortality risk in newly acquired cognitive deficits in old age. Even though further studies are required to analyze potential underlying mechanisms, our findings support the notion that such cognitive deficits should be taken seriously in clinical practice not only for an increased risk of developing dementia but also for a broader range of possible adverse health outcomes.
COR27 and COR28 encode nighttime repressors integrating Arabidopsis circadian clock and cold response
Authors: Wang Peng , Cui Xuan , Zhao Chunsheng , Shi Liyan , Zhang Guowei , Sun Fenglong , Cao Xiaofeng , Yuan Li , Xie Qiguang , Xu Xiaodong 
Published: December 2016

SummaryIt was noted that circadian components function in plant adaptation to diurnal temperature cycles and freezing tolerance. Our genome‐wide transcriptome analysis revealed that evening‐phased COR27 and COR28 mainly repress the transcription of clock‐associated evening genes PRR5, ELF4 and cold‐responsive genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that CCA1 is recruited to the site containing EE elements of COR27 and COR28 promoters in a temperature‐dependent way. Further genetic analysis shows COR28 is essential for the circadian function of PRR9 and PRR7. Together, our results support a role of COR27 and COR28 as nighttime repressors integrating circadian clock and plant cold stress responses.
Waiting and hoping: a phenomenographic study of the experiences of boarded patients in the emergency department
Authors: Han Chin‐Yen , Lin Chun‐Chih , Goopy Suzanne , Hsiao Ya‐Chu , Barnard Alan , Wang Li‐Hsiang 
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectivesTo understand the experiences and concerns of patients in the emergency department during inpatient boarding.BackgroundBoarding in the emergency department is an increasingly common phenomenon worldwide. Emergency department staff, patients and their families become more stressed as the duration of boarding in the emergency department increases. Yet, there is limited knowledge of the experiences and concerns of boarded patients.DesignThe qualitative approach of phenomenography was used in the study.MethodsThe phenomenographic study was conducted in one emergency department that treats approximately 15,000 patients each month. Twenty emergency department boarding patients were recruited between July–September 2014. Semi‐structured interviews were used for data collection. The seven steps of qualitative data analysis for a phenomenographic study – familiarisation, articulation, condensation, grouping, comparison, labelling and contrasting – were employed to develop an understanding of participants’ experiences and concerns during their inpatient boarding in the emergency department.ResultsThe perceptions that emerged from the data were collected into four categories of description of the phenomenon of emergency department boarding patients: a helpless choice; loyalty to specific hospitals and doctors; an inevitable challenge of life; and distrust of the healthcare system. The outcome space for the emergency department boarding patients was waiting and hoping for a cure.ConclusionThe experiences and concerns of emergency department boarding patients include physical, psychological, spiritual and health system dimensions. It is necessary to develop an integrated model of care for these patients.Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding the experiences and concerns of patients who are placed on boarding status in the ED will help emergency healthcare professionals to improve the quality of emergency care. There is a need to develop a care model and associated intervention measures for emergency department patients during the boarding process. The results of this study will help health regulatory authorities to develop an appropriate emergency department boarding system so that patients receive better emergency care.