bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of diet with acne vulgaris among adolescents in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria
Authors: Okoro Emeka O. , Ogunbiyi Adebola O. , George Adekunle O. , Subulade Mobolaji O. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units that affects 85% of the world's population aged 11–30 years. Diet is believed to affect the severity of acne vulgaris.ObjectivesThis study was designed to identify possible associations of diet with acne vulgaris in Nigeria.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among adolescents in Ibadan in 2011. Students were interviewed for demographic data, history of acne, and frequency of intake of specific foods in the previous 12 months. Each participant was examined for facial acne. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each participant.ResultsData for 464 students were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation age of all subjects was 13.6 ± 3.6 years, and the mean BMI was 17.8 kg/m2. A total of 299 (64.4%) students were found to have acne vulgaris. Frequencies of intake of various foods varied widely. Prevalences of acne were higher among those who reported an at least daily intake of milk as beverage (72.6% vs. 62.0%; P = 0.035), corn (76.6% vs. 62.3%; P = 0.016), fried beef (75.0% vs. 62.1%; P = 0.042), and cake (77.8% vs. 62.3%; P = 0.012), and less common among those students who reported an at least daily intake of bananas (55.3% vs. 67.6%; P = 0.032).ConclusionsThe present findings suggest associations between some foods and acne in the Nigerian context. An interventional dietary study will be required to further ascertain the effects of these foods on acne vulgaris.
Intralesional cryosurgery for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the lower extremities in elderly subjects: a feasibility study
Authors: Har‐Shai Yaron , Sommer Adir , Gil Tamir , Krausz Judit , Gal‐Or Nir , Mettanes Issa , Lavi Idit , Eyal Nir , Brizgalin Leonid , Taran Amir , Har‐Shai Lior , Elmalach Irit 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundIncidences of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the lower extremities in elderly patients are rising. Surgical approaches to the treatment of BCC are subject to possible difficulties in healing, failure of skin grafts, and wound infection. This study assessed the efficacy of intralesional cryosurgery in the treatment of BCC of the lower limbs in elderly patients.MethodsThis study included eight patients aged >60 years in whom a total of 10 nodular or superficial BCCs of the lower limbs were confirmed by biopsy. The patients' medical histories revealed comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis of the legs, congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure, and ischemic heart disease. Using liquid nitrogen, an intralesional cryosurgery needle (CryoShape) was inserted into the tumor to facilitate its complete freezing. Treatment success was confirmed by biopsy taken approximately 3 months after complete healing of the cryo‐wound.ResultsThe average size of the lesions treated was 2.49 cm2 (16.4 × 15.2 mm). Mean recovery time was 79.9 days. Biopsies were obtained at a mean of 85.3 days after the wound had healed. All 10 biopsies verified the complete destruction of the tumor. There was no evidence of wound infection or tumor recurrence over a follow‐up period of 28 months.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that a single intralesional cryosurgery session can completely eradicate BCC on the lower extremities in elderly patients. This technique is associated with relatively minor complications, is well tolerated, and represents a safe and effective therapeutic modality for BCC of the lower limbs.
Expression of pro‐angiogenic genes in mesenchymal stem cells derived from dermis of patients with psoriasis
Authors: Niu Xuping , Chang WenJuan , Liu Ruifeng , Hou Ruixia , Li Junqin , Wang Chunfang , Li Xinhua , Zhang Kaiming 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundRecent experimental studies revealed that angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are closely related to psoriasis. Our microarray analysis suggested that the pro‐angiogenic genes platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM1), facio‐genital dysplasia‐5 (FGD5), prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase‐1 (PTGS1), melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), vasohibin‐2 (VASH2), and stabilin‐1 (STAB1) are differentially expressed in dermal mesenchymal stem cells in psoriasis.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of PECAM1, FGD5, PTGS1, MCAM, VASH2, and STAB1 for angiogenesis and the possible mechanisms in psoriasis.MethodsWe studied 12 patients with plaque psoriasis and 14 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Dermal mesenchymal stem cells were expanded, passaged, and identified by cellular morphology, immunophenotyping, and multipotential differentiation. The mRNA and protein expression of the above‐mentioned six genes were confirmed by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.ResultsThe significantly decreased expression of PECAM1, PTGS1, FGD5, and MCAM at both mRNA and protein level (except VASH2 and STAB1) were demonstrated in mesenchymal stem cells from psoriatic skin lesions compared with non‐lesional from healthy controls.ConclusionsWe provide the first report that pro‐angiogenic genes PECAM1, PTGS1, FGD5, and MCAM rather than VASH2 and STAB1 may be play a vital role in pathological dermal angiogenesis disorders of psoriasis. Therefore, anti‐angiogenesis is attractive and offers future potential for application in patients with psoriasis.
Quality of life in patients with vitiligo: an analysis of the dermatology life quality index outcome over the past two decades
Authors: Amer Abdulrahman A. A. , Gao Xing‐Hua 
Published: January 2016

SummaryVitiligo is one of the most important skin disorders that does not cause much physical impairment, but due to its disfiguring appearance, patients have disturbances in mental health and quality of life (QoL). The dermatology life quality index (DLQI), as one of the most specific QoL instruments, is now used widely for patients with vitiligo. The main objective of this review is to collect and present detailed information about issues and disturbances related to the QoL of patients with vitiligo by reviewing the DLQI studies worldwide in the past 20 years. The impact of vitiligo assessed by the DLQI varies according to the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients. In the majority of our reviewed studies, women showed more QoL impairment than men did, as did young patients compared to elderly ones, married women with vitiligo than singles, and patients with involvement on exposed sites than those on unexposed sites. Dark‐skinned people showed more life quality effects than white people did. Dermatologists should pay particular attention to such patients who experience insufficient QoL, as they require more effort to cure their disease.
Cuticular protein and transcription factor genes expressed during prepupal–pupal transition and by ecdysone pulse treatment in wing discs of Bombyx mori
Authors: Shahin R. , Iwanaga M. , Kawasaki H. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe aimed to understand the underlying mechanism that regulates successively expressed cuticular protein (CP) genes around pupation in Bombyx mori. Quantitative PCR was conducted to clarify the expression profile of CP genes and ecdysone‐responsive transcription factor (ERTF) genes around pupation. Ecdysone pulse treatment was also conducted to compare the developmental profiles and the ecdysone induction of the CP and ERTF genes. Fifty‐two CP genes (RR‐1 13, RR‐2 18, CPG 8, CPT 3, CPFL 2, CPH 8) in wing discs of B. mori were examined. Different expression profiles were found, which suggests the existence of a mechanism that regulates CP genes. We divided the genes into five groups according to their peak stages of expression. RR‐2 genes were expressed until the day of pupation and RR‐1 genes were expressed before and after pupation and for longer than RR‐2 genes; this suggests different construction of exo‐ and endocuticular layers. CPG, CPT, CPFL and CPH genes were expressed before and after pupation, which implies their involvement in both cuticular layers. Expression profiles of ERTFs corresponded with previous reports. Ecdysone pulse treatment showed that the induction of CP and ERTF genes in vitro reflected developmental expression, from which we speculated that ERTFs regulate CP gene expression around pupation.
Interaction of Lysinibacillus sphaericus Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa toxin with midgut brush‐border membrane fractions from Culex quinquefasciatus larvae
Authors: Guo Q.‐Y. , Hu X.‐M. , Cai Q.‐X. , Yan J.‐P. , Yuan Z.‐M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa mosquitocidal toxin from Lysinibacillus sphaericus was uniquely composed of a three‐domain (Cry) toxin and binary (Bin) toxin‐like protein, with high toxicity against Culex spp. However, its mode of action against the target mosquitoes is still unknown. In this study, Cry48Aa, Cry49Aa and its N‐ and C‐terminal truncated proteins were expressed and purified, and the binding affinities of the purified proteins with midgut brush‐border membrane fractions (BBMFs) from Culex quin‐quefasciatus larvae were performed. The results showed that both Cry48Aa and Cry49Aa have specific and high binding affinity to BBMFs, with dissociation constants of 9.5 ± 1.8 and 25.4 ± 3.8 nM, respectively. Competition assays demonstrated that Cry49Aa C‐terminal derivatives were able to bind to the BBMFs, whereas Far‐Western dot blot analysis revealed that its N‐terminal constructs interacted with Cry48Aa. Nevertheless, larvicidal activity was almost lost when Cry49Aa truncated proteins, either individually or in pairs, combined with Cry48Aa. It is concluded that Cry49Aa is responsible for receptor binding and interaction with Cry48Aa and plays an important role in the mechanism of action of these two‐component toxins.
The transformer genes in the fig wasp Ceratosolen solmsi provide new evidence for duplications independent of complementary sex determination
Authors: Jia L.‐Y. , Xiao J.‐H. , Xiong T.‐L. , Niu L.‐M. , Huang D.‐W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTransformer (tra) is the key gene that turns on the sex‐determination cascade in Drosophila melanogaster and in some other insects. The honeybee Apis mellifera has two duplicates of tra, one of which (complementary sex determiner, csd) is the primary signal for complementary sex‐determination (CSD), regulating the other duplicate (feminizer). Two tra duplicates have been found in some other hymenopteran species, resulting in the assumption that a single ancestral duplication of tra took place in the Hymenoptera. Here, we searched for tra homologues and pseudogenes in the Hymenoptera, focusing on five newly published hymenopteran genomes. We found three tra copies in the fig wasp Ceratosolen solmsi. Further evolutionary and expression analyses also showed that the two duplicates (Csoltra‐B and Csoltra‐C) are under positive selection, and have female‐specific expression, suggesting possible sex‐related functions. Moreover, Aculeata species exhibit many pseudogenes generated by lineage‐specific duplications. We conclude that phylogenetic reconstruction and pseudogene screening provide novel evidence supporting the hypothesis of independent duplications rather an ancestral origin of multiple tra paralogues in the Hymenoptera. The case of C. solmsi is the first example of a non‐CSD species with duplicated tra, contrary to the previous assumption that derived tra paralogues function as the CSD locus.
Associations of demographic and behavioural factors with glycaemic control in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Osan J. K. , Punch J. D. , Watson M. , Chan Y. X. , Barrie P. , Fegan P. G. , Yeap B. B. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundDespite recognised benefits of optimal glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), good control is still difficult to achieve, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Recognition of factors that may assist early optimisation of glycaemic control is therefore important.AimsWe explored associations of demographic, social and behavioural factors with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in participants with T1DM aged 18–25 years.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was performed on young adults attending a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic at Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia from January to August 2014.ResultsData from 93 participants were analysed. Mean age was 21.4 ± 2.3 years, and 39.8% of the cohort were female. Longer duration of diabetes was associated with higher HbA1c (r = 0.25, P = 0.04). Men had lower HbA1c than women (8.2 ± 1.6 vs 9.2 ± 2.0%, P = 0.01). Increased frequency of clinic attendance was associated with lower HbA1c (r = −0.27, P = 0.02). Those engaged in work or study had better HbA1c compared with those who were not (8.9 ± 2.1 vs 10.5 ± 2.1%, P = 0.03). Socioeconomic disadvantage, risk‐taking behaviour, insulin pump use and distance travelled to clinic were not associated with differences in HbA1c.ConclusionIn young adults with T1DM, geographical separation, socioeconomic disadvantage and risk‐taking behaviours did not influence glycaemic control. Longer duration of diabetes identifies young adults at higher risk of poor control, while attendance at a multidisciplinary clinic and engagement in work or study was associated with better glycaemic control. Additional studies are warranted to clarify the role of behavioural interventions to improve diabetes management in young adults.
Presentation of high antigen‐dose by splenic B220lo B cells fosters a feedback loop between T helper type 2 memory and antibody isotype switching
Authors: Ellis Jason S. , Guloglu F. Betul , Zaghouani Habib 
Published: January 2016

SummaryEffective humoral immunity ensues when antigen presentation by B cells culminates in productive cooperation with T lymphocytes. This collaboration, however, remains ill‐defined because naive antigen‐specific B cells are rare and difficult to track in vivo. Herein, we used a defined transfer model to examine how B lymphocytes, as antigen‐presenting cells, shape the development of T‐cell memory suitable for generation of relevant antibody responses. Specifically, we examined how B cells presenting different doses of antigen during the initial priming phase shape the development of CD4 T‐cell memory and its influence on humoral immunity. The findings indicate that B cells presenting low dose of antigen favour the development of T helper type 1 (Th1) type memory, while those presenting a high antigen dose yielded better Th2 memory cells. The memory Th2 cells supported the production of antibodies by effector B cells and promoted isotype switching to IgG1. Moreover, among the B‐cell subsets tested for induction of Th2 memory, the splenic but not peritoneal B220lo cells were most effective in sustaining Th2 memory development as well as immunoglobulin isotype switching, and this function involved a tight control by programmed death 1–programmed death ligand 2 interactions.
Gfi1, a transcriptional repressor, inhibits the induction of the T helper type 1 programme in activated CD4 T cells
Authors: Suzuki Junpei , Maruyama Saho , Tamauchi Hidekazu , Kuwahara Makoto , Horiuchi Mika , Mizuki Masumi , Ochi Mizuki , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Zhu Jinfang , Yasukawa Masaki , Yamashita Masakatsu 
Published: January 2016

SummaryA transcriptional repressor Gfi1 promotes T helper type 2 (Th2) cell development and inhibits Th17 and inducible regulatory T‐cell differentiation. However, the role of Gfi1 in regulating Th1 cell differentiation and the Th1‐type immune response remains to be investigated. We herein demonstrate that Gfi1 inhibits the induction of the Th1 programme in activated CD4 T cells. The activated Gfi1‐deficient CD4 T cells spontaneously develop into Th1 cells in an interleukin‐12‐ and interferon‐γ‐independent manner. The increase of Th1‐type immune responses was confirmed in vivo in Gfi1‐deficient mice using a murine model of nickel allergy and delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH). The expression levels of Th1‐related transcription factors were found to increase in Gfi1‐deficient activated CD4 T cells. Tbx21, Eomes and Runx2 were identified as possible direct targets of Gfi1. Gfi1 binds to the Tbx21, Eomes and Runx2 gene loci and reduces the histone H3K4 methylation levels in part by modulating Lsd1 recruitment. Together, these findings demonstrate a novel regulatory role of Gfi1 in the regulation of the Th1‐type immune response.
Mechanisms of autoimmunity in the non‐obese diabetic mouse: effector/regulatory cell equilibrium during peak inflammation
Authors: Askenasy Nadir 
Published: January 2016

SummaryImmune imbalance in autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes may originate from aberrant activities of effector cells or dysfunction of suppressor cells. All possible defective mechanisms have been proposed for diabetes‐prone species: (i) quantitative dominance of diabetogenic cells and decreased numbers of regulatory T cells, (ii) excessive aggression of effectors and defective function of suppressors, (iii) perturbed interaction between effector and suppressor cells, and (iv) variations in sensitivity to negative regulation. The experimental evidence available to date presents conflicting information on these mechanisms, with identification of perturbed equilibrium on the one hand and negation of critical role of each mechanism in propagation of diabetic autoimmunity on the other hand. In our analysis, there is no evidence that inherent abnormalities in numbers and function of effector and suppressor T cells are responsible for the immune imbalance responsible for propagation of type 1 diabetes as a chronic inflammatory process. Possibly, the experimental tools for investigation of these features of immune activity are still underdeveloped and lack sufficient resolution, in the presence of the extensive biological viability and functional versatility of effector and suppressor elements.
Embedding a physical health nurse consultant within mental health services: Consumers’ perspectives
Authors: Happell Brenda , Ewart Stephanie B. , Platania‐Phung Chris , Bocking Julia , Griffiths Kathleen , Scholz Brett , Stanton Robert 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe life expectancy of people living with mental illness is significantly shorter than that of the rest of the population. Despite the profound impact of physical health issues on both quality of life and life expectancy, the perspectives of mental health consumers have yet to be thoroughly explored. Furthermore, research has focused far more on describing barriers than on identifying solutions. This paper reports on findings from a qualitative exploratory research study, with the aim to examine the potential role of a specialist nurse with advanced physical health‐care skills. Focus groups were conducted with 31 consumers. Data were analysed thematically. The concept of a role like this was supported; however, participants stressed: (i) the importance of integration between health professionals and various components of the health‐care system; and (ii) the need for culture change for nurses to work from a less medically‐dominated approach. Previous research literature suggests that a nursing position dedicated to physical health care and coordination might produce positive outcomes for mental health consumers. The findings from the current research project emphasize the need for consumers to be identified as key stakeholders in a solution‐focused approach to improved physical health care for mental health consumers.
What interventions can improve the mental health nursing practice environment?
Authors: Redknap Robina , Twigg Di , Towell Amanda 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe nursing practice environment is an important factor for services to consider in the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce during future nursing shortages. Despite the significant number of international studies undertaken to understand the influence of the practice environment on nurse satisfaction and retention, few have been undertaken within the mental health setting. This paper reports on results from a survey conducted in a large Australian public mental health hospital to examine nurses' perceptions of their practice environment, and identifies interventions that could be implemented to improve the practice environment. The hospital is the only remaining, standalone public mental health hospital in Western Australia.
Lived experience of caring for dying patients in emergency room
Authors: Kongsuwan Waraporn , Matchim Yaowarat , Nilmanat Kittikorn , Locsin Rozzano C. , Tanioka Tetsuya , Yasuhara Yuko 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundDying often occurs in hospitals and frequently in emergency rooms. Understanding caring for critical and dying patients is necessary for quality nursing.PurposeThis study described the meaning of nurses’ lived experience of caring for critical and dying patients in the emergency rooms.MethodsThis study was conducted in three emergency rooms of tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand. Twelve nurses met the inclusion criteria: nurses working in emergency room for at least 2 years, and experienced caring for critical and dying patients in an emergency department. Data were collected using in‐depth individual interviews. Data transcription and analysis used van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Trustworthiness was established following Lincoln and Guba's criteria.FindingsExperiences of caring for critical and dying patients revealed four thematic categories: defying death; no time for palliative care; lacking support for family; and privacy for peaceful deaths. These thematic categories reflected van Manen's four lived worlds of body, time, relations and space.ConclusionsThe study described the meaning of the experience of caring for critical and dying patients while supporting the development of nursing knowledge for palliative and end‐of‐life care in emergent settings.Implications for nursing policyFindings of the study influence nursing policies toward enhancing education of nurses regarding palliative and end‐of‐life care in emergency settings. These findings can also influence the value of caring‐healing environments for critical and dying patients and their families. Policies can focus on practice and education of families particularly about end‐of‐life care for critical and dying patients.