bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calling phenology and detectability of a threatened amphibian (Litoria olongburensis) in ephemeral wetlands varies along a latitudinal cline: Implications for management
Authors: Lowe Katrin , Castley J. Guy , Hero Jean‐Marc 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAmphibian reproductive biology and activity are highly sensitive to environmental cues. For amphibian conservation in the face of climate change, a clear priority is to investigate impacts of variable weather on breeding activity and detectability. This study assessed variation in the phenology, intensity and detectability of calling for a threatened temporary wetland breeding species, Litoria olongburensis. Acoustic and visual surveys were conducted monthly from August 2009 to July 2011 over the species latitudinal range in eastern Australia. Calling phenology of L. olongburensis varied spatially and temporally within and among latitudinal clusters. Detectability of frogs also varied among months and transects, and also with the type of survey conducted (visual vs. acoustic). Air temperature was a strong predictor for the onset of the calling season (early spring); however, peaks in calling abundances were primarily driven by monthly accumulated rainfall. The duration of the calling season varied among latitudinal clusters, becoming narrower moving south, reflecting clinal variation in weather patterns. This study presents a framework for amphibian species management using a combination of survey techniques and the climatic conditions influencing detectability. Applied along the latitudinal gradient, it provides data for predicting the likely impacts of climate change on amphibian activity and reproduction.
Analysis of pseudoprogression after corneal cross‐linking in children with progressive keratoconus
Authors: Schuerch Kaspar , Tappeiner Christoph , Frueh Beatrice E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTo analyse the long‐term efficacy of corneal cross‐linking (CXL) in children with keratoconus and to describe criteria for the detection of pseudoprogression.MethodsEvaluation of retrospectively collected corneal topography (Placido system) and tomography (Scheimpflug system) results after CXL in children (age 18 or younger). Twenty‐five patients (33 eyes) were included. Follow‐up was assessed after 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. Progression was defined as an increase in maximal keratometry (Kmax) of at least one dioptre (D) in 1 year.ResultsFor the entire group, mean Kmax prior to CXL was 55.3 ± 7.3D and decreased significantly (p = 0.00001) after 1 year to 53.4 ± 7.4D. In 23 patients, the progression could be halted. Five cases of presumed progression were identified. One case showed marked steepening in Kmax 4 years after CXL, but the topographic parameters were unchanged. The tomography was repeated and showed that Kmax was stable. Two cases with limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) worsened both in corneal tomography and topography. After resolution of the limbal inflammation, the Kmax values returned to the values before the inflammation. We found two cases of true progression both of which had advanced keratoconus prior to CXL with a preoperative Kmax of 64.4, respectively, 75.1D.ConclusionOur results confirm that CXL is effective in stabilizing keratoconus in children. True progression after CXL could only be verified in two of 33 eyes in a follow‐up period of 37.5 months (SD ± 10 months). Two different measuring methods can help to detect diagnostic discrepancies and prevent false conclusions. Moreover, limbal vernal changes can cause transient pseudoprogression, reversible upon sufficient treatment.
Retinal characteristics during 1 year of insulin pump therapy in type 1 diabetes: a prospective, controlled, observational study
Authors: Klefter Oliver Niels , Hommel Eva , Munch Inger Christine , Nørgaard Kirsten , Madsbad Sten , Larsen Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate changes in retinal metabolism, function, structure and morphology in relation to initiation of insulin pump therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, CSII).MethodsVisual acuity, retinopathy level, dark adaptation kinetics, retinal and subfoveal choroidal thickness, macular perfusion velocities, retinal vessel diameters and blood oxygen saturations were measured at baseline and after 1, 4, 16, 32 and 52 weeks in 31 patients with type 1 diabetes who started CSII and 20 patients who continued multiple daily insulin injections (MDI).ResultsOne year of CSII reduced haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 1.6% (17.8 mmol/mol) compared with 0.3% (3.1 mmol/mol) in the MDI group (p < 0.0001). Central retinal thickness increased by 1.5% in the CSII group (within‐group p = 0.0098; between‐group p = 0.063) without producing macular oedema. No detectable change was found in any other primary outcome measure. The proportion of patients with retinopathy worsening did not differ between groups. At baseline, longer disease duration was associated with higher retinal artery oxygen saturation (p = 0.014) and lower macular venous perfusion velocity (p = 0.045).ConclusionOne year of CSII led to an HbA1c reduction relative to continued MDI and a small increase in retinal thickness but not to early retinopathy worsening or to changes in retinal vascular, structural or functional characteristics. Longer duration of type 1 diabetes appears to be associated with lower macular venous perfusion velocity and higher retinal artery oxygen saturation. The latter could potentially reflect cumulative glycaemia.
Music therapy can lower the heart rates of severely sick children
Authors: Uggla L , Bonde LO , Svahn BM , Remberger M , Wrangsjö B , Gustafsson B 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimPaediatric recipients of haematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are at increased risk of developing post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and there is a need to identify interventions that can alleviate stress in this group. The aim of this study was to examine the previously unexplored effect of music therapy on children undergoing HSCT, by analysing physiological parameters and comparing them with a control group.MethodsWe performed a randomised clinical pilot study of 24 patients up to the age of 16 undergoing HSCT at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. Music therapy, including expressive and receptive elements, was performed twice a week in the treatment group and compared to standard care in the control group. Physiological parameters were evaluated according to the hospital's protocols.ResultsThe music therapy group had significantly reduced evening heart rates compared to the control group (p < 0.001), and the effect was sustainable for four to eight hours after the intervention. There were no significant differences in saturation or blood pressure observed between the groups.ConclusionMusic therapy significantly lowered the heart rate of children undergoing HSCT for at least four to eight hours, indicating reduced stress levels and potentially lowering the risk of developing PTSD.
Associations between lower urinary tract dysfunction and health‐related quality of life in children with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Öborn Helena , Wettergren Lena , Herthelius Maria , Forinder Ulla 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimLittle is known about the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated LUTD and other possible predictors of impaired HRQoL in children with conservatively treated moderate‐to‐severe CKD or with a kidney transplant.MethodsAll 64 children with CKD or a kidney transplant treated at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, between June 2011 and December 2012 were approached and 59 children aged 8–18 were enrolled in the study. Lower urinary tract function was evaluated with voiding history, frequency and volume chart, uroflowmetry and postvoid ultrasound measurements. Self‐reported HRQoL was assessed with validated generic instruments.ResultsThe HRQoL of the study cohort was as good as the general paediatric population, apart from the physical and psychological well‐being dimensions, and was no different to children with other chronic conditions. Urinary incontinence, but not LUTD in general, was associated with impaired HRQoL, as was having a kidney transplant and being female in some dimensions.ConclusionLUTD was common in children with CKD or a kidney transplant but did not affect their general HRQoL. Predictors of impaired HRQoL included incontinence, having had a kidney transplant and being female.
Early Discontinuation of Metformin in Individuals Treated with Inhibitors of Transporters of Metformin
Authors: Stage Tore Bjerregaard , Lee Moa P. , Hallas Jesper , Christensen Mette Marie Hougaard , Brøsen Kim , Christensen Kaare , Gagne Joshua J. , Pottegård Anton 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the risk of early discontinuation of metformin as a proxy for intolerance, associated with use of drugs known to inhibit transporters involved in metformin distribution. We analysed all incident users of metformin in Denmark between 2000 and 2012 (n = 132,221) and in a cohort of US patients (n = 296,903). Risk of early discontinuation of metformin was assessed using adjusted logistic regression for 28 drugs putatively inhibiting metformin transporters and four negative controls. Increased odds ratio of early discontinuation of metformin was only associated with codeine, an inhibitor of organic cation transporter 1 in both cohorts [adjusted odds ratio (OR) in Danish cohort (95% CI): 1.13 (1.02–1.26), adjusted OR in American cohort (95% CI): 1.32 (1.19–1.47)]. The remaining drugs were not associated with increased odds ratio of early discontinuation and, surprisingly, four drugs were associated with a decreased risk. These findings indicate that codeine use may be associated with risk of early discontinuation of metformin and could be used as a basis for further investigation.
Attributes of digital natives as predictors of information literacy in higher education
Authors: Šorgo Andrej , Bartol Tomaž , Dolničar Danica , Boh Podgornik Bojana 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDigital natives are assumed to possess knowledge and skills that allow them to handle information and communication technologies (ICT) tools in a “natural” way. Accordingly, this calls for the application of different teaching/learning strategies in education. The purpose of the study was to test the predictive strength of some attributes of digital nativeness (ICT ownership, ICT experiences, internet confidence and number of ICT‐rich university courses) on the information literacy (IL) of 299 Slovenian university students. Correlation and regression analysis based on survey data revealed that the attributes of digital natives are poor predictors of IL. The principal findings are: ICT experiences expressed as the sum of the use of different applications do not necessarily contribute to IL; some applications have a positive and some a negative effect; personal ownership of smartphones, portable computers and desktop computers has no direct effect on IL, while ownership of a tablet computer is actually a negative predictor; personal ownership of ICT devices has an impact on ICT experiences and Internet confidence, and, therefore, an indirect impact on IL; and ICT‐rich university courses (if not designed to cultivate IL) have only a marginal impact on IL, although they may have some impact on ICT experiences and Internet confidence. The overall conclusion is that digital natives are not necessarily information literate, and that IL should be promoted with hands‐on and minds‐on courses based on IL standards.
Effects of target binding kinetics on in vivo drug efficacy: koff, kon and rebinding
Authors: Vauquelin Georges 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground and PurposeOptimal drug therapy often requires continuing high levels of target occupancy. Besides the traditional pharmacokinetic contribution, target binding kinetics is increasingly considered to play an important role as well. While most attention has been focused on the dissociation rate of the complex, recent reports expressed doubt about the unreserved translatability of this pharmacodynamic property into clinical efficacy. ‘Micro’‐pharmacokinetic mechanisms like drug rebinding and partitioning into the cell membrane may constitute a potential fix.Experimental ApproachSimulations were based on solving differential equations.Key ResultsBased on a selected range of association and dissociation rate constants, kon and koff, and rebinding potencies of the drugs as variables, their effects on the temporal in vivo occupancy profile of their targets, after one or multiple repetitive dosings, have here been simulated.Conclusions and ImplicationsMost strikingly, the simulations show that, when rebinding is also taken into account, increasing kon may produce closely the same outcome as decreasing koff when dosing is performed in accordance with the therapeutically most relevant constant [Lmax]/KD ratio paradigm. Also, under certain conditions, rebinding may produce closely the same outcome as invoking slow diffusion of the drug between the plasma compartment and a target‐containing ‘effect’ compartment. Although the present simulations should only be regarded as a ‘proof of principle’, these findings may help pharmacologists and medicinal chemists to devise ex vivo and in vitro binding kinetic assays that are more relevant and translatable to in vivo settings.
Falsely low immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 in routine analysis: how not to miss IgG4 disease
Authors: Egner W , Swallow K , Lock R J , Patel D 
Published: April 2016

Summary
Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 disease can have apparently ‘normal’ levels of IgG4 due to antigen excess conditions. IgG4 measurement therefore appears falsely low. UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UK NEQAS) data and other reports have suggested that this problem occurred despite pre-existing antigen excess detection steps. To determine the clinical relevance of the problem, we examined the prevalence and characteristics of prozoning in our laboratory and patient cohorts. We establish that the prevalence of raised IgG4 in routine IgG4 analysis is low (&lt; 1%) using one of the two routine methods in use in the United Kingdom. We show that subsequent assay modification appears to have reduced the likelihood of misleading readings. However, the original version of the assay prozoned to low levels (below 0·64 g/l) in 41% of high IgG4 samples in our patients. This may explain the previous reports of low sensitivity of raised IgG4 for IgG4RD, and predictive values should be re-evaluated in this disease using modified prozone-resistant protocols. All laboratories providing IgG4 measurements should verify that their assays are fit for the clinical quality requirement of detection raised IgG4 levels and must verify the upper limit of their reference ranges and freedom from prozoning.
Nickel on the market: a baseline survey of articles in ‘prolonged contact’ with skin
Authors: Ringborg Evelina , Lidén Carola , Julander Anneli 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundIn April 2014, the European Chemicals Agency defined the concept of ‘prolonged contact with skin’ as used in the EU nickel restriction.ObjectivesTo establish a baseline of nickel‐releasing items on the Swedish market conforming with the EU nickel restriction according to the definition of ‘prolonged contact’ with the skin.MethodsWe performed a limited market survey in Stockholm, Sweden. Items with metallic parts that come into contact with the skin, except those explicitly mentioned in the legal text, were chosen. The dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test was used to evaluate nickel release.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐one items belonging to one of three categories – accessories, utensils for needlework, painting and writing (called utensils), and electronic devices – were tested in the study. Forty‐four percent of all items were DMG test‐positive (releasing nickel), and 9% gave a doubtful DMG test result.ConclusionsThe large proportion of nickel‐releasing items in the present study shows clearly that broader parts of industry need to take action to prevent nickel allergy. The high proportion of DMG test‐positive items indicates that there is still much work to be done to reduce the nickel exposure of the population.
Skin health and safety at work in Croatian hairdressing apprentices
Authors: Samardžić Tea , Varnai Veda Marija , Bakotić Marija , Babić Željka , Brans Richard , Cvijetić Avdagić Selma , Štampar Šmaguc Darinka , Kovačević Iva , Macan Jelena 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe risk of developing occupational skin disease (OSD) is high in hairdressers, but may differ between countries.ObjectiveTo evaluate safety at work measures, and the prevalence and severity of skin symptoms and their impact on quality of life (QoL), among Croatian hairdressing apprentices.MethodsData on self‐reported skin symptoms, safety measures and QoL were collected for 101 final‐year apprentices. The presence and severity of skin lesions were assessed with the Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on the forearm and hand.ResultsNinety‐one percent of apprentices reported wearing gloves while dyeing hair, 45% while rinsing hair dyes, and 4% while washing hair. A history of skin symptoms was found in 35% of apprentices, and a history of dry hands in 37%. Skin changes were clinically observed in 40% of apprentices, most frequently erythema, infiltration, and desquamation. The OHSI score ranged from 0 to 6. Only washing hands >20 times per day was positively associated with TEWL. A history of skin symptoms negatively correlated with self‐esteem, and social and mental functioning, and positively with anxiety and depression.ConclusionsThe results indicate the need for the continuation of efforts to establish effective primary preventive programmes for OSDs at national and EU levels.
Inflammatory cytokines induce caveolin‐1/β‐catenin signalling in rat nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis through the p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Wang Jianxi , Chen Huajiang , Cao Peng , Wu Xiaodong , Zang Fazhi , Shi Liangyu , Liang Lei , Yuan Wen 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesApoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells is a major cause of intervertebral disc degeneration. To elucidate relationships between caveolin‐1 and cytokine‐induced apoptosis, we investigated the role of caveolin‐1 in cytokine‐induced apoptosis in rat NP cells and the related signalling pathway.Materials and methodsRat NP cells were treated with interleukin (IL)‐1β or tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and knockdown of caveolin‐1 and β‐catenin was achieved using specific siRNAs. Then, apoptotic level of rat NP cells and expression and activation of caveolin‐1/β‐catenin signalling were assessed by flow cytometric analysis, qRT‐PCR, western blotting and luciferase assays. The relationship between the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and caveolin‐1 promoter activity was also determined by luciferase assays.ResultsIL‐1β and TNF‐α induced apoptosis, upregulated caveolin‐1 expression and activated Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in rat NP cells, while the induction effect of cytokines was reversed by caveolin‐1 siRNA and β‐catenin siRNA. Promotion of rat NP cell apoptosis and nuclear translocation of β‐catenin induced by caveolin‐1 overexpression were abolished by β‐catenin siRNA. Furthermore, pretreatment with a p38 MAPK inhibitor or dominant negative‐p38, blocked cytokine‐dependent induction of caveolin‐1/β‐catenin expression and activity.ConclusionsThe results revealed the role of p38/caveolin‐1/β‐catenin in inflammatory cytokine‐induced apoptosis in rat NP cells. Thus, controlling p38/caveolin‐1/β‐catenin activity seemed to regulate IL‐1β‐ and TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis in the NP during intervertebral disc degeneration.
French academic's views on financial compensation of participants
Authors: Dualé Christian , Breysse Gaétan , Bories‐Azeau Béatrice , Cornu Catherine 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundWhether and how participants in biomedical research should receive financial compensation is debated. We wished to explore how this issue was perceived by French professionals, focusing on different conditions of research.Materials and methodsWe surveyed referent responders of Clinical Investigation Centres, Research Ethics Committees and hospital administrative departments for clinical research, via referent responders who completed an online questionnaire on behalf of their respective teams. Financial compensation was addressed in terms of general perception, justifications, interpretation of French law, concrete clinical situations and compensation of incurred expenses. Descriptive analyses and correlations were carried out based on scalar responses.ResultsThe questionnaire was answered by 54/116 (45·6%) centres. The ethical aspects of compensation were viewed differently by Clinical Investigation Centres and Research Ethics Committees, whereas the practical aspects were viewed similarly. Agreement to compensation for patients was lower than for healthy volunteers (74·1 vs. 98·2%). The most frequently cited justifications for compensation apart from the inconveniences of research were the potential risk and the absence of medical benefit. Most of the proposed expenses incurred were to be compensated, but agreement to reimbursement of petrol bills or childcare expense was lower.ConclusionsAlthough some of the responses align with previous surveys in other countries, this information may help French professionals to harmonise their practices. We also addressed practical issues which could be studied in other European countries, for professionals and participants. Finally, the reluctance to compensate patients requires further study, taking into account welfare environment and consequences for recruitment.
The effect of Aloe vera gel on viability of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Sholehvar Fatemeh , Mehrabani Davood , Yaghmaei Parichehr , Vahdati Akbar 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundDental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can play a prominent role in tissue regeneration. Aloe vera L. (Liliaceae) contains the polysaccharide of acemannan that was shown to be a trigger factor for cell proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, and dentin formation.AimThis study sought to determine the viability of DPSCs in Aloe vera in comparison with Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS).Materials and MethodTwelve rabbits underwent anesthesia, and their incisor teeth were extracted; the pulp tissue was removed, chopped, treated with collagenase and plated in culture flasks. DPSCs from passage 3 were cultured in 24‐well plates, and after 3 days, the culture media changed to 10, 25, 50, and 100% concentrations of Aloe vera at intervals of 45 and 90 min and 3 and 6 h. Distilled water was used as negative and HBSS as positive control for comparison. The cell morphology, viability, population doubling time (PDT), and growth kinetics were evaluated. RT‐PCR was carried out for characterization and karyotyping for chromosomal stability.ResultsAloe vera showed a significant higher viability than HBSS (74.74%). The 50% Aloe vera showed higher viability (97.73%) than other concentrations. PDT in 50% concentration was 35.1 h and for HBSS was 49.5 h. DPSCs were spindle shaped and were positive for CD73 and negative for CD34 and CD45. Karyotyping was normal.ConclusionsAloe vera as an inexpensive and available herb can improve survival of avulsed or broken teeth in emergency cases as a transfer media.