bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multicentre, randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of benzoyl peroxide 3%/clindamycin 1% with azelaic acid 20% in the topical treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris
Authors: Schaller M. , Sebastian M. , Ress C. , Seidel D. , Hennig M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundMild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris is treated with a range of mono‐ and combination therapies; however, clinical evidence is still required to optimize treatment recommendations.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a combination of benzoyl peroxide 3% and clindamycin 1% (BPO + CLN) with azelaic acid 20% (AzA) for the topical treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris.MethodThis was a randomized, assessor‐blinded, parallel‐group, multicentre study conducted in Germany. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acne vulgaris, aged 12–45 years, were randomized 1 : 1 to once‐daily BPO + CLN gel or twice‐daily AzA cream for up to 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in inflammatory lesions from baseline at Week 4. Secondary endpoints included total and inflammatory lesion counts and tolerability assessments. For selected secondary endpoints, inductive statistical analysis was performed post hoc. Patient safety was assessed by adverse event (AE) monitoring.ResultsEfficacy was assessed in the modified intent‐to‐treat (mITT) population [patients using ≥1 dose of study medication (ITT), plus baseline and ≥1 post‐baseline lesion count (n = 215)]. There was a statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint, with a median decrease of −52.6% for BPO + CLN (n = 107) vs.−38.8% for AzA (n = 108; P = 0.0004). There was also a greater difference in secondary lesion endpoints at Week 12, with a median decrease in inflammatory lesions of −78.8% and −65.3% and total lesions of −69.0% and −53.9% with BPO + CLN and AzA, respectively (both P < 0.0001). Tolerability was acceptable for both treatments. Overall, 55.6% (BPO + CLN) and 69.7% (AzA) of patients reported treatment‐emergent AEs, and 15.7% and 35.8% of patients experienced application site reactions with BPO + CLN (24 events; 17 patients) and AzA (60 events; 39 patients) treatment, respectively (ITT population).ConclusionBPO + CLN demonstrated greater efficacy than AzA in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris and has a positive tolerability and safety profile.
The finite body triangulation: algorithms, subgraphs, homogeneity estimation and application
Authors: CARSON CANTWELL G. , LEVINE JONATHAN S. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe concept of a finite body Dirichlet tessellation has been extended to that of a finite body Delaunay ‘triangulation’ to provide a more meaningful description of the spatial distribution of nonspherical secondary phase bodies in 2‐ and 3‐dimensional images. A finite body triangulation (FBT) consists of a network of minimum edge‐to‐edge distances between adjacent objects in a microstructure. From this is also obtained the characteristic object chords formed by the intersection of the object boundary with the finite body tessellation. These two sets of distances form the basis of a parsimonious homogeneity estimation. The characteristics of the spatial distribution are then evaluated with respect to the distances between objects and the distances within them. Quantitative analysis shows that more physically representative distributions can be obtained by selecting subgraphs, such as the relative neighbourhood graph and the minimum spanning tree, from the finite body tessellation. To demonstrate their potential, we apply these methods to 3‐dimensional X‐ray computed tomographic images of foamed cement and their 2‐dimensional cross sections. The Python computer code used to estimate the FBT is made available. Other applications for the algorithm – such as porous media transport and crack‐tip propagation – are also discussed.
Awakening: a qualitative study on maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery
Authors: Liebl Lori , Barnason Susan , Brage Hudson Diane 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectivesTo describe the experiences of adults who were successful in maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery.BackgroundThe majority of studies examine a homogenous demographic group of postbariatric surgical patients who have gone through initial weight loss, which occurs within the first 12–24 months post surgery. Maintenance of weight loss begins 24 months after bariatric surgery; however, there is a paucity of research examining experiences during this period. The lack of conclusive research related to interactions between intrapersonal, behavioural and environmental influences suggests a need to develop a better understanding of patients' experiences related to weight loss maintenance post bariatric surgery.DesignBandura's Social Cognitive Theory provided the framework for the semi‐structured interviews for this qualitative descriptive study.MethodsIn‐person interviews with n = 14 participants who were able to maintain weight loss at least 24 months after a bariatric surgery.ResultsParticipants experienced an awakening and gained a new perspective on their life. They identified negative attitudes, influences and behaviours and modified their environment to support their desired healthy behaviour.ConclusionsTo maintain weight loss, an individual must seek out and be surrounded by positive family and peer support influences. Positive support may provide the opportunity for an individual to place personal health needs as a priority.Relevance to clinical practiceTherapeutic education and counselling for individuals, couples and families should occur during all phases of bariatric surgery. Communication techniques may empower clients to deflect negative comments and influences in a constructive manner. Support groups should accommodate the various phases of bariatric surgery. Clients should be prepared for how to work through emotions associated with weight fluctuations.
INSURANCE BY GOVERNMENT OR AGAINST GOVERNMENT? OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC RISK MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Authors: Libich Jan , Macháček Martin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn what contexts is it desirable that the government, rather than the private sector, takes on the role of an insurer and helps people reduce risks? Our discussion implies that while in a number of areas individuals benefit from well‐designed insurance providedbytheir government, ill‐designed public policies (for example existing pay‐as‐you‐go pension systems) force individuals to insureagainsttheir government. It is further discussed how governments could improve their risk managing role in many areas by usingincome contingent loans, provided the country has high‐quality institutions and governance. Such loans to artists, sportspeople, flood victims or collapsing financial institutions would replace the existing nonrepayable transfers, grants, subsidies and bailouts. Using a simple efficiency‐equity‐sustainability framework for comparing income contingent schemes with conventional public and private insurance policies, we document that this would enable governments to extend their insurance assistance to a greater number of people and institutions – in a way that is not only equitable but also efficient and fiscally sustainable.
Impact of Type and Duration of Application of Commercially Available Oral Moisturizers on Their Antifungal Effects
Authors: Murakami Mamoru , Fujishima Kei , Nishi Yasuhiro , Minemoto Yoko , Kanie Takahito , Taguchi Norihiro , Nishimura Masahiro 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo examine the impact of oral moisturizer type and application time on antifungal effects.Materials and MethodsSeventeen oral moisturizers (7 liquids, 10 gels) and amphotericin B (AMPH‐B) were tested. Antifungal effects were evaluated with newly opened moisturizer samples (0 hour) and with samples incubated for 8 hours to simulate contact during sleep. Candida albicans samples (108 cells/ml) were placed into cylindrical holes in 50% trypticase soy agar plates. Antifungal effects were evaluated based on growth‐inhibitory zones after 24 hours. Equal quantities of moisturizers showing growth‐inhibitory zones were mixed as additional samples. The effects of moisturizer type and application time on growth‐inhibitory zones were evaluated with ANOVA. Growth‐inhibitory zone sizes were compared with multiple comparisons.ResultsGrowth‐inhibitory zones were found with two liquids, one gel, moisturizer mixtures, and AMPH‐B. Significant differences in antifungal effects were found among different moisturizer types and between the 0‐ and 8‐hour groups. The growth‐inhibitory zones of the 8‐hour group were significantly smaller than those of the 0‐hour group. In both the 0‐ and 8‐hour groups, the growth‐inhibitory zones of the liquid‐gel mixtures were significantly larger than those of other moisturizer types, and were the same size as those of AMPH‐B at two concentrations (1.25 and 2.5 μg/ml). Growth‐inhibitory zones of individual moisturizers and liquid‐liquid mixtures were the same size as those of lower AMPH‐B concentrations (0.16, 0.31, and 0.63 μg/ml).ConclusionOur findings suggest that mixing liquid and gel moisturizers improves their antifungal efficiency.
Enhancing Fracture and Wear Resistance of Dentures/Overdentures Utilizing Digital Technology: A Case Series Report
Authors: Afify Ahmed , Haney Stephan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSince it was first introduced into the dental world, computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has improved dramatically in regards to both data acquisition and fabrication abilities. CAD/CAM is capable of providing well‐fitting intra‐ and extraoral prostheses when sound guidelines are followed. As CAD/CAM technology encompasses both surgical and prosthetic dental applications as well as fixed and removable aspects, it could improve the average quality of dental prostheses compared with the results obtained by conventional manufacturing methods. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction into the methods in which this technology may be used to enhance the wear and fracture resistance of dentures and overdentures. This article will also showcase two clinical reports in which CAD/CAM technology has been implemented.
Personality Strengths as Resilience: A One‐Year Multiwave Study
Authors: Goodman Fallon R. , Disabato David J. , Kashdan Todd B. , Machell Kyla A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe examined how personality strengths prospectively predict reactions to negative life events. Participants were 797 community adults from 42 countries. At five points over the course of 1 year, participants completed a series of questionnaires measuring seven personality strengths (hope, grit, meaning in life, curiosity, gratitude, control beliefs, and use of strengths), subjective well‐being, and frequency and severity of negative life events. Using hierarchical linear modeling with assessment periods nested within participants, results from lagged analyses found that only hope emerged as a resilience factor. To illustrate the importance of using appropriate lagged analyses in resilience research, we ran nonlagged analyses; these results suggest that all seven personality strengths moderated the effect of negative life events on subjective well‐being, with greater strengths associated with healthier outcomes. To provide evidence that personality strengths confer resilience, a prospective examination is needed with the inclusion of events and responses to them. The use of concurrent methodologies and analyses, which is the norm in psychology, often leads to erroneous conclusions. Hope, the ability to generate routes to reach goals and the motivation to use those routes, was shown to be particularly important in promoting resilience.
Low melatonin production by suppression of either serotonin N‐acetyltransferase or N‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase in rice causes seedling growth retardation with yield penalty, abiotic stress susceptibility, and enhanced coleoptile growth under anoxic conditions
Authors: Byeon Yeong , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSerotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT) and N‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT) are the last two key enzymes for melatonin biosynthesis in living organisms. In this study, we demonstrated that transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants, in which expression of either endogenous SNAT or ASMT was suppressed, had reduced melatonin synthesis, confirming that both SNAT and ASMT are functionally involved in melatonin synthesis. The melatonin‐deficient SNAT rice had retarded seedling growth, which was partially restored by exogenous melatonin application, suggesting melatonin's role in seedling growth. In addition, the plants were more sensitive to various abiotic stresses, including salt and cold, compared with the wild type. Melatonin‐deficient SNAT rice had increased coleoptile growth under anoxic conditions, indicating that melatonin also inversely regulates plant growth under anaerobic conditions with the concomitant high expression of alcohol dehydrogenase genes. Similarly, the melatonin‐deficient ASMT rice exhibited accelerated senescence in detached flag leaves, as well as significantly reduced yield. These loss‐of‐function studies on the melatonin biosynthetic genes confirmed most previous pharmacological reports that melatonin not only promotes plant growth but also mitigates various abiotic stresses.
What is it like to take antipsychotic medication? A qualitative study of patients with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Gray R. , Deane K. 
Published: February 2016

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject?

Antipsychotic drugs are an important part of treatment for most patients with first episode psychosis.

We do not know much about what it is like to take these drugs from the patient's point of view.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

We talked to 20 young people with psychosis about their experiences of taking antipsychotic drugs.

Patients relationship with medication was complex, young people found medication often to be both good and bad at the same time.

We were interested in how seemingly trivial issues – colour, taste, size, name – could be very important to young people and could result in them stopping.

What are the implications for practice?

We think our study highlights the complicated internal struggles that people with first episode psychosis have with medication.

Our study highlights how Nurses and Doctors need to try and better understand what it is like to take these drugs and work collaboratively with patients to support them to make informed choices about treatment.

AbstractBackgroundLow‐dose antipsychotic medication is an important part of treatment for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Little is known about this group of patients’ experiences of taking medication.MethodA qualitative study of purposively sampled young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis was carried out. A mental health nurse working in the early psychosis team interviewed participants using a structured topic guide. Interviews were subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsInterviews were completed with 20 young people. Thematic analysis generated six themes: (1) the drugs do work, (2) the drugs don't work (as well as I'd like), (3) side effects, (4) the indirect effects of medication, (5) rage against the machine and (6) the not trivial issues about medication.ConclusionOur overarching meta‐theme was that young people's experience of taking antipsychotics was complex; medication was often considered good and bad at the same time. Our observations underpin the importance of helping patients think through the use of antipsychotic medication in supporting their personal recovery.
Plant‐mediated pheromone emission by a hemipteran seed feeder increases the apparency of an unreliable but rewarding host
Authors: Stanton Mariana A. , Preβler Jens , Paetz Christian , Boland Wilhelm , Svatoš Aleš , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: February 2016

Summary

The defensive chemistry and persistence of plant tissues determine their suitability and apparency – the likelihood of being discovered – to insect herbivores. As consumers of plant tissues with transient apparency, florivores and seed‐feeders must frequently migrate between host plants to synchronize colonization with plant phenology. Aggregation pheromones could provide information‐based solutions to finding ephemeral hosts, but little is known about plant‐influenced variation in this form of chemical communication.

Combining analytical chemistry, de novo synthesis and field ecology, we investigated the change in colonization of two sympatric host plants, Nicotiana attenuata and Nicotiana obtusifolia, which differ in apparency‐related life history traits, by a heteropteran seed‐feeder, Corimelaena extensa.

We identified a novel pheromone released by C. extensa males – (5Z,8Z)‐tetradeca‐5,8‐dienal – and performed field assays with the synthetic pheromone, showing that it stimulates the formation of feeding aggregations on the post‐fire annual N. attenuata. Corimelaena extensa pheromone emission was 40‐fold higher when feeding on N. attenuata compared with the perennial N. obtusifolia, as were adult fecundity and seed capsule content of the putative biosynthetic precursor, linoleic acid.

Higher pheromone emission increases the apparency and colonization of the ephemeral, high‐quality host N. attenuata. This plant‐specific variation in insect signaling could facilitate host‐finding by seed‐feeders migrating between plant patches.
Methane emissions from the trunks of living trees on upland soils
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Ping , Gu Qian , Deng Feng‐Dan , Huang Jian‐Hui , Megonigal J. Patrick , Yu Qiang , Lü Xiao‐Tao , Li Ling‐Hao , Chang Scott , Zhang Yun‐Hai , Feng Jin‐Chao , Han Xing‐Guo 
Published: February 2016

Summary

Upland forests are traditionally thought to be net sinks for atmospheric methane (CH4). In such forests, in situ CH4 fluxes on tree trunks have been neglected relative to soil and canopy fluxes.

We measured in situ CH4 fluxes from the trunks of living trees and other surfaces, such as twigs and soils, using a static closed‐chamber method, and estimated the CH4 budget in a temperate upland forest in Beijing.

We found that the trunks of Populus davidiana emitted large quantities of CH4 during July 2014–July 2015, amounting to mean annual emissions of 85.3 and 103.1 μg m−2 h−1 on a trunk surface area basis on two replicate plots. The emission rates were similar in magnitude to those from tree trunks in wetland forests. The emitted CH4 was derived from the heartwood of trunks. On a plot or ecosystem scale, trunk CH4 emissions were equivalent to c. 30–90% of the amount of CH4 consumed by soils throughout the year, with an annual average of 63%.

Our findings suggest that wet heartwoods, regardless of rot or not, occur widely in living trees on various habitats, where CH4 can be produced.
Influence of inhaled corticosteroids on pubertal growth and final height in asthmatic children
Authors: De Leonibus Chiara , Attanasi Marina , Roze Zane , Martin Benedetta , Marcovecchio Maria Loredana , Di Pillo Sabrina , Chiarelli Francesco , Mohn Angelika 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundControversial data exist on the possibility that inhaled corticosteroids (ICs) affect growth in children with mild‐to‐moderate asthma. We assessed whether ICs affect growth and final height (FH) in asthmatic children compared to controls.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 113 asthmatic children compared with 66 control children. Asthmatic children presented with mild‐to‐moderate asthma and had exclusive ICs. Anthropometric data of four specific time‐points were collected for both groups (pre‐puberty, onset and late puberty, and FH) and converted to standard deviation scores (SDS). Growth trajectories were assessed as follows: (i) in puberty, using peak height velocity (PHV) and pubertal height gain SDS (PHG‐SDS); (ii) until FH achievement, using FH‐SDS and FH gain SDS (FHG‐SDS). Repeated measurement analysis was performed across longitudinal study visits. A general linear model (GLM) was performed in asthmatic group evaluating the effect of corticosteroid type, treatment duration, and cumulative dose on FH corrected for multiple variables.ResultsAt pre‐puberty, height and weight SDS were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Height SDS progressively declined over the study period in asthmatic patients from pre‐puberty to FH (p‐trend < 0.05), whereas it did not change over time in controls (p‐trend > 0.05), in both boys and girls. Asthmatic children had exclusive ICs [budesonide (n = 36) vs. fluticasone (n = 43) vs. mometasone (n = 34)] for a mean period of 6.25 ± 1.20 years and a mean cumulative dose of 560.07 ± 76.02 mg. They showed decreased PHG‐SDS and lower PHV compared to controls (all p < 0.05). FH‐SDS and FHG‐SDS were significantly reduced in asthmatic group compared to controls. FH in asthmatic patients was 2.5 ± 2.89 cm lower in boys and 2.0 ± 2.03 cm lower in girls than controls. The GLM showed that FH achievement was dependent on the type of ICs, duration of the treatment, and cumulative dose (p < 0.05).ConclusionsICs affect pubertal growth determining reduced final height in asthmatic children compared to controls, in a dose‐ and duration‐dependent manner.
Dexmedetomidine as a Sedative in the Awake Implantation of a Neuromodulative System
Authors: ter Bruggen Feline F. J. A. , Eralp Ismail , Leliveld Leo , Jansen Chris , Stronks Dirk L. , Huygen Frank J. P. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveDuring implantation of a neuromodulative system, high patient satisfaction is closely associated with the equilibrium between an effective analgesia and sedation regimen, and the possibility for the patient to be awake and cooperative during procedure. This study assessed the efficacy of the sedative dexmedetomidine to achieve this balance, with patient satisfaction as the primary outcome.MethodsTen patients undergoing implantation of a dorsal column and dorsal root ganglion stimulator received dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes, followed by 0.6 mcg/kg/hour) in combination with remifentanil at a set dose (3 mcg/kg/hour). Sedation was titrated to a Ramsay Sedation Score of 3. Recorded were as follows: patient satisfaction score, patient comfort score, operator comfort score, pain score, rescue medication and number of adjustments of dexmedetomidine intra‐operatively, as well as sedation level, hemodynamic (blood pressure and heart rate), and respiratory characteristics (SpO2).ResultsScores were high on patient satisfaction (median 8.5; IQR 2.0), patient comfort (3.0; IQR 1.25), and operator comfort (4.0; IQR 1.0). In all patients, intra‐operative heart rate and mean arterial pressure were lower compared with baseline values. No respiratory depression or other complications related to anesthesia were reported. Moments of incident pain were effectively treated in 6 patients requiring an extra bolus of remifentanil.ConclusionIn this study group, dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil provided a high level of patient satisfaction and comfort, as well as operator comfort, without any clinically relevant adverse events. All patients were highly cooperative and instructable; incident pain needs to be closely monitored.