bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profilin desensitization: A case series
Authors: Nucera Eleonora , Aruanno Arianna , Rizzi Angela , Pecora Valentina , Patriarca Giampiero , Buonomo Alessandro , Mezzacappa Simona , Schiavino Domenico 
Published: December 2015

The role of profilin as an allergen has long been questioned. The capacity of profilin to induce respiratory symptoms has recently been demonstrated; moreover, over 50% of patients sensitized to profilin experienced symptoms after the ingestion of plant-derived foods, suggesting that profilin should be considered as a clinically relevant food allergen. We describe the cases of seven allergic patients with oral allergy syndrome and other adverse reactions after eating plant-derived food, that have been undergone to profilin desensitization treatment. The protocol started with a drop of profilin solution (50 µg/mL) diluted 1:1018 in water until the highest dose of 10 drops of undiluted solution three times a week. At the end of the treatment we observed a decreased mean diameter of profilin wheal in skin prick test (SPT) in five of the seven participants and in profilin specific IgE values in six patients that repeated the test. Regarding basophil activation test (BAT) and the detection of IgG4, we do not have significant results because the tests have to be repeated in some patients. Regarding the double-blind placebo-controlled challenges, after about 10 months of induction phase all the patients showed tolerance to several foods that they previously did not tolerate. Moreover, the immunotherapy with profilin has proved to be safe because no serious adverse events have been reported in our patients. In summary, the results of this exploratory study of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for profilin allergy show that it can be a promising therapeutic option that could modify the clinical reactivity of the patients to the intake of plant-derived food.
Methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids versus glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee arthritis: Randomized trial
Authors: Notarnicola Angela , Maccagnano Giuseppe , Moretti Lorenzo , Pesce Vito , Tafuri Silvio , Fiore Alessandra , Moretti Biagio 
Published: December 2015

Until now glucosamine sulfate (GS) has been the most widely used supplement and has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and boswellic acids (BA) are new effective supplements for the management of inflammation and joint degeneration, according to previous experimental studies. The aim of our study is to test the effectiveness of association of MSM and BA in comparison with GS in knee arthritis. In this prospective randomized clinical trial, MEBAGA (Methylsulfonylmethane and Boswellic Acids versus Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee Arthritis), 120 participants affected by arthritis of the knee were randomly assigned to an experimental group (MB group) or a control group (GS group) treated for 60 days with 5 g of MSM and 7.2 mg of BA or with 1500 mg of GS daily, respectively. At the 2-month (T1) and 6-months (T2) follow-up , the efficacy of these two nutraceuticals was assessed using the visual analog pain scale (VAS) and the Lequesne Index (LI) for joint function, along with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-cyclooxygenase-2). The repeated measures ANOVA analysis shows that for VAS, LI, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs scores there are improvements due to the time in the two groups (respectively, F = 26.0; P <0.0001; F = 4.15; P = 0.02; F = 3.38; P = 0.04), with a tendency to better values for the MB group at T2. On the basis of these preliminary data, we could support the efficacy of the MSM in association with BA in the treatment of OA. These results are consistent with the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects previously occurred in experimental studies. This new combination of integration (MSM and BS) has presented good results and satisfactory in comparison with GS, until now the cornerstone of the treatment of arthritis in according to guidelines.
Understanding Complex Systems Through Mental Models and Shared Experiences
Authors: Bekebrede Geertje , Lo Julia , Lukosch Heide 
Published: December 2015

Background. Our world today is made up of complex, socio-technical systems like large infrastructure systems, global logistic chains and information networks. Simulation games represent one way to enable participation and governance of such systems. Aim. The current study explores the development of mental models and shared experiences of professionals and students through a simulation game. Method. The simulation game SIMPORT-MV2 focused on the development of a new port area in the Port of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Insights in the perceived development of mental models were measured through questionnaires and through observations in the debriefing. Likewise, observations in the debriefing were obtained for measurements of shared experiences. Results. Results showed that participants perceived positive learning on their declarative, procedural and strategic knowledge (mental model) about the port project. A significant difference was found for both the overall perceived knowledge and the strategic knowledge between students and professionals. Furthermore, qualitative findings showed that players are enabled to probe designs of, to gain insights into, and to develop an understanding of complex systems in a safe environment through shared experiences. Conclusions. This study shows that it is possible to design a simulation game that represents such a complex socio-technical system based on a layered approach of agent, network and system behavior.
The Role of Daylighting in Skilled Nursing Short-Term Rehabilitation Facilities
Authors: Gharaveis Arsalan , Shepley Mardelle McCuskey , Gaines Kristi 
Published: December 2015

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the best placement of windows in short-term rehabilitation facilities in terms of daylighting and outdoor views by exploring the impact of windows on resident perception of stress, mood, activities, and satisfaction. Background: The physiological and psychological benefits of daylighting have made it an increasingly important topic in multidisciplinary research. Although multiple studies have been written about the impact of daylight on physiological responses, few investigations have been made into the nonvisual effects related to resident mood, satisfaction, and stress level. In addition, researchers typically propose recommendations for quantitative aspects of illuminance, rather than addressing the behavioural outcomes. Methods: A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to address the research questions. Thirty-four participants, who were living temporarily in the inpatient rehabilitation units of two skilled nursing facilities, were subjects in semistructured interviews and a 7-question 5-scale survey. While residents expressed the need to have direct visual access to the outdoors, they indicated that daylight was of even higher benefit. Additionally, they noted that size and location of windows impacted their stress levels, moods, and activities. More than half of the facility residents reported changing their postures for either better outdoor views or less light disturbance while sleeping. Conclusions: The results of this study emphasize the importance of daylighting for residents in rehabilitation units. Architects should acknowledge the role of daylighting and window views in the design of rehabilitation facilities.
Percutaneous coronary intervention of an iatrogenic occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery after mitral valve replacement
Authors: Dello Simon AWG , Leus Stefan JL , Tan M Erwin SH , Otterspoor Luuk C , Botman Cees-Joost 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery by compromising sutures is a serious complication in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement. The majority of such patients have to undergo bypass surgery or redo mitral valve replacement. We report a case of an iatrogenic occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery after mitral valve replacement that was treated by percutaneous coronary intervention.
Towards a healthy stomach? Helicobacter pylori prevalence has dramatically decreased over 23 years in adults in a Swedish community
Authors: Agréus Lars , Hellström Per M , Talley Nicholas J , Wallner Bengt , Forsberg Anna , Vieth Michael , Veits Lothar , Björkegren Karin , Engstrand Lars , Andreasson Anna 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundIn Western countries the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may be declining but there is a lack of recent longitudinal population studies. We evaluated the changing epidemiology over a 23‐year period in Sweden.Materials and methodsIn 1989, the validated Abdominal Symptom Questionnaire (ASQ) was mailed to a random sample of inhabitants (ages 22–80 years) in a Swedish community, and 1097 (87%) responded. H. pylori serology was analysed in a representative subsample (n  = 145). Twenty‐three years later, the ASQ was mailed again using similar selection criteria, and 388 out of 1036 responders had an upper endoscopy with assessment of H. pylori and corpus atrophy status.ResultsThe prevalence of positive H. pylori serology decreased from 37.9% (1989) to 15.8% (2012), corresponding to a decrease in odds of 75% per decade (odds ratio (OR): 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11–0.59, p  = 0.001) independent of age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and level of education, with a pattern consistent with a birth cohort effect. The prevalence increased with increasing age (p  = 0.001). The prevalence of H. pylori on histology in 2012 was 11.4% (95% CI 8.6–15.0). The prevalence of corpus atrophy on serology and/or histology in 2012 was 3.2% (95% CI 1.8–5.5); all cases were ≥57 years old.ConclusionThe stomach is healthier in 2012 compared with 1989. H. pylori prevalence in adults has decreased over the last two decades to a level where clinical management might be affected.
Gambling Behavior Among Underage Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Irene Lai Kuen 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This study examined the prevalence of gambling involvement and pathological gambling among students aged 12 to 17 years in Hong Kong, and investigated the correlates of problem gambling. The DSM-IV-MR-J was administered to 1,121 students. The response rate was 89.3%. Sixty percent of the participants gambled in the previous year, 69% were infrequent players who bet less than 4 times a month, and 4.8% gambled at least once a day. Most (89.8%) wagered less than HK$100 a week, only 3.1% staked over HK$500, and 24% borrowed money to finance their gambling activities. The majority (78.6%) had started gambling before the age of 15 years. One-fifth (21.5%) transferred gambling payments at the betting venues, 44.7% were assisted by their parents and 19.7% were helped by peers. Using the DSM-IV criteria, 3.4% and 1.8% of the participants could be classified as pathological and problem gamblers, respectively. Significant gender (χ
2(1)=8.3, p < 0.01) and age differences (χ
2(7)=21, p < 0.01) were noted for such gambling addiction. Pathological and problem gambling were significantly correlated with age (r= 0.44, p < 0.01), gambling frequency (r= 0.41, p < 0.001), gender (r= 0.33, p < 0.01), early initiation (r= −0.31, p < 0.05), psychiatric disturbances (r= 0.25, p < 0.001), as well as parents (r= 0.21, p < 0.01) and peers (r= 0.18, p < 0.05) having gambling problems. The findings have implications for preventive initiatives.
Legislative Councilors’ Perceptions of Gambling Expansion and Responsible Gambling Practices in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Irene Lai Kuen , Chui Yuk Wa , Yue Yee Shan 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This study investigates the Legislative Councilors’ perceptions of gambling expansion and responsible gambling practices in Hong Kong. Employing quota sampling strategies, fourteen councilors were recruited to attend a 30-minute semi-structured interview. The results showed that many respondents (64.3%) rejected further expansion of legalized gambling in Hong Kong. Only two interviewees explicitly supported further gambling liberalization (e.g. casino gambling or increases in horse races). While the opponents were concerned about the negative impacts associated with legalized gambling activities, the proponents emphasized the economic benefits of further gambling expansion. Factors that might have influenced the councilors’ views on gambling expansion were identified: individual gambling attitudes and past experience in gambling participation, knowledge about excessive gambling, and views on individual versus social responsibility for gambling problems. Few interviewees considered that gamblers were solely responsible for their actions, difficulties and for their problem-solving endeavors. Most agreed that both the government and gambling operators have a very important role to play in addressing problem gambling, and would like to urge these key stakeholders to minimize gambling-related harms through improving responsible gambling practices. The study results have implications for gambling legislation, policy, and research.
Fenoldopam to prevent acute kidney injury after major surgery—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gillies Michael A. , Kakar Vivek , Parker Robert J. , Honoré Patrick M. , Ostermann Marlies 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery is associated with increased mortality and healthcare costs. Fenoldopam is a selective dopamine-1 receptor agonist with renoprotective properties. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing fenoldopam with placebo to prevent AKI after major surgery.

Methods
We searched EMBASE, PubMed, meta-Register of randomised controlled trials and Cochrane CENTRAL databases for trials comparing fenoldopam with placebo in patients undergoing major surgery. The primary outcome was incidence of new AKI. Secondary outcomes were requirement for renal replacement therapy and hospital mortality.

Results
Eighty-three publications were screened; 23 studies underwent full data extraction and scoring. Six trials were suitable for inclusion in the data synthesis (total of 507 subjects undergoing cardiovascular surgery, partial nephrectomy, liver transplant surgery). Five studies were rated at high risk of bias. Data on post-operative incidence of AKI were available in five of the six trials (total of 471 patients) but definitions of AKI varied between studies. Of the 238 patients receiving fenoldopam, 45 (18.9 %) developed AKI compared to 62 (26.6 %) of the 233 patients who received placebo (p = 0.004, I2 = 0 %; random-effects model odds ratio 0.46, 95 % confidence interval 0.27–0.79). In patients treated with fenoldopam, there was no difference in renal replacement therapy (n = 478; p = 0.11, I2 = 47 %; fixed-effect model odds ratio 0.27, 95 % confidence interval 0.06–1.19) or hospital mortality (p = 0.60, I2 = 0 %; fixed-effect model odds ratio 1.0, 95 % confidence interval 0.14–7.37).

Conclusions
In this analysis, peri-operative treatment with fenoldopam was associated with a significant reduction in post-operative AKI but it had no impact on renal replacement therapy or hospital mortality. Equipoise remains for further large trials in this area since the studies were conducted in three types of surgery, the majority of studies were rated at high risk of bias and the criteria for AKI varied between trials.
Chronic Glucose Exposure Systematically Shifts the Oscillatory Threshold of Mouse Islets: Experimental Evidence for an Early Intrinsic Mechanism of Compensation for Hyperglycemia
Authors: Glynn Eric , Thompson Benjamin , Vadrevu Suryakiran , Lu Shusheng , Kennedy Robert T. , Ha Joon , Sherman Arthur , Satin Leslie S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMouse islets exhibit glucose-dependent oscillations in electrical activity, intracellular Ca2+ and insulin secretion. We developed a mathematical model in which a left shift in glucose threshold helps compensate for insulin resistance. To test this experimentally, we exposed isolated mouse islets to varying glucose concentrations overnight and monitored their glucose sensitivity the next day by measuring intracellular Ca2+, electrical activity, and insulin secretion. Glucose sensitivity of all oscillation modes was increased when overnight glucose was greater than 2.8mM. To determine whether threshold shifts were a direct effect of glucose or involved secreted insulin, the KATP opener diazoxide (Dz) was coapplied with glucose to inhibit insulin secretion. The addition of Dz or the insulin receptor antagonist s961 increased islet glucose sensitivity, whereas the KATP blocker tolbutamide tended to reduce it. This suggests insulin and glucose have opposing actions on the islet glucose threshold. To test the hypothesis that the threshold shifts were due to changes in plasma membrane KATP channels, we measured cell KATP conductance, which was confirmed to be reduced by high glucose pretreatment and further reduced by Dz. Finally, treatment of INS-1 cells with glucose and Dz overnight reduced high affinity sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) trafficking to the plasma membrane vs glucose alone, consistent with insulin increasing KATP conductance by altering channel number. The results support a role for metabolically regulated KATP channels in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis.
Isolation and Characterization of Fetal Leydig Progenitor Cells of Male Mice
Authors: Inoue Miki , Shima Yuichi , Miyabayashi Kanako , Tokunaga Kaori , Sato Tetsuya , Baba Takashi , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Akiyama Haruhiko , Suyama Mikita , Morohashi Ken-ichirou 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFetal and adult Leydig cells develop in mammalian prenatal and postnatal testes, respectively. In mice, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) emerge in the interstitial space of the testis at embryonic day 12.5 and thereafter increase in number, possibly through differentiation from progenitor cells. However, the progenitor cells have not yet been identified. Previously, we established transgenic mice in which FLCs are labeled strongly with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Interestingly, fluorescence-activated cell sorting provided us with weakly EGFP-labeled cells as well as strongly EGFP-labeled FLCs. In vitro reconstruction of fetal testes demonstrated that weakly EGFP-labeled cells contain FLC progenitors. Transcriptome from the 2 cell populations revealed, as expected, marked differences in the expression of genes required for growth factor/receptor signaling and steroidogenesis. In addition, genes for energy metabolisms such as glycolytic pathways and the citrate cycle were activated in strongly EGFP-labeled cells, suggesting that metabolism is activated during FLC differentiation.
Facial emotion perception and schizophrenia symptoms.
Authors: Leszczyńska Anna 
Published: December 2015

CelRozpoznawanie emocji jest niezwykle ważnym aspektem interakcji społecznych. W grupie osób chorych na schizofrenię obserwowano zaburzenia w tym zakresie. Celem badania była ocena umiejętności percepcji mimiki u osób chorych na schizofrenię paranoidalną oraz potencjalny związek z nasileniem objawów psychozy.MetodaW badaniu wzięły udział osoby w wieku 18 – 60 lat: 102 pacjentów z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii paranoidalnej (F20.0 wg. ICD 10) oraz 50 osób zdrowych stanowiących grupę kontrolną. Do oceny stanu psychicznego wykorzystano następujące narzędziami: CGI (Skala ogólnej oceny klinicznej), PANSS (Skala zespołu pozytywnego i negatywnego), CDSS (Skala Calgary do oceny depresji w schizofrenii), UKU (Skala objawów ubocznych i powikłań). Umiejętność rozpoznawania mimiki oceniano na podstawie Skali Inteligencji Emocjonalnej – Twarze (SIE-T).WynikiNa podstawie uzyskanych danych stwierdzono, że osoby chore na schizofrenię paranoidalną rozpoznawały mimikę istotnie gorzej niż osoby zdrowe. Nasilenie objawów negatywnych schizofrenii wiązało się z większym nasileniem zaburzeń percepcji mimiki. Nie stwierdzono związku pomiędzy wiekiem zachorowania na schizofrenię a poziomem zdolności rozpoznawania emocji twarzy. Natomiast w obu grupach osób zdrowych i chorych na schizofrenię, wraz z wiekiem pogarszała się zdolność percepcji mimiki.WnioskiNasilenie objawów schizofrenii wiązało się z większym nasileniem zaburzeń percepcji mimiki.
The impact of post-traumatic stress on first responders: analysis of cortisol, anxiety, depression, sleep impairment and pain
Authors: Bergen-Cico Dessa , Lane Sandra , Thompson Maureen , Wozny Sophia , Zajdel Melissa , Barduhn Marley , Noce Jennifer 
Published: December 2015

First responders are an often ignored group facing emotional and physical stress that is similar to that of law enforcement personnel and military veterans. Fifty first responder employees were invited to participate in the study, of which 34 completed the following psychological and biological measures: 1) the PTSD Checklist—Civilian Version (PCL-C); 2) State Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA); 3) the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); 4) the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); 5) Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT); 6) Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ); 7) heart rate and blood pressure during two consecutive days; 8) body mass index (BMI); and 9) salivary cortisol measured once. Among participants, 18% (n=6) met criteria for anxiety, 47% for depression (n=16) and 33% (n=12) for PTSD. Comparison of statistical models assessing the predictive strength of physical and behavioural health measures found PTSD to be the strongest predictor for depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality, musculoskeletal pain, cortisol and BMI.A substantial portion of first responders met criteria for PTSD and anxiety. Assessing the impact of these conditions may best be achieved through physical health measures (cortisol, BMI, heart rate) in addition to psychometric screening tools (PCL, CESD, STICSA).
Calculation of the Scattering Amplitude of A Nucleus in the Presence of the Yukawa Potential
Authors: Nickhah L. , Rajabi A. A. , Pakdel F. 
Published: December 2015

<p>The scattering amplitudes are obtained from the phase shifts for a spherically symmetric potential using the D-dimensional Schrödinger equation and the partial wave method. Plots show that the real and imaginary parts of the scattering amplitude are almost similar behavior. <strong></strong></p>
Reviews Film
Authors: Ross Franz , Belden Stephen , Bell-Games Eoin 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The Zero Theorem (2013) UK/Romania/France/USA Director Terry Gilliam Runtime 107 minutes
Boyhood (2014) USA Director Richard Linklater Runtime 165 minutes
Abus de faiblesse (Abuse of Weakness), (2013) France/Germany/Belgium Director Catherine Breillat Runtime 105 minutes