bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy intake highs and lows: how much does consistency matter in weight control?
Authors: Rosenbaum Diane L. , Schumacher Leah M. , Schaumberg Katherine , Piers Amani D. , Gaspar Monika E. , Lowe Michael R. , Forman Evan M. , Butryn Meghan L. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBehavioural weight control programmes recommend adherence to daily energy intake goals, yet also allow for flexibility in intake across days. Evidence is lacking as to whether intake consistency is important for weight control. The current study explored the relation between day‐to‐day intake consistency and weight loss in the context of behavioural weight loss treatment and examined the relationship between variability in intake and several factors known to be associated with weight control success. Participants (N =  283) enrolled in a 12‐month behavioural weight loss programme completed 24‐h recalls of dietary intake and psychological measures. At the end of treatment, low intake variability and greater weight loss were associated, but variability was not predictive of weight loss independent of mean intake in continuous analyses. Interestingly, participants who met the programme goal of ≥10% weight loss had less intake variability compared to those who lost <10%, although groups did not differ significantly on mean intake. Results suggest that daily intake consistency may facilitate successful weight loss for some. Additionally, autonomous motivation for weight management and cognitive dietary restraint were inversely related to end‐of‐treatment intake variability. Additional research is needed to examine whether recommendations to limit intake variability during behavioural weight loss treatment improve long‐term weight control.
Outcome of allogeneic transplantation in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: long‐term follow‐up in a single institution
Authors: Franssen Laurens E. , Raymakers Reinier A. P. , Buijs Arjan , Schmitz Marian F. , van Dorp Suzanne , Mutis Tuna , Lokhorst Henk M. , van de Donk Niels W. C. J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAllogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) has the potential to induce long‐term remission in multiple myeloma (MM), but the role of allo‐SCT in MM is controversial due to the high rate of treatment‐related mortality (TRM). However, although proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs have improved the outcome of patients with MM, high‐risk patients still have a very poor prognosis. This indicates the need for new treatment strategies and identification of patients who might benefit from allo‐SCT. We therefore analyzed the outcome of one hundred and forty‐seven patients with MM who received an allo‐SCT at our institution (58 in first line, 89 in relapsed/refractory setting) after a median follow‐up of 88.8 months. For the first‐line setting, median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were remarkably good, with a CR rate of 48.3%, median PFS of 30.2 months, and 10‐yr OS of 51%. We found no difference in outcome for patients with high‐risk metaphase cytogenetics or FISH del(13q14), but efficacy in current standard high‐risk patients could not be determined. The outcome in the relapsed/refractory setting was poor, especially in the subgroup of patients relapsing within 18 months after auto‐SCT. Therefore, if applied at all in these patients, improvement of allo‐SCT is needed, focusing on reduction of TRM and more effective immunotherapy.
Experimental febrile seizures increase dendritic complexity of newborn dentate granule cells
Authors: Raijmakers Marjolein , Clynen Elke , Smisdom Nick , Nelissen Sofie , Brône Bert , Rigo Jean‐Michel , Hoogland Govert , Swijsen Ann 
Published: March 2016

SummaryObjectiveFebrile seizures (FS) are fever‐associated convulsions, being the most common seizure disorder in early childhood. A subgroup of these children later develops epilepsy characterized by a hyperexcitable neuronal network in the hippocampus. Hippocampal excitability is regulated by the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) where postnatal neurogenesis occurs. Experimental FS increase the survival of newborn hippocampal dentate granule cells (DGCs), yet the significance of this neuronal subpopulation to the hippocampal network remains unclear. In the current study, we characterized the temporal maturation and structural integration of these post‐FS born DGCs in the DG.MethodsExperimental FS were induced in 10‐day‐old rat pups. The next day, retroviral particles coding for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were stereotactically injected in the DG to label newborn cells. Histochemical analyses of eGFP expressing DGCs were performed one, 4, and 8 weeks later and consisted of the following: (1) colocalization with neurodevelopmental markers doublecortin, calretinin, and the mature neuronal marker NeuN; (2) quantification of dendritic complexity; and (3) quantification of spine density and morphology.ResultsAt neither time point were neurodevelopmental markers differently expressed between FS animals and normothermia (NT) controls. One week after treatment, DGCs from FS animals showed dendrites that were 66% longer than those from NT controls. At 4 and 8 weeks, Sholl analysis of the outer 83% of the molecular layer showed 20–25% more intersections in FS animals than in NT controls (p < 0.01). Although overall spine density was not affected, an increase in mushroom‐type spines was observed after 8 weeks.SignificanceExperimental FS increase dendritic complexity and the number of mushroom‐type spines in post‐FS born DGCs, demonstrating a more mature phenotype and suggesting increased incoming excitatory information. The consequences of this hyperconnectivity to signal processing in the DG and the output of the hippocampus remain to be studied.
Socioeconomic indicators for sustainable design and commercial development of algal biofuel systems
Authors: Efroymson Rebecca A. , Dale Virginia H. , Langholtz Matthew H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSocial and economic indicators can be used to support design of sustainable energy systems. Indicators representing categories of social well‐being, energy security, external trade, profitability, resource conservation, and social acceptability have not yet been measured in published sustainability assessments for commercial algal biofuel facilities. We review socioeconomic indicators that have been modeled at the commercial scale or measured at the pilot or laboratory scale, as well as factors that affect them, and discuss additional indicators that should be measured during commercialization to form a more complete picture of socioeconomic sustainability of algal biofuels. Indicators estimated in the scientific literature include the profitability indicators, return on investment (ROI) and net present value (NPV), and the resource conservation indicator, fossil energy return on investment (EROI). These modeled indicators have clear sustainability targets and have been used to design sustainable algal biofuel systems. Factors affecting ROI, NPV, and EROI include infrastructure, process choices, and financial assumptions. The food security indicator, percent change in food price volatility, is probably zero where agricultural lands are not used for production of algae‐based biofuels; however, food‐related coproducts from algae could enhance food security. The energy security indicators energy security premium and fuel price volatility and external trade indicators terms of trade and trade volume cannot be projected into the future with accuracy prior to commercialization. Together with environmental sustainability indicators, the use of a suite of socioeconomic sustainability indicators should contribute to progress toward sustainability of algal biofuels.
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive human Mac‐2 binding protein may predict liver fibrosis and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Ichikawa Yuki , Joshita Satoru , Umemura Takeji , Shobugawa Yugo , Usami Yoko , Shibata Soichiro , Yamazaki Tomoo , Fujimori Naoyuki , Komatsu Michiharu , Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: March 2016

AimSerum glycosylated Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) is a reliable, non‐invasive marker of liver fibrosis. This study assessed the ability of WFA+‐M2BP to diagnose liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and evaluated WFA+‐M2BP as a predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development.MethodsSerum WFA+‐M2BP values were retrospectively evaluated in 112 treatment‐naïve patients with HBV‐related chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis who had undergone liver biopsy at our hospital.ResultsSerum WFA+‐M2BP levels were significantly related with liver fibrosis (r = 0.3725, P = 0.001). Fibrosis stage F2, F3, and F4 had a cut‐off index of 0.94, 1.26, and 1.26, respectively. For diagnosing F ≥ 2 fibrosis, the area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve for WFA+‐M2BP was 0.713 and comparable with those of other non‐invasive fibrosis markers, such as hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen 7S, aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index, fibrosis‐4 index, serum albumin, and platelet count. Multivariate analysis identified male, WFA+‐M2BP ≥0.71, alanine aminotransferase ≥80 IU/L, and platelet count <14.5 × 109/L as independent risk factors for the development of HCC in patients with HBV infection.ConclusionsSerum WFA+‐M2BP values appear to be useful for assessing liver fibrosis stage and are independently associated with HCC development in patients with chronic HBV infection.
No correlation between statin exposure and incident diabetes mellitus in HIV‐1‐infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Calza L , Colangeli V , Magistrelli E , Manfredi R , Bon I , Re MC , Viale P 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesRecent clinical studies and one meta‐analysis have shown a modest but significant increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus associated with statin exposure, so this correlation was investigated in a cohort of HIV‐positive subjects.MethodsA retrospective cohort study including adult HIV‐1‐infected patients followed at our Clinic of Infectious Diseases between 2007 and 2014 was performed.ResultsWe assessed 3170 HIV‐positive patients with a median follow‐up of 5.2 years. The incidence of diabetes mellitus was 1.2 per 100 person‐years and it was not significantly associated with the prescription of statins [hazard ratio (HR) 1.09 per year of statin exposure; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–1.49; P = 0.067], while it was associated with older age, chronic hepatitis C, antiretroviral‐naïve vs. antiretroviral experienced condition, high body mass index, and high serum concentration of triglycerides.ConclusionsIn our study, a higher risk of diabetes mellitus was not associated with statin treatment, but with some traditional risk factors.
Understanding effects of topical ingredients on electrical measurement of skin hydration
Authors: Crowther J.M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveMethods that assess skin hydration based on changes in its electrical properties are widely used in both cosmetic and medical research. However, the devices themselves often give results which are significantly different to each other. Although some work has previously been carried out to try and understand what these devices are actually reading, it was based on a technique for measuring the devices' responses to filter discs impregnated with different liquids, which could in itself be influencing the measurements. Presented here is a new method for measuring the devices' direct responses to different materials and solutions which removes any other confounding effects, thereby providing a clearer insight into their operation.MethodsThe responses of a variety of different liquids and solutions were measured using the Corneometer® and Skicon®. A new method is presented, based on the use of a custom‐designed PTFE block to hold the liquids, allowing their measurement without using a filter paper. This method was developed and tested against the existing filter paper‐based approach.ResultsDifferences were observed in results between filter paper‐ and PTFE block‐based approach, indicating that the filter paper itself is capable of influencing the measurements and as such is not to be recommended for assessing how different liquids impact on results from the devices. A positive correlation was observed between Corneometer® and Skicon® readings for certain solutions and under certain conditions. A large influence of salt concentration was noted for the Skicon® device with no or minimal impact from the actual water itself, humectants and emollients. Salts, emollients, water and humectants were observed to have an effect on Corneometer® readings.ConclusionsBoth the Corneometer® and Skicon® were influenced to different extents by chemicals other than water and therefore cannot be seen purely as measures of skin ‘hydration’. Although there is strong evidence that the devices do correlate with expert assessment of skin dryness, the level of water in the skin is only part of the story when it comes to understanding the benefits of topical moisturizing products applied to the skin. An alternative approach would be to consider skin ‘moisturization’ as a property which is influenced by water, salts and other materials such as humectants and emollients, which is more consistent with how the stratum corneum itself helps to maintain its plasticity and flexibility. In the work presented here, the Corneometer® was more suited to providing a measurement which reflects the impact of multiple different components.
Urinary straining contributes to inguinal hernia after radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: Kaiho Yasuhiro , Mitsuzuka Koji , Yamada Shigeyuki , Saito Hideo , Adachi Hisanobu , Yamashita Shinichi , Izumi Hideaki , Ito Akihiro , Arai Yoichi 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo verify whether abdominal pressure during urination represents an important factor in the postoperative development of inguinal hernia after radical retropubic prostatectomy.MethodsParticipants comprised 228 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy without prophylaxis for inguinal herniation between 2002 and 2007. Development of inguinal hernia was assessed from clinical records. Straining was rated on a six‐point scale (straining score) according to frequency of straining using answers to question 6 of the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months after prostatectomy. Straining scores were compared between patients with and without postoperative inguinal hernia. Multivariate analysis was carried out to identify parameters associated with inguinal hernia development after prostatectomy. Associations between inguinal hernia development and frequency of postoperative urinary straining were also estimated.ResultsStraining score in both groups was significantly increased at 1 month after radical retropubic prostatectomy. This increase was significantly greater in the postoperative inguinal hernia group (P < 0.05). Throughout the observation period, postoperative straining scores were higher in the group with postoperative inguinal hernia than in the group without. On multivariate analysis, postoperative urinary straining and previous hernia repair represented significant risk factors for postoperative inguinal hernia. The proportion of patients without inguinal hernia decreased significantly with increasing frequency of postoperative urinary straining.ConclusionUrinary straining is associated with inguinal hernia development after radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Pressure ulcers in four Indonesian hospitals: prevalence, patient characteristics, ulcer characteristics, prevention and treatment
Authors: Amir Yufitriana , Lohrmann Christa , Halfens Ruud JG , Schols Jos MGA 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe objective of this article was to study characteristics of pressure ulcer patients and their ulcers, pressure ulcer preventive and treatment measures in four Indonesian general hospitals. A multicentre cross‐sectional design was applied to assess pressure ulcers and pressure ulcer care in adult patients in medical, surgical, specialised and intensive care units. Ninety‐one of the 1132 patients had a total of 142 ulcers. Half (44·0%) already had pressure ulcers before admission. The overall prevalence of category I–IV pressure ulcers was 8·0% (95% CI 6·4–9·6), and the overall nosocomial pressure ulcer prevalence was 4·5% (95% CI 3·3–5·7). Most pressure ulcer patients had friction and shear problems, were bedfast, had diabetes and had more bedridden days. Most ulcers (42·3%) were category III and IV. One third of the patients had both pressure ulcers and moisture lesions (36·3%) and suffered from pain (45·1%). The most frequently used prevention measures were repositioning (61·5%), skin moisturising (47·3%), patient education (36·3%) and massage (35·2%). Most pressure ulcer dressings involved saline‐impregnated or antimicrobial gauzes. This study shows the complexities of pressure ulcers in Indonesian general hospitals and reveals that the quality of pressure ulcer care (prevention and treatment) could be improved by implementing the recent evidence‐based international guideline.
Do zip‐type skin‐closing devices show better wound status compared to conventional staple devices in total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Ko Jae Han , Yang Ick Hwan , Ko Min Seok , Kamolhuja Eshnazarov , Park Kwan Kyu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study compared the pain score, cosmetic outcome and wound complication rate between zip‐type skin‐closing device and conventional staple device. Forty‐five subjects with zip‐type skin‐closing device (the zip group) and 45 subjects with the conventional staple device (the staple group) after total knee arthroplasty were compared. Visual analogue scale score was significantly higher on postoperative (PO) 1, 3, 14 day (D) in the staple group compared to the zip group (P < 0·05). The Vancouver scar score was significantly better in the zip group compared to that of the staple group (4·6 ± 0·7 versus 6·9 ± 1·3, P = 0·043) on PO 90D. There was no significant wound complication rate between the two groups. The zip‐type skin‐closing device showed less pain PO 14D, especially during dressing and removal of the device, and better cosmetic outcome 3 months after surgeries. Surgeons may consider using the zip‐type skin‐closing device for patients who want less pain and better cosmetic outcome.
Expert Testimony, Law and Epistemic Authority
Authors: Ward Tony 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article discusses the concept of epistemic authority in the context of English law relating to expert testimony. It distinguishes between two conceptions of epistemic authority (and epistemic deference), one strong and one weak, and argues that only the weak conception is appropriate in a legal context, or in any other setting where reliance on experts can be publicly justified. It critically examines Linda Zagzebski's defence of a stronger conception of epistemic authority and questions whether epistemic authority is as closely analogous to practical authority as she maintains. Zagzebski elucidates a kind of deference that courts generally, and rightly, try to avoid. Her concept of ‘first person reasons’, however, does capture an important aspect of the deliberations of conscientious legal actors.
Impact of dentine hypersensitivity on oral health‐related quality of life in individuals receiving supportive periodontal care
Authors: Goh Victor , Corbet Esmonde F. , Leung Wai Keung 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo determine the prevalence and impact of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in individuals receiving supportive periodontal care (SPC).Materials and MethodsOne hundred and two adults receiving SPC were recruited for a cross‐sectional study. Subjects were categorized into those who self‐reported DH (DH1) or did not (DH0). Impact of DH on OHRQoL was assessed using the Chinese Condition‐Specific Oral Impact on Daily Performance questionnaire (CS‐OIDP). Evaluation of DH included tactile‐stimulation followed by air‐blast, and recorded using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).ResultsSixty‐one (59.8%) subjects self‐reported DH with mean air‐blast VAS score of 29.4 ± 21.3 mm and mean tactile‐stimulation VAS score of 10.9 ± 14.7 mm. Fifty (49%) subjects reported impact on OHRQoL (mean CS‐OIDP score = 4.7 ± 6.3). The most affected performance was cleaning the mouth (35.3%). Positive expression of DH and worse OHRQoL were associated with higher air‐blast and tactile‐stimulation VAS scores, and use of desensitizing agents. The minimally important difference (MID) in CS‐OIDP scores was 2.0 points. Approximately 30% of the subjects reported CS‐OIDP scores above the MID.ConclusionsDentine hypersensitivity affects OHRQoL in patients undergoing SPC. The extent of impact was associated with severity of DH.
A prospective study comparing prophylactic gastrostomy to nutritional counselling with a therapeutic feeding tube if required in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy in Thai real‐world practice
Authors: Pramyothin P. , Manyanont S. , Trakarnsanga A. , Petsuksiri J. , Ithimakin S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundConcurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for head and neck (HN) cancer patients. Most patients experience malnutrition and weight loss during treatment because of mucositis and difficulty in swallowing. Prevention of malnutrition may allow more patients to complete their treatment. The present study aimed to examine whether prophylactic gastrostomy tube (PGT) could reduce treatment interruption, prevent malnutrition and maintain quality of life, especially in Thai patients who generally do not accept feeding tubes.MethodsA prospective study was performed on HN cancer patients undergoing CRT at a tertiary hospital in Thailand (n = 95). Before starting CRT, all patients received nutritional assessment and were counselled about the risks and benefits of PGT. According to patient discretion, they chose to have a PGT (experimental group) or only nutritional counselling with a therapeutic feeding tube if required (control group). During CRT, weight, degree of mucositis, delayed chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and nutritional status were recorded. Quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Head and Neck Scale; FACT‐H&N) was compared between two groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the rates of delayed treatment. Mean weight loss was 3.1 and 4.8 kg in the experimental and control groups, respectively (P = 0.04). A higher proportion of patients in the control group experienced ≥10% weight loss (24% versus 4%; P = 0.03). In terms of quality of life, no significant difference in FACT‐H&N score was found.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that PGT provided similar quality of life without a reduction in treatment interruption. However, patients with PGT had significantly less weight loss (P = 0.04) during CRT.
Light microscopy of whole plant organs
Authors: TIMMERS ANTONIUS C.J. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryPlants are ideal organisms for light microscopical studies of cellular mechanisms controlling cell organisation and cell functioning. However, most plant organs are not transparent to light which prevents high resolution imaging deep within plant tissues. Classically, access into plant organs is achieved by sectioning or whole‐mount tissue clearing. Until recently, the protocols for clearing destroyed the signal from fluorescent markers which prevented the imaging of the distribution of fluorescent proteins and the three‐dimensional reconstruction from optical slices of whole plant organs. From 2011, a number of protocols have been developed for whole brain and whole organism imaging for animal studies. Now, these protocols have been adapted for in‐depth imaging of whole plant organs. Here, I present an overview of clearing techniques of plant organs and highlight the latest developments of plant tissue clearing in combination with high resolution fluorescence microscopy.