bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding fatigue in paediatric multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of clinical and psychosocial factors
Authors: Carroll Susan , Chalder Trudie , Hemingway Cheryl , Heyman Isobel , Moss‐Morris Rona 
Published: November 2015

AimFatigue in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis (caMS) is currently poorly understood. This review aimed to provide greater insight into this area and direction for future research by evaluating evidence of associations between fatigue and clinical, psychological, and social factors in caMS.MethodStudies were identified by searching online databases, hand‐searching reference lists, and requesting unpublished literature from key authors. Studies that examined fatigue in relation to at least one clinical, psychological, or social factor in caMS were included. Data on design, sample characteristics, measures of fatigue, clinical, psychological, and social variables, and key findings were extracted. Twelve studies were narratively synthesized.ResultsClinical factors appeared largely unrelated to fatigue, whereas associations between fatigue and tests of neurocognitive functioning, and fatigue and diagnosable psychiatric disorders, were mixed. However, fatigue and depressed mood consistently correlated. A small number of studies indicated associations between fatigue and reduced quality of life and school performance.InterpretationA sufficient explanatory model of fatigue in caMS is lacking as studies in this area are few and diverse. Future research should endeavour to identify potentially modifiable clinical and psychosocial factors that are associated with fatigue in caMS so that interventions targeting such factors may be developed.
Aberrant Notch signalling contributes to hypertrophic scar formation by modulating the phenotype of keratinocytes
Authors: Li Bing , Gao Chao , Diao Jian‐Sheng , Wang Da‐Lei , Chu Fei‐Fei , Li Yang , Wang Gang , Guo Shu‐Zhong , Xia Wei 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHypertrophic scar (HS) is characterized by fibroblast hyperproliferation and excessive matrix deposition. Aberrant keratinocyte differentiation and their abnormal cytokine secretion are said to contribute to HS by activating fibroblasts. However, the signalling pathway causing the aberrant keratinocytes in HS has remained unidentified thus far. Given that Notch signalling is crucial in initiating keratinocyte differentiation, we hypothesized that Notch signalling contributes to HS by modulating the phenotype of keratinocytes. We found that Notch1, Notch intracellular domain, Jagged1 and Hes‐1 were overexpressed in the epidermis of patients with HS. Supernatants from recombinant‐Jagged1–treated keratinocyte cultures could accelerate dermal fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. Furthermore, Jagged1 induced keratinocyte differentiation and upregulated the expression of fibrotic factors, including transforming growth factors β1 and β2, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, connective tissue growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor, while DAPT (a Notch inhibitor) significantly suppressed these processes. In a rabbit ear model of HS, local application of DAPT downregulated the production of fibrotic factors in keratinocytes, together with ameliorated scar hyperplasia. Our findings suggest that Notch signalling contributes to HS by modulating keratinocyte phenotype. These results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HS and indicate a potential therapeutic target.
Long non‐coding RNA TSIX is upregulated in scleroderma dermal fibroblasts and controls collagen mRNA stabilization
Authors: Wang Zhongzhi , Jinnin Masatoshi , Nakamura Kayo , Harada Miho , Kudo Hideo , Nakayama Wakana , Inoue Kuniko , Nakashima Taiji , Honda Noritoshi , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are thought to have various functions other than RNA silencing. We tried to evaluate the expression of lncRNAs in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and determined whether lncRNAs controls collagen expression in dermal fibroblasts. lncRNA expression was determined by real‐time PCR and in situ hybridization. Protein and mRNA levels of collagen were analysed using immunoblotting and real‐time PCR. We found TSIX, one of the lncRNAs, was overexpressed in SSc dermal fibroblasts both in vivo and in vitro, which was inhibited by the transfection of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 siRNA. TSIX siRNA reduced the mRNA expression of type I collagen in normal and SSc dermal fibroblasts, but not the levels of major disease‐related cytokines. In addition, TSIX siRNA significantly reduced type I collagen mRNA stability, but not protein half‐lives. Furthermore, we first investigated serum lncRNA levels in patients with SSc, and serum TSIX levels were significantly increased in SSc patients. TSIX is a new regulator of collagen expression which stabilizes the collagen mRNA. The upregulation of TSIX seen in SSc fibroblasts may result from activated endogenous TGF‐β signalling and may play a role in the constitutive upregulation of collagen in these cells. Further studies on the regulatory mechanism of tissue fibrosis by lncRNAs in SSc skin lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis, new diagnostic methods by their serum levels and new therapeutic approaches using siRNAs.
Climate is an important driver for stream diatom distributions
Authors: Pajunen Virpi , Luoto Miska , Soininen Janne 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThe species distributions of macroorganisms are widely studied, yet microbial distributions at species level remain poorly resolved. We explored the relative contributions of climatic and local environmental factors in explaining the distribution patterns of unicellular diatoms.LocationA geographical gradient of c. 1200 km in Finland (60°–70° N).MethodsWe modelled the distributions of 157 diatom taxa sampled in 227 stream sites using climatic and local environmental predictors with four different modelling techniques: generalized linear models, generalized additive models, boosted regression trees and Random Forest. We used models with three separate sets of predictors: environment only, climate only and the full set of predictors. The model performances were evaluated using the area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic plot and the true skill statistic values by a four‐fold cross‐validation approach.ResultsWe found that the predictive performance of the full models was highest, indicating the importance of both the local environment and large‐scale climatic factors in diatom distribution patterns. However, climate‐only models outcompeted the environment‐only models in predicting diatom distributions. The explanatory variables had varying importance across species and growing degree days and precipitation had the highest relative importance in the full models. We also found that the predictability of the distributions varied greatly among species, but the differences among families were typically small.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that at a broad geographical scale climate‐related factors are important determinants of diatom distributions and may be stronger drivers than local variables. The inclusion of both climatic and local environmental factors in species distribution modelling facilitates the understanding of the joint effects of these drivers on microorganisms in future conditions. From an applied perspective, our study demonstrated that species distribution models serve as an important tool in explaining and predicting microbial distributions.
Clinicopathologic features of IgG/IgA pemphigus in comparison with classic (IgG) and IgA pemphigus
Authors: Toosi Siavash , Collins Jeffrey W. , Lohse Christine M. , Wolz Michael M. , Wieland Carilyn N. , Camilleri Michael J. , Bruce Alison J. , McEvoy Marian T. , Lehman Julia S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe pemphigus group is characterized by the presence of circulating immunoglobulins against desmosomes. IgG/IgA pemphigus is defined by the presence of IgG and IgA cell surface deposits upon direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and/or circulating IgG and IgA autoantibodies upon indirect immunofluorescence. Previous reports of patients with IgG/IgA pemphigus are sparse. Whether IgG/IgA pemphigus is best classified as a subtype of IgG (classic) pemphigus or IgA pemphigus, or as a distinct entity, has yet to be determined.ObjectivesWe compared the features of patients with IgG/IgA pemphigus to those of IgG pemphigus and IgA pemphigus.MethodsRetrospective clinicopathologic study of patients with IgG, IgG/IgA, and IgA pemphigus evaluated at our clinic (1993–2013).ResultsWe included 26, 13, and seven patients with IgG, IgG/IgA, and IgA pemphigus, respectively. Patients with IgG/IgA pemphigus did not differ significantly from patients with IgG pemphigus in terms of clinical and microscopic features, DIF findings, anti‐desmoglein antibody values, and treatments required. However, patients with IgG/IgA pemphigus were significantly different from patients with IgA pemphigus regarding intertriginous distribution (P = 0.038) and pustular lesions (P < 0.001), acantholysis (P = 0.043), and presence of intercellular C3 deposits on DIF (P < 0.001).ConclusionComparative clinicopathologic data imply that IgG/IgA pemphigus may best be regarded as a variant of IgG pemphigus and distinct from IgA pemphigus.
Incidence of trichostasis spinulosa at a single institution in Yemen
Authors: Alshami Mohammad A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundTrichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a common, underdiagnosed cosmetic skin condition.ObjectivesThe main objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of TS relative to age and gender, to analyze its cutaneous distribution, and to investigate any possible familial basis for this condition, its impact on patients, and the types and efficacy of previous treatments.MethodsAll patients presenting to the outpatient dermatology clinic at the study institution and their relatives were examined for the presence of TS and were questioned about family history and previous treatment. Photographs and biopsies of suspected cases of TS were obtained.ResultsOf 2400 patients seen between August and December 2013, 286 patients were diagnosed with TS (135 males, 151 females; prevalence: 11.9%). Women presented more frequently than men with complaints of TS (6.3 vs. 4.2%), and more women had received prior treatment for TS (10.5 vs. 2.8%). The most commonly affected sites were the face (100%), interscapular area (10.5%), and arms (3.1%). Lesions involved the nasal alae in 96.2%, the nasal tip in 90.9%, the chin in 55.9%, and the cheeks in 52.4% of patients. Only 15.7% of patients had forehead lesions, and only 4.5% had perioral lesions. Among the 38 previously treated patients, 65.8% reported temporary improvement.ConclusionsTrichostasis spinulosa is a common condition that predominantly affects the face in patients of all ages. Additional studies employing larger cohorts from multiple centers will be required to determine the prevalence of TS in the general population.
Skin diseases among internally displaced Tawerghans living in camps in Benghazi, Libya
Authors: Elfaituri Safa S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundBenghazi has received many internally displaced persons (IDPs) from other Libyan cities as a result of the armed conflict in Libya. These groups have significant health problems associated with their displacement, including skin diseases.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the spectrum and frequency of skin diseases among people living in IDP camps in Benghazi.MethodsA total of 480 IDP camp residents with complaints of skin diseases were studied over a period of 6 months.ResultsAll subjects were ethnic Tawerghans; about three‐quarters were female and half were adults. The disease types found to occur at the highest frequencies were skin infections (40.0%), followed by xerosis (31.3%), eczema (18.3%), acne (17.0%), hair‐related diseases (6.7%), and psychosomatic diseases (3.0%).ConclusionsPeople who are resident in IDP camps have skin problems similar to those of other populations in similar circumstances. They have increased vulnerability to infections, environment‐associated disorders such as xerosis cutis and eczema, and diseases of psychosomatic origin.
Vitamin D levels in patients with albinism compared with those in normally pigmented Black patients attending dermatology clinics in the Free State province, South Africa
Authors: Van der Walt Johanna E. C. , Sinclair Werner 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundAssociations between vitamin D deficiency and a broad variety of independent diseases, including several bone diseases, various types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, have been suggested. It is therefore important to detect and treat vitamin D deficiency in high‐risk groups. Because patients with albinism (PWA) practice a policy of strict sun avoidance, they may be at risk for low levels of vitamin D.ObjectivesThis study was conducted in patients attending dermatology clinics in the Free State, South Africa, to determine sun avoidance behavior in the patient population and to compare 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels in PWA with those in normally pigmented Black patients attending the same clinics.MethodsSerum 25(OH)D levels were assessed in 50 PWA and 50 normally pigmented Black control subjects. Questionnaires on sun exposure avoidance behaviors were administered to all participants.ResultsThe present study showed no statistically significant difference in median 25(OH)D levels between PWA and controls with normally pigmented Black skin. Rather, the study found a tendency for controls to have lower 25(OH)D levels. A total of 53% (n = 53) of all study participants (PWA and controls) had a 25(OH)D level of <20 ng/ml; thus most participants were deficient in vitamin D. Most of the PWA who participated in the study did not adhere to strict sun avoidance behavior.ConclusionsPeople with albinism attending dermatology clinics in the Free State, South Africa, need not be viewed as specifically at risk for low vitamin D levels.
Eccrine porocarcinoma with extensive cutaneous metastases
Authors: Montes‐Torres Andrea , Pérez‐Plaza Alejandra , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Gordillo Carlos , De Argila Diego , García‐García Carmen , Fraga Javier , Marín Alicia , Ballesteros Ana Isabel , Daudén Esteban 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundEccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is an uncommon malignant neoplasm that originates in the intraepidermal portion of the eccrine sweat duct. Although porocarcinoma is a slow‐growing tumor, up to 20% of cases can metastasize to regional lymph nodes, thus increasing mortality.MethodsWe describe the clinical and histopathological features and clinical course of three cases of extensive metastatic EPC diagnosed in our department over the last 10 years.ResultsAll three patients were women aged 89–96 years. They had numerous skin tumors on the left leg that were histologically and immunohistochemically diagnosed as metastatic EPC. Only one patient had a history of primary porocarcinoma, which had been excised 6 years earlier. The remaining two patients had a previous lesion diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. We treated the patients with palliative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Only one patient is currently alive.ConclusionsThe cases of cutaneous and regional metastatic EPC we present occurred in elderly women with major involvement of the left leg. The third case is noteworthy, as the patient presented a long latency period before metastases appeared. Difficulties in the clinical diagnosis – and occasionally histological diagnosis – of primary EPC could delay more aggressive treatment, although optimal treatment does not always guarantee a good prognosis.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and other cytokines in atopic dermatitis, and correlation with clinical features
Authors: Samochocki Zbigniew , Bogaczewicz Jarosław , Sysa‐Jędrzejowska Anna , McCauliffe Daniel P. , Kontny Ewa , Wozniacka Anna 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was found increased in the stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, its potential pathogenic role(s) in AD needs further clarification.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether VEGF serum levels correlate with other selected cytokine levels and features of AD.MethodsVEGF and other cytokine levels were measured in 83 patients with AD and in a control group and then correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters of AD.ResultsThe mean serum concentrations of VEGF and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly higher in patients with AD than in the control group, whereas the mean interleukin eight serum level was lower. VEGF concentrations correlated with the severity of AD as expressed by SCORAD index and objective SCORAD.ConclusionVEGF could be regarded as a potentially important mediator in the pathogenesis of AD, as VEGF levels correlate somewhat with AD severity.
Preparation and characterisation of surface‐active pectin from soya hulls by phosphate‐assisted subcritical water combined with ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Liu Chun , Cheng Fen‐Fen , Wang Jin‐Mei , Wan Zhi‐Li , Sun Ying‐En , Yang Xiao‐Quan 
Published: November 2015

SummarySurface‐active pectin was efficiently extracted from soya hull using phosphate‐assisted subcritical water combined with ultrasonic treatment (PASW‐UT). The physicochemical and functional properties of soya hull pectin (PSHP) were evaluated. Compared to pectin prepared by traditional acid extraction (ASHP), the yield and purity of PSHP were significantly increased, as well as PSHP also contained more protein moiety and displayed better emulsifying and foaming properties. However, the emulsifying and foaming properties of protein‐depleted soya bean hull pectin (PDSHP) were markedly decreased as compared to PSHP, which was supported by data of dynamic interfacial tension of pectins, suggesting that the emulsifying and foaming capacity of PSHP should be mainly ascribed to the existence of more extensin, as evidenced by the results of hydroxyproline content. In further comparison with commercial sugar beet pectin (SBP), the PSHP exhibited similar emulsifying properties with SBP over the pH range of 2–6. Moreover, the foam ability and stability were even higher than those of SBP, especially at pH 4.0. These findings suggest that PASW‐UT could be used as an effective strategy to prepare novel surface‐active pectin from soya hull.
Effect of fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae on the biochemical and sensory properties of anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) fish sauce
Authors: Sun Jianan , Yu Xiaohang , Fang Bohuan , Ma Lei , Xue Changhu , Zhang Zhaohui , Mao Xiangzhao 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThis study obtained an anchovy flavourful fish sauce by a bioprocess of aerobic fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae OAY1 in a period of time as short as 3 days. Amino nitrogen of the fish sauce increased to 7.35 mg mL−1 by optimisation with response surface methodology (RSM). Results of chemical analysis showed that amino nitrogen, hydrolysis degree, reducing sugar and total amino acids all increased, along with the enhanced antioxidant activity. With regard to biogenic amines, most of the tested biogenic amines decreased after fermentation. Electronic nose test revealed that the odour of the fish sauce became more balanced and favourable after fermentation. In addition, volatile odorant analysis and sensory evaluation showed that no particularly unpleasant flavour ingredient was found in the anchovy fish sauce, and the taste was overall satisfactory. Meanwhile, consumer acceptance test showed that the anchovy fish sauce produced in this study using A. orzyae OAY1 had a high consumer acceptance similar to the commercial anchovy fish sauce. This aerobic fast‐fermentation process provided an efficient method for high‐quality fish sauce production.
Mixing properties and rheological characteristics of dough used to make potato‐cereal soft wraps
Authors: Helgerud Trygve , Schüller Reidar B. , Dessev Tzvetelin , Rukke Elling O. , Knutsen Svein H. , Afseth Nils K. , Ballance Simon 
Published: November 2015

SummaryWe have studied mixing, rheology and stability of potato‐cereal flour doughs. These were prepared using samples of two varieties of cooked and cold‐stored potatoes. Dependent on variety a minimum duration of 24–48 h cold‐storage was required. Dough mixing torque plateau was inversely related to potato water content. This should be <79 g/100 g. It was also necessary to have a stable dough mixing torque plateau of >2 Nm at a specific total mechanical energy input of 18–22 kJ kg−1. The resting temperature of the dough was also inversely related to its strength (plateau elastic modulus at time zero). Target dough strength should be about 25 kPa in a bob‐cup. Above 15 °C it decreased as a function of time and within 1 h it became too sticky for commercial processing. At 4 °C the dough remained stable. Sufficient potato starch retrogradation is a pre‐requisite to make optimal potato‐cereal flour dough for commercial processing.
Polyphenol–cellulose interactions: effects of pH, temperature and salt
Authors: Phan Anh Dao T. , D'Arcy Bruce R. , Gidley Michael J. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryResponse surface methodology was employed to investigate the effects of common food and digestive tract conditions (pH, temperature, sodium chloride) on the adsorption of polyphenols to cellulose. Major dietary polyphenols selectively bound to cellulose to different extents and exhibited different binding behaviour changes with the environment. Three factors were studied, of which pH (3–7) was found to be the most influential factor, followed by temperature (4–37 °C), while NaCl (0–100 mm) had no significant effect on polyphenol adsorption. Polyphenol adsorption was sensitive to variation in physicochemical parameters: cyanidin‐3‐glucoside > ferulic acid > (+/−)‐catechin. Second‐order polynomial equation was a significant and adequate model to express the interaction relationships between polyphenol adsorption and changes in the binding conditions, as the experimental test values agreed with predicted adsorption values under optimised binding conditions. These findings contribute to knowledge on the mechanism of polyphenol–cellulose interactions, important for both food quality and nutritional value.