bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of efficacy of products containing azelaic acid in melasma treatment
Authors: Mazurek Klaudia , Pierzchała Ewa 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundMelasma is one of the most frequently diagnosed hyperpigmentation changes on the skin of women's faces. Nearly 30% of women using oral estrogen therapy struggle with this problem. A common way of reducing melasma is the application of azelaic acid products.AimComparison of efficacy of three dermocosmetic products, containing azelaic acid, in the reduction in melasma for women aged 35–55.Material and methodsA group of 60 women diagnosed with melasma were divided into three even, twenty‐person subgroups. Each subgroup was assigned one dermocosmetic product containing azelaic acid. For 24 weeks, the patients applied the assigned product twice a day. The level of the colorant within the hyperpigmentation was marked before the treatment, after 1 month, after 3 months, and after 6 months of therapy. The pigmentation was measured using Mexameter® (Courage + Khazaka electronic, Germany). In addition, during each inspection, the patients' level of hydration, elasticity, and intensity of erythema was checked using Corneometer®, Reviscometer®.ResultsAll dermocosmetics containing azelaic acid that were applied significantly contributed to the reduction in pigment in the pigmentary lesion. The largest decrease in the amount of pigment was observed in the first 3 months of use of the products.A combination containing 20% azelaic acid and mandelic acid, phytic acid, 4N‐butyl resorcinol, and ferulic acid proved to be the most effective dermocosmetic III (Sesderma, Valencia, Spain).ConclusionsDermocosmetics containing azelaic acid significantly contribute to the clearing of melasma. The effect depends on the treatment time, the acid concentration, and addition of other components.
Carers of older adults' satisfaction with public mental health service clinicians: a qualitative study
Authors: McCann Terence V , Bamberg John 
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectivesThe purpose of our paper was to explore primary caregivers' experience of the way public mental health nurses and other mental health clinicians responded to them as primary carers of older adults with mental illness.BackgroundAs populations age, the prevalence of mental illness in older adults will increase and the burden of care placed on family carers will intensify. While family carers are essential to the well‐being and quality of life of older adults with mental illness, they frequently experience marginalisation from clinicians.DesignAn interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used to inform data collection and analysis.MethodIndividual, semistructured, audio‐recorded qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 primary carers.ResultsTwo themes were abstracted from the data highlighting carers' contrasting satisfaction with, and delivery of culturally competent care by, clinicians. A third theme, strategies for enhancing carers' experience of care, incorporated carers' suggestions about ways to strengthen their experience of caring.ConclusionAlthough some primary carers had favourable experiences with clinicians, most were dissatisfied and this, in turn, clouded their overall experience of caring.Relevance to clinical practiceOur findings have implications for the provision of education, ongoing support for, and building the cultural competence of, clinicians about working with carers. They also highlight the need for a change in organisational and practice culture to encompass mutual respect and partnership with carers within the context of the providing person‐centred care for carers and older adults with mental illness.
Acute Metabolic Changes Associated With Analgesic Drugs: An MR Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Hansen Tine Maria , Olesen Anne Estrup , Simonsen Carsten Wiberg , Fischer Iben Wendelboe , Lelic Dina , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is used to measure brain metabolites. Limited data exist on the analgesic‐induced spectroscopy response. This was an explorative study with the aims to investigate the central effects of two analgesic drugs, an opioid and a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and to explore the association between metabolite changes and the analgesic effect and side effects.METHODSSingle voxel proton spectroscopy measurements were performed in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula and prefrontal cortex in 20 healthy subjects before and after treatment for 5 days with oxycodone (eight doses of 10 mg extended release), venlafaxine (eight doses of 37.5 mg extended release) or placebo in a randomized double‐blind fashion. The metabolites of glutamate, N‐acetylaspartate, and myo‐inositol were analyzed in ratios to creatine.RESULTSIncluding all areas, the glutamate/creatine ratio was decreased (P < .05) with 8.4% ± 0.3% after oxycodone treatment (P = .02) and 6.6% ± 0.4% after venlafaxine treatment (P = .07) as compared to placebo. No statistical significant differences in treatment effects across the areas were found (P = .6). No treatment effect was seen for N‐acetylaspartate/creatine or myo‐inositol/creatine ratios (all P > .05). No associations between treatment induced glutamate/creatine changes and the analgesic effect and side effects were demonstrated (all P > .05).CONCLUSIONSMRS can be used to detect brain metabolites following acute analgesic treatments and glutamate is central in these mechanisms. Consequently, MRS might be a valuable tool to objectively evaluate analgesic effects and a potential biomarker to predict treatment outcomes and more research is needed.
A Strategic Implementation of the Shapley Value for the Nested Cost‐Sharing Problem
Authors: CHUN YOUNGSUB , HU CHENG‐CHENG , YEH CHUN‐HSIEN 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWhen agents have different needs for a public facility but serving a given agent allows serving all agents with smaller needs than his without any extra cost, how should the agents divide the cost of the facility among themselves? We provide a strategic implementation of the Shapley value for this class of cost‐sharing problems. We introduce a three‐stage extensive form game that respects individual rationality and show that there is one and only one subgame‐perfect equilibrium outcome of the game. Moreover, it is the allocation assigned by the Shapley value.
Effects of concurrent perioperative use of marbofloxacin and cimicoxib or carprofen in dogs
Authors: Weil C. , Tünsmeyer J. , Tipold A. , Hoppe S. , Beyerbach M. , Pankow W.‐R. , Kästner S. B. 
Published: March 2016

Objectives
To investigate possible interactions visible on electroencephalogram recordings caused by concomitant administration of marbofloxacin and carprofen or cimicoxib in dogs without central nervous system disease.Methods
Totally 21 client‐owned dogs undergoing different surgeries were included in a randomised, blinded, clinical study. Each dog was assigned to one of two groups treated with either carprofen or cimicoxib pre‐ and postoperatively. After anaesthetic induction both groups received marbofloxacin intravenously while recording an electroencephalogram. Offline electroencephalogram analysis included qualitative evaluation and Fast Fourier Transformation. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated for 24 hours and after 10 days with the short‐form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann–Whitney U test and Student's t‐test with α set at 5%.Results
Marbofloxacin injection caused no effects on quantitative and qualitative electroencephalogram parameters in both groups. No differences in postoperative pain scoring were found between treatment groups.Clinical Significance
Concurrent use of marbofloxacin with either cimicoxib or carprofen did not induce neuroexcitatory activities in dogs without CNS disease directly after administration.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal richness declines towards the host species’ range edge
Authors: Lankau Richard A. , Keymer Daniel P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPlant range boundaries are generally considered to reflect abiotic conditions; however, a rise in negative or decline in positive species interactions at range margins may contribute to these stable boundaries. While evidence suggests that pollinator mutualisms may decline near range boundaries, little is known about other important plant mutualisms, including microbial root symbionts. Here, we used molecular methods to characterize root‐associated fungal communities in populations of two related temperate tree species from across the species’ range in the eastern United States. We found that ectomycorrhizal fungal richness on plant roots declined with distance from the centre of the host species range. These patterns were not evident in nonmycorrhizal fungal communities on roots nor in fungal communities in bulk soil. Climatic and soil chemical variables could not explain these biogeographic patterns, although these abiotic gradients affected other components of the bulk soil and rhizosphere fungal community. Depauperate ectomycorrhizal fungal communities may represent an underappreciated challenge to marginal tree populations, especially as rapid climate change pushes these populations outside their current climate niche.
Novel mechanisms power bacterial gliding motility
Authors: Nan Beiyan , Zusman David R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryFor many bacteria, motility is essential for survival, growth, virulence, biofilm formation and intra/interspecies interactions. Since natural environments differ, bacteria have evolved remarkable motility systems to adapt, including swimming in aqueous media, and swarming, twitching and gliding on solid and semi‐solid surfaces. Although tremendous advances have been achieved in understanding swimming and swarming motilities powered by flagella, and twitching motility powered by Type IV pili, little is known about gliding motility. Bacterial gliders are a heterogeneous group containing diverse bacteria that utilize surface motilities that do not depend on traditional flagella or pili, but are powered by mechanisms that are less well understood. Recently, advances in our understanding of the molecular machineries for several gliding bacteria revealed the roles of modified ion channels, secretion systems and unique machinery for surface movements. These novel mechanisms provide rich source materials for studying the function and evolution of complex microbial nanomachines. In this review, we summarize recent findings made on the gliding mechanisms of the myxobacteria, flavobacteria and mycoplasmas.
Reliability of spot‐check transcutaneous hemoglobin measurement in children
Authors: Paksu Sule , Paksu Muhammet Sukru , Ozdemir Sadriye , Karli Arzu , Acikgoz Mehmet , Sezgin Ugur , Murat Naci 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the correlation between spot‐check transcutaneous hemoglobin (Hb) and simultaneously measured venous Hb in children.MethodsTwo hundred and seventeen children weighing 10–30 kg in whom complete blood count had been obtained for any reason were enrolled in this study. Demographic characteristics and vital signs were recorded. Prior to taking blood samples, transcutaneous Hb, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index were measured using a probe connected to the subject's thumb. To determine the reliability of the transcutaneous measurement versus venous blood measurement performed via an autoanalyzer device, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. The correlation between the two measurements was evaluated on Bland–Altman analysis.ResultsA total of 59.4% of the patients were boys. The average age was 53 months (range, 6–132 months). Average bodyweight was 16 kg (range, 10–25 kg). Mean venous Hb, hematocrit, and transcutaneous Hb were 11.94 ± 1.15 g/dL, 35.8 ± 3.2%, and 12.42 ± 1.24 g/dL, respectively. The ICC for the reliability of the transcutaneous measurements versus venous blood measurements was r = 0.67 (95%CI: 0.5776–0.7526). The correlation between the two sets of measurements was good, as evaluated by the Bland–Altman analysis.ConclusionThere is good correlation between transcutaneous and venous blood measurements of Hb. In the future, transcutaneous measurement, as a non‐invasive method, may be an alternative for the measurement of Hb in childhood.
Caffeic Acid Inhibits Chronic UVB‐Induced Cellular Proliferation Through JAK‐STAT3 Signaling in Mouse Skin
Authors: Agilan Balupillai , Rajendra Prasad N. , Kanimozhi Govindasamy , Karthikeyan Ramasamy , Ganesan Muthusamy , Mohana Shanmugam , Velmurugan Devadasan , Ananthakrishnan Dhanapalan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSignal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) play a critical role in inflammation, proliferation and carcinogenesis. Inhibition of JAK‐STAT3 signaling is proved to be a novel target for prevention of UVB‐induced skin carcinogenesis. In this study, chronic UVB irradiation (180 mJ cm−2; weekly thrice for 30 weeks) induces the expression of IL‐10 and JAK1 that eventually activates the STAT3 which leads to the transcription of proliferative and antiapoptotic markers such as PCNA, Cyclin‐D1, Bcl2 and Bcl‐xl, respectively. Caffeic acid (CA) inhibits JAK‐STAT3 signaling, thereby induces apoptotic cell death by upregulating Bax, Cytochrome‐C, Caspase‐9 and Caspase‐3 expression in mouse skin. Furthermore, TSP‐1 is an antiangiogeneic protein, which is involved in the inhibition of angiogenesis and proliferation. Chronic UVB exposure decreased the expression of TSP‐1 and pretreatment with CA prevented the UVB‐induced loss of TSP‐1 in UVB‐irradiated mouse skin. Thus, CA offers protection against UVB‐induced photocarcinogenesis probably through modulating the JAK‐STAT3 in the mouse skin.
Sickle cell disease in western Sudan: genetic epidemiology and predictors of knowledge attitude and practices
Authors: Daak Ahmed A. , Elsamani Elfatih , Ali Eltigani H. , Mohamed Fatma A , Abdel‐Rahman Manar E. , Elderdery Abozer Y. , Talbot Octavious , Kraft Peter , Ghebremeskel Kebreab , Elbashir Mustafa I. , Fawzi Wafaie 
Published: March 2016

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) and determinants of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards SCD in western Kordofan State, Sudan.MethodsA community‐based, descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted in three towns. Three hundred and seventy‐two households were polled, and blood samples for haemoglobin phenotyping were collected from 1116 individuals. Sociodemographic, socio‐economic and KAP data were collected using investigator‐administered questionnaires. Descriptive, frequency distribution and multiple regression analyses were performed.ResultsAbout 50.9% of the study population were Misseriya tribes. Consanguineous marriages were reported by 67.5% of the households. The highest percentage of homozygous SCD was 2.8% among children under 5 years of age. About 24.9% were carriers of HbS allele (HbAS). HbS allele frequency was highest in children aged 5–11 years (18.3%, CI: 13.7–22.9%) and lowest in males >15 years old (12.0%, CI: 6.1–17.9%). The average HbS frequency across all age groups was 14.5% (95% CI: 12.2–16.8%). The most frequent β‐globin gene cluster haplotype was the Cameroon (30.8%), followed by the Benin (21.8%), the Senegal (12.8%) and the Bantu (2.2%) haplotypes. About 17.0% of all‐cause child deaths were due to SCD. The estimated change in log odds of having the SS genotype per year increase in age was (−) 0.0058 (95% CI −0.0359, 0.0242). This represents a non‐statistically significant 2.9% increase in 5‐year mortality for individuals with the SS genotype relative to those with AS and AA genotypes. About 46.9% of the households had poor knowledge, 26.1% had satisfactory knowledge, and 26.9% had good knowledge about sickle cell disease. Mothers' and fathers' educational levels were significant predictors of good knowledge about SCD (P < 0.05). About 48.0% had a satisfactory attitude towards sickle cell disease while 30.7% had poor attitude and only 21.3 showed good attitudes. Poor knowledge about SCD and low socio‐economic status were the strongest positive predictors of poor attitude and practices towards SCD (P < 0.01).ConclusionsSickle cell disease is a major health problem in West Kordofan, Sudan. Knowledge, attitude and practices towards the disease are not satisfactory. The development of public health programs is highly recommended to control and manage SCD in western parts of Sudan.
Scleral and corneal xanthomatous inflammation in a gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus)
Authors: Alleaume Charline , Mrini Meryem El , Laloy Eve , Marchal Julia , Aujard Fabienne , Chahory Sabine 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBilateral multifocal corneal opacity was detected in a 4.5‐year‐old male captive gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) without other clinical ocular changes. Histopathological examination revealed a severe diffuse granulomatous scleritis and focal keratitis with intralesional cholesterol, consistent with xanthomatous inflammation. This is the first report of xanthomatous inflammation in a gray mouse lemur. This condition may be the result of systemic factors (lipid metabolism disorders) and/or local predisposing factors such as hemorrhage or inflammation. The pathogenesis in this case could not be fully determined. Further studies on lemurs are required for a better understanding of their lipid metabolism, as well as for diagnosing and evaluating the incidence of xanthomatous inflammation in these species.
The insulinotropic effect of exogenous glucagon‐like peptide‐1 is not affected by acute vagotomy in anaesthetized pigs
Authors: Veedfald Simon , Hansen Marie , Christensen Louise Wulff , Larsen Sara Agnete Hjort , Hjøllund Karina Rahr , Plamboeck Astrid , Hartmann Bolette , Deacon Carolyn Fiona , Holst Jens Juul 
Published: March 2016

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We investigated whether intestinal vagal afferents are necessary for the insulinotropic effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) infused into a mesenteric artery or a peripheral vein before and after acute truncal vagotomy.
What is the main finding and its importance?
We found no effect of truncal vagotomy on the insulinotropic effect of exogenous GLP‐1 and speculate that high circulating concentrations of GLP‐1 after i.v. and i.a. infusion might have overshadowed any neural signalling component. We propose that further investigations into the possible vagal afferent signalling of GLP‐1 would best be pursued using enteral stimuli to provide high subepithelial levels of endogenous GLP‐1.
Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) is secreted from the gut in response to luminal stimuli and stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose‐dependent manner. As a result of rapid enzymatic degradation of GLP‐1 by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4, a signalling pathway involving activation of intestinal vagal afferents has been proposed. We conducted two series of experiments in α‐chloralose‐anaesthetized pigs. In protocol I, pigs (n = 14) were allocated for either i.v. or i.a. (mesenteric) GLP‐1 infusions (1 and 2 pmol kg−1 min−1, 30 min) while maintaining permissive glucose concentrations at 6 mmol l−1 by i.v. glucose infusion. The GLP‐1 infusions were repeated after acute truncal vagotomy. In protocol II, pigs (n = 27) were allocated into six groups. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 was infused i.v. or i.a. (mesenteric) for 1 h at 3 or 30 pmol kg−1 min−1. During the steady state (21 min into the GLP‐1 infusion), glucose (0.2 g kg−1, i.v.) was administered over 9 min to stimulate β‐cell secretion. Thirty minutes after the glucose infusion, GLP‐1 infusions were discontinued. Following a washout period, the vagal trunks were severed in four of six groups (vagal trunks were left intact in two of six groups), whereupon all infusions were repeated. We found no effect of vagotomy on insulin or glucagon secretion during administration of exogenous GLP‐1 in any experiment. We speculate that the effect of exogenous GLP‐1 overshadowed any effect occurring via the vagus. Within dosage groups, total GLP‐1 concentrations were similar, but intact GLP‐1 concentrations were much lower when infused via the mesenteric artery because of extensive degradation of GLP‐1 in the splanchnic bed. This demonstrates the effectiveness with which intestinal capillary dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 protects the systemic circulation from intact GLP‐1, consistent with a local role for GLP‐1 involving activation of vagal pathways.
Cellular plasticity in the adult liver and stomach
Authors: Aloia Luigi , McKie Mikel Alexander , Huch Meritxell 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAdult tissues maintain function and architecture through robust homeostatic mechanisms mediated by self‐renewing cells capable of generating all resident cell types. However, severe injury can challenge the regeneration potential of such a stem/progenitor compartment. Indeed, upon injury adult tissues can exhibit massive cellular plasticity in order to achieve proper tissue regeneration, circumventing an impaired stem/progenitor compartment. Several examples of such plasticity have been reported in both rapidly and slowly self‐renewing organs and follow conserved mechanisms. Upon loss of the cellular compartment responsible for maintaining homeostasis, quiescent or slowly proliferating stem/progenitor cells can acquire high proliferation potential and turn into active stem cells, or, alternatively, mature cells can de‐differentiate into stem‐like cells or re‐enter the cell cycle to compensate for the tissue loss. This extensive cellular plasticity acts as a key mechanism to respond to multiple stimuli in a context‐dependent manner, enabling tissue regeneration in a robust fashion. In this review cellular plasticity in the adult liver and stomach will be examined, highlighting the diverse cell populations capable of repairing the damaged tissue.
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On Your Mark, Get Set, Go: Levels of Physical Activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2013
Authors: Bcheraoui Charbel El , Tuffaha Marwa , Daoud Farah , Kravitz Hannah , Al Mazroa Mohammad A. , Al Saeedi Mohammad , Memish Ziad A. , Basulaiman Mohammed , Al Rabeeah Abdullah A. , Mokdad Ali H. 
Published: March 2016

Background:With the lack of appropriate data, we conducted a large household survey in 2013 to determine current rates of physical activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Methods:The Saudi Health Interview Survey is a national multistage survey of individuals aged 15 years or older. We used a multivariate logistic regression model to measure association between sociodemographic and selected characteristics and meeting the recommended levels of moderate and vigorous weekly physical activity.Results:Of a total of 12,000 households contacted, 10,735 (89.4%) participants completed Saudi Health Interview Survey. An estimated 4.5 million (34.5%) Saudis aged 15 years or older reported no weekly physical activity, while only 1.7 million (12.9%) meet the recommended levels of moderate physical activity (MPA). The likelihood of meeting MPA decreased with age, education, among women, those with a history of diagnosis of select chronic conditions, including diabetes. Similar results were found for the likelihood of meeting the recommended levels of vigorous weekly physical activity.Conclusions:We found very low levels of physical activity in KSA. Perhaps, KSA can challenge communities or employers to devise solutions and reward those with the best results. These solutions would be of great value to other Gulf countries, as well.