bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Similar appearance, different mechanisms: xerosis in HIV, atopic dermatitis and ageing
Authors: Mischo Meike , von Kobyletzki Laura B. , Bründermann Erik , Schmidt Diedrich A. , Potthoff Anja , Brockmeyer Norbert H. , Havenith Martina 
Published: April 2014

AbstractXerosis is one of the most common dermatologic disorders occurring in the elderly and in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Xerosis has been linked to an impaired skin barrier function of the stratum corneum. Using Raman microspectroscopy, we concentrated on deeper skin layers, viable epidermis and dermis of 47 volunteers and associated molecular alterations to the evolution of xerosis and the skin barrier, for example, lipid, water and antioxidant content. A decrease in lipids within the viable epidermis is found for elderly and HIV‐patients. Lipid and water values of AD patients and their healthy reference group are similar. Decreases in lipids and simultaneous increases in water are found in the dermis for HIV and AD patients in comparison to their healthy reference groups. Excessive levels of epidermal carotenoids, mainly lycopene, in HIV‐patients were found potentially leading to adverse effects such as premature skin ageing.
Photohardening of polymorphic light eruption patients decreases baseline epidermalLangerhans cell density while increasing mast cell numbers in the papillary dermis
Authors: Wolf Peter , Gruber‐Wackernagel Alexandra , Bambach Isabella , Schmidbauer Ulrike , Mayer Gerlinde , Absenger Markus , Fröhlich Eleonore , Byrne Scott N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe pathogenesis of polymorphic light eruption (PLE) has been linked to a lack ofUV‐induced immune suppression. To determine the role of Langerhans cells (LC), mast cells and regulatory T cells, biopsies fromPLEpatients were taken from exposed sites in spring before and after photohardening with 311 nm orPUVAas well as again in summer. Skin sections were assessed for the presence of Langerin/CD1a+LCandCD3+,CD4+,CD25+ or FoxP3+ T cells and mast cells. Photohardening transiently decreased the density of epidermalLCand significantly increased a low baseline mast cell density in the papillary dermis ofPLEpatients. Baseline T cell numbers in the skin were low, and there was no difference inPLEpatients among any time point. This suggests thatLCsuppression together with recruitment of mast cells into photohardened skin may be a key cellular event underlying the mechanism by which phototherapy protects fromPLE.
The Use of Pre‐/Posttest and Self‐Assessment Tools in a French Pronunciation Course
Authors: Lappin‐Fortin Kerry , Rye B. J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the relationships between students' self‐assessments and experts' assessments in a university French pronunciation course for nonnative speakers using a pre‐/posttest design. Results indicated that students were relatively accurate when making a global assessment (Time 1) and when judging some specific aspects of their French pronunciation (Time 2), although they tended to overestimate the extent to which their abilities were native‐like. Their self‐assessments were most accurate when evaluating linguistic components for which they had learned concrete rules (e.g., liaisons). In addition, data revealed that students became more native‐like in their pronunciation, particularly with regard to nasal and other new vowel sounds, and a content analysis of students' responses to a free‐response self‐analysis query at the end of the course indicated that their awareness of their pronunciation difficulties had increased. Taken together, the study found that self‐assessment may be a valuable pedagogical tool for helping second language learners to acquire more authentic pronunciation.
Focus on Feeding! Evaluation of a framework for maximizing mealtime in aged care facilities
Authors: Chang Esther , Brownhill Suzanne , Bidewell John , Johnson Amanda , Ratnayake Shyama 
Published: April 2014

Unintentional weight loss is a health risk for residents of aged care facilities, a concern for families and places demands on nursing staff. An existing weight loss framework to assess and manage residents' weight developed by a multidisciplinary team was implemented and evaluated with nurses and residents in aged care facilities within an area health service of Sydney, Australia. Thematic analysis generated seven binary concepts relating to relational, procedural, behavioural, physical, psychological, environmental and temporal aspects of feeding assistance provided by nurses to residents. Theoretical sampling was applied to the literature confirming those concepts which were organized as a model of feeding assistance labelled the Focus on Feeding! Decision Model.Nurses can play a pivotal role in the assessment of feeding difficulty and implementation of innovative mealtime programs. The Model aims to promote nurses' critical thinking and decision‐making to improve nutritional intake of residents and avoid preventable weight loss.
CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma: prognostic significance of this aberrant marker?
Authors: Mayson E. , Saverimuttu J. , Cartwright K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFollicular lymphomas are the most common of the clinically indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. The immunophenotypic pattern of follicular lymphoma classically demonstrates the B‐cell markers CD19, CD20, CD22, CD79a, surface immunoglobulin and CD10. The tumour cells are usually negative for CD5. We described two cases of CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma. This finding has rarely been described. Our aim was to discuss two cases of CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma and review the published literature on the significance of CD5 expression. Bone marrow biopsies showing involvement with follicular lymphoma at our institution over the past 34 months were evaluated for the presence of CD5 positivity by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Two of eight cases (25%) of the follicular lymphomas with marrow involvement at our institution were found to be CD5‐positive. Only 36 cases of CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma have previously been described in the literature. The clinical and therapeutic significance of this remains uncertain. More research into such cases may establish whether the presence of this aberrant marker bears prognostic significance.
Packaged baby and toddler foods: questions of sugar and sodium
Authors: Elliott C. D. , Conlon M. J. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryBackgroundSugar and sodium levels in packaged foods is a critical consideration when it comes to the public health of Americans, yet little is known about the sugar and salt contained in packaged foods targeted at our youngest consumers.ObjectivesTo examine the sugar and sodium content of packaged baby and toddler foods sold in the American marketplace and to evaluate them in light of current intake recommendations and the current policy context.MethodsContent analysis of baby and toddler foods (n = 240) found in nine US retail stores. Summary statistics were created for sugar and sodium; the products' per‐serving sodium levels were assessed in light of the US Institute of Medicine's dietary reference intakes while the products' sugar levels were evaluated in light of American Heart Association recommendations.ResultsFifty‐eight percent of the products assessed either have a high level of sodium or >20% of calories from sugar. Sodium levels in toddler foods were of concern in certain product categories (i.e., toddler entrées) and 15% of toddler foods exceeded the ‘moderate level’ recommended for sodium. Sugar levels were high in 45% of the products coded, and over half of those products – 56% – were designed for babies. More than one in six products had sugar as the first or second ingredient.ConclusionsBaby and toddler foods are not, by definition, ‘healthy’ foods and some exceed normal expectations for sugar and sodium. A policy opportunity exists to consider placing limits on the allowable levels of sugar and sodium in these packaged food products.
Taming the Conflict over Educational Equality
Authors: Warnick Bryan R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article proposes an approach to educational distribution that attempts to minimise enduring tensions among conflicting values. At the foundation of this approach is a threshold of educational adequacy based on what is needed for citizens to participate in a democratic society. This threshold is justified because it minimises conflict with parental rights and because it better manages ‘the bottomless pit’ problem of educational distribution. This threshold is then modified to stipulate that, after the threshold has been reached, public resources should be distributed equally across students from all backgrounds. While this modification is essential to sending messages of equal citizenship, it also leaves a ‘moral residue’ because it allows wealthy parents to invest greater private resources in their children, thus preserving their children's competitive advantage. Minimising this harm requires policy mechanisms outside of schools that more aggressively break the link between educational outcomes, success in market competition, and social goods. Something ‘external’ to educational institutions is necessary, then, for the achievement of educational justice.
Prenatal Equality of Opportunity
Authors: Kollar Eszter , Loi Michele 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn this article, we defend a normative theory of prenatal equality of opportunity, based on a critical revision of Rawls's principle of fair equality of opportunity (FEO). We argue that if natural endowments are defined as biological properties possessed at birth and the distribution of natural endowments is seen as beyond the scope of justice, Rawls's FEO allows for inequalities that undermine the social conditions of a property‐owning democracy. We show this by considering the foetal programming of disease and the possibility of germ‐line modifications. If children of lower socioeconomic background are more likely to develop in a poor foetal environment and germ‐line enhancements are available only to the rich, initial inequalities between the rich and the poor would grow, and yet FEO would be satisfied. In order to avoid the problem, we propose a revised FEO principle omitting any reference to the comparison of natural endowments. Our revised FEO requires that institutions mitigate social class effect from reproduction and gestation to the greatest extent compatible with parental freedoms and the value of the family.
Evaluation of CFSR climate data for hydrologic prediction in data‐scarce watersheds: an application in the Blue Nile River Basin
Authors: Dile Yihun Taddele , Srinivasan Raghavan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractData scarcity has been a huge problem in modeling the water resources of the Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia. Satellite data and different statistical methods have been used to improve the quality of conventional meteorological data. This study assesses the applicability of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) climate data in modeling the hydrology of the region. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool was set up to compare the performance ofCFSRweather with that of conventional weather in simulating observed streamflow at four river gauging stations in the Lake Tana basin — the upper part of the Upper Blue Nile basin. The conventional weather simulation performed satisfactorily (e.g.,NSE ≥ 0.5) for three gauging stations, while theCFSRweather simulation performed satisfactorily for two. The simulations withCFSRand conventional weather yielded minor differences in the water balance components in all but one watershed, where theCFSRweather simulation gave much higher average annual rainfall, resulting in higher water balance components. Both weather simulations gave similar annual crop yields in the four administrative zones. Overall the simulation with the conventional weather performed better than theCFSRweather. However, in data‐scarce regions such as remote parts of the Upper Blue Nile basin,CFSRweather could be a valuable option for hydrological predictions where conventional gauges are not available.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Related Complications: 16 Years of Experience
Authors: BUITEN MAURITS S. , DE BIE MIHÁLY K. , VAN DER HEIJDEN AAFKE C. , ROTMANS JORIS I. , BOOTSMA MARIANNE , MARC GROENEVELD J.H. , WOLTERBEEK RON , RABELINK TON J. , JUKEMA J.WOUTER , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , VAN ERVEN LIESELOT 
Published: April 2014

CKD and ICD Related ComplicationsIntroductionImplantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation has become an accepted therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, serious comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) are influencing the beneficial effects of ICD therapy. In this study, the association between kidney function and the occurrence of ICD related complications was assessed.MethodsAll patients receiving an ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator between 1996 and 2012 were included. Renal function was categorized as: glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >90, GFR 30–90 or GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Registered complications were pocket hematoma, pneumothorax, lead complications, and device infection.ResultsIn 3,147 device recipients, 236 patients (7.5%) suffered from at least 1 complication. Patients with a GFR <30 (n = 110) had a higher event rate for hematoma, pneumothorax, and infection. These patients were older, had a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and a lower body mass index (BMI; P < 0.05). After correcting for these risk factors, hematoma remained independently associated with a GFR <30 mL/min (OR 2.7, CI: 1.05–6.9, P = 0.04). Device infection, pneumothorax, and lead complications were not independently associated with a GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2.ConclusionsPatients with CKD suffered from more ICD related complications than patients without kidney disease. This was partially associated with kidney dysfunction itself as was the case with the occurrence of hematoma. However, the high burden of risk factors associated with device complications in patients with renal disease played an important role as well.
Photodynamic therapy vs. imiquimod 5% cream as skin cancer preventive strategies in patients with field changes: a randomized intraindividual comparison study
Authors: Sotiriou E. , Apalla Z. , Vrani F. , Lallas A. , Chovarda E. , Ioannides D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundActinic damage is responsible for the development of multiple, recurrent non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), including actinic keratoses (AKs). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and imiquimod cream (IMIQ) 5% are recommended as field‐directed treatment options.ObjectivesTo compare efficacy and safety of methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)‐PDT vs. IMIQ 5% in the prevention of new NMSCs development patients with field changes.MethodsPatients with field cancerization of the face or scalp were randomized to receive MAL‐PDT on one side, and IMIQ 5% on the mirror field. The primary endpoint was the number of new lesions on the treated fields during a 12‐month follow‐up period. Secondary assessments included adverse events and patient preference.ResultsForty‐four patients completed the study. MAL‐PDT and IMIQ did not differ concerning the primary endpoint, as there was no statistically significant difference in terms of development of new NMSCs at any point of follow‐up. Both treatment regimens were safe and well tolerated. Patients' preference based on the procedure, response rates and future choice favoured MAL‐PDT.ConclusionsMAL‐PDT and IMIQ 5% are safe and well‐tolerated treatments that equally prevent development of new AKs in patients suffering from field changes. MAL‐PDT treatment appears to be superior in terms of patients' preference.
Natural resilience in Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinus: life history, spatial and dietary alterations along gradients of interspecific interactions
Authors: Hammar J. 
Published: April 2014

The Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinusspecies complex has been shown to be exceptionally vulnerable to rapid abiotic and biotic changes.Salvelinus alpinus, however, inhabit environmental extremes ranging from lakes and rivers in the High Arctic to deep multi‐fish species lakes far outside the polar region. Long‐term responses to post‐glacial environmental variations and successively increased interspecific interactions reveal an essential degree of natural ecological resilience and phenotypic flexibility. Case studies in Scandinavia and Newfoundland illustrate the alternate trophic roles ofS. alpinus, and its flexible niche use and life‐history changes in order to regain or maintain body size in gradients of lakes with increasing fish species diversity. While allopatric in northern low‐productive upland lakes, landlocked populations are commonly structured by cannibalism. In sympatry with other fish species,S. alpinusmostly serve as prey, with their decreasing growth and body size reflecting the successive diet shift from littoral macro‐benthos to zooplankton and profundal microbenthos as interspecific competition for food and habitat intensifies. Interactions with natural and introduced superior zooplankton feeders and ultimate predators finally become detrimental. Consequently, the niche ofS. alpinusis increasingly compressed in lakes along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients, although certain natural key conditions offerS. alpinustemporary asylum in the inescapable process towards local and regional extinction. The water temperature drop during winter allowsS. alpinusto temporarily resume the richer littoral dietary and spatial niche use in low diversity lakes. In southern lowland and coastal lakes with more complex fish communities, access to key prey species such as profundal macro‐crustaceans and smeltOsmerusspp. allowS. alpinusto regain its original niche space and characteristics as a large piscivore. In conclusion,S. alpinusalong its evolutionary landscape demonstrates associated alterations of life‐history characteristics, such as body size and longevity, and thus reproductive traits demonstrating similarities between northern cannibals and southern piscivores. Although including a high degree of natural resilience, obviously differing amongS. alpinuspopulations along its range, differences seen in extreme marginal populations may have been adaptive and the product of an evolutionary response with optimized growth resulting from natural selection due to ultimate intra or inter‐specific competition and predation.
Additional surgical risk factors and patient characteristics for mesh erosion after abdominal sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Akyol Alpaslan , Akca Aysu , Ulker Volkan , Gedikbasi Ali , Kublay Arzu , Han Agahan , Ark Hasan Cemal , Numanoglu Ceyhun 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to determine the risk factors of mesh exposures following abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC) in which polypropylene mesh is used.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ASC and were subsequently followed for development of mesh exposure for vaginal/vault prolapse between 2002 and 2012. Demographics and risk factors of the patients who did develop mesh exposure after ASC and the ones who did not were compared.ResultsIn 42 months of survey, 19 of the 292 patients who underwent ASC developed mesh exposure. It was found that rates of patients with stage 3–4 prolapse were significantly greater in the mesh exposure group than in the control group (P = 0.04). Rates of mesh exposure were lower in patients with previous hysterectomy (P = 0.03). Also, it was found that concomitant hysterectomy or three or more additional procedures increased the risk of mesh exposure (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02).ConclusionIn abdominal sacrocolpopexy operations in which polypropylene meshes are used, stage 3 or 4 prolapse, concomitant hysterectomy and three or more additional procedures increase the risk of mesh exposure development.
Establishing measurements of subcutaneous and visceral fat area ratio in the early second trimester by magnetic resonance imaging in obese pregnant women
Authors: Takahashi Kayo , Ohkuchi Akihide , Furukawa Rieko , Matsubara Shigeki , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimOur aim was to establish measurements of subcutaneous fat area ratio (SFAR) and visceral fat area ratio (VFAR) in the early second trimester using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an obese pregnant cohort.MethodsObesity was defined as pre‐pregnancy body mass index of 25.0 or more. One hundred and twelve obese pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy gave written informed consent between April 2007 and April 2010. For determining the most suitable MRI slice level, four women lacking MRI slices at the level of L2–3 or L3–4, and two women upon whom MRI was performed at 14 and 19 weeks were excluded, and the remaining 106 women were analyzed. We developed a novel method for calculating SFAR and VFAR at 15–18 weeks using a T1‐weighted spin echo sequence with fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery for MRI where fat shows high signal intensity.ResultsMRI slices just above the uterine fundus at 15–18 weeks of gestation never included either the fundus or liver, but the other three slices always included either the liver or the uterus. In addition, the mean value of VFAR just above the uterine fundus was significantly larger than those at L2–3, L3–4 and navel position (47.3 ± 1.1% vs 37.3 ± 1.0%, 45.1 ± 1.2%, 45.6 ± 1.2%, respectively [P < 0.001]).ConclusionThe most suitable MRI slice level for calculating SFAR and VFAR may be just above the uterine fundus in pregnant women at 15–18 weeks of gestation. The evaluation of clinical significance of visceral adiposity for gestational diabetes mellitus is warranted.
Regulation of decidualization and angiogenesis in the human endometrium: Mini review
Authors: Okada Hidetaka , Tsuzuki Tomoko , Shindoh Hisayuu , Nishigaki Akemi , Yasuda Katsuhiko , Kanzaki Hideharu 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThe human endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes regular cycles of menstruation, menstrual repair, proliferation and secretory differentiation in response to hypoxia and the female sex hormones.MethodsWe identified new target genes that are regulated by progesterone during the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (ESC), including interleukin‐15 (IL‐15), fibulin‐1 (FBLN‐1), and heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2 (HAND2).ResultsIL‐15 is deeply involved in the hormonal control of the human endometrium by progesterone and may be important in embryo implantation. FBLN‐1 has been shown to be an important extracellular matrix that mediates progesterone action in human ESC differentiation toward implantation. Moreover, progestin‐induced HAND2 is a transcription factor that contributes to the increased levels of FBLN‐1 in human ESC. Several mediators, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin (ANGPT) and stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1), regulate human endometrial angiogenesis. Hypoxia increased the expression of VEGF and decreased the expression of SDF‐1 in ESCs. Furthermore, hypoxia reduced ANGPT1 levels in ESC; however, ANGPT2 levels were unaffected. Estradiol simultaneously induced the expressions of VEGF and SDF‐1, suppressing ANGPT1 production. Therefore, hypoxia and estradiol caused an increase in the ANGPT2/ANGPT1 ratio.ConclusionHypoxia and female sex hormones are involved in the regulation of angiogenic factors in an independent manner in human ESC. Analysis of the process of decidualization and angiogenesis in the human endometrium would provide useful information for the fields of reproductive biology, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.