bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized, investigator‐blinded efficacy assessment study of stand‐alone emollient use in mild to moderately severe atopic dermatitis flares
Authors: Angelova‐Fischer I. , Neufang G. , Jung K. , Fischer T.W. , Zillikens D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundWhereas emollients are integral to the long‐term management of atopic dermatitis (AD), the evidence for their efficacy in disease flares is limited.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the stand‐alone efficacy of an emollient formulation with regard to improvement of the clinical symptoms, skin barrier function and reduction of pathogenic bacterial colonization in acute stage of AD.Materials and methodsTwenty AD volunteers aged 12–65 years with symmetric, mild to moderately severe inflammatory lesions on the forearms/arms were recruited for the study. At inclusion, the forearms/arms of each volunteer were randomized to receive for 1 week either an o/w formulation containing licochalcone A (Glycyrrhiza Inflata root extract), decanediol, menthoxypropanediol and ω‐6‐fatty acids (emollient arm) or 1% hydrocortisone (HC arm); after 1 week, the application of the emollient and HC were discontinued and the volunteers applied a w/o emollient containing licochalcone A and ω‐6‐fatty acids on both arms for further 3 weeks. The outcomes included reduction of the clinical and itch severity, decrease in S.aureus colonization, improvement of the barrier function, skin hydration and skin tolerability assessed after 1 week (D7) and after 4 weeks (D28) respectively.ResultsIn both arms, there was a significant decrease in the severity score, itch intensity, erythema and TEWL on D7 and D28 compared to baseline. In addition, emollient use resulted in pronounced decrease in S.aureus colonization and significant increase of skin hydration on D7. The comparison of the outcomes, based on percentage change from baseline, showed no significant differences between the emollient and HC arm at any time point.ConclusionsThe results of the study indicate that the 1‐week stand‐alone application of an emollient, tailored to target inflammation, pruritus, compromised barrier function and pathogenic bacterial colonization may offer benefit for the improvement of mild to moderately severe localized flares of AD.
Adsorption Isotherms of Maria Biscuits from Different Brands
Authors: Guiné R.P.F. , Barroca M.J. , Pereira D. , Correia P.M.R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the adsorption curves of Maria biscuits from different brands at temperatures of 25 and 40C. The equilibrium between the sample and the atmosphere was achieved by placing the samples inside flasks containing saturated salts, at the temperatures studied for 5 days, to allow reaching equilibrium.From the results, it was possible to observe that by increasing the temperature, the stability of the product is augmented, as for the same moisture content the water activity is greatly reduced. Four sorption models were fitted with the adsorption data, but the Guggenheim–Anderson–deBoer and Henderson were better than the other models tested. In addition, the monolayer moisture content at temperature of 25C ranged between 0.0495 and 0.1981 g water/g dry basis, and at the temperature of 40C this parameter varied between 0.0529 and 0.1960 g water/g dry basis.Practical ApplicationsThe importance of stability for bakery products is critical for the maintenance of physical–chemical properties, and in particular to avoid spoilage and maintain texture. Biscuits are very hygroscopic and therefore, if not properly stored, tend to absorb water from the air, thus compromising texture. Knowledge about adsorption isotherms provides valuable information regarding the stability of products under some conditions. Therefore, the study undertaken in this work could be utilized to select the best storage and package conditions so as to improve product quality, moreover because Maria biscuits are largely consumed and appreciated for their crispy texture.
Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy in biology
Authors: KIZILYAPRAK C. , DARASPE J. , HUMBEL B.M. 
Published: April 2014

SummarySince the end of the last millennium, the focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) has progressively found use in biological research. This instrument is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an attached gallium ion column and the 2 beams, electrons and ions (FIB) are focused on one coincident point. The main application is the acquisition of three‐dimensional data, FIB‐SEM tomography. With the ion beam, some nanometres of the surface are removed and the remaining block‐face is imaged with the electron beam in a repetitive manner. The instrument can also be used to cut open biological structures to get access to internal structures or to prepare thin lamella for imaging by (cryo‐) transmission electron microscopy. Here, we will present an overview of the development of FIB‐SEM and discuss a few points about sample preparation and imaging.
Voltammetric and mathematical evidence for dual transport mediation of serotonin clearance in vivo
Authors: Wood Kevin M. , Zeqja Anisa , Nijhout H. Frederik , Reed Michael C. , Best Janet , Hashemi Parastoo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe neurotransmitter serotonin underlies many of the brain's functions. Understanding serotonin neurochemistry is important for improving treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. Antidepressants commonly target serotonin clearance via serotonin transporters and have variable clinical effects. Adjunctive therapies, targeting other systems including serotonin autoreceptors, also vary clinically and carry adverse consequences. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry is particularly well suited for studying antidepressant effects on serotonin clearance and autoreceptors by providing real‐time chemical information on serotonin kinetics in vivo. However, the complex nature of in vivo serotonin responses makes it difficult to interpret experimental data with established kinetic models. Here, we electrically stimulated the mouse medial forebrain bundle to provoke and detect terminal serotonin in the substantia nigra reticulata. In response to medial forebrain bundle stimulation we found three dynamically distinct serotonin signals. To interpret these signals we developed a computational model that supports two independent serotonin reuptake mechanisms (high affinity, low efficiency reuptake mechanism, and low affinity, high efficiency reuptake system) and bolsters an important inhibitory role for the serotonin autoreceptors. Our data and analysis, afforded by the powerful combination of voltammetric and theoretical methods, gives new understanding of the chemical heterogeneity of serotonin dynamics in the brain. This diverse serotonergic matrix likely contributes to clinical variability of antidepressants.
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Understanding serotonin neurochemistry is essential for improving antidepressant therapies. We provide evidence for two discrete serotonin reuptake mechanisms (high affinity, low efficiency reuptake mechanism, and low affinity, high efficiency reuptake system), characterized by three distinct serotonin responses. We characterize selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and autoreceptor inhibition effects. Our innovative tool offers an ideal method to study serotonin in relation to depression physiology and antidepressant therapies.
γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase 1 specifically suppresses green‐light avoidance via GABAA receptors in Drosophila
Authors: Liu Jiangqu , Gong Zhefeng , Liu Li 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDrosophila larvae innately show light avoidance behavior. Compared with robust blue‐light avoidance, larvae exhibit relatively weaker green‐light responses. In our previous screening for genes involved in larval light avoidance, compared with control w1118 larvae, larvae with γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase 1 (Ggt‐1) knockdown or Ggt‐1 mutation were found to exhibit higher percentage of green‐light avoidance which was mediated by Rhodopsin6 (Rh6) photoreceptors. However, their responses to blue light did not change significantly. By adjusting the expression level of Ggt‐1 in different tissues, we found that Ggt‐1 in malpighian tubules was both necessary and sufficient for green‐light avoidance. Our results showed that glutamate levels were lower in Ggt‐1 null mutants compared with controls. Feeding Ggt‐1 null mutants glutamate can normalize green‐light avoidance, indicating that high glutamate concentrations suppressed larval green‐light avoidance. However, rather than directly, glutamate affected green‐light avoidance indirectly through GABA, the level of which was also lower in Ggt‐1 mutants compared with controls. Mutants in glutamate decarboxylase 1, which encodes GABA synthase, and knockdown lines of the GABAA receptor, both exhibit elevated levels of green‐light avoidance. Thus, our results elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms mediating green‐light avoidance, which was inhibited in wild‐type larvae.
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We proposed the role of GGT‐1 in the inhibition of Drosophila green‐light avoidance. GGT‐1 in malpighian tubules regulates glutamate levels, and further affects GABA concentrations, which functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter at the GABAA receptor RDL to suppress responses to green light. These findings elucidate the mechanisms mediating inhibition of green‐light avoidance and may explain differential responses to light of different colors.
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Valickova Petra , Havranek Tomas , Horvath Roman 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe analyze 1334 estimates from 67 studies that examine the effect of financial development on economic growth. Taken together, the studies imply a positive and statistically significant effect, but the individual estimates vary widely. We find that both research design and heterogeneity in the underlying effect play a role in explaining the differences in results. Studies that do not address endogeneity tend to overstate the effect of finance on growth. While the effect seems to be weaker in less developed countries, the effect decreases worldwide after the 1980s. Our results also suggest that stock markets support faster economic growth than other financial intermediaries.
Dedicated Bifurcation Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stent BiOSS Expert® in the Treatment of Distal Left Main Stem Stenosis
Authors: BIL JACEK , GIL ROBERT J. , VASSILEV DOBRIN , RZEZAK JAROSŁAW , KULAWIK TOMASZ , PAWLOWSKI TOMASZ 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess prospectively the effectiveness and safety profile of distal left main stem (LMS) stenosis treatment with dedicated bifurcation paclitaxel‐eluting stent BiOSS Expert®.BackgroundAngioplasty of distal LMS stenosis is always a high‐risk procedure, and optimal treatment is uncertain.MethodsThis was a prospective international 2‐center study, which enrolled patients with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) or stable angina with distal left main stenosis. All patients were treated with the dedicated bifurcation stent BiOSS Expert®. Provisional T‐stenting was the obligatory strategy. Angiographic control was performed after 12 months. The primary end‐point was cumulative rate of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months. Angiographic end‐points included late lumen loss, percent diameter stenosis, and binary restenosis rate.ResultsA total of 54 patients with distal LMS stenosis were enrolled. Seven patients (13%) were enrolled during NSTE‐ACS, 77.8% were hypertensive, 27.8% were diabetic, 51.9% had previous MI, 53.7% underwent prior percutaneous coronary intervention, and 16.7% coronary artery bypass graft. The mean SYNTAX score was 21.52 ± 6.50. The device success rate was 100%. The mean BiOSS Expert stent parameters were as follows: 4.07 ± 0.26 mm × 3.36 ± 0.26 mm × 16.61 ± 1.72 mm and in side branch the other stent (classical drug‐eluting stent) was implanted in 25.9% of cases. The overall TLR was 9.3%. There were no death, stent thrombosis, or acute MI. In the univariate regression analysis, the only factor associated with higher risk for TLR was the SYNTAX score value.ConclusionsThe dedicated bifurcation stent BiOSS Expert® proved to be a feasible device, with promising safety and long‐term clinical effectiveness in the treatment of distal LMS stenosis. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:242–251)
Glioma stem cells: turpis omen in nomen? (the evil in the name?)
Authors: Binda E. , Reynolds B. A. , Vescovi A. L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHigh‐grade gliomas remain incurable and lethal. Through the availability of the stem‐like cells responsible for glioblastoma (GB) formation, expansion, resilience and recurrence, the discovery of glioma cancer stem cells (GCSCs) is revolutionizing this field. GCSCs provide an unprecedented opportunity to reproduce and study GB pathophysiology more accurately. This critically emphasizes our ability to unambiguously identify, isolate and investigate cells that do qualify as GCSCs, to use them as a potential model that is truly predictive of GBs and of their regulation and response to therapeutic agents. We review this concept against the background of key findings on somatic, neural and solid tumour stem cells (SCs), also taking into account the emerging phenomenon of phenotypic SC plasticity. We suggest that basic approaches in these areas can be imported into the GCSC field, so that the same functional method used to identify normal somatic SCs becomes the most appropriate to define GCSCs. This, combined with knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of normal adult neurogenesis, promises to improve the identification of GCSCs and of selective markers, as well as the development of innovative, more specific and efficacious antiglioma strategies.
Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery Angioplasthy and Stenting in Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Guerrero Antonio Méndez , Sierra‐Hidalgo Fernando , Calleja Patricia , Navia Pedro , Campollo Jorge , Díaz‐Guzmán Jaime 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTWe report the case of a 59‐year‐old woman who presented with several episodes of transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by pathologically confirmed giant cell arteritis. She continued suffering from TIAs during admission despite immunosuppressant and antithrombotic therapy. Sudden neurological deterioration with paraparesis and cognitive impairment developed. A brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed bilateral watershed ischemic lesions. MR angiography demonstrated severe stenosis of both intracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs). Angioplasty and stenting on the left ICA were performed, with evident clinical improvement occurring within 24 hours. Endovascular therapy may be an alternative option to treat severe GCA with symptomatic intracranial large vessel disease not responsive to intensive conventional medical treatment.
Waffle‐Cone Technique Using Solitaire AB Stent for Endovascular Treatment of Complex and Wide‐Necked Bifurcation Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Guo Xin‐bin , Yan Bao‐jun , Guan Sheng 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONTo explore the safety and opportunity of the “waffle‐cone” technique for the treatment of intracranial aneurysm.METHODSFrom November 2009 and May 2012, consecutive data were collected from 136 patients with aneurysms treated by the stent‐assisted coiling procedure. Six of these patients were treated using the “waffle‐cone” technique.RESULTSAll the 6 patients were complex, wide‐neck, bifurcation cerebral aneurysms. And the angles between the parent artery and distal vessels are acute. Two ruptured aneurysms located at the terminus of basilar artery, three ruptured aneurysms located at the anterior communicating artery, and one ruptured aneurysm located at trifurcation MCA. All the 6 patients were treated using the “waffle‐cone” technique, 4 patients had Raymond classification Class I and 2 patients had Class II after the procedure. No complications occurred perioperative. There were no lesion‐related strokes or deaths during the 6‐month follow‐up period.CONCLUSIONSThe “waffle‐cone” technique is a safe, simple and alternative for the complex, wide‐necked bifurcation aneurysms with acute angles between the parent artery and distal vessels. Long‐term following‐up results are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this technique.
Dental status and oral health‐related quality of life. A population‐based study
Authors: Visscher C. M. , Lobbezoo F. , Schuller A. A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryOral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is associated with tooth wear and tooth loss. This study investigated the association between OHRQoL and dental status (in terms of natural dentition, partial or complete dentures, or edentulism). Sixteen hundred and twenty‐two persons who participated in a large‐scale Dutch dental survey were interviewed. Dentate persons (n = 1407) were additionally invited for a clinical examination (response rate: 69%). Dental status was based upon the combined data from this clinical examination and the questionnaire (seven dental status groups were defined). OHRQoL was measured by the Dutch translation of the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile, the OHIP‐NL14. Kruskal–Wallis tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to investigate differences in OHRQoL between the dental status groups. For all OHIP‐NL14 scales, differences in OHRQoL were found between the dental status groups (all P‐values <0·001). The Mann–Whitney U tests revealed no differences between persons with a complete natural dentition and persons with a fixed prosthetic replacement. The latter group, however, did show a significantly better OHRQoL as compared to persons with a removable partial denture. Surprisingly, edentulous persons with an overdenture had a more impaired OHRQoL than edentulous persons with non‐supported complete dentures. The results demonstrated that impaired dental status is associated with deteriorations in OHRQoL, especially concerning functional limitations, physical pain and social disability.
Daily Associations Between Drinking and Sex Among College Students: A Longitudinal Measurement Burst Design
Authors: Patrick Megan E. , Maggs Jennifer L. , Lefkowitz Eva S. 
Published: April 2014

Daily links between alcohol use and sexual behaviors were examined in a longitudinal study of college students. Hierarchical linear models predicted sexual behaviors by characteristics of persons (N = 731, Level 3), semesters (N = 4,345, Level 2), and days (N = 56,372, Level 1). On a given day, consuming more drinks and binge drinking were associated with greater odds of kissing, touching, oral sex, and penetrative sex. Consistent with alcohol myopia and expectancy theories, associations between binge drinking and sexual behaviors were stronger for students not in romantic relationships, for students with stronger alcohol–sex expectancies, and for oral and penetrative sex. Findings suggest that within‐day links between alcohol use and sexual behaviors are evident across college, with variations based on individual and relationship factors.
Community Service and Adolescents' Social Capital
Authors: Flanagan Constance A. , Kim Taehan , Collura Jessica , Kopish Michael A. 
Published: April 2014

In two studies of 5th–12th graders (n = 2,371; n = 999), we compare four groups based on engagement patterns in community service (CS) and/or extracurricular activities (EC). In both studies, adolescents who engaged in BOTH CS (whether mandated or voluntary) and EC had the highest reports of bonding and bridging social capital, intergenerational harmony, and social support whereas those who did NEITHER had the lowest. For most outcomes, adolescents engaged only in CS had higher reports than peers engaged only in EC. Content analyses of what adolescents learned in CS suggest its potential for broadening their awareness of fellow members of their communities, their mutual obligations, and collective capacities.
Effects of isobutyrate supplementation on ruminal microflora, rumen enzyme activities and methane emissions in Simmental steers
Authors: Wang C. , Liu Q. , Zhang Y. L. , Pei C. X. , Zhang S. L. , Wang Y. X. , Yang W. Z. , Bai Y. S. , Shi Z. G. , Liu X. N. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of isobutyrate supplementation on rumen microflora, enzyme activities and methane emissions in Simmental steers consuming a corn stover‐based diet. Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. The treatments were control (without isobutyrate), low isobutyrate (LIB), moderate isobutyrate (MIB) and high isobutyrate (HIB) with 8.4, 16.8 and 25.2 g isobutyrate per steer per day respectively. Isobutyrate was hand‐mixed into the concentrate portion. Diet consisted of 60% corn stover and 40% concentrate [dry matter (DM) basis]. Dry matter intake (averaged 9 kg/day) was restricted to a maximum of 90% of ad libitum intake. Population of total bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria and anaerobic fungi were linearly increased, whereas that of protozoa and total methanogens was linearly reduced with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. Real‐time PCR quantification of population of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Fibrobacter succinogenes was linearly increased with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. Activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and β‐glucosidase were linearly increased, whereas that of protease was linearly reduced. Methane production was linearly decreased with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. Effective degradabilities of cellulose and hemicellulose of corn stover were linearly increased, whereas that of crude protein in diet was linearly decreased with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. The present results indicate that isobutyrate supplemented improved microflora, rumen enzyme activities and methane emissions in steers. It was suggested that the isobutyrate stimulated the digestive micro‐organisms or enzymes in a dose‐dependent manner. In the experimental conditions of this trial, the optimum isobutyrate dose was approximately 16.8 g isobutyrate per steer per day.