bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dermatology life quality index as a means to assess life quality in patients with different scar types
Authors: Reinholz M. , Poetschke J. , Schwaiger H. , Epple A. , Ruzicka T. , Gauglitz G. G. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundMeasuring quality of life through questionnaires is a common method to evaluate the impact of different afflictions on the patient's well‐being, especially in the field of dermatology where appearance changing afflictions are common.ObjectivesA variety of questionnaires has been used to distinguish different skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and scars. Using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), we investigated different scar types regarding their impact on quality of life.MethodsWe assessed the quality of life in 130 patients presenting to our outpatient scar clinic for the first time using the DLQI. Scars were analysed according to their clinical appearance (physiological scars, keloids, hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars, self‐harm scars). Physiological scars were established as a baseline for further comparison between groups.ResultsPatients in the physiological scar group scored a mean DLQI score of 2.07 ± 3.56, patients in the keloid‐, hypertrophic scar‐, atrophic scar‐ and self‐harm scar group scored values of 6.06 ± 4.00, 2.53 ± 2.48, 7.26 ± 6.72 and 12.00 ± 3.85 respectively. When compared to the baseline group the difference in the overall score for keloids was +3.99 (P < 0.001), hypertrophic scars scored +0.45 (ns), atrophic scars +5.19 (P < 0.01) and self‐harm scars +9.93 (P < 0.001).ConclusionUsing the DLQI, we could demonstrate that different subsets of pathological scars do affect patients in a different magnitude. The DLQI provides a promising adjunct for quantifying the quality of life in patients suffering from keloids, atrophic‐ and self‐harm scars and may constitute an interesting additional tool for monitoring the progress of scar treatments.
Boiling Point, Specific Heat and Density Measurements and Modeling of Soybean Molasses and Its Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Guedes Amanda R. , Corazza Marcos L. , Zanoelo Everton F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis work reports a new set of experimental data of boiling point elevation (BPE), specific heat and density for soybean molasses and its aqueous solutions at different total solids concentration and temperatures. BPEs up to 8.2C were measured with an ebulliometer at pressure range of 7.6–86.9 kPa and mass fraction of total solids up to 0.6. The method of mixtures in a quasi‐adiabatic calorimeter was used to determine specific heats from 3,394 to 3,948 J/kg/C as a function of mass fraction of total solids between 0.1 and 0.4. Densities of the same product measured by applying the oscillating U‐tube method were close to 995–1,104 kg/m3 at 40–60C in the mass fraction range of total solids from 0.05 to 0.4. Different reliable empirical models (Capriste–Lozano, based on Dühring's and mixing rules) were suggested to estimate the examined properties in a temperature and a solid mass fraction range wider than those experimentally investigated. Transient data of mass fraction of total solids were also obtained in a single‐effect evaporator at two different pressure (32.5 and 85.2 kPa). In order to highlight the importance of the measured thermophysical properties, a valid model based on conservative equations of mass and energy was used to simulate the process of concentration of aqueous solution of soy molasses.Practical ApplicationsSoybean molasses is a carbohydrate‐rich by‐product from soybean meal processing for production of protein concentrate. This product is normally concentrated by evaporation and further used as raw material for animal feed, industrial boiler fuel, production of isoflavones and as a substrate in fermentation processes, especially for the production of alcohols. Despite the large volume generation of this agro‐industrial residue and its growing commercial applications, its thermophysical properties, such as boiling point, specific heat and density, are not available in the literature. These properties are fundamental to design, simulate and optimize process operations involving such a by‐product. In this context, this study aims to cover this lack, providing the experimental determination and modeling of the properties mentioned earlier.
Daily lives of pre‐adolescents/adolescents and their parents after liver transplant
Authors: Fujita Ayaka 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThis mixed methods study describes the post‐transplantation daily life of pre‐adolescents and adolescents who had undergone living donor liver transplantation and their parents.MethodsNine parent–child dyads were enrolled and all children were living donor liver transplant recipients. Three participants were pre‐adolescents and the six were adolescents. Five of the parents surveyed in this study had been the donors. Members of the parent–child dyads completed the questionnaires and participated in semistructured interviews. An inductive qualitative analysis of the interview data was conducted.ResultsThe post‐transplantation daily life of the parent–child dyads had four distinct patterns: (i) pre‐adolescents who had undergone transplantation during infancy, who had no understanding of the transplant procedure, and whose care was managed by their parent(s) without any problems; (ii) adolescents who were aware that their physical condition had improved after the transplant and who managed and dealt with the situation on their own; (iii) adolescents who were dissatisfied with the transplantation and associated immunosuppression because transplant procedures were perceived as negative or because they could not remember the transplant procedure; and (iv) one participant could not be categorized because their liver function deteriorated post‐transplantation and they were registered for re‐transplantation. Patterns were identified that characterized the post‐transplantation daily life of pre‐adolescents/adolescents who underwent liver transplantation, and that of their parents. Further research for post‐transplantation parent–child dyads is warranted.
Anatomical location of LPA1 activation and LPA phospholipid precursors in rodent and human brain
Authors: González de San Román Estibaliz , Manuel Iván , Giralt María Teresa , Chun Jerold , Estivill‐Torrús Guillermo , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Santín Luis Javier , Ferrer Isidro , Rodríguez‐Puertas Rafael 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a signaling molecule that binds to six known G protein‐coupled receptors: LPA1–LPA6. LPA evokes several responses in the CNS, including cortical development and folding, growth of the axonal cone and its retraction process. Those cell processes involve survival, migration, adhesion proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. The anatomical localization of LPA1 is incompletely understood, particularly with regard to LPA binding. Therefore, we have used functional [35S]GTPγS autoradiography to verify the anatomical distribution of LPA1 binding sites in adult rodent and human brain. The greatest activity was observed in myelinated areas of the white matter such as corpus callosum, internal capsule and cerebellum. MaLPA1‐null mice (a variant of LPA1‐null) lack [35S]GTPγS basal binding in white matter areas, where the LPA1 receptor is expressed at high levels, suggesting a relevant role of the activity of this receptor in the most myelinated brain areas. In addition, phospholipid precursors of LPA were localized by MALDI‐IMS in both rodent and human brain slices identifying numerous species of phosphatides and phosphatidylcholines. Both phosphatides and phosphatidylcholines species represent potential LPA precursors. The anatomical distribution of these precursors in rodent and human brain may indicate a metabolic relationship between LPA and LPA1 receptors.
image
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a signaling molecule that binds to six known G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR), LPA1 to LPA6. LPA evokes several responses in the central nervous system (CNS), including cortical development and folding, growth of the axonal cone and its retraction process. We used functional [35S]GTPγS autoradiography to verify the anatomical distribution of LPA1‐binding sites in adult rodent and human brain. The distribution of LPA1 receptors in rat, mouse and human brains show the highest activity in white matter myelinated areas. The basal and LPA‐evoked activities are abolished in MaLPA1‐null mice. The phospholipid precursors of LPA are localized by MALDI‐IMS. The anatomical distribution of LPA precursors in rodent and human brain suggests a relationship with functional LPA1 receptors.
Postnatal ethanol exposure alters levels of 2‐arachidonylglycerol‐metabolizing enzymes and pharmacological inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase does not cause neurodegeneration in neonatal mice
Authors: Subbanna Shivakumar , Psychoyos Delphine , Xie Shan , Basavarajappa Balapal S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe consumption of ethanol by pregnant women may cause neurological abnormalities, affecting learning and memory processes in children, and are collectively described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are still poorly understood. In our previous studies, we found that ethanol treatment of postnatal day 7 (P7) mice significantly enhances the anandamide levels but not the 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG) levels and induces widespread neurodegeneration, but the reason for the lack of significant effects of ethanol on the 2‐AG level is unknown. In this study, we examined developmental changes in diacylglycerol lipase‐α, β (DAGL‐α and β) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). We found that the levels of these proteins were significantly higher in adult brains compared to those detected early in brain development. Next, we examined the influence of P7 ethanol treatment on these enzymes, finding that it differentially altered the DAGL‐α protein and mRNA levels but consistently enhanced those of the DAGL‐β. Interestingly, the ethanol treatment enhanced MAGL protein and mRNA levels. Inhibition of MAGL with KML29 failed to induce neurodegeneration in P7 mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that ethanol significantly activates DAGL‐β and MAGL in the neonatal brain, resulting in no net change in 2‐AG levels.
image
The consumption of ethanol by pregnant women may cause neurological abnormalities, affecting learning and memory processes in children, and are collectively described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). In our study, ethanol treatment of postnatal day 7 (P7) mice significantly enhanced the levels of the developmentally relevant endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) but not 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG), and induced widespread neurodegeneration, yet the reason for the lack of effects of ethanol on the 2‐AG level is unknown. Here, the ethanol treatment of P7 mice causes the specific up‐regulation of AEA‐CB1R signaling over the 2‐AG‐CB1R pathway by the specific reorganization of the enzymes that synthesize (DAGL‐α/β) and degrade (MAGL) 2‐AG. This study demonstrates the neuro‐regulatory role of 2‐AG metabolizing enzymes in ethanol‐induced neurodegeneration in neonatal mice.
Genetic determinants of chronic oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a genome‐wide study replication and meta‐analysis
Authors: Terrazzino Salvatore , Argyriou Andreas A. , Cargnin Sarah , Antonacopoulou Anna G. , Briani Chiara , Bruna Jordi , Velasco Roser , Alberti Paola , Campagnolo Marta , Lonardi Sara , Cortinovis Diego , Cazzaniga Marina , Santos Cristina , Kalofonos Haralabos P. , Canonico Pier Luigi , Genazzani Armando A. , Cavaletti Guido 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe aimed at validating the role of genetic variants identified by a recent genome‐wide association study (GWAS) as determinants of chronic oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OXAIPN). Eight polymorphisms (rs10486003, rs2338, rs843748, rs797519, rs4936453, rs12023000, rs17140129, and rs6924717) were genotyped in a total of 150 colorectal cancer patients of Caucasian origin receiving oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy. The severity grade of chronic OXAIPN was assessed by NCI‐CTC criteria and the clinical version of the Total Neuropathy Score© (TNSc©). None of the polymorphisms investigated was found associated with grade ≥ 2 chronic OXAIPN (NCI‐CTC criteria), while a nominal association emerged for ACYP2 rs843748 when using the TNSc© scale (dominant model: odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.75, P = 0.008). In the combined analysis of this results with data of the two previously published studies which assessed chronic OXAIPN by NCI‐CTC criteria, evidence suggestive of association with chronic OXAIPN (NCI‐CTC criteria) was found for ACYP2 rs843748 (dominant model: OR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.40–5.24, P = 0.027), which, however, did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing (threshold P‐value <0.00625). These findings suggest a minor role of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) investigated as genetic determinants of chronic OXAIPN. These results also highlight the importance of replication studies with meta‐analysis for validation of GWAS findings.
TRIP: a pathological score for transarterial chemoembolization resistance individualized prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sciarra Amedeo , Ronot Maxime , Di Tommaso Luca , Raschioni Carlotta , Castera Laurent , Belghiti Jacques , Bedossa Pierre , Vilgrain Valérie , Roncalli Massimo , Paradis Valérie 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsAlthough potentially very useful in optimizing patient selection and follow‐up, the individual response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally unpredictable. The aim of this study was to identify tissue predictors of tumour resistance to TACE for use in clinical practice on pretreatment biopsies.MethodsWe investigated the association of residual tumour in post‐TACE‐resected HCC with pathological and immunophenotypical features, mainly related to hypoxia and angiogenesis. Comparison of tumour phenotype between post‐TACE HCC and both paired pre‐TACE biopsies and control TACE‐untreated HCC was performed. Cases showing >50% residual tumour (RT) were defined as TACE‐resistant.ResultsA consecutive series of 108 HCC from 41 patients was studied. Overall, 45/108 (44%) HCC were classified as TACE‐resistant. Among these, 32 (71%) and 40 (89%) showed diffuse CD34 vascular staining and negative VEGF staining respectively (p<0.05). The association of these two parameters in a weighted score (TRIP) was able to predict TACE resistance with 81% accuracy, 89% sensitivity and 59% specificity. The effectiveness of TRIP was validated in an independent series of 28 HCC biopsies from patients subsequently treated with TACE and for whom radiological follow‐up was available.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential value of pretreatment tumour biopsy as predictors of TACE resistance in HCC.
Are Physicians Safely Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Noncancer Pain? A Systematic Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Tournebize Juliana , Gibaja Valérie , Muszczak Amandine , Kahn Jean‐Pierre 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundWith rising prescription of opioid medications for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) in the past years, opioid abuse and overdose deaths have increased in parallel. To ensure adequate treatment outcomes and reduce the risks linked with the chronic use of opioids, practitioner's adherence to treatment guidelines is essential. This study summarizes published recommendations about the strategies to reduce the risks associated with the chronic use of opioids and evaluates the adherence of physicians to these recommendations.MethodA systematic literature search was undertaken in May 2014 using major databases. Studies were included if they examined the adherence of practitioners with at least one form of opioid risk reduction strategy. Benchmark guidelines cited in these studies were also reviewed.ResultsThe search yielded 683 records, 14 of which were found to evaluate adherence of physicians to opioid risk reduction strategies. Nine benchmark guidelines were found. Almost all physicians consider opioid therapy only when other safer approaches have failed and do not prescribe opioids at doses greater than 200 mg/day of morphine equivalent. Unfortunately, less than 50% assess pain intensity using a pain scale; they often consider transdermal fentanyl safe for opioid‐naïve patients and fail to discontinue opioids if they were ineffective in relieving patients’ pain.ConclusionsSubstantial practice and knowledge gaps were identified, including the use of pain scales and prescription of transdermal fentanyl in opioid‐naïve patients, which have important implications for patient's safety. Guidelines more practical to physicians’ settings and further education of physicians are warranted.
Safety and Efficacy Study of the Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibitor Parecoxib Sodium Applied for Postoperative Analgesia After Endo‐Nasal Operation
Authors: Chen Hong , Luo Ailin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor parecoxib sodium after endo‐nasal operation.MethodsPatients aged 18 to 55 years with body mass index (BMI) ≤25 and ASAI~II who were undergoing endo‐nasal operation were randomly allocated to receive either IV parecoxib sodium 40 mg or IV placebo (saline) 2 mL 15 minutes before induction of anesthesia. The magnitude of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and recorded on awakening, then at interval of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after operation. Safety evaluation including nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, drowsiness, urinary retention, respiratory depression, surgical site bleeding, and so on was assessed. The patients’ satisfaction of the postoperative analgesia was recorded and compared between the 2 groups.ResultsA total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study, including 31 in parecoxib group and 33 in placebo group. The VAS scores at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 hours after operation were significantly lower in parecoxib group than in placebo group (P < 0.05). The P values were 0.002, <0.001, 0.001 at 2, 4, 6 hours after operation, respectively. The percentage of the patients who considered the postoperative analgesia “good” or “excellent” was 45.2% in parecoxib group and 9.1% in placebo group. There were no serious side effects in both groups.ConclusionsParecoxib sodium was effective and safe when used for postoperative analgesia in endo‐nasal operation.
The rat ErbB2 tyrosine kinase receptor produced in plants is immunogenic in mice and confers protective immunity against ErbB2+ mammary cancer
Authors: Matić Slavica , Quaglino Elena , Arata Lucia , Riccardo Federica , Pegoraro Mattia , Vallino Marta , Cavallo Federica , Noris Emanuela 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe rat ErbB2 (rErbB2) protein is a 185‐kDa glycoprotein belonging to the epidermal growth factor‐related proteins (ErbB) of receptor tyrosine kinases. Overexpression and mutations of ErbB proteins lead to several malignancies including breast, lung, pancreatic, bladder and ovary carcinomas. ErbB2 is immunogenic and is an ideal candidate for cancer immunotherapy. We investigated the possibility of expressing the extracellular (EC) domain of rErbB2 (653 amino acids, aa) in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, testing the influence of the 23 aa transmembrane (TM) sequence on protein accumulation. Synthetic variants of the rErbB2 gene portion encoding the EC domain, optimized with a human codon usage and either linked to the full TM domain (rErbB2_TM, 676 aa), to a portion of it (rErbB2‐pTM, 662 aa), or deprived of it (rErbB2_noTM, 653 aa) were cloned in the pEAQ‐HT expression vector as 6X His tag fusions. All rErbB2 variants (72–74.5 kDa) were transiently expressed, but the TM was detrimental for rErbB2 EC accumulation. rERbB2_noTM was the most expressed protein; it was solubilized and purified with Nickel affinity resin. When crude soluble extracts expressing rErbB2_noTM were administered to BALB/c mice, specific rErbB2 immune responses were triggered. A potent antitumour activity was induced when vaccinated mice were challenged with syngeneic transplantable ErbB2+ mammary carcinoma cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of expression of rErbB2 in plants and of its efficacy in inducing a protective antitumour immune response, opening interesting perspectives for further immunological testing.
Green leaf volatiles: biosynthesis, biological functions and their applications in biotechnology
Authors: ul Hassan Muhammad Naeem , Zainal Zamri , Ismail Ismanizan 
Published: April 2015

SummaryPlants have evolved numerous constitutive and inducible defence mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. These stresses induce the expression of various genes to activate defence‐related pathways that result in the release of defence chemicals. One of these defence mechanisms is the oxylipin pathway, which produces jasmonates, divinylethers and green leaf volatiles (GLVs) through the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).GLVs have recently emerged as key players in plant defence, plant–plant interactions and plant–insect interactions. SomeGLVs inhibit the growth and propagation of plant pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. In certain cases,GLVs released from plants under herbivore attack can serve as aerial messengers to neighbouring plants and to attract parasitic or parasitoid enemies of the herbivores. The plants that perceive these volatile signals are primed and can then adapt in preparation for the upcoming challenges. Due to their ‘green note’ odour,GLVs impart aromas and flavours to many natural foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and therefore, they can be exploited in industrial biotechnology. The aim of this study was to review the progress and recent developments in research on the oxylipin pathway, with a specific focus on the biosynthesis and biological functions ofGLVs and their applications in industrial biotechnology.
Patients’ decision‐making experiences in the acute healthcare setting – a case study
Authors: Kalaitzidis Evdokia 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThe transition from being an ordinary citizen to a hospitalised patient can be a daunting experience particularly for the uninitiated and inexperienced. Patients are likely to have questions such as ‘where do I go?’, ‘what should I do?’, ‘when?’ and ‘who should I ask?’ The process for making practical moment‐to‐moment decisions is often complex and fraught with difficulties. Identifying critical points in the hospitalisation experience may provide insights into the quality of hospital management systems and professional practices from a patient perspective.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify institutional practices and structures in the context of acute healthcare settings which impact on patient moment‐to‐moment decision‐making experiences.MethodA case study approach was used as the exploratory methodology, and interviews were conducted with three former adult inpatients. In order to gain an understanding of each participant's experiences, data collecting strategies used in this research were a semistructured interview and document analysis of information documents, such as hospital supplied pamphlets, provided to the researcher by the participants.ResultsThe study identified five major themes. Identified as being critical to the participants were information sharing by healthcare professionals, professional advice and professional role identification. Less so were environment and everyday life. Associated with these themes were the participant's common experience of being confined in unfamiliar surroundings, adjusting to institutional routines and of being heavily dependent on others.ConclusionFindings indicate that patient moment‐to‐moment decision‐making may be informed and enhanced in several areas: relevant and timely information sharing, varying the dress code between the different professions, reducing conflicting professional advice, clear signage around the hospital, and flexible visiting hours, telephones and clocks in patient rooms.