bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a 4‐week weight maintenance diet on circulating hormone levels: implications for clinical weight loss trials
Authors: Sainsbury A. , Evans I. R. , Wood R. E. , Seimon R. V. , King N. A. , Hills A. P. , Byrne N. M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe majority of weight loss studies fail to standardize conditions such as diet and exercise via a weight maintenance period prior to commencement of the trial. This study aimed to determine whether a weight stabilization period is necessary to establish stable baseline hormone concentrations. Fifty‐one obese male participants with a body mass index of 30–40 kg m−2 and aged 25–54 years underwent 4 weeks on an energy balance diet that was designed to achieve weight stability. Blood samples were collected in the fasting state at commencement and completion of the 4‐week period, and circulating concentrations of 18 commonly measured hormones were determined. During the 4‐week weight maintenance period, participants achieved weight stability within −1.5 ± 0.2 kg (−1.4 ± 0.2%) of their initial body weight. Significant reductions in serum insulin (by 18 ± 6.5%) and leptin (by 21 ± 6.0%) levels occurred, but no significant changes were observed for gut‐derived appetite‐regulating hormones (ghrelin and peptide YY), nor thyroid, adrenal, gonadal or somatotropic hormones. There were no significant correlations between the change in body weight and the change in circulating concentrations of insulin or leptin over the 4‐week period, indicating that the observed changes were not due to weight loss, albeit significant negative correlations were observed between the changes in body weight and plasma ghrelin and peptide YY levels. This study demonstrates the need for baseline weight maintenance periods to stabilize serum levels of insulin and leptin in studies specifically investigating effects on these parameters in the obese. However, this does not apply to circulating levels of gut‐derived appetite‐regulating hormones (ghrelin and peptide YY), nor thyroid, adrenal, gonadal or somatotropic hormones.
Quantitative Assessment of Right Ventricular Volumes and Ejection Fraction in Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction by Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography versus Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Cohen Scott B. , Atalay Michael K. , Maslow Andrew D. , Poppas Athena 
Published: January 2015

AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of real time three‐dimensional echocardiographic (RT3DE) for the determination of right ventricular (RV) volumes and function in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.Methods and ResultsDedicated RT3DE was prospectively performed to assess RV volumes and EF in patients with LV systolic function identified on routine clinical cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. RV end‐diastolic volume (RV EDV), RV end‐systolic volume (RV ESV), and RV EF were obtained using an offline analysis software (TomTec) by two observers blinded to CMR results. In this population of 27 patients with LV systolic dysfunction with a mean LV EF of 36 ± 12%, RV RT3DE dataset could be assessed in 27 of 30 patients (90%). High correlation was noted between RT3DE and CMR for RV EDV, ESV, and EF (r = 0.90, 0.89, and 0.77, respectively). RV EDV was lower by RT3DE as compared to CMR (129 ± 52 vs. 142 ± 53 mL, P = 0.005) while there was no significant difference in RV ESV and RV EF (71 ± 37 vs. 77 ± 45 mL, P = 0.146; 45 ± 11 vs. 48 ± 13%, P = 0.134, respectively). The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.94 to 0.94 between measurements and from 0.84 to 0.96 between observers.ConclusionOverall, RV volumes and EF assessed by RT3DE correlate well with CMR measurements in patients with LV dysfunction. RT3DE may be used as a more widely available and versatile alternative to CMR for the quantitative assessment of RV size and function in patients with LV dysfunction.
Association of alcohol use disorders with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a Swedish national cohort study
Authors: Ji J. , Sundquist J. , Sundquist K. 
Published: January 2015

Background and purposeCigarette smoking is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the association between alcohol consumption and ALS is not clear. Our aim was to clarify this using a national cohort study design in Sweden.MethodsIndividuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) were identified from several nationwide registers, and they were linked to the Swedish Hospital Discharge and Outpatients Registers to identify the incidence of ALS. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to examine the risk of ALS amongst individuals with AUDs compared to those without AUDs.ResultsA total of 7965 patients were diagnosed with ALS during the study period 1973–2010. The incidence of ALS amongst individuals with AUD was lower compared to individuals without AUD with an overall SIR of 0.54 (95% confidence interval 0.45–0.63). The study population was further stratified by gender, educational attainment, birth country, follow‐up period and a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (as a proxy for smoking), and the observed inverse association between AUD and ALS was consistent for all the stratified analyses.ConclusionsIn this follow‐up study, heavy alcohol consumption, as shown by registration for AUD, was inversely associated with the incidence of ALS. However, further studies are needed to disentangle the contribution of other potential confounding factors on the observed association.
Serum Th1/Th2 and macrophage lineage cytokines in leprosy; correlation with circulating CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ T‐regs cells
Authors: Abdallah Marwa , Attia Enas A. S. , Saad Abeer A. , El‐Khateeb Ekramy A. , Lotfi Rania A. , Abdallah Mahmoud , El‐Shennawy Dina 
Published: January 2015

AbstractNot only macrophages, T‐helper (Th)1 and Th2, but also CD4+ CD25highFoxP3+ regulatory T cells (T‐regs) are involved in immune response to Mycobacterium leprae. We aimed to evaluate serum interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐12p70 (macrophage cytokines), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) (Th1 cytokine), IL‐4 (Th2 cytokine) and circulating CD4+ CD25highFoxP3+ T‐regs, in untreated leprosy patients. Forty three patients and 40 controls were assessed for the mentioned cytokines using ELISA. Patients were assessed for circulating T‐regs using flow cytometry. Patients were subgrouped into tuberculoid (TT), pure neural leprosy (PNL), borderline cases, lepromatous (LL), type 1 reactional leprosy (RL1) and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Serum IL‐12p70, IFN‐γ and IL‐4 were significantly higher in patients versus controls (P < 0.05). Serum IL‐4 was highest in LL and lowest in RL1 (P = 0.003). Serum IL‐1β levels was significantly higher in multibacillary versus paucibacillary patients (P = 0.006). Significantly higher T‐regs levels was detected in TT, RL1 and PNL, while the lowest levels in ENL(P < 0.001), with significant differences versus controls (P < 0.05). FoxP3 expression% was significantly lower in PNL than other patients and controls (P < 0.05). T‐regs/T‐effs was lowest in ENL(P < 0.05). IFN‐γ correlated positively with T‐regs but negatively with IL‐1β (P = 0.041&0.046 respectively), which correlated positively with T‐effs%( P = 0.05). IL‐4 correlated positively with T‐regs FoxP3 expression% (P = 0.009). We concluded that: Circulating T‐regs were increased in TT, RL1 and PNL patients, known of relatively high cell‐mediated immunity. This finding was supported by low FoxP3 expression (in PNL) and correlation between T‐regs count and IFN‐γ level. Overproduction of IL‐4 in LL may infer liability to develop ENL, with disease progression and immune hyperactivation, marked by deficient T‐regs and increased T‐regs FoxP3 expression%. IL‐1β probably has a pro‐inflammatory role in multibacillary patients as correlated with T‐effs%.
A simple approach for assigning the conservation status of freshwater fish based on their natural variability – a case study from the Iberian Ecoregion
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández J. , Cobo F. , Amundsen P.‐A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA simple, non‐lethal method for assigning conservation status is proposed based on three conservation classes (favourable, unfavourable/inadequate and unfavourable/bad) to fish species based on their natural population variability. To demonstrate this approach, conservation classes were allocated to three native fish species (brown troutSalmo truttaL., northern Iberian chubSqualius carolitertii(Doadrio), and northern straight‐mouth nase,Pseudochondrostoma duriense(Coelho) based on basic population variables (density and biomass) using a 9‐year dataset (2004–2012) from 15 different sampling sites in Spain. The classification of the population variables into conservation classes was made using previously described nonparametric methods and percentiles categorisation, and the current conservation status of the studied species was established. Temporal trend analyses showed thatS. carolitertiiexperienced a progressive significant decrease during the study period, whereas bothS. truttaandP. durienseexhibited weak increases in density. The study exemplifies the need to quantify the natural variability of fish resources to reveal their current conservation status and to determine whether short‐term and long‐term management actions are needed to rehabilitate native fish assemblages. The proposed approach could easily be employed by fisheries managers to monitor the conservational status of other native species.
Salidroside protects against premature senescence induced by ultraviolet B irradiation in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Mao G.‐X. , Xing W.‐M. , Wen X.‐L. , Jia B.‐B. , Yang Z.‐X. , Wang Y.‐Z. , Jin X.‐Q. , Wang G.‐F. , Yan J. 
Published: January 2015

SynopsisObjectivesSalidroside, the predominant component of a Chinese herbal medicine, Rhodiola rosea L., becomes an attractive bio‐agent due to its multifunction. Although it is well proposed that this herbal medicine may have photoprotective effect according to the folk hearsay, the direct supportive experimental evidences linking the drug with skin ageing have rarely been reported so far. The study was conducted to investigate the photoprotective role of salidrosdie and its related mechanisms in vitro.MethodsFirst, a premature senescence model induced by UVB irradiation (250 mJ cm−2) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was established, and senescent phenotypes were evaluated by cell morphology, cell proliferation, senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) activity and cell cycle distribution. Then the photoprotective effect of salidroside was investigated. Cells were pre‐treated with various doses of salidroside (1, 5 and 10 μM) followed by the sublethal dosage of UVB exposure and then were harvested for various detections, including senescence‐associated phenotypes and molecules, alteration of oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) secretion and inflammatory response.ResultsPre‐treatment of salidroside dose dependently reversed the senescent state of HDFs induced by UVB as evidenced by elevated cell viability, decreased SA‐β‐gal activity and relieving of G1/G0 cell cycle arrest. UVB‐induced increased protein expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p21WAF1 and p16INK4 was also repressed by salidrosdie treatment in a dose‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, the increment of malondialdehyde (MDA) level in UVB‐irradiated HDFs was inhibited upon salidroside treatment. Additionally, salidroside significantly attenuated UVB‐induced synthesis of MMP‐1 as well as the production of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in HDFs.ConclusionOur data provided the evidences for the protective role of salidroside against UVB‐induced premature senescence in HDFs probably via its anti‐oxidative property and inhibition on production of MMP‐1 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which indicated its potential utilization as an active ingredient in the preparation of photoprotective formulation.
Application of chitosan–alginate microspheres for the sustained release of bacteriophage in simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Kim Songrae , Jo Ara , Ahn Juhee 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThis study was designed to evaluate the acid stability, release property and antimicrobial efficacy of Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteriophages encapsulated in chitosan–alginate microspheres under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The bacteriophages belonging to Myoviridae family were stable at the pH above 4 in trypticase soy broth. The chitosan–alginate microspheres exhibited protective effect on the viability of bacteriophages in the simulated gastric conditions at pH 2.0 and pH 2.5, showing 4.8 and 5.6 log PFU mL‐1, respectively, after 1 h of incubation at 37 °C. The release per cent of bacteriophages from microspheres gradually increased up to 65% in the simulated intestinal condition (pH 7.5) at 37 °C for 6 h. The lytic efficacy of chitosan‐ and alginate‐encapsulated bacteriophages against E. coli O157:H7 was significantly maintained in the simulated intestinal conditions to 10 h of incubation (1.3 log reduction). The results suggest that the chitosan–alginate microspheres can be used as a reliable delivery system for bacteriophages.
To do good might hurt bad: Exploring nurses' understanding and approach to suffering in forensic psychiatric settings
Authors: Vincze Mattias , Fredriksson Lennart , Wiklund Gustin Lena 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPatients in forensic psychiatric settings not only have to deal with their mental illness, but also memories of criminal activities and being involuntarily hospitalized. The aim of the present study was to explore how nurses working in forensic psychiatric services understand and approach patients' experiences of suffering. Data were generated by semistructured interviews with psychiatric nurses from two different forensic psychiatric units in Sweden. Data were analysed by means of a hermeneutic approach inspired by Ricoeur's hermeneutics. The findings are reflected in four main themes: (i) ignoring suffering; (ii) explaining suffering as a natural and inevitable part of daily life in the forensic context; (iii) ascribing meaning to suffering; and, (iv) being present in suffering. To engage in alleviating suffering is a struggle that demands courage and the strength to reflect on its character and consequences. To encounter suffering means that nurses are not only confronted with patients' suffering, but also their own reactions to those patients. If suffering is not recognized or encountered, there is a risk that actions may have a negative impact on patients.
Calibration and Verification of SWMM for Low Impact Development
Authors: Rosa David J. , Clausen John C. , Dietz Michael E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe Storm Water Management Model was used to simulate runoff and nutrient export from a low impact development (LID) watershed and a watershed using traditional runoff controls. Predictions were compared to observed values. Uncalibrated simulations underpredicted weekly runoff volume and average peak flow rates from the multiple subcatchment LID watershed by over 80%; the single subcatchment traditional watershed had better predictions. Saturated hydraulic conductivity, Manning's n for swales, and initial soil moisture deficit were sensitive parameters. After calibration, prediction of total weekly runoff volume for the LID and traditional watersheds improved to within 12 and 5% of observed values, respectively. For the validation period, predicted total weekly runoff volumes for the LID and traditional watersheds were within 6 and 2% of observed values, respectively. Water quality simulation was less successful, Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients >0.5 for both calibration and validation periods were only achieved for prediction of total nitrogen export from the LID watershed. Simulation of a 100‐year, 24‐h storm resulted in a runoff coefficient of 0.46 for the LID watershed and 0.59 for the traditional watershed. Results suggest either calibration is needed to improve predictions for LID watersheds or expanded look‐up tables for Green–Ampt infiltration parameter values that account for compaction of urban soil and antecedent conditions are needed.
Problem Behaviors of Children Adopted From the FormerSovietUnion
Authors: Robinson Cheryl B. , McGuinness Teena M. , Azuero Andres , Pallansch Leona 
Published: January 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to report the results of behavioral assessments collected at three time points of a cohort of children adopted from the formerSovietUnion with particular emphasis on the impact of the adoptive family on problem behaviors.ProblemFamilies adopting from the former USSR are concerned about the influence of pre‐adoptive circumstances on their child's future health.MethodsThe study utilized data gathered in 1998 when the children's mean age was close to 8 years, in 2001 when the children were entering early adolescence, and in 2006 when the average age of the children was just over 15 years. The authors hypothesized that the negative impact of risk factors decreases over time, and that a family environment that is stable and supportive is inversely related to problem behaviors. TheChildBehaviorChecklist, theFamilyEnvironmentScale, and a parental report form were used for data collection.FindingsSignificant relationships between family environment and problem behaviors over time were found, with lower levels of conflict and higher levels of cohesion associated to lower problem behaviors. Being female does contribute to problem behavior with the passage of time.ConclusionAlthough the magnitude of these effects was small to moderate, a protective family environment may assist in decreasing problem behaviors.
Hyaluronan in non‐surgical and surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Bruckmann Corinna , Isberg Per‐Erik , Klinge Björn , Gotfredsen Klaus , Stavropoulos Andreas 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of hyaluronan (HY) application as monotherapy or as adjunct to non‐surgical and/or surgical periodontal therapy.MethodsLiterature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines with the following main eligibility criteria: (a) English or German language; (b) pre‐clinical in vivo or human controlled trials; (c) effect size of HY evaluated histologically or clinically.ResultsTwo pre‐clinical in vivo studies on surgical treatment and 12 clinical trials on non‐surgical and/or surgical treatment were included. Most of the studies were highly heterogeneous, regarding with HY product used and application mode, and of high risk of bias, thus not allowing meta‐analysis. The majority of clinical studies described a beneficial, occasionally statistically significant, effect of HY on bleeding on probing (BoP) and pocket depth (PD) reduction (2.28–19.5% and 0.2–0.9 mm, respectively), comparing to controls; no adverse effects were reported.ConclusionsHyaluronan application as adjunct to non‐surgical and surgical periodontal treatment seems to have a beneficial, generally moderate, effect on surrogate outcome variables of periodontal inflammation, i.e., BoP and residual PD, and appears to be safe. The large heterogeneity of included studies, does not allow recommendations on the mode of application or effect size of HY as adjunct to non‐surgical and surgical periodontal treatment.
Contact allergy in Indonesian patients with foot eczema attributed to shoes
Authors: Febriana S.A. , Soebono H. , Coenraads P.J. , Schuttelaar M.L.A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundShoe dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to shoes. Allergens and types of shoes responsible may vary depending on manufacturing techniques, climatic conditions and indigenous traditions. This study focuses primarily on as yet unexplored shoe dermatitis cases in Indonesia.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of shoe dermatitis in the Dermatology outpatient clinic, Sardjito University Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia over a period of 3 years and to identify the responsible allergens.MethodsAll patients meeting screening criteria for possible shoe contact dermatitis were patch tested with the European baseline series, shoe series and additional series based on earlier studies of Indonesian leather and shoe manufacturers; some were also patch tested with their own shoe materials and shoe extracts.ResultsSixty‐four (7.1%) of 903 patients with foot skin disorders were diagnosed with shoe dermatitis. Twenty‐five (52.1%) of 48 patch‐tested patients showed positive reactions to one or more allergens related to footwear. Sixteen patients were patch tested with their own shoe materials; 11 showed positive reactions. The most frequent relevant sensitizers were rubber allergens followed by preservatives, shoe adhesives and leather materials.ConclusionShoe dermatitis is common in Indonesia. Using three series of patch tests, we identified responsible allergens and patterns of sensitization in Indonesian shoe dermatitis patients.
Linear trichilemmoma following a blaschkoid pattern: a clinical dilemma
Authors: Jha A.K. , Prasad S. , Sinha R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundTrichilemmoma are benign adnexal neoplasm with follicular outer sheath differentiation. It usually appears as single or multiple papules that resembles colour of the surrounding skin. They are most commonly seen on the face particularly on the nose and cheek.ObjectivesWe report a case of linear trichilemmoma following blaschkoid pattern.MethodsA 13 year old boy presenting with asymptomatic plaque on the right side of the nose was fully evaluated for possible cause.ResultsOn histopathology, a diagnosis of trichilemmoma was made.ConclusionThis is the first case report where linear trichilemmoma following a blaschkoid pattern is seen.
European S1 guideline for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa
Authors: Zouboulis C.C. , Desai N. , Emtestam L. , Hunger R.E. , Ioannides D. , Juhász I. , Lapins J. , Matusiak L. , Prens E.P. , Revuz J. , Schneider‐Burrus S. , Szepietowski J.C. , van der Zee H.H. , Jemec G.B.E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent, debilitating skin disease of the hair follicle that usually presents after puberty with painful, deep‐seated, inflamed lesions in the apocrine gland‐bearing areas of the body, most commonly the axillae, inguinal and anogenital regions. A mean disease incidence of 6.0 per 100 000 person‐years and an average prevalence of 1% has been reported in Europe. HS has the highest impact on patients' quality of life among all assessed dermatological diseases. HS is associated with a variety of concomitant and secondary diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. Crohn's disease, spondyloarthropathy, follicular occlusion syndrome and other hyperergic diseases. The central pathogenic event in HS is believed to be the occlusion of the upper part of the hair follicle leading to a perifollicular lympho‐histiocytic inflammation. A highly significant association between the prevalence of HS and current smoking (Odds ratio 12.55) and overweight (Odds ratio 1.1 for each body mass index unit) has been documented. The European S1 HS guideline suggests that the disease should be treated based on its individual subjective impact and objective severity. Locally recurring lesions can be treated by classical surgery or LASER techniques, whereas medical treatment either as monotherapy or in combination with radical surgery is more appropriate for widely spread lesions. Medical therapy may include antibiotics (clindamycin plus rifampicine, tetracyclines), acitretin and biologics (adalimumab, infliximab). A Hurley severity grade‐relevant treatment of HS is recommended by the expert group following a treatment algorithm. Adjuvant measurements, such as pain management, treatment of superinfections, weight loss and tobacco abstinence have to be considered.