bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological disorders in patients with bullous pemphigoid: clinical and experimental investigations
Authors: Gambichler T. , Segert H. , Höxtermann S. , Schmitz L. , Altmeyer P. , Teegen B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) are more likely to have neurological diseases (ND).ObjectivesTo compare clinical findings in BP patients with and without ND and to investigate BP180 autoantibody binding in different neuronal tissues of mammalians.MethodsOur database was searched for clinical findings of in‐patients with the definitive diagnosis of BP. Moreover, brain tissue of mammalians was treated with serum of BP patients with elevated BP180 autoantibodies using biochip mosaics.ResultsOf 85/161 (52.8%) patients had a history of at least one ND (BP+ND). BP180 (P = 0.018), eosinophils (P = 0.043) and patients' accommodation in nursing homes (P < 0.0001) remained in the logistic regression model as significant independent predictors for the presence of ND in patients with BP. Subgroup analysis of community‐dwelling BP patients revealed 25/93 (26.9%) patients with ND. In this population, the presence of ND also significantly correlated with BP180 (r = 0.26; P = 0.0003) and eosinophils (r = 0.19; P = 0.0087). In the animal model, no BP180‐specific immunofluorescence could be detected.ConclusionsOur data support results of previous studies detecting significantly increased frequency of ND in BP patients. We have shown that raised BP180 titres and blood eosinophils are independent predictors for the presence of ND in BP patients. However, our experimental data do not support previous results indicating that specific binding of BP180 antibodies in neuronal tissue plays a pathogenetic role in ND.
Anti‐TNF‐α therapy reduces retinol‐binding protein 4 serum levels in non‐diabetic patients with psoriasis: a 6‐month prospective study
Authors: Pina T. , Genre F. , Lopez‐Mejias R. , Armesto S. , Ubilla B. , Mijares V. , Dierssen‐Sotos T. , Corrales A. , Gonzalez‐Lopez M.A. , Gonzalez‐Vela M.C. , Blanco R. , Llorca J. , Gonzalez‐Gay M.A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundRetinol‐binding protein‐4 (RBP4), an adipokine considered as an emerging cardiometabolic risk factor, is increased in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to establish the effect of anti‐TNF‐α therapy on RBP4 levels in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. We also assessed if RBP4 levels correlate with metabolic syndrome features and disease severity in these patients.MethodsProspective study on a series of consecutive non‐diabetic patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis who completed 6 months of therapy with adalimumab. Patients with kidney disease, hypertension or body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2 were excluded. Metabolic and clinical evaluation was performed at the onset of treatment (time 0) and at month 6.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients were assessed. Statistically significant reduction (P = 0.0001) of RBP4 levels was observed after 6 months of therapy (RBP4 at time 0: 55.7 ± 21.4 μg/mL, vs. 35.6 ± 29.9 μg/mL at month 6). No significant correlation between basal RBP4 levels and metabolic syndrome features or disease severity was found. Nevertheless, although RBP4 levels did not correlate with insulin resistance, a negative and significant correlation between RBP4 levels obtained after 6 months of adalimumab therapy and other metabolic syndrome features such as abdominal perimeter and body mass index were observed. At that time, a negative and significant correlation between RBP4 levels and disease activity scores and ultrasensitive CRP levels was also disclosed.ConclusionOur results support an influence of the anti‐TNF‐α blockade on RBP4 serum levels. This finding is of potential relevance due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with psoriasis.
Foucault at the bedside: a critical analysis of empowering a healthy lifestyle
Authors: Devisch Ignaas , Vanheule Stijn 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSince quite a few years, philosophy is heading towards the bedside of the patient: the practice of philosophy has stepped out of its ivory tower, it seems, to deal with empirical or practical questions. Apart from the advantages, we should keep in mind the importance of a critical analysis of medical or clinical practice as such. If ethics partakes the clinical stage, it runs the risk only to discuss the how question and to forget the more fundamental what or why questions: what are we doing exactly and why is it good for? Starting from the principle of the empowerment of the patient, we will demonstrate how the discourse on empowerment in health care seems to forget a profound reflection upon this principle as such. By rehearsing some basics from the governmentality theory of Michel Foucault and the actualization of it by Nicolas Rose, we will argue how philosophical investigation in medical‐ethical evolutions such as empowerment of the patient is still needed to understand what is really going on in today's clinical practice.
Effect of the sample annealing temperature and sample crystallographic orientation on the charge kinetics of MgO single crystals subjected to keV electron irradiation
Authors: BOUGHARIOU A. , DAMAMME G. , KALLEL A. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThis paper focuses on the effect of sample annealing temperature and crystallographic orientation on the secondary electron yield of MgO during charging by a defocused electron beam irradiation. The experimental results show that there are two regimes during the charging process that are better identified by plotting the logarithm of the secondary electron emission yield, lnσ , as function of the total trapped charge in the material QT. The impact of the annealing temperature and crystallographic orientation on the evolution of lnσ is presented here. The slope of the asymptotic regime of the curve lnσ as function of QT, expressed in cm2 per trapped charge, is probably linked to the elementary cross section of electron–hole recombination, σhole, which controls the trapping evolution in the reach of the stationary flow regime.
3D imaging of cement‐based materials at submicron resolution by combining laser scanning confocal microscopy with serial sectioning
Authors: YIO M.H.N. , MAC M.J. , WONG H.S. , BUENFELD N.R. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we present a new method to reconstruct large volumes of nontransparent porous materials at submicron resolution. The proposed method combines fluorescence laser scanning confocal microscopy with serial sectioning to produce a series of overlapping confocal z‐stacks, which are then aligned and stitched based on phase correlation. The method can be extended in the XY plane to further increase the overall image volume. Resolution of the reconstructed image volume does not degrade with increase in sample size. We have used the method to image cementitious materials, hardened cement paste and concrete and the results obtained show that the method is reliable. Possible applications of the method such as three‐dimensional characterization of the pores and microcracks in hardened concrete, three‐dimensional particle shape characterization of cementitious materials and three‐dimensional characterization of other porous materials such as rocks and bioceramics are discussed.
A potential mechanism for allometric trabecular bone scaling in terrestrial mammals
Authors: Christen Patrik , Ito Keita , van Rietbergen Bert 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTrabecular bone microstructural parameters, including trabecular thickness, spacing, and number, have been reported to scale with animal size with negative allometry, whereas bone volume fraction is animal size‐invariant in terrestrial mammals. As for the majority of scaling patterns described in animals, its underlying mechanism is unknown. However, it has also been found that osteocyte density is inversely related to animal size, possibly adapted to metabolic rate, which shows a negative relationship as well. In addition, the signalling reach of osteocytes is limited by the extent of the lacuno‐canalicular network, depending on trabecular dimensions and thus also on animal size. Here we propose animal size‐dependent variations in osteocyte density and their signalling influence distance as a potential mechanism for negative allometric trabecular bone scaling in terrestrial mammals. Using an established and tested computational model of bone modelling and remodelling, we run simulations with different osteocyte densities and influence distances mimicking six terrestrial mammals covering a large range of body masses. Simulated trabecular structures revealed negative allometric scaling for trabecular thickness, spacing, and number, constant bone volume fraction, and bone turnover rates inversely related to animal size. These results are in agreement with previous observations supporting our proposal of osteocyte density and influence distance variation as a potential mechanism for negative allometric trabecular bone scaling in terrestrial mammals. The inverse relationship between bone turnover rates and animal size further indicates that trabecular bone scaling may be linked to metabolic rather than mechanical adaptations.
Predicting bite force and cranial biomechanics in the largest fossil rodent using finite element analysis
Authors: Cox Philip G. , Rinderknecht Andrés , Blanco R. Ernesto 
Published: February 2015

AbstractJosephoartigasia monesi, from the Pliocene of Uruguay, is the largest known fossil rodent, with an estimated body mass of 1000 kg. In this study, finite element analysis was used to estimate the maximum bite force that J. monesi could generate at the incisors and the cheek teeth. Owing to uncertainty in the model inputs, a sensitivity study was conducted in which the muscle forces and orientations were sequentially altered. This enabled conclusions to be drawn on the function of some of the masticatory muscles. It was found that J. monesi had a bite of 1389 N at the incisors, rising to 4165 N at the third molar. Varying muscle forces by 20% and orientations by 10° around the medio‐lateral aspect led to an error in bite force of under 35% at each tooth. Predicted stresses across the skull were only minimally affected by changes to muscle forces and orientations, but revealed a reasonable safety factor in the strength of the skull. These results, combined with previous work, lead us to speculate that J. monesi was behaving in an elephant‐like manner, using its incisors like tusks, and processing tough vegetation with large bite forces at the cheek teeth.
Exploring the co-loading of lidocaine chemical forms in surfactant/phospholipid vesicles for improved skin delivery
Authors: Caddeo Carla , Valenti Donatella , Nácher Amparo , Manconi Maria , Fadda Anna Maria 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The present study was aimed at targeting the skin to deliver lidocaine loaded in surfactant/phospholipid vesicles tailored for improved local delivery. The influence of different formulation parameters was explored to maximise drug efficacy.

Methods
The vesicles were prepared using a mixture of soy lipids (Phospholipon 50) and a surfactant with penetration-enhancing properties (Oramix CG110, Labrasol, Labrafac PG or Labrafac CC), and loaded with lidocaine. The formulations were analysed in detail by cryo-TEM, SAXS, Turbiscan Lab, and tested in permeation experiments through new born pig skin, as a function of the chemical form and concentration of lidocaine (i.e. free base or salt, 12.5 or 25 mg/ml).

Key findings
Small, spherical vesicles with good entrapment efficiency and exceptional long-term stability were produced. The lamellar organisation was affected by either the surfactant or the lidocaine form used. Permeation studies highlighted that the co-incorporation of lidocaine base + hydrochloride allowed the achievement of a superior deposition in the skin layers, especially when surfactant vesicles were used, as their content was presumably saturated with the maximum amount of loadable anaesthetic.

Conclusions
The proposed systems based on surfactant/phospholipid vesicles co-loaded with both lidocaine forms are an effective approach for improving its local delivery.
Process optimization and modeling for the cultivation of Nannochloropsis sp. and Tetraselmis striata via response surface methodology
Authors: Imamoglu Esra , Demirel Zeliha , Conk Dalay Meltem 
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal physical process conditions for the cultivation of locally isolated strains of Nannochloropsis sp. and Tetraselmis striata to achieve maximum growth rate. It was essential to evaluate biomass production at different agitation rates, light intensities, and temperature levels. Central composite design and response surface methodology were applied to design the experiments and optimize the cultivation process for Nannochloropsis sp. and T. striata. The specific growth rate of 0.250 d−1 was obtained for Nannochloropsis sp. cells under the light intensity of 54 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1, at the agitation rate of 151 rpm in 24.5°C. The optimal physical process conditions for T. striata were obtained under the light intensity of 56 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1 in 25.5°C at the agitation rate of 151 rpm in 25.5°C, resulting in a specific growth rate of 0.226 d−1. The predicted values were justified by the verification tests. Good agreement between the predicted values and the experimental values confirmed the validity of the models for the cultivation of microalgal strains. In this article, the noteworthy result was that temperature was a dominant factor in obtaining high chl‐a content for Nannochloropsis sp., whereas the growth of T. striata strongly depended on light exposure.
Coital Incontinence and Vaginal Symptoms and the Relationship to Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Primiparous Women at 12 Months Postpartum: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tennfjord Merete Kolberg , Hilde Gunvor , Stær-Jensen Jette , Siafarikas Franziska , Engh Marie Ellström , Bø Kari 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Symptoms related to sexual dysfunction postpartum are scarcely addressed in the literature, and the relationship to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function is largely unknown.

Aims
The aim of this study was to investigate primiparous women 12 months postpartum and study: (i) prevalence and bother of coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and sexual matters; and (ii) whether coital incontinence and vaginal symptoms were associated with vaginal resting pressure (VRP), PFM strength, and endurance.

Methods
International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) sexual matters module and ICIQ-Vaginal Symptoms Questionnaire were used for questions on coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and sexual matters, respectively. PFM function was assessed by manometer (Camtech AS, Sandvika, Norway).

Main Outcome Measures
Coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and PFM function were the main outcome measures.

Results
One hundred seventy-seven primiparous women, mean age 28.7 (standard deviation [SD] 4.3) participated. Of the 94% of women having sexual intercourse, coital incontinence was found for 1.2% whereas 34.5% reported at least one vaginal symptom interfering with the sexual life of primiparous women. Of the symptoms investigated, “vagina feels dry,” “vagina feels sore,” and “vagina feels loose or lax” were most prevalent, but the overall impact on the woman's sexual life was minimally bothersome, mean 1.4 out of 10 (SD 2.5). Women reporting “vagina feels loose or lax” had lower VRP, PFM strength, and endurance when compared with women without the symptom.

Conclusions
Twelve-month postpartum coital incontinence was rare, whereas the prevalence of vaginal symptoms interfering with sexual life was more common. The large majority of primiparous women in our study had sexual intercourse at 12 months postpartum and the reported overall bother on sexual life was low. Women reporting “vagina feels loose or lax” had lower VRP, PFM strength, and endurance when compared with women without the symptom.
Pain Experienced During Vaginal and Anal Intercourse with Other-Sex Partners: Findings from a Nationally Representative Probability Study in the United States
Authors: Herbenick Debby , Schick Vanessa , Sanders Stephanie A. , Reece Michael , Fortenberry J. Dennis 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Recent U.S. nationally representative data indicate that about 30% of women and 5% of men reported pain occurring during their most recent sexual event; however, little is known about the severity, duration, or context of such pain, or its prevalence during vaginal vs. anal intercourse.

Aims
To document the prevalence and characteristics of pain during vaginal and anal intercourse among U.S. women and men (ages 18+) at their most recent other-sex sexual event, including the self-reported severity, duration, and location of their pain; how participants addressed their pain; and partner communication related to the pain.

Methods
Data from a subsample of 1,738 women and men in the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health Behavior, a nationally representative probability survey of Americans ages 18+ collected via the Internet, were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants responded to items about their background characteristics; whether they had vaginal or anal intercourse during their most recent sexual experience; the severity, duration, and location of any pain experienced during said sexual event; and whether they responded to or communicated about the pain.

Results
About 30% of women and 7% of men reported pain during vaginal intercourse events, and most of the reports of pain were mild and of short duration. About 72% of women and 15% of men reported pain during anal intercourse events, with more of these events including moderate or severe pain (for the women) and of mixed duration. Large proportions of Americans do not tell their partner when sex hurts.

Conclusion
Pain is a relatively common, and often not discussed, aspect of both vaginal and anal intercourse events occurring between women and men. Individual and clinical implications are discussed.
The Efficacy of Combination Treatment with Injectable Testosterone Undecanoate and Daily Tadalafil for Erectile Dysfunction with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Park Min Gu , Yeo Jeong Kyun , Cho Dae-Yeon , Kim Jin Wook , Kim Jong Wook , Oh Mi Mi , Kim Je Jong , Moon Du Geon 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionBoth testosterone therapy and chronic treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) have positive effects on the histology of penile corpora and erectile function. However, few clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy with both testosterone replacement and chronic PDE5Is.AimThis study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination treatment with long-acting injectable testosterone undecanoate (TU) and a once-daily tadalafil 5 mg for erectile dysfunction with testosterone deficiency syndrome.MethodsSixty patients were consecutively enrolled and followed for 36 weeks. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to group I and received 1,000 mg of parenteral TU on day 1, followed by additional injections at weeks 6 and 18 with on-demand tadalafil 10–20 mg during the 30 weeks of treatment. The remaining 30 patients received the same dose and schedule of TU as group I, and were prescribed once-daily tadalafil 5 mg during 30 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresSerological tests were performed, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) questionnaires, and Global Assessment Question (GAQ) were administered to the patients.ResultsTotal IIEF and AMS scores were significantly improved during the 30 weeks of treatment in both groups. When IIEF scores were compared between the two groups, group II showed better symptom scores than group I at weeks 6 and 30. A similar pattern was observed when comparing AMS scores between the groups. At week 36, changes in IIEF and AMS scores that indicated worsened symptoms compared with week 30 were observed in both groups; group II showed better symptom scores than group I. On the GAQ, the ratio of patients reporting improvement in erectile function was significantly higher in group II than group I.ConclusionsThe combination of long-acting injectable TU and once-daily tadalafil 5 mg produced a significant improvement in erectile function. Moreover, the improvement in erectile function was well maintained, even after the cessation of treatment.
Effects of habitat quality on parasite abundance: do forest fragmentation and food availability affect helminth infection in the Eurasian red squirrel?
Authors: Santicchia F. , Romeo C. , Martinoli A. , Lanfranchi P. , Wauters L. A. , Ferrari N. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHabitat quality affects demography, population genetics, space use and phenotypic characteristics of mammals. However, little is known about the effects of habitat quality, fragmentation and/or food abundance, on host–parasite interactions. Here we present a first study on the relationships between the abundance of the dominant gastrointestinal helminth, Trypanoxyuris (Rodentoxyuris) sciuri, infecting the Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris and three environmental factors: habitat type (mountain conifer forests vs. lowland mixed deciduous forests), fragmentation (fragmented woodlands vs. continuous forests) and food availability. Abundance of T. (R.) sciuri increased in fragmented woods. Furthermore, in mountain conifer forests, squirrels were more heavily infected after a poor Norway spruce seed crop than in years with medium or high seed production, indicating that squirrels are less capable of reducing parasite load when food availability is low. Hence, we suggest that T. (R.) sciuri abundance in red squirrels may be determined mainly by changes in host susceptibility induced by higher stress levels and/or poorer nutritional status, while in fragments, reduced genetic diversity may also increase host susceptibility to parasite infection. Although our data do not shed light on the mechanisms generating the observed patterns, results from other field studies highlighted the effect of stress and nutritional status on parasite infection, thus suggesting their implication in the changes in the abundance of T. (R.) sciuri.