bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ricinus communis treatment of denture stomatitis in institutionalised elderly
Authors: Pinelli L. A. P. , Montandon A. A. B. , Corbi S. C. T. , Moraes T. A. , Fais L. M. G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThis study compared the effectiveness of Ricinus communis (RC) with Nystatin (NYS) and Miconazole (MIC) in the treatment of institutionalised elderly with denture stomatitis (DS). They (n = 30) were randomly distributed into three groups: MIC, NYS or RC. Clinical and mycological evaluations were performed prior to the use of the antifungal (baseline) and repeated after 15 and 30 days of treatment. The sample was clinically examined for oral mucosal conditions. Standard photographs were taken of the palate, and the oral candidiasis was classified (Newton's criteria). Mycological investigation was performed by swabbing the palatal mucosa, and Candida spp. were quantified by counting the number of colony‐forming units (cfu mL−1). The clinical and mycological data were analysed, respectively by Wilcoxon and Student's t‐test (α = 0·05). Significant improvement in the clinical appearance of DS in the MIC and RC groups was observed between the 1st and 3rd collections (MIC – P = 0·018; RC – P = 0·011) as well as between the 2nd and 3rd collections (MIC – P = 0·018; RC – P = 0·011). Neither groups showed a statistically significant reduction in cfu mL−1 at any time. Although none of the treatments decreased the cfu mL−1, it was concluded that Ricinus communis can improve the clinical condition of denture stomatitis in institutionalised elderly patients, showing similar results to Miconazole.
Are sleep studies helpful in children with Prader–Willi syndrome prior to commencement of growth hormone therapy?
Authors: Vandeleur Moya , Davey Margot J , Nixon Gillian M 
Published: February 2013

AimsTo examine sleep study findings in children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) referred for polysomnography (PSG) before commencement of growth hormone (GH) and to evaluate the impact of sleep testing on treatment decisions.MethodsThe sleep unit database was used to identify all cases over an 8‐year period (2003–2011). Standard overnight PSG was performed in the sleep laboratory. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was defined by an obstructive apnoea–hypopnoea index >1/h. Age, symptoms of OSA, tonsillar size and body mass index (BMI) Z‐score were obtained through chart review.ResultsOSA was diagnosed in 15 of 34 (44%) cases identified. Those with OSA were significantly older (P = 0.009) and more likely to have enlarged tonsils (P = 0.05) than those without OSA. There was no difference in BMI Z‐score or the presence of symptoms of OSA. GH was deferred in 13 (38%) pending treatment for OSA.ConclusionsOSA was frequently present in children with PWS referred simply to meet the requirement for PSG before starting GH. OSA was more likely in older children and those with enlarged tonsils. GH treatment was deferred in 38% of cases. This study supports routine performance of PSG prior to GH, regardless of clinical history.
Apnoea after the 2‐month immunisation in extremely preterm infants: What happens with the 4‐month immunisation?
Authors: Anderson Jemma , Noori Khurram , Morris Scott A 
Published: February 2013

AimTo describe the outcome of the 4‐month immunisation in a cohort of extremely preterm babies who had clinically significant apnoea after their 2‐month immunisation.MethodA retrospective audit was conducted from January 2001 to January 2011 at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC). Suspected apnoeic reactions to the 2‐month immunisation in preterm infants ≤28 weeks + 6 days gestation were identified from the Neonatal Unit database. The medical records of babies with reactions then reviewed. We classified apnoeic reactions using predefined criteria into likely, possible or unlikely. The outcomes for subsequent immunisations were determined either when babies were specifically readmitted to FMC for immunisation and cardiorespiratory monitoring, or from the SA Health Immunisation Unit database.ResultsThere were 203 extremely preterm babies at FMC over the study period who received their 2‐month immunisation as inpatients. Clinically significant apnoea post immunisation occurred in 17 (8.4%) babies (likely in 12 and possible 5). The subsequent (4‐month) immunisation was given with inpatient cardiorespiratory monitoring in nine babies (seven with likely and two with possible reactions), and no instability was identified. There were eight babies not readmitted to FMC for the subsequent immunisation. No reported adverse events were recorded on the SA Health Immunisation Unit database for these babies.ConclusionsApnoea following the 2‐month immunisation in extremely preterm infants is not likely to be repeated with the subsequent immunisation. Prospective surveillance using standardised case definitions and monitoring protocols in this population are required to guide uniform practice.
Central venous access device‐related infections in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Yeoh Zhi Han , Furmedge Janine , Ekert Julia , Crameri Joe , Curtis Nigel , Barnes Chris 
Published: February 2013

AimsFully implantable central venous access devices (CVADs) can offer long‐term reliable venous access to facilitate regular factor replacement therapy in haemophilia. However, CVAD‐related infection remains a major deterrent to the optimal use of CVAD in this population. This report represents the first review of CVAD use in haemophilia in Australia and aims to examine the rate of complications including CVAD‐related infections.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records was conducted of all haemophilic patients with fully implantable CVADs at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Melbourne, between 1 June 1992 and 30 June 2009. CVAD‐related bloodstream infection was defined based on the guidelines from the Centre of Disease Control and Victoria National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance. To further enhance identification of CVAD‐related infection in this study, a third criterion of ‘suspected infection’ was added by the authors.ResultsEighty‐one CVADs in 56 patients were managed at the RCH during this time period resulting in a combined study period of 94 756 CVAD days. Median age at first CVAD insertion = 2.16 years (range 0.66 to 13.98 years). CVADs were inserted predominantly due to difficult venous access and prophylaxis initiation (70.4%). Median life‐span of a CVAD was 1227 days, equivalent to 3.36 years (n = 50; range 0.22 to 9.44 years). Fifty‐seven CVAD‐related infections occurred in 37 CVADs (46.3%) in 29 patients (51.8%). Overall incidence of confirmed CVAD‐related bloodstream infection = 0.42 per 1000 CVAD days (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31 to 0.58 per 1000 CVAD days) and indicate better performance compared with the published benchmark of 0.66 per 1000 CVAD days (0.44 to 0.97 per 1000 CVAD days). The incidence of both confirmed (criteria 1, 2) and suspected (criterion 3) CVAD‐related infection is 0.60 per 1000 CVAD days (95% CI: 0.46 to 0.78), which is comparable to the international benchmark. The majority of CVAD‐related infections (73.7%) were successfully treated with intravenous antimicrobials without necessitating CVAD removal. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common organism found in positive blood cultures.ConclusionCVAD‐related infection in this Australian population was comparable to rates described in the medical literature. Ongoing surveillance for infection rates is important to provide an up‐to‐date assessment of risks associated with CVAD use in this population.
Bolus fluid therapy and sodium homeostasis in paediatric gastroenteritis
Authors: Freedman Stephen B , Geary Denis F 
Published: February 2013

AimThe study aims to assess the risk of developing hyponatraemia when large‐volume bolus fluid rehydration therapy is administered.MethodsWe conducted a prospective randomised study in a tertiary‐care centre emergency department. Participants included children with gastroenteritis and dehydration requiring intravenous rehydration. They were randomised to receive 60 mL/kg (large) or 20 mL/kg (standard) 0.9% saline bolus followed by maintenance 0.9% saline for 3 h. Biochemical tests were performed at baseline and 4 h. The primary outcome measure was the development of hyponatraemia at 4 h. Secondary outcome measures were (i) change in sodium relative to baseline value; (ii) magnitude of decrease among those who experienced a decrease; (iii) risk of hypernatraemia; (iv) correlations between urine parameters and hyponatraemia; and (v) fluid overload.ResultsEighty‐four of 224 (38%) participants were hyponatraemic at baseline. At 4 h, 22% (48/217) had a dysnatraemia, and similar numbers of children were hyponatraemic in both groups: large (23% (26/112)) versus standard (21% (22/105)) (P = 0.69). Among initially hyponatraemic children, 63% (30/48) who received large‐volume rehydration and 44% (15/34) of those administered standard rehydration were isonatraemic at 4 h (P = 0.10). Overall, children who received 60 mL/kg experienced a larger mean increase (1.6 ± 2.4 mEq/L vs. 0.9 ± 2.2 mEq/L; P = 0.04) and were less likely to experience a sodium decrease of ≥2 mEq/L (8/112 vs. 17/105; P = 0.04) than those administered 20 mL/kg.ConclusionsLarge‐volume bolus rehydration therapy with 0.9% saline is safe. It does not promote the development of hyponatraemia over the short term, but hastens the resolution of baseline hyponatraemia.
Alteration in P-glycoprotein at the blood–brain barrier in the early period of MCAO in rats
Authors: Cen Juan , Liu Lu , Li Ming-Shan , He Ling , Wang Li-Juan , Liu Yan-qing , Liu Meng , Ji Bian-Sheng 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this work was to investigate the alteration in P-glycoprotein (P-gp) at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats.

Methods
Permanent MCAO was verified via 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of P-gp, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, claudin-5, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) at the BBB was evaluated using western blot or immunostaining analysis. The content of fluorescein sodium (NaF), rhodamine-123 and nimodipine in ischaemic brain tissues was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Key findings
Elevated expression of P-gp at the BBB and decreased concentration of P-gp substrates in the ischaemic brain tissues were observed within 4 h after MCAO. However, at 6 h after MCAO, the concentration of P-gp substrates in the ischaemic hemisphere began to rise even though the expression of P-gp was still increased. Moreover, the expression of claudin-5 was decreased; contrarily, the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α as well as NOS gradually increased within 6 h after MCAO.

Conclusions
P-gp plays a crucial role in limiting the entrance of agents into the brain after MCAO and the specific regulation of P-gp expression/activity may provide an important approach for the improvement of pharmacotherapy in ischaemic stroke.
Enhanced brain targeting of curcumin by intranasal administration of a thermosensitive poloxamer hydrogel
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhi Feng , Jia Xuefeng , Zhang Xiang , Ambardekar Rohan , Meng Zhengjie , Paradkar Anant R , Hu Yiqiao , Yang Yilin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to develop a curcumin intranasal thermosensitive hydrogel and to improve its brain targeting efficiency.

Methods
The hydrogel gelation temperature, gelation time, drug release and mucociliary toxicity characteristics as well as the nose-to-brain transport in the rat model were evaluated.

Key findings
The developed nasal hydrogel, composed of Pluronic F127 and Poloxamer 188, had shorter gelation time, longer mucociliary transport time and produced prolonged curcumin retention in the rat nasal cavity at body temperature. The hydrogel release mechanism was diffusion-controlled drug release, evaluated by the dialysis membrane method, but dissolution-controlled release when evaluated by the membraneless method. A mucociliary toxicity study revealed that the hydrogel maintained nasal mucosal integrity until 14 days after application. The drug-targeting efficiencies for the drug in the cerebrum, cerebellum, hippocampus and olfactory bulb after intranasal administration of the curcumin hydrogel were 1.82, 2.05, 2.07 and 1.51 times that after intravenous administration of the curcumin solution injection, respectively, indicating that the hydrogel significantly increased the distribution of curcumin into the rat brain tissue, especially into the cerebellum and hippocampus.

Conclusions
A thermosensitive curcumin nasal gel was developed with favourable gelation, release properties, biological safety and enhanced brain-uptake efficiency.
Cutaneous delivery of α-tocopherol and lipoic acid using microemulsions: influence of composition and charge
Authors: Cichewicz Allie , Pacleb Chelsea , Connors Ashley , Hass Martha A , Lopes Luciana B 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Objectives
To assess whether the composition and charge of microemulsions affect their ability to simultaneously deliver α-tocopherol and lipoic acid into viable skin layers.

Methods
α-Tocopherol and lipoic acid were added (1.1 and 0.5% w/w, respectively) to decylglucoside-based microemulsions containing mono-dicaprylin. Microemulsions containing surfactant : oil : water (w/w/w) at 60 : 30 : 10 (ME-O) and 46 : 23 : 31 (ME-W), as well as a cationic form of ME-W containing 1% phytosphingosine (ME-Wphy) were characterized, and their ability to disrupt the skin barrier and deliver the antioxidants in vitro in the skin was evaluated. Antioxidant activity in ME-Wphy-treated skin was assessed using the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay.

Key findings
The internal phase diameters of microemulsions ranged between 42 and 55 nm; phytosphingosine addition and pH adjustment to 5.0 increased zeta potential from −4.3 to +29.1 mV. ME-O displayed w/o structure, whereas ME-W and ME-Wphy were consistent with o/w. Microemulsions affected skin electrical resistance and transepidermal water loss, but did not affect lipoic acid penetration. α-Tocopherol delivery increased following the order ME-O &lt; ME-W &lt; ME-Wphy. ME-Wphy presented suitable short-term stability. The antioxidants delivered by ME-Wphy decreased TBARS cutaneous levels.

Conclusions
Even though microemulsion structure only affected tocopherol penetration, delivered levels of both antioxidants were sufficient for a decrease in TBARS, supporting their use for enhanced protection.
Variation of grazing‐induced vegetation changes across a large‐scale productivity gradient
Authors: Lezama Felipe , Baeza Santiago , Altesor Alice , Cesa Ariela , Chaneton Enrique J. , Paruelo José M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractQuestionsDoes the magnitude of grazing‐induced changes in species composition vary with habitat productivity? How does the sign and magnitude of grazing effects on species richness and beta‐diversity change with increasing productivity? Do major life forms exhibit consistent responses to grazing along productivity gradients?LocationSteppes and grasslands of southern South America in Argentina and Uruguay.MethodsWe evaluated grazing effects on plant composition, species richness, beta‐diversity and life‐form abundances along a ten‐fold, regional productivity gradient and within subregions of contrasting productivity, using a common sampling protocol for 23 paired grazed vs ungrazed plots. The annual integral of the normalized difference vegetation index was used as a surrogate for above‐ground net primary productivity.ResultsCompositional dissimilarity between grazed and ungrazed plots, as well as grazing‐induced differences in plant richness and beta‐diversity all increased with habitat productivity. Grazing decreased species richness in low‐productive steppes but enhanced the richness of high‐productive grasslands. On average, grazing reduced beta‐diversity in high‐productive sites but not in low‐productive sites. Dominant species were more strongly suppressed by grazing towards productive grasslands. Grazing generally decreased shrub species cover, whereas graminoid and forb cover did not consistently change with grazing through the productivity gradient.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the overall grazing effects on vegetation structure increased along a regional productivity gradient. Yet the sign of grazing impacts on species richness and beta‐diversity shifted with habitat productivity, in agreement with models of herbivore‐mediated co‐existence and species colonization in productive systems. Further, we found that narrowing the spatial extent of analysis to the subregion generally obscured grazing–productivity relationships. Biodiversity conservation programmes should carefully weigh the varied impacts of livestock grazing across productivity gradients.
Plant community assembly in semi‐natural grasslands and ex‐arable fields: a trait‐based approach
Authors: Marteinsdóttir Bryndís , Eriksson Ove 
Published: February 2013

AbstractQuestionThe assembly of plants into communities is one of the central topics in plant community ecology. The objective of this study was to investigate how plant functional trait diversity and environmental factors influence community assembly in two different grassland communities, and if variation in these factors could explain the difference in species assembly between these communities.LocationSix grazed ex‐arable fields and eight semi‐natural grasslands in southeast Sweden.MethodsWe estimated species abundance and measured soil attributes at each site. For each species within each site we measured specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and seed mass. We analysed the data both for abundance‐weighted species values and species occurrence.ResultsTrait gradient analysis indicated random distribution of species among sites, while CCA analysis indicated that both soil phosphorus and moisture were related to species assembly at a site. Correlations and fourth‐corner analysis also revealed a relationship between measured species traits and soil phosphorus and moisture. There was a lower average seed mass and higher SLA of species in ex‐arable fields compared to species in semi‐natural grasslands.ConclusionsEven though trait gradient analysis indicated that plant community assembly in the studied grasslands was random, other results implied that species occurrence and abundance was influenced both by environmental factors and species traits. Higher species richness in semi‐natural grasslands was associated with more large‐seeded species found there compared to ex‐arable fields, indicating that large‐seeded species establish in grasslands later than small‐seeded species.
Activity patterns and temporal avoidance by prey in response to Sunda clouded leopard predation risk
Authors: Ross J. , Hearn A. J. , Johnson P. J. , Macdonald D. W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractLittle is known about the activity patterns of Bornean ungulates, or the temporal interactions of these species with the Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi. In this study, we use photographic capture data to quantify the activity patterns for the Sunda clouded leopard and six potential prey species: bearded pig Sus barbatus, Bornean yellow muntjac Muntiacus atherodes, red muntjac Muntiacus muntjak, lesser mouse deer Tragulus kanchil, greater mouse deer Tragulus napu, and sambar deer Rusa unicolor, and to calculate the overlap in activity patterns between these species. This is the first insight into the temporal interactions between the Sunda clouded leopard and its potential prey. Sunda clouded leopards' activity patterns overlapped most with those of sambar deer and greater mouse deer. In the absence of clouded leopards, we report a significant difference in activity patterns for bearded pigs which show greater nocturnal activity in the absence of this predator. This suggests that bearded pigs may be prey species for clouded leopards and they are capable of altering their activity pattern in response to this risk.
Sociodemographic determinants of attitudinal barriers in the use of mental health services in Japan: Findings from the World Mental Health Japan Survey 2002–2006
Authors: Kido Yoshifumi , Kawakami Norito ,   WHO World Mental Health Japan Survey Group
Published: February 2013

AimSociodemographic correlates of Japanese attitudinal barriers to mental health services might be different from previous studies in Western countries, reflecting a different culture. We investigated sociodemographic correlates of attitudinal barriers to mental health services in a community population in Japan, based on data collected in the World Mental Health Survey Japan surveys.MethodsAn interview survey was conducted of a random sample of residents living in 11 communities across Japan during 2002–2006. A total of 1359 participants were analyzed. The variables on attitudinal barriers to mental health services were measured by using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. The association between these variables and sociodemographic variables were analyzed by using multiple logistic regressions.ResultsBeing male was significantly associated with willingness to go for professional help and feeling comfortable to talk with a professional. Compared to the youngest group (20–34 years old), those aged from 35 to 49 years had a significantly lower prevalence of feeling embarrassed about friends knowing about their getting professional help, while the oldest group (aged over 65 years) had a significantly higher prevalence of being embarrassed. Being currently married was significantly associated with higher expectations about mental health services, but it was significantly and negatively associated with willingness to go for professional help.ConclusionThese results suggest that demographic patterns of attitudinal barriers to mental health services in Japan are unique, compared with previous studies in Western countries. An anti‐stigma campaign may need to consider such country‐specific patterns in a particular country.
Oxidative stress status in recently abstinent methamphetamine abusers
Authors: Huang Ming‐Chyi , Lin Shih‐Ku , Chen Chun‐Hsin , Pan Chun‐Hung , Lee Chao‐Hui , Liu Hsing‐Cheng 
Published: February 2013

AimMethamphetamine (METH) administration is associated with excessive oxidative stress. It is not known whether the systemic oxidative stress indices would alter during early abstinence in METH abusers with positive urine testing for recent METH exposure.MethodsSixty‐four non‐treatment‐seeking METH abusers enrolled from a controlled environment and 60 healthy controls participated in the study. Fasting serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and anti‐oxidant indices, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, and glutathione (GSH) levels, were measured at baseline and 2 weeks after the first measurement. We compared the differences of these oxidative stress indices between METH abusers and controls and examined the changes of the indices 2 weeks after baseline in the METH group.ResultsAt baseline, the recently abstinent METH abusers had significantly higher MDA levels, lower SOD activity, and higher CAT activity and GSH levels compared to healthy controls. CAT and GSH values were positively correlated with MDA but negatively correlated with SOD. These oxidative stress indices did not significantly correlate with age, smoking amount, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scores, or METH use variables. After 2 more weeks of abstinence, the indices did not alter nor normalize.ConclusionCompared to controls, we found that METH abusers have persistently higher systemic oxidative stress throughout early abstinence. The compromised SOD as well as elevated CAT activity and GSH levels may act together as a compensatory mechanism to counteract excessive oxidative stress induced by METH. Whether the oxidative stress could improve after a longer period of abstinence needs to be examined in future studies.