bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of benefit from an atopic dermatitis education programme
Authors: Breuer Kristine , Matterne Uwe , Diepgen Thomas L. , Fartasch Manigé , Gieler Uwe , Kupfer Jörg , Lob‐Corzilius Thomas , Ring Johannes , Scheewe Sibylle , Scheidt Reginald , Schmid‐Ott Gerhard , Schnopp Christina , Staab Doris , Szczepanski Rüdiger , Wittenmeier Marita , Wahn Ulrich , Werfel Thomas 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundMultidisciplinary, age‐related, structured, group educational programmes for children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and their parents have shown positive long‐term outcomes with respect to quality of life and coping behaviour of the participants. We aimed to identify predictors of favourable long‐term outcome of an education measure for parents of children with AD aged 3 months to 7 years in the framework of The German Atopic Dermatitis Intervention Study (GADIS).MethodsIn an exploratory approach, the data of 274 child–parent pairs were analysed with respect to the influence of various somatic and psychological variables as possible predictors of treatment success. Changes in parents' QoL, SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis), topical corticosteroid use and parents' knowledge about AD between baseline and 12‐months' follow‐up were chosen as measures of long‐term treatment success (outcome).ResultsPsychological rather than somatic parameters were identified as predictors of treatment success. Parents who had negative treatment experiences in the past and possessed only poor coping abilities with regard to scratch control benefitted the most from the training programme. The outcome of the education measure was independent of parents' schooling, vocational level and income.ConclusionsParents of children with AD who lack adequate coping abilities should be particularly encouraged to take part in such an education programme.
Cross‐sectional comparison of the characteristics of respiratory allergy in immigrants and Italian children
Authors: Lombardi Carlo , Fiocchi Alessandro , Raffetti Elena , Donato Francesco , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Passalacqua Giovanni ,   The P‐IGRAM study group
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundImmigrants represent a good epidemiological model to evaluate the relative influence of environmental and inherited factors on the development of allergy. Several studies on allergy in adults have been published, but few data in children are available. We aimed to investigate the differences, between Italian and immigrant children, in clinical characteristics of respiratory allergy.MethodsThis was a multicentre cross‐sectional study involving children born in Italy from Italian parents and children born either in Italy or abroad from immigrants. Children referred firstly for allergic respiratory disease (rhinitis/asthma), with an ascertained clinical diagnosis and IgE sensitization to inhalants, were included. Demographic features, comorbidities, severity of disease, and sensitization profile were compared between Italians and immigrants, separating also those born in Italy from immigrant parents and those born abroad.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐five immigrant allergic children were enrolled (100 male, mean age 8.3 yr), 128 of whose had both parents immigrated. Italian children were 237 (156 male, mean age 8.4 yr). The Italian and immigrant children were similar, apart from pet's ownership and family size. There was no difference in the severity of rhinitis/asthma between the groups, whereas significant differences were found in the pattern of sensitization: immigrant children were more frequently sensitized to house dust mites (73.3% vs. 51%, respectively; p = 0.002) and less to grass (41.8% vs. 57.8%; p = 0.002); this was retained also in monosensitized children. Immigrant children born in Italy (n = 105) had a lower prevalence of rhinitis vs. Italians (68.3% vs. 87.6%, respectively, p = 0.003) and of sensitization to grass (28.3% vs. 49.5%, respectively, p = 0.008). No difference was found among macro‐regions of origin and demographic or clinical features.ConclusionsImmigrant children born either in Italy or abroad did not show significant differences in the clinical pattern of the respiratory allergic disease when compared to children born from Italian parents.
Nesting Habitat Creation Enhances Recruitment in a Predator‐Free Environment: Malaclemys Nesting at the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project
Authors: Roosenburg Willem M. , Spontak Dana M. , Sullivan Sean P. , Matthews Eva L. , Heckman Melanie L. , Trimbath Ryan J. , Dunn Robert P. , Dustman Emily A. , Smith Lisa , Graham Leah J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAquatic turtles worldwide are plagued with habitat loss due to development and shoreline alteration that destroys the terrestrial–aquatic linkage which they must cross to reproduce successfully. Furthermore, nesting habitat loss can concentrate nesting, increasing nest predator efficiency. We describe how the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island created nesting habitat for Malaclemys terrapin (Diamondback Terrapin), and document nesting success in response to construction progress and the absence of raccoons and foxes, the primary nest predators. We monitored terrapin nests throughout the nesting seasons from 2002 to 2011 to determine overall and within‐nest survivorship. Female terrapins began nesting on the restoration project within 1 year but planned construction during the study eliminated some nesting areas and opened previously inaccessible areas. Overall, nest survivorship was considerably higher than mainland nesting areas due to the absence of raccoons and foxes on the island and within‐nest survivorship was similar. Egg size, hatchling size, and the frequency of shell scute anomalies were similar to other terrapin populations, suggesting normal developmental conditions on the island. We documented annual variation in hatchling size that correlated negatively with mean air temperature during the incubation season. Our results indicate that restored or created isolated island habitat can be located rapidly by terrapins and can become an important source of recruitment in regions where nesting habitat is limited and predation is high. Poplar Island illustrates how habitat loss and restoration can affect turtle populations by revealing the changes in nesting patterns and success in newly created, predator‐free habitat.
Correlation between levels of exhaled hydrogen sulfide and airway inflammatory phenotype in patients with chronic persistent asthma
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Xinmao , Chen Yahong , Yao Wanzhen 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveEndogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may be a biomarker of asthma severity and activity. However, the relationship between exhaledH2Sand airway inflammation phenotypes in asthma remains unclear. This study examined associations between endogenousH2Sand chronic airway inflammatory phenotypes in patients with chronic persistent asthma.MethodsOne hundred forty‐eight patients (47 males, 101 females, 47.4 ± 15.3 years old) with chronic persistent asthma were enrolled. Induced sputum cells were examined, and patients were grouped according to sputum inflammatory cell composition. Baseline demographics,AsthmaControlTest (ACT) scores, spirometry data andH2Slevels in exhaled air and plasma were obtained for all patients.ResultsThe eosinophilic, neutrophilic, mixed granulocytic and paucigranulocytic inflammation groups included 57 (38.5%), 28 (18.9%), 23 (15.5%) and 40 (27%) subjects, respectively. The paucigranulocytic group had the best lung function, and patients with eosinophilic inflammation had lowerACTscores than patients with paucigranulocytic findings. In the eosinophilic group, lower exhaledH2Swere found and exhaledH2Slevels were negatively correlated with sputum eosinophil counts (R = −0.428,P < 0.01). ExhaledH2Slevels were positively correlated with percent of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (R = 0.567,P < 0.01) andACTscore (R = 0.519,P < 0.01).ConclusionsExhaledH2Smay be a useful marker of airway inflammation in asthma.
Digital Volume Correlation Applied to X‐ray Tomography Images from Spherical Indentation Tests on Lightweight Gypsum
Authors: Bouterf A. , Roux S. , Hild F. , Adrien J. , Maire E. , Meille S. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTCylinders made of lightweight gypsum are extracted from industrial plasterboard and then indented in situ in an X‐ray tomograph. The results from the in situ experiment show that a compacted zone develops under the indenter, which is displaying a very sharp boundary with the undamaged material. Tomographic imaging during the mechanical load associated with digital volume correlation enables the displacement fields to be measured during the test. However, because of the inhomogeneous nature of the indentation test, a high spatial resolution for the displacement is called for, and because the range of displacement amplitudes is small, uncertainties on the measured displacement and strain fields are large. In this study, a new methodology is presented to address integrated digital volume correlation based on a library of fields computed from a commercial finite element software. It allows many fluctuations in the estimated displacement fields to be filtered out and the measurement to be much more robust and reliable. This opens new pathways for the identification of mechanical properties.
Randomized controlled trial using bosentan to enhance the impact of exercise training in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Schreuder Tim H. A. , Duncker Dirk J. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Thijssen Dick H. J. 
Published: August 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Does the addition of endothelin blockade improve the effect of an 8 week training programme on brachial and superficial femoral artery endothelium‐dependent and ‑independent dilatation and physical fitness in type 2 diabetes patients?
What is the main finding and its importance?
Training improved physical fitness but not vascular function in type 2 diabetes. Endothelin blockade had no additional effect on our outcome parameters, suggesting that despite acutely restoring blood flow, endothelin blockade does not potentiate the effect of training on vasculature or fitness in type 2 diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes patients, endothelin (ET) receptor blockade may enhance blood flow responses to exercise training. The combination of exercise training and ET receptor blockade may represent a more potent stimulus than training alone to improve vascular function, physical fitness and glucose homeostasis. We assessed the effect of an 8 week exercise training programme combined with either ET blockade or placebo on vasculature, fitness and glucose homeostasis in people with type 2 diabetes. In a double‐blind randomized controlled trial, brachial endothelium‐dependent and ‑independent dilatation (using flow‐mediated dilatation and glyceryl trinitrate, respectively), glucose homeostasis (using Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR)) and physical fitness (maximal cycling test) were assessed in 18 men with type 2 diabetes (60 ± 6 years old). Subjects underwent an 8 week exercise training programme, with half of the subjects receiving ET receptor blockade (bosentan) and the other half a placebo, followed by reassessment of the tests above. Exercise training improved physical fitness to a similar extent in both groups, but we did not detect changes in vascular function in either group. This study suggests that there is no adaptation in brachial and femoral artery endothelial function after 8 weeks of training in type 2 diabetes patients. Endothelin receptor blockade combined with exercise training does not additionally alter conduit artery endothelial function or physical fitness in type 2 diabetes.
Renal sympathetic denervation modulates ventricular electrophysiology and has a protective effect on ischaemia‐induced ventricular arrhythmia
Authors: Huang Bing , Yu Lilei , He Bo , Lu Zhibing , Wang Songyun , He Wenbo , Yang Kang , Liao Kai , Zhang Ling , Jiang Hong 
Published: August 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
It is well known that modulation of the autonomic nervous system affects cardiac electrophysiology. Renal sympathetic denervation has been shown to reduce systemic sympathetic activity. However, it is unknown whether renal sympathetic denervation could modulate ventricular electrophysiology and decrease the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias associated with ischaemia.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Our data show that renal sympathetic denervation stabilizes ventricular electrophysiological properties in normal hearts and reduces the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia in hearts experiencing acute myocardial ischaemia. These findings suggest that renal sympathetic denervation may become a new treatment option for ventricular arrhythmia.
Recently, a beneficial effect of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) has been seen in patients with ventricular electrical storm. However, the effect of RSD on ventricular electrophysiology remains unclear. Thirty‐three mongrel dogs were included in the present study. Renal sympathetic denervation was performed by radiofrequency ablation of the adventitial surface of the renal artery. In group 1 (n = 8), programmed stimulation was performed before and after RSD to determine the ventricular effective refractory period (ERP) and action potential duration (APD) restitution properties. The same parameters were measured in five other animals that underwent sham RSD to serve as controls. In group 2 (n = 10), acute myocardial ischaemia (AMI) was induced by ligating the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery after the performance of RSD, and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) was calculated during 1 h of recording. In another 10 dogs (group 3), AMI was induced and VA was measured with sham RSD. In group 1, RSD significantly prolonged ventricular ERP and APD, reduced the maximal slope (Smax) of the restitution curve and suppressed APD alternans at each site. Renal sympathetic denervation also significantly decreased the spatial dispersion of ERP, APD and Smax. In the five control animals, no significant electrophysiological change was detected after sham RSD. The occurrence of spontaneous VA during 1 h of AMI in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 3. These data suggest that RSD stabilizes ventricular electrophysiological properties in normal hearts and reduces the occurrence of VA in hearts experiencing AMI.
Human lymphatic vessel contractile activity is inhibited in vitro but not in vivo by the calcium channel blocker nifedipine
Authors: Telinius Niklas , Mohanakumar Sheyanth , Majgaard Jens , Kim Sukhan , Pilegaard Hans , Pahle Einar , Nielsen Jørn , de Leval Marc , Aalkjaer Christian , Hjortdal Vibeke , Boedtkjer Donna Briggs 
Published: August 2014

Key points
We studied the effects of antihypertensive calcium channel blockers on CaV1.2, the predominantly expressed L‐type calcium channel in the largest human lymphatic vessel, the thoracic duct.
Human lymphatic collecting vessels, both large and small, are highly‐sensitive in vitro to calcium channel blockers; exposure to these drugs inhibits endogenous lymphatic contractile activity and action potentials and diminishes noradrenaline‐induced phasic contractions.
In vivo administration of calcium channel blocker nifedipine to healthy volunteers did not reduce lymphatic contractile activity despite all subjects achieving nifedipine plasma concentrations comparable with those observed to affect contractile function in vitro.
These results indicate that calcium channel blocker‐related oedema is unlikely to be exacerbated by an off‐target effect of the drugs diminishing lymphatic pumping and fluid removal.
AbstractCalcium channel blockers (CCB) are widely prescribed anti‐hypertensive agents. The commonest side‐effect, peripheral oedema, is attributed to a larger arterial than venous dilatation causing increased fluid filtration. Whether CCB treatment is detrimental to human lymphatic vessel function and thereby exacerbates oedema formation is unknown. We observed that spontaneous lymphatic contractions in isolated human vessels (thoracic duct and mesenteric lymphatics) maintained under isometric conditions were inhibited by therapeutic concentrations (nanomolar) of the CCB nifedipine while higher than therapeutic concentrations of verapamil (micromolar) were necessary to inhibit activity. Nifedipine also inhibited spontaneous action potentials measured by sharp microelectrodes. Furthermore, noradrenaline did not elicit normal increases in lymphatic vessel tone when maximal constriction was reduced to 29.4 ± 4.9% of control in the presence of 20 nmol l−1 nifedipine. Transcripts for the L‐type calcium channel gene CACNA1C were consistently detected from human thoracic duct samples examined and the CaV1.2 protein was localized by immunoreactivity to lymphatic smooth muscle cells. While human lymphatics ex vivo were highly sensitive to nifedipine, this was not apparent in vivo when nifedipine was compared to placebo in a randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial: conversely, lymphatic vessel contraction frequency was increased and refill time was faster despite all subjects achieving target nifedipine plasma concentrations. We conclude that human lymphatic vessels are highly sensitive to nifedipine in vitro but that care must be taken when extrapolating in vitro observations of lymphatic vessel function to the clinical situation, as similar changes in lymphatic function were not evident in our clinical trial comparing nifedipine treatment to placebo.
Planned and Reactive Agility Performance in Semiprofessional and Amateur Basketball Players
Authors: Lockie Robert G. , Jeffriess Matthew D. , McGann Tye S. , Callaghan Samuel J. , Schultz Adrian B. 
Published: August 2014

Context:Research indicates that planned and reactive agility are different athletic skills. These skills have not been adequately assessed in male basketball players.Purpose:To define whether 10-m-sprint performance and planned and reactive agility measured by the Y-shaped agility test can discriminate between semiprofessional and amateur basketball players.Methods:Ten semiprofessional and 10 amateur basketball players completed 10-m sprints and planned- and reactive-agility tests. The Y-shaped agility test involved subjects sprinting 5 m through a trigger timing gate, followed by a 45° cut and 5-m sprint to the left or right through a target gate. In the planned condition, subjects knew the cut direction. For reactive trials, subjects visually scanned to find the illuminated gate. A 1-way analysis of variance (P < .05) determined between-groups differences. Data were pooled (N = 20) for a correlation analysis (P < .05).Results:The reactive tests differentiated between the groups; semiprofessional players were 6% faster for the reactive left (P = .036) and right (P = .029) cuts. The strongest correlations were between the 10-m sprints and planned-agility tests (r = .590–.860). The reactive left cut did not correlate with the planned tests. The reactive right cut moderately correlated with the 10-m sprint and planned right cut (r = .487–.485).Conclusions:The results reemphasized that planned and reactive agility are separate physical qualities. Reactive agility discriminated between the semiprofessional and amateur basketball players; planned agility did not. To distinguish between male basketball players of different ability levels, agility tests should include a perceptual and decision-making component.
Closed Genome Sequence of Noninvasive Streptococcus pyogenes M/
emm
3 Strain STAB902
Authors: Soriano Nicolas , Vincent Pascal , Moullec Séverine , Meygret Alexandra , Lagente Vincent , Kayal Samer , Faili Ahmad 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

We report a closed genome sequence of group A
Streptococcus
genotype
emm
3 (GAS M/
emm
3) strain STAB902, isolated from a superficial pyodermatitis. The genome is composed of 1,892,124 bp, 6 integrated prophages, and has 1,858 identified coding sequences (CDSs). It has been fitted with the two available invasive GAS M/
emm
3 strains.
Isolation of Protein-Associated Circular DNA from Healthy Cattle Serum
Authors: Funk Mathis , Gunst Karin , Lucansky Vincent , Müller Hermann , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Three replication-competent single-stranded DNA molecules sharing nucleotide similarity to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)-associated isolate Sphinx 2.36 were isolated from healthy bovine serum.
Isolation of Bacterial Plasmid-Related Replication-Associated Circular DNA from a Serum Sample of a Multiple Sclerosis Patient
Authors: Gunst Karin , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Psychrobacter
species are considered to be opportunistic human pathogens. We report here the isolation of a circular DNA molecule, MSSI1.162, from a serum sample taken from a multiple sclerosis patient during relapse. This isolate is distantly related to known
Psychrobacter
species and their plasmids.
Mycovirus-Like DNA Virus Sequences from Cattle Serum and Human Brain and Serum Samples from Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Lamberto Iranzu , Gunst Karin , Müller Hermann , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Myco-like viruses have been isolated from fungi, feces of various animals, and plant leaves. We report here the isolation of 3 complete genome sequences of gemycircularvirus-related viruses from healthy bovine serum and human brain and serum samples from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Their putative capsid proteins share similarity to Torque teno virus (TTV) open reading frame 1 (ORF1) proteins.
Novel Replication-Competent Circular DNA Molecules from Healthy Cattle Serum and Milk and Multiple Sclerosis-Affected Human Brain Tissue
Authors: Whitley Corinna , Gunst Karin , Müller Hermann , Funk Mathis , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
Epidemiological data point to the involvement of a cow milk factor in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Eleven circular DNA molecules closely related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)-associated isolate Sphinx 1.76 were isolated from healthy cattle serum, cow milk, and serum and brain tissue from MS patients.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus subsp.
aureus
Strain HG003, an NCTC8325 Derivative
Authors: Sassi Mohamed , Felden Brice , Augagneur Yoann 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequence of a
Staphylococcus aureus
NCTC8325 derivative, strain HG003. HG003 contains functional global regulators
rsbU
and
tcaR
and is therefore considered as a reference for studies of regulation and virulence. The genome is composed of 2,797,898 bp and will be essential for subsequent RNAseq analysis.
Complete Genome Sequences of IncI1 Plasmids Carrying Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Genes
Authors: Brouwer Michael S. M. , Bossers Alex , Harders Frank , van Essen-Zandbergen Alieda , Mevius Dik J. , Smith Hilde E. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) confer resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. Often, the resistance genes are carried by conjugative plasmids which are responsible for dissemination. Five IncI1 plasmids carrying ESBLs from commensal and clinical
Escherichia coli
isolates were completely sequenced and annotated along with a non-ESBL carrying IncI1 plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Moderately Thermophilic Bacterium Schleiferia thermophila Strain Yellowstone (
Bacteroidetes
)
Authors: Thiel Vera , Hamilton Trinity L. , Tomsho Lynn P. , Burhans Richard , Gay Scott E. , Ramaley Robert F. , Schuster Stephan C. , Steinke Laurey , Bryant Donald A. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

The draft genome sequence of the moderately thermophilic bacterium
Schleiferia thermophila
strain Yellowstone (
Bacteroidetes
), isolated from Octopus Spring (Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA) was sequenced and comprises 2,617,694 bp in 35 contigs. The draft genome is predicted to encode 2,457 protein coding genes and 37 tRNA encoding genes and two rRNA operons.