bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Considerable variation among Iranian dermatologists in the dosing and monitoring of methotrexate for treating psoriasis
Authors: Zargari Omid , Hejazi Somayeh , Shahidi‐Dadras Mohamad , Younespour Shima , Robati Reza , Firooz Alireza , Toosi Parviz , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundMethotrexate (MTX) is a risky medication requiring careful attention to dosing and monitoring. Dosing and monitoring practices are not well characterized.AimsThe aim of this study was to assess variation in the dosing and monitoring of methotrexate among Iranian dermatologists.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to forty experts in psoriasis concerning the use of MTX.ResultsAmong the 39 responding dermatologists (15 women, 24 men), 54% saw fewer than 10 psoriatic patients per week, 23% 10–20 patients, and 23% more than 20 patients. About half of the dermatologists treat their patients with an initial MTX dose of <7.5 mg/week (range 5–17.5 mg/week), an average dose of <10 mg/week (range 5–25 mg/week), and a maximum dose of <20 mg/week (range 7.5ٲ–50 mg/week) with 71.8% prescribing the medication orally and 28.2% intramuscularly. Subcutaneous injection was preferred by none of the dermatologists as a usual route of administration. Nearly 5% of the dermatologists believe that liver biopsy should be performed prior to treatment with MTX in all patients, and another 5% consider this procedure prior to treatment only in patients with risk factors. About 44 and 33% of the dermatologists do the liver biopsy after 1.0–1.5 g and 3.54 g total cumulative doses, respectively.ConclusionAfter more than a half century, there are still noticeable controversies on the manner of using MTX in treating psoriasis among Iranian dermatologists. A national guideline may help standardize treatment practices.
Open surgical partial nephrectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Macari David , Faerber Gary J , Hafez Khaled S , Hollenbeck Brent K , Montie James E , Wood David P , Wolf J Stuart 
Published: October 2013

Abstract: We aimed to determine the ability of partial nephrectomy to prevent end‐stage renal disease and tumor recurrence or progression in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Retrospectively, eight patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma were identified and their medical records reviewed. All patients had imperative indications for nephron sparing, and diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma not adequately amenable to endoscopic management. Although three patients suffered acute tubular necrosis, only one required postoperative hemodialysis. During the follow‐up period 25% (2/8) developed end‐stage renal disease, including the one patient who had received postoperative hemodialysis. Recurrences occurred in five of seven patients with adequate oncological surveillance. Recurrences were successfully treated endoscopically in 80% (4/5) patients, and one patient had metastases. Of the eight patients, four have died. Death occurred 4 months, 1 year, 1.2 years and 3.5 years after partial nephrectomy. Of these patients, one succumbed to metastatic disease; the exact cause of death is unknown in the other three, but there was no documentation of metastatic cancer. The mean duration of follow up in the remaining four patients, all without evidence of metastatic urothelial cancer, is 71 months (range 22–108 months). In summary, partial nephrectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients with imperative indications averts end‐stage renal disease in most patients, and appears to be associated with acceptable disease‐specific survival. Partial nephrectomy is a sparingly used option in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma refractory to endoscopic management who have imperative indications for nephron sparing.
Clinical characteristics and prostate‐specific antigen kinetics of prostate cancer detected in repeat annual population screening in Japan
Authors: Kitagawa Yasuhide , Sawada Kiyoshi , Mizokami Atsushi , Nakashima Kazuyoshi , Koshida Kiyoshi , Nakashima Takao , Miyazaki Kimiomi , Takeda Yasuo , Namiki Mikio 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo clarify the present status regarding repeat examination in the annual population screening system in Japan, and to analyze the clinical characteristics and prostate‐specific antigen kinetics of prostate cancer detected in this setting.MethodsWe summarized the annual individual data of prostate‐specific antigen‐based population screening in Kanazawa, Japan, and analyzed the prostate cancer detection rates at first and repeat screening. The clinical characteristics were compared between patients detected at first and repeat screening. The patients were classified according to favorable or unfavorable clinical characteristics of cancer, and prostate‐specific antigen kinetics were compared between the two groups.ResultsFrom 2000 to 2011, 19 620 men participated in this screening program, and a total of 59 019 screenings were carried out. The total annual numbers of examinees increased, and the annual rates of first examinees gradually decreased. The annual detection rates of cancer at total screening decreased in the second year. The annual detection rate at first screening was not different from that in the first year. The rate of patients with favorable cancer features was significantly higher among patients detected at repeat screening than at first screening. The rates of patients with high prostate‐specific antigen velocity and low prostate‐specific antigen doubling time were significantly higher in unfavorable than favorable cancer patients in repeat screening.ConclusionsRepeat population screening could contribute to early detection of prostate cancer, and it seems that prostate‐specific antigen kinetics might predict the cancer characteristics in repeat screening.
Pulpal status of human primary molars with coexisting caries and physiological root resorption
Authors: Rajan Sadna , Day Peter F. , Christmas Clare , Munyombwe Theresa , Duggal Monty , Rodd Helen D. 
Published: October 2013

AimThis study sought to investigate the effect of caries, in association with physiological root resorption, on the pulpal status of human primary molars.DesignFifty‐three mandibular primary molars were obtained from children requiring extractions under general anaesthesia. Following extraction, teeth were split longitudinally and placed in Zamboni's fixative. Teeth were categorised according to i) the depth of caries (less than or greater than halfway through dentine thickness) and ii) the degree of physiological root resorption (<33%, 34–66% or >67% of the root length). Ten‐micrometre pulp sections were subject to indirect immunofluorescence using a combination of PGP 9.5 (a general neuronal marker), CD45 (a general neuronal marker), and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (a marker of vascular endothelium). Image analysis was used to determine the percentage area of staining (PAS) for innervation and immune cells.ResultsMarked differences were seen between different samples, but there were no significant differences in mean PAS for PGP 9.5 or CD45 according to the degree of caries or extent of physiological root resorption (two‐way anova, P > 0.05).ConclusionFindings suggest that even if primary molars are undergoing exfoliation, they show comparable caries‐induced changes to teeth without physiological root resorption, thus retaining potential for healing and repair.
Color stability of carious incipient lesions located in enamel and treated with resin infiltration or remineralization
Authors: Cohen‐Carneiro Flávia , Pascareli Aline Maquiné , Christino Marcella Rodrigues Carneiro , Vale Hugo Felipe do , Pontes Danielson Guedes 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveIn this in vitro study, the color change of artificial caries lesions in enamel was evaluated after resin infiltration (Icon®, DMG, Hamburg, Germany) or remineralization.MethodsBovine enamel specimens (n = 72) were randomly divided into four groups: G1 – exposure to demineralizing solution (32 h) and resin infiltration; G2 – immersion in demineralizing solution and remineralization cycles (8 days); G3 – demineralizing solution (negative control); G4 – healthy/non‐treated enamel (positive control). The groups were subdivided and immersed in: A (saliva), B (coffee), and C (wine). The baseline color was evaluated by spectrophotometer and repeated after 4 and 8 weeks, and after polishing, at the end of 8 weeks. The variation in color (∆E) and lightness (∆L) was analyzed by anova (two‐way) and Tukey tests, and Friedman and Kruskal–Wallis tests, respectively.ResultsAll specimens underwent color and lightness change, irrespective of immersion medium. In coffee, G2 presented the lowest mean ∆E (P < 0.05), compared with the other groups. In saliva, G3 presented the highest mean ∆E, and G2 and G4 lower ∆E means.ConclusionLesions infiltrated with Icon® underwent greater color change when compared with remineralized lesions, which may represent an esthetic disadvantage for the first‐mentioned treatment.
A two‐stage hub location method for air transportation in Brazil
Authors: Figueiredo Rafael M.A. , O'Kelly Morton E. , Pizzolato Nelio D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDuring the past decade, the Brazilian air passenger market has been growing at impressive rates suggesting the need for rationalization and the consistent use of the hub‐and‐spoke configuration. This research considers 135 airports, mostly extremely small, and the aim is to identify regional hubs that would accumulate traffic and feed a predefined restricted number of major hubs. The proposed approach is divided into two phases: the first phase considers all 135 existing commercial airports and using the p‐median problem identifies p airports that would play the role of regional hubs, and the second phase considers a problem with these p airports and solves the q‐hub location problem. Both phases are sequentially solved by the software AIMMS 3.9. The research has broad implications consistent with the publicized efforts to improve management practices, support a larger number of commercial airports, and face the expected peak demand in the upcoming international events. Given the growth in the air passenger market in Brazil, both phases may be seen as two independent objectives.
Young adult women's experiences of body image after bariatric surgery: a descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Jensen Janet F. , Petersen Mette H. , Larsen Tine B. , Jørgensen Dorthe G. , Grønbæk Helle N. , Midtgaard Julie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo understand the lived experience of body image in young women after obesity surgery.BackgroundQuantitative studies have documented that health‐related quality of life and body image are improved after bariatric surgery, probably due to significant weight loss. Female obesity surgery candidates are likely to be motivated by dissatisfaction regarding physical appearance. However, little is known about the experience of the individual woman, leaving little understanding of the association between bariatric surgery and changes in health‐related quality of life and body image.DesignA qualitative descriptive phenomenological study.MethodsData were collected over 4 months during 2010. Selection for interview was carried out through purposeful sampling. The participants were five young women who underwent bariatric surgery (range: 1–12 months). In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were analysed by systematic text condensation influenced by Giorgi's phenomenological method and supplemented by elements from narrative analysis.FindingsThe analysis revealed three concepts: solution to an unbearable problem, learning new boundaries and hopes of normalization. These revelatory concepts were synthesized into one major theme: on the edge of control, that is describing these women's feelings of being on the edge of balance between control and loss of control.ConclusionPerception of control may be an essential aspect of body image and the key to understanding these young women's feelings of empowerment and quality of life through body control postbariatric surgery. Future studies should focus on how body control is an essential aspect of body image, which may contribute to long‐term weight loss maintenance and improve quality of life.
Evaluation of the RAAPS Risk Screening Tool for Use in Detecting Adolescents With Depression
Authors: Salerno Jennifer , Barnhart Sarah 
Published: October 2013

ProblemScreening is vital to quality adolescent care, but using multiple surveys to screen depression and interrelated risk behaviors is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate RAAPS (Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services) effectiveness as a screening tool for adolescent depression.MethodsCronbach's α, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were assessed.FindingsCronbach's α was 0.66 overall. The ROC curve is 0.86. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 and 0.71, respectively. The positive predictive value is 0.46 and the negative predictive value is 0.95.ConclusionResults indicate RAAPS may be an effective screening tool for identifying adolescent depression.
Methylation profiling of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, CISH and SHP1 in Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Zhang Min Yue , Fung Tsz Kin , Chen Fang Yuan , Chim Chor Sang 
Published: October 2013

AbstractJanus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling, pivotal in Philadelphia‐negative (Ph‐ve) myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), is negatively regulated by molecules including SOCSs, CISH and SHP1. SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3 methylation have been studied in MPN with discordant results. Herein, we studied the methylation status of SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3, CISH and SHP1 by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in cell lines and 45 diagnostic marrow samples of Ph‐ve MPN. Moreover, we attempted to explain the discordance of methylation frequency by mapping the studied MSP primers to the respective genes. Methylation was detected in normal controls using SOCS2 MSP primers in the 3′translated exonic sequence, but not primers around the transcription start site in the 5′ untranslated regions (5′UTR). SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3 and CISH were completely unmethylated in primary MPN samples and cell lines. In contrast, methylation of SHP1 was detected in 8.9% primary marrow samples. Moreover, SHP1 was completely methylated in K562 cell line, leading to reversible SHP1 silencing. A review of methylation studies of SOCS1 and SOCS3 showed that spuriously high rates of SOCS methylation had been reported using MSP primers targeting CpG sites in the 3′translated exonic sequence, which is also methylated in normal controls. However, using MSP primers localized to the 5′UTR, methylation of SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3 is infrequent across all studies. In summary, methylation of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3 and CISH is infrequent in Ph‐ve MPN. Appropriate MSP primers are important for accurate estimation of the methylation frequency. The role of SHP1 methylation in the pathogenesis of MPN warrants further investigation.
Antibacterial Effect of Mentha spicata Essential Oil on Listeria monocytogenes in Traditional Lighvan Cheese
Authors: Moosavy Mir‐Hassan , Esmaeili Saber , Mostafavi Ehsan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractListeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that is widespread in the environment. There are several reports on the isolation of L. monocytogenes from many types of cheeses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Mentha spicata essential oil on L. monocytogenes in traditional Lighvan cheese. L. monocytogenes was added to the raw ewe's milk and M. spicata essential oil was subsequently mixed with the milk at concentrations of 0, 2 and 2.5%. After producing the cheese, sampling performed until 60 days. Results of this study showed that M. spicata essential oil at all concentrations was effective against L. monocytogenes in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between 2 and 2.5%. Effect of the M. spicata essential oil on L. monocytogenes at 14C was greater than 4C. Also, with increasing salt water concentration, the anti‐Listerial effect of the M. spicata essential oil increased.Practical ApplicationsThese findings may be of significant importance with regard to food safety because application of M. spicata essential oils for control of L. monocytogenes in unpasteurized and traditional cheeses tested and achieved best results. Also, environmental conditions (NaCl and temperature) increased antibacterial effect of M. spicata in cheese.
Night Work and the Reproductive Health of Women: An Integrated Literature Review
Authors: Chau Yu Moon , West Sandra , Mapedzahama Virginia 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionThe aim of this review was to synthesize current evidence on the effects of night work on the major stages of women's reproductive health, specifically the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Current understanding suggests that night work (work that causes disruption of a worker's circadian [day/night] rhythms) adversely affects workers’ health and well‐being. A complex relationship exists between circadian rhythms and reproductive hormones, and this may potentially increase the vulnerability of women to the detrimental effect of night work, including during menopause.MethodsA systematic search was conducted (March–May 2011) via CINAHL, MEDLINE, Sociological Abstracts, and Business Source Premier for primary research studies written in English using the key words “shift‐work” and “female/women.” Findings of identified articles were themed to pregnancy, fertility, aspects of menstrual cycles, and menopause.ResultsTwenty articles were identified, (13 articles concerning pregnancy, 3 addressing fertility, and 4 addressing aspects of the menstrual cycle) but no studies addressing menopause were located. All identified articles demonstrated problematic approaches to the determination of night‐work exposure.DiscussionEvidence of the impact of night work on female reproductive health as presented in the current literature is inconclusive. Moreover, available evidence needs to be interpreted with caution, given the various limitations and inconsistencies among the studies in the measurement of night‐work exposure and shift‐work patterns. Studies that focus specifically on night work are needed to facilitate an understanding of the impact of circadian disruption on the reproductive health of women undertaking night work.
Egg allergy: An update
Authors: Tan John W , Joshi Preeti 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEgg allergy is the commonest infant food allergy both in Australia and world‐wide. The clinical presentation of egg allergy is varied – egg is involved in both IgE and non‐IgE‐mediated allergic reactions and has been implicated in conditions such as anaphylaxis, food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome, atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic oesophagitis. The clinical presentation, pathophysiology and diagnosis as well as the natural history and management of egg allergy will be discussed. Current theories about primary prevention as well as potential future therapies are presented. Finally, practical information about egg allergy and immunisation is provided.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of 6‐month daily dosing of an oral formulation of cyclosporine (ATOPICA for cats®) in cats
Authors: Roberts E. S. , VanLare K. A. , Strehlau G. , Peyrou M. , Roycroft L. M. , King S. 
Published: October 2013

Cyclosporine was proven efficacious in the treatment of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis. This target animal study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ATOPICA for Cats® (cyclosporine oral solution, USP) MODIFIED following 6‐month daily dosing in cats. Forty healthy cats (four cats/sex/group) received 0, 8 (1×), 16 (2×), 24 (3×), or 40 (5×) mg/kg cyclosporine once daily for 6 months (183 days). Body weight, food consumption, ophthalmoscopic, physical examinations including neurological assessments, blood pressure, electrocardiography, clinical pathology (hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, and macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed and assessed. In addition, blood concentrations of cyclosporine were measured at the pretreatment trough on Days 1, 2, 7, 14, 31, 91, 154, and 182, and post‐treatment on Days 1, 31, and 182. Adverse effects possibly related to treatment included prolonged APTT and one report each of bone marrow hypocellularity and lymphoma; all occurred in cats treated with doses more than 16 mg/kg. There was no significant accumulation of cyclosporine beyond the first week of treatment. Results confirm that ATOPICA for Cats is safe and well tolerated in cats without unexpected accumulation beyond the first week of treatment when administered as directed.
Not All Incentives Wash Out the Warm Glow: The Case of Blood Donation Revisited
Authors: Costa‐Font Joan , Jofre‐Bonet Mireia , Yen Steven T. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe issue of the nature of the altruism inherent in blood donation and the perverse effects of financial rewards for blood giving has been recently revisited in the economic literature with limited consensus. As Titmuss () famously pointed out, providing monetary incentives to blood donors may crowd out blood supply as purely altruistic donors may feel less inclined to donate. In this paper we examine how favouring different types of incentives is related to the likelihood of donating blood by exploiting a large sample representative of the population of fifteen European countries that contains information on both donation and attitudes towards incentives. Our results show that those who favour monetary rewards for blood donation are less likely to be donors and those who favour non‐monetary rewards are more likely to have donated. This is consistent with the idea that while monetary rewards may crowd out blood donation, non‐monetary rewards do not.
Is there a Gender Bias in the Use of Foreign Languages in Europe?
Authors: Ginsburgh Victor , Prieto‐Rodriguez Juan 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe process of globalization has forced workers (essentially white collars) to learn foreign languages and break linguistic barriers. In most cases, Europeans have chosen English as a second language. But English is not the only language that has an economic impact on international trade. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the most important foreign languages used at the workplace on wages of men and women, both at the mean and along the wage distribution, in Northern and Southern Europe (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain). Workers from both genders benefit from a premium, but there are marked differences between North European and South European countries.