bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic corticosteroid forCOPDexacerbations, whether the higher dose is better? A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cheng Ting , Gong Yi , Guo Yi , Cheng QiJian , Zhou Min , Shi GuoChao , Wan HuanYing 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundSystemic corticosteroids (SCS) have been shown to improve the outcome of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, the optimal dose remains controversial.ObjectivesWe performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate whether high‐doseSCSis better.MethodsWe searchedPubMed,EMBASE,CPCI‐SandCENTRALdatabases, and references of reviews or meta‐analyses to identify randomized controlled trials usingSCSinAECOPD. We performed a routine meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects ofSCSon treatment failure rate and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) improvement compared with placebo inAECOPD. Subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the studies into a high‐dose group [initial dose ≥80 mg prednisone equivalent (PE)/day] and a low‐dose group (initial dose 30–80 mgPE/day) in all patients and in only inpatients. Meta‐regression was performed using initial dose as an independent factor. We classified the suspected adverse effects into several groups and combined them separately.ResultsOur search yielded 12 studies involving 1172 patients.SCSuse was associated with a significant reduction in the treatment failure rate [risk ratio 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46–0.73] and improvement in ▵FEV1 (0.11 L; 95%CI: 0.08–0.14 L). The high‐dose regimen did not show superiority to the low‐dose regimen. No obvious correlation was found between theSCSeffect and the initial dose.SCSled to an obvious increase in hyperglycemia risk. However, the high‐dose group did not show obviously higher risk of adverse effects.ConclusionSCScan reduce treatment failure rate and improve lung function inAECOPD. The low‐dose regimen (initial dose 30–80 mg/dayPE) is proper for treatingAECOPD.
Comparison of communication and personal characteristics of living kidney donors and a matched quota sample
Authors: Smith Sandi W. , Hitt Rose , Nazione Samantha , Lauckner Carolyn , Park Hee Sun , Sung Randall , Leichtman Alan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDeceased organ donation does not meet the need for kidney transplants. Thus, it is important to examine topics relevant to kidney donors such as communication leading to the donation decision and donor characteristics. This study reports personal characteristics and communication leading to the decision to donate among living kidney donors and a demographically matched quota sample. Donors had higher scores for compassion, while non‐donors reported more volunteerism. Donors and non‐donors did not differ in conversation or conformity orientations of family communication styles. Only 4.7% of donors reported being asked to donate directly. Matched respondents reported feeling more comfortable than unsettled with the idea of being asked directly and indicated a preference to learn of the need directly or indirectly, giving them the option to volunteer. The majority of donors were giving to family members and friends, and the matched sample indicated greater willingness to donate to immediate family members, followed by friends. Practical implications of the findings are offered.
Psychometric and screening properties of the WHO‐5 well‐being index in adult outpatients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hajos T. R. S. , Pouwer F. , Skovlund S. E. , Den Oudsten B. L. , Geelhoed‐Duijvestijn P. H. L. M. , Tack C. J. , Snoek F. J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe 5‐item World Health Organization well‐being index is a commonly used measure of emotional well‐being, but research on psychometric properties in outpatients with diabetes is scarce. We examined psychometric and screening properties for depression of this index in a large sample of Dutch outpatients with diabetes.MethodsPatients with Type 1 (n = 384) and Type 2 (n = 549) diabetes from three outpatient clinics completed the WHO‐5 index, the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire, the Problem Areas in Diabetes survey and the Short Form‐12 health survey. Internal consistency of the WHO‐5 index was determined by Cronbach's alpha. The factor structure was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlations with the Patient Health Questionnaire, Problem Areas in Diabetes and the Short Form‐12 mental component scores. Sensitivity and specificity of the WHO‐5 index as depression screener were tested against two existing Patient Health Questionnaire cut‐off scores for depression using receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsA one‐factor structure of the WHO‐5 index was verified by confirmatory factor analysis for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between the WHO‐5 index and the Patient Health Questionnaire scores, the Problem Areas in Diabetes scores and the Short Form‐12 mental component scores (r = 0.55–0.69, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that a WHO‐5 index cut‐off of < 50 performed best as an indication for likely depression, with sensitivity compared with a Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥ 10 and ≥ 12 of 79% and 88%, respectively, and specificity of 88% and 76%, respectively.ConclusionsThe WHO‐5 index is a short, psychometrically sound measure of emotional well‐being that appears suitable for use as screening test for likely depression in outpatients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Rimantadine and 2‐adamantanamine elicit local anesthesia to cutaneous nociceptive stimuli in a rat model
Authors: Hung Ching‐Hsia , Chu Chin‐Chen , Chen Yu‐Chung , Chen Yu‐Wen , Wang Jhi‐Joung 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate infiltrative cutaneous anesthesia of 2‐adamantanamine and rimantadine. After subcutaneous injections of drugs in rats, the blockade of cutaneous trunci muscle reflex by 2‐adamantanamine and rimantadine was evaluated. Lidocaine, a common local anesthetic, was used as control. We showed that rimantadine and 2‐adamantanamine as well as the local anesthetic lidocaine produced infiltrative anesthesia of skin in a dose‐dependent fashion. Saline (vehicle) group displayed no cutaneous anesthesia. The relative potency of these drugs was rimantadine [23.8 (21.1–26.8)] = lidocaine [26.4 (22.7–30.6)] > 2‐adamantanamine [64.6 (55.0–75.9)] (P < 0.01). On an equianesthetic basis [25% effective dose (ED25), ED50, and ED75], rimantadine and 2‐adamantanamine had longer duration of action than lidocaine (P < 0.05). Neither local injection of saline nor intraperitoneal administration of a large dose of drugs elicited cutaneous anesthesia (data not shown). These data demonstrated for the first time that rimantadine had a similar potent and longer duration of skin infiltrative anesthesia than did lidocaine, whereas 2‐adamantanamine had a less potency but longer duration of cutaneous anesthesia than did lidocaine.
Invasiveness risk of the tropical biofuel crop Jatropha curcas L. into adjacent land use systems: from the rumors to the experimental facts
Authors: Negussie Aklilu , Achten Wouter M. J. , Aerts Raf , Norgrove Lindsey , Sinkala Thomson , Hermy Martin , Muys Bart 
Published: October 2012

AbstractJatropha curcas L. produces seeds rich in non‐edible oil suitable for biodiesel but it has been categorized as invasive. Although not scientifically verified, this allegation has resulted in a cultivation ban in several countries. In this article we report an integrated series of observations and experimental findings from invasiveness research in Zambia. We studied the impacts of J. curcas plantations on adjacent land use systems focusing on spontaneous occurrence of seedlings, seed dispersal mechanisms, seed predation by animals, and germination success of dispersed seeds. No spontaneous regeneration was observed in land use systems adjacent to J. curcas plantations. Primary seed dispersal was limited, predominantly under the canopy of the mother plant. Rodents and shrews dispersed and predated J. curcas seeds and fruits. They transported the seeds up to 23 m from the sources and repositioned them in their burrows up to 0.7 m deep, but none of these seeds could establish. Germination experiments in adjacent land use systems revealed 4% germination success at the soil surface, and 65% if buried artificially at 1–2 cm depth, yet the latter is unlikely to occur under natural conditions. These findings show that J. curcas seeds may be dispersed by animals to adjacent land use systems, but no natural recruitment was observed given low germination on the surface and none in burrows. Altogether these results suggest that the plant currently does not show an elevated risk of invasion to adjacent land use systems, at least in the investigated case study. But more long‐term studies, also in other growing areas are needed to corroborate these results.
Production and characterization of slow pyrolysis biochar: influence of feedstock type and pyrolysis conditions
Authors: Ronsse Frederik , van Hecke Sven , Dickinson Dane , Prins Wolter 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBiochar was produced by fixed‐bed slow pyrolysis from various feedstock biomasses under a range of process conditions. Feedstocks used were pine wood, wheat straw, green waste and dried algae. Process conditions varied were the highest treatment temperature (HTT) and residence time. The produced chars were characterized by proximate analysis, CHN‐elemental analysis, pH in solution, bomb calorimetry for higher heating value, N2 adsorption for BET surface area and two biological degradation assays (oxygen demand, carbon mineralization in soil). In proximate analysis, it was found that the fixed carbon content (expressed in wt% of dry and ash‐free biochar) in the biochar samples strongly depended on the intensity of the thermal treatment (i.e. higher temperatures and longer residence times in the pyrolysis process). The actual yield in fixed carbon (i.e. the biochar fixed carbon content expressed as wt% of the dry and ash‐free original feedstock biomass weight) was practically insensitive to the highest treatment temperature or residence time. The pH in solution, higher heating value and BET surface positively correlated with pyrolysis temperature. Finally, soil incubation tests showed that the addition of biochar to the soil initially marginally reduced the C‐mineralization rate compared against the control soil samples, for which a possible explanation could be that the soil microbial community needs to adapt to the new conditions. This effect was more pronounced when adding chars with high fixed carbon content (resulting from more severe thermal treatment), as chars with low fixed carbon content (produced through mild thermal treatment) had a larger amount of volatile, more easily biodegradable, carbon compounds.
A novel root‐end filling material based on hydroxyapatite, tetracalcium phosphate and polyacrylic acid
Authors: Chen Y.‐Z. , Lü X.‐Y. , Liu G.‐D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo develop a novel root‐end filling material (NRFM) based on hydroxyapatite, tetracalcium phosphate and polyacrylic acid, to determine its chemical composition and to compare its physical properties and cytotoxicity with those of glass–ionomer cement (GIC) and grey Portland cement (GPC).MethodologyThe NRFM was prepared by blending distilled water with powders of hydroxyapatite, tetracalcium phosphate, solid polyacrylic acid, solid citric acid and sodium citrate. Chemical analysis was then performed by X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Physical properties were compared with GIC and GPC regarding setting time, compressive strength, pH value and washout resistance; cytotoxicity was assessed using a transwell cell culture system.Results(i) The NRFM was primarily composed of HA, calcium polyacrylate and calcium citrate. (ii) The mean and standard deviation setting time of NRFM was 11.0 (0.8) min; its compressive strength was 25.6 (2.7) MPa and 38.2 (5.7) MPa at 1 and 7 days respectively. Its pH value ranged from 6.14 to 8.28 and it remained intact after the washout test, whereas GIC and GPC disintegrated. (iii) Dimethyl‐thiazol‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and crystal violet (CV) assay revealed that cell‐viability on the NRFM was not significantly different form that of the negative control group after treatment for 24, 48 and 72 h.ConclusionThe novel root‐end filling material (NRFM) is a promising root‐end filling material with good physicochemical properties and low cytotoxicity.
Immunogenicity of a quadrivalent Ann Arbor strain live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered using a blow‐fill‐seal device in adults: a randomized, active‐controlled study*
Authors: Sheldon Eric A. , Jeanfreau Robert , Sliman Joseph A. , Charenkavanich Supoat , Rousculp Matthew D. , Dubovsky Filip , Mallory Raburn M. 
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Sheldon et al. (2013) Immunogenicity of a quadrivalent Ann Arbor strain live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered using a blow‐fill‐seal device in adults: a randomized, active‐controlled study. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(6), 1142–1150.Background Influenza B strains from two distinct lineages (Yamagata and Victoria) have cocirculated over recent years. Current seasonal vaccines contain a single B lineage resulting in frequent mismatches between the vaccine strain and the circulating strain. An Ann Arbor strain quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (Q/LAIV) containing B strains from both lineages is being developed to address this issue.Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate whether Q/LAIV administered intranasally as a single dose to a single nostril, using a blow‐fill‐seal (BFS) delivery system had a similar immunogenicity and safety profile compared with the licensed trivalent vaccine delivered using the Accuspray device.Patients/Methods Adults aged 18–49 years were randomized to receive one intranasal dose of Q/LAIV delivered using a BFS device (Q/LAIV‐BFS; n = 1202) or one of two trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccines (T/LAIV) containing one of the corresponding B strains (total T/LAIV, n = 598). Primary endpoints were the post‐vaccination strain‐specific serum hemagglutination inhibition antibody geometric mean titers for each strain. Secondary immunogenicity endpoints, safety, and acceptability of the BFS device were also assessed.Results Q/LAIV was immunogenically non‐inferior to T/LAIV for all four influenza strains. Secondary immunogenicity outcomes were consistent with the primary endpoint. Solicited symptoms and AEs were comparable in both groups. Subjects considered the BFS device to be acceptable.Conclusions Immune responses to vaccination with Ann Arbor strain Q/LAIV‐BFS were non‐inferior to those with T/LAIV. Q/LAIV may confer broader protection against seasonal influenza B by targeting both major influenza B lineages.
Adolescents and their networks of social support: real connections in real lives?
Authors: McGrath Brian , Brennan M. A. , Dolan Pat , Barnett Rosemary 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSocial support is widely seen as an integral component for coping with the stresses of everyday life. While there are various sources and types of support potentially available to young people, it is perhaps less obvious the extent to which young people differentially experience these sources and types. Anecdotal evidence suggests that context, culture and other factors unique to local life shape the many dimensions of social support for youth. In this paper, we seek to examine this research need in more detail by focusing on a broad range of factors shaping youth social support and youth well‐being. Drawing on mixed methods research, we examine social support evidence for adolescents in Florida, USA, and Offaly, Ireland. Through this research, we investigate how the connection between social support and well‐being bears out in these two different socio‐cultural contexts; second, we seek to understand whether types and sources of social support differ among youth in both countries; and what relationship exists between well‐being and types and sources of support. Comparing similar measures of social support across two distinct societal contexts allows us to determine similarities and differences, while also providing suggestions for application that can shape future programmes and policy.
Linear IgA bullous dermatosis: report of five cases in Chile
Authors: Sandoval Mauricio , Farias María Magdalena , Gonzalez Sergio 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an acquired autoimmune sub‐epidermal vesiculobullous disease characterized by continuous linear IgA deposit on the basement membrane zone, as visualized on direct immunofluorescence microscopy. LABD can affect both adults and children. The disease is very uncommon, with a still unknown incidence in the South American population.Materials and methods  All confirmed cases of LABD by histological and immunofluorescence in our hospital were studied.Results The confirmed cases were three females and two males, aged from 8 to 87 years. Precipitant events associated with LABD were drug consumption (non‐steroid inflammatory agents in two cases) and ulcerative colitis (one case). Most of our patients were treated with dapsone, resulting in remission.Discussion  Our series confirms the heterogeneous clinical features of this uncommon disease in concordance with a larger series of patients reported in the literature.
A simple intervention to reinforce awareness of tanning bed use and skin cancer in non‐medical skin care professionals in Southern California
Authors: Ng Angie T. , Chang Anne Lynn S. , Cockburn Myles , Peng David H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  (i) To assess the baseline knowledge of non‐medical skin care professionals (estheticians, cosmetologists, massage therapists) on tanning bed use and its association with melanoma; and (ii) to provide preliminary evidence of the potential impact of a fast and simple educational intervention on tanning beds and melanoma on the awareness of non‐medical skin care professionals towards skin cancer prevention.Methods  A pre‐intervention survey was administered to non‐medical skin care professional at salons or spas in Southern California to assess baseline knowledge on tanning and skin cancer. This was followed immediately by a 10‐minute oral presentation on tanning bed use and its association with melanoma. One month later, a post‐intervention survey was distributed to individuals who attended the initial oral presentation.Results  Significant changes pre‐ and post‐intervention were found in non‐medical skin care professionals’ answer responses to the following: (i) increased speaking to clients about cancer risk with tanning bed use 42–66% (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.39, 4.30)]; (ii) decreased personal tanning bed use (23–15% [OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.37, 1.00]); and (iii) decreased belief that tanning beds are an excellent cosmetic tool (29–20% [OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.38, 0.96]).Conclusion  This study provides preliminary evidence that non‐medical skin care professionals could be an important source of primary prevention information for reducing the burden of melanoma.
Comparative efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment in oral lichen planus: a randomized double‐blind trial
Authors: Sonthalia Sidharth , Singal Archana 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOral lichen planus (OLP) is a common disease of the oral mucosa with worldwide distribution and overall prevalence of 0.5–2.2%. Its etiology remains unclear, although the role of autoimmunity is supported by its association with other autoimmune diseases and the presence of auto‐cytotoxic T cell clones in the lesions. Although many options for treating symptomatic OLP are available, no therapy is curative. This trial compared treatments with topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment. Forty patients with histologically proven symptomatic OLP were divided into two groups of 20 to receive clobetasol propionate (0.05%) ointment or tacrolimus (0.1%) ointment for eight weeks. Follow‐up for all patients included three visits during the treatment course and one post‐treatment visit. At each visit, objective improvement in the lesions was assessed by two independent investigators. The primary outcome measure was defined as the percentage of patients attaining complete response at eight weeks. Secondary outcome measures were the percentages of patients attaining complete or partial response at 8 and 12 weeks. Patient‐observed improvement was evaluated at each visit. Demographic parameters and pretreatment disease characteristics were comparable between the groups. The mean net clinical score (NCS) declined progressively from baseline at each follow‐up visit in both groups. In the clobetasol group, the mean NCS declined from 8.00 ± 2.65 at baseline to 2.00 ± 1.49 at 12 weeks. In the tacrolimus group, the mean NCS declined from 7.78 ± 3.25 at baseline to 1.31 ± 1.06 at 12 weeks. At each visit, the decline in mean NCS from baseline was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in both groups. Complete response rates of 40% and 70%, respectively, were achieved in the clobetasol and tacrolimus groups (P = 0.057). The percentages of patients reporting “good” or “very good” treatment responses at week 8 were 74% in the clobetasol group and 100% in the tacrolimus group (P > 0.05). No severe adverse events were reported. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment is an effective alternative to topical steroid and may be considered as a first‐line therapy in OLP.
Angular artery perforator‐based transposition flap for the reconstruction of midface defect
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Kim Youn Hwan , Kim Jeong Tae 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  Midface defect is often seen due to trauma, neoplasm, and infection. It is important to avoid tension and distortion of the local structures and to provide skin color and texture match. We present the technique of angular artery perforator‐based transposition flap for small to moderate size defect of the midface.Materials and methods  Between 2002 and 2009, 17 patients underwent operations for the reconstruction of midface defect. After tumor excision, perforators were found at the medial aspect of the defect along the nasolabial fold. Considering the change of the defect shape and primary closure of the donor site, the width and length of the flap was determined. The flap elevated disto‐proximally and transposed to the defect without tension. The donor site was closed first with partial undermining.Results  Besides one patient with partial wound dehiscence of the donor site, all the flaps healed uneventfully. The patients were satisfied with the final result esthetically and functionally.Conclusion  The angular artery perforator‐based transposition flap takes advantage of the nasolabial flap and perforator flap, and it is a simple and fast procedure. Therefore, it may be an alternative for the reconstruction of midface defect.