bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Normative values for the oro‐facial Esthetic Scale in Sweden
Authors: Larsson P. , John M. T. , Nilner K. , List T. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThis study reports the findings and challenges of the assessment of oro‐facial aesthetics in the Swedish general population and the development of normative values for the self‐reporting Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES). In a Swedish national sample of 1406 adult subjects (response rate: 47%), OES decile norms were established. The influence of sociodemographics (gender, age, and education), oral health status and general health status on OES scores was analysed. Mean ± standard deviation of OES scores was 50·3 ± 15·6 units (0, worst score; 70, best score); <1% of the subjects had the minimum score of 0, and 11% had the maximum score of 70 OES units. Orofacial Esthetic Scale score differences were (i) substantial (>5 OES units) for subjects with excellent/very good versus good to poor oral or general health status; ii) small (2 units), but statistically significant for gender (P = 0·01) and two age groups (P = 0·02), and (iii) absent for subjects with college versus no college education (P = 0·31) or with and without dentures (P = 0·90). To estimate normative values for a self‐reporting health status, instrument is considered an important step in standardisation, and the developed norms provide a frame of reference in the general population to interpret the Orofacial Esthetic Scale scores.
Treatment of periorbital infantile haemangiomas: A systematic literature review on propranolol or steroids
Authors: Xu Shiqiong , Jia Renbing , Ge Shengfang , Lin Ming , Fan Xianqun 
Published: December 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of propranolol versus corticosteroids for the treatment of periorbital infantile haemangiomas (IHs).MethodsA literature review using PubMed, Ovid Medline, EBSCO, Springer, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, CNKI and associated references before 2 March 2013 was conducted. The main outcomes were distribution of locations, response rate, rebound growth rate, spherical and cylinder power before and after treatment, amblyopia rate and adverse events.ResultsThirty‐one studies including 425 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 70.6% of patients were female, 89.6% of the periorbital IHs were located in the upper or lower eyelid area. The most common administration routes involved oral propranolol and intralesional injection of corticosteroids. The mean response rate was 94.0% for propranolol and 82.3% for corticosteroid (P = 0.001). The rebound growth rate was 13.9% for propranolol and 12.0% for steroids (P = 0.71). Astigmatism was reduced in both propranolol and steroid studies (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), but a significant reduction in spherical power was only demonstrated in propranolol studies (P = 0.005). A total of 31.1% of patients treated with corticosteroids developed post‐operative amblyopia compared with 16.7% of patients treated with propranolol (P = 0.04). Oral propranolol seemed to induce more temporary adverse events than intralesional corticosteroids administration (24.0% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.006).ConclusionPropranolol may represent an effective therapy for periorbital IHs compared with the use of corticosteroids; however, further randomised control studies are needed to compare adverse events.
Congenital chylothorax: Associations and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Downie Lilian , Sasi Arun , Malhotra Atul 
Published: December 2013

AimCongenital chylothorax is a rare but significant neonatal entity with major morbidity and mortality. The study aims to describe the related associations, management and outcomes of this condition in neonates.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of all cases of congenital chylothorax admitted to a tertiary neonatal centre in the last 15 years.ResultsTen cases of congenital chylothorax were identified. Eight infants were diagnosed antenatally and three infants had antenatal pleural drainage. Most infants were ventilated at birth and required immediate pleurocentesis. Post‐natal management included drainage of fluid, ventilation, albumin replacement, octreotide and dietary modification with medium‐chain triglyceride‐enriched formula. Five infants had chromosomal aberrations identified, while a further two had dysmorphic features not substantiated with routine genetic testing. Noonan's syndrome was the single most common underlying genetic diagnosis. Associated anomalies and malformations were present in 80% of the cohort. There were two deaths in the series, both in infants with multiple co‐morbidities.ConclusionsCongenital chylothorax is a rare condition with overall prevalence of less than a case per year in our experience. Majority of infants had associated chromosomal anomalies and significant co‐morbidities needing prolonged intensive care.
Management of HCV patients with cirrhosis with direct acting antivirals
Authors: Boccaccio Vincenzo , Bruno Savino 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn recent years, several studies have clearly shown that sustained virological response (SVR) achieved by interferon‐based therapies may delay or reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver decompensation and all‐causes of mortality in all categories of patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis, a condition characterized by a wide heterogeneity of clinical features, especially in patients with compensated disease. Unfortunately, the advanced fibrosis stage has been shown to be associated with poor SVR rates and poor tolerance with Peg‐interferon and ribavirin. Therefore, on the basis of its risk/efficacy evaluation, most patients are considered to be ineligible for antiviral therapy with these molecules.Recently, improvement in the knowledge of the HCV life‐cycle, has resulted in the rapid development of many direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Two first generation DAAs, boceprevir (BOC) and telaprevir (TVR), have been approved, and more than 40 new small molecules are still in development. However, only a few individuals with compensated cirrhosis were included in the phase III studies assessing the safety and efficacy of BOC or TVR in naïve and chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients in whom treatment had failed, and patients with either decompensation or end‐stage liver disease were excluded. Therefore, the information available in these patients, which have shown significantly lower SVR compared with patients with mild to moderate fibrosis, are not fully reliable. In addition, in real practice, some studies that have not yet been fully published have shown that triple therapy with these two molecules was associated with low SVR and high serious adverse events (SAEs).
New therapeutic perspectives in HBV: when to stop NAs
Authors: Pérez‐Cameo Cristina , Pons Mònica , Esteban Rafael 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe goal of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment is to achieve seroclearance of HBsAg. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are one of the first‐line treatments for CHB. NAs produce a potent suppression of viral replication but are associated with a low rate of HBsAg seroclearance and a high risk of virological relapse after discontinuation. Because of these reasons, long‐term treatment is needed. They are well‐tolerated oral drugs, and it seems they do not produce important side‐effects in long‐term administration. The duration of NA treatment remains unclear, nevertheless, in some patients NAs can be stopped with a low rate of relapse. HBeAg‐positive patients could discontinue NA therapy if they achieved HBeAg seroclearance and maintain undetectable HBV DNA. For HBeAg‐negative patients, to stop NA treatment is not recommended. In addition to other factors, serum HBsAg titres during treatment have recently been proposed to guide NA‐based therapy duration in selected patients. All patients could be stopped from taking treatment if they achieve HBsAg loss.
Screening for asymptomatic scalp carriage in household contacts of patients with tinea capitis during 1997–2011: a retrospective hospital‐based study
Authors: Dessinioti Clio , Papadogeorgaki Eleni , Athanasopoulou Vasiliki , Antoniou Christina , Stratigos Alexander J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFor anthropophilic tinea capitis (TC), household spread and asymptomatic scalp carriage (ASC) is considered an important route of transmission and incomplete clearance. To investigate ASC in household contacts of patients diagnosed with TC in a tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece, we retrospectively reviewed the medical files of household contacts that were screened for ASC from 1997 to 2011. Only 34 household contacts of 15 index cases agreed to come for screening. Thirty‐three (97%) household contacts were asymptomatic scalp carriers. The most commonly isolated species was Trichophyton violaceum (59%). There was a statistically significant association of ASC with the isolated dermatophyte species (T. violaceum, P‐value: 0.029), and with the age of younger than 16 years old (P‐value: 0.005), while there was no association with gender (P‐value: 0.672). A small number of household contacts accepted to proceed for screening. ASC was found in nearly all screened household contacts and was associated with T. violaceum and younger age. The low number of household contacts that accepted screening may reflect the ignorance of the general population about the possibility of ASC among household contacts in case of a patient with TC.
A narrative review of the potential for self‐tanning products to substitute for solaria use among people seeking a tanned appearance
Authors: Paul Christine L. , Bryant Jamie , Turon Heidi , Brozek Irena , Noble Natasha , Zucca Alison 
Published: December 2013

SummarySkin cancers including melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancers are a high‐cost and largely preventable form of cancer. While limiting exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) light via outdoor activities is a focus of public health efforts, indoor UV exposure via solaria or ‘tanning booths’ has also become a cause for concern. In recent decades the availability of less harmful non‐UV self‐tanning products such as sprays and lotions has increased. This review explores (i) the available data regarding the prevalence and behavioural factors associated with use of solaria and self‐tanning products and (ii) data that may shed light on the likelihood of solaria users substituting self‐tanning products as a less harmful alternative to solaria exposure. While there are insufficient data on which to draw a firm conclusion about the potential for substitution, it appears unlikely that most solaria users would readily substitute self‐tanning products in place of solaria exposure. Public health advocates may need to consider whether a robust research study of the cost‐effectiveness of encouraging substitutional use of self‐tanners is desirable, or whether efforts to severely restrict access to solaria may be a better approach.
Giardia duodenalis stimulates partial maturation of bovine dendritic cells associated with altered cytokine secretion and induction of T‐cell proliferation
Authors: Grit G. H. , Devriendt B. , Van Coppernolle S. , Geurden T. , Hope J. , Vercruysse J. , Cox E. , Geldhof P. , Claerebout E. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryGiardia duodenalis is an important intestinal parasite in animals and humans. The role of dendritic cells (DC) in the initiation of the immune response against G. duodenalis is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that G. duodenalis interferes with bovine DC function. Therefore, the effect of trophozoites and excretion/secretion products on bovine monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MoDC) was investigated. We assessed MoDC maturation and cytokine production of G. duodenalis‐stimulated MoDC and the ability of these MoDC to take up antigen and induce lymphocyte proliferation. Little or no upregulation of maturation markers CD40 and CD80 was measured, but MHCII expression was increased after stimulation with low parasite concentrations. A dose‐dependent decrease in ovalbumin uptake was observed in G. duodenalis‐stimulated MoDC. In addition, stimulated MoDC induced proliferation of CD3−, γδ‐T‐cells and TCRαβ+ CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells. Increased transcription of TGF‐β was shown in CD4+ T cells, and increased TNF‐α, TGF‐β, IL‐10 and IL‐4 were seen in γδ‐T‐cells. We found no evidence that G. duodenalis has a regulatory or inhibitory effect on bovine MoDC. MoDC stimulated with G. duodenalis are functionally active and able to induce proliferation of T cells that produce both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines.
Der p2 recombinant bacille Calmette‐Guerin priming of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells suppresses Der p2‐induced T helper17 function in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: Qu Shuo‐Yao , Ou‐yang Hai‐Feng , He Ya‐Long , Li Zhi‐Kui , Shi Jie‐Ran , Song Li‐Qiang , Wu Chang‐Gui 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivePrevious studies have demonstrated that our recombinant bacille Calmette‐Guerin (rBCG), which expresses Der p2 in house dust mite (Der p2 rBCG) suppresses asthmatic airway inflammation by regulating the phenotype and function of dendritic cells (DC) and reprogramming T helper (Th) 0 cell differentiation into different T cell (Th1/Th2/Treg) subtypes. However, the exact role of Der p2 rBCG in reprogramming Th17 differentiation and the relevant mechanisms are not known. The aim of this study was to examine whether Der p2 rBCG‐mediated inhibition of allergic airway inflammation is mediated by regulating Th17 differentiation in a murine asthma model.MethodsPrimary mouse bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) were infected with Der p2 rBCG and adoptively transferred to Der p2‐intranasally sensitized mice. The role of Der p2 rBCG‐BMDC on the regulation of airway inflammation and Th17 cell differentiation was assessed.ResultsAdoptive transfer of Der p2 rBCG‐BMDC suppressed airway inflammation and mucin secretion. Der p2 rBCG‐BMDC inhibited excessive Th17 immune responses but not BCG‐BMDC. Furthermore, Der p2 rBCG decreased jagged‐2 and increased delta‐like‐4 expressions on BMDC to a greater extent than BCG.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that DC plays a key role in Der p2 rBCG‐induced immunoregulation. Der p2 rBCG also displayed a potent inhibitory effect on Th17 differentiation, and these findings increase our understanding of the cellular basis of Der p2 BCG‐mediated inhibition of asthma.
Personal, Behavioral, and Socioenvironmental Correlates of Physical Activity Among Adolescent Girls: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations
Authors: Graham Dan J. , Bauer Katherine W. , Friend Sarah , Barr-Anderson Daheia J. , Nuemark-Sztainer Dianne 
Published: December 2013

Background:Physical activity (PA) declines sharply and rapidly during adolescence, especially among girls, posing a risk for inactivity and obesity in adulthood. This study identified personal, behavioral, and socioenvironmental correlates of concurrent and 6-month longitudinal PA among adolescent girls.Methods:Data were gathered from 356 adolescent girls (mean age 15.8 ± 1.2 years; > 75% racial/ethnic minorities) in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in 2007–2009. Linear regression analyses controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and school were conducted predicting baseline and follow-up levels of total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) assessed via 3-Day Physical Activity Recall. Models were fit for each correlate individually and for all correlates together, mutually adjusted.Results:For concurrent PA, significant positive predictors when adjusting for the influence of all other variables included self-efficacy, support from friends and teachers, and friends’ PA. Total screen time and distance from school to PA resources related inversely to concurrent PA. In mutually-adjusted models, 6-month PA was positively related to self-worth, family support, and parent PA and inversely related to total screen time.Conclusions:PA interventions with adolescent girls might be enhanced by involving adolescents’ social networks and also by helping adolescents feel better about their self-worth and athletic abilities.
Opportunities, Barriers, and Constraints to Physical Activity in Rural Queensland, Australia
Authors: Eley Robert , Bush Robert , Brown Wendy 
Published: December 2013

Background:Interventions addressing chronic disease through physical activity are hampered by the low evidence base from rural areas. The purpose of the study was to provide information which may contribute to the development of future policy and strategy applicable to rural Queensland.Methods:Six diverse rural shires were chosen. A mixed-method design included more than 100 interviews with community representatives; surveys to 3000 community members; audits of facilities, amenities, and other relevant resources in each shire; and detailed observation during repeated site visits.Results:Half the respondents failed to meet Australian physical activity guidelines and 1 in 5 reported no activity. Queensland’s rural communities offer good access to a wide variety of structured and nonstructured activities. Some barriers to physical activity (eg, family commitments) are similar to those reported from urban areas; however, others including climate, culture of exercise, and community leadership are unique to the rural environment.Conclusions:Unique characteristics of rural environments and populations affect engagement in physical activity. Promotion of healthy lifestyle in rural environments need to be informed by local context and not merely extrapolated from urban situations. Attention must be paid to specific local circumstances which may affect implementation, adoption and participation.
Detection of Physical Activity Types Using Triaxial Accelerometers
Authors: Skotte Jørgen , Korshøj Mette , Kristiansen Jesper , Hanisch Christiana , Holtermann Andreas 
Published: December 2013

Background:The aim of this study was to validate a triaxial accelerometer setup for identifying everyday physical activity types (ie, sitting, standing, walking, walking stairs, running, and cycling).Methods:Seventeen subjects equipped with triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X+) at the thigh and hip carried out a standardized test procedure including walking, running, cycling, walking stairs, sitting, and standing still. A method was developed (Acti4) to discriminate between these physical activity types based on threshold values of standard deviation of acceleration and the derived inclination. Moreover, the ability of the accelerometer placed at the thigh to detect sitting posture was separately validated during free living by comparison with recordings of pressure sensors in the hip pockets.Results:Sensitivity for discriminating between the physical activity types sitting, standing, walking, running, and cycling in the standardized trials were 99%–100% and 95% for walking stairs. Specificity was higher than 99% for all activities. During free living (140 hours of measurements), sensitivity and specificity for detection of sitting posture were 98% and 93%, respectively.Conclusion:The developed method for detecting physical activity types showed a high sensitivity and specificity for sitting, standing, walking, running, walking stairs, and cycling in a standardized setting and for sitting posture during free living.
Cycling in the City: An In-Depth Examination of Bicycle Lane Use in a Low-Income Urban Neighborhood
Authors: Noyes Philip , Fung Lawrence , Lee Karen K. , Grimshaw Victoria E. , Karpati Adam , DiGrande Laura 
Published: December 2013

Background:Regular physical activity such as biking can help prevent obesity and chronic disease. Improvements in cycling infrastructure are associated with higher overall cycling rates, but less is known about bike lane utilization in low-income urban neighborhoods.Methods:During the summer of 2009, 4 Central Brooklyn streets with bicycle lanes were studied using camcorders to record for a total of 40 hours. Video recordings were coded for behaviors and characteristics of cyclists and motorists. An intercept survey (N = 324, 42% participation rate) captured information on cyclist demographics, behaviors, and attitudes.Results:1282 cyclists were observed on study streets. Cyclists were primarily male (80.0%) and non-White (54.5%). 9.9% of motorists drove in the bike lane and parked vehicles blocked the bike lane for 9.6% of the observational period. Of cyclists surveyed, 69.4% lived locally, 61.3% were normal weight or underweight, and 64.8% met recommended levels of physical activity by cycling 30+ minutes/day on 5+ days of the past week.Conclusions:Bicycle lanes were used by local residents of a low-income urban neighborhood. Compared with neighborhood residents overall, cyclists reported better health and health behaviors. Enhancing infrastructure that supports active transportation may be effective in reducing health inequities in low-income urban communities.
The nucleosome regulates the usage of polyadenylation sites in the human genome
Authors: Huang Huan , Chen Jiao , Liu Hongde , Sun Xiao 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
It has been reported that 3' end processing is coupled to transcription and nucleosome depletion near the polyadenylation sites in many species. However, the association between nucleosome occupancy and polyadenylation site usage is still unclear.

Results
By systematic analysis of high-throughput sequencing datasets from the human genome, we found that nucleosome occupancy patterns are different around the polyadenylation sites, and that the patterns associate with both transcription termination and recognition of polyadenylation sites. Upstream of proximal polyadenylation sites, RNA polymerase II accumulated and nucleosomes were better positioned compared with downstream of the sites. Highly used proximal polyadenylation sites had higher upstream nucleosome levels and RNA polymerase II accumulation than lowly used sites. This suggests that nucleosomes positioned upstream of proximal sites function in the recognition of proximal polyadenylation sites and in the preparation for 3' end processing by slowing down transcription speed. Both conserved distal polyadenylation sites and constitutive sites showed stronger nucleosome depletion near polyadenylation sites and had intrinsically better positioned downstream nucleosomes. Finally, there was a higher accumulation of RNA polymerase II downstream of the polyadenylation sites, to guarantee gene transcription termination and recognition of the last polyadenylation sites, if previous sites were missed.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that nucleosome arrays play different roles in the regulation of the usage of polyadenylation sites and transcription termination of protein-coding genes, and form a dual pausing model of RNA polymerase II in the alternative polyadenylation sites’ region, to ensure effective 3' end processing.