bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imiquimod 5% cream versus timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution for treating superficial proliferating infantile haemangiomas: a retrospective study
Authors: Qiu Y. , Ma G. , Yang J. , Hu X. , Chen H. , Jin Y. , Lin X. 
Published: April 2013

Summary
Background
Infantile haemangiomas (IHs) are the most common vascular tumours of infancy. Topical therapies are a possible treatment for superficial IHs.
Aim
To determine the efficacy and safety of topical therapy in the treatment of superficial proliferating IHs.
Methods
The medical records of all the patients with proliferating superficial IHs were reviewed. All lesions had been treated either with imiquimod 5% cream or timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution. Lesions were classified into pairs, with one of each treatment in each pair, matched by anatomical location, colour and size. A visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Haemangioma Activity Score (HAS) were used to evaluate the efficacy of the two drugs. The paired Student t-test was used to test for differences in recovery with these two treatments.
Results
In total, 51 patients treated with timolol and 94 treated with imiquimod met the inclusion criteria, and 20 lesions treated with timolol were successfully matched to a lesion treated with imiquimod. The paired t-test indicated that there was no significant difference in either VAS score (P = 0.11) or HAS (P = 0.49). For the imiquimod-treated patients, crusting was the most common reaction (65.0%, 13/20). This did not cause any superficial scarring or skin pigmentation in the matched pairs; however, superficial scars (14.9%, 14/94) and skin pigmentation disorders (28.7%, 27/94) were reported for some of the unmatched cases. There were no adverse events (AEs) during the treatment with timolol.
Conclusions
Both imiquimod 5% cream or timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution showed equivalent clinical efficacy after 4 months of treatment. Timolol appeared to have fewer AEs than imiquimod in the management of superficial IHs. Larger, prospective controlled trials with long-term treatment are needed to confirm these results.
Lithocholic acid‐induced placental tumor necrosis factor‐α upregulation and syncytiotrophoblast cell apoptosis in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Du Qiaoling , Zhang Youhua , Pan Youdong , Duan Tao 
Published: April 2013

AimTo investigate tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α expression and its relationship with serum bile acids in placental trophoblasts from patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).MethodsHuman placenta, including normal pregnancies (n = 10) and patients with ICP (n = 10), were collected at term and subject to TNF‐α measurements. Bile acid‐induced TNF‐α expression and cell apoptosis were evaluated in cultured syncytiotrophoblasts in vitro.ResultsICP placental trophoblasts displayed apoptotic histological abnormalities. TNF‐α levels in ICP tissue were significantly greater than those of controls as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Levels of placental TNF‐α mRNA were positively correlated with serum bile acid concentration in ICP patients. In vitro, lithocholic acid (LCA) significantly enhanced TNF‐α mRNA at both doses, by 2.07‐fold at 15 μm and by 3.41‐fold at 30 μm, whereas deoxycholic acid mildly increased TNF‐α mRNA by 1.41‐fold at 100 μm only. LCA treatment produced significantly higher percentage of caspase‐3 positive cells than vehicle treatment, rescuable by the addition of a TNF‐α inhibitor, indicative of apoptosis induced by LCA–TNF‐α pathway.ConclusionThis study shows that the increase of TNF‐α expression in placental trophoblasts is strongly associated with ICP pathology and is inducible by LCA in vitro, suggesting its potential value in the clinical prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ICP.
Effect of Synthesis Route on Electrical and Electrochemical Performance of Nd1.8Ce0.2CuO4+δ Cathode Material for Intermediate‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Khandale Anushree P. , Bhoga Shyamsunder S. 
Published: April 2013

Nano‐crystalline Nd1.8Ce0.2CuO4+δ synthesized by combusting mixed precursor materials under microwave heating followed by sintering at 1000°C for 4 h exhibits highest dc conductivity (σ = 2.50 S/cm at 700°C) due to lowest crystallite size (50 nm), which compared with preparation by conventional combustion and solid‐state reaction. Symmetric cells configured as electrode/electrolyte/electrode were fabricated by spin coating. The lowest area specific resistance (ASR) value of 0.50 Ω cm2 was obtained at a temperature 700°C. Morphology of cathode material is largely dependent on the preparative route, and that influences ASR. Low frequency complex impedance curve was modeled by Gerischer element. The electrochemical performance suggested absorption of oxygen by the Nd1.8Ce0.2CuO4+δ lattice. Combustion of precursors using microwave heating promises to be a potential route for materials preparation to achieve improved electrochemical performance of cathode in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell applications.
The energy cost of playing active video games in children with obesity and children of a healthy weight
Authors: O'Donovan C. , Roche E. F , Hussey J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
Active video games (AVGs) are being marketed as exercise tools.
AVG play can result in light‐to‐moderate intensity physical activity.
What this study adds
A comparison correcting for body size between the energy expended by children with obesity and those of a healthy weight playing AVGs.
An examination of several variables related to the energy cost of AVG play including steps taken and rate of perceived exertion.
There may be some differences in how children with obesity and children of a healthy weight play AVGs.
BackgroundIncreasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour form a large part of the treatment of paediatric obesity. However, many children today spend prolonged periods of time playing sedentary video games. Active video games (AVGs) represent a novel and child friendly form of physical activity.ObjectivesTo measure the energy cost of playing two AVGs in children with obesity and healthy age‐ and gender‐matched children.MethodsThe energy cost of gaming and heart rates achieved during gaming conditions were compared between groups.ResultsAVG play can result in light‐to‐moderate intensity physical activity (2.7–5.4 metabolic equivalents). When corrected for fat‐free mass those with obesity expended significantly less energy than healthy weight peers playing Nintendo Wii Fit Free Jogging (P = 0.017). No significant difference was seen between groups in the energy cost of playing Boxing.ConclusionCertain AVGs, particularly those that require lower limb movement, could be used to increase total energy expenditure, replace more sedentary activities, or achieve moderate intensity physical activity among children with obesity. There seems to be some differences in how children with obesity and children of a healthy weight play AVGs. This could result in those with obesity expending less energy than their lean peers during AVG play.
Something to chew on: psychosocial factors associated with oral health practices
Authors: Grey Natalie E. , Lobel Marci , Cannella Dolores T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAlthough they can be prevented or reversed with proper oral hygiene, oral diseases are prevalent because oral self‐care in the population is poor. Using structural equation modeling, we examined associations of theoretically guided psychosocial factors with oral health practices and dissatisfaction in young adults. Conscientiousness predicted lower dissatisfaction (β = −.35, p < .05); oral health self‐efficacy predicted lower dissatisfaction (β = −.52, p < .05) and better oral health practices (β = .89, p < .05). Barriers to receiving dental care and knowledge about oral health did not predict either outcome. Findings suggest that by promoting task‐specific oral health self‐efficacy, healthcare providers may be able to improve patients' oral health satisfaction and increase compliance with recommendations for self‐care.
The epidemiological evidence behind the association between periodontitis and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Dietrich Thomas , Sharma Praveen , Walter Clemens , Weston Paul , Beck James 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to systematically review the epidemiological evidence for an association between periodontitis (PD) and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease.MethodsSystematic review of cohort and case‐control studies on the association of clinically or radiographically diagnosed PD and ACVD.ResultsOverall, 12 studies were included in this study (six studies on CHD, three studies on cerebrovascular disease, two studies on both coronary heart and cerebrovascular disease mortality and one study on peripheral arterial disease). All but one study reported positive associations between various periodontal disease measures and the incidence of ACVD, at least in specific subgroups. The association was stronger in younger adults and there was no evidence for an association between PD and incident CHD in subjects older than 65 years. Only one study evaluated the association between PD and secondary cardiovascular events.ConclusionsThere is evidence for an increased risk of ACVD in patients with PD compared to patients without. However, this may not apply to all groups of the population. There is insufficient evidence for an association between PD and the incidence of secondary cardiovascular events.
Effect of periodontal disease on diabetes: systematic review of epidemiologic observational evidence
Authors: Borgnakke Wenche S. , Ylöstalo Pekka V. , Taylor George W. , Genco Robert J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontal disease and diabetes mellitus are common, chronic diseases worldwide. Epidemiologic and biologic evidence suggest periodontal disease may affect diabetes.ObjectiveTo systematically review non‐experimental, epidemiologic evidence for effects of periodontal disease on diabetes control, complications and incidence.Data sourcesElectronic bibliographic databases, supplemented by hand searches of recent and future issues of relevant journals.Study eligibility criteria and participantsLongitudinal and cross‐sectional epidemiologic, non‐interventional studies that permit determination of directionality of observed effects were included.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsFour reviewers evaluated pair‐wise each study. Review findings regarding study results and quality were summarized in tables by topic, using the PRISMA Statement for reporting and the Newcastle‐Ottawa System for quality assessment, respectively. From 2246 citations identified and available abstracts screened, 114 full‐text reports were assessed and 17 included in the review.ResultsA small body of evidence supports significant, adverse effects of periodontal disease on glycaemic control, diabetes complications, and development of type 2 (and possibly gestational) diabetes.LimitationsThere were only a limited number of eligible studies, several of which included small sample sizes. Exposure and outcome parameters varied, and the generalizability of their results was limited.Conclusions and implications of key findingsCurrent evidence suggests that periodontal disease adversely affects diabetes outcomes, and that further longitudinal studies are warranted.
Effects of Vertical Positions of Anterior Teeth on Smile Esthetics in Japanese and Korean Orthodontists and Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Ioi Hideki , Kang Sangwook , Shimomura Takahiro , Kim Seong‐Sik , Park Soo‐Byung , Son Woo‐Sung , Takahashi Ichiro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractStatement of ProblemThe perception of a pleasing smile may differ between the countries in Asia or may be converging on a more internationally pleasing one.PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of vertical positions of anterior teeth on smile esthetics as assessed by Japanese and Korean orthodontists as well as by orthodontic patients.Materials and MethodsA standard composite smile was constructed from different females' intraoral and extraoral photographs. Vertical positions of anterior teeth were modified digitally in 1‐mm increments, from 5 mm upper lip coverage of the incisors to 5 mm gingival exposure. Using a visual analog scale, 41 Japanese orthodontists and 96 Japanese orthodontic patients, 25 Korean orthodontists, and 72 Korean orthodontic patients rated the attractiveness of 11 smiles with altered gingival displays.ResultsOverall, the Japanese and Korean raters assigned similar esthetic scores between the corresponding groups. The male orthodontic patients assigned higher scores to the smiles with upper lip coverage of the teeth than the corresponding females did in both countries. The female patients assigned clinically significant higher scores to the smiles from 2 mm upper lip coverage of the teeth to 0 mm gingival exposure in both countries.ConclusionsIn both countries, the orthodontists and the female patients shared the similar preference in the smile evaluation of vertical positions of anterior teeth, whereas the male orthodontic patients were more tolerant of upper lip coverage of the anterior teeth than the orthodontists and the female patients.Clinical SignificanceThis study proposes 0 mm to 2 mm of upper lip coverage of the teeth as a threshold of acceptability for esthetic smile evaluations in female orthodontic patients. For male orthodontic patients, the paper proposes negative gingival display as a threshold of acceptability for esthetic smile evaluations.
Nutritional status and quality of life in patients with acute leukaemia prior to and after induction chemotherapy in three hospitals in Tehran, Iran: a prospective study
Authors: Malihi Z. , Kandiah M. , Chan Y. M. , Hosseinzadeh M. , Sohanaki Azad M. , Zarif Yeganeh M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe primary objective of the present study was to assess changes in the nutritional status and quality of life in acute leukaemia patients, aged ≥15 years, who had undergone induction chemotherapy.MethodsA preliminary and post‐induction chemotherapy assessment of patients' nutritional status, quality of life, sociodemographic status and medical characteristics was conducted using the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life (QOL‐C30, version 3) questionnaires. The PG‐SGA is a clinical nutrition assessment tool used to evaluate oncology patients. Patients with newly‐diagnosed acute laeukaemia, aged ≥15 years, at three hospitals in Tehran (from May 2009 to March 2010), were recruited for the present study.ResultsSixty‐three acute leukaemia patients [65% men and 35% women with a mean (SD) age of 33 (15.4) years] participated in the present study. A total of 19.4% were found to be malnourished prior to chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, 76.1% of patients were considered moderately malnourished, whereas 6.3% were severely malnourished. After induction chemotherapy, both the nutritional status and quality of life deteriorated in the majority of patients, as demonstrated by a paired t‐test.ConclusionsA deteriorated nutritional status and quality of life was the result of the side effects posed by induction chemotherapy in the patients investigated in the present study. These findings highlight the need for an appropriate nutritional support programme to improve the nutritional status and quality of life in patients with leukaemia undergoing chemotherapy.
An investigation into the association between nutritional status and quality of life in older people admitted to hospital
Authors: Rasheed S. , Woods R. T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent in acute hospitals and malnourished patients have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Studies of malnutrition and quality of life (QoL) are generally limited by both the nutritional and QoL assessment methods employed. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between malnutrition, as assessed using a range of nutritional assessment methods, and QoL, as measured by EuroQol‐5D‐3L and Short‐Form (SF)‐36 questionnaires.MethodsThe study comprised a prospective cross‐sectional study of malnutrition and QoL in 149 inpatients aged 65–99 years. Exclusion criteria were: terminal illness, active malignancy, lack of capacity to consent and severe communication difficulties. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to test the association between QoL indices and nutritional markers. QoL scores for those scoring above and below thresholds for nutritional risk were compared. Regression models were created to identify nutritional indices contributing to the variability of QoL.ResultsThere were significant associations between QoL scores and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)‐SF. Clear differences were evident between malnourished and well‐nourished patients (on the MNA‐SF), those with low and normal arm muscle circumference and those with good and poor physical function. Regression analysis showed that nutritional scores and functional status made independent contributions to the prediction of QoL. The effect on food intake, mobility and psychological stress/acute disease also had a significant influence.ConclusionsMalnutrition risk is linked to a poorer QoL in older people on admission to hospital. Functional status and eating‐related factors are major influencers on QoL in this group. These findings reinforce the role of nutrition as a priority with respect to achieving improvements in QoL.
Dietary fat intake, circulating and membrane fatty acid composition of healthy Norwegian men and women
Authors: Min Y. , Blois A. , Geppert J. , Khalil F. , Ghebremeskel K. , Holmsen H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to assess the dietary fat intake and blood fatty acid status of healthy Norwegian men and women living in Bergen whose habitual diet is known to be high in long‐chain omega‐3 fat.MethodsHealthy men (n = 41) and women (n = 40) aged 20–50 years who were regular blood donors completed 7‐day food diaries and their nutrient intake was analysed by Norwegian food database software, kbs, version 4.9 (kostberegningssystem; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway). Blood samples were obtained before blood donation and assessed for the fatty acid composition of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol esters, phosphatidylcholine, and red cell phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine.ResultsThere was no difference in dietary fat intake between men and women. Total and saturated fat intakes exceeded the upper limits of the recommendations of the National Nutrition Council of Norway. Although polyunsaturated fat intake was close to the lower limit of the recommended level, the intake varied greatly among individuals, partly as a result of the use of supplementary fish oil. Moreover, the proportional fatty acid composition of plasma and red cell lipids was similar between men and women. Enrichment of docosahexaenoic acid in red cell phosphatidylethanolamine was found in fish oil users.ConclusionsThe results of the present study provide a snapshot of the current nutritional status of healthy Norwegian adults. Moreover, the detailed blood fatty acid composition of men and women whose habitual diet constitutes high long‐chain polyunsaturated omega‐3 fat as well as saturated fat could be used as reference value for population studies.
Taking each day as it comes: staff experiences of supporting people with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease in group homes
Authors: Iacono T. , Bigby C. , Carling‐Jenkins R. , Torr J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundDisability staff are being increasingly required to support adults with Down syndrome who develop Alzheimer's disease. They have little understanding of the nature of care required, and may lack input from aged care and dementia services, which lack knowledge of intellectual disability. The aim of this study was to report on the experiences of disability staff in group homes supporting residents with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease in relation to their under understanding of what was happening to these residents, their responses to them, and how they felt about their support role.MethodDisability support staff for nine adults with Down syndrome who had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease were interviewed twice, over intervals of 6–9 months. Interviews were transcribed and analysed for themes.ResultsThree key themes emerged – (i) struggling to understand change, (ii) taking each day as it comes, and (iii) he's got a disability and that's our job.ConclusionsStaff had only limited understanding of how Alzheimer's disease impacted the adults with Down syndrome, their responses to changes were ad hoc, and they used strategies on a trial and error basis. They were committed to providing care, but at the risk of rejecting input and support. The need for collaboration across disability, and aged and disability care was evident to facilitate aging‐in‐place and planned care transitions.
Health Literacy and the Readability of Written Information for Hormone Therapies
Authors: Charbonneau Deborah H. 
Published: April 2013

IntroductionHealth education and counseling are important elements of the care provided by clinicians. Counseling efforts may involve helping women to understand their options for symptom management related to various reproductive life transitions. In light of this, the need for information during the menopausal transition is critical for assisting women with their health care decisions. Yet the Institute of Medicine estimates that approximately half the adult population in the United States has difficulty understanding and using health information. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates the distribution of written information for estrogen‐containing products; however, the readability of information for these pharmaceutical products has not been widely studied. To address this gap, this study examined the readability of written information for FDA‐approved prescription menopausal hormone therapies (N = 31).MethodsReadability of the written information about hormone therapies from 31 hormone therapy products was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level formulas.ResultsThe reading level ranged from 6.70 to 12.30, with an average grade level of 9.33 (ninth‐grade reading level). All but one of the hormone therapy products evaluated in this study exceeded the recommended sixth‐grade reading level for written health information. In addition, only 48% of the written information instructions in the study sample (n = 15) included illustrations.DiscussionAssessment of written information about menopausal hormone therapies showed that the majority of the materials are written at a high reading level. These findings have implications for health literacy and counseling efforts when helping women to understand their options for menopausal symptom management. Midwives, nurses, and other health care providers may need to supplement written information with additional consumer‐friendly written information, utilize illustrations, and use verbal instructions more frequently to help support women in evaluating their treatment options.