bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internet information on xerostomia: what should patients expect?
Authors: Delli K , Livas C , Spijkervet FK , Vissink A 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the qualitative standards of the information distributed via the Internet regarding xerostomia.Materials and MethodsA comprehensive electronic search was performed for ‘xerostomia’ and ‘dry mouth’ separately using four search engines. The first 30 results from each search term–engine combination were pooled for analysis. After excluding promotional product sites, discussion groups, video feeds, scientific articles, non‐operative sources, sites with denied direct access through password requirement, non‐English language domains, and online medical dictionaries, 50 Web pages were evaluated in terms of readability, accessibility, usability, and reliability using recommended research methodology the Flesch Reading Ease Score and the LIDA instrument. Author and information details were also recorded.ResultsThe results revealed a variable quality of the available Internet information on xerostomia. The Web sites required advanced reading skills, while LIDA scores for accessibility, usability, and reliability ranged from medium to low with average scores extending from 29.1% to 81.3%.ConclusionsThe quality of information about xerostomia among Web sources presents high variability. The existing discrepancy should be alleviated by referring patients to evidence‐based education materials on the Internet. Improvement in xerostomia information e‐resources will contribute to a more advanced quality in oral health care.
Tannerella forsythia BspA increases the risk factors for atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Lee H‐R , Jun H‐K , Choi B‐K 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tannerella forsythia and its major surface virulence factor, BspA, on the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice and the expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes.MethodsPMA‐differentiated THP‐1 cells were treated with BspA to detect foam cell formation. The proximal aortas of ApoE−/− mice injected with T. forsythia or BspA were stained with oil red O to examine lipid deposition. The serum levels of CRP, HDL, and LDL were detected by ELISA. The liver tissue of T. forsythia‐ or BspA‐injected ApoE−/− mice was examined for mRNA expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes, such as liver X receptors (LXRα and LXRβ) and ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1).ResultsTannerella forsythia and BspA induced foam cell formation in THP‐1 cells and accelerated the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice. Mouse serum levels of CRP and LDL were increased, and HDL was decreased by T. forsythia and BspA. The expression levels of LXRα and LXRβ, and ABCA1 in liver tissue were decreased by T. forsythia and BspA.ConclusionsTannerella forsythia and BspA augmented atherosclerotic lesion progression in ApoE−/− mice. This process may be associated with downregulation of lipid metabolism‐related gene expression.
Red human hair pheomelanin is a potent pro‐oxidant mediating UV‐independent contributory mechanisms of melanomagenesis
Authors: Panzella Lucia , Leone Loredana , Greco Giorgia , Vitiello Giuseppe , D'Errico Gerardino , Napolitano Alessandra , d'Ischia Marco 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe highest incidence of melanoma in red haired individuals is attributed to the synthesis and phototoxic properties of pheomelanin pigments. Recently, pheomelanin has also been implicated in UV‐independent pathways of oxidative stress; however, the underlying mechanisms have remained uncharted. Herein, we disclose the unprecedented property of purified red human hair pheomelanin (RHP) to promote (i) the oxygen‐dependent depletion of major cell antioxidants, for example glutathione and NADH; (ii) the autoxidative formation of melanin pigments from their precursors. RHP would thus behave as a unique ‘living’ polymer and biocatalyst that may grow by simple exposure to monomer building blocks and may trigger autoxidative processes. These results yield new clues as to the origin of the pro‐oxidant state in the red hair phenotype, uncover non‐enzymatic pathways of melanogenesis, and pave the way to innovative strategies for melanoma prevention.
MicroRNA‐206 induces G1 arrest in melanoma by inhibition of CDK4 and Cyclin D
Authors: Georgantas Robert W. , Streicher Katie , Luo Xiaobing , Greenlees Lydia , Zhu Wei , Liu Zheng , Brohawn Philip , Morehouse Christopher , Higgs Brandon W. , Richman Laura , Jallal Bahija , Yao Yihong , Ranade Koustubh 
Published: November 2013

SummaryExpression profiling of microRNAs in melanoma lesional skin biopsies compared with normal donor skin biopsies, as well as melanoma cell lines compared with normal melanocytes, revealed that hsa‐miR‐206 was down‐regulated in melanoma (−75.4‐fold, P = 1.7 × 10−4). MiR‐206 has been implicated in a large number of cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian, and prostate cancers; however, its role in tumor development remains largely unknown, its biologic function is poorly characterized, and its targets affecting cancer cells are largely unknown. MiR‐206 reduced growth and migration/invasion of multiple melanoma cell lines. Bioinformatics identified cell cycle genes CDK2, CDK4, Cyclin C, and Cyclin D1 as strong candidate targets. Western blots and 3′UTR reporter gene assays revealed that miR‐206 inhibited translation of CDK4, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin C. Additionally, hsa‐miR‐206 transfection induced G1 arrest in multiple melanoma cell lines. These observations support hsa‐miR‐206 as a tumor suppressor in melanoma and identify Cyclin C, Cyclin D1, and CDK4 as miR‐206 targets.
Prevalence of Treponema pallidum DNA among blood donors with two different serologic tests profiles for syphilis in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira S. C. , de Almeida‐Neto C. , Nishiya A. S. , Di‐Lorenzo‐Oliveira C. , Ferreira J. E. , Alencar C. S. , Levi J. E. , Salles N. A. , Mendrone‐Junior A. , Sabino E. C. 
Published: November 2013

The presence of Treponema pallidum DNA was assessed by real‐time PCR in samples of blood donors with reactive serologic tests for syphilis. Treponema pallidum DNA was detected in two (1·02%) of 197 samples of VDRL>8, EIA+ and FTA‐ABS+ donors, and in no sample from 80 VDRL−, EIA+ and FTA‐ABS+ donors. Donors VDRL−, EIA+ and FTA‐ABS+ lack demonstrable T. pallidum DNA in their blood and are unlike to transmit syphilis. Donors VDRL>8, EIA+ and FTA‐ABS+ carry the risk of syphilis infectivity even in concomitance to antibodies detection. Serologic screening for syphilis may still play a role to prevent its transfusion transmission.
Evaluation of 6 years of confidential unit exclusion at the Belgian Red Cross Flanders Blood Service
Authors: Vandewalle G. , Baeten M. , Bogaerts K. , Vandekerckhove P. , Compernolle V. 
Published: November 2013

Background and ObjectivesThe effectiveness of the confidential unit exclusion (CUE) as a safety measure to the blood supply is debated. We therefore investigated the usefulness of CUE in our donor population.MethodsData of CUE use, donor deferrals due to different degrees of sexual or blood exposure and data of confirmed positive transfusion‐transmissible infection (TTI) markers were analyzed for the study period January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2009.ResultsThe CUE user tended to be of young age, male and first time donor whereas the CUE non‐responder was more likely to be older, first time donor without a clear sex predilection. CUE had low sensitivity (0·33%) and low positive predictive value (0·02%) in detecting TTI marker positive donations. Of 46 incident cases, one donor designated his pre‐conversion donation as CUE positive. 29·6% of the donors deferred due to reported sex or intravenous drug related risk factors on the donor history questionnaire had ticked ‘I do practice risk behavior' on the CUE form. Deferrals for all sexual or blood‐blood contact related risk factors were 19·2 times higher among CUE positive donors than among CUE negative donors (95% CI, 18·5–19·9).ConclusionAlthough CUE use is associated with higher rates of TTI risk, CUE has low efficiency to detect window period donations. Moreover, misuse results in a significant loss of units. Our data indicate a low risk perception among donors, hence efforts should focus on improving donor knowledge of and on donor's responsibility to disclose TTI risk.
Pathophysiology of human heart failure: importance of skeletal muscle myopathy and reflexes
Authors: Piepoli Massimo F. , Crisafulli Antonio 
Published: November 2013

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
This article reviews the role played by reflexes arising from muscle metaboreceptors in the pathophysiology of exercise intolerance in chronic heart failure (CHF). These receptors trigger the metaboreflex, which is likely to play an important role in the genesis of exercise intolerance in CHF.
What advances does it highlight?
This article highlights that, in CHF, the target blood pressure response during muscle metaboreflex activation is achieved mainly by vasoconstriction, whereas in healthy individuals the main mechanism is an increase in cardiac output.
In the last 20 years there has been mounting evidence that chronic heart failure (CHF) has a complex pathophysiology, which begins with an abnormality of the heart as a ‘primum movens’, but involves adaptive changes in many body parts, including the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal, neuroendocrine, haemostatic, immune and inflammatory systems. Alterations in skeletal muscle are also of importance in limiting functional capacity in patients with CHF, because reduced physical activity plays some part in the muscle alterations in CHF. On the whole, these abnormalities resemble those induced by physical deconditioning. Moreover, the overactivation of signals originating from skeletal muscle receptors (mechano‐metaboreceptors) is an intriguing hypothesis proposed to explain the origin of symptoms and the beneficial effect of exercise training in the CHF syndrome. These reflexes may contribute to sympathetic overactivation, to exercise intolerance and to the progression of CHF syndrome. The so‐called metaboreflex has been reported to be hyperactive in CHF and to be responsible for a paradoxical increase in systemic vascular resistance and decrease in cardiac output whenever activated in these patients. This report is a brief summary of the latest news in this area of research.
An Augmented State Formulation for Modeling and Analysis of Multibody Distributed Dynamic Systems
Authors: Noh K. , Yang B. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Multibody distributed dynamic systems are seen in many engineering applications. Developed in this investigation is a new analytical method for a class of branched multibody distributed systems, which is called the augmented distributed transfer function (DTFM). This method adopts an augmented state formulation to describe the interactions among multiple distributed and lumped bodies, which resolves the problems with conventional transfer function methods in modeling and analysis of multibody distributed systems. As can be seen, the augmented DTFM, without the need for orthogonal system eigenfunctions, produces exact and closed-form solutions of various dynamic problems, in both frequency and time domains.
Parental discussion of G6PD deficiency and child health: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Guan Yue , Roter Debra L , Huang Aichu , Erby Lori A H , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Hwu Wuh-Liang 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveParents are encouraged to discuss self-care with children affected by G6PD deficiency; however, little is known about the extent or impact of these discussions on the physical and psychosocial health of these children. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of parental–child discussions of G6PD deficiency self-care and their relationship to child health.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional survey of 178 Taiwanese parents of children with G6PD deficiency was conducted. The extent of parental–child self-care discussions was assessed in regards to coverage of nine key topics. Parent's G6PD deficiency status, knowledge of haemolytic anaemia symptoms and reported G6PD deficiency education from providers were examined as correlates of parental discussion. Child health was assessed with the child health questionnaire-parent form (Chinese version) and a 13-item haemolytic anaemia symptom list.ResultsSelf-care discussions were positively correlated with parental G6PD deficiency status (β=2.08, p=0.03), accurate identification of haemolytic anaemia symptoms (β=0.18, p=0.01), the thoroughness and clarity of patient education (β=0.14, p<0.001) and child age (β=1.04, p<0.001). Among children reported to have experienced significant symptoms of acute haemolytic anaemia (35%), the extent of self-care discussions was positively associated with reported physical and psychosocial child health (β=1.18, p<0.001).ConclusionsParental–child G6PD deficiency self-care discussions are associated with better child health, and parental involvement in these discussions is facilitated by the thoroughness and clarity of patient education received from providers.
The association between cytokines and insulin sensitivity in Iraqi immigrants and native Swedes
Authors: Memon Ashfaque A , Sundquist Jan , Wang Xiao , Palmér Karolina , Sundquist Kristina , Bennet Louise 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations between cytokines and insulin sensitivity in Swedish residents born in Iraq and Swedish residents born in Sweden.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsIraqi and Swedish origin residents of Rosengård area of Malmö, aged 45–65 years, were randomly selected from the census register.Participants/methods194 (Iraqi, n=107; Swedish, n=87) participants agreed to participate in the study. Nineteen participants dropped out (Iraqi, n=11; Swedish, n=8). Participants who had already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), those who could not participate in an oral glucose tolerance test and those who had a cold/fever at the time of blood sampling were excluded. In total, serum samples from 135 individuals of Swedish (n=62) and Iraqi (n=73) origin were included. Serum concentrations of a panel of 10 cytokines, comprising interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α were analysed by Luminex multiplex assay.ResultsIn the whole study population, levels of all tested cytokines were inversely associated with insulin sensitivity index (ISI), independent of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), sedentary lifestyle and family history of T2DM (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, stratification of the study population according to country of birth showed a significant inverse association between all tested cytokines and ISI in the Iraqi-born population (p ≤ 0.01). The association was independent of age, sex, BMI, sedentary lifestyle and family history of T2DM. In contrast, with the exception for IL-6 (p=0.05), no other tested cytokine was found to be significantly associated with ISI in the Swedish-born population (p≥0.05).ConclusionsOur results show an association between cytokines and ISI in the Iraqi-born population but not in the Swedish-born population.
Mindfulness online: an evaluation of the feasibility of a web-based mindfulness course for stress, anxiety and depression
Authors: Krusche Adele , Cyhlarova Eva , Williams J Mark G 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesFace-to-face mindfulness interventions have been shown to significantly decrease perceived stress, anxiety and depression and research is beginning to show similar benefits for such courses delivered via the internet. We investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of an online mindfulness course for perceived stress, anxiety and depression.DesignA follow-up investigation of an online mindfulness course. Previous research examining the change in perceived stress showed promising results. Measures of anxiety and depression were added to the online mindfulness course and these were investigated as well as perceived stress using a new, larger sample.ParticipantsParticipants (N=273) were self-referrals to the online course who completed the outcome measure immediately before the course, upon course completion and at 1 month follow-up.InterventionThe programme consists of 10 sessions, guided meditation videos and automated emails, with elements of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, completed at a pace to suit the individual (minimum length 4 weeks).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe Perceived Stress Scale, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (for depression). Mindfulness practice was self-reported at automated time points upon login, once the exercises and sessions for each week were completed.ResultsPerceived stress, anxiety and depression significantly decreased at course completion and further decreased at 1 month follow-up, with effect sizes comparable to those found with face-to-face and other online mindfulness courses and to other types of intervention, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for stress. The amount of meditation practice reported did affect outcome when controlling for baseline severity.ConclusionsThe online mindfulness course appears to be an acceptable, accessible intervention which reduces stress, anxiety and depression. However, there is no control comparison and future research is required to assess the effects of the course for different samples.
The relationship between suicidal ideation and symptoms of depression in Japanese workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Takeuchi Takeaki , Nakao Mutsuhiro 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesThe prevalence of suicidal ideation and predictors for suicidal ideation among Japanese workers is unknown, although a previous study reported a 30% prevalence rate of suicidal ideation in a psychosomatic clinical setting. Hence, we evaluated the prevalence of suicidal ideation and its relationship with depressive symptoms among Japanese workers.MethodsFor this purpose, a cross-sectional design was used. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation in 1266 workers (1100 men and 166 women, aged 20–69 years) were assessed through clinical interviews conducted in accordance with the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.ResultsA total of 34 and 70 participants were diagnosed with suicidal ideation and MDD, respectively. Suicidal ideation was especially prevalent in 40-year-olds to 49-year-olds. Six of the eight symptoms of MDD (depressive mood, loss of interest, weight loss, psychomotor agitation, worthlessness and concentration loss) were related to suicidal ideation. Depressive mood had the strongest relationship with suicidal ideation, followed by worthlessness and concentration loss. Worthlessness had the highest area under the curve in predicting suicidal ideation, followed by concentration loss and depressive mood.ConclusionsWe conclude that MDD symptoms—particularly depressive mood, worthlessness and concentration loss—are potential predictors of suicidal ideation in Japanese workers.
Famine in childhood and postmenopausal coronary artery calcification: a cohort study
Authors: Idris Nikmah S , Uiterwaal Cuno S P M , van der Schouw Yvonne T , van Abeelen Annet F M , Roseboom Tessa J , de Jong Pim A , Rutten Annemarieke , Grobbee Diederick E , Elias Sjoerd G 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of famine exposure during childhood on coronary calcium deposition and, secondarily, on cardiac valve and aortic calcifications.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingCommunity.Patients286 postmenopausal women with individual measurements of famine exposure during childhood in the Netherlands during World War II.Intervention/exposureFamine exposure during childhood.Main outcome measuresCoronary artery calcifications measured by CT scan and scored using the Agatston method; calcifications of the aorta and cardiac valves (mitral and/or aortic) measured semiquantitatively. Logistic regression was used for coronary Agatston score of >100 or ≤100, valve or aortic calcifications as the dependent variable and an indicator for famine exposure as the independent variable. These models were also used for confounder adjustment and stratification based on age groups of 0–9 and 10–17 years.ResultsIn the overall analysis, no statistically significant association was found between severe famine exposure in childhood and a high coronary calcium score (OR 1.80, 95% CI 0.87 to 3.78). However, when looking at specific risk periods, severe famine exposure during adolescence was related to a higher risk for a high coronary calcium score than non-exposure to famine, both in crude (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.00 to 12.07) and adjusted analyses (OR 4.62, 95% CI 1.16 to 18.43). No statistically significant association was found between childhood famine exposure and valve or aortic calcification (OR 1.66, 95% CI 0.69 to 4.10).ConclusionsFamine exposure in childhood, especially during adolescence, seems to be associated with a higher risk of coronary artery calcification in late adulthood. However, the association between childhood famine exposure and cardiac valve/aortic calcification is less clear.
Fear of childbirth predicts postpartum depression: a population-based analysis of 511 422 singleton births in Finland
Authors: Räisänen Sari , Lehto Soili M , Nielsen Henriette Svarre , Gissler Mika , Kramer Michael R , Heinonen Seppo 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo study how reproductive risks and perinatal outcomes are associated with postpartum depression treated in specialised healthcare defined according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes, separately among women with and without a history of depression.DesignA retrospective population-based case–control study.SettingData gathered from three national health registers for the years 2002−2010.ParticipantsAll singleton births (n=511 422) in Finland.Primary outcome measuresPrevalence of postpartum depression and the risk factors associated with it.ResultsIn total, 0.3% (1438 of 511 422) of women experienced postpartum depression, the prevalence being 0.1% (431 of 511 422) in women without and 5.3% (1007 of 18 888) in women with a history of depression. After adjustment for possible covariates, a history of depression was found to be the strongest risk factor for postpartum depression. Other strong predisposing factors for postpartum depression were fear of childbirth, caesarean birth, nulliparity and major congenital anomaly. Specifically, among the 30% of women with postpartum depression but without a history of depression, postpartum depression was shown to be associated with fear of childbirth (adjusted OR (aOR 2.71, 95% CI 1.98 to 3.71), caesarean birth (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.77), preterm birth (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.56) and major congenital anomaly (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.42), compared with women with no postpartum depression and no history of depression.ConclusionsA history of depression was found to be the most important predisposing factor of postpartum depression. Women without previous episodes of depression were at an increased risk of postpartum depression if adverse events occurred during the course of pregnancy, especially if they showed physician-diagnosed fear of childbirth.