bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women
Authors: Le Floc'h Caroline , Cheniti Ahsène , Connétable Sophie , Piccardi Nathalie , Vincenzi Colombina , Tosti Antonella 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundFemale pattern hair loss is a frequent and distressing condition.AimTo evaluate vs. control, the effects on hair loss of a 6‐month supplementation with specific omega 3&6 and antioxidants.MethodsOne hundred and twenty healthy female subjects participated in this 6‐month, randomized, comparative study. The primary endpoint was the change in hair density evaluated on standardized photographs. Secondary endpoints included changes in telogen hair percentage and diameter distribution of anagen hair (>40 µm vs. ≤40 µm) measured by trichogram. Overall changes in hair density and diameter were also measured by trichometer and by subjects’ self‐assessment.ResultsAfter 6 months of treatment, photograph assessment demonstrated a superior improvement in the supplemented group (P < 0.001). The telogen hair percentage was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in the supplemented group. The proportion of nonvellus anagen hair (>40 µm) increased compared to the control group. The trichometer index increased in the supplemented group, while it decreased in the control group. A large majority of supplemented subjects reported a reduction in hair loss (89.9% of subjects at 6 months), as well as an improvement in hair diameter (86.1%) and hair density (87.3%).ConclusionA 6‐month supplementation with omega 3&6 and antioxidants acts efficiently against hair loss in improving hair density and reducing the telogen percentage and the proportion of miniaturized anagen hair. Objectively measured improvements were confirmed by the subjects’ perception of efficacy.
Comparison of skin color between two Asian populations: according to latitude and UV exposure
Authors: Cho Changhui , Ruan Peiyi , Lee Eunyoung , Ha Jaehyoun 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundSkin color varies among ethnic groups on accounts of genetic background. Within an ethnic group, skin color may also vary according to geographical environments and sun exposure habits. While many reports address skin color differences between ethnic groups, few have compared skin color within as ethnic group.AimsTo compare skin color characteristics according to differences in latitude including UV exposure between two Asian populations (Korean and Cantonese [Chinese]).MethodWe included 461 healthy female subjects: 317 Korean (age 42.3 ± 7.16) and 144 Cantonese (age 41.5 ± 11.2). Skin phototypes were classified according to the Fitzpatrick classification, and back skin color measured using the Minolta colorimeter. We evaluated the lightness (L*), yellowish (b*) value, individual typology angle (ITA°), and minimal erythema dose (MED).ResultsFitzpatrick phototype ratios were similar in Korean (II: 19.9%, III: 78.9%) and Cantonese (II: 27.1%, III: 72.9%). However, the L* (68.47 ± 2.66 vs. 66.44 ± 2.47), ITA° (41.80 ± 5.51 vs. 40.20 ± 5.79), and b* (20.56 ± 1.71 vs. 19.28 ± 1.97) were significantly higher in Korean than in Cantonese. Korean had a significant lower MED than Cantonese (22.33 ± 2.89 vs. 23.38 ± 6.04).ConclusionsSubjective phototype self‐assessment showed similar results in Korean and Cantonese. However, objective skin color parameters differed between the two populations. Koreans, who live at a higher latitude and get relatively little sun exposure, have lighter skin color than the Cantonese and burn easily upon UV exposure.
Potential for acceleration of bone formation after implant surgery by using a dietary supplement: an animal study
Authors: Watanabe T. , Nakada H. , Takahashi T. , Fujita K. , Tanimoto Y. , Sakae T. , Kimoto S. , Kawai Y. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDental implant treatment is an effective modality to restore lost aesthetic and masticatory functions. However, healing after implant surgery takes at least 3–6 months. This prolonged healing period poses several difficulties for individuals with a large edentulous area and decreases their quality of life. Consequently, shortening the healing period and accelerating final prosthesis placement after surgery is very clinically important. Peri‐implant bone formation may be enhanced by systemic approaches, such as the use of osteoporosis supplements, to promote bone metabolism. To confirm whether intake of a supplement developed for osteoporosis, synthetic bone mineral (SBM), was effective in accelerating peri‐implant bone formation as part of the healing process after implantation. Twenty‐four 5‐week‐old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive a standardised diet without (control group, n = 12) or with SBM (n = 12). The rats had implant surgery at 8 weeks of age under general anaesthesia. The main outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD) and pull‐out strength in the implant and femur, which were compared between the groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation using the Mann–Whitney U test. BMD was significantly greater in the SBM group at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. Pull‐out strength was significantly greater in the SBM groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that SBM could be effective in accelerating peri‐implant bone formation during the healing period after implantation.
Melatonin sensitizes human breast cancer cells to ionizing radiation by downregulating proteins involved in double‐strand DNA break repair
Authors: Alonso‐González Carolina , González Alicia , Martínez‐Campa Carlos , Gómez‐Arozamena José , Cos Samuel 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRadiation and adjuvant endocrine therapy are nowadays considered a standard treatment option after surgery in breast cancer. Melatonin exerts oncostatic actions on human breast cancer cells. In the current study, we investigated the effects of a combination of radiotherapy and melatonin on human breast cancer cells. Melatonin (1 mm, 10 μm and 1 nm) significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF‐7 cells. Radiation alone inhibited the MCF‐7 cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment of breast cancer cells with melatonin 1 wk before radiation led to a significantly greater decrease of MCF‐7 cell proliferation compared with radiation alone. Melatonin pretreatment before radiation also decreased G2‐M phase arrest compared with irradiation alone, with a higher percentage of cells in the G0‐G1 phase and a lower percentage of cells in S phase. Radiation alone diminished RAD51 and DNA‐protein kinase (PKcs) mRNA expression, two main proteins involved in double‐strand DNA break repair. Treatment with melatonin for 7 days before radiation led to a significantly greater decrease in RAD51 and DNA−PKcs mRNA expression compared with radiation alone. Our findings suggest that melatonin pretreatment before radiation sensitizes breast cancer cells to the ionizing effects of radiation by decreasing cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and downregulating proteins involved in double‐strand DNA break repair. These findings may have implications for designing clinical trials using melatonin and radiotherapy.
Dyspareunia and Its Comorbidities among Taiwanese Women: Analysis of the 2004–2010 Nationwide Health Insurance Database
Authors: Liu Hsin-Li , Lee Horng-Mo , Chung Yueh-Chin 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Most of the existing studies on dyspareunia only focus on qualitative observations. These measurement tools may not reflect the actual situation of dyspareunia in Taiwan.

Aim
This study aimed to estimate the incidence of dyspareunia in Taiwan and investigate dyspareunia-associated comorbidities using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

Methods
This study is a population-based retrospective cohort investigation.

Main Outcome Measures
We analyzed the 2004–2010 claims data on dyspareunia from the NHIRD. Dyspareunia was identified by outpatient visits using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (diagnosis code 6250). Patients who visited as outpatients with dyspareunia after the index date were considered to have comorbidities associated with dyspareunia medical conditions. The index events included vaginal disorders, vulvar disorders, uterine and ovarian factors, female genital organ and menstrual cycle disorders, menopause, and relative abdominopelvic organ disorders. The incidence of dyspareunia among different age groups was determined. The location and areas significantly related to the physical gynecology or relative pelvic organ causing the disease were also analyzed.

Results
A total of 978 females of different ages had experienced dyspareunia. The incidence of dyspareunia was higher among individuals aged 30–34 years. The findings of this study indicated that dyspareunia was comorbid with menopause, pelvic floor dysfunction, and most gynecological infections. In particular, the more common physical causes of dyspareunia were introitus and vaginal infections (19.95%), menopause (16.80%), female genital organ and menstrual cycle disorders (15.22%), and female pelvic organ infections (13.65%).

Conclusions
This study posits that women of all ages (20–70 years) experience painful sexual intercourse. This large-scale nationwide claims-based study showed that menopause and pelvic infection disorder were dyspareunia-related comorbidities. Moreover, gynecological infections and pelvic floor dysfunctions were associated with dyspareunia.
Role of complement component C4 in treatment response and disease progression in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Chowdhury S. J. , Karra V. K. , Bharali R. , Kar P. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe basis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) evasion of immune system and its response to treatment is still elusive. There have been studies where the level of C4 has been found to be associated with HCV persistence and disease progression. This study aims to find out relationship between levels of C4 in serum, and its functional SNPs with response to treatment. The study included 84 patients with CHC who received treatment and 75 healthy controls. C4 expression, both at mRNA and protein level, was estimated by Real time and ELISA respectively. Its functional SNP's genotyped by AS‐PCR. The mean ± SD baseline C4 levels between the disease and healthy cases was significantly different (1075.74 ± 65.25 vs 1593 ± 24.55 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The mean ± SD baseline C4 levels of CC, GC and GG genotype of rs2857009 in the healthy group were 1540.97 ± 7.87, 1599.53 ± 11.75 and 1604.86 ± 10.79 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001), whereas the levels in the CHC group were 1022.81 ± 32.95, 1058.19 ± 55.02 and 1150.26 ± 14.64 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). CC genotype resulted in decreased C4 mRNA levels compared to GG genotype in healthy group (3.81‐fold) and CHC group (1.4‐fold). The CC genotype of rs2857009 is associated with reduced expression of C4, both at mRNA and protein level. The C4 serum level at baseline and total protein were found to be independent predictors for treatment response. New predictive score using the above factors, a value of ≥0.542 was found to predict positive response to treatment. Increased age, rs2857009 SNP and HCV genotype were associated with disease progression.
Thomas Piketty, the Future of Capitalism and the Theory of Distribution: A Review Essay
Authors: Aspromourgos Tony 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis essay reviews Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty‐First Century. The focus is upon the conceptual framework and theoretical interpretation of the empirical findings assembled in the book, rather than those empirical findings themselves (which are, in any case, broadly incontestable). The core theoretical logic of the distributional dynamics is explained and subjected to scrutiny with respect to the theory of distribution in particular, but also the theory of growth.
Luck as Risk and the Lack of Control Account of Luck
Authors: Broncano‐Berrocal Fernando 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis essay explains the notion of luck in terms of risk. It starts by distinguishing two senses of risk, the risk that an event has of occurring and the risk at which an agent is with respect to an event. It cashes out the former in modal terms (rather than probabilistic) and the latter in terms of lack of control. It then argues that the presence or absence of event‐relative risk marks a distinction between two types of luck or fortune commonly overlooked in ordinary usage of the terms “luck” and “fortune.” After offering a detailed account of the notion of control, the essay advances a new version of the so‐called lack of control account of luck: lucky events are events with respect to which one is at risk and hence events over which one lacks control in the specified way. Finally, it argues that its account steers clear of counterexamples to the lack of control account of luck.
On Crafting Introductory Remarks: Developing a Synthetic Conception of Critical Thinking
Authors: Sorrell Brian 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article argues that philosophy instructors in general, and critical thinking instructors in particular, profit from developing concise preparatory remarks for introductory classes. To this end, it argues for two simple, but effective, introductory descriptions of philosophy: (1) talking about how we do what we do and why we do what we do, and (2) critical thinking applied to writing. Of particular interest with respect to the second formulation is an introductory treatment of the concept of thinking, emphasizing critical thinking as a synthetic as well as analytic activity. The article also includes a suggested application of its thesis, namely, “the index‐card exercise,” in which students engage in philosophical writing from day one of an introductory course, and use the results to structure and write philosophical papers.
Pragmatic Contextualism
Authors: Pynn Geoff 
Published: January 2015

AbstractContextualism in epistemology has traditionally been understood as the view that “know” functions semantically like an indexical term, encoding different contents in contexts with different epistemic standards. But the indexical hypothesis about “know” faces a range of objections. This article explores an alternative version of contextualism on which “know” is a semantically stable term, and the truth‐conditional variability in knowledge claims is a matter of pragmatic enrichment. The central idea is that in contexts with stringent epistemic standards, knowledge claims are narrowed: “know” is used in such contexts to make assertions about particularly demanding types of knowledge. The resulting picture captures all of the intuitive data that motivate contextualism while sidestepping the controversial linguistic thesis at its heart. After developing the view, the article shows in detail how it avoids one influential linguistic objection to traditional contextualism concerning indirect speech reports, and then answers an objection concerning the unavailability of certain types of clarification speeches.
Last but not least: new insights into how FtsN triggers constriction during Escherichia coli cell division
Authors: Weiss David S. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe arrival of FtsN at the division site triggers synthesis of septal peptidoglycan and constriction of the cell envelope. New findings are changing our view of how this happens. Binding of FtsN's cytoplasmic domain to a protein named FtsA recruits a small amount of FtsN to the division site earlier than previously recognized. The ability of FtsA to interact with FtsN is regulated by the ZipA protein. The FtsN–FtsA interaction pushes FtsA into an ‘on’ conformation that activates the machinery for peptidoglycan synthesis. In addition, a small region of FtsN's periplasmic domain appears to interact with the FtsQLB complex, pushing it into an ‘on’ state that also triggers synthesis of peptidoglycan. Thus, FtsN allosterically activates peptidoglycan synthesis by two pathways, one in the cytoplasm and involving FtsA, and the other in the periplasm and involving FtsQLB.
Status, population trend and genetic structure of South American fur seals, Arctocephalus australis, in southwestern Atlantic waters
Authors: Crespo Enrique A. , Schiavini Adrián C. M. , García Néstor A. , Franco‐Trecu Valentina , Goodall R. Natalie P. , Rodríguez Diego , Stenghel Morgante João , de Oliveira Larissa Rosa 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe South American fur seal (SAFS), Arctocephalus australis, was severely depleted during the 18th century. This work updates information on distribution, abundance, seasonal movements, and genetic structure along the southwestern South Atlantic. Its distribution in Argentine waters includes nineteen rookeries on the Patagonian coast, Isla de los Estados, and islets of the Beagle Channel. Censuses were carried out in rookeries from Isla Escondida to Isla de los Estados from 1996 to 2014. The largest concentrations are found in Chubut, (4,500–15,500 seals) and Isla de los Estados (4,500). Pups were recorded on Isla Escondida, Rasa, and Isla de los Estados. An increasing number of SAFS were recorded in northern Patagonia, including seals marked in Uruguay. Skin samples were taken from southern Brazil to Tierra del Fuego in order to evaluate population structure and demographic trends. Genetic results indicated no population subdivisions (Φst = −0.0292, Fst = −0.00716, P > 0.05). Bayesian skyline plots constructed for the entire data set indicated evidence of rapid population expansion discernible in Nef between the last 20,000 and 17,000 yr. Genetics results and observation data from marked fur seals support the hypothesis of ancient gene flow and a single Atlantic population. Therefore, SAFS should be managed under international and integrated conservation policies.
Efficacy of surgical transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative pain relief following abdominal surgery in pediatric patients
Authors: Lapmahapaisan Saowaphak , Tantemsapya Niramol , Aroonpruksakul Naiyana , Maisat Wiriya , Suraseranivongse Suwannee 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundTransversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising effective method for postoperative pain control after major abdominal surgery. Using a landmark technique, it is easily performed, but its popularity has decreased because of less efficacy due to inaccurate injection and the potential for intraperitoneal organ damage. Ultrasound‐guided TAP block provides better results and less complications, but it requires experienced operators. Surgically administered TAP (sTAP) block is a simple technique and may cause less complications. This study was aimed to determine the efficacy of sTAP on postoperative pain control in pediatric patients following a major abdominal surgery, compared with local anesthetic infiltration and no block.MethodsThis stratified, randomized controlled trial was conducted in pediatric patients, below the age of 15 years, who underwent non‐laparoscopic major abdominal surgery. Patients were allocated into three groups. The control group received no block; the LA group received 0.25% bupivacaine for local wound infiltration; and the sTAP group received 0.25% bupivacaine for TAP block performed by a surgeon before abdominal wall closure. Parameter records included the incidence of inadequate pain control, time to first analgesic, opioid requirement within 24 h, and complications of these techniques.ResultsFifty‐four patients were recruited. There was no significant difference in the incidence of inadequate pain control (P = 0.589). The median time to first analgesic was 380 min in the sTAP group compared with 370 and 420 min in the LA and control groups, respectively (95%CI = 193–567, 121–619, and 0–1012; P = 0.632). The median dose of total opioid requirement (calculated as fentanyl‐equivalent dose) was 1.95, 2.05, and 2.04 μg·kg−1·24 h−1 in the sTAP, LA, and control groups, respectively (IQR = 0.65, 2.20; 0.59, 3.32; 0.38, 2.60; P = 0.723). No complications of sTAP block were detected.ConclusionsThere was no significant advantage of the sTAP block over local infiltration or no intervention for postoperative pain control in pediatric patients undergoing non‐laparoscopic major abdominal surgeries.
Low Pain Catastrophization and Disability Predict Successful Outcome to Radiofrequency Neurotomy in Individuals with Chronic Whiplash
Authors: Smith Ashley D. , Jull Gwendolen A. , Schneider Geoffrey M. , Frizzell Bevan , Hooper Robert A. , Sterling Michele M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesPhysical and psychological symptoms of individuals with chronic whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) are modulated by successful treatment with cervical radiofrequency neurotomy (cRFN). However, not all individuals respond to cRFN, and it is unknown which clinical features predict successful response to cRFN.MethodsThis prospective cohort study investigated 53 individuals with chronic WAD (36 female, 17 male; mean age = 44.7 ± 10.9 (SD) years) who underwent cRFN. Predictor variables measured at baseline (prior to RFN) included self‐reported pain (VAS), disability (NDI), post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PDS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), and measures of sensory hypersensitivity (pressure and cold pain thresholds). The outcome measure was perceived Global Rating of Change (where scores ≥ 4 were classified as a successful response) 3 months post‐cRFN.ResultsUnivariate logistic regression demonstrated that lower levels of disability and pain catastrophizing were associated with successful response of cRFN (both P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that low levels of pain catastrophizing and disability remained significant predictors of a successful response to cRFN (both P < 0.05).ConclusionsLow levels of pain catastrophizing and disability independently predicted a successful response to cRFN in patients with chronic WAD.
An exploration of what service users value about early intervention in psychosis services
Authors: Barr Karen , Ormrod John , Dudley Robert 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveGiven the potential severity of developing chronic mental health problems, particular attention has been paid to the first emergence of psychosis. Earlier detection is expected to lead to quicker access to the effective treatment that is necessary during the ‘critical period’ and is one of the main incentives for setting up early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services. EIP services have demonstrated good clinical outcomes since inception, but little is understood yet as to which specific element of EIP leads to these good outcomes. The aim of this research was to conduct an exploratory investigation of the elements that people experiencing a first episode of psychosis find most valuable about EIP treatment.DesignThe study employed a single group design and utilized Q‐methodology.Method20 people with first‐episode psychosis aged between 18 and 35 were recruited and asked what they valued most about EIP.ResultsFour separate factors were identified, which were interpreted and named as ‘therapeutic relationship’, ‘medical care’, ‘psychological interventions’, and ‘support, coping and recovery’. Three of the factors were consistent with a biopsychosocial approach of EIP that is recommended by expert professionals working in EIP services and Government guidance on service delivery.ConclusionsThe factor that accounted for the most variance is ‘therapeutic relationship’, highlighting the importance of non‐specific factors in mental health care and recovery from a first episode of psychosis.Practitioner points

Service users reported that four main components of Early Intervention in Psychosis Services were helpful to them. These included a strong and effective therapeutic relationship, as well as medication, psychological therapies, and practical help and support.

Services are valued both for the quality of the therapeutic relationship but also for their ability to deliver meaningful and valued treatments in this context.