bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence‐based training as primary prevention of hand eczema in a population of hospital cleaning workers
Authors: Clemmensen Kim K. B. , Randbøll Ingelise , Ryborg Malene F. , Ebbehøj Niels E. , Agner Tove 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundSkin disorders accounted for one third of all recognised occupational diseases in Denmark in 2010. Wet work is a risk factor for the development of occupational hand eczema. The consequences of occupational hand eczema include sick leave, loss of job and impaired quality of life.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to investigate exposures related to cleaning and the effect of an evidence‐based educational intervention on the prevention of hand eczema among hospital cleaners.Patients/Materials/MethodsThe intervention consisted of a 1 hr course in hand protective behaviour. All full‐time cleaners working at Bispebjerg Hospital in January 2013 were invited to participate. The outcome measures were self‐reported skin behaviour, exposures, knowledge of skin protection and hand eczema severity index (HECSI).ResultsOne hundred and five cleaners were invited to participate, of these 86 (82%) were included. At follow‐up after 3 months there was a shift towards fewer daily hand washings and hand disinfections (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively). The number of correct answers to the knowledge questions rose from 6.3 to 7.3 (p = 0.006). The mean HECSI score decreased from 2.8 to 1.8 at follow‐up (p = 0.002).ConclusionsData indicates a positive effect of a low‐cost on‐site educational intervention for hospital cleaners.
Combining natal range distributions and phylogeny to resolve biogeographic uncertainties in balloon vines (Cardiospermum, Sapindaceae)
Authors: Gildenhuys Enelge , Ellis Allan G. , Carroll Scott P. , Le Roux Johannes J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimA key aspect of effective invasive plant management is a clear understanding of natal ranges. In the balloon vine genus, Cardiospermum, uncertain native biogeographic ranges are hampering ongoing biological control efforts against invasive taxa in southern Africa. With the objective of minimizing non‐target impacts, which are a major concern for conservation, we combine phylogenetic analyses with known native range distributions of selected Cardiospermum species to resolve unknown natal ranges for globally widespread balloon vines which occur in southern Africa.LocationArgentina, Australia, Brazil, Fiji, Hawaii, Mayotte, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tahiti and Uganda.MethodsPhylogenetic relationships and dispersal histories of known invasive and native populations of Cardiospermum species (C. corindum, C. grandiflorum, C. halicacabum and C. pechuelii) were inferred from network and phylogeny reconstructions for two plastid genes (rpl32 and trnL‐F) to closely investigate relationships within and among balloon vine species. The timing of putative transoceanic dispersal events was determined from a dated nDNA (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) phylogeny using a relaxed molecular clock and a previously identified root age for the group.ResultsBoth phylogenies (cpDNA and nDNA) and the haplotype network (cpDNA only) indicated no clear genetic structure for Cardiospermum halicacabum world‐wide, that is incongruence between geography and evolutionary relatedness. Similarly, we found no global geographic structure in C. grandiflorum, with the exception of Hawaiian and Ugandan accessions which formed a distinct monophyletic clade. In contrast, deep divergence was identified for C. corindum between southern Africa and native South American populations, both within the haplotype network and phylogenetic trees (dated at 5.9–15.1 Ma). More surprising, however, was the observed close phylogenetic relationship between the true African balloon vine species, C. pechuelii and African C. corindum, with the former rendering C. corindum paraphyletic, supporting the native status of the latter in southern Africa.Main conclusionsWe conclude that C. halicacabum is likely non‐native in southern Africa, while both C. corindum and C. pechuelii are native to southern Africa. We confirm the invasive status of C. grandiflorum in southern Africa and Australia but suggest that its status (native or invasive) be reviewed in other regions outside South America. We recommend that already‐identified biological control agents with potential non‐target impacts on C. corindum and C. pechuelii not be released against invasive Cardiospermum taxa in southern Africa and careful monitoring of such impacts for agents that have already been released prior to this study.
Restoration of the insulinotropic effect of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide contributes to the antidiabetic effect of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors
Authors: Aaboe K. , Akram S. , Deacon C. F. , Holst J. J. , Madsbad S. , Krarup T. 
Published: September 2014

AimsTo examine whether 12 weeks of treatment with a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, sitagliptin, influences the insulin secretion induced by glucose, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) during a hyperglycaemic clamp in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted over 12 weeks, during which 25 patients with T2DM completed treatment with either sitagliptin (100 mg once daily) or placebo as add‐on therapy to metformin [sitagliptin group (n = 12): mean ± standard error of the mean (s.e.m.) age 54 ± 2.5 years, mean ± s.e.m. HbA1c 7.8 ± 0.2%; placebo group (n = 13): mean ± s.e.m. age: 57 ± 3.0 years, mean ± s.e.m. HbA1c 7.9 ± 0.2 %]. In weeks 1 and 12, the patients underwent three 2‐h 15‐mM hyperglycaemic clamp experiments with infusion of either saline, GLP‐1 or GIP. β‐cell function was evaluated according to first‐phase, second‐phase, incremental and total insulin and C‐peptide responses.ResultsIn the sitagliptin group, the mean HbA1c concentration was significantly reduced by 0.9% (p = 0.01). The total β‐cell response during GIP infusion improved signficantly from week 1 to week 12, both within the sitagliptin group (p = 0.004) and when compared with the placebo group (p = 0.04). The total β‐cell response during GLP‐1 infusion was significantly higher (p = 0.001) when compared with saline and GIP infusion, but with no improvement from week 1 to week 12. No significant changes in β‐cell function occurred in the placebo group.ConclusionsTreatment with the DPP‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin over 12 weeks in patients with T2DM partially restored the lost insulinotropic effect of GIP, whereas the preserved insulinotropic effect of GLP‐1 was not further improved. A gradual enhancement of the insulinotropic effect of GIP, therefore, possibly contributes to the antidiabetic actions of DPP‐4 inhibitors.
Effect of storage temperature on the viability of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Chen Fubo , Qi Shengcai , Lu Liyan , Xu Yuanzhi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe viability of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) can affect the long‐term prognosis of replanted avulsed teeth. When immediate replantation of an avulsed tooth is not possible, the cells should be incubated in a physiological storage medium instantly to maintain their biological activity. The ability of different storage media to preserve PDLF viability has been previously evaluated. However, few studies have showed the effect of temperature on the viability of PDLF cultured with various storage media in vitro.Material and MethodsThis study was designed to measure PDLF activity by CCK‐8 assay to compare the effectiveness at 4, 22 (room temperature), and 37°C under various storage media.ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated that tap water, saline, and saliva decreased cell viability as the storage temperature increased. But the temperature played only a minor role on cell viability when cells were incubated in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Dubelco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), or milk.ConclusionsWithin the parameters of this study, it seems that room temperature is adequate for storing the avulsed teeth in HBSS, DMEM, or milk in the extra‐alveolar period.
Comparison of umbilical cord blood allogeneic stem cell transplantation vs. auto‐SCT for adult acute myeloid leukemia patients in second complete remission at transplant: a retrospective study on behalf of the SFGM‐TC
Authors: Chevallier Patrice , Labopin Myriam , Socie Gerard , Rubio Marie‐There , Blaise Didier , Vigouroux Stephane , Huynh Anne , Michallet Mauricette , Bay Jacques‐Olivier , Maury Sébastien , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Fegueux Nathalie , Deconinck Eric , Contentin Nathalie , Maillard Natacha , Bulabois Claude‐Eric , Francois Sylvie , Oumedaly Reman , Raus Nicole , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis retrospective study considered the outcomes of 181 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transplanted in second complete remission (CR2) between January 2005 and April 2012 and who received either a myeloablative autologous stem cell transplant (Auto‐SCT; n = 82; median age: 48 years; median follow‐up: 45 months) or an umbilical cord blood (UCB) allogeneic SCT (n = 99, median age: 46 years; median follow‐up: 36 months; conditioning regimens: myeloablative n = 21, reduced n = 78; single unit n = 37, double units n = 62). Although the Auto group showed a significant better prognostic profile at transplant, with longer median interval between diagnosis and time of graft, higher incidence of good‐risk cytogenetics and lower number of previously transplanted patients, 3‐year OS and LFS were similar between both groups (Auto: 59 ± 6% vs. 50 ± 6%, P = 0.45; and 57 ± 6% vs. 46 ± 6%, P = 0.37). In multivariate analysis, UCB allo‐SCT was associated with lower relapse incidence (HR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11–0.82, P = 0.02), but higher non‐relapse mortality (NRM) (HR: 4.16; 95% CI: 1.46–11.9, P = 0.008). Results from this large study suggest that UCB allo‐SCT provides better disease control than auto‐SCT, which is especially important in the setting of high‐risk disease. However, this disease control advantage is counterbalanced by higher toxicity, highlighting the need for novel approaches aiming to decrease NRM after UCB allo‐SCT.
Risk factors for health‐related quality of life in children with epilepsy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ferro Mark A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe aims of this study were to conduct a meta‐analysis of risk factors for health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in children with epilepsy; interpret the results in terms of study quality; and, assess the nature and source of heterogeneity of estimates.MethodsDatabases were searched for studies that examined HRQL in pediatric epilepsy. The inclusion criteria were original studies published in English from 1994 through to the end of January 2014; children ≤18 years of age with epilepsy; included a parent‐ or self‐reported measure of HRQL; and, data were presented such that the calculation of a correlation coefficient was possible. Study quality was measured using a modified Quality Index.ResultsA total of 12 risk factors from 21 studies were analyzed. The mean Quality Index score was 10.4 (standard deviation [SD] 1.9). Correlations between risk factors and HRQL had a minimum of r = −0.03 and a maximum of r = −0.44. Child sex, age, and age at onset were not significantly associated with HRQL. Duration of epilepsy, seizure type, frequency, and severity, number of antiepileptic drugs, side effects of antiepileptic drugs, presence of a comorbidity, parental anxiety, and family socioeconomic status were significantly associated with HRQL. Informant (child vs. parent), year of publication, and study quality were found to be sources of heterogeneity for certain risk factors.SignificanceResults demonstrated that a variety of clinical and family factors are associated with HRQL in children with epilepsy and have implications for research and practice. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to identify predictors of HRQL that are amenable to intervention and should evaluate whether changes in these predictors result in more favorable HRQL in children with epilepsy.
Pathophysiology and clinical features of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
Authors: McFarlane D. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryOur understanding of the development and progression of equine pituitary pars intermedia (PI) dysfunction has expanded over the last decade, although much remains to be explained. Degeneration of the hypothalamic periventricular dopaminergic neurons results in disinhibition of the endocrine cells of the PI, the melanotropes. As a result, the PI enlarges, compressing the adjacent lobes, the pars distalis and pars nervosa. The disinhibited melanotropes overproduce pro‐opiomelanocortin peptides, including α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone, β‐endorphin, corticotrophin‐like intermediate lobe peptide and adrenocorticotropin. The excess in PI hormones, perhaps in concert with a deficiency in other pituitary hormones, results in clinical signs of pituitary PI dysfunction. Evidence suggests both oxidative stress and accumulation of misfolded neuronal proteins contribute to damage to the periventricular neurons, although it is not clear if these pathologies actually initiate the disease or are downstream events.
The impact of different equine influenza vaccine products and other factors on equine influenza antibody levels in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Ryan M. , Gildea S. , Walsh C. , Cullinane A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyMore knowledge of equine influenza (EI) vaccine usage in training yards and the factors that influence serological response to vaccination are required to determine evidence‐based vaccination strategies.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to ascertain the vaccination history of a population of Thoroughbred racehorses and identify factors that impacted on their antibody titres against EI.Study designObservational field study.MethodsThe study population consisted of 102 vaccinated Thoroughbred horses in training on a single premises. The vaccination histories recorded in their official passports were analysed. Blood samples for serological testing were collected by the veterinary surgeon one month after booster vaccination with ProteqFlu‐Te. Antibodies against EI were measured by single radial haemolysis (SRH). Multivariate statistical analysis was undertaken to determine the predictors of SRH antibody titres.ResultsThere was a strong correlation between age and number of vaccine doses received. Over 70% of horses received their first vaccine dose between ages 6 and 12 months. On average, horses had received 6 vaccine doses and the mean interval between booster vaccinations was 7.7 months. The majority of horses (95%) received more than one influenza vaccine product while 32% had received 3 vaccine products. Significantly higher antibody levels were observed in females than males and there was a significant association between the number of vaccine products administered and antibody levels. In contrast, a negative association between number of vaccine doses and SRH antibody level was demonstrated.ConclusionsImportant predictors of EI antibody titres in racehorses were sex, number of vaccine doses received and number of different vaccine products administered.
Ultraviolet irradiation represses TGF‐β type II receptor transcription through a 38‐bp sequence in the proximal promoter in human skin fibroblasts
Authors: He Tianyuan , Quan Taihao , Fisher Gary J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a major regulator of collagen gene expression in human skin fibroblasts. Cellular responses to TGF‐β are mediated primarily through its cell surface type I (TβRI) and type II (TβRII) receptors. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation impairs TGF‐β signalling largely due to reduced TβRII gene expression, thereby decreasing type I procollagen synthesis, in human skin fibroblasts. UV irradiation does not alter either TβRII mRNA or protein stability, indicating that UV reduction in TβRII expression likely results from transcriptional or translational repression. To understand how UV irradiation regulates TβRII transcription, we used a series of TβRII promoter‐luciferase 5′‐deletion constructs (covering 2 kb of the TβRII proximal promoter) to determine transcriptional rate in response to UV irradiation. We identified a 137‐bp region upstream of the transcriptional start site that exhibited high promoter activity and was repressed 60% by UV irradiation, whereas all other TβRII promoter reporter constructs exhibited either low promoter activities or no regulation by UV irradiation. Mutation of potential transcription factor binding sites within the promoter region revealed that an inverted CCAAT box (−81 bp from transcription start site) is required for promoter activity. Mutation of the CCAAT box completely abolished UV irradiation regulation of the TβRII promoter. Protein‐binding assay, as determined by electrophoretic mobility‐shift assays (EMSAs) using the inverted CCAAT box as probe (−100/−62), demonstrated significantly enhanced protein binding in response to UV irradiation. Super shift experiments indicated that nuclear factor Y (NFY) is able to binding to this sequence, but NFY binding was not altered in response to UV irradiation, indicating additional protein(s) are capable of binding this sequence in response to UV irradiation. Taken together, these data indicate that UV irradiation reduces TβRII expression, at least partially, through transcriptional repression. This repression is mediated by a 38‐bp sequence in TβRII promoter, in human skin fibroblasts.
The possible involvement of skin dryness on alterations of the dermal matrix
Authors: Yokota Mariko , Shimizu Kenji , Kyotani Daiki , Yahagi Shoichi , Hashimoto Satoru , Masaki Hitoshi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMoisturization of the skin plays an important role in maintaining skin homeostasis. Although it is understood that skin dryness initiates the formation of fine wrinkles, there are few objective reports to support that understanding. The purpose of this study was to establish an in vitro dry epidermal model using reconstructed human epidermal equivalents (RHEEs) and to elucidate the relationship between skin dryness and alterations of the dermal matrix which is one of the causes for the formation of wrinkles. An in vitro dry epidermal model was prepared by loading a CaCl2‐filled ampoule on the surface of an RHEE. To evaluate whether the in vitro model reproduced the characteristics of in vivo skin dryness, histological studies and biological assays using a protein array were carried out. Histologically, a distinct fluorescence which originated from carbonylated protein was observed in the stratum corneum. In addition, conditioned medium from RHEEs cultured under dry conditions for 24 h revealed the secretion of several proteins, such as IL‐1α, IL‐1ra, IL‐8, MMP‐9, VEGF, M‐CSF and IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐3, galectin‐1, Cys‐C, FGF‐6, OPG, Glc and TSP4 compared with normal RHEEs. It has been reported that an increase in IL‐1α and the accumulation of carbonylated proteins are observed in the intact stratum corneum in the low humidity winter season. Thus, the in vitro dry epidermal model expresses the features of in vivo skin dryness observed in the winter season. Furthermore, the conditioned medium from RHEEs cultured under dry conditions enhanced MMP‐1 secretion by normal human dermal fibroblasts. Taken together, we propose the hypothesis that skin dryness contributes to alterations of the dermal matrix through the elevation of MMP‐1 secretion.
Orange peel extract, containing high levels of polymethoxyflavonoid, suppressed UVB‐induced COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production in HaCaT cells through PPAR‐γ activation
Authors: Yoshizaki Norihiro , Fujii Takahiro , Masaki Hitoshi , Okubo Takeshi , Shimada Kunio , Hashizume Ron 
Published: September 2014

AbstractUltraviolet light (UV) induces an inflammatory response in the skin by cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 expression and prostaglandin (PG) E2 production. Citrus peel has been used as a natural medicine. It contains polymethoxyflavonoids (PMFs) as a major ingredient, which have anti‐inflammatory activity. We obtained orange peel extract containing high levels of PMFs. The extract suppressed UVB‐induced COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, it was found that this extract acted as a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ agonist. The suppression of UVB‐induced COX‐2 expression by this extract was inhibited by GW 9662 and T0070907, which are both PPAR‐γ antagonists. It is therefore suggested that orange peel extract, containing high levels of PMFs, suppresses UVB‐induced COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production through PPAR‐γ. Hence, these extracts could provide useful protection against or alleviation of UV damage.
Anti‐photoaging capability of antioxidant extract from Camellia japonica leaf
Authors: Mizutani Taeko , Masaki Hitoshi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIt is well known that the Camellia japonica leaf exhibits antioxidant activity because of its high content of polyphenolic compounds. Thus, the extract prepared from mature leaves of C. japonica (CJML) has been widely used as an anti‐ageing material in foods and cosmetics. Concerning the process of growing C. japonica, it is expected that the extract from green leaves (CJGL) has superior effects compared with that from mature leaves. However, there are few reports that discuss the difference between green and mature leaves. In this study, both CJML and CJGL were extracted with 50% 1,3‐butylene glycol (1,3‐BG) and used for investigations. In a chemical examination, we compared both extracts in terms of scavenging activities against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals. CJGL exhibited higher scavenging activities against both types of ROSs compared with CJML. In addition, CJGL reduced the carbonylation of tape‐stripped stratum corneum (SC) after UVB irradiation. In a biological study, the intra‐cellular ROS level of HaCaT keratinocytes precultured with CJGL for 24 h was significantly lower than that of the control cells. Furthermore, cell damage induced by H2O2 exposure was attenuated by 24 h precultivation with CJGL but not by 2 h precultivation. The results of examinations indicate that CJGL possess properties that reduce oxidative stress. In addition, the result of 2 h precultivation with CJGL suggests that CJGL might affect the status of intra‐cellular antioxidants.