bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 preserves non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease through inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum stress‐associated pathway
Authors: Ao Na , Yang Jing , Wang Xiaochen , Du Jian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) has been increasingly recognized for treating diabetes mellitus, and for its potential to effectively treat non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms of GLP‐1 induction in NAFLD are not completely known. We investigated whether GLP‐1 can protect against NAFLD by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high‐fat diet and treated with a long‐acting GLP‐1 receptor agonist, liraglutide. Biochemical, morphological, genetic and protein expression of ER stress were investigated. In vitro, HepG2 cells were exposed to 0.4 mM palmitate fatty acid and treated with different concentrations of GLP‐1, and ER protein 46 (ERp46) and ER stress pathways were analyzed. Cellular response to ER stress and apoptosis were determined upon transfection with either ERp46 siRNA or a negative control siRNA.ResultsIn vivo, the treatment of GLP‐1 attenuated the hepatic accumulation of lipids, reduced inflammation and improved metabolic parameters. GLP‐1 treatment significantly upregulated the expression of ERp46 and downregulated the ER stress marker. Activation of ER pathways was restrained by GLP‐1. Similar observations were made in vitro. Furthermore, inhibition of ERp46 expression by siRNA‐mediated silencing increased the ER stress response and enhanced cell apoptosis rates. In addition, GLP‐1 could not reduce the levels of ER stress and apoptosis in cells transfected with ERp46 siRNA compared with in negative control transfected cells after palmitate treatment.ConclusionGLP‐1 protected against NAFLD by inactivating the ER stress‐associated apoptosis pathway. In addition, the effect was possibly related to the signaling pathway of ERp46.
Evaluation of serum zinc level in patients with newly diagnosed and resistant alopecia areata
Authors: Abdel Fattah Nermeen S. A. , Atef Mona M. , Al‐Qaradaghi Suzan M. Q. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is a non‐scarring, autoimmune, inflammatory hair loss disease. Zinc is a trace element involved in important functional activities of hair follicles.PurposeTo evaluate serum zinc levels in patients with newly diagnosed and resistant lesions of AA in comparison to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls.MethodsThe present study included 100 subjects: 50 patients with AA divided into two equally distributed subgroups (25 patients with recent onset AA [subgroup 1] and 25 patients with resistant AA [subgroup 2]) and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Serum zinc levels were assessed in all subjects. Comparison of mean serum zinc levels was done between all patients and controls, between patients' subgroups as well as between patient's subgroup and controls. Correlations between serum zinc level and extent of AA and its duration were also done in all patients and each patient's subgroup.ResultsA significantly lower serum zinc level was found in patients with AA compared with controls and was significantly lower in patients with resistant AA compared to patients with newly diagnosed AA. Significant inverse correlations existed between serum zinc level, severity of AA, and disease duration in all patients as well as in patients with resistant AA.ConclusionLower serum zinc level existed in patients with AA and correlated inversely with disease duration, severity of AA, and its resistance to therapies. Therefore, assessment of serum zinc level in patients with AA appears useful as a marker of severity, disease duration, and resistance to therapies. Accordingly, zinc supplements may provide a therapeutic benefit.
Biologics in dermatology: adverse effects
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Pandhi Deepika , Khurana Ananta 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBiologics are a group of drugs that precisely affect certain specific steps in the immune response and are an extremely useful group when used in an appropriate setting. However, their use can often be a double‐edged sword. Careful patient selection and thorough knowledge of adverse effects is a key to their successful use in various disorders. The initial enthusiasm has gradually given way to a more cautious approach wherein a balance is sought between clinical usefulness and expected side effects. The adverse effects of the biologics most commonly used in dermatology have been carefully listed for ready reference. The plausible causes of the adverse reactions are succinctly outlined along with their incriminating factor(s). Besides, in brief, the attention has been focused on their management. The content should provide an essential didactic content for educating the practitioner.
Skin disorders in elderly subjects
Authors: Reszke Radomir , Pełka Dorota , Walasek Angela , Machaj Zbigniew , Reich Adam 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundSkin problems in the elderly population have rarely been the subject of scientific research.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to determine the prevalences of the most common dermatological conditions in elderly subjects and to investigate their associations with systemic diseases.MethodsThe study involved a group of 198 consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who were admitted to the Departments of Dermatology and Geriatrics at the study institution. All participants were thoroughly evaluated in a clinical interview and physical examination in which special emphasis was placed on dermatological issues.ResultsAll subjects presented at least one dermatological condition. A significant correlation was found between the number of systemic diseases and the number of different skin lesions observed. The most common skin disorders included solar lentigines, senile angiomas, xerosis, seborrheic warts, varicose veins, edema of the lower legs, and pruritus. Patients aged ≥75 years demonstrated solar lentigines, edema of the lower legs, clavi, solar keratoses, and onychomycosis significantly more often, whereas patients aged <75 years suffered more frequently from psoriasis. Diabetes was associated with the development of onychomycosis; hypercholesterolemia promoted the incidence of xanthomas and drug‐induced skin reactions; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with senile purpura; and hypothyroidism favored the occurrence of varicose veins in the lower legs and telogen effluvium.ConclusionsSkin disorders are common in elderly people. Systemic diseases promote the development of dermatological conditions. A comprehensive approach to health problems in elderly subjects requires knowledge of dermatology.
Clinical and serological efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in oral lichen planus: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vohra Suruchi , Singal Archana , Sharma Suman Bala 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOral lichen planus (OLP) is a T‐cell‐mediated disease characterized by immune‐mediated basal cell degeneration releasing interleukins (ILs) such as IL‐6 and IL‐8 into the circulation. Their serum levels reportedly reflect disease activity. Although many therapeutic options are available, none are curative. We compared the efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and pimecrolimus 1% cream in OLP and correlated with serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels before and after treatment. Forty patients with symptomatic OLP were randomized into two groups, to receive either topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or pimecrolimus 1% cream (twice daily for 8 weeks). Patients were assessed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At each visit, objective improvement in the net clinical score (NCS), drug tolerability, and side effects were evaluated. Serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were measured at baseline and at eight weeks. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The mean NCS declined from 10.9 ± 4.5 and 9.9 ± 4.6 at baseline to 5.4 ± 3.5 and 5.3 ± 4.2 at 12 weeks for tacrolimus and pimecrolimus group, respectively. At each visit, in both groups, the decline in mean NCS from baseline was statistically significant (P < 0.05) and so was the decline in mean serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels pre‐ and post‐treatment. Pimecrolimus 1% cream seems to be as effective as tacrolimus 0.1% ointment. Serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 may act as markers of disease activity. However, future efforts are needed to objectify the use of serum interleukin levels in the disease severity index.
The diagnostic value of ultrasonography with 5–15‐MHz probes in benign subcutaneous lesions
Authors: Hwang Eun Jung , Yoon Hyun‐Sun , Cho Soyun , Park Hyun Sun 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundUltrasonography (US) has recently proved to be useful in diagnostic dermatology. It is convenient to use, completely safe, and provides valuable information.ObjectiveThis study was performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of US with that of clinical diagnosis in patients with benign subcutaneous lesions.MethodsWe retrospectively examined data for 100 patients with benign subcutaneous lesions who were diagnosed with US and either biopsy or surgery at Seoul National University Boramae Hospital between January 2010 and May 2013.ResultsUltrasonography significantly increased the diagnostic yield of benign subcuta‐neous lesions (after physical examination [PE], 52.0%; after US, 82.0%; P < 0.005). Rates of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of lipoma were 61.5 and 92.0%, respectively, after PE, and 100 and 100%, respectively, after US. Rates of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of epidermal cysts were 69.4 and 78.4%, respectively, after PE, and 91.8 and 92.2%, respectively, after US. Additionally, rates of sensitivity and specificity for pilomatrixoma were 12.5 and 98.9%, respectively, after PE, and 75.0 and 100%, respectively, after US. Although the accuracy of diagnosis of vascular anomalies and nerve sheath tumors was increased after US, the difference was not significant (vascular anomalies: 40.0% after PE and 80.0% after US; nerve sheath tumors: 28.6% after PE and 42.9% after US).ConclusionsThis study suggests that US is a simple and reliable tool that can aid the diagnosis of benign subcutaneous lesions.
An open‐label, single‐arm trial of the safety and efficacy of a novel preparation of glutathione as a skin‐lightening agent in Filipino women
Authors: Handog Evangeline B. , Datuin Maria Suzanne L. , Singzon Ivan A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundGlutathione (GSH) is a naturally occurring thiol that has been reported to cause skin lightening in a manner for which several mechanisms have been proposed. Highest plasma concentrations are achieved with IV administration but are accompanied by greater levels of risk. Oral administration has been less successful in elevating plasma GSH levels.ObjectivesThe use of a lozenge containing GSH was investigated in order to evaluate the buccal mucosa as a route for GSH administration. Substances that are absorbed through the buccal route go directly into the systemic circulation, effectively bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.MethodsThirty Filipino females with Fitzpatrick skin types IV or V received a glutathione‐containing lozenge daily for eight weeks.ResultsFindings showed a significant decrease in melanin indices from baseline to endpoint that became evident in as little as two weeks. There were no serious adverse events, and laboratory examination findings remained normal.ConclusionsThe authors conclude that the lozenge containing glutathione was safe and effective in lightening the skin of Filipino women.
Dorsal versus ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for long‐segment bulbar urethral stricture: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Vasudeva Pawan , Nanda Biswajit , Kumar Anup , Kumar Niraj , Singh Harbinder , Kumar Rohit 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo compare safety and efficacy of ventral versus dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in patients with long‐segment incomplete bulbar urethral stricture.MethodsThis was a single center, prospective, randomized trial. Patients with long‐segment (>2 cm) incomplete bulbar urethral stricture and meeting eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. They were randomized into two study groups: group A undergoing dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty and group B undergoing ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty. The two groups were compared statistically with regard to International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum flow rate, intraoperative parameters and complications.ResultsA total of 80 eligible patients were randomized into two equal groups of 40 patients each. The preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum flow rate and intraoperative parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. At 12‐month follow up, the mean International Prostate Symptom Score showed 324.95% and 353.59% improvement, whereas the mean maximum flow rate showed 208.43% and 201.93% improvement in group A and B, respectively. There was no significant difference between International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum flow rate data between the two groups at 3‐ and 12‐month follow up. The success rate of surgery was similar between group A and B (92.5% vs 90%) with no significant difference noted between them.ConclusionDorsal and ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty have comparable efficacy and complication rates for treatment of long‐segment incomplete bulbar urethral strictures.
Challenges, benefits, and factors to enhance recruitment and inclusion of children in pediatric dental research
Authors: Weintraub Jane A. , Breland Carol E. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundHistorically, children have been excluded from clinical research. Many drugs and procedures have not been tested on children. The International Conference on Harmonization and the Food and Drug Administration guidance now stress that children should be included in research unless there is a reason for exclusion. Compared to adults, recruitment of children at different life stages requires different considerations.ObjectiveTo review published studies and gray literature to identify pediatric recruitment strategies and develop recommendations.ResultsThere is limited clinical research literature available to recommend recruitment strategies and methods for pediatric trials. Formal guidelines for reporting recruitment activities in publications are scant. Recommendations are made based on current practices regarding protocol design, obtaining consent and engaging child, parent and caregiver in research.ConclusionsA scientific approach is needed to determine the best design for recruitment of pediatric clinical studies. Investigators should report and publish recruitment and retention strategies that facilitate this important aspect of the research process to increase transparency, efficiency, and identification of the most effective methods for dental researchers.
An investigation of accessory canals in primary molars – an analytical study
Authors: Sharma Urvashi , Gulati Anubha , Gill Namrata 
Published: July 2015

AimTo evaluate the number, anatomical morphology and patency of accessory canals in the furcation of carious primary molar teeth and to ascertain whether these anatomic variations contribute to endodontic infection.DesignThe accessory canals were observed under radiovisiography or RVG (Phase 1), scanning electron microscopy or SEM (Phase 2) and light microscopy (Phase 3).ResultsThe prevalence of accessory canals was 34.3% with a mean ± SD of 0.73 ± 0.980 in Phase 1, 73.3% with a mean ± SD of 3.07 ± 3.151 in Phase 2 and 64.3% with a mean ± SD of 1.68 ± 2.405 in Phase 3. The results observed were Phase 1 vs Phase 2<0.001 (highly significant), Phase 1 vs Phase 3 0.110 (ns) and Phase 2 vs Phase 3<0.001 (highly significant) employing Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The canals were predominantly oval in shape and ranged from 1 μ to 225 μ in diameter. Only 7% canals were observed to be patent.ConclusionsAccessory canals may not be the primary cause of transmission of infection in the inter‐radicular area of primary molars. Other factors enhancing permeability of the pulpal floor may be of more significance and need evaluation on a larger scale.
Children and parents' experiences of cognitive behavioral therapy for dental anxiety – a qualitative study
Authors: Shahnavaz Shervin , Rutley Sara , Larsson Karin , Dahllöf Göran 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of dental anxiety in children and adolescents. Cognitive behavioral therapy is emerging as a treatment option.AimThe purpose of this study is to explore how children with dental anxiety and their parents experience cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in dentistry.DesignWe interviewed 12 children and one of their parents and conducted a thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews.ResultsPerspective shift emerged as overarching theme in our thematic analysis. This theme consisted of three main themes, which were mastery, safety, and reduced fear. Six subthemes were also identified according to our analyses. Mastery includes two subthemes, gradual exposure and autonomy and control. Subthemes and sources for safety feeling were therapeutic alliance and changed appraisal. The theme reduced fear also consisted of two subthemes; reduced anticipatory anxiety and coping.ConclusionsThe results show that parents and children had positive experiences of CBT and its outcome and were able to benefit from this psychological treatment when dealing with dental anxiety.
Impact of oral health problems on the quality of life of preschool children: a case–control study
Authors: Firmino Ramon Targino , Gomes Monalisa Cesarino , Clementino Marayza Alves , Martins Carolina Castro , Paiva Saul Martins , Granville‐Garcia Ana Flávia 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThere is a need for investigations into the impact of oral problems on OHRQoL with study designs that offer greater strength of evidence.AimTo evaluate the impact of dental caries and traumatic dental injury (TDI) on the OHRQoL of Brazilian preschool children.DesignA population‐based, matched, case–control study was conducted involving 415 children aged 3–5 years enrolled at public and private preschools. The case group (impact on OHRQoL) and control group (no impact on OHRQoL) were matched for age, sex, and monthly household income at a 1 : 4 ratio (83 cases and 332 controls). Impact on OHRQoL was assessed using the B‐ECOHIS. Dental caries and TDI were determined through clinical oral examinations. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and conditional logistic regression analysis (P ≤ 0.05; 95% CI).ResultsThe most frequent responses on the B‐ECOHIS were ‘felt pain’ (79.7%) and ‘difficulty in eating’ (35.0%). The following variables were significantly associated with impact on OHRQoL: caries severity (OR = 12.58; 95% CI: 5.31–29.79) and TDI (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.23–3.62).ConclusionsCaries severity and TDI impacted the OHRQoL of preschool children.
Analysis of traction‐free assumption in high‐resolution EBSD measurements
Authors: HARDIN T.J. , RUGGLES T.J. , KOCH D.P. , NIEZGODA S.R. , FULLWOOD D.T. , HOMER E.R. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe effects of using a traction‐free (plane‐stress) assumption to obtain the full distortion tensor from high‐resolution EBSD measurements are analyzed. Equations are derived which bound the traction‐free error arising from angular misorientation of the sample surface; the error in recovered distortion is shown to be quadratic with respect to that misorientation, and the maximum ‘safe’ angular misorientation is shown to be 2.7 degrees. The effects of localized stress fields on the traction‐free assumption are then examined by a numerical case study, which uses the Boussinesq formalism to model stress fields near a free surface. Except in cases where localized stress field sources occur very close to sample points, the traction‐free assumption appears to be admirably robust.
Riluzole rescues glutamate alterations, cognitive deficits, and tau pathology associated with P301L tau expression
Authors: Hunsberger Holly C. , Weitzner Daniel S. , Rudy Carolyn C. , Hickman James E. , Libell Eric M. , Speer Rebecca R. , Gerhardt Greg A. , Reed Miranda N. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHyperexcitability of the hippocampus is a commonly observed phenomenon in the years preceding a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous work suggests a dysregulation in glutamate neurotransmission may mediate this hyperexcitability, and glutamate dysregulation correlates with cognitive deficits in the rTg(TauP301L)4510 mouse model of AD. To determine whether improving glutamate regulation would attenuate cognitive deficits and AD‐related pathology, TauP301L mice were treated with riluzole (~ 12.5 mg/kg/day p.o.), an FDA‐approved drug for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that lowers extracellular glutamate levels. Riluzole‐treated TauP301L mice exhibited improved performance in the water radial arm maze and the Morris water maze, associated with a decrease in glutamate release and an increase in glutamate uptake in the dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis 3 (CA3), and cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) regions of the hippocampus. Riluzole also attenuated the TauP301L‐mediated increase in hippocampal vesicular glutamate transporter 1, which packages glutamate into vesicles and influences glutamate release; and the TauP301L‐mediated decrease in hippocampal glutamate transporter 1, the major transporter responsible for removing glutamate from the extracellular space. The TauP301L‐mediated reduction in PSD‐95 expression, a marker of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus, was also rescued by riluzole. Riluzole treatment reduced total levels of tau, as well as the pathological phosphorylation and conformational changes in tau associated with the P301L mutation. These findings open new opportunities for the development of clinically applicable therapeutic approaches to regulate glutamate in vulnerable circuits for those at risk for the development of AD.
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TauP301L mice exhibit increased glutamate release and decreased glutamate clearance, leading to increased extracellular glutamate and excitotoxicity. Riluzole treatment reduced glutamate release and increased glutamate clearance. Improved glutamate regulation was associated with improvements in learning and memory, an increase in PSD95 expression, and a decrease in tau pathology in riluzole‐treated TauP301L mice.