bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LC‐MS/MS‐based method for long‐term steroid profiling in human scalp hair
Authors: Noppe Gerard , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Dorst Kristien , van den Akker Erica L. T. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundLiquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is the method of choice for quantification of steroids. Human scalp hair provides the possibility to measure long‐term retrospective steroid concentrations, which is especially useful for steroids with large time‐dependent fluctuations in concentration, such as the glucocorticoid cortisol.AimWe set up and validated a LC‐MS/MS‐based method for long‐term steroid profiling, quantifying cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and 17‐α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP).MethodHair locks were cut from the posterior vertex of healthy male and female volunteers and washed in isopropanol. Steroids were extracted using methanol, and extract was cleaned up by solid‐phase extraction and measured on a Waters XEVO‐TQ‐S LC‐MS/MS. Lower limit of quantification, precision, matrix interference and intra‐individual variation were determined.ResultsThe functional sensitivity of our steroid analysis was <1·3, <9·3, 2·3, <1·3, <15·9, 1·87 pg/mg hair for cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), and 17OHP, respectively. Measured over a 9‐month period, the inter‐run CVs were below 16% for all steroids. Intra‐individual coefficients of variation were below 15% for all steroids, except 17OHP (19·7%).ConclusionThe authors present a LC‐MS/MS‐based method for long‐term steroid profiling in human scalp hair, potentially providing novel insights by a multitude of clinical and research applications in the field of endocrinology.
Psychological aspects of hyperandrogenic states in late adolescent and young women
Authors: Guidi Jenny , Gambineri Alessandra , Zanotti Laura , Fanelli Flaminia , Fava Giovanni A. , Pasquali Renato 
Published: March 2015

SummaryObjectiveThe psychosocial implications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes have been investigated in different patient populations, but little attention was paid to adolescent and young women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychosocial correlates of PCOS and other hyperandrogenic states in a population of late adolescent and young females and to provide a psychological characterization of specific clinical hyperandrogenic phenotypes.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional study.PatientsHigh school female students, aged 16–19 years.MeasurementsThe study protocol was designed with three possible levels of participation characterized by an increased level of commitment. For the specific purposes of this investigation, we focused on the subsamples of students whose clinical state was assessed by medical examination (n = 835) and for whom additional laboratory tests were available (n = 394). Psychological evaluation encompassed psychological distress, levels of stress, well‐being, illness behaviour and quality of life (as measured by the Symptom Questionnaire, the Psychosocial Index and the Psychological Well‐Being scales).ResultsSignificantly higher levels of psychological distress and impaired well‐being and quality of life were found among late adolescent and young women with isolated clinical hyperandrogenism compared to their normal counterparts. Furthermore, females with PCOS showed significantly greater hostility/irritability compared to healthy control subjects.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of early recognizing and adequately managing psychological distress in such patients.
Clinical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome: investigating differences in White and South Asian women
Authors: Mani Hamidreza , Davies Melanie J. , Bodicoat Danielle H. , Levy Miles J. , Gray Laura J. , Howlett Trevor A. , Khunti Kamlesh 
Published: March 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo understand the phenotypic presentation of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) of different ethnicities and at different ages.DesignCross‐sectional, retrospective data analysis (1988 – 2009).SettingSpecialist clinic in a University Hospital, Leicestershire, UK.ParticipantsWomen with PCOS, n = 1310 (mean age 26·2 years), 70·9% White and 29·1% South Asian (SA) attending a speciality clinic in Leicester UK.Main Outcomes measuresClinical and demographic characteristics of women with PCOS including age at first clinic appointment, signs and symptoms, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP).ResultsCompared to White women, the SA were younger (24·3 vs 27·1 years, P < 0·001), less likely to smoke (3·7% vs 17·9% P < 0·001) and had a higher prevalence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) (16·8% vs 3·1% P < 0·001), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (8·1% vs 5·6%, P < 0·01) and hirsutism (88·5% vs 77·4%, P < 0·001), with lower systolic (126·5 vs 133·0 mmHg, P < 0·001), diastolic BP (71·8 vs 75·1 mmHg P = 0·008) and BMI (29·3 vs 31·5 kg/m2 P = 0·002). Differences in body weight remained when participants were classified as obese, overweight and normal according to ethnicity‐specific cut‐off points (P = 0·048). In both ethnicities, those aged ≥30 years old had higher rates of obesity, T2DM, hypertension and infertility, and less acne, and oligomenorrhoea. Obesity was associated with increased T2DM, AN, systolic/diastolic BP, hirsutism and infertility.ConclusionThe phenotypic and metabolic presentations of women with PCOS appear to be significantly different depending on ethnicity, obesity and age. This has implications for management strategies in these groups.
Life history traits and phenotypic selection among sunflower crop–wild hybrids and their wild counterpart: implications for crop allele introgression
Authors: Kost Matthew A. , Alexander Helen M. , Jason Emry D. , Mercer Kristin L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractHybridization produces strong evolutionary forces. In hybrid zones, selection can differentially occur on traits and selection intensities may differ among hybrid generations. Understanding these dynamics in crop–wild hybrid zones can clarify crop‐like traits likely to introgress into wild populations and the particular hybrid generations through which introgression proceeds. In a field experiment with four crop–wild hybridHelianthus annuus(sunflower) cross types, we measured growth and life history traits and performed phenotypic selection analysis on early season traits to ascertain the likelihood, and routes, of crop allele introgression into wild sunflower populations. All cross types overwintered, emerged in the spring, and survived until flowering, indicating no early life history barriers to crop allele introgression. While selection indirectly favored earlier seedling emergence and taller early season seedlings, direct selection only favored greater early season leaf length. Further, there was cross type variation in the intensity of selection operating on leaf length. Thus, introgression of multiple early season crop‐like traits, due to direct selection for greater early season leaf length, should not be impeded by any cross type and may proceed at different rates among generations. In sum, alleles underlying early season sunflower crop‐like traits are likely to introgress into wild sunflower populations.
Irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, with selective PPAR‐gamma‐modulating activity improves function and structure of chemotherapy‐damaged ovaries in rats
Authors: Abdel‐Raheem Ihab T. , Omran Gamal A. , Katary Mohamed Alaa 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCyclophosphamide (CYP) is a chemotherapeutic agent with a potent ovarian toxic effect. CYP induces granulosa cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Irbesartan (IRB) is a unique ARB with a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR‐γ) agonistic activity. As PPAR‐ɣ activation exerts anti‐inflammatory effects and reduces ROS production, IRB may further reduce inflammatory chemokine expression and suppress apoptotic cell death. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of IRB on the development of CYP‐induced ovarian damage. Rats were divided into four groups: control group, IRB group (100 mg/kg, orally), CYP group (100 mg/kg, i.p. single injection), and IRB+CYP group (IRB administered 9 days before and 6 days after CYP administration). Rats sacrificed on day 16 of experiment; estradiol (E2), FSH, and TNF‐α levels were estimated in serum. Reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and caspase‐3 activities, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and IL‐10 levels were determined in ovarian tissues. Protein expressions of p53, caspase‐3, Ki‐67, and Rad‐51 were estimated by immunohistochemical and Western blot techniques. CYP produced ovarian damage as indicated from the decline in serum E2; elevation in FSH; unbalance in tissue oxidative stress parameters; increase in MPO, TNF‐α levels, caspase‐3 activity/expression, p53, and Rad‐51 expression; and decrease in IL‐10 contents, without effect on Ki‐67. On the other hand, IRB, significantly reduced the toxic effects of CYP as indicted from normalization of E2, FSH, oxidative stress, apoptotic, and inflammatory mediators. These data were further supported by histopathological studies. Thus, co‐administration of IRB may be promising in alleviating the ovarian toxic effects of CYP.
The Homestay in Intensive Language Study Abroad: Social Networks, Language Socialization, and Developing Intercultural Competence
Authors: Shiri Sonia 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study investigated the composition of the social network that the homestay offers learners in an intensive summer Arabic language program in diglossic and multilingual Tunisia and examined the types of language socialization as well as the overall linguistic and intercultural competence such opportunities present. The study specifically investigated patterns of student interaction with members of the host families and explored the degree to which students took advantage of this rich learning environment. A survey was completed by 73 students upon their return to the United States at the end of the summers of 2010–2012. Results showed that, although the social network often involved extended family members, the host mother remained the primary locus of interaction. Data also showed that the homestay offered a breadth and depth of experiences that affected students' linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cultural gains and that, postprogram, students maintained their connection to this social network via social media.
A High‐Leverage Language Teaching Practice: Leading an Open‐Ended Group Discussion
Authors: Kearney Erin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn response to calls for more practice‐based teacher education, this study investigated the way in which two high‐performing novice world language teachers, one in Spanish and one in Latin, implemented a high‐leverage teaching practice, leading an open‐ended group discussion. Observational data revealed a number of constituent micro‐practices. The article offers examples illustrating the way in which the practice was achieved and also captures the impact of such practices on classroom discourse. Findings provide an initial basis upon which continued research on high‐leverage teaching practices in the world language education context can be pursued.
Complications associated with central venous access device in children with haemophilia: a nationwide multicentre study in Finland
Authors: Vepsäläinen K. , Lassila R. , Arola M. , Lähteenmäki P. , Möttönen M. , Mäkipernaa A. , Riikonen P. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryChildren with haemophilia require venous access for regular infusion of coagulation factors. A central venous access device (CVAD) ensures long‐term access but associates with infectious and non‐infectious complications with proposed risk factors of young age at initial CVAD implantation and presence of an inhibitor. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for complications associated with CVAD usage in a retrospective nationwide multicentre study in five Finnish Paediatric Haemophilia Treatment Centers. Our study investigated 106 CVADs in 58 patients with 137 971 CVAD days. The median access survival was 1159 CVAD days, and most often a malfunction led to CVAD removal after a long survival (median of 1640 CVAD days). We detected a very low bloodstream infection rate (0.12/1000 CVAD days). The presence of neutralizing inhibitor was a significant risk factor for infection. Heparin vs. saline flushing did not influence the CVAD outcome. We detected a lower infection rate than previously reported, although 90% of the patients were very young (<2 years) at first insertion (median age = 1.02 year). Port access was frequent after initial implantation: six patients (10%) used the port daily for immune tolerance induction therapy and 74% at least twice weekly for prophylaxis. Young age did not increase the risk of infections, as 59% of the CVAD‐related infections were recorded in children over 6 years of age. Our national experience confirms the safety of prophylactic factor concentrate administration via ports even in very young children.
Distinct expression patterns of Toll‐like receptor 7 in tumour cells and fibroblast‐like cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ni Yan Hong , Ding Liang , Zhang Dong Ya , Hou Ya Yi , Huang Xiaofeng , Hu Qingang 
Published: March 2015

AimsToll‐like receptor (TLR)‐7 agonists have been used in cancer immunotherapy, but tumour heterogeneity means that TLR‐7 activity is variable in different components of the tumour microenvironment and the characteristics of TLR‐7 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are unclear.Methods and resultsTwenty healthy oral tissues, 50 oral leukoplakia tissues and 166 retrospective primary OSCC samples were collected for immunohistochemical staining of TLR‐7 and showed up‐regulated expression during carcinogenesis. Moreover, patients with high expression of TLR‐7 in tumour cells (TCs) had poor differentiation and prognosis. Interestingly, patients with high expression of TLR‐7 in stroma fibroblast‐like cells (FLCs) had low tumour stage, no lymph node metastasis (LNM) and better prognosis. Furthermore, Ki‐67, CD3, CD4, CD8 and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ tumour‐infiltrated lymphocytes were assessed and we found that TLR‐7high TCs were infiltrated by fewer CD3+CD4+ but more FoxP3+ lymphocytes. Importantly, patients with TLR‐7lowTCs and TLR‐7highFLCs had less FoxP3+ lymphocyte infiltration and longer survival time than those with TLR‐7highTCs/TLR‐7lowFLCs, although TLR‐7 was not an independent prognostic factor for OSCC.ConclusionsThe low expression of TLR‐7 in tumour and high expression of TLR‐7 in stroma predict a good clinical outcome for OSCC patients, and stroma FLCs might be amenable to immunotherapy by a TLR‐7 agonist.
Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) immunohistochemistry highlights activated bone marrow stroma and is potentially predictive for fibrosis progression in prefibrotic myeloproliferative neoplasia
Authors: Méhes Gábor , Tzankov Alexandar , Hebeda Konnie , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Krenács László , Bedekovics Judit 
Published: March 2015

AimsMyelofibrosis is the result of aberrant stromal activity which is determined routinely by reticulin staining in bone marrow biopsies. As matrix fibres are the product of activated fibroblasts, we analysed fibre accumulation compared to stromal cell activity during myelofibrosis progression using the fibroblast activation marker platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) by immunohistochemistry.Methods and resultsInitial and follow‐up bone marrow biopsies from 84 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasia, including 55 cases with primary myelofibrosis, were evaluated from five haematopathology centres. The stromal mass was measured by conventional reticulin staining [myelofibrosis (MF) grade, 0–3] and PDGFRβ‐positive cells using a novel PDGFRβ scoring system (0–3). Results were correlated for prediction of progression. The MF grade and the PDGFRβ score showed excellent correlation (Spearman's r = 0.83, P < 0.0001). Elevated PDGFRβ scores (higher than MF‐grade) predicted myelofibrosis progression in total with 43% sensitivity and 57% specificity, and short‐term (within 1 year) progression with 82% sensitivity and 53% specificity. Progression of prefibrotic disease to manifest myelofibrosis could be forecast with 90% sensitivity and 75% specificity.ConclusionPDGFRβ highlights stromal cell activation in marrow fibrosis, which is closely related to matrix accumulation, indicating a direct clinical impact especially in prefibrotic myeloproliferative disorders.
Evaluation of the efficacy of an exercise program for pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ozdemir Serpil , Bebis Hatice , Ortabag Tulay , Acikel Cengizhan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of exercise programs on pregnant women with pregnancy‐related low back and pelvic pain.BackgroundLow back and pelvic pain during pregnancy is a major health problem due to its frequent occurrence and such pain can limit pregnant women in many of their daily activities.DesignA randomized trial with a control group (n = 48) and an intervention group (n = 48). Trial registration number NCT02189356.MethodsDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between December 2011–May 2012, an Education and Research Hospital in Turkey. Based on the intention‐to‐treat principle, all pregnant women were analysed according to the group they were assigned to, regardless of whether they received the intervention or not. Participants in the intervention group received health counselling and exercised regarding low back and pelvic pain for four weeks. The pregnant women in the control group received usual care, comprised of routine clinical practice for pregnancy‐related low back and pelvic pain.ResultsAccording to Mann–Whitney U test analysis results, there was a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups’ Visual Analogue Scale during relaxation scores and Visual Analogue Scale during activity scores at the end of the study. According to Mann–Whitney U test analysis results, the change in the mean Oswestry Disability Index score for the intervention group and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was statistically significant.ConclusionsA four‐week exercise program including individualized health counselling to relieve low back and pelvic pain improved the functional status in pregnant women.
Does the Well‐Being of Individuals with Down Syndrome and Dementia Improve When Using Life Story Books and Rummage Boxes? A Randomized Single Case Series Experiment
Authors: Crook Nicola , Adams Malcolm , Shorten Nicola , Langdon Peter E. 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThis study investigated whether a personalized life story book and rummage box enhanced well‐being and led to changes in behaviour for people with Down syndrome (DS) who have dementia.Materials and MethodsA randomized single case series design was used with five participants who had DS and a diagnosis of dementia. Participants were invited to take part in three conditions at random (i) life story book, (ii) rummage box and (iii) no‐intervention condition.ResultsThe two reminiscence conditions were significantly associated with enhanced well‐being as compared to the no‐intervention condition. However, for one participant, the life story book was associated with significantly higher well‐being, while for another participant, the rummage box was associated with significantly higher well‐being, suggesting some participants may prefer one method over another.ConclusionsPersonalized life story books and rummage boxes are associated with higher levels of well‐being for people with DS and dementia.
Absolute quantification of DcR3 and GDF15 from human serum by LC‐ESI MS
Authors: Lancrajan Ioana , Schneider‐Stock Regine , Naschberger Elisabeth , Schellerer Vera S. , Stürzl Michael , Enz Ralf 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBiomarkers are widely used in clinical diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring. Here, we developed a protocol for the efficient and selective enrichment of small and low concentrated biomarkers from human serum, involving a 95% effective depletion of high‐abundant serum proteins by partial denaturation and enrichment of low‐abundant biomarkers by size exclusion chromatography. The recovery of low‐abundance biomarkers was above 97%. Using this protocol, we quantified the tumour markers DcR3 and growth/differentiation factor (GDF)15 from 100 μl human serum by isotope dilution mass spectrometry, using 15N metabolically labelled and concatamerized fingerprint peptides for the both proteins. Analysis of three different fingerprint peptides for each protein by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry resulted in comparable concentrations in three healthy human serum samples (DcR3: 27.23 ± 2.49 fmol/ml; GDF15: 98.11 ± 0.49 fmol/ml). In contrast, serum levels were significantly elevated in tumour patients for DcR3 (116.94 ± 57.37 fmol/ml) and GDF15 (164.44 ± 79.31 fmol/ml). Obtained data were in good agreement with ELISA and qPCR measurements, as well as with literature data. In summary, our protocol allows the reliable quantification of biomarkers, shows a higher resolution at low biomarker concentrations than antibody‐based strategies, and offers the possibility of multiplexing. Our proof‐of‐principle studies in patient sera encourage the future analysis of the prognostic value of DcR3 and GDF15 for colon cancer patients in larger patient cohorts.
Workplace Dignity: Communicating Inherent, Earned, and Remediated Dignity
Authors: Lucas Kristen 
Published: March 2015

AbstractExtant research on dignity at work has revealed conditions that contribute to indignity, employees’ responses to dignity threats, and ways in which employees’ inherent dignity is undermined. But while dignity – and specifically indignity – is theorized as a phenomenon subjectively experienced and judged by individuals, little research has privileged workers’ own perspectives. In this study, working adults reveal how they personally experience and understand meanings of dignity at work. I describe three core components of workplace dignity and the communicative exchanges through which dignity desires commonly are affirmed or denied: inherent dignity as recognized by respectful interaction, earned dignity as recognized by messages of competence and contribution, and remediated dignity as recognized by social interactions and organizational practices that conceal the instrumental and unequal nature of work. Based on theoretical insights drawn from examining the relationships between these components, I argue that workplace dignity is a phenomenon theoretically distinct from human dignity.