bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the ocular penetration of topical alpha‐luminol (Galavit®/GVT®)
Authors: da Silva Enry G. , Gionfriddo Juliet R. , Hudachek Susan F. , Gustafson Daniel L. , Olea‐Popelka Francisco J. , Scofield Virgina L. , Powell Cynthia C. , Hill Ashley E. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPurpose  Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. It has also been implicated as part of the pathogenic mechanisms in the development of glaucoma. Alpha‐luminol has shown profound anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects in both experimental animal and human clinical studies. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate for the first time the ocular penetration of topical alpha‐luminol.Methods  Nine animals were divided into three treated groups (three animals each; one drop OU/n = 18), each group receiving a different concentration of the eyedrop (0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%). Aqueous humor and peripheral blood samples were obtained from each rabbit at three different timepoints (20 min, 4 h and 12 h). Samples were analyzed by means of high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry; median values were compared.Results  Alpha‐luminol was found in the aqueous humor in all treated groups at all timepoints. At the 2nd and 3rd timepoints (4 h and 12 h), aqueous humor levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05) for two of the three dosages tested and it was not detectable in some eyes. The highest aqueous humor concentration of the drug was 272 ng/mL after 20 min (0.0217% of one drop, 2.5% group). Alpha‐luminol was found in the vitreous in two animals, one in the 1.5% and another in the 2.5% group (16.4 and 21.5 ng/mL, respectively), at 12 h.Conclusions  Topically administered alpha‐luminol readily penetrates into the anterior chamber and can penetrate into the vitreous chamber. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the intraocular pharmacokinetics of alpha‐luminol.
Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in healthy horses in the UK
Authors: Johns Imogen C. , Baxter Katherine , Booler Helen , Hicks Charlotte , Menzies‐Gow Nicola 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectives  To describe the bacterial and fungal flora of the normal conjunctiva of horses in the UK; to determine the effect of horse age, sex, geographic location, and housing on this flora; and to determine the most appropriate antimicrobial drug(s) for prophylactic treatment of corneal ulcers.Animal studied  A total of 60 adult healthy horses were studied.Procedure  Swabs of the conjunctiva were obtained from 60 horses housed in two locations within the UK. Specimens were cultured for aerobic bacteria and fungi, and sensitivity against six ophthalmic antimicrobials assessed. The effect of age, sex, location and housing on the frequency of microbial isolation was evaluated.Results  Fifty‐four bacterial isolates, representing thirteen genera of bacteria were cultured from 31 (52%) horses. The most frequently isolated bacterial species was Acinetobacter sp (17/32 horses). The majority of isolates (28/54: 52%) were gram‐positive. Three genera of fungi (Mucor, Absidia and Aspergillus spp) were isolated from eight (13%) horses. There was no significant effect of geographic location, sex, age or housing on frequency of microbial isolation. Horses from which gram‐negative bacteria were isolated were significantly older than horses from which gram‐positive bacteria were isolated. High efficacy (greater than 90% of isolates sensitive in vitro) was displayed by chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tetracycline.Conclusions  The microbial species isolated are comparable with studies performed in other countries, although the frequency of Acinetobacter isolation was higher which may reflect a geographic difference. The topical antimicrobials gentamicin and chloramphenicol are appropriate first line antimicrobials for empirical treatment of corneal ulcers in the UK.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidality in inpatients with substance use disorders
Authors: DORE GLENYS , MILLS KATHERINE , MURRAY ROBIN , TEESSON MAREE , FARRUGIA PHILIPPA 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. The international literature suggests that traumatic events are common for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), and are often associated with the development of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric comorbidities. However, limited research has been conducted among Australian SUD patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of these disorders in a group of Australian patients admitted for detoxification.Design and Methods. Data were collected from 253 inpatients using a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, the 10‐item Trauma Screening Questionnaire, the Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale and questions from the PsyCheck.Results. Approximately 20% of inpatients experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and 37% had a lifetime history of self‐harm or attempted suicide. Approximately 80% of patients had experienced at least one traumatic event, most experiencing multiple traumas. The mean age of first trauma was 14 years. Almost 45% of patients screened positive for current PTSD symptoms. Women were nine times more likely to have been raped and five times more likely to have been sexually molested than men. PTSD symptoms were associated with greater trauma exposure, younger age of first trauma, specific trauma types, moderate to severe depressive symptoms and a history of self‐harm or attempted suicide. Despite their difficulties, patients with PTSD symptoms had high rates of retention in treatment.Discussion and Conclusions. Patients entering treatment for SUDs should be assessed for PTSD, depression and suicidality. These conditions impact significantly on treatment outcomes, and require the development of appropriate treatment strategies.[Dore G, Mills K, Murray R, Teesson M, Farrugia P. Post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidality in inpatients with substance use disorders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:294–302]
Body mass index, waist circumference and waist–hip ratio: which is the better discriminator of cardiovascular disease mortality risk? Evidence from an individual‐participant meta‐analysis of 82 864 participants from nine cohort studies
Authors: Czernichow S. , Kengne A.‐P. , Stamatakis E. , Hamer M. , Batty G. D. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryFew studies have examined both the relative magnitude of association and the discriminative capability of multiple indicators of obesity with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk. We conducted an individual‐participant meta‐analysis of nine cohort studies of men and women drawn from the British general population resulting in sample of 82 864 individuals. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were measured directly. There were 6641 deaths (1998 CVD) during a mean of 8.1 years of follow‐up. After adjustment, a one SD higher in WHR and WC was related to a higher risk of CVD mortality (hazard ratio [95% CI]): 1.15 (1.05–1.25) and 1.15 (1.04–1.27), respectively. The risk of CVD mortality also increased linearly across quintiles of both these abdominal obesity markers with a 66% increased risk in the highest quintile of WHR. In age‐ and sex‐adjusted models only, BMI was related to CVD mortality but not in any other analyses. No major differences were revealed in the discrimination capabilities of models with BMI, WC or WHR for cardiovascular or total mortality outcomes. In conclusion, measures of abdominal adiposity, but not BMI, were related to an increased risk of CVD mortality. No difference was observed in discrimination capacities between adiposity markers.
Dairy consumption and overweight and obesity: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Louie J. C. Y. , Flood V. M. , Hector D. J. , Rangan A. M. , Gill T. P. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryA comprehensive literature search was undertaken to examine the relationship between dairy consumption and overweight/obesity in prospective cohort studies. A literature search from 1980 through to April 2010 was conducted. Nineteen cohort studies met all the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of the 19 cohort studies, 10 were among children and adolescents (aged 2 to 14 years, n = 53 to 12 829, follow‐up 8 months to 10 years) and nine among adults (aged 18 to 75 years, n = 248 to 42 696, follow‐up 2 years to 12 years). A range of dairy food exposure measures were used. Eight studies (three out of 10 studies involving children and five out of nine studies involving adults) showed a protective association against increasing weight gain (measured in various ways); one reported a significant protective association only among men who were initially overweight; seven reported no effect; one reported an increased risk (among children), and two reported both a decreased and increased risk, depending on the dairy food type. The evidence from prospective cohort studies for a protective effect of dairy consumption on risk of overweight and obesity is suggestive but not consistent, making firm conclusions difficult.
The role of parents in pre‐adolescent and adolescent overweight and obesity treatment: a systematic review of clinical recommendations
Authors: Shrewsbury V. A. , Steinbeck K. S. , Torvaldsen S. , Baur L. A. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryThe study aims to describe clinical recommendations (i) on the role of parents in both pre‐adolescent and adolescent overweight and obesity treatment; (ii) to health professionals on how to involve parents in paediatric overweight and obesity treatment and (iii) to identify deficiencies in the associated literature. A systematic literature review was conducted in March 2010 to identify clinical practice guidelines, position or consensus statements on clinical management of paediatric overweight or obesity, developed by a national or international health professional association or government agency, and endorsed for current use. Relevant clinical recommendations in these documents were identified via a screen for the words ‘parent’, ‘family’ and synonyms. Twenty documents were included. Most documents emphasized the importance of involving parents or the family in paediatric overweight and obesity treatment with approximately a third of documents providing separate recommendations on the role of parents/family for pre‐adolescents and adolescents. The documents varied markedly with regard to the presence of recommendations on parent/family involvement in the various components of lifestyle interventions or bariatric surgery. Almost half of the documents contained recommendations to health professionals regarding interactions with parents. High‐quality research is needed on age‐specific techniques to optimize the involvement of parents and family members in paediatric overweight and obesity treatment.
THE NEED FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS OF REASONS
Authors: SOFAER NEEMA , STRECH DANIEL 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThere are many ethical decisions in the practice of health research and care, and in the creation of policy and guidelines. We argue that those charged with making such decisions need a new genre of review. The new genre is an application of the systematic review, which was developed over decades to inform medical decision‐makers about what the totality of studies that investigate links between smoking and cancer, for example, implies about whether smoking causes cancer. We argue that there is a need for similarly inclusive and rigorous reviews of reason‐based bioethics, which uses reasoning to address ethical questions. After presenting a brief history of the systematic review, we reject the only existing model for writing a systematic review of reason‐based bioethics, which holds that such a review should address an ethical question. We argue that such a systematic review may mislead decision‐makers when a literature is incomplete, or when there are mutually incompatible but individually reasonable answers to the ethical question. Furthermore, such a review can be written without identifying all the reasons given when the ethical questions are discussed, their alleged implications for the ethical question, and the attitudes taken to the reasons. The reviews we propose address instead the empirical question of which reasons have been given when addressing a specified ethical question, and present such detailed information on the reasons. We argue that this information is likely to improve decision‐making, both directly and indirectly, and also the academic literature. We explain the limitations of our alternative model for systematic reviews.
The Role and Functioning of Cultural Scripts in Farming and Agriculture
Authors: Vanclay Frank , Enticott Gareth 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe advocate an increased utilisation of script theory in rural social research and suggest this will enhance understandings of the social life of farmers and other rural residents. We define a script as a culturally shared expression, story or common line of argument, or an expected unfolding of events, that is deemed to be appropriate or expected in a particular socially defined context, and that provides a rationale or justification for a particular issue or course of action. We suggest there are four types of script: (1) a socially perceived routine or expected sequence of events; (2) a catch‐phrase, metaphor or allegory that is frequently recited in response to a particular issue or situation; (3) a mini‐story, narrative or parable; and (4) a commonly used line of argument that is widely invoked in response to a particular issue or situation. Using examples from our work with farmers in the UK and Australia relating to animal health and biosecurity, and specifically bovine tuberculosis, we demonstrate how scripts affect the perceived management options of farmers in particular circumstances. We suggest that scripts have implications for policymakers and those seeking to promote practice change such as agricultural extension staff and agricultural veterinarians.
Impact of ustekinumab on health‐related quality of life and sexual difficulties associated with psoriasis: results from two phase III clinical trials
Authors: Guenther L. , Han C. , Szapary P. , Schenkel B. , Poulin Y. , Bourcier M. , Ortonne J.P. , Sofen H.L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  Ustekinumab, a human anti‐interleukin‐12/23 monoclonal antibody, has been shown to effectively treat moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis which significantly affects health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), including patients’ sexual lives.Objectives  The aim of this study was to determine if sexual difficulties associated with psoriasis are related to disease severity and whether sexual difficulties improve with skin disease during ustekinumab treatment.Methods In phase III PHOENIX 1 and 2 trials, psoriasis patients were randomized to ustekinumab (n = 1334) at weeks 0 and 4 and q12 weeks thereafter or placebo (n = 662) at weeks 0 and 4 with crossover to ustekinumab at week 12. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were used to assess psoriasis severity and patient‐reported HRQoL respectively. Based on DLQI Question #9, impaired sexual function was defined as ‘very much’ or ‘a lot’ of sexual difficulties.Results  At baseline, mean DLQI was 12.0, indicating a very large negative effect on patients’ lives. Impaired sexual function was reported by 22.6% (women = 27.1%; men = 20.8%) and was significantly associated with increased psoriasis severity. At week 12, ustekinumab‐treated patients had a greater mean improvement in DLQI (−9.13 vs. −0.53 with placebo, P < 0.001) and the proportion of patients with impaired sexual function decreased from 22.4% to 2.7% compared with no change with placebo (P < 0.001). Patients with greater PASI improvement experienced a greater reduction of sexual difficulties due to psoriasis. A similar pattern of improved sexual function was observed at weeks 24–28 in placebo crossover patients.Conclusions  Ustekinumab treatment is associated with significant improvement in HRQoL and sexual difficulties due to psoriasis.
Association of thyroid autoimmunity with acne in adult women
Authors: Vergou T. , Mantzou E. , Tseke P. , Moustou A.E , Katsambas A. , Alevizaki M. , Antoniou C. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  During the last decades an increase has been observed regarding acne in adults and especially women.Objective  To evaluate the association between thyroid disorder and the presence of post‐adolescent acne in adult women, comparing with healthy controls.Methods  107 adult women with post–adolescent acne and 60 healthy controls were included. Complete blood count and standard biochemical profile of C‐Reactive Protein (CRP) and levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti‐TG) and anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti‐TPO)] were determined in all subjects of both the acne and control groups. A thyroid ultrasound was also performed.Results  There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.008) in the prevalence of positive anti‐TG antibodies, with 25.2% of the acne group and 8.3% of the control group having elevated (> 40 U/mL) anti‐TG levels, respectively. Adult women with acne had a statistically significant increased relative risk to have high levels of anti‐TG in comparison with healthy controls (odds ratio 3.89, P = 0.011). This association was independent of age. Values for TSH, FT4, FT3, T4 and anti‐TPO did not significantly differ between the two groups. No significant difference was found regarding the thyroid ultrasound findings. Although there was no significant difference between cases and controls regarding CRP levels, it is interesting that we observed a significant elevation in CRP in those acne patients who had positive antithyroglobulin antibodies.Conclusions  It is likely that thyroid autoimmunity might be more frequent in the adult acne patients and this should be kept in mind when screening women with post‐adolescent acne.
Split‐face study of melasma patients treated with non‐ablative fractionated photothermolysis (1540 nm)
Authors: Barysch M.J. , Rümmelein B. , Kolm I. , Karpova M.B. , Schönewolf N. , Bogdan Allemann I. , Dummer R. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  Melasma treatment remains challenging despite various laser systems available, because of potential side‐effects and high recurrence rates.Objective  Non‐ablative fractionated photothermolysis (FP) is a promising therapeutic method, long‐time results comparing treated vs. non‐treated site are lacking.Methods  A total of 14 patients were treated with FP in a split‐face mode with standardized adjustments in three sessions (weeks 0, 3–4, 6–8, follow‐up: 26–28). At each consultation, improvement was evaluated by patients and physicians. Objective assessment was performed using digital photographs and the pigment imaging tool SIAscope®.Results  Melasma improvement was registered in 83% and 75% of the cases 26–28 weeks after the first treatment based on two evaluations: by patient and by physician, respectively. Digital photography and SIAscope® revealed improvement in 54% and 85% after the first, 61% and 85% after the second, 41% and 58% after the third treatment, accordingly, mostly due to reduction of the outline sharpness. Patients with lighter skin complexions revealed significant improvement ranged from slight to moderate (P = 0.03). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in two cases with skin types III and IV.Conclusion  Non‐ablative FP can be considered as a valuable treatment option with short‐term improvement in terms of mild reduction and softening the edges of melasma in patients with skin types I/II, if prior topical therapies failed. Treatment of patients with skin types III+ should be critically questioned.
Seasonal variations in vitamin D levels in melanoma patients: a single‐centre prospective pilot comparative study
Authors: Failla V. , Cavalier E. , El Hayderi L. , Paurobally D. , Chapelle J.P. , Dezfoulian B. , Nikkels A.F. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  More than 90% of vitamin D synthesis is dependent on UV exposure. Photosensitive disorders such as lupus erythematosus, protoporphyria and xeroderma require strict sun avoidance, and vitamin D deficiency has been demonstrated in these patients. Melanoma patients are also instructed to avoid sun exposure and may hence be expected to be vitamin D deficient.Materials and methods  Winter and summer vitamin D levels were compared in a group of melanoma patients (n = 61) and age‐ and phototype‐matched controls (n = 53) without photosensitive disorders.Results  Oral supplementary vitamin D intake was reported in 32.7% of the melanoma patients and in 15.1% in the control group. Despite oral supplementation, only 25% of the melanoma patients and the controls presented with vitamin D levels of 30 ng/mL or higher. In non‐supplemented subjects in the melanoma and control groups, respectively, mean winter vitamin D levels were below the recommended threshold at 12.6 ng/mL vs. 13.2 ng/mL, respectively, but not statistically different. These values increased significantly in both groups during the summer to 24.6 and 23.8 ng/mL respectively.Conclusion  Unexpected, significant increases in vitamin D levels were seen in melanoma patients during summer, suggesting non‐adherence with photoprotective measures and reflecting a heliophilic behaviour. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended in melanoma patients during both winter and summer.
Hair regrowth with topical triiodothyronine ointment in patients with alopecia areata: a double‐blind, randomized pilot clinical trial of efficacy
Authors: Nasiri S. , Haghpanah V. , Taheri E. , Heshmat R. , Larijani B. , Saeedi M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  Thyroid hormone receptors are expressed in hair follicles and it is known that thyroid hormones can have a positive effect on hair growth, i.e. process which is disrupted in alopecia areata.Objectives  The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of topical triiodothyronine in patients with patchy alopecia areata.Methods  Ten patients with patchy alopecia areata were treated with triiodothyronine and placebo applied twice daily to either of two bilaterally symmetrical patches for 12 weeks. The two sides were randomly assigned following simple randomization procedure to one of the two treatment groups. The patients and the investigator were blinded to the content of the tubes. Hair regrowth was evaluated every 4 weeks. Blood samples for measurements of complete blood count along with thyroid function (T3, T4 and TSH) and liver function tests were taken at the baseline and at the end of study.Results  After 12 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between the outcome in terms of reduction of the patch size and hair regrowth. No adverse effects were noted.Conclusion  Triiodothyronine in the studied dosage and formulation was safe but not more effective than placebo. However, newer thyroid hormone analogues might be more effective and evaluating their effects probably warrants further consideration.