bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin presenting a higher level of caspase‐14 is better protected from UVB irradiation according to in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Bergeron Laurine , Gondran Catherine , Oberto Gilles , Garcia Noelle , Botto Jean Marie , Cucumel Karine , Dal Farra Claude , Domloge Nouha 
Published: June 2012

SummaryCaspase‐14, a cysteine endoproteinase belonging to the conserved family of aspartate‐specific proteinases, was shown to play an important role in the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes and barrier function of the skin. In the present study, we developed a biofunctional compound that we described as a modulator of caspase‐14 expression. Using normal human keratinocytes (NHK) in culture and human skin biopsies, this compound was shown to increase caspase‐14 expression and partially reverse the effect of caspase‐14‐specific siRNA on NHK. Moreover, the increase in filaggrin expression visualized on skin biopsies and the recovery of the barrier structure after tape‐stripping indicated that this compound could exhibit a beneficial effect on the skin barrier function. Considering the possible link between caspase‐14 and the barrier function, a UVB irradiation on NHK and skin biopsies previously treated with the caspase‐14 inducer, was performed. Results indicated that pretreated skin biopsies exhibited less signs of UV damage such as active caspase‐3 and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Likewise, pretreated NHK were protected from UV‐induced genomic DNA damage, as revealed by the Comet Assay. Finally, a clinical test showed a reduction of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on the treated skin compared with placebo, under UV stress condition, confirming a protecting effect. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that, by increasing caspase‐14 expression, the biofunctional compound could exhibit a protective effect on the skin barrier function, especially in case of barrier damage and UV irradiation.
Greater Than 95% Success with 14‐day Bismuth Quadruple Anti‐Helicobacter pylori Therapy: A Pilot Study in US Hispanics
Authors: Salazar Cesar O. , Cardenas Victor M. , Reddy Rita K. , Dominguez Delfina C. , Snyder Lindsey K. , Graham David Y. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundA combination capsule of bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline plus omeprazole given as 10‐day therapy has an overall effectiveness of 92–93% in per‐protocol analysis (Grade B) with eradication of 86–91% of metronidazole‐resistant
Helicobacter pylori. This study aimed to explore whether extending the duration to 14 days would improve overall effectiveness per protocol to ≥95% (Grade A) in a population in which metronidazole resistance was anticipated to exist.MethodsA one‐arm, open‐label pilot study of
H. pylori‐infected, asymptomatic/mildly dyspeptic adults, Hispanic residents of El Paso, Texas, received a 14‐day course of omeprazole, plus the combination capsule. We cultured and Gram‐stained specimens obtained using a minimally invasive orogastric brush.
Helicobacter pylori status was determined by 13
C‐urea breath test at 4 or more weeks post‐therapy.ResultsForty‐seven subjects (7 men and 40 women, average age 42 years) were entered. The per‐protocol effectiveness was 97.1% (33/34) (95% mid‐P
CI: 86.3, 99.9); 100% of metronidazole‐resistant strains were eradicated. Side effects were mild and self‐limited but contributed to nonadherence. Therapy taken for <10 days was more likely to result in eradication failure (p < .001). Office‐based orogastric brushing was well tolerated; positive cultures were obtained in 95%. Gram staining showed
H. pylori‐like forms in all specimens.ConclusionsThis pilot study supports the concept that 14‐day OBMT therapy is likely to be more efficacious for
H. pylori eradication (Grade A, PP basis) than a 10‐day course where metronidazole resistance is suspected. If confirmed, 14 days should be recommended in populations where metronidazole resistance is common.
Recent Advances in the Discovery and Preclinical Testing of Novel Compounds for the Prevention and/or Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Davies Daryl L. , Bortolato Marco , Finn Deborah A. , Ramaker Marcia J. , Barak Segev , Ron Dorit , Liang Jing , Olsen Richard W. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAlcohol abuse and dependence have a staggering socioeconomic impact, yet current therapeutic strategies are largely inadequate to treat these disorders. Thus, the development of new strategies that can effectively prevent alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is of paramount importance. Currently approved medications attempt to deter alcohol intake by blocking ethanol metabolism or by targeting the neurochemical systems downstream of the cascades leading to craving and dependence. Unfortunately, these medications have provided only limited success as indicated by the continued high rates of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The lack of currently available effective treatment strategies is highlighted by the urgent call by the NIAAA to find new and paradigm‐changing therapeutics to either prevent or treat alcohol‐related problems. This mini‐review highlights recent findings from 4 laboratories with a focus on compounds that have the potential to be novel therapeutic agents that can be developed for the prevention and/or treatment of AUDs.
Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Burden in Nursing Homes Associated with Environmental Contamination of Common Areas
Authors: Murphy Courtney R. , Eells Samantha J. , Quan Victor , Kim Diane , Peterson Ellena , Miller Loren G. , Huang Susan S. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo determine whether environmental cleaning and contamination are associated with variation in the prevalence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between nursing homes.DesignProspective study of environmental contamination and cleaning quality.SettingNursing home.ParticipantsTen California nursing homes.MeasurementsNursing homes were categorized into two groups based upon high and low differences in MRSA point prevalence and admission prevalence (delta prevalence) from nares screenings of nursing home residents. Environmental cleaning and infection control practices were evaluated by culturing common area objects for MRSA, assessing removal of intentionally applied marks visible only under ultraviolet (UV) light, and administering surveys on infection control and cleaning.ResultsOverall, 16% (78/500) of objects were MRSA positive, and 22% (129/577) of UV‐visible marks were removed. A higher proportion of MRSA‐positive objects was found in the high (19%) than in low (10%) nursing home groups (P = .005). Infection control and cleaning policies varied, including the frequency of common room cleaning (median 2.5 times daily, range 1–3 times daily) and time spent cleaning per room (median 18 minutes, range 7–45 minutes). In multivariate models, MRSA‐positive objects were associated with high delta prevalence nursing homes (odds ratio (OR) = 2.8, P = .005), less time spent cleaning each room (OR = 2.9, P < .001), and less‐frequent cleaning of common rooms (OR = 1.5, P = .01).ConclusionSubstantial variation was found in MRSA environmental contamination, infection control practices, and cleaning quality. MRSA environmental contamination was associated with greater differences between MRSA point and admission prevalence, less‐frequent common room cleaning, and less time spent cleaning per room, which suggests that modifying cleaning practices may reduce MRSA environmental contamination and burden in nursing homes.
Comparison of a Shortened Isosorbide Dinitrate‐Potentiated Head‐Up Tilt Testing with the Conventional Protocol: Tolerance and Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: MACEDO PAULA G. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , MAIA LEILA , NETO EUSTÁQUIO FERREIRA , ZANATTA ANDRÉ , NETO JOSÉ SOBRAL , BARRETO JOSÉ ROBERTO , MAIA HENRIQUE , OLIVEIRA EDNA M. , DA ROCHA JAIRO M. , MARGALHO CARLA S. , SEIXAS TAMER , PERES AYRTON , SANTOS‐NETO LEOPOLDO , LEITE LUIZ R. 
Published: June 2012

Background:

The head‐up tilt test (HUT) is widely used to investigate unexplained syncope; however, in clinical practice, it is long and sometimes not well tolerated.
Objectives:

To compare the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and patients’ tolerance of a conventional and shortened HUT.
Methods:

Patients with a history of vasovagal syndrome (VVS) were randomized to a conventional HUT (group I) consisting of 20‐minute passive tilt followed by 25 minutes after administration of sublingual isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), or a shortened HUT (group II) where ISDN was given immediately after tilt and observed for 25 minutes. The control group consisted of age‐ and gender‐matched subjects without VVS symptoms. A specific questionnaire to evaluate tolerance was applied.
Results:

Sixty patients (29 ± 10 years, 82% female) were included. In group I, 22/30 patients had a positive HUT compared to 21/30 in group II (73% vs 70%, P = 0.77). There was also no difference in the accuracy between the two protocols (63% vs 73%, P = 0.24). The time to positivity was shorter in group II (13.2 minutes vs 30 minutes, P < 0.001). Within the control group (n = 60), the frequency of false‐positives was 47% and 23% for the conventional and shortened HUT, respectively (P = 0.058). After conventional HUT, 65.2% subjects reported that the test was too long compared to 25% subjects after the shortened HUT (P = 0.002).
Conclusion:

In this study, the HUT without passive phase was not inferior to the conventional HUT regarding sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Furthermore, the shortened ISDN‐potentiated protocol allowed faster diagnosis and was better tolerated.
(PACE 2012; 35:1005–1011)
QRS Fragmentation and the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in MADIT II
Authors: BRENYO ANDREW , PIETRASIK GRZEGORZ , BARSHESHET ALON , HUANG DAVID T. , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , McNITT SCOTT , MOSS ARTHUR J. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH 
Published: June 2012

QRS Fragmentation and the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in MADIT II.Background: QRS fragmentation (fQRS) has been reported as a useful ECG parameter in predicting mortality in high‐risk postinfarction patients. Its prognostic value for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) remains unknown.Methods: MADIT II enrollment 12‐lead ECGs were analyzed for fQRS defined as RSR’ patterns (≥1 R’ or notching of S or R wave) in patients with a normal QRS duration and >2 notches on the R or S wave in patients with abnormal QRS duration, present in 2 contiguous leads. Exclusion criteria included a paced rhythm and an uninterpretable or incomplete ECG. Study endpoints included SCD, SCD or appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock, and total mortality (TM).Results: Of the 1,232 ECGs reviewed, 1,040 were of suitable quality for fQRS analysis. QRS fragmentation was found in 33% of patients in any leads, in 10% of patients in anterior leads, in 8% of patients in lateral leads and in 21% of patients in inferior leads. Anterior and lateral location of QRS fragmentation was not associated with follow‐up events. Inferior location of fQRS was found to be predictive of SCD/ICD shock (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46, P = 0.032), SCD (HR 2.05, P = 0.007), and TM (HR 1.44, P = 0.036). This association was driven primarily by the increase in events found in LBBB patients: SCD/ICD shock (HR 2.05, P = 0.046), SCD (HR 4.24, P = 0.002), and TM (HR 2.82, P = 0.001).Conclusions: Fragmented QRS, especially identified in inferior leads, is predictive of SCD, SCD or appropriate ICD shock, and all‐cause mortality in patients with ICM. Identifying inferior fQRS in patients with LBBB is of particular prognostic significance and should reinforce the use of ICD therapy in this high‐risk group. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1343‐1348, December 2012)
Transradial Szabo Technique for Intervention of Ostial Lesions
Authors: KWAN TAK W. , CHEN JACK P. , CHERUKURI SANJAY , HUANG YILI , LIOU MICHAEL , EL SAKR FREDY , WONG SALLY , COPPOLA JOHN 
Published: June 2012

Objectives:
The aim of our study is to assess the feasibility and safety of transradial intervention (TRI) of coronary ostial lesions using the Szabo technique.
Background:
When performing TRI of coronary ostial lesions, precise stent positioning is of paramount importance. TRI has experienced increasing popularity in the U.S.; however, utilization of the Szabo technique has not been systematically evaluated in this setting. We report the results of ostial stent deployment using the Szabo technique for 2 experienced TRI operators and centers.
Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of 40 consecutive patients who underwent PCI from April 2009 to September 2011. All patients who underwent PCI via the transradial route with the Szabo technique for ostial lesions performed by experienced transradial operators (>200 cases/yr) were included.
Results:
In our study of 40 patients with 41 coronary ostial lesions, overall procedural success rate was 100%. Stent dislodgement was seen in 1 patient. Clinical follow up was 100%, with a mean duration of 292.7±200 days. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) was seen in 2 patients (5%). One patient had an episode of transient ischemic attack (TIA) at 33 days after PCI; another experienced subacute stent thrombosis at 81 days while on dual antiplatelet therapy. MACE was 7.5% overall.
Conclusion:
In our study, treatment of coronary ostial lesions with the Szabo technique via TRI is associated with a high procedural success rate and a low MACE of 7.5%. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:447–451)
Breastfeeding mothers consume more vegetables and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables than non‐breastfeeding peers: The influence of socioeconomic position
Authors: LESLIE Deborah A. , HESKETH Kylie D. , CAMPBELL Karen J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  This study compared the diets of breastfeeding and non‐breastfeeding mothers from socioeconomically diverse regions of Melbourne to determine whether breastfeeding is a marker for healthier maternal dietary intakes.Methods:  This cross‐sectional study obtained information via self‐reported questionnaire from 529 first‐time Melbourne mothers. Breastfeeding status was determined when the children were 3.9 months. Diet information was obtained using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Maternal diet was assessed by seven indicators: average daily intake of fruit, vegetables, non‐core drinks, non‐core sweet snacks, non‐core savoury snacks, variety of fruit and variety of vegetables eaten in the preceding 12 months. Associations between breastfeeding status and each dietary variable were assessed using linear regression analyses. Socioeconomic position, maternal body mass index and the cluster‐based sampling design were controlled for.Results:  Of the 529 subjects, 70% were breastfeeding their child. Compared with non‐breastfeeding mothers, breastfeeding mothers were found to consume more serves of vegetables (P= 0.001), a greater variety of fruit and vegetables (P= 0.001 and P≤ 0.001 respectively), and sweet snacks were consumed more frequently (P= 0.006). Differences were observed between low and high socioeconomic position mothers for fruit serves (P= 0.003), vegetable serves (P= 0.010) and fruit variety (P= 0.006). These associations persisted after controlling for socioeconomic position and maternal body mass index.Conclusions:  The association between infant feeding (breastfeeding) and some aspects of maternal diet provides further evidence suggesting a link between maternal and child diets from a younger age than previously examined.
South Australian Long Day Care Centres engaged with a nutrition incentive award scheme show consistency with mealtime practice guidelines
Authors: GOLLEY Rebecca K. , BELL Lucy , MATWIEJCZYK Louisa , HARTLEY Jo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  The study aims to describe the meal time and parent communication practices used in South Australian Long Day Care Centres (LDCCs) and explore whether practices differ by engagement in a nutrition incentive award scheme, Start Right‐Eat Right.Methods:  One hundred eighty‐four staff from South Australian LDCCs (81% response rate) completed a 16‐item telephone survey. Open and closed questions were asked, with multiple unprompted responses accepted for open questions. Differences by Start Right‐Eat Right status (engaged vs not‐engaged) were determined using chi‐square analysis.Results:  Sitting and supervising children while eating (100%), offering meals (98%) and snacks (94%) at regular and predictable intervals, and discussing food served with children (88%) were common mealtime practices. Practices that involved children at mealtimes were also frequent. Engaged centres reported higher frequencies of staff role modelling (80% vs 56%, P= 0.004) and encouraging children to taste foods offered (33% vs 13%, P= 0.021). Centres reported using ‘sometimes foods’ (76%) and food alternatives (42%) to celebrate children's birthdays, with more engaged centres than not‐engaged centres using nutritious foods at celebrations (15% vs 6%, P= 0.045). While 59% of respondents indicated that nutrition can be a sensitive topic to discuss with families, over 90% indicated it is important to communicate with parents about nutrition and felt confident to do so.Conclusion:  Practices employed by South Australian LDCCs to create a positive mealtime environment were consistent with current guidelines, more so when centres are engaged in a nutrition award scheme.
How well are we validating food frequency questionnaires that measure dietary iron intakes of Australian and New Zealand adults?
Authors: PALMER Michelle A. , MORGAN Catherine L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  The availability of high‐quality, validated food frequency questionnaires is useful for the conduct of robust population dietary iron‐related research. This review aimed to evaluate the validation quality of recently validated food frequency questionnaires that measure iron intakes in Australian or New Zealand adults.Methods:  Articles validating food frequency questionnaires that measured iron intakes in Australian or New Zealand adults, published from 1995, were sourced from a range of databases using standard search terms. Eligible validation studies were assessed for validation quality using recommendations from international reviews of food frequency questionnaire validation studies, and a quality score was calculated.Results:  Nine studies validating food frequency questionnaires were located. Seven of the nine studies had achieved at least an acceptable quality validation score. More than half of the international validation recommendations were met in at least half of the eligible studies. Studies generally did not report or consider nutrient supplementation, did not validate the food frequency questionnaire against a biomarker, nor measured survey repeatability.Conclusions:  The majority of food frequency questionnaire validation studies had achieved at least an acceptable quality validation score; however, some food frequency questionnaires had undergone a higher quality validation process than others. Applying the international validation recommendations to future validation studies may improve the quality of the food frequency questionnaire validation process and, potentially, population dietary iron‐related research.
Discriminating between carbohydrate‐rich foods: A model based on nutrient density and glycaemic index
Authors: SHRAPNEL Bill , NOAKES Manny 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to develop a model for conceptualising the nutritional quality of carbohydrate‐rich foods, using nutrient density and glycaemic index.Methods:  A nutrient density score based on six distinguishing nutrients was developed. Nutrient density scores and glycaemic indices for 95 carbohydrate‐rich foods were plotted on two dimensional axes, arranged into four carbohydrate quality quadrants. The classifications of foods and groups of foods were then assessed against Australian and American dietary guidelines' recommendations.Results:  The model showed considerable capacity to discriminate between the nutritional qualities of carbohydrate‐rich foods. In general, the ranking of foods was consistent with dietary guidelines' recommendations with most core foods including dairy products, legumes, starchy vegetables, breads and breakfast cereals falling into the two highest quality categories. Non‐core foods such as biscuits, donuts, pastries, sweets and soft drinks fell into the lowest quality category. There were two points of inconsistency between the model and the dietary guidelines, in relation to some fruits and cereals. Nutrient density scores for fruits varied widely. Many cereal foods, including rice and pasta, fell in the lower quality categories and were ranked similarly to biscuits and pastries. Total sugar content was a minor discriminator of nutritional quality using this model.Conclusions:  Ranking the nutritional quality of carbohydrate‐rich foods using this model suggests that dietary recommendations for cereal foods in dietary guidelines and food guides may need to be reconsidered. More emphasis may need to be placed on nutrient density and less on sugar content.
A prospective randomised controlled trial of Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation versus liquid paraffin plus antiseptic cream in the treatment of recurrent epistaxis
Authors: Zhang J. , Qiu R. 
Published: June 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 271–275Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy of Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation with that of liquid paraffin plus antiseptic cream in the management of recurrent epistaxis.Design:  Prospective clinical study. Eighty consecutive patients with histories of recurrent epistaxis were randomly assigned to receive treatment in an outpatient setting consisting of either a combination of liquid paraffin plus antiseptic cream (group 1) or Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation (group 2).Setting:  University‐affiliated teaching hospital.Participants:  Eighty consecutive patients who suffered from recurrent anterior epistaxis presented to the Otolaryngology Department at the Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University between February 2011 and June 2011.Main outcome measures:  The following outcome measures were assessed: bleeding intensity, bleeding frequency 4 and 12 weeks after treatment (0 = no bleeding, 1 = reduced bleeding, 2 = the same, 3 = worse), participant’s perception of discomfort during the management (grade 0–10, where 10 is the worst pain) and complications.Results:  At 12 weeks, 85% of laser patients versus 40% of control patients had no reported bleeding. The outcome score at 4 weeks after treatment showed no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.130, P > 0.05); however, the outcome score at 12 weeks after treatment showed a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.000, P < 0.01). The median and mean ± sd pain levels experienced were 5.0 and 5.2 ± 2.2. Both groups had no complications.Conclusions:  It can be concluded that Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation is a preferable therapy in the treatment of recurrent epistaxis, especially in terms of long‐lasting efficacy. The level of pain associated with the procedure was tolerated. It is a simple, easy, safe and rapid therapy, which can be performed in an office setting.