bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Would vaccination against nicotine be a cost‐effective way to prevent smoking uptake in adolescents?
Authors: Gartner Coral E. , Barendregt Jan J. , Wallace Angela , Hall Wayne D. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTAims We used epidemiological modelling to assess whether nicotine vaccines would be a cost‐effective way of preventing smoking uptake in adolescents.Design, Setting, Participants and Measurements We built an epidemiological model using Australian data on age‐specific smoking prevalence; smoking cessation and relapse rates; life‐time sex‐specific disability‐adjusted life years lived for cohorts of 100 000 smokers and non‐smokers; government data on the costs of delivering a vaccination programme by general practitioners; and a range of plausible and optimistic estimates of vaccine cost, efficacy and immune response rates based on clinical trial results. We first estimated the smoking uptake rates for Australians aged 12–19 years. We then used these estimates to predict the expected smoking prevalence in a birth cohort aged 12 in 2003 by age 20 under (i) current policy and (ii) different vaccination scenarios that varied in cost, initial vaccination uptake, yearly re‐vaccination rates, efficacy and a favourable vaccine immune response rate.Findings Under the most optimistic assumptions, the cost to avert a smoker at age 20 was $44 431 [95% confidence interval (CI) $40 023–49 250]. This increased to $296 019 (95% CI $252 307–$355 930) under more plausible scenarios. The vaccine programme was not cost‐effective under any scenario.Conclusions A preventive nicotine vaccination programme is unlikely to be cost‐effective. The total cost of a universal vaccination programme would be high and its impact on population smoking prevalence negligible. For these reasons, such a programme is unlikely to be publicly funded in Australia or any other developed country.
Identification of a Dau c PRPlike protein (Dau c 1.03) as a new allergenic isoform in carrots (cultivar Rodelika)
Authors: Wangorsch A. , Weigand D. , Peters S. , Mahler V. , Fötisch K. , Reuter A. , Imani J. , DeWitt Å. M. , Kogel K.‐H. , Lidholm J. , Vieths S. , Scheurer S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundUp to 25% of food allergic subjects in central Europe suffer from carrot allergy. Until now, two isoforms of the major carrot (Daucus carota) allergen Dau c 1 have been described: Dau c 1.01, comprising five variants (Dau c 1.0101–Dau c 1.0105) and Dau c 1.02.ObjectiveTo investigate potential allergenic properties of a Dau c PRPlike protein, a novel isoform of the PR‐10 protein family in carrot.MethodsDau c PRPlike cDNA from carrot roots (cv Rodelika) was cloned after RT‐PCR and 5′RACE. Dau c PRPlike protein was expressed in E. coli, purified under native conditions by Ni‐NTA chromatography and analysed by CD spectroscopy. Immuno‐reactivity of the rDau c PRPlike protein was compared with rDau c 1.0104 and rDau c 1.0201 in terms of IgE binding (immunoblotting, ImmunoCAP™), IgE cross‐reactivity (ELISA inhibition) and in vitro mediator release with sera from carrot allergic patients. mRNA expression of Dau c PRPlike protein in wild‐type and transgenic carrot roots was analysed by qRT‐PCR.ResultsThe Dau c PRPlike protein was identified as a new allergenic isoform, Dau c 1.03, in carrot roots. 68% of carrot allergic patients were sensitized to rDau c 1.03. The IgE‐reactivity of rDau c 1.03 strongly correlated with reactivity to rDau c 1.0104, but not to rDau c 1.0201. The extent of IgE cross‐reactivity and allergenic potency of Dau c 1 isoforms varied between the individual sera tested. Dau c 1.03 mRNA transcripts were up‐regulated in Dau c 1.01 and Dau c 1.02 gene‐silenced carrot roots.Conclusion and clinical relevanceDau c 1 isoforms display distinct IgE epitope heterogeneity. Dau c 1.03 appears to contribute to the allergenicity of carrots and the manifestation of carrot allergy. The epitope diversity of different Dau c 1 isoforms should be considered for component‐resolved diagnosis and gene silencing of carrot allergens.
The psychological impact of diagnostic food challenges to confirm the resolution of peanut or tree nut allergy
Authors: Knibb R. C. , Ibrahim N. F. , Stiefel G. , Petley R. , Cummings A. J. , King R. M. , Keeton D. , Brown L. , Erlewyn‐Lajeunesse M. , Roberts G. , Lucas J. S. A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundTwenty percent of children outgrow peanut allergy and 10% outgrow tree nut allergy. Resolution can be confirmed by a food challenge. Little is known about the psychosocial impact of the challenge. We aimed to investigate effects of a food challenge on anxiety, stress and quality of life (QoL) in children and their mothers on the day of a food challenge to peanuts or nuts, and in the months following the challenge.MethodsOne hundred and three families participated. Forty children undergoing food challenges to access resolution of allergy, and their mothers, completed validated questionnaires to measure generic and food specific quality of life, stress and anxiety prior to challenge, on the day of investigation and 3–6 months later. Sixty‐three children with no clinical indication to challenge (i.e. in the opinion of the allergist had persistent allergy) acted as comparison group completing questionnaires 3–6 months apart.ResultsMothers reported raised anxiety on the day of challenge (P = 0.007), but children were less anxious. The children (P = 0.01) and mothers (P = 0.01) had improved food‐related, but not general, QoL 3–6 months following challenge. Children reported lower anxiety levels following the challenge (P = 0.02), but anxiety remained unchanged in mothers. The improvements in maternal and children's QoL and anxiety levels were irrespective of the challenge outcome and despite co‐existing food allergies in 50% of children.ConclusionsMothers experienced increased anxiety on the day of food challenge, unlike the children, perhaps reflecting the differences in their perceived risks. Food challenges are associated with improved food‐related QoL in the following months even in those with a positive challenge.
Impact of clear and cloudy sky conditions on the vertical distribution of photosynthetic CO2 uptake within a spruce canopy
Authors: Urban Otmar , Klem Karel , Ač Alexander , Havránková Kateřina , Holišová Petra , Navrátil Martin , Zitová Martina , Kozlová Klára , Pokorný Radek , Šprtová Mirka , Tomášková Ivana , Špunda Vladimír , Grace John 
Published: November 2011

Summary1. Cloud cover affects carbon exchange between biota and the atmosphere. Recent studies have demonstrated that an increase in the diffuse radiation fraction enhances the photosynthetic efficiency of canopies. Although the exact mechanism behind this effect is not clear, a more even distribution of light among leaves across the vertical profile of the canopy is considered to be the most important cause of this difference.2. To test this hypothesis, the net ecosystem production (NEP) of a Norway spruce forest (30‐year‐old) was measured under cloudy and sunny skies by the eddy covariance method. In parallel, measurements of the diurnal courses of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were made in the upper sun (5th whorl; 1‐year‐old needles), middle (8th and 10th whorl; 1‐ and 2‐year‐old needles) and lower shade (15th whorl; >2‐year‐old needles) shoots.3. The higher diffuse radiation fraction during cloudy days resulted in significantly higher ecosystem carbon uptake than at corresponding incident photosynthetic photon flux density on sunny days. Our shoot‐level data show that shoots from deep within the canopy contribute substantially to the overall carbon balance during cloudy days. But, although shade‐adapted shoots had a markedly positive carbon balance over a 24‐h period on cloudy days, their performance was impaired on sunny days contributing only a marginal or even negative carbon balance from the middle and shaded parts of the canopy. The uppermost sun shoots contributed 78% of the total carbon assimilated during a sunny day, but only 43% during a cloudy day.4. In addition, afternoon depression of canopy NEP and CO2 assimilation rates of the uppermost shoots (5th and 8th whorl) occurred in response to irradiance on sunny days, characterized by significant decreases in CO2 uptake and apparent quantum yield; however, this depression did not occur under cloudy conditions. Stomatal and non‐stomatal regulations of carbon assimilation in the afternoon are discussed.
NaV1.8, but not NaV1.9, is upregulated in the inflamed dental pulp tissue of human primary teeth
Authors: Suwanchai A. , Theerapiboon U. , Chattipakorn N. , Chattipakorn S. C. 
Published: November 2011

Suwanchai A, Theerapiboon U, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. NaV1.8, but not NaV1.9, is upregulated in the inflamed dental pulp tissue of human primary teeth. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 372–378, 2012.AbstractAim  To investigate alterations in NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 expression within inflamed dental pulp tissue of human primary teeth.Methodology  Dental pulp tissue obtained from both normal and inflamed pulps in primary teeth as well as pulps from normal and inflamed permanent teeth was used. The quantity of NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 expression in the dental pulp tissue was investigated using Western blot analysis. General neuron marker (PGP9.5) was used to quantify for neural density, and an increase in metalloproteinase‐9 was used to indicate pulpal inflammation in inflamed teeth. Statistically significant differences for each determined parameter between normal and inflamed teeth of both primary and permanent teeth were tested using the Mann–Whitney rank sum test.Results  There was no significant difference in neural density of normal and inflamed dental pulp tissue, although degrees of inflammation were increased in the inflamed dental pulp of both permanent and primary teeth (P < 0.05). NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 expression in inflamed pulps of permanent teeth increased significantly compared with normal permanent teeth (P < 0.05). However, only NaV1.8 expression was increased significantly in the inflamed dental pulp of primary teeth (P < 0.05).Conclusions  NaV1.8 alone may be the therapeutic target for treatment of painful pulpitis in primary teeth.
Tadalafil once daily and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of patients with Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction: results from a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Palmieri A. , Imbimbo C. , Creta M. , Verze P. , Fusco F. , Mirone V. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryExtracorporeal shock wave therapy improves erectile function in patients with Peyronie’s disease. However, erectile dysfunction still persists in many cases. We aimed to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus tadalafil 5 mg once daily in the management of patients with Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction not previously treated. One hundred patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either extracorporeal shock wave therapy alone for 4 weeks (n = 50) or extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus tadalafil 5 mg once daily for 4 weeks (n = 50). Main outcome measures were: erectile function (evaluated through the shortened version of the International Index of Erectile Function), pain during erection (evaluated through a Visual Analog Scale), plaque size, penile curvature and quality of life (evaluated through an internal questionnaire). Follow‐up evaluations were performed after 12 and 24 weeks. In both groups, at 12 weeks follow‐up, mean Visual Analog Scale score, mean International Index of Erectile Function score and mean quality of life score ameliorated significantly while mean plaque size and mean curvature degree were unchanged. Intergroup analysis revealed a significantly higher mean International Index of Erectile Function score and quality of life score in patients receiving the combination. After 24 weeks, intergroup analysis revealed a significantly higher mean International Index of Erectile Function score and mean quality of life score in patients that received extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus tadalafil. In conclusion extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus tadalafil 5 mg once daily may represent a valid conservative strategy for the management of patients with Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction.
A constructionist learning environment for teachers to model learning designs
Authors: Laurillard D. , Charlton P. , Craft B. , Dimakopoulos D. , Ljubojevic D. , Magoulas G. , Masterman E. , Pujadas R. , Whitley E.A. , Whittlestone K. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe use of digital technologies is now widespread and increasing, but is not always optimized for effective learning. Teachers in higher education have little time or support to work on innovation and improvement of their teaching, which often means they simply replicate their current practice in a digital medium. This paper makes the case for a learning design support environment to support and scaffold teachers' engagement with and development of technology‐enhanced learning, based on user requirements and on pedagogic theory. To be able to adopt, adapt, and experiment with learning designs, teachers need a theory‐informed way of representing the critical characteristics of good pedagogy as they discover how to optimize learning technologies. This paper explains the design approach of the Learning Design Support Environment project, and how it aims to support teachers in achieving this goal.
Personality traits in bipolar disorder type I: a sib‐pair analysis
Authors: Almeida Karla Mathias , Nery Fabiano G , Moreno Ricardo Alberto , Gorenstein Clarice , Lafer Beny 
Published: November 2011

Almeida KM, Nery FG, Moreno RA, Gorenstein C, Lafer B. Personality traits in bipolar disorder type I: a sib‐pair analysis. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 662–669. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare temperament and character traits among patients with bipolar disorder (BD), their siblings, and healthy controls (HCs) in order to examine whether personality traits are related to the genetic vulnerability to develop BD.Methods:  Using the Temperament and Character Inventory, we assessed 204 subjects: 67 euthymic outpatients with bipolar disorder type I, 67 siblings without BD, and 70 HCs.Results:  Scores on harm avoidance, novelty seeking, and self‐transcendence were significantly higher among patients with BD than among HCs, whereas those on self‐directedness and cooperativeness were significantly lower. Siblings showed higher scores on harm avoidance and lower scores on self‐directedness than did HCs. As some of the siblings presented at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder other than BD (n = 35), we examined the subset of siblings who had no lifetime psychiatric disorder (n = 32). This group showed statistically higher harm avoidance scores than HCs.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that the harm avoidance temperament trait and, to a lesser extent, the self‐directedness character trait may represent vulnerability factors for BD.
Effect of early and late mobilisation on split skin graft outcome
Authors: Luczak Bernard , Ha Jennifer , Gurfinkel Reuven 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTBackground:  There is an increasing trend towards early mobilisation post‐split skin grafting of the lower limbs. This study was performed to determine if early mobilisation impacts negatively on graft healing and patient morbidity.Methods:  A retrospective review of 48 cases of lower limb split skin grafts performed by the plastic surgery department at Royal Perth Hospital was undertaken. Patients were stratified into early and late mobilisation groups.Results:  No difference in outcome was identified with early mobilisation, but an increased rate of deconditioning with increased length of stay was present with late mobilisation.Conclusion:  These results suggest that early mobilisation post‐split skin grafting of the lower limb is beneficial to patient care and is associated with lower morbidity.
Care coordinators: A controlled evaluation of an inpatient mental health service innovation
Authors: Stewart Malcolm W. , Wilson Michael , Bergquist Karla , Thorburn John 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to evaluate the impact of introducing designated care coordinators into an acute mental health inpatient unit in terms of service delivery, clinical outcomes, and service user and significant other perceptions. A pre–post‐controlled design was implemented with a consecutive sample of 292 service users admitted and staying more than 5 days in two wards, with care coordinators introduced in one ward. Data were obtained from clinical records, standard measures, and service user and significant other surveys. Care coordinator input was associated with significant improvements in service delivery and stronger involvement of significant others and community resources. Care‐coordinated clients showed significantly better clinical outcomes, including the Health of Nations Outcome Scales behaviour subscale, less time in the intensive care subunit, less community crisis team input in the week following discharge, and lower rates of readmission in the month following discharge. Care‐coordinated service users and their significant others gave higher ratings of service delivery, outcome, and satisfaction. The results indicate that designated care coordinators significantly improve care processes, outcomes, and service user experience in acute inpatient mental health settings.
Gender‐specific clinicopathological features and survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Authors: Lee Sangchul , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Kwak Cheol , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Byun Seok‐Soo , Lee Sang Eun , Lee Eunsik 
Published: November 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?There has been some controversy about the gender differences in survival in patients with RCC.Korean women with RCC had a lower proportion of clear cell histology and a higher proportion of chromophobe histology. This histological difference might have driven the better survival rates in Korean women.OBJECTIVE
To assess whether there are gender‐specific differences in the clinicopathological features and prognosis in a large cohort of Korean patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) compared with Western patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Medical records of 1616 patients clinically diagnosed with RCC who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy were analysed between January 1988 and July 2009.
In all, 1508 patients diagnosed with RCC based on pathology reports were included for evaluation.
The mean follow‐up period was 73.1 months.
The gender‐specific differences in the clinicopathological features and survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.
RESULTS
Of the 1508 patients, 439 (29.1%) were women.
Korean men had a higher proportion of clear cell histology (84.3% vs 72.0%, P < 0.001) and a lower percentage of chromophobe histology (5.2% vs 12.5%, P < 0.001) than Korean women.
There were no gender‐specific differences in pathological T stage, positive lymph nodes or distant metastases, or Fuhrman's nuclear grade (P > 0.05).
For both cancer‐specific and overall survival, Kaplan–Meier curves showed that women had a better survival rate than men (P= 0.039 and P= 0.015, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Korean women with RCC had significantly better survival rates than Korean men.
Additionally, Korean women with RCC had a lower proportion of clear cell histology and a higher proportion of chromophobe histology.
This histological difference might have driven the better survival rates in Korean women.
Protective and restorative effects of a Commiphora mukul gum resin and triheptanoin preparation on the CCL‐110 skin fibroblast cell line
Authors: Ramachandran C. , Quirin K‐W. , Resek A. , Melnick S.J. 
Published: November 2011

SynopsisCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a major ingredient in skin care products because of its anti‐wrinkle effects, although it has some side effects especially at higher amounts. In this study, we compare the anti‐wrinkle related properties of CoQ10 and a proprietary Commiphora mukul gum resin (guggul) and triheptanoin preparation (GU‐TC7). GU‐TC7 is prepared with a supercritical CO2‐co‐solvent extraction with ethanol, standardized to 2% guggulsterones and triheptanoin, a triglyceride composed of three 7‐carbon fatty acids. Treatment of CCL‐110 skin fibroblasts with GU‐TC7 demonstrates a mild proliferative effect compared to CoQ10 and increased type I collagen synthesis. Additionally, GU‐TC7 inhibited matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) expression in a dose‐dependent manner at 20–100 μg mL−1 and inhibited human elastase expression by more than 50% as compared to no elastase inhibition with CoQ10 treatment. These results suggest that GU‐TC7 possesses properties that are applicable to the treatment of wrinkles and may be considered for its further evaluation in skin care products.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of toll‐like receptor‐4 protect against acne conglobata
Authors: Grech I. , Giatrakou S. , Damoraki G. , Pistiki A. , Kaldrimidis P. , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis E.J. , Stavrianeas N. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Former studies have shown that Propionibacterium acnes may stimulate expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in keratinocytes of patients with acne vulgaris.Objective  To investigate the impact of single nucleotide polumorphisms (SNPs) of the TLR4 gene in acne vulgaris.Methods  Genomic DNA was isolated from 191 patients with acne vulgaris and 75 healthy controls. Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile SNPs were defined after cutting of the PCR products by restriction enzymes. Sebum of lesions was cultured for P. acnes.Results  No differences in SNP allele frequencies were found between patients and healthy controls. 46.5% of carriers of wild‐type alleles were suffering from acne conglobata compared with 28.6% of carriers of SNP alleles (P = 0.040). After adjusting for gender, family history of acnes, intake of any therapy and skin isolation of P. acnes, carriage of TLR4 gene SNPs was the only independent variable linked with a protective role against acne conglobata (OR = 0.269, P = 0.014). No differences were found in the amount of pro‐inflammatory cytokines released by peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from patients with acne conglobata carrying only wild‐type alleles and SNP alleles.Conclusions  Carriage of gene SNPs is protective against the development of acne conglobata even in the presence of P. acnes.