bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global environmental changes: setting priorities for Latin American coastal habitats
Authors: Turra Alexander , Cróquer Aldo , Carranza Alvar , Mansilla Andrés , Areces Arsenio J. , Werlinger Camilo , Martínez‐Bayón Carlos , Nassar Cristina Aparecida Gomes , Plastino Estela , Schwindt Evangelina , Scarabino Fabrizio , Chow Fungyi , Figueroa Felix Lopes , Berchez Flávio , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Soto Luis A. , Buckeridge Marcos Silveira , Copertino Margareth S. , de Széchy Maria Tereza Menezes , Ghilardi‐Lopes Natalia Pirani , Horta Paulo , Coutinho Ricardo , Fraschetti Simonetta , Leão Zelinda Margarida de Andrade Nery
Published: February 2013

As the effects of the Global Climate Changes on the costal regions of Central and South Americas advance, there is proportionally little research being made to understand such impacts. This commentary puts forward a series of propositions of strategies to improve performance of Central and South American science and policy making in order to cope with the future impacts of the Global Climate Changes in their coastal habitats.
Seasonal variability in net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange over a young Switchgrass stand
Authors: Wagle Pradeep , Kakani Vijaya Gopal
Published: February 2013

Understanding carbon dynamics of switchgrass ecosystems is crucial as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) acreage is expanding for cellulosic biofuels. We used eddy covariance system and examined seasonal changes in net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) and its components – gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) – in response to controlling factors during the second (2011) and third (2012) years of stand establishment in the southern Great Plains of the United States (Chickasha, OK). Larger vapor pressure deficit (VPD > 3 kPa) limited photosynthesis and caused asymmetrical diurnal NEE cycles (substantially higher NEE in the morning hours than in the afternoon at equal light levels). Consequently, rectangular hyperbolic light–response curve (NEE partitioning algorithm) consistently failed to provide good fits at high VPD. Modified rectangular hyperbolic light–VPD response model accounted for the limitation of VPD on photosynthesis and improved the model performance significantly. The maximum monthly average NEE reached up to −33.02 ± 1.96 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 and the highest daily integrated NEE was −35.89 g CO2 m−2 during peak growth. Although large differences in cumulative seasonal GEP and ER were observed between two seasons, total seasonal ER accounted for about 75% of GEP regardless of the growing season lengths and differences in aboveground biomass production. It suggests that net ecosystem carbon uptake increases with increasing GEP. The ecosystem was a net sink of CO2 during 5–6 months and total seasonal uptakes were −1128 ± 130 and −1796 ± 217 g CO2 m−2 in 2011 and 2012, respectively. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the annual carbon status of a switchgrass ecosystem can be a small sink to small source in this region if carbon loss from biomass harvesting is considered. However, year‐round measurements over several years are required to assess a long‐term source‐sink status of the ecosystem.
The emergence of the geoengineering debate in theUKprint media: a frame analysis
Authors: Porter Kate Elizabeth , Hulme Mike
Published: February 2013

Effective and just decisionmaking on geoengineering will require greater appreciation of the diverse ways in which people conceive of and relate to the idea of climate control. This study targets theUKnational press as a domain in which to begin intercepting discourses of geoengineering forming within theUK. Frame analysis is conducted and the issue frames of Innovation, Risk, Governance and Accountability, Economics, Morality, Security and Justice are identified within the corpus of articles surveyed. These frames amplify different priorities and values, engaging a rich and diverse portfolio of attitudes to climate risks. Rather than being, as we envisaged, ‘issue specific’, the frames that emerged from our analysis are actually categorised most effectively according to ‘generic’ frames that could apply to a range of other issues. Underlying assumptions about the nature–human relationship are found to be an interesting influence on frame construction. Further research is needed to explore this relationship in wider cultural contexts.
Impact of surgeon and volume on extended lymphadenectomy at the time of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy: results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC)
Authors: Marshall Susan J. , Hayn Matthew H. , Stegemann Andrew P. , Agarwal Piyush K. , Badani Ketan K. , Balbay M. Derya , Dasgupta Prokar , Hemal Ashok K. , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Kibel Adam S. , Menon Mani , Mottrie Alex , Nepple Kenneth , Pattaras John G. , Peabody James O. , Poulakis Vassilis , Pruthi Raj S. , Palou Redorta Joan , Rha Koon‐Ho , Richstone Lee , Schanne Francis , Scherr Douglas S. , Siemer Stefan , Stöckle Michael , Wallen Eric M. , Weizer Alon Z. , Wiklund Peter , Wilson Timothy , Woods Michael , Guru Khurshid A.
Published: February 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Lymph node dissection and it's extend during robot‐assisted radical cystectomy varies based on surgeon related factors.

This study reports outcomes of robot‐assisted extended lymphadenectomy based on surgeon experience in both academic and private practice settings.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of, and predictors for, extended lymph node dissection (LND) in patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) for bladder cancer, as extendedLND is critical for the treatment of bladder cancer but the role of minimally invasive surgery for extended LND has not been well‐defined in a multi‐institutional setting.

Patients and Methods

Used the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC) database.

In all, 765 patients who underwent RARC at 17 institutions from 2003 to 2010 were evaluated for receipt of extended LND.

Patients were stratified by age, sex, clinical stage, institutional volume, sequential case number, and surgeon volume.

Logistic regression analyses were used to correlate variables to the likelihood of undergoing extended LND.

Results

In all, 445 (58%) patients underwent extended LND.

Among all patients, a median (range) of 18 (0–74) LNs were examined.

High‐volume institutions (≥100 cases) had a higher mean LN yield (23 vs 15, P < 0.001).

On univariable analysis, surgeon volume, institutional volume, and sequential case number were associated with likelihood of undergoing extended LND.

On multivariable analysis, surgeon volume [odds ratio (OR) 3.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.37–5.06, P < 0.001] and institution volume [OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.47–4.78, P = 0.001) were associated with undergoing extended LND.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted LND can achieve similar LN yields to those of open LND after RC.

High‐volume surgeons are more likely to perform extended LND, reflecting a correlation between their growing experience and increased comfort with advanced vascular dissection.
The Consequences of Banking Crises for Public Debt
Authors: Furceri Davide , Zdzienicka Aleksandra
Published: February 2013

The aim of this paper is to assess the consequences of banking crises for public debt. Using an unbalanced panel of 154 countries from 1980 to 2006, the paper shows that banking crises are associated with a significant and long‐lasting increase in government debt. The effect is a function of the severity of the crisis. In particular, for severe crises, comparable to the most recent one in terms of output losses, banking crises are followed by a medium‐term increase of about 37 percentage points in the government gross debt‐to‐GDP ratio. In addition, the debt ratio increased more in countries with a higher initial gross debt‐to‐GDP ratio, with a higher share of foreign debt, and with a lower quality of institutions. The increase in government debt is also a function of the size of the fiscal stimuli implemented to counter the economic downturns and varies with the type of banking intervention policy used.
Exclusion and Informality: The Praetorian Politics of Land Management in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Dorman W.J.
Published: February 2013

Since the late 1970s, Western aid agencies, including the US Agency for International Development (AID) and the World Bank, sought to assist the Egyptian government in planning its capital, Cairo. The aim was to foster an administratively competent Egyptian state able to respond, for example, to informal urbanization of the city's agricultural periphery by channelling the city's growth into planned and serviced desert sites. However, these initiatives were almost entirely unsuccessful. Egyptian officials rejected engagement with the informal urbanization process. The projects became enmeshed in bureaucratic struggles over control of valuable state desert land. This article examines these failed planning exercises, first, in order to assess what they indicate about Egypt's authoritarian dispensation of power, in place since 1952 but challenged in the February 2011 overthrow of President Husni Mubarak. It concludes that project failure is diagnostic of the regime's exclusionary nature and the presence of autonomous centres of power such as the Egyptian military. Secondly, the article looks at how this political order shaped Cairo's largely uncontrolled growth by constraining the Egyptian state's capacity to manage it. Thus, urban planning in Cairo reveals how authoritarian power relations have been inscribed upon Egyptian social space.
Modeling antecedents of university students' study behavior and grade point average
Authors: Richardson Michelle , Abraham Charles
Published: February 2013

Two prospective surveys tested theory‐based models of university students' study behavior and grade point average (GPA). The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and personality systems interaction (PSI) theory were tested. The TPB fitted the data for self‐reported study but was less useful when applied to GPA. Some support for PSI theory was found although results varied for study behavior verses GPA. In Study 1, an interaction between volitional competency and subjective norm explained unique variation in study behavior controlling for TPB variables and past behavior. In Study 2, implicit attention control had a direct effect on GPA after the TPB variables and past achievement were controlled. Implications for interventions designed to improve tertiary‐level academic achievement are discussed.
The biogeography of the Isthmus of Kra region: a review
Authors: Parnell J.
Published: February 2013

This review examines the evidence for a significant biogeographic divide on the Thai–Malay Peninsula of mainland southeast Asia (SE Asia) associated with the Isthmus of Kra. The divide is believed to be of the same scale as ‘Wallace’s Line’, though it remains less well‐known, less well‐studied, and its location and cause are enigmatic. This review presents relevant geological, geographical, climatic, biogeographic and sea‐level data, discusses some exemplar distributional patterns and concludes with an integrated discussion.
Co‐occurrence of cytomegalovirus‐induced vanishing bile duct syndrome with papillary stenosis in HIV infection
Authors: Tyagi Ila , Puri Amarender S. , Sakhuja Puja , Majumdar Kaushik , Lunia Manish , Gondal Ranjana
Published: February 2013

Jaundice in patients with AIDS can be a result of diverse conditions ranging from opportunistic infections to drug‐related hepatotoxicity. With the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the prevalence of AIDS cholangiopathy as a cause of jaundice has decreased; on the other hand, ART‐related hepatotoxicity has become one of the commonest causes of jaundice in these patients. AIDS cholangiopathy is a rare condition of extrahepatic biliary obstruction in patients with advanced HIV infection, usually due to opportunistic infections. Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is an acquired disorder characterized by progressive destruction and loss of interlobular bile ducts causing intrahepatic cholestasis. Herein, we report co‐occurrence of fatal cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐induced VBDS along with papillary stenosis, as a component of AIDS cholangiopathy, which to the best of our knowledge has not been documented earlier. This is perhaps the third case of VBDS in a patient with AIDS, and the second in association with CMV infection. VBDS in AIDS has a poor outcome, and liver transplantation may be considered only in a suitable candidate.
Neuroendocrine differentiation in embryonal type hepatoblastoma
Authors: Fragulidis Georgios P. , Chondrogiannis Konstantinos , Vezakis Antonios , Melemeni Aikaterini , Kondi‐Pafiti Agatha , Primetis Elias , Polydorou Andreas , Voros Dionysios C.
Published: February 2013

Hepatoblastoma, a malignant tumor which arises occasionally in older children but very rarely in adults, exhibits divergent differentiation with embryonal cells, fetal hepatocytes and immature elements. This report describes an embryonal type hepatoblastoma with neuroendocrine differentiation in a 16‐year‐old patient, which was diagnosed postoperatively. Clinical and radiologic work‐up failed to reveal a primary gastrointestinal malignancy and no primary lesions were detected in any other organ. This feature of hepatoblastoma is considered to be a multidirectional differentiation of the small epithelial or stem cells of the liver. At 2‐year follow up, the patient remains symptom‐free, with normal laboratory and diagnostic imaging studies, and no recurrent or metastatic disease identified.
Robust Structural Equations for Designing and Monitoring Strategic International Facility Networks
Authors: Kouvelis Panos , Munson Charles L. , Yang Shilei
Published: February 2013

Using predictive global sensitivity analysis, we develop a structural equations model to abstract from the details of a large‐scale mixed integer program (MIP) to capture essential design trade‐offs of global manufacturing and distribution networks. We provide a conceptual framework that describes a firm's network structure along three dimensions: market focus, plant focus, and network dispersion. Normalized dependent variables are specified that act as proxies for a company's placement into our conceptual network classification via the calculation of just a few key independent variables. We provide robust equation sets for eight cost structure clusters. Many different product types could be classified into one of these groups, which would allow managers to use the equations directly without needing to run the MIP for themselves. Our numerical tests suggest that the formulas representing the network structure drivers—economies of scale, complexity costs, transportation costs, and tariffs—may be sufficient for managers to design their strategic network structures, and perhaps more importantly, to monitor them over time to detect potential need for adjustment.
Long‐term drivers of forest composition in a boreonemoral region: the relative importance of climate and human impact
Authors: Reitalu Triin , Seppä Heikki , Sugita Shinya , Kangur Mihkel , Koff Tiiu , Avel Eve , Kihno Kersti , Vassiljev Jüri , Renssen Hans , Hammarlund Dan , Heikkilä Maija , Saarse Leili , Poska Anneli , Veski Siim
Published: February 2013

Aim

To assess statistically the relative importance of climate and human impact on forest composition in the late Holocene.

Location

Estonia, boreonemoral Europe.

Methods

Data on forest composition (10 most abundant tree and shrub taxa) for the late Holocene (5100–50 calibrated years before 1950) were derived from 18 pollen records and then transformed into land‐cover estimates using the REVEALS vegetation reconstruction model. Human impact was quantified with palaeoecological estimates of openness, frequencies of hemerophilous pollen types (taxa growing in habitats influenced by human activities) and microscopic charcoal particles. Climate data generated with the ECBilt‐CLIO‐VECODE climate model provided summer and winter temperature data. The modelled data were supported by sedimentary stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) records. Redundancy analysis (RDA), variation partitioning and linear mixed effects (LME) models were applied for statistical analyses.

Results

Both climate and human impact were statistically significant predictors of forest compositional change during the late Holocene. While climate exerted a dominant influence on forest composition in the beginning of the study period, human impact was the strongest driver of forest composition change in the middle of the study period, c. 4000–2000 years ago, when permanent agriculture became established and expanded. The late Holocene cooling negatively affected populations of nemoral deciduous taxa (Tilia, Corylus, Ulmus, Quercus, Alnus and Fraxinus), allowing boreal taxa (Betula, Salix, Picea and Pinus) to succeed. Whereas human impact has favoured populations of early‐successional taxa that colonize abandoned agricultural fields (Betula, Salix, Alnus) or that can grow on less fertile soils (Pinus), it has limited taxa such as Picea that tend to grow on more mesic and fertile soils.

Main conclusions

Combining palaeoecological and palaeoclimatological data from multiple sources facilitates quantitative characterization of factors driving forest composition dynamics on millennial time‐scales. Our results suggest that in addition to the climatic influence on forest composition, the relative abundance of individual forest taxa has been significantly influenced by human impact over the last four millennia.
Does the ‘European Grouping of Territorial Co‐operation’ Promote Multi‐level Governance within the European Union?
Authors: Nadalutti Elisabetta
Published: February 2013

Through the analysis of Regulation 1082/2006 (also known as ‘The European Grouping of Territorial Co‐operation’), which enables regional and local authorities from different European Union (EU) countries to set up co‐operation groupings as legal entities for projects of cross‐border and trans‐European significance, this article aims to assess whether the daily politics of the EU is still state driven in a zero‐sum game, and conversely, whether states and state representatives are no longer the only interface between the sub‐national and supranational levels and the operation of power across the various levels of governance on a local/national/supranational level in a non‐zero‐sum game. The article will show that a type of ‘multi‐level governance’ is emerging in cross‐border regions in which cross‐border activities are empowering the regional/local level (sub‐national level), permitting it to circumvent/supersede the national level through a process of negotiation and ‘alliances’. Furthermore, it will be highlighted that Regulation 1082/2006 is a clear example of multi‐level governance in practice.
A consensus report on appropriate treatment optimization and transitioning in the management of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis
Authors: Mrowietz U. , de Jong E.M.G.J. , Kragballe K. , Langley R. , Nast A. , Puig L. , Reich K. , Schmitt J. , Warren R.B.
Published: February 2013

Background

There is limited information on systemic and biological treatment optimization and transitioning in routine clinical practice.

Objective

To provide practical guidance on treatment optimization and transitioning for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

Dermatologists from 33 countries contributed to the Transitioning Therapies programme. Fourteen questions were identified. Answers were drafted based on systematic literature reviews (7/14 questions) and expert opinion (7/14 questions). Using a modified Delphi procedure, dermatologists from 30 countries voted on their level of agreement with each draft answer (scale: 1–9, strong disagreement to strong agreement). Consensus was defined as ≥75% of participants scoring within the 7–9 range.

Results

Consensus was achieved on the answers to all questions. Recommendations for the use of cyclosporine and methotrexate were agreed. Transitioning from a conventional systemic therapy to a biological agent may be done directly or with an overlap (if transitioning is required because of lack of efficacy) or potentially with a treatment‐free interval (if transitioning is required for safety reasons). Combination therapy may be beneficial. Continuous therapy for patients on biologicals is strongly recommended. However, during successful maintenance with biological monotherapy, a dosage reduction may be considered to limit drug exposure, although this may carry the risk of decreased efficacy. Switching biologicals for reasons of efficacy should be done without a washout period, but switching for reasons of safety may require a treatment‐free interval.

Conclusion

This consensus provides practical guidance on treatment optimization and transitioning for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, based on literature reviews and the expert opinion of dermatologists from across the globe.
Local adaptation of a Drosophila parasitoid: habitat‐specific differences in thermal reaction norms
Authors: Moiroux J. , Delava E. , Fleury F. , van Baaren J.
Published: February 2013

Local climate is an important source of selection on thermal reaction norms that has been well investigated in cline studies, where populations sampled along altitudinal or latitudinal gradients are compared. Several biotic factors vary with climate, but are rarely integrated as alternative agents of selection to climatic factors. We tested the hypothesis that habitat may select for thermal reaction norms and magnitude of phenotypic plasticity in a drosophila parasitoid, independently of the climate of origin. We sampled populations of Leptopilina boulardi, a Drosophila parasitoid in two different habitats, orchards and forests. Orchards offer laying opportunities over small distances for parasitoids, with a low variability in the number of hosts per patch, while forests offer more dispersed and more variable patches. The sampling was realized in a temperate and a Mediterranean climate. We measured egg load, volume of eggs, longevity and lipid content for parasitoids reared at two temperatures. Reaction norms were opposite for populations from forests and orchards for investment in reproduction, independently of the climate of origin. The maximal investment of resources in reproduction occurred at the lower temperature in orchards and the higher temperature in forests. Host distribution differences between habitats may explain these opposite reaction norms. We also observed a flatter reaction norm for egg load in forests than in orchards. This relative canalization may have been selected in response to the higher variability in laying opportunities observed in forests. Our results demonstrate the potential role of resource distribution in evolution of thermal plasticity.
Oncologic multidisciplinary team meetings: evaluation of quality criteria
Authors: Ottevanger Nelleke , Hilbink Mirrian , Weenk Mariska , Janssen Romy , Vrijmoeth Talitha , de Vries Antoinette , Hermens Rosella
Published: February 2013

Rationale, aims and objectives

To develop a guideline with quality criteria for an optimal structure and functioning of a multidisciplinary team meeting (MTM), and to assess to what extent the Dutch MTMs complied with these criteria.

Method

A literature search and expert opinions were used to develop a guideline for optimal MTMs. In order to assess adherence to the guideline, we conducted interviews with MTM chairs and observed general and tumour‐specific MTMs in seven hospitals.

Results

The new guideline included the following domains: (i) organization of the MTMs; (ii) membership of the MTM and roles and responsibilities of the members; (iii) the meeting itself; and (iv) documentation of meeting‐recommendations. We observed good adherence to the quality criteria on the organization of the MTMs. Only the required coordinator/administrative support was often absent, particularly during general MTMs. Regarding membership of MTMs and roles, the recommended average attendance of 100% of the core disciplines was never reached and particularly the role of the chair needs improvement. Regarding the meeting itself, many interruptions took place and relevant information about the diagnoses of the cases was not available in 4–5% of the cases. Concerning the documentation of meeting‐recommendations, only in a quarter of the meetings a specific form was used for the documentation.

Conclusions

We found a lot of diversity in the organization of MTMs. The variation in compliance with the quality criteria may decrease with better knowledge about the quality criteria around MTMs and by overcoming practical barriers for the effective organization of MTMs.
Short flap rhytidectomy and fractional CO2 laser rejuvenation of the aging face
Authors: Taghizadeh Farhan , Leibowitz Alicia , Ellison Timothy , Griego Michael , Traylor‐Knowles Mimi , Ramirez Patrick
Published: February 2013

Background

There is currently a high demand for a concurrent system of skin rejuvenation accompanying rhtidectomy. CO2 laser treatment prior to surgical ablative reduction has produced promising results, but the adjunct service of laser treatment at the time of surgery has never been reviewed.

Objectives

Determine the effects of concurrent treatment of rhytides and evidence of aging in the skin with surgical correction followed by fractional CO2 laser application.

Methods

During study time from September 2008 to February 2009 treat patients who have underwent short flap rhytidectomy to the Lutronic eCO2™ fractional laser using the patented “Controlled Chaos Technology.”

Results

Complications included 2.3% herpes simplex outbreak, 4% persistent erythema past 2 weeks, four cases of prolonged edema to 5 days, one case of impetigo, and no evidence of dyspigmentation. Patient satisfaction data demonstrated no refunds at 12 months.

Conclusions

Combination fractional laser resurfacing with short flap, high‐Superficial muscular aponeurotic system rhytidectomy is a safe procedure with excellent patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
A five‐patient prospective pilot study of a polycaprolactone based dermal filler for hand rejuvenation
Authors: Figueiredo Vitor Manuel
Published: February 2013

Background

Hand rejuvenation is becoming more popular as a complementary procedure to facial treatments. Current options include the relatively invasive lipofilling and the less invasive dermal fillers treatments, of which the latter often is too short lasting. An ideal product would therefore be minimally invasive, however, providing longer lasting results.

Objectives

The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a polycaprolactone based dermal filler for hand rejuvenation.

Methods

The dorsum of the hands of five subjects was treated with 1.0 mL polycaprolactone based dermal filler per hand. Subjects were seen for follow‐up visits after 1, 4, 16, and 24 weeks.

Results

The results showed consistent and high patient satisfaction throughout the duration of the study using a Visual Analog Scale. Satisfaction was rated at 82% at 24 weeks and patients were 88% likely to return for repeat treatments on average. On the subject GAIS assessment, all subjects reported an improvement compared to pretreatment throughout the duration of the study. The physicians’ GAIS results were very much improved (90%) and much improved (10%) compared to pretreatment throughout the 24 weeks follow‐up.

Conclusions

The data of this small pilot suggest that the polycaprolactone based dermal filler is safe, well tolerated and effective for hand rejuvenation, and potentially offers a valuable addition to the current treatment armamentum. Additional studies in a larger patient population should be performed to confirm these findings.
Clinical study of nail changes in vitiligo
Authors: Anbar Tag , Hay Rania Abdel , Abdel‐Rahman Amal T , Moftah Noha H , Al‐Khayyat Mohamed A
Published: February 2013

Both vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA) are associated together, associated with other autoimmune diseases, and autoimmunity is one of the important theories in their etiology. Nail changes are a known association with AA, thus we hypothesized that nail changes can be found in vitiligo patients. On revising the literature, only two types of nail changes were described in association with vitiligo. Our aim was to study the frequency and types of nail changes among vitiligo patients in comparison with normal healthy volunteers. This multi‐centric study was carried on 91 patients with vitiligo, as well as 91 normal healthy control subjects who were age‐ and sex‐matched. Nails were examined for changes in nail plates as regards striations, texture, curvature, dystrophy, and pigmentation. The presence or absence of the thumb lunula was also reported. Nail changes were observed in 62 patients (68.1%) and 46 (50.5%) control subjects with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.016). Longitudinal ridging and absent lunula were significantly higher in patients than in the controls (P = 0.001 and 0.037, respectively). Other reported nail abnormalities in the current study included punctate leukonychia, pitting, flag sign, and Terry's nails. Awareness of this association will widen the clinician's perspective to carefully examine the nail changes in vitiligo patients and conversely examine patients with nail changes for vitiligo.
Comparison of noncross‐linked and cross‐linked hyaluronic acid with regard to efficacy of the proliferative activity of cutaneous fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Wohlrab David , Neubert Reinhard H.H.
Published: February 2013

Background

Intradermal application of hyaluronic acid (HA) in varying chain length and cross‐linking density is used routinely for hydrodynamic volume replacement of the extracellular matrix to reduce the clinical effects of aging.

Objectives

In vitro data show that via receptors of the hyaladherin group hyaluronic acid has additionally direct or indirect effects on cells. In the case of native noncross‐linked HA, it has been proved that the proliferative and metabolic activity of cutaneous fibroblasts can be increased. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these effects can be proved also for cross‐linked HA and how these effects can be quantified for different preparations.

Materials and Methods

The effect on proliferative activity in cultures of native cutaneous fibroblasts and keratinocytes was investigated for noncross‐linked HA, for noncross‐linked HA with added glycerol, for HA that was stabilized in the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups per inner esterification, and for HA that was chemically cross‐linked by 1,4‐butanediol‐diglycidylether, mixed in small particles in a biphasic compound with native HA, each in different concentrations (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/mL).

Results

HA that was stabilized in the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups per inner esterification induces the strongest proliferative effect on both cell types. Native noncross‐linked HA and chemically cross‐linked HA show a rather modest proliferative effect and on fibroblasts only, whereas noncross‐linked HA with added glycerol in high concentrations provokes a rather antiproliferative effect.

Conclusions

The data show that HA does induce direct effects on cells depending on type and density of the cross‐linkage. The practical relevance in terms of a metabolic filler effect needs to be verified in clinical studies.
Efficacy of hydroquinone‐free skin‐lightening cream for photoaging
Authors: Dreher Frank , Draelos Zoe D. , Gold Michael H. , Goldman Mitchel P. , Fabi Sabrina G. , Puissegur Lupo Mary L.
Published: February 2013

Background

Hyperpigmentation and solar damage remains a difficult problem to treat with topical agents.

Aims

To evaluate a novel skin‐lightening complex (SLC) comprising four actives targeting melanin formation at multiple levels, namely disodium glycerophosphate, l‐leucine, phenylethyl resorcinol, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine, in an oil‐in‐water emulsion cream.

Patients ⁄Methods

Skin‐lightening complex was evaluated in 80 female subjects of skin types I–III with at least moderate mottled hyperpigmentation. After a wash‐out period of 1 month with a sunscreen, the subjects added a cream containing the SLC for 12 weeks twice daily to entire face and continued the sunscreen use.

Results

Whereas there was no significant change during the wash‐out period, the primary endpoint mottled hyperpigmentation decreased by 32% after the 12‐week treatment period with the SLC cream. Secondary endpoints such as severity and number of lentigines, skin tone, and skin brightness also improved. In all, 57% of the subjects showed at least a moderate response, 17% did not improve, and 3% got worse after the treatment.

Conclusions

The SLC cream was well tolerated, in particular when comparing with exfoliating or peeling agent containing skin‐lightening products. When used with a daily sunscreen, this study confirms that the SLC represents an alternative to hydroquinone, retinoids, and many other skin‐lightening actives.
Reductions in body measurements promoted by a garment containing ceramic nanoparticles: a 4‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Conrado Luis Augusto Lupato , Munin Egberto
Published: February 2013

Background

Published literature reports significant improvements in pathological conditions, such as pain, blood dyscrasias, and cellulite, after using topical occlusive accessories containing particulate ceramic materials. Recent work reported a reduction in body measurements after 30 days of daily use of high‐waist undershorts made of synthetic fabrics with embedded ceramic particles.

Objectives

In this study, we investigated whether the use of a garment made with synthetic fibers embedded with powdered ceramic could lead to reductions in body measurements at a longer time span (120 day).

Methods

Thirty‐two female volunteers wore clothing containing ceramic powder for at least 8 h a day for 120 days. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated through anthropometric measurements taken before treatment and after 30, 60, and 120 days of treatment.

Results

The experimental data showed a more pronounced reduction in body measurements at the beginning of treatment with a trend of stabilization in measured body circumferences during the final 60 days of the experimental period.

Conclusions

The experimental data showed that the occlusive treatment with a garment composed of ceramic particles promoted reductions in body measurements during a 120‐day experimental period.
Causes of recurrent pneumonia in children in a general hospital
Authors: Hoving MF Paulien , Brand Paul LP
Published: February 2013

Aim

Because the few previous studies on underlying causes of recurrent pneumonia in children have come from tertiary care referral centres where selection bias may be important, the aim of this study was to examine underlying causes of recurrent pneumonia in children in a general hospital.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review in a general hospital of 62 children with recurrent pneumonia over a 7.5 years period.

Results

In 19 patients (30.6%), no cause was identified, commonly because favourable natural history obviated the need for a full and invasive diagnostic work‐up. Other underlying causes included recurrent aspiration in 16 patients (25.7%), lung disease (airway stenosis, bronchiectasis, middle lobe syndrome or tracheooesophageal fistula) in 10 patients (16.1%) and immune deficiency in 10 patients (16.1%). In contrast to previous studies, asthma was never diagnosed as an underlying cause, but diagnostic confusion between asthma (or recurrent upper respiratory tract infections) and recurrent pneumonia was common.

Conclusion

The cause of recurrent pneumonia in children remains elusive in almost a third of patients, partly because the favourable natural history consistent with immune system maturation eliminates the need for further diagnostic procedures. Asthma is more likely a differential diagnostic consideration than an underlying cause of recurrent pneumonia in children. A standardised diagnostic guideline is needed to improve knowledge on causes of recurrent pneumonia in children.
Types and distribution of congenital heart defects associated with trisomy 21 in Singapore
Authors: Tan Monica , Xu Cunzhi , Sim Sarah KR , Seow Adeline LH , Tan Teng Hong , Quek Swee Chye
Published: February 2013

Aim

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is widely accepted as the most common type of congenital heart defect in trisomy 21. Most of these studies, however, were conducted in Caucasian communities. The few Asian studies that had been conducted on this subject yielded different results. In the largest study of its kind in Asia, we described the distribution of types of congenital heart defects associated with trisomy 21 in Singapore.

Methods

Five hundred and eighty‐eight patients with trisomy 21 born in 1996–2010, and confirmed by karyotyping, were included in the study. The diagnosis of congenital heart defects were made on echocardiography. Variables extracted for analysis were demographics (race and gender) and the types of congenital heart defects. Except for complex cyanotic heart defects, haemodynamically significant lesions were accounted for separately in cases where more than one type of congenital heart defect coexisted in a patient.

Results

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) (39.2%) was the most common congenital heart defect associated with trisomy 21 in our study, followed by patent ductus arteriosus (34.3%), secundum atrial septal defect (23.4%) and AVSD (15.6%). This study validates previous smaller Asian studies identifying VSD as the most common cardiac lesion associated with trisomy 21. A high proportion (25.0%) of trisomy 21 patients with tetralogy of Fallot also had AVSDs. Coarctation of the aorta was uncommon.

Conclusion

VSD was the most common congenital heart defect seen in trisomy 21 in our study. A high proportion (25.0%) of trisomy 21 patients with tetralogy of Fallot also had AVSDs.
Self-assembly and controlled release behaviour of the water-insoluble drug nifedipine from electrospun PCL-based polyurethane nanofibres
Authors: Lin Xiuling , Tang Dongyan , Du Haofei
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Electrospun micro- and nanofibres are increasingly being investigated for drug delivery. The components of nanofibres are important influences on the drug release behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-assembly and release behaviour of drug from nanofibres.

Methods

Water-insoluble drug nifedipine (NIF)-loaded nanofibres with polymeric carrier of polycaprolactone (PCL)-based polyurethane (PU) were fabricated by electrospinning. The morphology of the nanofibres and the composite nanofibres with NIF were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interactions between NIF and PU were followed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the elemental composition on the surface of the nanofibres was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The release behaviour of NIF from nanofibres was observed by SEM (contacted with or without a drop of ethanol), and demonstrated by UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Key findings

In-vitro drug release studies revealed that a self-assembly process of NIF particles might be achieved within the body of the nanofibres. The electrospun nanofibre was an ideal drug carrier compared with a spin-coated film and could achieve controlled release of drug.

Conclusions

The electrospinning technique could be used to fabricate a polymeric carrier that might have potential applications in the biomedical field.
Aegle marmelos Correa leaf extract prevents secondary complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and demonstration of limonene as a potent antiglycating agent
Authors: Panaskar Shrimant N , Joglekar Madhav M , Taklikar Shreehari S , Haldavnekar Vivek S , Arvindekar Akalpita U
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To study the antiglycating, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of Aegle marmelos Correa leaf extract and identify the bioactive constituent.

Methods

The effect of the chloroform extract of Aegle marmelos Correa was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through evaluation of biochemical parameters. Antiglycation activity was assessed in vitro through measurement of total and specific advanced glycation end products, protein carbonyl formation and collagen solubility tests. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assays. Identification of the bioactive component was attempted through silica gel column chromatography and GC-MS analysis.

Results

In-vivo studies for 60 days revealed that the extract prevented kidney damage and other secondary complications. The chloroform extract at 16 μg could inhibit protein glycation by 44.33% and pentosidine formation by 59.31%, and could effectively inhibit protein carbonyl formation. It could scavenge DPPH radicals up to 85.26% (IC50: 26 μg). Bio-guided fractionation revealed limonene as the bioactive component, which could account for the antiglycating activity shown by the chloroform extract.

Conclusion

The chloroform extract of Aegle marmelos demonstrated antidiabetic antiglycating and antioxidant activity, effectively preventing kidney damage and establishment of cataracts. Limonene is reported for the first time as possessing potent antiglycating activity and is non-toxic at the concentration used.
Estimation of the long‐memory stochastic volatility model parameters that is robust to level shifts and deterministic trends
Authors: McCloskey Adam
Published: February 2013

I provide conditions under which the trimmed FDQML estimator, advanced by McCloskey (2010) in the context of fully parametric short‐memory models, can be used to estimate the long‐memory stochastic volatility model parameters in the presence of additive low‐frequency contamination in log‐squared returns. The types of low‐frequency contamination covered include level shifts as well as deterministic trends. I establish consistency and asymptotic normality in the presence or absence of such low‐frequency contamination under certain conditions on the growth rate of the trimming parameter. I also provide theoretical guidance on the choice of trimming parameter by heuristically obtaining its asymptotic MSE‐optimal rate under certain types of low‐frequency contamination. A simulation study examines the finite sample properties of the robust estimator, showing substantial gains from its use in the presence of level shifts. The finite sample analysis also explores how different levels of trimming affect the parameter estimates in the presence and absence of low‐frequency contamination and long‐memory.
An evolutionary perspective on the walking gait of the long‐beaked echidna
Authors: Gambaryan P. P. , Kuznetsov A. N.
Published: February 2013

The speed, gait and trackway of the long‐beaked echidna's walk are reported for the first time. The gait formula is devised. Despite its sprawling limb posture, echidna's walking technique shows fundamental differences from that of the classical sprawlers such as urodelans and lizards, which are: (1) the presence of the pace‐like lateral stages of support and even their prevalence over the diagonal ones; (2) the narrow, though sprawling, limb posture and, consequently, the narrow trackway; (3) rolling, skidding and yawing of the trunk from side to side; (4) forelimb in‐fingerness, which presumably provides the major thrust for these side‐to‐side movements. On the whole, the echidna's sprawling type is more upright than in urodelans and lizards and is closer to the parasagittal type of therians. Like therians, echidnas already employ dynamic equilibration instead of the static one. The question is posed of whether mammalian ancestors have ever walked in the manner of urodelans and lizards.
Social competition and its consequences in female mammals
Authors: Clutton‐Brock T. , Huchard E.
Published: February 2013

Although competition between females is one of the cornerstones of the theory of natural selection, most studies of reproductive competition have focussed principally on mating competition in males. Here, we summarize our current understanding of adaptive tactics used by competing females in social mammals, and assess the social mechanisms affecting competitive success and the evolutionary consequences of social competition between females. As well as emphasizing the importance of female–female competition in social evolution, recent studies highlight the qualitative similarities in the operation of selection in females and males.
Body size variation across climatic gradients and sexual size dimorphism in Tropidurinae lizards
Authors: Brandt R. , Navas C. A.
Published: February 2013

In certain lineages of tetrapods, latitude and climate relate to body size in agreement with Bergmann's rule. Trends for squamates are ambiguous, even between genders within a species. Therefore, additional studies are required before generalizations can be made, and attention is needed to the possibility that male and female experience distinct selective pressures and display different patterns. We examine body size in male and female Tropidurinae lizard species and test both Bergmann's and Rensch's rule, using phylogenetic comparative methods. We also analyze whether trends are better explained by latitude or climatic conditions. In Tropidurinae lizards, body size does not vary in accordance with Bergmann's rule within the range of latitudes studied. Therefore, within this range, tropidurines seem not to experience thermal constraints limiting activity time, and therefore growth and body size. Yet, female body size relates to rain patterns, expectedly linked to productivity, suggesting that this gender experiences a stronger tradeoff between energy allocated to growth and to reproduction. In Tropidurinae, males tend to be larger than females and sexual dimorphism is male biased, with an isometric relationship between both sexes that does not support Rensch's rule.
The genomic consequences of adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation between species of manakins
Authors: Parchman T. L. , Gompert Z. , Braun M. J. , Brumfield R. T. , McDonald D. B. , Uy J. A. C. , Zhang G. , Jarvis E. D. , Schlinger B. A. , Buerkle C. A.
Published: February 2013

The processes of adaptation and speciation are expected to shape genomic variation within and between diverging species. Here we analyze genomic heterogeneity of genetic differentiation and introgression in a hybrid zone between two bird species (Manacus candei and M. vitellinus) using 59 100 SNPs, a whole genome assembly, and Bayesian models. Measures of genetic differentiation () and introgression (genomic cline center [α] and rate [β]) were highly heterogeneous among loci. We identified thousands of loci with elevated parameter estimates, some of which are likely to be associated with variation in fitness in Manacus populations. To analyze the genomic organization of differentiation and introgression, we mapped SNPs onto a draft assembly of the M. vitellinus genome. Estimates of , α, and β were autocorrelated at very short physical distances (< 100 bp), but much less so beyond this. In addition, average statistical associations (linkage disequilibrium) between SNPs were generally low and were not higher in admixed populations than in populations of the parental species. Although they did not occur with a constant probability across the genome, loci with elevated , α, and β were not strongly co‐localized in the genome. Contrary to verbal models that predict clustering of loci involved in adaptation and isolation in discrete genomic regions, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic regions involved in adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation are scattered throughout the genome. We also found that many loci were characterized by both exceptional genetic differentiation and introgression, consistent with the hypothesis that loci involved in isolation are also often characterized by a history of divergent selection. However, the concordance between isolation and differentiation was only partial, indicating a complex architecture and history of loci involved in isolation.