bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the overall dry skin score in older patients
Authors: Konya Issei , Iwata Hiroaki , Hayashi Miyuki , Akita Tamami , Homma Yoshie , Yoshida Hideaki , Yano Rika 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundDry skin is the most common skin problem, especially in the elderly. However, there is no effective instrument to assess dry skin in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the overall dry skin score (ODS‐J), the gold standard for dry skin assessment.Materials and methodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 47 patients aged > 65 years. Images of skin on their limbs were captured using a digital camera; both upper and lower limbs were assessed (n = 4/patient). One dermatologist; two wound, ostomy, and continence nurses; and three nursing researchers independently evaluated the images using the ODS‐J to assess the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for inter‐rater reliability. Stratum corneum hydration (SCH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were the external criteria used to verify concurrent and known‐groups validity.ResultsIn total, 182 sites at which the SCH and TEWL could be measured were evaluated for the ODS‐J. The ICC for inter‐rater reliability of the six raters was 0.939 (p < 0.001). A higher ODS‐J was associated with lower SCH (ρ = −0.374; p < 0.001) and lower TEWL (ρ = −0.287; p < 0.001) values. The ODS‐J for the lower legs was significantly higher than that of the forearms (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe ODS‐J showed good inter‐rater reliability, concurrent validity, and known‐groups validity. It can be used by clinical nurses in Japan to observe patients’ skin and is an effective indicator for the evaluation of skin care.
Skin biomechanical properties and leg volume in aging healthy adults
Authors: Dunn Nyree , Davies Jane , Dolan Gina , Williams E. Mark 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn adults ageing is accompanied by changes in limb volume and skin biomechanical properties.ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between body size, aging, skin biomechanics, and leg volume, VLeg and to define predictive equations linking leg volume with these properties.MethodsSixty‐two healthy adults (Age 18–80 years, M:F 45:55) were recruited. Anthropomorphic measures were recorded along with VLeg (via circumferential method) and skin tone, stiffness, and elastance (via tonometry). Regression analysis was performed to define relationship between the measured parameters.ResultsIn healthy adults bilateral VLeg were the same regardless of leg or sex, 5791 ± 1363 for females and 6151 ± 1203 mls for males. VLeg was positively correlated to body weight, where VLeg (mls) = 1058 + 69 × Wt (kg) for females and VLeg (mls) = 539 + 65 × Wt (Kg) of body weight for males. Skin surface biomechanical properties varied with sex, leg volume, and location on the leg with the malleolus exhibiting the stiffest surface.ConclusionThe study shows that anthropometric measures change with sex and leg size are multifactorial and body weight, sex, and skin condition as important determinant factors of leg volume.
Suggested methodology for longitudinal evaluation of nevi based on clinical images
Authors: Reiter Ofer , Musthaq Shenara , Kurtansky Nicholas R. , Barrios Dulce M. , Halpern Allan C. , Marchetti Michael A. , Marghoob Ashfaq A. , Nanda Japbani K. , Stoll Joseph , Rotemberg Veronica 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma screening includes the assessment of changes in melanocytic lesions using images. However, previous studies of normal nevus temporal changes showed variable results and the optimal method for evaluating these changes remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of (a) nevus count done at a single time point (method I) versus two time points (method II); and (b) manual and automated nevus diameter measurements.Materials and methodsIn a first experiment, participants used either a single time point or a two time point annotation method to evaluate the total number and size of nevi on the back of an atypical mole syndrome patient. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the variance observed. In a second experiment, manual measurements of nevi on 2D images were compared to an automated measurement on 3D images. Percent difference in the paired manual and automated measurements was calculated.ResultsMean nevus count was 137 in method I and 115.5 in method II. The standard deviation was greater in method I (38.80) than in method II (4.65) (p = 0.0025). Manual diameter measurements had intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88. The observed mean percent difference between manual and automated diameter measurements was 1.5%. Lightly pigmented and laterally located nevi had a higher percent difference.ConclusionsComparison of nevi from two different time points is more consistent than nevus count performed separately at each time point. In addition, except for selected cases, automated measurements of nevus diameter on 3D images can be used as a time‐saving reproducible substitute for manual measurement on 2D images.
Improving and evaluating the adhesion and stability of make‐up by enhancing the affinity between skin/make‐up layer
Authors: Jeon Hyungjoon , Kwon Tae Geun , Shin Yong Won , Cho Yeeun , Yang Hyunmi , Park Sang‐Wook , Song Young‐Sook 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeMake‐up clumps, bumps and collapses are the three factors that determine how well make‐up has been performed. The purpose of this study is to reduce the three factors mentioned above by using amphiphilic substances to increase the affinity between the skin and the make‐up layer. In addition, it aims to evaluate the improvement of the make‐up layer by developing an objective make‐up layer evaluation method.MethodsExperiments were performed in an attempt to increase the affinity between the skin and the make‐up layer by minimizing the difference in surface energy between the two. Multiple types of artificial skin (leather and bio‐skin) were used and treated to form the liquid foundation layer. Qualitative evaluation of the make‐up layer was conducted by analyzing the surface, cross‐section, and fracture area of the make‐up layer, using the evaluation method proposed in this study.ResultsAfter applying this method and taking measurements by 3D surface analysis, the surface roughness of the make‐up layer reduced by 46%, and the maximum thickness of the make‐up layer reduced by about 50% in comparison with the control group (method not applied). In the case of the make‐up layer to which this method was applied, two‐dimensional cross‐sectional Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image analysis confirmed that agglomeration was reduced, and the thickness of the make‐up layer was also reduced by an average of 54%. According to this result, the technique of increasing the affinity between the skin and the make‐up layer reduces the level of aggregation of make‐up and encourages the formation of a uniform and thin make‐up layer. Also, the fracture area after motion simulation was reduced by 33%. These results indicate that the method of increasing the affinity between skin/make‐up membranes positively affects the formation of a uniform make‐up layer.ConclusionIncreasing the affinity by reducing the surface energy between the skin and the make‐up layer plays an important role in forming a thin and uniform make‐up layer by improving the problems of lifting, agglomeration, and collapse of the make‐up. In addition, it has been confirmed that through this method, the quality of consumer experience related to make‐up satisfaction can be improved. The results show that objective analyses of make‐up help the understanding of the quality of consumer experience on make‐up.
Capacitance and transepidermal water loss after soaking in water for different durations: A pilot study
Authors: Nitiyarom Rattanavalai , Withitanawanit Tanyalak , Wisuthsarewong Wanee 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a scarcity of data on the effects of duration of bathing and cutaneous properties.AimsThis study aimed to investigate the changes of capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after soaking in water for the different durations.MethodThis experimental biophysical study included healthy volunteers whose forearms were randomized to receive 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 min of soaking of the volar aspect of the forearm. Skin hydration and integrity were assessed capacitance and TEWL measurement before and after soaking.ResultsSixty‐five subjects (130 forearms) were enrolled with an average age of 33 ± 10.8 years. The change in capacitance after soaking for durations of 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min was 41.54 ± 14.57, 47.13 ± 11.80, 40.25 ± 14.95, 40.48 ± 14.19, and 39.97 ± 9.47 AU, respectively. The highest capacitance was observed after soaking for 5 min; however, there was no significant correlation between bathing duration and capacitance (p = 0.256). The capacitance measured immediately after soaking was at the uppermost level, but it rapidly decreased within 5 min. The change in TEWL after soaking for durations of 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min was 30.27 ± 9.74, 30.57 ± 7.45, 33.78 ± 9.25, 33.44 ± 7.24, and 35.13 ± 9.37 g/m2/h, respectively. There was also no significant correlation between duration of soaking and TEWL (p = 0.191); however, TEWL tended to increase with longer soaking duration.LimitationsThis study had a small sample size and measured only capacitance and TEWL. Future studies with more subjects, and that measure other physiologic parameters may further improve our understanding of the effect of bathing on skin.ConclusionsThere was no significant correlation between bathing duration and cutaneous properties including capacitance and TEWL. However, a 5‐min soaking provided the highest skin hydration for healthy skin.
Ultrasonography of cutaneous nodular pseudolymphoma at 18 and 71 MHz
Authors: Wortsman Ximena , Ferreira‐Wortsman Camila , Pizarro Kharla , Morales Claudia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCutaneous pseudolymphomas are reactive lymphoproliferations. The most frequent type is nodular pseudolymphoma, and to date, their ultrasonographic appearance has not been reported. We reviewed the ultrasound images of histologically confirmed nodular types of pseudolymphomas studied with 18 and 71 MHz linear probes. All lesions were predominantly hypoechoic and presented prominent vascularity. Seventy percent of cases involved dermis and hypodermis, and 30% were only dermal. Seventy percent of cases showed internal hypoechoic globules, and 100% presented a teardrop sign, more clearly detected at 71 MHz. Ultrasound can support the diagnosis, assessment of the extent, and degree of vascularity of cutaneous nodular pseudolymphomas.
Ultrasound: Assessment of breast dermal thickness: Reliability, responsiveness to change, and relationship to patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Kilbreath Sharon L. , Fearn Nicola R. , Dylke Elizabeth S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe current study assessed the level of reliability of ultrasound to assess dermal thickness, a clinical feature of breast lymphedema. Additionally, the relationship of dermal thickness to patient‐reported outcomes was investigated.MethodsWomen (n = 82) with unilateral breast edema secondary to treatment of breast cancer were randomized to an exercise or control group. Ultrasound measurements of the unaffected and affected breasts were taken at baseline and 12 weeks later at 3–4 cm superior, medial, inferior, and lateral to the nipple. Additionally, women completed breast‐related questions from the European Organization Research and Treatment Committee Quality of Life breast cancer module (EORTC‐BR23) and Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Questionnaire (LSIDS). Reliability of ultrasound measurements was determined on the unaffected breast.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) ranged from 0.66 (95% CI: 0.52–0.77) for the lateral location to 0.84 (0.77–0.90) for the superior location. Percent close agreement (80%) on the unaffected breast ranged from 0.20 to 0.27 mm compared to 0.57 to 0.93 mm on the affected breast. The standard error of measurement (%) on the unaffected breast varied from 9% to 13% with smallest real difference 0.34–0.41 mm. Dermal thickness of the affected breast was not‐to‐poorly associated with EORTC BR23 and LSIDS scores.ConclusionReliability of dermal thickness measurements of the breast was excellent for the superior, medial, and inferior locations, and fair to good for the lateral location. However, these measurements were not related to the symptom's women perceive and measured with the EORTC BR23 or LSIDS.
Effects of biochar and fertilizer sources on nitrogen uptake by chilli pepper plants under Mediterranean climate
Authors: Duan Yinghua , Gao Suduan , Hanson Brad 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study determined N uptake by serrano chilli pepper for two years and evaluated the effects of biochar amendment or organic N (org‐N) fertilizer on N use under a Mediterranean climate. A field experiment was conducted using microplots from 2016 to 2017 in California, USA. Treatments included biochar amendment rates [0 (control), 10, 30 and 50 tons (t) ha−1] biochar, all with 100% inorganic N fertilizer (165 kg N ha−1), and org‐N fertilizer applications at 50%, 75% and 100% of the total available N supply. Pepper yield, vegetative biomass, N uptake, ammonia (NH3) volatilization and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), and nitrate were determined. Pepper yield was highest in the 50% org‐N and lowest in the 50 t ha−1 biochar treatment during the first year. There were no differences in fruit yield among the organic treatments during the second year, and all were higher than that from the control. The 100% org‐N treatment had less NH3 volatilization than all other treatments during the first year. The two‐year results showed that chilli pepper plants sequestered 4.6‒6.1 kg N to produce one ton fresh pepper fruits. During the first year, the 50% org‐N treatment resulted in the highest N productivity or yield with lowest projected N fertilizer application requirements as compared to other treatments although there were no differences among all treatments in the second year. Thus, a combination of inorganic and org‐N fertilizers can be an effective strategy to improve soil N productivity in long‐term management.
Early Clostridioides difficile infection characterizations, risks, and outcomes in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Obeid Karam M. , Sapkota Smarika , Cao Qing , Richmond Steven , Watson Allison P. , Karadag Fatma Keklik , Young Jo‐Anne H. , Pruett Timothy , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Ustun Celalettin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) frequently complicates allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (allo‐HCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed risk factors and outcomes of CDI occurring within 30 days of transplant.ResultsBetween March 2010 and June 2015, 466 allo‐HCT and 1454 SOT were performed. The CDI cumulative incidence (95% CI) was 10% (8–13) and 4% (3–5), following allo‐HCT and SOT, respectively (p < .01), occurring at a median (range) 7.5 days (1–30) and 11 (1–30), respectively (p = .18). In multivariate analysis, fluoroquinolones use within 14 days pre‐transplantation was a risk factor for CDI following allo‐HCT (HR 4.06 [95% CI 1.31–12.63], p = .02), and thoracic organ(s) transplantation was a risk factor for CDI following SOT (HR 3.03 [95% CI 1.31–6.98]) for lung and 3.90 (1.58–9.63) for heart and heart/kidney transplant, p = .02. Compared with no‐CDI patients, the length of stay (LOS) was prolonged in both allo‐HCT (35 days [19–141] vs. 29 [13–164], p < .01) and SOT with CDI (16.5 [4–101] vs. 7 [0–159], p < .01), though not directly attributed to CDI. In allo‐HCT, severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) occurred more frequently in patients with CDI (33.3% vs. 15.8% without CDI, p = .01) and most aGVHD (87.5%) followed CDI. Non‐relapse mortality or overall survival, not attributed to CDI, were also similar in both allo‐HCT and SOT.ConclusionsEarly post‐transplant CDI is frequent, associated with fluoroquinolones use in allo‐HCT and the transplanted organ in SOT, and is associated with longer LOS in both the groups without difference in survival but with increased aGVHD in allo‐HCT.
The cascade of care of HIV after one year of follow‐up in a cohort of HIV‐positive adult patients in three health settings of Morrumbene in rural Mozambique
Authors: Magro Paola , Cerini Carlo , da Gloria Aldorada , Tembe Stelio , Castelli Francesco , Tomasoni Lina Rachele 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjective: To assess the state of the retention in care of HIV patients in three health settings in Morrumbene, a rural district of Inhambane Province, Mozambique. We evaluated potential factors associated with early loss to follow‐up (LTFU), retention in care and ART adherence during the first year of follow‐up.Material and methods: Retrospective, cross‐sectional, observational study. We collected data on patients diagnosed with HIV infection in 2017 in two permanent clinics and one mobile clinic. Demographic, clinical, immunological and therapeutic data were retrieved up to December 31st, 2018. Data on follow‐up were collected at 6 and 12 months for medical visits and for ART adherence and analysed for factors associated with LTFU, retention in care and adherence to ART by Stata Version 14 and univariate and stepwise multiple unconditional logistic regression models.Results: In 2017, 960 patients were diagnosed with HIV infection. At 6‐month follow‐up, 49% attended the medical visit and 157 (25%) adhered to ART. After one year, 34% of patients were available for follow‐up, and only 72 patients adhered to ART. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with early LTFU were male sex (p = 0.036) and immediate prescription of ART (p = 0.064). Older age (p < 0.001) and being followed in the mobile clinic (p = 0.001) favoured retention in care. Advanced WHO status (p = 0.005) and being pregnant or breastfeeding showed a negative correlation with adherence to treatment (p = 0.068).Conclusions: Only one‐third of patients were available for follow‐up after one year, and only 13% adhered to ART. Young individuals, men and pregnant/breastfeeding women seem to be particularly at risk for LTFU and non‐adherence to treatment.
Microbial contamination of packaged drinking water in Nigeria
Authors: Udoh Arit , Lawal Basira Kankia , Akpan Mary , Labaran Kamilu Sarki , Ndem Ekpedeme , Ohabunwa Unoma , Tikare Olubukola , Ibrahim Umar Idris , Amorha Kosisochi , Kpokiri Eneyi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesAbout 18% of urban households in Nigeria depend on packaged sachet water as the primary source of drinking water. This review assessed microbial contamination of these products with an emphasis on total coliforms and the faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) – Escherichia coli (E. coli) and thermotolerant coliforms (TTC).MethodsPubMed/Medline, African Index Medicus, AfroLib, Global Health Library, Embase and the ISI Web of Science databases were searched to identify original research published up to October 2020. The literature findings were synthesised narratively in line with the review objectives. To assess prevalence of microbial contamination, a random effects meta‐analysis, was also conducted using the R metafor package in RStudio. The protocol for this review is registered on PROSPERO with reference number CRD 42019128474.ResultsFifty‐two of 429 studies were identified for inclusion. At 53.27%, contamination prevalence was higher for total coliforms (95% CI: 39.05–66.98, I2 = 81%, p < 0.01, 42 studies) than FIB (12.38%, 95% CI: 7.92–18.85, I2 = 61%, p < 0.01, 33 studies) suggesting that treatment failure is a major contributor to the poor microbial quality reported in the included studies. Within the FIB group, the prevalence of contamination with E. coli was 13.30% (95% CI: 8.23–20.80, I2 = 65%, p < 0.01, 27 studies) versus 6.24% (95% CI: 1.12–28.06, I2 = 72%, p < 0.01, six studies) for TTCs. Other microbial contaminants reported were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella and Enterococcus faecalis and these showed multidrug antibiotic resistance.ConclusionsThe findings of this review highlight the need for improved regulatory oversight with more stringent monitoring of the microbial quality of sachet water products in Nigeria.
Systematic review: Yellow fever control through environmental management mechanisms
Authors: Heinz Sabine , Kolimenakis Antonios , Horstick Olaf , Yakob Laith , Michaelakis Antonios , Lowery Wilson Michael 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveRecent research on mosquito vector‐borne diseases points to the possibility for a re‐emergence of yellow fever. This study investigated attempts at utilising environmental methods and their efficacy for the control of yellow fever and its main vector, Aedes aegypti.MethodsPotentially eligible studies were searched in Cochrane Library (Reviews and Trials), the Global Index Medicus (encompassing thus the African Index Medicus, the Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Index Medicus for the South‐East Asia Region, the Latin America and the Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences and the Western Pacific Region Index Medicus), Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct.ResultsOf a total number of 172 eligible studies, 20 met the pre‐defined inclusion criteria. Two of them provided quantitative assessment on the efficacy of the described water management and house screening methods with a reduction of cases of 98%, and of a reduction of larvae of 100%, respectively. The remaining 18 studies described or recommended the elimination of breeding sites (through water or waste management, unspecified, or house destruction), the use of screens for houses and the improvement of air circulation without providing any data to evidence control effectiveness.ConclusionThis systematic review provides evidence on the historical use and the perceived effectiveness of environmental management methods for combatting yellow fever. However, these methods would benefit from further investigation via controlled trials to provide data for efficacy, costs, acceptability and feasibility.