bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histopathological insights into hair loss in Cronkhite–Canada syndrome: Diffuse anagen‐telogen conversion precedes clinical hair loss progression
Authors: Watanabe‐Okada Emiko , Inazumi Toyoko , Matsukawa Hidehiko , Ohyama Manabu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare disorder characterised by gastrointestinal polyposis and ectodermal changes, represented by extensive alopecia. Detailed histopathological investigations of alopecic lesions in two female CCS patients with severe hair loss revealed a marked increase in telogen hair follicles with no sign of loss or of the minaturisation or atrophy of hair follicle structures and the absence of inflammatory change, despite severe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. These findings suggested that hair regrowth can be expected without systemic corticosteroids, if they are not necessary for treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, and that anagen‐telogen transition is an early event preceding clinical hair loss in CCS.
Genetic regulation of fetal haemoglobin in inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
Authors: Alter Blanche P. , Rosenberg Philip S. , Day Thomas , Menzel Stephan , Giri Neelam , Savage Sharon A. , Thein Swee Lay 
Published: May 2013

SummaryPatients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) have ‘stress erythropoiesis’, with anaemia, macrocytosis, increased fetal haemoglobin (Hb F) and high erythropoietin levels. In haemoglobinopathies, Hb F levels are regulated by 3 quantitative trait loci, HBS1L‐MYB, BCL11A and Xmn1‐HBG2. In our study of 97 patients with an IBMFS, increased Hb F was associated with young age, male gender, anaemia, high erythropoietin levels, and alternative alleles in Xmn1‐HBG2 [adjusted P = 0·04 for the total group, driven by Fanconi anaemia (P = 0·02) and dyskeratosis congenita (P = 0·09)]. Thus Hb F is regulated in IBMFS by Xmn1‐HBG2, as it is in the haemoglobinopathies.
Long‐term survival with low toxicity after allogeneic transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplasia using non‐myeloablative conditioning without T cell depletion
Authors: Davies Jeff K. , Taussig David , Oakervee Heather , Smith Matthew , Agrawal Samir , Cavenagh Jamie D. , Gribben John G. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe toxicity burden and long‐term anti‐leukaemic effect of non‐myeloablative (NMA) allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (AHSCT) for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplasia (MDS) remains undefined. We report the outcome of 56 patients with AML/MDS transplanted from human leucocyte antigen‐matched donors using NMA conditioning without T‐cell depletion. With a median follow‐up of 5 years, treatment‐related mortality was 9% and current disease‐free survival (CDFS) was 45% (overall) and 55% (patients transplanted in remission). Development of graft‐versus‐host disease upon withdrawal of post‐transplant immunosuppression was associated with less relapse and better CDFS. These data confirm that NMA AHSCT without T‐cell depletion is safe and can result in sustained remissions of AML/MDS.
Pelvic exenteration for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the pelvic organs arising from the cloaca – a single institution's experience over 16 years
Authors: Tan K. K. , Pal S. , Lee P. J. , Rodwell L. , Solomon M. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimMinimal data are available on the role of pelvic exenteration in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pelvic organs. This study aimed to highlight our experience of pelvic exenteration in patients with recurrent and re‐recurrent SCC of the pelvic organs.MethodA retrospective review of all patients who underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the pelvic organs arising from the embryological cloaca from 1994 to 2010 was performed.ResultsTwenty‐four patients (median age 59, range, 27–79 years) underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the anus (18), cervix and upper vagina (2), lower vagina (1) and the vulva (3). Nine patients with anal SCC had undergone abdominoperineal excision prior to pelvic exenteration. Ten (41.7%) patients underwent a complete pelvic exenteration procedure, while sacrectomy was performed in 13 (54.2%) patients. There was no 30‐day inpatient mortality. An R0 resection was achieved in 15 (62.5%) patients. Three (12.5%) had R1 resections while 6 (25%) had R2 resections. In the 15 patients with an R0 resection, 7 (46.7%) developed metastatic disease at a median of 18 (range 10–131) months. After a median follow‐up of 26 (range 4–169) months, 1‐ and 2‐year overall survival rates were 64% [95% confidence interval (CI), 44–84%] and 57% (95% CI 35–79%), respectively.ConclusionPelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the cloaca is safe and feasible even after previous salvage surgery. An R0 resection can be achieved in 62.5% of the patients with reasonable early survival though less than published recurrent rectal cancer studies.
Can structural or functional changes following traumatic brain injury in the rat predict epileptic outcome?
Authors: Shultz Sandy R. , Cardamone Lisa , Liu Ying R. , Hogan R. Edward , Maccotta Luigi , Wright David K. , Zheng Ping , Koe Amelia , Gregoire Marie‐Claude , Williams John P. , Hicks Rodney J. , Jones Nigel C. , Myers Damian E. , O'Brien Terence J. , Bouilleret Viviane 
Published: May 2013

SummaryPurposePosttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) occurs in a proportion of traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, significantly compounding the disability, and risk of injury and death for sufferers. To date, predictive biomarkers for PTE have not been identified. This study used the lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) rat model of TBI to investigate whether structural, functional, and behavioral changes post‐TBI relate to the later development of PTE.MethodsAdult male Wistar rats underwent LFPI or sham injury. Serial magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and behavioral analyses were performed over 6 months postinjury. Rats were then implanted with recording electrodes and monitored for two consecutive weeks using video–electroencephalography (EEG) to assess for PTE. Of the LFPI rats, 52% (n = 12) displayed spontaneous recurring seizures and/or epileptic discharges on the video‐EEG recordings.Key FindingsMRI volumetric and signal analysis of changes in cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–PET analysis of metabolic function, and behavioral analysis of cognitive and emotional changes, at 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months post‐LFPI, all failed to identify significant differences on univariate analysis between the epileptic and nonepileptic groups. However, hippocampal surface shape analysis using large‐deformation high‐dimensional mapping identified significant changes in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 1 week postinjury relative to baseline that differed between rats that would go onto become epileptic versus those who did not. Furthermore, a multivariate logistic regression model that incorporated the 1 week, and 1 and 3 month 18F‐FDG PET parameters from the ipsilateral hippocampus was able to correctly predict the epileptic outcome in all of the LFPI cases. As such, these subtle changes in the ipsilateral hippocampus at acute phases after LFPI may be related to PTE and require further examination.SignificanceThese findings suggest that PTE may be independent of major structural, functional, and behavioral changes induced by TBI, and suggest that more subtle abnormalities are likely involved. However, there are limitations associated with studying acquired epilepsies in animal models that must be considered when interpreting these results, in particular the failure to detect differences between the groups may be related to the limitations of properly identifying/separating the epileptic and nonepileptic animals into the correct group.
An acellular aortic matrix of buffalo origin crosslinked with 1‐ethyl‐3‐3‐dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride for the repair of inguinal hernia in horses
Authors: Kumar V. , Kumar N. , Singh H. , Mathew D. D. , Singh K. , Ahmad R. A. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryAn acellular aortic matrix (AAM) crosslinked with 1‐ethyl‐3‐3‐dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) was evaluated for the repair of inguinal hernias in 5 horses. The aorta from buffalo was acellularised using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 0.25% trypsin. The AAM was crosslinked with 1% EDC. Under anaesthesia, inguinal hernias were repaired with EDC‐crosslinked AAM graft using an inlay graft technique. Blood samples collected on Days 0, 15 and 30 post implantation, were used for SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis to assess the animals' serum protein concentration, and gelatin zymography for the identification of matrix metalloproteinases. All animals that underwent hernia repair demonstrated successful healing without clinical signs of wound dehiscence, infection or recurrence during a 6‐month follow‐up period. SDS‐PAGE analysis of serum protein concentrations revealed that, this was increased at Day 15 and had decreased again at Day 30. Gelatin zymography of serum of implanted horses expressed a band of 92 kDa, corresponding to MMP‐9 activity. The relative amount of the 92 kDa band was higher at Day 15 as compared to Days 0 and 30. It may be concluded that EDC‐crosslinked AAM of buffalo origin can be used safely in horses for the repair of inguinal hernia with adequate strength and minimal foreign body reaction.
Whitening and antioxidant activities of bornyl acetate and nezukol fractionated from Cryptomeria japonica essential oil
Authors: Kim S. H. , Lee S. Y. , Hong C. Y. , Gwak K. S. , Park M. J. , Smith D. , Choi I. G. 
Published: May 2013

SynopsisObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the whitening and antioxidant activities of essential oils from Cryptomeria japonica by determining their tyrosinase inhibition, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐like activities.MethodsEssential oils of C. japonica leaves were extracted with distilled water, and after condensation of volatile constituents, the condensates were extracted with ethyl acetate. Crude essential oils of C. japonica were divided into six fractions by thin layer chromatography and open column chromatography, and their chemical analysis was performed by GC/MS. Major compounds of fractions were composed of kaurene, bornyl acetate, nezukol, (‐)‐4‐terpineol, δ‐cadinene, α‐terpineol, γ‐eudesmol, α‐eudesmol and elemol.ResultsFor tyrosinase inhibitory activity using two substrates, l‐tyrosine and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐DOPA), kaurene, bornyl acetate and nezukol were highly effective. In antioxidant activity, (‐)‐4‐terpinenol and δ‐cadinene showed high DPPH radical scavenging activity, and bornyl acetate and nezukol indicated extremely high SOD‐like activity.ConclusionTherefore, bornyl acetate and nezukol fractionated from C. japonica essential oil, which showed highly active whitening and antioxidant activities, have potential applications in cosmeceutical materials.
First screening of Aedes albopictus immunogenic salivary proteins
Authors: Doucoure S. , Cornelie S. , Patramool S. , Mouchet F. , Demettre E. , Seveno M. , Dehecq J. S. , Rutee H. , Herve J. P. , Favier F. , Missé D. , Gasque P. , Remoue F. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractStudy of the human antibody (Ab) response to Aedes salivary proteins can provide new biomarkers to evaluate human exposure to vector bites. The identification of genus‐ and/or species‐specific proteins is necessary to improve the accuracy of biomarkers. We analysed Aedes albopictus immunogenic salivary proteins by 2D immunoproteomic technology and compared the profiles according to human individual exposure to Ae. albopictus or Ae. aegypti bites. Strong antigenicity to Ae. albopictus salivary proteins was detected in all individuals whatever the nature of Aedes exposure. Amongst these antigenic proteins, 68% are involved in blood feeding, including D7 protein family, adenosine deaminase, serpin and apyrase. This study provides an insight into the repertoire of Ae. albopictus immunogenic salivary proteins for the first time.
Common Factors in the Performance of European Corporate Bonds – Evidence before and after the Financial Crisis
Authors: Aussenegg Wolfgang , Goetz Lukas , Jelic Ranko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe examine monthly excess returns for 23 Euro‐denominated corporate bond indices and propose a new specification for bond asset pricing models. Specifically, we separate level and slope components of term and default risk factors and examine liquidity risk. Our results suggest that level and slope risk factors, derived from complete interest rate and default spread term structures, significantly improve the explanatory power of the Fama and French (1993) 2‐factor model. We also demonstrate different sensitivities of risk factors before and after recent financial crisis. The results are robust to calendar seasonality and the consideration of equity market returns.
Realistic nurse‐led policy implementation, optimization and evaluation: novel methodological exemplar
Authors: Noyes Jane , Lewis Mary , Bennett Virginia , Widdas David , Brombley Karen 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTo report the first large‐scale realistic nurse‐led implementation, optimization and evaluation of a complex children's continuing‐care policy.BackgroundHealth policies are increasingly complex, involve multiple Government departments and frequently fail to translate into better patient outcomes. Realist methods have not yet been adapted for policy implementation.DesignResearch methodology – Evaluation using theory‐based realist methods for policy implementation.MethodsAn expert group developed the policy and supporting tools. Implementation and evaluation design integrated diffusion of innovation theory with multiple case study and adapted realist principles. Practitioners in 12 English sites worked with Consultant Nurse implementers to manipulate the programme theory and logic of new decision‐support tools and care pathway to optimize local implementation. Methods included key‐stakeholder interviews, developing practical diffusion of innovation processes using key‐opinion leaders and active facilitation strategies and a mini‐community of practice. New and existing processes and outcomes were compared for 137 children during 2007–2008.ResultsRealist principles were successfully adapted to a shorter policy implementation and evaluation time frame. Important new implementation success factors included facilitated implementation that enabled ‘real‐time’ manipulation of programme logic and local context to best‐fit evolving theories of what worked; using local experiential opinion to change supporting tools to more realistically align with local context and what worked; and having sufficient existing local infrastructure to support implementation. Ten mechanisms explained implementation success and differences in outcomes between new and existing processes.ConclusionsRealistic policy implementation methods have advantages over top‐down approaches, especially where clinical expertise is low and unlikely to diffuse innovations ‘naturally’ without facilitated implementation and local optimization.
Phylogeography and polyploid evolution of North American goldenrods (Solidago subsect. Humiles, Asteraceae)
Authors: Peirson Jess A. , Dick Christopher W. , Reznicek Anton A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimWe analysed range‐wide chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation in a clade of North American goldenrods (Solidago subsect. Humiles) to infer its biogeographical history and evolution. Our objectives were to: (1) examine the structuring of cpDNA diversity in this widespread species complex, (2) reconstruct Pleistocene refugia and post‐glacial migration of the study species, and (3) test hypotheses relating to the frequency of polyploidization. We expected the glacial history of Solidago to differ markedly from that of temperate trees and forest understorey plants.LocationNorth America (Canada, continental USA, Mexico).Methods1466 bp of chloroplast intergenic spacer DNA (cpDNA) were sequenced from 368 individuals representing 72 populations of subsect. Humiles, which consists of the widespread Solidago simplex and four geographically restricted species. Estimates of NST and GST were compared as a test of phylogeographical structure, and spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) was used to examine cpDNA variation. Rarified haplotype diversity and chromosome diversity (ploidy levels) were used to infer locations of glacial refugia and post‐glacial expansion, and to determine origins of polyploidy, respectively.ResultsA total of 46 haplotypes were recovered. While there was significant phylogeographical structure (NST > GST), cpDNA variation was not strongly partitioned across species boundaries, geography or ploidy levels, and six haplotypes were shared among species. The highest haplotype diversity was located in western North America, followed by the south‐eastern USA and the formerly glaciated Great Lakes region.Main conclusionsSolidago simplex recolonized formerly glaciated eastern North America from refugia in western North America and near the perimeter of the ice margin. The south‐eastern USA had only limited involvement in recolonization of these northern regions. The geographical disjunction and scattered positions of polyploids in the haplotype network provide evidence of multiple polyploid origins within S. simplex, and the restriction of endemic, polyploid taxa to post‐glacial habitats provides evidence of Holocene polyploid speciation. The results highlight polyploidization as a source of adaptive genetic variation and speciation in novel and post‐glacial habitats.
Will the Europe Union's Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (Directive 2004/24/EC) be against traditional Chinese medicine in EU market?
Authors: Xu Juncai , Liu Min , Xia Zhijie 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAs human civilization develops, biomedicine stays robust. Faced with the challenge of Europe Union's Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive, if traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wants to be still used as one kind of medicine to treat patients, China should be in line with scientific law, that is, each claim that TCM treats any disease or indication should be supported by the data of evidence‐based randomized clinical trials. As a priority, there is an urgent need to conduct more scientific experiments and clinical trials to verify the concepts and mechanisms of TCM. Also, China is encouraged to get rid of non‐scientific concepts and theories of TCM.
Systematic approach: an evidence management strategy for better decision‐making
Authors: Squara Pierre 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEvidence‐based medicine aims to apply best evidences to medical decision making. Although evidence are established using the scientific method, decision making has received less priority. Decision making is a mental process requiring a systematic analysis of evidences for a specific use, leading to a final choice of action. In many scientific disciplines involving decision and control, this process has been significantly improved by making it as a system (a set of interacting entities forming an integrated whole).Hypothesizing that most medical decisions can be described as a system, we present a schematic systematic loop, based on four traditional medical steps (nosology, semeiology, pathophysiology, and therapy), and on the four transitions between these steps. Steps are evaluated by reproducibility, transitions are evaluated by predictability. This leads to formulate eight basic questions for testing the reliability of any loop. We applied this approach to a specific study (EPHESUS) to show its interest in the control of the medical knowledge provided by a study and in indicating where evidence is missing.A systematic approach helps evidence‐based medicine in structuring evidences for better medical decisions and in determining which research needs priority.
Structure‐function Aspects of Extracellular Leucine‐rich Repeat‐containing Cell Surface Receptors in Plants
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Thomma Bart P.H.J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPlants exploit several types of cell surface receptors for perception of extracellular signals, of which the extracellular leucine‐rich repeat (eLRR)‐containing receptors form the major class. Although the function of most plant eLRR receptors remains unclear, an increasing number of these receptors are shown to play roles in innate immunity and a wide variety of developmental processes. Recent efforts using domain swaps, gene shuffling analyses, site‐directed mutagenesis, interaction studies, and crystallographic analyses resulted in the current knowledge on ligand binding and the mechanism of activation of plant eLRR receptors. This review provides an overview of eLRR receptor research, specifically summarizing the recent understanding of interactions among plant eLRR receptors, their co‐receptors and corresponding ligands. The functions of distinct eLRR receptor domains, and their role in structure, ligand perception and multimeric complex formation are discussed.imageBart P.H.J. Thomma(Corresponding author)
An exploration of postpartum women's perspective on desired obstetric nursing qualities
Authors: CY Chan Zenobia , Wong Kwan Sau , Lam Wing Man , Wong Ka Yi , Kwok Yiu Cheung 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo gain an understanding of the perceptions of postpartum women regarding the desired nursing qualities of obstetric nurses.BackgroundGiving birth is one of the most memorable events in a woman's life. A positive birth experience can foster women's self‐worth and promote family relationship. As obstetric nurses play an important role in facilitating birth‐giving experiences, it is essential to explore postpartum women's desired nursing qualities of obstetric nurses.DesignQualitative approach based on 15 individual semi‐structural interviewsMethodsFifteen postpartum women who had given birth to healthy newborns were selected through purposive sampling approach. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and audio recorded in a private hospital in Hong Kong according to an interview guideline. Colaizzi's framework was used as a guideline to carry out interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsFive themes related to preferred obstetric nurses' qualities were captured: (1) providing information, (2) performing nursing skills in competent manner, (3) demonstrating a positive attitude, (4) attending to individual needs and (5) demonstrating cultural competence.ConclusionNurses who demonstrate their skills, knowledge and attitude as well as their ability to give physical, psychological and educational support to postpartum women will be able to enhance patients' positive labour experience, resulting in greater patient satisfaction.Relevance to clinical practiceBy exploring postpartum women's desired qualities of obstetric nurses, nurses will gain a better understanding in their role and the definition of competent attitudes and skills. Nurses with preferred nursing qualities can enhance professional practice and patients' experience during the postpartum period, resulting in increased patient satisfaction.