bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety, efficacy and pitfalls of fibrocyte application in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Behjati Mohaddeseh , Hashemi Mohammad , Shoarayenejati Alireza , Karbalaie Khadijeh , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad H 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFibrocytes are unique bone marrow‐derived cells with great potential in wound healing. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of the applied circulating fibrocytes in the treatment of non healing diabetic foot ulcers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by centrifugation through Ficoll–Paque method. After 3 days, the non adherent cells were removed by a single, gentle aspiration. Adherent cells were cultured in the same medium for 10 days. The cells were characterised using mouse anti‐human‐CD45‐fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and mouse anti‐human–collagen I, and also characterised by immunofluorescence microscopy using the above mentioned antibodies. Sterility measures were applied for clinical evaluation. Based on the literature review, cell transplantation generally requires at least 3 × 106 cells regarding efficacy measures. As fibrocytes are non proliferating cells, 350 ml patient's blood is required to prepare patient‐specific serum before cell isolation and culture, and 85 ml patient's blood is needed for cell isolation and differentiation on cell transplantation applications. In our survey, no diabetic patient was inclined to be donor of such blood volume, mainly because of their pre‐assumption that they are anaemic. It is concluded that fibrocytes do not seem to be candidate cells for cell therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers because of the rarity of this cell population in circulation.
Phase 1 prospective evaluation of the oncological adequacy of robotic assisted video‐endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with penile carcinoma
Authors: Matin Surena F. , Cormier Janice N. , Ward John F. , Pisters Louis L. , Wood Christopher G. , Dinney Colin P.N. , Royal Richard E. , Huang Xuelin , Pettaway Curtis A. 
Published: April 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Several lymph node staging strategies have been proposed as a response to the high morbidity seen after standard inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer. A video‐endoscopic (laparoscopic and robotic) approach has been proposed as a less morbid procedure in several retrospective studies. To date, none has evaluated the oncological adequacy with regard to whether all relevant nodes have been removed.
To the authors’ knowledge this is the first prospective study of a robotic or laparoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy that evaluates the oncological adequacy of this approach for penile cancer. The study shows that robotic inguinal lymphadenectomy allowed adequate staging of disease in the inguinal region by removing all relevant lymph nodes as assessed by an independent evaluating urological oncologist.
Objective
To prospectively determine the oncological adequacy of robotic assisted video‐endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (RAVEIL).
Patients and Methods
Patients with T1‐3N0 penile cancer were enrolled into a prospective phase I trial at a tertiary care institution from March 2010 to January 2012. All patients underwent an initial RAVEIL approach.
Verification of adequacy of dissection was performed by an independent surgeon via a separate open incision at the conclusion of the RAVEIL procedure.
Out of 10 patients, if more than two superficial inguinal fields with ≥2 nodes or more than four with ≥1 node remained within the superficial dissection field, the study would not proceed to phase II.
Results
Of 10 enrolled patients two had inguinal metastases and all positive nodes were detected by RAVEIL. The remaining eight patients had no metastases, with a mean of nine (range 5–21) left and nine (range 6–17) right nodes removed. One inguinal field RAVEIL was converted to an open dissection.
The verifying surgeon confirmed that 18 of 19 inguinal fields (94.7% in nine patients) had an adequate dissection. Two benign nodes were found just beneath Scarpa's fascia above the inguinal dissection field.
Limitations of the study include an inability to determine decisively what specific wound complications were related to RAVEIL because of the protocol‐specified creation of a small inguinal incision for verification of adequate dissection.
Conclusion
RAVEIL allowed adequate staging of disease in the inguinal region among patients with penile cancer at risk for inguinal metastases.
REFRACTORY HENOCH–SCHÖNLEIN PURPURA: ATYPICAL AETIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: El‐Husseini Amr , Ahmed Ahmed , Sabucedo Alberto , Fabulo Edward 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundA 27‐year‐old white male was referred with recently diagnosed refractory Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). He had a past medical history of hypertension of four years duration and was prescribed lisinopril. He was switched from a brand to a generic lisinopril two days before the onset of first symptoms. On two occasions symptoms had worsened while trying to switch back to the generic drug. He had 9 g/day protein in his urine with haematuria and serum creatinine was up to 123.76 µmol/l (normal value < 106 µmol/l).TreatmentThe patient underwent two renal biopsies; the first was carried out early after having HSP symptoms and the second was performed a month later. The first biopsy showed mild segmental endocapillary hypercellularity with IgA deposits consistent with HSPN. The second biopsy showed proliferative IgA nephropathy with focal active cellular crescent formation in 38% of the glomeruli.ResultsHe did not respond to steroids, cyclophosphamide and plamapheresis. However, his renal and extra‐renal manifestations eventually improved after he had received three doses of 1,000 mg rituximab by infusion, two weeks apart.ConclusionRituximab might be efficacious in treatment of hspn, more studies are needed to assess long‐term safetey and efficacy.
CALCIPHYLAXIS AND SODIUM THIOSULPHATE: A GLIMMER OF HOPE IN DESPERATE SITUATION
Authors: Burnie Robert , Smail Sarah , Javaid Muhammad M. 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundCalciphylaxis is an uncommon and often under diagnosed condition affecting patients undergoing chronic dialysis. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The abnormalities of calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone homeostasis leading to vascular calcification and ischaemic skin necrosis are thought to be the central problem. Meticulous wound care and aggressive metabolic control remain the cornerstone of the treatment; however, the overall benefit of these treatment options remains low and mortality and morbidity remain very high. Sodium thiosulphate is an inorganic salt, which is used for treating acute cyanide poisoning, recurrent calcium urolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. Recently, it has also been reported to be useful in treating severe cases of calciphylaxis with promising results.MethodsA resistant case of calciphylaxis in a patient on long‐term haemodialysis was treated with sodium thiosulphate (50 ml solution with 50% sodium thiosulphate) three times a week during the end of each dialysis session.ResultsThe skin lesions started to heal after two weeks and completely resolved after five months of treatment.ConclusionsSodium thiosulphate can be a safe and effective treatment option for resistant and severe cases of calciphylaxis
Increased serum IgG and IgA in overweight children relate to a less favourable metabolic phenotype
Authors: Bassols J. , Prats‐Puig A. , Gispert‐Saüch M. , Crehuet‐Almirall M. , Carreras‐Badosa G. , Díaz‐Roldán F. , Montesinos‐Costa M. , de Zegher F. , Ibáñez L. , López‐Bermejo A. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
The adaptive immune system has been shown to be a novel modulator of insulin resistance.
Increased activation of B lymphocytes has been described in obese mice and in obese and type 2 diabetic patients.
B lymphocytes promote insulin resistance by accumulating in adipose tissue and producing pathogenic antibodies.
What this study adds
Increased serum concentrations of IgG and IgA were found in overweight pre‐pubertal children.
Increasing concentrations of IgG and IgA were in obese, but not in lean pre‐pubertal children, associated with a less favourable metabolic phenotype, consisting of increased insulin resistance and a more adverse lipid profile.
BackgroundThe adaptive immune system has emerged as an unexpected modulator of insulin resistance. B lymphocytes accumulate in adipose tissue and produce pathogenic antibodies that cause insulin resistance.ObjectiveWe studied whether circulating immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) were related to metabolic risk markers in pre‐pubertal children with and without overweight.Design and methodsSubjects were 270 asymptomatic pre‐pubertal Caucasian children (145 lean, 125 overweight) recruited in a primary care setting. Assessments included serum IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations (nephelometry), insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and fasting lipids (triacylglycerol and high‐density lipoprotein [HDL]‐cholesterol).ResultsOverweight children had higher IgG and IgA serum levels than lean children (P ≤ 0.01). Increasing serum IgG and IgA, but not IgM, were associated with a less favourable metabolic phenotype, consisting of higher HOMA‐IR and triacylglycerol and lower HDL‐cholesterol, particularly in obese children, in whom serum IgG and IgA were both independently associated with HOMA‐IR (β = 0.308, P = 0.017, r2 = 9.5% and β = 0.361, P = 0.005, r2 = 13.0%, respectively) and triacylglycerol (β = 0.343, P = 0.006, r2 = 11.1% and β = 0.354, P = 0.003, r2 = 12.2%, respectively).ConclusionsIncreased circulating IgG and IgA in overweight children are associated with a less favourable metabolic phenotype, particularly in obese children. These results suggest a relationship between adaptive immunity and insulin resistance in childhood obesity.
Why Randomize Agricultural Experiments?
Authors: Piepho H. P. , Möhring J. , Williams E. R. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study illustrates the importance of randomization using two hypothetical field trials, one with a marked systematic trend and the other with a more erratic spatial pattern. The insights from these two examples are reinforced by analysis of a uniformity trial and a small simulation study. Results illustrate that both model‐based spatial analysis and randomization‐based analysis assuming independent errors are valid with full randomization but may be invalidated when randomization is lacking. It is concluded that randomization provides protection against different forms of spatial trend. The examples given in the study serve as a general reminder that agricultural experiments should be randomized whenever possible.
Growth, Development and Yield of Crambe Abyssinica Under Saline Irrigation in the Greenhouse
Authors: Ionov M. , Yuldasheva N. , Ulchenko N. , Glushenkova A. I. , Heuer B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSalinity is one of the major factors limiting agricultural productivity in arid and semi‐arid regions. Saline areas around the world are increasing and sources of fresh water are decreasing. The increasing importance of the use of brackish water to supplement regular irrigation has demonstrated a need for finding new potential plants with tolerance to irrigation with saline water which can be used in industrial agriculture. The aim of this study was to determine whether irrigation with brackish water of Crambe Abyssinica, a plant commonly used for industrial oil production and for ornamental purposes and with high economical value, especially in Central Asia and the Aral Sea region, is feasible. One more goal was to study how it influences growth and development, seed and oil yield and some physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, transpiration, chlorophyll content, osmotic potential and accumulation of fresh and dry weight. The effects of three salinity levels, 3, 6 and 9 dS m−1, were investigated in a greenhouse experiment during two consecutive years. Results of this study showed that growth of Crambe abyssinica in arid zones and irrigation with mild saline water up to EC 6 dS m−1, mostly common in these areas is feasible, suggesting tolerance to moderate salinity levels and feasibility of its culture in areas of the Aral Sea with adequate salinity levels. Consequently, in spite of the fact that biomass and seed yield were significantly decreased in plants irrigated with brackish water, Crambe abyssinica might be cultivated as an alternate source of green biomass and for industrial vegetable oil under conditions not suitable for conventional plant production.
Transformation Plasticity in (GdxDy1−x)PO4 Fiber Coatings During Fiber Push Out
Authors: Hay R. S. , Boakye E. E. , Mogilevsky P. , Fair G. E. , Parthasarathy T. A. , Davis J. E. 
Published: April 2013

The reduction in fiber push‐out stress by transformation plasticity in xenotime rare‐earth orthophosphate fiber–matrix interphases was demonstrated. Processing methods for transformable xenotime coatings were explored. For conversion to xenotime during processing, (GdxDy1−x)PO4 solid solutions had to be more Dy‐rich than those for pellets. Single‐crystal alumina fibers were coated with 10–20 μm of (Gd0.4Dy0.6)PO4 xenotime and incorporated into polycrystalline alumina matrices. Coated fiber push‐out stresses were between 10 and 80 MPa, significantly lower than those for fibers with other rare‐earth orthophosphates coatings. Phase transformations and deformation mechanisms were characterized by SEM and TEM in fiber coatings after push out. Bands of deformed coating several micrometers in width formed during fiber push out. Cataclastic flow with fracture, granulation, translation, rotation, and intense plastic deformation of coating grains was observed. Three phase transformations may occur in heavily deformed particles in the deformation band: xenotime → monazite, xenotime → anhydrite, and anhydrite → monazite. Anhydrite was abundant as a fine lamellar phase on (100) planes in xenotime. Selected area electron diffraction and high‐resolution TEM confirmed formation of monazite in a variety of heavily deformed particles. Issues for use of rare‐earth orthophosphate transformation plasticity to lower fiber pull‐out stress in ceramic matrix composites are discussed.
The effects of assertiveness training in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized, single‐blind, controlled study
Authors: Lee Tso‐Ying , Chang Shih‐Chin , Chu Hsin , Yang Chyn‐Yng , Ou Keng‐Liang , Chung Min‐Huey , Chou Kuei‐Ru 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsIn this study, we investigated the effects of group assertiveness training on assertiveness, social anxiety and satisfaction with interpersonal communication among patients with chronic schizophrenia.BackgroundOnly limited studies highlighted the effectiveness of group assertiveness training among inpatients with schizophrenia. Given the lack of group assertiveness training among patients with schizophrenia, further development of programmes focusing on facilitating assertiveness, self‐confidence and social skills among inpatients with chronic schizophrenia is needed.DesignThis study used a prospective, randomized, single‐blinded, parallel‐group design.MethodsThis study employed a prospective, randomized, parallel‐group design. Seventy‐four patients were randomly assigned to experimental group receiving 12 sessions of assertiveness training, or a supportive control group. Data collection took place for the period of June 2009–July 2010.ResultsAmong patients with chronic schizophrenia, assertiveness, levels of social anxiety and satisfaction with interpersonal communication significantly improved immediately after the intervention and at the 3‐month follow‐up in the intervention group. The results of a generalized estimating equation (GEE) indicated that: (1) assertiveness significantly improved from pre‐ to postintervention and was maintained until the follow‐up; (2) anxiety regarding social interactions significantly decreased after assertiveness training; and (3) satisfaction with interpersonal communication slightly improved after the 12‐session intervention and at the 3‐month follow‐up.ConclusionAssertivenss training is a non‐invasive and inexpensive therapy that appears to improve assertiveness, social anxiety and interpersonal communication among inpatients with chronic schizophrenia. These findings may provide a reference guide to clinical nurses for developing assertiveness‐training protocols.
The Role of Active Assortment in Spousal Similarity
Authors: Watson David , Beer Andrew , McDade‐Montez Elizabeth 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPrevious research has established the existence of active assortment, that is, a preference for similarity in a potential mate. Few studies, however, have directly related mate preferences to dyadic similarity by examining them in the same participants. We collected both similarity and mate preference data in two studies: undergraduate students (N = 519) and newlyweds (N = 335). In both studies, women placed a higher value on desirable personality characteristics (e.g., higher Conscientiousness and Agreeableness, lower Neuroticism) than did men. Nevertheless, our data also provided strong evidence of consensual mate preferences: Men and women both desired partners who were agreeable, conscientious, emotionally stable, intelligent, and physically attractive; furthermore, participants desired partners who were better (e.g., more agreeable and attractive) than they were. In contrast, attitudinal variables such as religiousness and political orientation displayed much weaker consensus but showed significant dyadic similarity in both samples; similarity coefficients for personality tended to be positive, but lower. Finally, analyses revealed a direct link between actual and desired similarity: Couples displayed the strongest similarity on those variables for which participants expressed the strongest preference for similarity. Our findings strongly suggest that active assortment is partly responsible for dyadic similarity.
Best Practices for New Product Pricing: Impact on Market Performance and Price Level under Different Conditions
Authors: Ingenbleek Paul T. M. , Frambach Ruud T. , Verhallen Theo M. M. 
Published: April 2013

To date, research on new product pricing has predominantly been approached as a choice between market skimming and penetration pricing. Despite calls for research that addresses other complexities in new product pricing, empirical research responding to these calls remains scarce. This paper examines three managerial price‐setting practices for new products, i.e., value‐informed, competition‐informed, and cost‐informed pricing. By engaging in these practices, managers can develop and compare quantifications in order to attain an introduction price for the product. The authors draw on consumer price perception literature, Monroe's pricing discretion model, and numerical cognition literature to develop hypotheses about the impact of price‐setting practices on new product market performance and price level. By studying the effects on market performance and price level, the paper provides insights that may help explain the growth of new products and address the problems of underpricing. The hypotheses are tested in a management survey of 144 production and service companies.The results indicate which pricing practices are superior for the achievement of either higher market performance or higher prices in specific product and market conditions. Whereas value‐informed pricing has an unambiguous positive impact on relative price level and market performance, the results also suggest that in many cases engaging in value‐informed pricing is not enough. The effects of cost‐informed and competition‐informed pricing may differ depending upon the objective (market performance or higher prices), product conditions (product advantage and relative product costs), and market condition (competitive intensity). Engaging in inappropriate pricing practices leads to a decline in new product performance. Moreover, bad pricing practices make the positive effect of product advantage on the outcome variables disappear. The latter finding suggests that companies can jeopardize their efforts and investments in the new product development process if they engage in the wrong price‐setting practices.The findings imply that managers should consider different factors in new product pricing. First, when launching a new product, they should determine their explicit pricing objective, either stressing market performance or a higher price level. To determine the most appropriate pricing practices, however, they should next assess their situation in terms of product advantage, relative product costs, and competitive intensity. Together with the pricing objective, these conditions determine the best pricing practice. On a higher level, the findings imply that companies should invest in knowledge development in order to engage in the appropriate pricing practices for each product launch.
Nursing and health‐care assistant experience of supervision in a medium secure psychiatric service for women: implications for service development
Authors: Long C. G. , Harding S. , Payne K. , Collins L. 
Published: April 2013

Accessible Summary
Clinical supervision is a key component of effective service development.
The study explores the importance of clinical supervision in Secure Psychiatric Services for Women and the implications for service development.
Comparisons are made between qualified nurses and health‐care assistants' uptake of clinical supervision along with type of supervision used.
Factors identified in relation to potential improvements in the current provision of clinical supervision are discussed, and recommendations are made.
AbstractIn secure psychiatric services where the potential for ‘burnout’ by nurses is high, clinical supervision is viewed as a key to reflective practice to support staff in stressful working environments. Barriers to the uptake of clinical supervision in such service settings are personal and organizational. The study was prompted by the need to evaluate the effectiveness of supervision for registered nurses and health‐care assistants (HCAs) and a desire to use survey findings to improve the quality and uptake of supervision. The study examined the perceived benefits, the best practice elements and the practical aspects of clinical supervision including how to improve practice. An approximate uptake of clinical supervision by 50% of staff confirmed previous findings; that HCAs were significantly less likely to engage in supervision and less likely to perceive benefit from it. Initiatives to address the training and managerial obstacles to the provision of formal supervision are described.