bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The regulatory role of the tetrapeptide AcSDKP in skin and hair physiology and the prevention of ageing effects in these tissues – a potential cosmetic role
Authors: Hajem N. , Chapelle A. , Bignon J. , Pinault A. , Liu J.‐M. , Salah‐Mohellibi N. , Lati E. , Wdzieczak‐Bakala J. 
Published: March 2013

SynopsisThe naturally occurring tetrapeptide acetyl‐N‐Ser‐Asp‐Lys‐Pro (AcSDKP) recognized as a potent angiogenic factor was shown recently to contribute to the repair of cutaneous injuries. In the current article, we report the ability of AcSDKP to exert a beneficial effect on normal healthy skin and scalp and to compensate for the ageing process. In vitro AcSDKP at 10−11–10−7 M significantly stimulates the growth of human keratinocytes, fibroblasts and follicle dermal papilla cells. Moreover, it enhances the growth of human epidermal keratinocyte progenitor and stem cells as shown in a clonogenic survival assay. Topical treatment of ex vivo cultured skin explants with 10−5 M AcSDKP increases the thickness of the epidermis and upregulates the synthesis of keratins 14 and 19, fibronectin, collagen III and IV as well as the glycoaminoglycans (GAGs). In the ex vivo‐cultured hair follicles, AcSDKP promotes hair shaft elongation and induces morphological and molecular modifications matching the criteria of hair growth. Furthermore, AcSDKP at 10−11–10−7 M was shown to improve epidermal barrier, stimulating expression of three protein components of tight junctions (claudin‐1, occludin, ZO‐1) playing an important role in connecting neighbouring cells. This tetrapeptide exercises also activation of SIRT1 implicated in the control of cell longevity. Indeed, a two‐fold increase in the synthesis of SIRT1 by cultured keratinocytes was observed in the presence of 10−11–10−7 M AcSDKP. In conclusion, these findings provide convincing evidence of the regulatory role of AcSDKP in skin and hair physiology and suggest a cosmetic use of this natural tetrapeptide to prevent skin ageing and hair loss and to promote the cutaneous regeneration and hair growth.
A novel bi‐enzymatic system for lactose conversion
Authors: Lorenzen Peter Chr. , Breiter Judith , Clawin‐Rädecker Ingrid , Dau Alexandra 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe potential of β‐galactosidase (β‐GAL) and glucose isomerase (GLI) to enhance the sweetening power of lactose and to generate galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and lactulose was studied. UF‐permeates of skim milk, sweet whey, acid whey and lactose solutions were incubated with β‐GAL and GLI. Lactose hydrolysis (LH) was 96–99%, glucose isomerisation (GI) about 53%. On a scale from 0 to 5, the intensity of sweetness increased from 1 to 3. The bi‐enzymatic process was also applied to yoghurt manufacture. Because of the inhibiting effect of calcium on GLI, the incubation was performed in UF‐permeates of skim milk. LH in yoghurt was 94%, whereas GI was 36% on average. Whey syneresis in yoghurt decreased from 12% to 5%. The sweetness increased from 1.4 to 2.9 on average. Applying the bi‐enzymatic system to 40% lactose solutions led to synthesis of about 20% prebiotic GOS. Products, such as 6‐galactobiose, allolactose and 6‐galactosyllactose were identified. About 1% lactulose was generated. Lactulose‐derived oligosaccharides were not found.
Type of Admission is Associated with Outcome of Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Drazin Doniel , Rosner Jack , Nuño Miriam , Alexander Michael J. , Schievink Wouter I. , Palestrant David , Lyden Patrick D. , Miller Chad 
Published: March 2013

Background Admitting facility may significantly affect outcome for spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. We assessed outcomes of patients admitted directly to a comprehensive stroke center with those initially admitted to a general hospital and subsequently transferred. The comprehensive stroke center included a neurocritical care ICU, cerebrovascular neurosurgeons and endovascular specialists. Methods We identified 107 consecutive spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. Of these cases, 31 (29%) patients were admitted directly and 76 (71%) were transferred from general hospitals. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated differences in mortality, complications, discharge disposition, and in-hospital length of stay. Results Differences in baseline parameters (age, gender, admission Glasgow Coma Scale, Fisher grade, admission Hunt and Hess grade) were not statistically significant between direct-admit and transfer patients at our institution. Transferred patients developed vasospasm more frequently (58% vs. 32%; P < 0·05) and had a longer delay time to surgery (3·9-days vs. 2·4-days: P < 0·05). Multivariate analysis showed that the likelihood of vasospasm was significantly higher for transfer patients (OR 3·46, CI: 1·2–10·3, P = 0·03). In addition, longer in-hospital stays and higher odds of non-routine discharge were observed in transferred patients ( P < 0·01). No differences in outcome could be identified for surgical vs. endovascular treatment rates between direct-admit and transfer patients. An association, but no causative link, can be made between the effect of transfer and the outcomes of SAH patients due to the retrospective nature of our study. Conclusions Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage patients admitted directly to our comprehensive stroke center showed less complications compared to those transferred from general hospitals. This improvement was independent of time to treatment. Additional research in multiple centers using prospective analysis should be conducted to confirm that preferential direct transport to a comprehensive stroke center would likely yield considerable improvements in public health.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Test Efficacy and Safety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Thrombolysis in Wake-up Stroke (WAKE-UP)
Authors: Thomalla Götz , Fiebach Jochen B. , Østergaard Leif , Pedraza Salvador , Thijs Vincent , Nighoghossian Norbert , Roy Pascal , Muir Keith W. , Ebinger Martin , Cheng Bastian , Galinovic Ivana , Cho Tae-Hee , Puig Josep , Boutitie Florent , Simonsen Claus Z. , Endres Matthias , Fiehler Jens , Gerloff Christian ,   WAKE-UP investigators
Published: March 2013

Rationale In about 20% of acute ischemic stroke patients stroke occurs during sleep. These patients are generally excluded from intravenous thrombolysis. MRI can identify patients within the time-window for thrombolysis (≤4·5 h from symptom onset) by a mismatch between the acute ischemic lesion visible on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) but not visible on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging. Aims and hypothesis The study aims to test the efficacy and safety of MRI-guided thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in ischemic stroke patients with unknown time of symptom onset, e.g., waking up with stroke symptoms. We hypothesize that stroke patients with unknown time of symptom onset with a DWI-FLAIR-mismatch pattern on MRI will have improved outcome when treated with rtPA compared to placebo. Design WAKE-UP is an investigator initiated, European, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients with unknown time of symptom onset who fulfil clinical inclusion criteria (disabling neurological deficit, no contraindications against thrombolysis) will be studied by MRI. Patients with MRI findings of a DWI-FLAIR-mismatch will be randomised to either treatment with rtPA or placebo. Study outcome The primary efficacy endpoint will be favourable outcome defined by modified Rankin Scale 0–1 at day 90. The primary safety outcome measures will be mortality and death or dependency defined by modified Rankin Scale 4–6 at 90 days. Discussion If positive, WAKE-UP is expected to change clinical practice making effective and safe treatment available for a large group of acute stroke patients currently excluded from specific acute therapy.
Leadership styles in ethical dilemmas when head nurses make decisions
Authors: Zydziunaite V. , Lepaite D. , Suominen T. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe overlooked aspect in Lithuania is the dearth of leaders among head nurses, who bear the responsibility for decisions in ethical dilemmas. Understanding the application of leadership styles is fundamental to ensuring head nurses' abilities to influence outcomes for healthcare providers and patients.AimTo identify the leadership styles applied by head nurses in decision making in ethical dilemmas on hospital wards.MethodsThe data were collected by questionnaires completed by head nurses (n = 278) working in five major state‐funded hospitals in each of the five regions of Lithuania. The data were analysed using SPSS 16.0, calculating descriptive statistics and analysis of variance.FindingsHead nurses apply democratic, affiliative, transformational and sustainable leadership styles when resolving ethical dilemmas. The application of leadership styles is associated not only with specific situations, but also with certain background factors, such as years of experience in a head nurse's position, ward specialization and the incidence of ethical dilemmas. Nurses having been in a head nurse's position over 10 years use primitive leadership styles, notably bureaucratic leadership, more often than do those head nurses with only a few years of experience in such a position.ConclusionsThe results highlight the need for head nurses to reflect on their practices and to find new ways of learning from practice, colleagues and patients. Head nurses' managerial decisions due to their ‘executive power’ can turn into a new state‐of‐the‐art leadership in nursing.
Acute and chronic wound fluids inversely influence adipose‐derived stem cell function: molecular insights into impaired wound healing
Authors: Koenen Paola , Spanholtz Timo A , Maegele Marc , Stürmer Ewa , Brockamp Thomas , Neugebauer Edmund , Thamm Oliver C 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWound healing is a complex biological process that requires a well‐orchestrated interaction of mediators as well as resident and infiltrating cells. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role as they are attracted to the wound site and influence tissue regeneration by various mechanisms. In chronic wounds, these processes are disturbed. In a comparative approach, adipose‐derived stem cells (ASC) were treated with acute and chronic wound fluids (AWF and CWF, respectively). Proliferation and migration were investigated using 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and transwell migration assay. Gene expression changes were analysed using quantitative real time–polymerase chain reaction. AWF had a significantly stronger chemotactic impact on ASC than CWF (77·5% versus 59·8% migrated cells). While proliferation was stimulated by AWF up to 136·3%, CWF had a negative effect on proliferation over time (80·3%). Expression of b‐FGF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 was strongly induced by CWF compared with a mild induction by AWF. These results give an insight into impaired ASC function in chronic wounds. The detected effect of CWF on proliferation and migration of ASC might be one reason for an insufficient healing process in chronic wounds.
Comparison of the effects of topical fusidic acid and rifamycin on wound healing in rats
Authors: Gurel Mehmet S , Naycı Sillan , Turgut Aslı V , Bozkurt Erol R 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWound healing is an active and dynamic process that begins from the moment of injury. Any delay in the initiation of the response to injury can prolong the healing process. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topically applied fusidic acid and rifamycin on wound healing in a full‐thickness wound model. Ten female Sprague‐Dawley rats, aged 4 months and weighing 200–250 g, were used. Four rifamycin (R), four fusidic acid (F) and four control (K) areas were generated on their backs by using a 5‐mm punch biopsy pen. On the 4th, 7th, 14th and 21st days, biopsies were taken from each wound area of all the rats. Fusidic acid group demonstrated a statistically significant increase of collagen and intensity of fibroblast proliferation on the 21st day of wound healing, whereas in the rifamycin group, healing time was, as expected, similar to physiological wound‐healing phases. Despite the limited number of subjects, topical fusidic acid was found to delay wound healing by prolonging fibroblast proliferation.
Allergic contact dermatitis to metal allergens in Iran
Authors: Khatami Alireza , Nassiri‐Kashani Mansour , Gorouhi Farzam , Babakoohi Shahab , Kazerouni‐Timsar Ali , Davari Parastoo , Sarraf‐Yazdy Maryam , Dowlati Yahya , Firooz Alireza 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground  Metallic allergens such as nickel are among the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), but frequencies of contact dermatitis to these allergens may vary in different areas.Objectives  This study aimed to determine the frequencies of ACD caused by three common metallic allergens: nickel sulfate; potassium dichromate; and cobalt chloride.Methods  Data for 1137 patients with clinical diagnoses of contact dermatitis and/or atopic dermatitis evaluated by patch testing in Iran during a 5‐year period were retrospectively studied to establish the frequencies of hypersensitivity to these metallic allergens.Results  A total of 313 patients (27.5%) gave positive patch test results for at least one metallic allergen. Allergy to nickel (229 cases, 20.0%) was the most commonly observed, followed by allergy to cobalt (90 cases, 8.0%) and allergy to chromium (70 cases, 6.2%). Nickel allergy was significantly more frequent in females and in subjects aged <40 years, whereas chromium hypersensitivity was more common in males and in subjects aged >40 years. Sensitivity to nickel or chromium was a risk factor for cobalt allergy.Conclusions  Nickel was most commonly identified as a metallic allergen in Iran and tended to affect women aged <40 years. Regulations pertaining to nickel release may decrease the frequency of nickel hypersensitivity in Iran.
Patch test reactions in patients with the additional diagnosis of vitiligo
Authors: Lee Joon‐Ho , Ahn Byung‐Jin , Noh Minsoo , Lee Ai‐Young 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground  Melanocytes involved in vitiligo may have inherent aberrations that make them vulnerable to extracellular insult. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been implicated in the development and progression of vitiligo. This study was conducted to investigate the association between ACD and vitiligo.Methods  A total of 125 patients with vitiligo, who showed lesions in particular locations, onset at an older age, and/or pre‐existing inflammation or pruritus, were included. Patch tests were performed using a Korean standard series. In order to investigate the association between avoidance of allergen and clinical improvement, 43 vitiligo patients who showed positive reactions to the patch test completed a questionnaire administered by telephone and self‐assessed the status of their condition using a 10‐point scale.Results  A total of 98 (78.4%) of 125 patients with vitiligo showed positive patch test reactions to at least one antigen. Although a limited number of contact allergens may have specific predilection sites, a significant association (P = 0.002, odds ratio 3.06) was found between lesions distributed on the scalp and/or hairline and a positive patch test reaction to paraphenylenediamine (PPD). A positive correlation (P = 0.03) was also detected between avoidance of allergen and improvement of vitiligo lesions.Conclusions  Causative allergens of ACD may play a role in the development and/or aggravation of vitiligo.
Influence of sportive activity on skin barrier function: a quantitative evaluation of 60 athletes
Authors: Luebberding Stefanie , Kolbe Lea , Kerscher Martina 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWhile sports‐related diseases are well documented in the literature, no study regarding the physiology of athlete's skin has been published yet. However, some evidence is given for impairment of the skin barrier due to sportive activity accompanied by an increase in sweating. In this explorative study, we investigated the effect of sportive activity on skin physiology, namely stratum corneum hydration, skin surface pH, and sebum content. A total of 60 healthy Caucasian volunteers (35 females, 25 males; mean 27.35 ± 4.09) were enrolled in this study. Measurements were done before and after 45 minutes of endurance cardio training at forehead, chest, forearm, and armpits. Hydration level, sebum secretion, and pH value of hydrolipid acid film were measured with worldwide‐acknowledged biophysical measuring methods. Stratum corneum hydration significantly increased after sportive activity. The increase was about 51.9% at the forearm and 31.9% at the chest. Sebum content at the forehead significantly decreased during exercising, from 87.36 μg/cm2 to 62.41 μg/cm2. At all investigated body sites, measured values for skin surface pH increased after sportive activity. Highest pH value was measured in armpits (pH 5.64–5.98) and lowest at forearm (pH 4.75–4.93). Sportive activity is accompanied by significant changes of skin physiology that could stress the barrier function of the skin. Higher skin surface pH and hyperhydration of the stratum corneum as well as increased lipid content on the skin surface are probably caused by an increased sweat production. The impaired skin barrier may also be the reason for some reported sports‐related dermatoses.
Patterns of evolution and extinction in proetid trilobites during the late Devonian mass extinction event, Canning Basin, Western Australia
Authors: FEIST RAIMUND , MCNAMARA KENNETH J. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract:  In the early Late Devonian, terminal Frasnian proetid trilobites have previously only been known from Europe and North Africa. For the first time, a rich fauna of late Frasnian proetids is described from the Virgin Hills Formation, Canning Basin, Western Australia. Seventeen species in six genera are described, of which three are new: Rudybole gen. nov., Palpebralina gen. nov. and Canningbole gen. nov. A new subgenus, Chlupaciparia (Australoparia) subgen. nov. is also described. Fourteen of the species are new: Palpebralia initialis sp. nov., P. pustulata sp. nov., ?P. sp. nov. A, Rudybole depressa sp. nov., Palpebralina pseudopalpebralis sp. nov. (comprising the subspecies P. pseudopalpebralis pseudopalpebralis subsp. nov. and P. pseudopalpebralis ultima subsp. nov.), P. minor sp. nov., P. ocellifer sp. nov., Canningbole latimargo sp. nov., C. henwoodorum sp. nov., C. macromma sp. nov., Pteroparia extrema sp. nov., Chlupaciparia (Chlupaciparia) planiops sp. nov., Chlupaciparia (Australoparia) australis sp. nov. and C. (Australoparia) lata sp. nov. The subspecies Rudybole adorfensis angusta subsp. nov. is also described. The proetids range through conodont Zones 11–13b and terminate at the Upper Kellwasser Event, which marks the terminal Frasnian mass extinction event. Three of the six proetid lineages, Palpebralia, Canningbole and Pteroparia, show evolutionary trends of eye reduction. Two of the remaining lineages, Rudybole and Palpebralina, consist exclusively of blind taxa. The last, Chlupaciparia, also comprises forms with reduced eyes. The proetids show a stepped pattern of extinction during the late Frasnian, which correlate with two Kellwasser biocrises documented in European/North African Frasnian sections. The highest diversity preceded the Lower Kellwasser event that occurred at the end of conodont Zone 12 and saw the extinction of all species present in that zone. However, only one genus, Pteroparia, locally became extinct. A major higher‐level taxonomic mass extinction at the top of Zone 13b initiated the Upper Kellwasser extinction event. This included extinction at the generic level, with all five remaining genera becoming extinct, and at the family level, with the loss of the Tropidocoryphidae.
Morphology and ontogeny of the eodiscoid trilobite Sinodiscus changyangensis from the lower Cambrian of South China
Authors: DAI TAO , ZHANG XINGLIANG 
Published: March 2013

Abstract: A large number of complete specimens together with numerous disarticulated sclerites of the eodiscinid trilobite Sinodiscus changyangensis Zhang inZhou et al., 1977 have been collected from the lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation in Changyang, Hubei Province, South China. An ontogenetic series is established based on the immature and mature exoskeletons including the previously unknown protaspides and meraspides, in particular. No further substages can be differentiated in the protaspid specimens herein. Changes that took place during the meraspid period include the addition of postcephalic segments and prominent pygidial larval notches in early meraspid development which became progressively less distinct and disappeared in degree 2. Two holaspid stages are recognized based on the addition of a new pygidial segment, indicating that the start of the holaspid phase preceded the onset of the epimorphic phase and accordingly, its developmental mode is attributed to the protarthrous pattern. The trunk segmentation schedule of S. changyangensis is discussed, which is similar to other primitive eodiscoid trilobites, that is, as the boundary between the thorax and pygidium migrated posteriorly, there is no change in the number of the trunk segments. The processes of liberation of the thoracic segment and segment insertion into the pygidium are separated from one another, and the two different mechanisms, somitogenesis and tagmosis, progress independently during the ontogenetic development of the postcephalic region of these primitive eodiscinids.
Improving Satisfaction with Care and Reducing Length of Stay in an Obstetric Triage Unit Using a Nurse‐Midwife‐Managed Model of Care
Authors: Paul Julie , Jordan Robin , Duty Susan , Engstrom Janet L. 
Published: March 2013

IntroductionA quality improvement project was initiated at a tertiary‐care center in a suburban area of the northeastern United States to determine whether length of stay and patient satisfaction in an obstetric triage unit could be improved by using a certified nurse‐midwife (CNM) to manage and organize care in the triage unit.MethodsPatient satisfaction was measured using a previously validated instrument that consisted of 6 items using a 6‐point Likert‐type scale. The items measured patient satisfaction with: wait time for provider, information given, amount of time spent with provider, length of visit, overall care received, and overall triage experience. Patient satisfaction was measured before (n = 37) and after implementing CNM‐managed care (n = 66) in an obstetrical triage unit. Length of stay in the triage unit was measured during standard care (n = 121) and after the implementation of CNM‐managed care (n = 151) by recording the number of minutes women spent in the triage unit.ResultsParticipants in the CNM‐managed care group reported increased patient satisfaction with care in 5 of the 6 aspects of satisfaction that were measured, including wait time for provider (P = .01), time spent with provider (P = .01), length of visit (P = .04), overall care received (P = .04), and overall triage experience (P = .01). The length of stay was significantly shorter for the women in the CNM‐managed group (mean = 94.7 minutes; standard deviation [SD] 50.1) than for the women in the standard care model (mean = 122 minutes; SD = 66.8; P < .01).DiscussionThe findings from this project suggest that a CNM‐managed obstetric triage unit can improve satisfaction with care during the triage experience and reduce length of stay in the triage unit.