bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potentials of incretin‐based therapies in dementia and stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Groeneveld Onno N , Kappelle L Jaap , Biessels Geert Jan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at risk for accelerated cognitive decline and dementia. Furthermore, their risk of stroke is increased and their outcome after stroke is worse than in those without diabetes. Incretin‐based therapies are a class of antidiabetic agents that are of interest in relation to these cerebral complications of diabetes. Two classes of incretin‐based therapies are currently available: the glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 agonists and the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 ‐inhibitors. Independent of their glucose‐lowering effects, incretin‐based therapies might also have direct or indirect beneficial effects on the brain. In the present review, we discuss the potential of incretin‐based therapies in relation to dementia, in particular Alzheimer's disease, and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes. Experimental studies on Alzheimer's disease have found beneficial effects of incretin‐based therapies on cognition, synaptic plasticity and metabolism of amyloid‐β and microtubule‐associated protein tau. Preclinical studies on incretin‐based therapies in stroke have shown an improved functional outcome, a reduction of infarct volume as well as neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. Both with regard to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and with regard to prevention and treatment of stroke, randomized controlled trials in patients with or without diabetes are underway. In conclusion, experimental studies show promising results of incretin‐based therapies at improving the outcome of Alzheimer's disease and stroke through glucose‐independent pleiotropic effects on the brain. If these findings would indeed be confirmed in large clinical randomized controlled trials, this would have substantial impact.
A randomized trial comparing simultaneous vs. sequential field treatment of actinic keratosis with ingenol mebutate on two separate areas of the head and body
Authors: Pellacani G. , Peris K. , Guillen C. , Clonier F. , Larsson T. , Venkata R. , Puig S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundActinic keratoses (AKs) are precursors to invasive squamous cell carcinoma and can progress if untreated. Limited data support the use of ingenol mebutate to treat AKs on more than one area of the body simultaneously.ObjectiveTo investigate safety, efficacy and treatment satisfaction when treating separate areas simultaneously or sequentially with different concentrations of ingenol mebutate gel.MethodsIn this phase IIIb study (NCT01787383), patients with clinically visible, non‐hyperkeratotic AKs on two separate treatment areas (face/scalp and trunk/extremities) were randomized to simultaneous or sequential treatment with ingenol mebutate gel (0.015% and 0.05%). Endpoints included composite local skin response (LSR) score 3 days after first application, complete AK clearance and percentage reduction in AKs at week 8.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between simultaneous (n = 101) and sequential (n = 98) groups in composite LSR score (10.4 vs. 9.7), complete clearance (52.7% vs. 46.9%) or percentage reduction in AKs (83.4% vs. 79.1%). Mean composite LSR scores on face/scalp and trunk/extremities were similar for both groups. Adverse event (AE) incidence was comparable between groups, the most common treatment‐related AEs being pruritus and pain at the application site.ConclusionTreating AKs with ingenol mebutate simultaneously or sequentially gave similar results in terms of tolerability (LSR score, AEs) and efficacy (complete clearance). Therefore, the physician and patient can select the most convenient treatment regimen, with confidence in achieving a similar outcome.
Dermoscopy of tumours arising in naevus sebaceous: a morphological study of 58 cases
Authors: Zaballos P. , Serrano P. , Flores G. , Bañuls J. , Thomas L. , Llambrich A. , Castro E. , Lallas A. , Argenziano G. , Zalaudek I. , del Pozo L.J. , Landi C. , Malvehy J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundNaevus sebaceous is a congenital hamartoma commonly associated with the development of secondary neoplasms. There are sparse data relating to the dermoscopy of tumours arising in naevus sebaceous.ObjectivesTo evaluate the dermoscopic features of a large series of neoplasms arising in naevus sebaceous.MethodsDigital dermoscopic images of 58 histopathologically confirmed cases of secondary neoplasms arising in naevus sebaceous collected from 11 hospitals in Spain, France, Italy and Austria were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns.ResultsThe most frequent tumours collected were: trichoblastoma (39.6%), basal cell carcinoma (20.7%) and syringocystadenoma papilliferum (15.6%). The most remarkable findings were: (i) the pattern composed of asymmetrical large blue‐grey ovoid nests was more common in basal cell carcinomas than in trichoblastoma (58.3% vs. 4.3%; P < 0.001) and the pattern composed of a symmetrical total large blue‐grey ovoid nest (a blue‐grey homogeneous area which occupies the whole lesion) was more common in trichoblastoma (82.6% vs. 16.6%; P < 0.001); (ii) the most frequent pattern associated with syringocystadenoma papilliferum was a symmetric, erythematous lesion with exophytic papillary structures, ulceration and vessels (55.5%); (iii) the most common pattern associated with apocrine hidrocystomas was a total symmetric homogeneous area and arborizing telangiectasias (60%).ConclusionsBenign adnexal tumours associated with naevus sebaceous are dermoscopic mimickers of basal cell carcinomas. A pigmented nodule arising in a naevus sebaceous with a total blue large ovoid nest on dermoscopy could be a trichoblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, hidrocystoma or hidradenoma. Dermoscopy can be a useful diagnostic tool which generates a more accurate preoperative diagnosis.
A systematic review of non‐surgical treatments for lentigo maligna
Authors: Read T. , Noonan C. , David M. , Wagels M. , Foote M. , Schaider H. , Soyer H. P. , Smithers B. M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLentigo maligna (LM) is the most common melanocytic malignancy of the head and neck. If left untreated, LM can progress to lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM). Complete surgical excision is the gold standard for treatment, however, due to the location, size, and advanced age of patients, surgery is not always acceptable. As a result, there is ongoing interest in alternative, less invasive treatment modalities. The objective was to provide a structured review of key literature reporting the use of radiotherapy, imiquimod and laser therapy for the management of LM in patients where surgical resection is prohibited. An independent review was conducted following a comprehensive search of the National Library of Medicine using MEDLINE and PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library databases. Data were presented in tabular format, and crude data pooled to calculate mean recurrence rates for each therapy. 29 studies met the inclusion criteria: radiotherapy 10; topical imiquimod 10; laser therapies 9. Radiotherapy demostrated recurrence rates of up to 31% (mean 11.5%), with follow‐up durations of 1–96 months. Topical imiquimod recurrence rates were up to 50% (mean 24.5%), with follow‐up durations of 2–49 months. Laser therapy yielded recurrence rates of up to 100% (mean 34.4%), and follow‐up durations of 8–78 months. in each of the treatment series the I2 value measuring statistical heterogeneity exceeded the accepted threshold of 50% and as such a meta‐analysis of included data were inappropriate. For non‐surgical patients with LM, radiotherapy and topical imiquimod were efficacious treatments. Radiotherapy produced superior complete response rates and fewer recurrences than imiquimod although both are promising non‐invasive modalities. There was no consistent body of evidence regarding laser therapy although response rates of up to 100% were reported in low quality studies. A prospective comparative trial is indicated and would provide accurate data on the long‐term efficacy and overall utility of these treatments.
Microsatellite evidence for obligate autogamy, but abundant genetic variation in the herbaceous monocarp Lobelia inflata (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Hughes P. W. , Simons A. M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAlthough high levels of self‐fertilization (>85%) are not uncommon in nature, organisms reproducing entirely through selfing are extremely rare. Predominant selfers are expected to have low genetic diversity because genetic variation is distributed among rather than within lineages and is readily lost through genetic drift. We examined genetic diversity at 22 microsatellite loci in 105 individuals from a population of the semelparous herb Lobelia inflata L. and found (i) no evidence of heterozygosity through outcrossing, yet (ii) high rates of genetic polymorphism (2–4 alleles per locus). Furthermore, this genetic variation among lineages was associated with phenotypic traits (e.g. flower colour, size at first flower). Coupled with previous work characterizing the fitness consequences of reproductive timing, our results suggest that temporal genotype‐by‐environment interaction may maintain genetic variation and, because genetic variation occurs only among lineages, this simple system offers a unique opportunity for future tests of this mechanism.
Kinship reinforces cooperative predator inspection in a cichlid fish
Authors: Hesse Saskia , Anaya‐Rojas Jaime M. , Frommen Joachim G. , Thünken Timo 
Published: August 2015

AbstractKin selection theory predicts that cooperation is facilitated between genetic relatives, as by cooperating with kin an individual might increase its inclusive fitness. Although numerous theoretical papers support Hamilton's inclusive fitness theory, experimental evidence is still underrepresented, in particular in noncooperative breeders. Cooperative predator inspection is one of the most intriguing antipredator strategies, as it implies high costs on inspectors. During an inspection event, one or more individuals leave the safety of a group and approach a potential predator to gather information about the current predation risk. We investigated the effect of genetic relatedness on cooperative predator inspection in juveniles of the cichlid fishPelvicachromis taeniatus, a species in which juveniles live in shoals under natural conditions. We show that relatedness significantly influenced predator inspection behaviour with kin dyads being significantly more cooperative. Thus, our results indicate a higher disposition for cooperative antipredator behaviour among kin as predicted by kin selection theory.
The ecological success of a social parasite increases with manipulation of collective host behaviour
Authors: Jongepier E. , Kleeberg I. , Foitzik S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMany parasites alter the behaviour of their host to their own advantage, yet hosts often vary in their susceptibility to manipulation. The ecological and evolutionary implications of such variation can be profound, as resistant host populations may suffer lower parasite pressures than those susceptible to manipulation. To test this prediction, we assessed parasite‐induced aggressive behaviours across 16 populations of twoTemnothoraxant species, many of which harbour the slavemaker antProtomognathus americanus. This social parasite uses its Dufour's gland secretions to manipulate its hosts into attacking nestmates, which may deter defenders away from itself during invasion. We indeed find that colonies that were manipulated into attacking their Dufour‐treated nestmates were less aggressive towards the slavemaker than those that did not show slavemaker‐induced nestmate attack. Slavemakers benefited from altering their hosts’ aggression, as both the likelihood that slavemakers survived host encounters and slavemaker prevalence in ant communities increased with slavemaker‐induced nestmate attack. Finally, we show thatTemnothorax longispinosuscolonies were more susceptible to manipulation thanTemnothorax curvispinosuscolonies. This explains whyT. curvispinosuscolonies responded with more aggression towards invading slavemakers, why they were less likely to let slavemakers escape and why they were less frequently parasitized by the slavemaker thanT. longispinosus. Our findings highlight that large‐scale geographic variation in resistance to manipulation can have important implications for the prevalence and host preference of parasites.
Automated segmentation of wood fibres in micro‐CT images of paper
Authors: SHARMA Y. , PHILLION A.B. , MARTINEZ D.M. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryA novel algorithm has been developed and validated to isolate individual papermaking fibres in micro‐computed tomographic images of paper handsheets as a first step to characterize the structure of the paper. The three‐step fibre segmentation algorithm segments the papermaking fibres by (i) tracking the hollow inside the fibres via a modified connected component methodology, (ii) extracting the fibre walls using a distance transform and (iii) labelling the fibres through collapsed sections by a final refinement step. Furthermore, postprocessing algorithms have been developed to calculate the length and coarseness of the segmented fibres. The fibre segmentation algorithm is the first ever reported method for the automated segmentation of the tortuous three‐dimensional morphology of papermaking fibres within microstructural images of paper handsheets. The method is not limited to papermaking fibres, but can be applied to any material consisting of tortuous and hollow fibres.
Analysis of human soft palate morphogenesis supports regional regulation of palatal fusion
Authors: Danescu Adrian , Mattson Melanie , Dool Carly , Diewert Virginia M. , Richman Joy M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIt is essential to complete palate closure at the correct time during fetal development, otherwise a serious malformation, cleft palate, will ensue. The steps in palate formation in humans take place between the 7th and 12th week and consist of outgrowth of palatal shelves from the paired maxillary prominences, reorientation of the shelves from vertical to horizontal, apposition of the medial surfaces, formation of a bilayered seam, degradation of the seam and bridging of mesenchyme. However, in the soft palate, the mechanism of closure is unclear. In previous studies it is possible to find support for both fusion and the alternative mechanism of merging. Here we densely sample the late embryonic‐early fetal period between 54 and 74 days post‐conception to determine the timing and mechanism of soft palate closure. We found the epithelial seam extends throughout the soft palates of 57‐day specimens. Cytokeratin antibody staining detected the medial edge epithelium and distinguished clearly that cells in the midline retained their epithelial character. Compared with the hard palate, the epithelium is more rapidly degraded in the soft palate and only persists in the most posterior regions at 64 days. Our results are consistent with the soft palate following a developmentally more rapid program of fusion than the hard palate. Importantly, the two regions of the palate appear to be independently regulated and have their own internal clocks regulating the timing of seam removal. Considering data from human genetic and mouse studies, distinct anterior‐posterior signaling mechanisms are likely to be at play in the human fetal palate.
Using an evidence‐based care bundle to improve initial emergency nursing management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Damkliang Jintana , Considine Julie , Kent Bridie , Street Maryann 
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectivesTo test the feasibility of an evidence‐based care bundle in a Thai emergency department. The specific objective of this study was to examine the impact of the implementation of the care bundle on the initial emergency nursing management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.BackgroundA care bundle approach is one strategy used to improve the consistency, quality and safety of emergency care for different patients groups, however, has not been tested in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.DesignA pretest/post‐test design was used. The study intervention was an evidence‐based care bundle for initial emergency nursing management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.MethodsNonparticipant observations were conducted between October 2012–June 2013 at an emergency department of a 640 bed regional hospital in Southern Thailand. The initial emergency nursing care was observed in 45 patients with severe traumatic brain injury: 20 patients in the pretest period and 25 patients in the post‐test period.ResultsThere were significant improvements in clinical care of patients with severe traumatic brain injury after implementation of the care bundle: (1) use of end‐tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, (2) frequency of respiratory rate assessment, (3) frequency of pulse rate and blood pressure assessment, and (4) patient positioning.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that implementation of an evidence‐based care bundle improved specific elements of emergency nurses' clinical management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Relevance to clinical practiceThe study suggests that a care bundle approach can be used as a strategy to improve emergency nursing care of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
Goal setting and lifestyle changes in a nurse‐led counselling programme for leg ulcer patients: an explorative analysis of nursing records
Authors: van de Glind Irene M , Heinen Maud M , Evers Andrea W , van Achterberg Theo 
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectivesTo describe goals set in individual nurse‐led lifestyle counselling sessions in leg ulcer patients, and to explore patient and goal characteristics in relation to health behaviour change.BackgroundGoal setting is increasingly used in nurse‐led counselling programmes, but the delivery is often unknown, especially in patient groups for which only recently programmes have been developed, such as patients with venous leg ulcers.DesignA secondary analysis of data collected in the intervention arm of a randomised clinical trial of counselling sessions in venous leg ulcer patients.MethodsNursing records (n = 71) were explored for the number of goals set, topic, quality and course of goals during the trajectory. Furthermore, goals and patient characteristics were compared in relation to health behaviour change.ResultsForty‐one patients (58%) succeeded in changing their behaviour after setting a goal. Setting goals for conducting leg exercises was chosen by most patients in this study, goals for adherence with compression therapy were chosen the least. Sixty‐eight per cent of the goals met criteria for being Specific, Measurable and Time‐bound. Patients who achieved behaviour change were significantly younger compared to the patients who did not. Except for age, there were no differences in characteristics between the group that did and did not achieve behaviour change.ConclusionsGoal setting could be improved by setting goals more Specific, Measurable and Time‐bound, and by setting goals on an essential topic for behaviour change. This explorative study did not show that goal characteristics, including the quality of goals, were related to patients' behaviour change.Relevance to clinical practiceThe delivery of goal setting in this programme, and most likely in similar programmes, could be improved. Regular quality checks in daily goal setting practice should be considered. More research is needed into how to best provide health promotion to frail and elderly people.
The efficacy of music therapy for people with dementia: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chang Yu‐Shiun , Chu Hsin , Yang Chyn‐Yng , Tsai Jui‐Chen , Chung Min‐Huey , Liao Yuan‐Mei , Chi Mei‐ju , Liu Megan F. , Chou Kuei‐Ru 
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectivesTo (1) perform a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials pertaining to the efficacy of music therapy on disruptive behaviours, anxiety levels, depressive moods and cognitive functioning in people with dementia; and (2) clarify which interventions, therapists and participant characteristics exerted higher and more prominent effects.BackgroundPresent study was the first to perform a meta‐analysis that included all the randomised controlled trials found in literature relating to music therapy for people with dementia over the past 15 years.DesignA meta‐analysis study design.MethodsQuantitative studies were retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library Database, CINAHL, SCOPUS and PsycINFO. A meta‐analysis was used to calculate the overall effect sizes of music therapy on outcome indicators.ResultsMusic therapy significantly improved disruptive behaviours [Hedges’ g = −0·66; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0·44 to −0·88] and anxiety levels (Hedges’ g = −0·51; 95% CI = −0·02 to −1·00) in people with dementia. Music therapy might affect depressive moods (Hedges’ g = −0·39; 95% CI = 0·01 to −0·78), and cognitive functioning (Hedges’ g = 0·19; 95% CI = 0·45 to −0·08).ConclusionMusic therapy exerted a moderately large effect on disruptive behaviours of people with dementia, a moderate effect on anxiety levels and depressive moods, and a small effect on cognitive functioning.Relevance to clinical practiceIndividual music therapy provided once a week to patients with cognitive functioning and manual guided in music intervention construction is suggested. Group music therapy is provided several times a week to reduce their disruptive behaviours, anxiety levels and depressive moods. Music therapy is a cost‐effective, enjoyable, noninvasive therapy and could be useful for clinical nurses in creating an environment that is conducive to the well‐being of patients with dementia.
Thirty‐Day Readmission Rates Among Dual‐Eligible Beneficiaries
Authors: Bennett Kevin J. , Probst Janice C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeDual‐eligible beneficiaries represented 19% of Medicare and 14% of Medicaid enrollment in 2009. Of Medicare discharges among dually eligible beneficiaries, 21.5% resulted in a 30‐day rehospitalization. Little has been published regarding dual‐eligible beneficiaries’ readmission rates and factors affecting readmission.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of Medicare claims, restricted to 297,084 beneficiaries with a hospitalization from February 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009.FindingsDual eligibles had higher hospitalization and 30‐day readmission rates than Medicare‐only beneficiaries. Multivariable regression indicated dual eligibility, younger age, and specific chronic conditions increased the likelihood of a 30‐day readmission. Rural dually eligible beneficiaries had lower readmission rates than other beneficiaries, and they had a protective effect of physician follow‐up care.ConclusionsHaving a 30‐day physician follow‐up had differential effects in urban versus rural locations, yet rural residents had a higher rate of follow‐up care. The impact of adequate follow‐up care, and how rural populations are successful, would be beneficial to understand. Substantial savings could accrue if interventions reduced readmissions among dual‐eligible beneficiaries.