bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of emulsion electrospun polycaprolactone/hyaluronan/epidermal growth factor nanofibrous scaffolds for wound healing
Authors: Wang Zhenbei , Qian Yuna , Li Linhao , Pan Lianhong , Njunge Lucy W , Dong Lili , Yang Li 
Published: May 2015

Wound healing scaffolds provide cells with structural integrity and can also deliver biological agents to establish a skin tissue-specific microenvironment to regulate cell functions and to accelerate the healing process. In this study, we fabricated biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds with an emulsion electrospinning technique. The scaffolds were composed of polycaprolactone, hyaluronan and encapsulating epidermal growth factor. The morphology and core-sheath structure of the nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The scaffolds were also characterized for chemical composition and hydrophilicity with a Fourier-transform infrared analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy and the water contact angle. An in vitro model protein bovine serum albumin and epidermal growth factor release study was conducted to evaluate the sustained release potential of the core-sheath structured nanofibers with and without the hyaluronan component. Additionally, an in vitro cultivation of human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts on polycaprolactone/hyaluronan and polycaprolactone/hyaluronan-epidermal growth factor scaffolds showed a significant synergistic effect of hyaluronan and epidermal growth factor on cell proliferation and infiltration. Furthermore, there was an up-regulation of the wound-healing-related genes collagen I, collagen III and TGF-β in polycaprolactone/hyaluronan/epidermal growth factor scaffolds compared with control groups. In the full-thickness wound model, the enhanced regeneration of fully functional skin was facilitated by epidermal regeneration in the polycaprolactone/hyaluronan/epidermal growth factor treatment group. Our findings suggest that bioactivity and hemostasis of the hyaluronan-based nanofibrous scaffolds have the capability to encapsulate and control the release of growth factors that can serve as skin tissue engineering scaffolds for wound healing.
Mathematical equation for prediction of cat mandibular canal height dimension based on canine tooth width measurement
Authors: Santos Miguel , Carreira L Miguel 
Published: May 2015

Objectives The present study was performed in a sample of 33 cats and aimed (1) to characterise the mandible height (Mh), mandibular canal height (MCh) and the distance between the interdental alveolar margin and the mandibular canal (dIAM-MC); and (2) to develop a mathematical model for dimension prediction of MCh using the patient’s age, weight (Wg) and canine tooth width at the free gingival margin level (wCGM) that was easily accessible during the oral examination. Methods Age, sex, breed, weight, skull type and the wCGM were the recorded variables for each patient. Right and left lateral view skull radiographs were made followed by measurements of the mandible anatomical structures, taken between the third premolar distal root and the fourth premolar proximal root. Results were considered statistically significant for P values <0.05, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results We observed a strong correlation only between wCGM and MCh, and a prediction mathematical model was developed to calculate the MCh, with a standard error of only 0.4 mm. Conclusions and relevance Our study allows a surgeon to establish relationships between a physical parameter, such as wCGM, evaluated in an oral examination, and the mandibular canal, which is a very important anatomical structure to consider in surgical procedures. Ideally, surgeons should always plan their mandible work only after obtaining a final diagnosis achieved through the use of complementary imaging exams, such as intra- and extra-oral radiographs. Thus, this mathematical equation offers an additional tool, providing more information on the relationships between oral anatomical structures, reducing the risk of iatrogenic lesions and promoting patient safety.
Decontamination of laundry exposed to Microsporum canis hairs and spores
Authors: Moriello Karen A 
Published: May 2015

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of decontamination of fabric exposed to Microsporum canis hairs and spores by mechanical washing using hot or cold water with or without a sodium hypochlorite additive, and to field test a washing protocol for terry cloth and denim exposed to M canis via direct contact with infected cats. Methods Cotton, terry cloth and denim fabric swatches were contaminated with isolated infective spores and hairs and then washed in water at temperatures of 30°C and 60°C, with and without a sodium hypochlorite additive, and with and without mechanical drying. Terry cloth and denim were contaminated by direct contact with infected kittens and washed at 30°C until culture-negative. Results All prelaundering samples had >300 colony forming units (cfu)/plate. Experimentally contaminated fabrics were culture-negative, regardless of fabric type, water temperature, the presence or absence of sodium hypochlorite, or tumble drying after one wash. After one wash, 22/34 (65%) of terry cloth towels and 12/20 (60%) denim fabric squares were culture-positive, but the infective load was minimal (1–5 cfu/plate). After two washes in cold water there was no detectable contamination of fabric. The rinse water was not contaminated with spores. The laundry tub was easily decontaminated via mechanical cleaning followed by use of a disinfectant. Conclusions and relevance Washable textiles exposed to M canis can be decontaminated via mechanical washes in cold water without the addition of bleach. Two washes are recommended to ensure removal of spores. Laundry can be effectively decontaminated by washing twice in cold water on a long wash cycle (for ⩾14 mins). It is important to ensure maximal agitation (ie, the machine should not be overloaded).
The occurrence of dystonia in upper-limb multiple sclerosis tremor
Authors: Van der Walt A , Buzzard K , Sung S , Spelman T , Kolbe SC , Marriott M , Butzkueven H , Evans A 
Published: May 2015

Background: The pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) tremor is uncertain with limited phenotypical studies available. Objective: To investigate whether dystonia contributes to MS tremor and its severity. Methods: MS patients ( n = 54) with and without disabling uni- or bilateral upper limb tremor were recruited (39 limbs per group). We rated tremor severity, writing and Archimedes spiral drawing; cerebellar dysfunction (SARA score); the Global Dystonia Scale (GDS) for proximal and distal upper limbs, dystonic posturing, mirror movements, geste antagoniste, and writer’s cramp. Results: Geste antagoniste, mirror dystonia, and dystonic posturing were more frequent and severe ( p < 0.001) and dystonia scores were correlated with tremor severity in tremor compared to non-tremor patients. A 1-unit increase in distal dystonia predicted a 0.52-Bain unit (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08–0.97), p = 0.022) increase in tremor severity and a 1-unit (95% CI 0.48–1.6, p = 0.001) increase in drawing scores. A 1-unit increase in proximal dystonia predicted 0.93-Bain unit increase (95% CI 0.45–1.41, p < 0.001) in tremor severity and 1.5-units (95% CI 0.62–2.41, p = 0.002) increase in the drawing score. Cerebellar function in the tremor limb and tremor severity was correlated ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Upper limb dystonia is common in MS tremor suggesting that MS tremor pathophysiology involves cerebello-pallido-thalamo-cortical network dysfunction.
Level of education and multiple sclerosis risk after adjustment for known risk factors: The EnvIMS study
Authors: Bjørnevik Kjetil , Riise Trond , Cortese Marianna , Holmøy Trygve , Kampman Margitta T , Magalhaes Sandra , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Wolfson Christina , Pugliatti Maura 
Published: May 2015

Background: Several recent studies have found a higher risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) among people with a low level of education. This has been suggested to reflect an effect of smoking and lower vitamin D status in the social class associated with lower levels of education. Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the association between level of education and MS risk adjusting for the known risk factors smoking, infectious mononucleosis, indicators of vitamin D levels and body size. Methods: Within the case-control study on Environmental Factors In MS (EnvIMS), 953 MS patients and 1717 healthy controls from Norway reported educational level and history of exposure to putative environmental risk factors. Results: Higher level of education were associated with decreased MS risk ( p trend = 0.001) with an OR of 0.53 (95% CI 0.41–0.68) when comparing those with the highest and lowest level of education. This association was only moderately reduced after adjusting for known risk factors (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.83). The estimates remained similar when cases with disease onset before age 28 were excluded. Conclusion: These findings suggest that factors related to lower socioeconomic status other than established risk factors are associated with MS risk.
Cardiopulmonary fitness is related to disease severity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Heine Martin , Wens Inez , Langeskov-Christensen Martin , Verschuren Olaf , Eijnde Bert O , Kwakkel Gert , Dalgas Ulrik 
Published: May 2015

Background: In persons with MS (pwMS), a lower cardiopulmonary fitness has been associated with a higher risk for secondary disorders, decreased functional capacity, symptom worsening and reduced health-related quality of life. Objective: To investigate the association between disease severity and cardiopulmonary fitness. Methods: Data from cardiopulmonary exercise tests, previously conducted in three different countries, were pooled. The association between disease severity (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)) and cardiopulmonary fitness (peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)) was adjusted for age, sex and the country of origin. Results: The combined sample comprised 116 ambulant pwMS having a mean (± SD) EDSS score of 2.7 ± 1.3. There was a significant correlation ( r = -0.418, p < .01) between VO2peak and EDSS. A multiple regression model (R2 = 0.520, p < .01) was constructed to describe VO2peak (mL∙kg−1∙min−1); VO2peak = 36.622 − 5.433 (Sex (1=men)) – 0.124 (Age) − 2.082 (EDSS) + 2.737 (Belgium) + 8.674 (Denmark). Conclusion: There was a significant association between disease severity and cardiopulmonary fitness. The close relation between cardiopulmonary fitness and chronic conditions associated with physical inactivity, suggest a progressive increase in risk of secondary health conditions in pwMS
Progressive multiple sclerosis exhibits decreasing glutamate and glutamine over two years
Authors: MacMillan EL , Tam R , Zhao Y , Vavasour IM , Li DKB , Oger J , Freedman MS , Kolind SH , Traboulsee AL 
Published: May 2015

Background: Few biomarkers of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) are sensitive to change within the two-year time frame of a clinical trial. Objective: To identify biomarkers of MS disease progression with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Methods: Forty-seven SPMS subjects were scanned at baseline and annually for two years. Concentrations of N-acetylaspartate, total creatine, total choline, myo-inositol, glutamate, glutamine, and the sum glutamate+glutamine were measured in a single white matter voxel. Results: Glutamate and glutamine were the only metabolites to show an effect with time: with annual declines of (95% confidence interval): glutamate −4.2% (−6.2% to −2.2%, p < 10−4), glutamine −7.3% (−11.8% to −2.9%, p = 0.003), and glutamate+glutamine −5.2% (−7.6% to −2.8%, p < 10−4). Metabolite rates of change were more apparent than changes in clinical scores or brain atrophy measures. Conclusions: The high rates of change of both glutamate and glutamine over two years suggest they are promising new biomarkers of MS disease progression.
Neuroenhancement through cognitive training and anodal tDCS in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mattioli Flavia , Bellomi Fabio , Stampatori Chiara , Capra Ruggero , Miniussi Carlo 
Published: May 2015

Background: Cognitive training has been shown to improve cognitive function and quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and is correlated with increased activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Objective: This study aims to test whether combining attention training with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) over the left DLPFC can improve training efficacy. Methods: Twenty patients impaired in attention/speed of information processing were randomly assigned to cognitive training during a-tDCS over the left DLPFC or cognitive training during sham tDCS for 10 daily sessions. Neuropsychological evaluations were conducted at baseline, after treatment and six months later. Results: When a-tDCS, rather than sham, was applied during the cognitive training, patients showed a significantly greater improvement in the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) after treatment ( p < 0.05) and in the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) 2” and WCST six months later ( p < 0.05). They also had significantly shorter time to reach the most difficult exercise level, compared to sham treatment (6.3 vs. 7.4 sessions; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results indicate that a-tDCS on the DLPFC during cognitive training fosters improvements in attention and executive function in MS patients and shortens treatment duration.
Developing relationships between care staff and people with dementia through Music Therapy and Dance Movement Therapy: A preliminary phenomenological study
Authors: Melhuish Ruth , Beuzeboc Catherine , Guzmán Azucena 
Published: May 2015

Background There is an increasing focus on providing effective psychosocial interventions to improve quality of life in dementia care. This study aims to explore the attitudes and perceptions of staff who participated regularly in Music Therapy (MT) and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) groups for residents with dementia in a nursing home. Method In-depth interviews were conducted with seven members of care home staff. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results A representation modelling the impact of MT and DMT in a nursing care home. Three main themes were identified. 1) Discovering residents' skills and feelings; 2) Learning from the therapists to change approaches to care practice with subthemes: time, space and pace, choice, following the residents' lead; 3) Connection between staff and residents. Conclusion The model indicated that both interventions performed in parallel helped staff to discover residents' skills and feelings. Although it is a small sample size, this study strongly suggests that MT and DMT can have a positive influence in helping care staff to provide a meaningful care environment.
Developing the Theater of Leadership
Authors: Tawadros Tammy 
Published: May 2015

The Problem Recent models of leadership emphasize the importance of adaptive, strategic, and socio-emotional capabilities for success. The development of leadership has transformed from teaching about the concept to an experiential learning of leadership, an approach that focuses on identity and problem solving. Over the past decade, improvisational theater and interactive drama based leadership development has received increasing attention; moreover, many advocate its use as a powerful and innovative experiential learning tool, to foster self-awareness and increase ability to deal with the unexpected and unpredictable. Through simulated, unscripted scenarios with actors, improvisation allows experimentation, discovery, and rehearsal of leadership behavior in a group context. It generates individual, relational learning that is immediate, emergent, and relevant to the emotional and cognitive complexities of real-world leadership. There is a paucity of literature on theater-based leadership. This makes it difficult for HRD professionals to justify giving theater-based leadership development (TBLD) techniques preference over other, less resource-intensive techniques. The Solution This article proposes a practical model for the systematic evaluation of TBLD techniques . A pathway mapping approach will be used. The model draws on recent social psychology research on social interaction and identity. Based on this, “micro” analytic techniques of discursive psychology and conversation analysis are proposed to examine patterns of leadership interaction behavior. The findings are to be used as a basis for building a “high fidelity,” evidence-based methodology for role-play and improvisation as development training for leaders. The approach offers a clear framework for HRD professionals. It will be used to analyze and inform the effective use of TBLD. This article is purely theoretical; it does not include empirical research. The Stakeholders Many can potentially benefit by using TBLD techniques, including human resource (HR) professionals and HRD practitioners, leadership development specialists and training providers, organization development practitioners, and professional actor trainers.
Local Tumor Control and Normal Tissue Toxicity of Pulsed Low-Dose Rate Radiotherapy for Recurrent Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Bin , Chen Xiaoming , Cvetkovic Dusica , Chen Lili , Lang Jinyi , Ma C.-M. 
Published: May 2015

Objectives: This study investigates (1) local tumor control and (2) normal tissue toxicity of pulsed low-dose rate radiotherapy (PLDR) for recurrent lung cancer. Methods: For study 1, nude mice were implanted with A549 tumors and divided into the following 3 groups: (1) control (n = 10), (2) conventional radiotherapy (RT; n = 10), and (3) PLDR (n = 10). Tumor-bearing mice received 2 Gy daily dose for 2 consecutive days. Weekly magnetic resonance imaging was used for tumor growth monitoring. For study 2, 20 mice received 8 Gy total body irradiation either continuously (n = 10) or 40 × 0.2 Gy pulses with 3-minute intervals (n = 10). Results: For study 1, both conventional RT and PLDR significantly inhibited the growth of A549 xenografts compared with the control group (>35% difference in the mean tumor volume; P < .05). The PLDR results were slightly better than conventional RT (8% difference in the mean tumor volume; P > .05). For study 2, the average weight was 20.94 ± 1.68 g and 25.69 ± 1.27 g and the survival time was 8 days and 12 days for mice treated with conventional RT and PLDR ( P < .05), respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that PLDR could control A549 tumors as effectively as conventional RT, and PLDR induced much less normal tissue toxicity than conventional RT. Thus, PLDR would be a good modality for recurrent lung cancers. Advances in Knowledge: This article reports our results of an in vivo animal investigation of PLDR for the treatment of recurrent cancers, which may not be eligible for treatment because of the dose limitations on nearby healthy organs that have been irradiated in previous treatments. This was the first in vivo study to quantify the tumor control and normal tissue toxicities of PLDR using mice with implanted tumors, and our findings provided evidence to support the clinical trials that employ PLDR treatment techniques.
Incidence of delayed angiographic femoral artery complications using the EXOSEAL vascular closure device
Authors: Grandhi Ramesh , Zhang Xiaoran , Panczykowski David , Choi Phillip , Hunnicutt Christopher T , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Ducruet Andrew F , Jovin Tudor , Jankowitz Brian 
Published: May 2015

Background and purpose Femoral artery injuries are known complications of percutaneous vascular closure devices (VCDs). We studied the incidence of delayed femoral artery angiographic irregularities after neurointerventional procedures in which the EXOSEAL extravascular closure device was used for femoral arterial puncture closure. Methods Adult patients who underwent femoral arterial puncture closures with an EXOSEAL VCD and had a follow-up femoral artery angiogram from June 2012 through August 2013 were reviewed. A blinded radiologist compared pre-deployment and follow-up femoral arteriograms for the presence of femoral artery stenosis, dissection, pseudoaneurysm, or development of an arteriovenous fistula. Hospital records were reviewed for major or minor complications of the groin site or femoral artery. Results The EXOSEAL VCD achieved hemostasis, without evidence of a groin hematoma or requiring subsequent prolonged manual compression, in 400 of 441 closures following transfemoral arterial access, representing a device success rate of 90.7%. A total of 98 patients underwent 102 repeat angiograms following closure with the EXOSEAL VCD. The average time to the repeat angiogram was 73.5 days (range 0–488, median 28). Follow-up femoral arteriography demonstrated an irregularity in seven cases, all of which were vessel stenoses of <50%. There were no dissections, pseudoaneurysms, infections, or ischemic events in the study population. Conclusions Angiographic irregularities were seen in 6.86% of cases after closure with the EXOSEAL VCD. There were no clinically significant vascular complications. Thus, femoral artery closure with EXOSEAL carries a low risk of clinically significant delayed angiographic findings.
Initial experience with the AXERA 2 Femoral Access System in neurovascular procedures
Authors: Grandhi Ramesh , Zwagerman Nathan T , Zhang Xiaoran , Chen Stephanie H , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Jovin Tudor , Jankowitz Brian T 
Published: May 2015

Introduction Conventional cerebral angiography is a commonly performed procedure in medicine. Vascular closure devices have been developed as alternatives to manual compression at the arteriotomy site and prolonged bed rest. The risks of using these devices include arterial dissection, groin hematoma, and device failure. Herein, we describe our experience with the use of a novel device used for arterial access and closure, the AXERA 2 Access System. Methods A total of 13 patients underwent vascular access and closure with the AXERA 2 Access System. Results Arterial access using the AXERA 2 Access System was achieved in 11 of 13 patients. Amongst the patients with successful access, one patient experienced a groin hematoma requiring manual compression and two patients suffered occlusions of the common femoral artery due to dissections, with both patients requiring femoral artery thromboendarterectomies. Conclusions This small series highlights a heretofore underreported serious complication rate of the AXERA 2 Access System. Additional studies are warranted to provide further insight into risk factors for device failure and complication development.