bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formaldehyde replacement with glyoxylic acid in semipermanent hair straightening: a new and multidisciplinary investigation
Authors: Boga C. , Taddei P. , Micheletti G. , Ascari F. , Ballarin B. , Morigi M. , Galli S. 
Published: June 2014

SynopsisObjectiveFormaldehyde is an effective and popular semipermanent hair straightener, but the severe consequences for human health due to its toxicity have prompted the search for safer alternatives. Different carbonyl compounds, including glyoxylic acid, have recently been proposed as promising candidates. Despite the interest in this topic, there is a lack of information about the interactions between hair keratin and straightener agents. This study addresses this issue to gain new insights useful in the development of new products for safe, semipermanent hair deformation.MethodsThe possible reactions occurring between carbonyl groups and nucleophilic sites on amino acid residues belonging to the keratin were investigated using as model compounds some aldehydes and amino acid derivatives. Raman and IR analyses on yak hair subjected to the straightening treatment with glyoxylic acid in different conditions were carried out. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were carried out on yak and curly human hair after each step of the straightening procedure.ResultsThe reactions between aldehydes and N‐α‐acetyl‐L‐lysine revealed the importance of the carbonyl electrophilicity and temperature to form imines. Raman and IR analyses on yak hair subjected to the straightening treatment evidenced rearrangements in the secondary structure distribution, conformational changes to the disulphide bridges, a decrease of the serine residues and formation of imines. It was also indicated that straightening produced major conformational rearrangements within the hair fibre rather than on the cuticle.ConclusionThis investigation revealed the role played by the electrophilicity of the carbonyl on the straightener agent and of the temperature, closely related to the dehydration process. Raman and IR studies indicated the involvement of imine bonds and the occurrence of a sequence of conformational modifications during the straightening procedure. SEM analyses showed the effectiveness of the treatment at the cuticular level.
Topical epidermal growth factor for the improvement of acne lesions: a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, split‐face trial
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyu , Yeo In Kwon , Li Kapsok , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Myeung Nam , Hong Chang Kwun 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAcne is one of the most common adverse events associated with the use of anticancer agents, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Based on data from several previous reports, we predicted that topical application of EGF could improve acne vulgaris. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of topical recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) cream for the treatment of facial acne vulgaris. Twenty Korean adults with mild to moderate acne vulgaris applied topical rhEGF cream on one half of the face and a vehicle cream on the other half twice daily for six weeks. Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline, two, four, and six weeks. Two assessment methods were applied: inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesion counts and acne severity score by investigator's global assessment. Skin sebum output level and hydration level were also measured at each visit. All volunteers completed the study. At the final visit, inflammatory acne lesions were reduced by 33.5% on the rhEGF‐applied side. Non‐inflammatory acne lesions also decreased by 25.4%, whereas the lesions on the control side increased. The majority of patients demonstrated improvement on the side of the face where rhEGF cream was applied. Sebum output decreased on the rhEGF side, and skin hydration level increased on both sides. No severe side effects were observed during the study. Topical rhEGF seems to be an effective and safe adjuvant treatment option for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
No exonic mutations at GJB2, GJB3, GJB4, GJB6, ARS (Component B), and LOR genes responsible for a Chinese patient affected by progressive symmetric erythrokeratodermia with pseudoainhum
Authors: Zhou Fusheng , Fu Hongyang , Liu Linghua , Cui Yong , Zhang Zhengzhong , Chang Ruixue , Yue Zhen , Yang Sen , Zhang Xuejun 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveProgressive symmetric erythrokeratodermia (PSEK) is characterized by symmetric and growing erythematous hyperkeratotic patches over the body shortly after birth, particularly trunk and limbs, the buttocks, and the face, sometimes together with palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK). The GJB2, GJB3, GJB4, GJB6, ARS (Component B), and LOR gene mutation might contribute to PSEK manifestation. This study aimed to identify sequence alteration of these genes in a Chinese PSEK patient with pseudoainhum.MethodsGenomic DNA was purified from the patient's peripheral blood. Mutation analysis of target genes was performed by direct sequencing using ABI 3730 sequencerResultsNo exonic mutations was identified in the aforementioned genes.ConclusionsThe result underlines the genetic heterogeneity of PSEK and other related erythrokeratodermas.
Accurate quantitation of JAK2 V617F allele burden by array‐based digital PCR
Authors: Kinz E. , Leiherer A. , Lang A. H. , Drexel H. , Muendlein A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIntroductionThe JAK2 V617F mutation is highly prevalent in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Several studies have shown that allele burden correlates with hematologic characteristics and clinical end‐points in patients with MPN. Allele‐specific real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ‐PCR) is probably the most commonly used technique for detection and quantitation of the JAK2 V617F mutation. Alternatively, digital PCR is an emerging technology for absolute DNA quantitation, which is based on dilution and high‐grade partitioning of a sample.MethodsWe compared array‐based digital PCR using the QuantStudio™ 3D Digital PCR System platform with a RQ‐PCR assay, CE‐registered for in vitro diagnostic use, regarding JAK2 V617F allele quantitation. This study included 30 samples positive for the JAK2 V617F mutation and additionally 13 samples without the mutation.ResultsJAK2 V617F allele burden of samples ranged between well below 1% and more than 90%. Linear regression analysis showed a high correlation between the results obtained from the two techniques (r2 = 0.9983). Thirteen samples tested negatively for the JAK2 V617F mutation with RQ‐PCR were also found negative with digital PCR.ConclusionWe conclude that array‐based digital PCR is an appropriate method for the quantitation of JAK2 V617F allele burden demonstrating highest correlation with allele‐specific RQ‐PCR.
Effect of carbazochrome sodium sulfonate on refractory chronic prostatitis
Authors: Oh‐oka Hitoshi , Yamada Tetsuo , Noto Hiromitsu , Umeyama Tomokazu , Kadekawa Katsumi , Ashitomi Katsuhiro , Nishijima Saori , Sugaya Kimio 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo study the effect of carbazochrome sodium sulfonate, an agent that reduces capillary permeability, on refractory chronic prostatitis.MethodsPatients with prostatitis refractory to at least 8 weeks of routine therapy and with urinalysis positive for microhematuria were considered for the present study. In addition to their prior therapy, the patients received carbazochrome at a dose of 30 mg three times a day. The severity of pain (score 0–10), daytime and night‐time frequency, international prostate symptom score, global self‐assessment, urine occult blood positivity, and adverse events were assessed after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and compared with baseline findings.ResultsA total of 50 patients (mean age 68.6 ± 8.5 years) were evaluable. The pain score decreased significantly from 3.2 ± 2.1 at baseline to 1.7 ± 1.4 after 4 weeks of treatment and to 1.1 ± 1.8 after 8 weeks. Daytime and night‐time frequency, storage symptoms, post‐micturition symptoms, and urine occult blood positivity also significantly improved. More than 36% of the patients gave a global self‐assessment rating of “improved” or “better” after both 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Mild adverse events occurred in three patients; one had nausea and two developed drug rash.ConclusionsCarbazochrome seems to effectively improve pain as well as storage and post‐micturition symptoms in patients with refractory chronic prostatitis.
Introduction of an interdisciplinary heart team‐based transcatheter aortic valve implantation programme: short and mid‐term outcomes
Authors: Martínez G. J. , Seco M. , Jaijee S. K. , Adams M. R. , Cartwright B. L. , Forrest P. , Celermajer D. S. , Vallely M. P. , Wilson M. K. , Ng M. K. C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been developed to treat symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients deemed too high risk for open‐heart surgery. To address this complex population, an interdisciplinary heart team approach was proposed.AimPresent the short‐ and mid‐term outcomes of the first 100 patients in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital multidisciplinary TAVI programme.MethodsSingle‐centre registry. Baseline and procedural data were prospectively recorded. Outcomes were recorded according to Valve Academic Research Consortium – version 2 guidelines.ResultsAll patients underwent a comprehensive interdisciplinary pre‐procedural evaluation. Sixty‐eight transfemoral and 32 transapical implantations were performed. Mean age was 82 (±8.9) years old with an average logistic EuroSCORE of 33. Although 13 procedures had major complications, there was no intraprocedural mortality. During the first month, 9% of patients were re‐admitted due to heart failure and 13% had a permanent pacemaker implanted. A 3% 30‐day and 8% follow‐up (mean 17 months) mortalities were recorded. While no significant differences in the rate of complications were found between the first and second half of the experience, all cases of mortality within 30 days (n = 3) occurred in the initial half. Sustained haemodynamic results were obtained with TAVI (immediate mean aortic valve gradient reduction from 47 to 9 mmHg; 1‐year echocardiographic gradient 9.9 mmHg, with no moderate or severe aortic regurgitation).ConclusionExcellent results can be achieved with TAVI in very high‐risk patients at an Australian institution. A comprehensive evaluation based on a heart team can overcome most of the difficulties imposed by this challenging population.
Adherence to guideline‐based antibiotic treatment for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in an Australian tertiary hospital
Authors: Fanning M. , McKean M. , Seymour K. , Pillans P. , Scott I. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundAcute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are an important cause of acute hospital admissions and incur significant costs, which include antibiotic costs.AimsThis study aimed to (i) define antibiotic prescribing practice in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with AECOPD and compare this with current locally and nationally recognised antibiotic prescribing guidelines and (ii) correlate variations in guideline‐concordant antibiotic prescribing with mean length of stay (LOS) and rates of unplanned readmission to hospital.MethodsRetrospective case series of 84 consecutive patients with uncomplicated AECOPD who met pre‐specified selection criteria.ResultsSeventy‐two of 84 participants (85.7%) received guideline‐discordant antibiotics, of whom the majority (76%) received intravenous antibiotics. Mean LOS was significantly lower among patients receiving guideline‐concordant therapy compared with those receiving guideline‐discordant therapy (mean 1.6 days vs 3.7 days; P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between groups in rates of readmission. Estimated excess costs per patient associated with guideline‐discordant therapy equalled $2642 which, if eliminated, would save approximately $300 000 per annum.ConclusionIn a tertiary hospital, Australian guidelines for treating patients with an AECOPD were rarely followed. The use of guideline‐discordant therapy resulted in longer hospital stays and incurred greater costs. Studies are required to determine the reasons behind such discordant practice and to develop initiatives to improve antibiotic prescribing.
Exploring selection and recruitment processes for newly qualified nurses: a sequential‐explanatory mixed‐method study
Authors: Newton Paul , Chandler Val , Morris‐Thomson Trish , Sayer Jane , Burke Linda 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo map current selection and recruitment processes for newly qualified nurses and to explore the advantages and limitations of current selection and recruitment processes.BackgroundThe need to improve current selection and recruitment practices for newly qualified nurses is highlighted in health policy internationally.DesignA cross‐sectional, sequential‐explanatory mixed‐method design with 4 components: (1) Literature review of selection and recruitment of newly qualified nurses; and (2) Literature review of a public sector professions’ selection and recruitment processes; (3) Survey mapping existing selection and recruitment processes for newly qualified nurses; and (4) Qualitative study about recruiters’ selection and recruitment processes.MethodsLiterature searches on the selection and recruitment of newly qualified candidates in teaching and nursing (2005–2013) were conducted. Cross‐sectional, mixed‐method data were collected from thirty‐one (n = 31) individuals in health providers in London who had responsibility for the selection and recruitment of newly qualified nurses using a survey instrument. Of these providers who took part, six (n = 6) purposively selected to be interviewed qualitatively.ResultsIssues of supply and demand in the workforce, rather than selection and recruitment tools, predominated in the literature reviews. Examples of tools to measure values, attitudes and skills were found in the nursing literature. The mapping exercise found that providers used many selection and recruitment tools, some providers combined tools to streamline process and assure quality of candidates.ConclusionsMost providers had processes which addressed the issue of quality in the selection and recruitment of newly qualified nurses. The ‘assessment centre model’, which providers were adopting, allowed for multiple levels of assessment and streamlined recruitment. There is a need to validate the efficacy of the selection tools.
An Alternative Transseptal Intracardiac Echocardiography Strategy to Guide Left Atrial Appendage Closure: The First Described Case
Authors: FASSINI GAETANO , RUSSO ANTONIO DELLO , CONTI SERGIO , TONDO CLAUDIO 
Published: June 2014

Transseptal Intracardiac Echocardiography StrategyTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging technique to guide device implantation for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. Unfortunately, TEE was contraindicated in this patient due to the high risk of variceal hemorrhage. Critical information about the exact anatomic characteristics of the LAA can be obtained using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). However, standard right‐side views do not allow a complete visualization of the LAA: in particular, a reliable left circumflex coronary artery short axis view, relevant for device positioning, is not always achievable. Transseptal views of the LAA with ICE might be used in planning an appropriate intervention strategy for patients who are not suitable for TEE imaging.
Manpower and Outpatient Clinic Workload for Remote Monitoring of Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Data from the HomeGuide Registry
Authors: RICCI RENATO PIETRO , MORICHELLI LOREDANA , D'ONOFRIO ANTONIO , CALÒ LEONARDO , VACCARI DIEGO , ZANOTTO GABRIELE , CURNIS ANTONIO , BUJA GIANFRANCO , ROVAI NICOLA , GARGARO ALESSIO 
Published: June 2014

Manpower of Cardiac Device Home MonitoringBackgroundThis study aimed to assess manpower and resource consumption of the HomeGuide workflow model for remote monitoring (Biotronik Home Monitoring [HM], Biotronik SE & Co. KG, Berlin, Germany) of cardiac implantable electronic devices in daily clinical practice.MethodsThe model established a cooperative interaction between a reference nurse (RN) for ordinary management, and a responsible physician (RP) for medical decisions in each outpatient clinic. RN reviewed remote transmissions and alerts, addressing critical cases to the RP.ResultsA total of 1,650 patients were enrolled in 75 sites: 25% pacemakers (PM), 22% dual‐, 27% single‐chamber implantable defibrillators (ICD), 2% PM with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and 24% ICD‐CRT. During a median follow‐up of 18 (10–31) months, 3,364 HM sessions were performed (74% by the RN, 26% by the RP) to complete 18,478 remote follow‐ups. Median duration of remote follow‐ups was 1.2 (0.6–2.0) minutes, corresponding to a manpower of 43.3 (4.2–94.8) minutes/month every 100 patients for nurses and 10.2 (0.1–31.1) for physicians (P < 0.0001). RN submitted 15% of remote transmissions to RP, who decided unscheduled follow‐ups in 12% of the cases. The median manpower for phone calls was 1.9 (0.8–16.5) minutes/month every 100 contacted patients. There were 2.84 in‐hospital visits/patient, 0.46 of which triggered by HM findings. A cumulative per‐patient HM follow‐up time of 15.4 minutes (20% of total follow‐up time) allowed remote detection of 73% of actionable events.ConclusionsHM implemented in the HomeGuide workflow model required <1 hour/month every 100 patients to detect the majority of actionable events with limited administrative workload.
DEPOSITIONAL FACIES, PORE TYPES AND ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF DEEP‐WATER GRAVITY FLOW CARBONATES
Authors: Hairabian A. , Fournier F. , Borgomano J. , Nardon S. 
Published: June 2014

Quantitative petrographic analyses of deep‐water resedimented carbonates from the Gargano Peninsula (SE Italy) were integrated with petrophysical laboratory measurements (porosity, P‐and S‐wave velocities) to assess the impact of sedimentary fabrics and pore space architecture on velocity‐porosity transforms. Samples of Upper Cretaceous carbonate came from the Monte Sant'Angelo, Nevarra and Caramanica Formations and can be classified into four depositional facies associations: F1, lithoclastic breccias; F2, bioclastic packtones to grainstones; F3, interbedded grainstones‐packstones and wackestones; and F4, (hemi‐) pelagic mudstones. Five pore type classes were distinguished: I and II, dominant intercrystalline microporosity; IIIa, dominant intergranular macroporosity; IIIb, dominant mouldic macroporosity; and IIIc, mixed intergranular and mouldic macroporosity. Pore type was found to strongly control velocity‐porosity transforms, unlike depositional facies associations.The equivalent pore aspect ratio (EPAR), derived from differential effective medium models, is proposed to identify pore types from elastic properties. The EPAR originates from the bulk modulus or shear modulus of the samples (K‐ and μ‐EPAR, respectively). Regardless of porosity values and depositional facies, microporous samples (type I) and samples with dominant intergranular porosity (type IIIa) are characterized by low values of K‐ and μ‐EPAR (<0.22) and by K‐EPAR > μ‐EPAR By contrast, samples with dominant mouldic porosity (type IIIb) display high values of K‐ and μ‐EPAR (>0.25 and 0.4 respectively) and K‐EPAR < μ‐EPAR.High permeability limestones with dominant intergranular porosity cannot be discriminated from low permeability microporous carbonates. The petrophysical classes derived from elastic properties are shown to be distinct from reservoir property‐driven rock types. In the present case, a seismic‐based poro‐elastic model does not match the reservoir property model. Hence, a sedimentary facies model for the studied carbonates cannot accurately represent the petrophysical properties, which are determined by pores types and pore network architecture.
POROSITY PRESERVATION DUE TO AUTHIGENIC CHLORITE COATINGS IN DEEPLY BURIED UPPER TRIASSIC XUJIAHE FORMATION SANDSTONES, SICHUAN BASIN, WESTERN CHINA
Authors: Sun Zhi‐Xue , Sun Zhi‐Lei , Yao Jun , Wu Ming‐Lu , Liu Jun‐Rong , Dou Zhenya , Pei Chang‐rong 
Published: June 2014

Non‐marine sandstones in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation form an important reservoir unit in the Sichuan Basin, western China. Widespread authigenic chlorite cement is present in the second and fourth members of the formation, referred to as the Xu II and IV members. This study, based on data from 12 wells from three gasfields, focusses on chlorite development and evolution and attempts to evaluate its influence on reservoir quality. Data included results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microprobe analyses (EMPA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses. The results showed that chlorite coatings preserve primary pore spaces in the sandstones by inhibiting the nucleation of quartz cements on grain surfaces. Iron for chlorite growth came from the dissolution of Fe‐rich magmatic rocks derived from the palaeo‐Longmenshan fold‐belt, from dissolved and colloidal iron which had been precipitated in the Xujiahe Formation in a fluvio‐deltaic environment, and from compacting mudstones in other pars of the formation.The chlorite initially precipitated from pore waters during eodiagenesis (< 70 °C; < 2 km burial depth). During mesodiagenesis (>70 °C, > 2 km), the chlorite was modified due to exposure to Mg‐rich fluids derived from the underlying carbonate‐dominated Leikoupo Formation. Thus the Mg content of chlorite in the Xu II member increases with depth. However this phenomenon was not observed in the Xu IV member.The effects of authigenic chlorite on the sandstones' petrophysical properties were evaluated from correlations between chlorite content and porosity. Optimum thicknesses for chlorite coatings range from 5 to 10 microns. Thicker or thinner coatings appear to be less capable of preserving primary porosity and permeability.
SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE MID‐CRETACEOUS MISHRIF FORMATION, SOUTHERN MESOPOTAMIAN BASIN, IRAQ
Authors: Mahdi T. A. , Aqrawi A. A. M. 
Published: June 2014

The middle Cenomanian – early Turonian Mishrif Formation, a major carbonate reservoir unit in southern Iraq, was studied using cuttings and core samples and wireline logs (gamma‐ray, density and sonic) from 66 wells at 15 oilfields. Depositional facies ranging from deep marine to tidal flat were recorded. Microfacies interpretations together with wireline log interpretations show that the formation is composed of transgressive and regressive hemicycles. The regressive hemicycles are interpreted to indicate the progradation of rudist lithosomes (highstand systems tract deposits) towards distal basinal locations such as the Kumait, Luhais and Abu Amood oilfield areas. Transgressive hemicycles (transgressive systems tract deposits) represent flooding of the shallow carbonate platform and are recorded in oilfields such as Amara, Halfaya and Zubair.A sequence stratigraphic framework has been constructed for the Mishrif Formation based on correlation of the transgressive and regressive hemicycles which are separated by maximum flooding surfaces. Three third‐order sequences are identified which show lateral and vertical facies variations depending on relative sea‐level changes. Sequence boundaries are characterized by karstic, exposure and drowning features. Middle Cenomanian – Turonian eustatic sea‐level changes together with regional‐scale tectonic deformation of the Arabian Plate controlled the availability of accommodation space and therefore the depositional profile during development of each sequence. Both of these factors controlled the maximum flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries which have been identified.The sequence stratigraphic key surfaces presented in this study represent typical candidate horizons or datum surfaces for future seismic or resevoir modelling studies. Also, lateral facies variations in each transgressive‐regressive sequence and associated carbonate bodies (i.e. prograding shelf margin, forced regressive wedge) may form important stratigraphic traps in the Mesopotamian Basin.