bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful Treatment of Inflammatory Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus with Tacrolimus and Fluocinonide
Authors: Mutasim Diya F. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) is a relatively rare disorder that is characterized by an early age at onset; severely pruritic linear papules and plaques; histologic features resembling spongiotic dermatitis, psoriasis, or lichenified dermatitis; and poor response to treatment. Objective: To report the successful treatment of ILVEN with potent topical steroid and tacrolimus ointments. Methods: An 11-year-old girl presented with a 1-year history of markedly pruritic, progressive linear eruption that extended from the right foot to the right buttock. She had failed treatment with pimecrolimus, calcipotriol, mometasone furoate, triamcinolone, tazarotene, and alpha-hydroxy acid. Histologic examination revealed the findings of spongiotic dermatitis. Results: The lesions resolved with fluocinonide ointment and tacrolimus 0.1% ointment. Conclusion: The combination of two therapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action likely resulted in the successful treatment of this usually resistant condition.
Tumescent Liposuction: A New and Successful Therapy for Lipedema
Authors: Schmeller Wilfried , Meier-Vollrath Ilka 
Published: March 2015

Background: Lipedema is a rare and painful disease in women. Until recently, it could be treated only by conservative methods (combined physical therapy). Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of surgery (liposuction) concerning appearance and associated complaints. Methods: Twenty-eight patients, who had undergone conservative therapy over a period of years, were treated by liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia with vibrating microcannulas. Twenty-one could be reevaluated after an average of 12.2 (1–26) months. Results: All showed great improvement, with normalization of body proportions. Additionally, spontaneous pain, sensitivity to pressure, and bruising either disappeared completely or improved markedly. Other than minor swelling for a few days, no complications could be observed following surgery. All patients reported a tremendous increase in their quality of life. Physical therapy had to be continued to a much lower degree. Conclusion: Tumescent liposuction has proved to be a safe and effective treatment for lipedema.
Plasma Cell Balanitis: Clinicopathologic Study of 112 Cases and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Kumar Bhushan , Narang Tarun , Radotra Bishan Dass , Gupta Somesh 
Published: March 2015

Background: Plasma cell balanitis or Zoon's balanitis is an idiopathic benign condition of the genitalia that mostly presents as a solitary, persistent plaque on the glans primarily in uncircumcised, middle-aged to older men. Methods: One hundred twelve patients with a clinical diagnosis of plasma cell balanitis were studied between January 1985 and April 2003. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 24 to 70 years. The majority of patients had symptoms for more than 12 months. Lesions involved the prepuce and glans in the majority of patients (66; 58.92%), the prepuce only in 26 patients (23.21%), and the glans only in 20 patients (17.85%). Tissue for histopathology was available in 96 patients. Histologically, epidermal edema, a dense upper dermal band of chronic inflammatory cells, including many plasma cells, dilated capillaries, extravasated red blood cells, and hemosiderin deposition, was seen. In most, cases, plasma cell balanitis was successfully treated by circumcision. Conclusions: This report describes our experience with plasma cell balanitis and reviews its clinical and histopathologic aspects. The treatment modalities are also reviewed, and the importance of circumcision as the treatment of choice is emphasized.
Pemphigus in North India
Authors: Kanwar Amrinder J. , Ajith Amrinder C. , Narang Tarun 
Published: March 2015

Background: Pemphigus is an autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease caused by antibodies against desmogleins Dsg-1 and Dsg-3. The epidemiology of the disease varies in different countries. In India, pemphigus is relatively common, with considerable interstate variation. Objective: The objective of this study was to review the demography, clinical features, and treatment aspects of pemphigus in North India. Methods: The case records of pemphigus patients registered from 1988 to 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. The age, sex, residential particulars, site of onset of disease, duration between involvement of skin and mucosa, subtype and course of the disease, and treatments offered were analyzed. Results: Of the 328 patients, 302 (92%) were pemphigus vulgaris and the remaining 26 (8%) were pemphigus foliaceous patients. The mean age at onset was 39.27 years for males and 38.57 years for females. The majority of patients were from the states of Punjab and Haryana. The majority of patients were treated with dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse (DCP) therapy, and the number of DCPs required for inducing remission correlated roughly with the severity of the disease. The mortality rate was 4% in the total sample. Conclusion: North Indian patients of pemphigus have a relatively younger age at onset. The majority of patients were from the states of Punjab and Haryana. The response to DCP therapy was good, and with DCP, the additional dose of oral steroids that was required to control the activity of the disease was less than 30 mg/d, which is much less than the dosage used in the standard conventional regimens.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum versus Chronic Venous Ulceration: Comparison of Diagnostic Features
Authors: Koo Kathie , Brem Harold , Lebwohl Mark 
Published: March 2015

Background: Diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum can be difficult, leading to overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Objective: To identify clinical features helpful in establishing a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum and to compare the characteristics of patients with pyoderma gangrenosum with those of patients with chronic venous ulcers. Method: A retrospective chart review was performed in 28 patients with typical pyoderma gangrenosum and compared with the clinical features in 28 patients with chronic venous ulcers. Results: (1) Even when other body sites are affected, pyoderma gangrenosum usually affects the upper and lower legs and feet or peristomal sites compared with chronic venous ulcers that are limited to the lower legs and feet. (2) Pyoderma gangrenosum can be associated with systemic diseases, especially inflammatory bowel disease. (3) Pustules and purulent discharge are features of pyoderma gangrenosum but not of chronic venous ulcers. (4) Crater-like holes or cribriform scarring is commonly seen in pyoderma gangrenosum but not in chronic venous ulcers. (5) Pathergy is a specific but not sensitive finding of pyoderma gangrenosum. It does not occur in patients with chronic venous ulcers. Conclusions: Diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum should be considered in patients with purulent ulcers affecting the legs or peristomal sites. To confirm the diagnosis, specific features should be sought, including pathergy, crater-like holes or cribriform scarring, and association with inflammatory bowel disease. Other causes of ulceration should be excluded.
Newborn screening for homocystinurias and methylation disorders: systematic review and proposed guidelines
Authors: Huemer Martina , Kožich Viktor , Rinaldo Piero , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Merinero Begoña , Pasquini Elisabetta , Ribes Antonia , Blom Henk J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNewborn screening (NBS) is justified if early intervention is effective in a disorder generally not detected early in life on a clinical basis, and if sensitive and specific biochemical markers exist. Experience with NBS for homocystinurias and methylation disorders is limited. However, there is robust evidence for the success of early treatment with diet, betaine and/or pyridoxine for CBS deficiency and good evidence for the success of early betaine treatment in severe MTHFR deficiency. These conditions can be screened in dried blood spots by determining methionine (Met), methionine‐to‐phenylanine (Met/Phe) ratio, and total homocysteine (tHcy) as a second tier marker. Therefore, we recommend NBS for cystathionine beta‐synthase and severe MTHFR deficiency. Weaker evidence is available for the disorders of intracellular cobalamin metabolism. Early treatment is clearly of advantage for patients with the late‐onset cblC defect. In the early‐onset type, survival and non‐neurological symptoms improve but the effect on neurocognitive development is uncertain. The cblC defect can be screened by measuring propionylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine‐to‐acetylcarnitine ratio combined with the second tier markers methylmalonic acid and tHcy. For the cblE and cblG defects, evidence for the benefit of early treatment is weaker; and data on performance of Met, Met/Phe and tHcy even more limited. Individuals homozygous or compound heterozygous for MAT1A mutations may benefit from detection by NBS using Met, which on the other hand also detects asymptomatic heterozygotes. Clinical and laboratory data is insufficient to develop any recommendation on NBS for the cblD, cblF, cblJ defects, glycineN‐methyltransferase‐, S‐adenosylhomocysteinehydrolase‐ and adenosine kinase deficiency.
Solution processed MoS2-PVA composite for sub-bandgap mode-locking of a wideband tunable ultrafast Er:fiber laser
Authors: Zhang Meng , Howe Richard C. T. , Woodward Robert I. , Kelleher Edmund J. R. , Torrisi Felice , Hu Guohua , Popov Sergei V. , Taylor J. Roy , Hasan Tawfique 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
We fabricate a free-standing few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-polymer composite by liquid phase exfoliation of chemically pristine MoS2 crystals and use this to demonstrate a wideband tunable, ultrafast mode-locked fiber laser. Stable, picosecond pulses, tunable from 1,535 nm to 1,565 nm, are generated, corresponding to photon energies below the MoS2 material bandgap. These results contribute to the growing body of work studying the nonlinear optical properties of transition metal dichalcogenides that present new opportunities for ultrafast photonic applications.
The role of executive problem solving in knowledge accumulation and manufacturing improvements
Authors: Choo Adrian S. , Nag Rajiv , Xia Yusen 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study investigates how strategic leaders influence knowledge stocks and manufacturing improvements in firms. In doing so, we identify two related but distinct problem‐solving orientations among senior executives. The first orientation uses short‐term remedies to control and contain the impact of a problem, which we label as symptomatic problem solving (SPS). The other orientation addresses a problem situation with the objective of developing new understanding and skills, and we label it as generative problem solving (GPS). We test our theoretical framework using two waves of survey data from a sample of metal casting manufacturers (metal foundries) in the United States. Our analysis shows that GPS positively affects both internal and external knowledge stocks, while SPS negatively influences internal knowledge stock. Knowledge stocks, in turn, facilitate incremental and radical manufacturing improvements. Our results suggest that the two executive problem‐solving orientations can potentially counteract each other in enhancing and depreciating knowledge stocks, and subsequently affect a manufacturer's ability to attain improvements both in the short and long terms
The Efficacy of Ankle‐Foot Orthoses on Improving the Gait of Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Multiple Outcome Analysis
Authors: Ries Andrew J. , Novacheck Tom F. , Schwartz Michael H. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundAnkle‐foot orthosis (AFO) prescriptions are common for patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). Typical treatment objectives are to improve ankle‐foot function and enhance general gait quality.ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of AFOs for improving the gait of children with diplegic CP.DesignRetrospective analysis.SettingPrimary clinical care facility.ParticipantsData were used from 601 visits for 378 individuals (age at visit: 9.8 ± 3.8 years [mean ± standard deviation]) who wore either a solid, hinged, or posterior leaf spring AFO design. Participants had a diagnosis of diplegic CP, wore the same AFO design bilaterally, and had 3‐dimensional gait analysis data collected while walking both barefoot and with AFOs during a single session.MethodsDifferences between walking with AFOs and walking barefoot were used as outcome measures. Statistical analysis consisted of paired t‐tests and multivariate analysis of variance scores to determine significance, main effects, and interactions of AFO design, ambulation type (walking with/without assistive devices), and barefoot level on each outcome. Minimal clinically important differences from the literature determined clinical significance.Outcome MeasuresGait Deviation Index (GDI), ankle Gait Variable Score, knee Gait Variable Score, nondimensional speed, and nondimensional step length.ResultsOnly step length exhibited clinically meaningful improvements for the average AFO user. Changes in step length, speed, and GDI all were statistically significant (P < .001). Barefoot outcome levels were the most consistent influence on outcome changes. AFO design was shown to effect changes in speed and ankle function, whereas ambulation type was shown to affect GDI change.ConclusionsCurrent AFO prescription methodologies for children with CP result in consistent gait improvements for step length only. This study emphasizes the need to develop more effective AFO prescription algorithms in an effort to improve the efficacy of AFOs on general gait quality via optimizing patient selection or AFO design.
Cardiovascular Demands of Deer Retrieval Methods
Authors: Fountaine Charles J. , Evenson Mitchell J. 
Published: March 2015

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular (CV) demands of 2 deer retrieval methods. Methods Twelve male participants (weight 86 ± 24 kg, age 21 ± 1 years) performed a maximum treadmill test on day 1 to determine baseline fitness levels. On day 2, all participants first towed, then dragged a 45-kg simulated deer carcass for 457 m at a self-selected pace. The tow condition utilized a shoulder harness system with a 2-m strap connecting the harness to the carcass, allowing the participant to walk upright as he towed the load. The dragging condition required the participants to flex their trunk, grasp the legs of the deer with both hands, and drag the carcass the length of the course. Heart rate and oxygen consumption (Vo2) from each trial were measured by indirect calorimetry. Results The CV responses of towing were significantly less compared with those of dragging for Vo2 peak ( P = .001), peak heart rate ( P = .003), average heart rate ( P = .028), and rating of perceived exertion ( P < .001). No significant differences were observed for average Vo2 ( P = .91) or time to completion ( P = .27). Conclusions The results of this study suggest towing a deer with a shoulder harness results in significant reductions in CV demand and lower perceived exertion compared with traditional deer dragging techniques. Deer hunters who are deconditioned or have CV risk factors are strongly encouraged to consider deer retrieval methods utilizing a shoulder harness and tow rope to mitigate the increased demands commonly found with traditional retrieval methods.
COMPOSITE BERNSTEIN COPULAS
Authors: Yang Jingping , Chen Zhijin , Wang Fang , Wang Ruodu 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCopula function has been widely used in insurance and finance for modeling inter-dependency between risks. Inspired by the Bernstein copula put forward by Sancetta and Satchell (2004, Econometric Theory, 20, 535–562), we introduce a new class of multivariate copulas, the composite Bernstein copula, generated from a composition of two copulas. This new class of copula functions is able to capture tail dependence, and it has a reproduction property for the three important dependency structures: comonotonicity, countermonotonicity and independence. We introduce an estimation procedure based on the empirical composite Bernstein copula which incorporates both prior information and data into the estimation. Simulation studies and an empirical study on financial data illustrate the advantages of the empirical composite Bernstein copula estimation method, especially in capturing tail dependence.
Using local ecological knowledge to assess the status of the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamanderAndrias davidianusin Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Pan Yuan , Wei Gang , Cunningham Andrew A. , Li Shize , Chen Shu , Milner-Gulland E. J. , Turvey Samuel T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamanderAndrias davidianus, the world's largest amphibian, is severely threatened by unsustainable exploitation of wild individuals. However, field data with which to assess the salamander's status, population trends, or exploitation across its geographical range are limited, and recent field surveys using standard ecological field techniques have typically failed to detect wild individuals. We conducted community-based fieldwork in three national nature reserves (Fanjingshan, Leigongshan and Mayanghe) in Guizhou Province, China, to assess whether local ecological knowledge constitutes a useful tool for salamander conservation. We collected a sample of dated salamander sighting records and associated data from these reserves for comparative assessment of the relative status of salamander populations across the region. Although Fanjingshan and Leigongshan are still priority sites for salamander conservation, few recent sightings were recorded in either reserve, and respondents considered that salamanders had declined locally at both reserves. The species may already be functionally extinct at Mayanghe. Although respondent data on threats to salamanders in Guizhou are more difficult to interpret, overharvesting was the most commonly suggested explanation for salamander declines, and it is likely that the growing salamander farming industry is the primary driver of salamander extraction from Guizhou's reserves. Questionnaire-based surveys can collect novel quantitative data that provide unique insights into the local status of salamander populations, and we advocate wide-scale incorporation of this research approach into future salamander field programmes.
Development of the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus farming industry in Shaanxi Province, China: conservation threats and opportunities
Authors: Cunningham Andrew A. , Turvey Samuel T. , Zhou Feng , Meredith Helen M. R. , Guan Wei , Liu Xinglian , Sun Changming , Wang Zhongqian , Wu Minyao 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus is endemic to China and is Critically Endangered, largely because of overexploitation for food. This species is an expensive delicacy in China, and a rapidly growing industry to farm the species has developed throughout much of the country, centred on the Qinling Mountain region of Shaanxi Province. During a 2010 workshop on Chinese giant salamander conservation, which involved a range of stakeholders from across China, it became clear that the conservation community knew little about the salamander farming industry and whether it posed actual or potential threats or opportunities for conservation of the Chinese giant salamander. We therefore conducted a series of investigations to understand the industry better. Our results indicate that although farming of Chinese giant salamanders has the potential to be a positive development for conservation by supplying market demand with farmed animals, it is currently more likely to threaten than support conservation of the species, with continued overexploitation and the potential added impacts of infectious disease and genetic pollution arising from farming practices such as movement of animals across the country and the release of untreated farm wastewater and farmed salamanders to the wild.
Identifying target species and seed sources for the restoration of threatened trees in southern Brazil
Authors: Hoffmann P. M. , Blum C. T. , Velazco S. J. E. , Gill D. J. C. , Borgo M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEcological restoration of trees is often constrained by limited knowledge of the biology, propagation and management requirements of individual species. Consequently, restoration initiatives rarely incorporate less well-known species or those that are difficult to source and grow. We describe challenges associated with the restoration of threatened trees in the Araucaria Forest of southern Brazil, and analyse the effectiveness of methods used to define target species, identify seed sources and generate information on the phenology of rare or threatened tree species. A review of secondary data identified 71 rare or threatened taxa as targets for seed collection. We then surveyed 68.7 km of trails in 26 forest remnants, identifying and mapping 1,027 seed-producing trees of 38 species. Surveys confirmed the scarcity of several tree species (including seven species with an abundance of <0.04 individuals per km), and nine species showed no signs of fruiting during 3 years of phenological monitoring. These findings, together with limited knowledge and application of optimal seed collection methods, are significant factors impeding the recovery of these species within their natural habitat. Wider application of the results of this case study could support restoration of the Araucaria Forest with seedlings from a wider diversity of species.
Enzymatic activities linked to cardiac energy metabolism ofTrypanosoma evansi-infected rats and their possible functional correlations to disease pathogenesis
Authors: BALDISSERA MATHEUS D. , RECH VIRGINIA C. , GRINGS MATEUS , GRESSLER LUCAS T. , VAUCHER RODRIGO A. , SCHWERTZ CLAITON I. , MENDES RICARDO E. , LEIPNITZ GUILHIAN , STEFANI LENITA M. , MONTEIRO SILVIA G. , DA SILVA ALEKSANDRO S. 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to investigate the activities of important enzymes involved in the phosphoryl transfer network (adenylate kinase and creatine kinase (CK)), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), respiratory chain complexes and biomarkers of cardiac function in rat experimentally infected byTrypanosoma evansi.Rat heart samples were evaluated at 5 and 15 days post-infection (PI). At 5 day PI, there was an increase in LDH and CK activities, and a decrease in respiratory chain complexes II, IV and succinate dehydrogenase activities. In addition, on day 15 PI, a decrease in the respiratory chain complex IV activity was observed. Biomarkers of cardiac function were higher in infected animals on days 5 and 15 PI. Considering the importance of the energy metabolism for heart function, it is possible that the changes in the enzymatic activities involved in the cardiac phosphotransfer network and the decrease in respiratory chain might be involved partially in the role of biomarkers of cardiac function ofT. evansi-infected rats.