bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oncologic multidisciplinary team meetings: evaluation of quality criteria
Authors: Ottevanger Nelleke , Hilbink Mirrian , Weenk Mariska , Janssen Romy , Vrijmoeth Talitha , de Vries Antoinette , Hermens Rosella 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTo develop a guideline with quality criteria for an optimal structure and functioning of a multidisciplinary team meeting (MTM), and to assess to what extent the Dutch MTMs complied with these criteria.MethodA literature search and expert opinions were used to develop a guideline for optimal MTMs. In order to assess adherence to the guideline, we conducted interviews with MTM chairs and observed general and tumour‐specific MTMs in seven hospitals.ResultsThe new guideline included the following domains: (i) organization of the MTMs; (ii) membership of the MTM and roles and responsibilities of the members; (iii) the meeting itself; and (iv) documentation of meeting‐recommendations. We observed good adherence to the quality criteria on the organization of the MTMs. Only the required coordinator/administrative support was often absent, particularly during general MTMs. Regarding membership of MTMs and roles, the recommended average attendance of 100% of the core disciplines was never reached and particularly the role of the chair needs improvement. Regarding the meeting itself, many interruptions took place and relevant information about the diagnoses of the cases was not available in 4–5% of the cases. Concerning the documentation of meeting‐recommendations, only in a quarter of the meetings a specific form was used for the documentation.ConclusionsWe found a lot of diversity in the organization of MTMs. The variation in compliance with the quality criteria may decrease with better knowledge about the quality criteria around MTMs and by overcoming practical barriers for the effective organization of MTMs.
Short flap rhytidectomy and fractional CO2 laser rejuvenation of the aging face
Authors: Taghizadeh Farhan , Leibowitz Alicia , Ellison Timothy , Griego Michael , Traylor‐Knowles Mimi , Ramirez Patrick 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundThere is currently a high demand for a concurrent system of skin rejuvenation accompanying rhtidectomy. CO2 laser treatment prior to surgical ablative reduction has produced promising results, but the adjunct service of laser treatment at the time of surgery has never been reviewed.ObjectivesDetermine the effects of concurrent treatment of rhytides and evidence of aging in the skin with surgical correction followed by fractional CO2 laser application.MethodsDuring study time from September 2008 to February 2009 treat patients who have underwent short flap rhytidectomy to the Lutronic eCO2™ fractional laser using the patented “Controlled Chaos Technology.”ResultsComplications included 2.3% herpes simplex outbreak, 4% persistent erythema past 2 weeks, four cases of prolonged edema to 5 days, one case of impetigo, and no evidence of dyspigmentation. Patient satisfaction data demonstrated no refunds at 12 months.ConclusionsCombination fractional laser resurfacing with short flap, high‐Superficial muscular aponeurotic system rhytidectomy is a safe procedure with excellent patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
A five‐patient prospective pilot study of a polycaprolactone based dermal filler for hand rejuvenation
Authors: Figueiredo Vitor Manuel 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundHand rejuvenation is becoming more popular as a complementary procedure to facial treatments. Current options include the relatively invasive lipofilling and the less invasive dermal fillers treatments, of which the latter often is too short lasting. An ideal product would therefore be minimally invasive, however, providing longer lasting results.ObjectivesThe objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a polycaprolactone based dermal filler for hand rejuvenation.MethodsThe dorsum of the hands of five subjects was treated with 1.0 mL polycaprolactone based dermal filler per hand. Subjects were seen for follow‐up visits after 1, 4, 16, and 24 weeks.ResultsThe results showed consistent and high patient satisfaction throughout the duration of the study using a Visual Analog Scale. Satisfaction was rated at 82% at 24 weeks and patients were 88% likely to return for repeat treatments on average. On the subject GAIS assessment, all subjects reported an improvement compared to pretreatment throughout the duration of the study. The physicians’ GAIS results were very much improved (90%) and much improved (10%) compared to pretreatment throughout the 24 weeks follow‐up.ConclusionsThe data of this small pilot suggest that the polycaprolactone based dermal filler is safe, well tolerated and effective for hand rejuvenation, and potentially offers a valuable addition to the current treatment armamentum. Additional studies in a larger patient population should be performed to confirm these findings.
Clinical study of nail changes in vitiligo
Authors: Anbar Tag , Hay Rania Abdel , Abdel‐Rahman Amal T , Moftah Noha H , Al‐Khayyat Mohamed A 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBoth vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA) are associated together, associated with other autoimmune diseases, and autoimmunity is one of the important theories in their etiology. Nail changes are a known association with AA, thus we hypothesized that nail changes can be found in vitiligo patients. On revising the literature, only two types of nail changes were described in association with vitiligo. Our aim was to study the frequency and types of nail changes among vitiligo patients in comparison with normal healthy volunteers. This multi‐centric study was carried on 91 patients with vitiligo, as well as 91 normal healthy control subjects who were age‐ and sex‐matched. Nails were examined for changes in nail plates as regards striations, texture, curvature, dystrophy, and pigmentation. The presence or absence of the thumb lunula was also reported. Nail changes were observed in 62 patients (68.1%) and 46 (50.5%) control subjects with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.016). Longitudinal ridging and absent lunula were significantly higher in patients than in the controls (P = 0.001 and 0.037, respectively). Other reported nail abnormalities in the current study included punctate leukonychia, pitting, flag sign, and Terry's nails. Awareness of this association will widen the clinician's perspective to carefully examine the nail changes in vitiligo patients and conversely examine patients with nail changes for vitiligo.
Comparison of noncross‐linked and cross‐linked hyaluronic acid with regard to efficacy of the proliferative activity of cutaneous fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Wohlrab David , Neubert Reinhard H.H. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundIntradermal application of hyaluronic acid (HA) in varying chain length and cross‐linking density is used routinely for hydrodynamic volume replacement of the extracellular matrix to reduce the clinical effects of aging.ObjectivesIn vitro data show that via receptors of the hyaladherin group hyaluronic acid has additionally direct or indirect effects on cells. In the case of native noncross‐linked HA, it has been proved that the proliferative and metabolic activity of cutaneous fibroblasts can be increased. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these effects can be proved also for cross‐linked HA and how these effects can be quantified for different preparations.Materials and MethodsThe effect on proliferative activity in cultures of native cutaneous fibroblasts and keratinocytes was investigated for noncross‐linked HA, for noncross‐linked HA with added glycerol, for HA that was stabilized in the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups per inner esterification, and for HA that was chemically cross‐linked by 1,4‐butanediol‐diglycidylether, mixed in small particles in a biphasic compound with native HA, each in different concentrations (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/mL).ResultsHA that was stabilized in the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups per inner esterification induces the strongest proliferative effect on both cell types. Native noncross‐linked HA and chemically cross‐linked HA show a rather modest proliferative effect and on fibroblasts only, whereas noncross‐linked HA with added glycerol in high concentrations provokes a rather antiproliferative effect.ConclusionsThe data show that HA does induce direct effects on cells depending on type and density of the cross‐linkage. The practical relevance in terms of a metabolic filler effect needs to be verified in clinical studies.
Efficacy of hydroquinone‐free skin‐lightening cream for photoaging
Authors: Dreher Frank , Draelos Zoe D. , Gold Michael H. , Goldman Mitchel P. , Fabi Sabrina G. , Puissegur Lupo Mary L. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundHyperpigmentation and solar damage remains a difficult problem to treat with topical agents.AimsTo evaluate a novel skin‐lightening complex (SLC) comprising four actives targeting melanin formation at multiple levels, namely disodium glycerophosphate, l‐leucine, phenylethyl resorcinol, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine, in an oil‐in‐water emulsion cream.Patients ⁄MethodsSkin‐lightening complex was evaluated in 80 female subjects of skin types I–III with at least moderate mottled hyperpigmentation. After a wash‐out period of 1 month with a sunscreen, the subjects added a cream containing the SLC for 12 weeks twice daily to entire face and continued the sunscreen use.ResultsWhereas there was no significant change during the wash‐out period, the primary endpoint mottled hyperpigmentation decreased by 32% after the 12‐week treatment period with the SLC cream. Secondary endpoints such as severity and number of lentigines, skin tone, and skin brightness also improved. In all, 57% of the subjects showed at least a moderate response, 17% did not improve, and 3% got worse after the treatment.ConclusionsThe SLC cream was well tolerated, in particular when comparing with exfoliating or peeling agent containing skin‐lightening products. When used with a daily sunscreen, this study confirms that the SLC represents an alternative to hydroquinone, retinoids, and many other skin‐lightening actives.
Reductions in body measurements promoted by a garment containing ceramic nanoparticles: a 4‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Conrado Luis Augusto Lupato , Munin Egberto 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundPublished literature reports significant improvements in pathological conditions, such as pain, blood dyscrasias, and cellulite, after using topical occlusive accessories containing particulate ceramic materials. Recent work reported a reduction in body measurements after 30 days of daily use of high‐waist undershorts made of synthetic fabrics with embedded ceramic particles.ObjectivesIn this study, we investigated whether the use of a garment made with synthetic fibers embedded with powdered ceramic could lead to reductions in body measurements at a longer time span (120 day).MethodsThirty‐two female volunteers wore clothing containing ceramic powder for at least 8 h a day for 120 days. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated through anthropometric measurements taken before treatment and after 30, 60, and 120 days of treatment.ResultsThe experimental data showed a more pronounced reduction in body measurements at the beginning of treatment with a trend of stabilization in measured body circumferences during the final 60 days of the experimental period.ConclusionsThe experimental data showed that the occlusive treatment with a garment composed of ceramic particles promoted reductions in body measurements during a 120‐day experimental period.
Causes of recurrent pneumonia in children in a general hospital
Authors: Hoving MF Paulien , Brand Paul LP 
Published: February 2013

AimBecause the few previous studies on underlying causes of recurrent pneumonia in children have come from tertiary care referral centres where selection bias may be important, the aim of this study was to examine underlying causes of recurrent pneumonia in children in a general hospital.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review in a general hospital of 62 children with recurrent pneumonia over a 7.5 years period.ResultsIn 19 patients (30.6%), no cause was identified, commonly because favourable natural history obviated the need for a full and invasive diagnostic work‐up. Other underlying causes included recurrent aspiration in 16 patients (25.7%), lung disease (airway stenosis, bronchiectasis, middle lobe syndrome or tracheooesophageal fistula) in 10 patients (16.1%) and immune deficiency in 10 patients (16.1%). In contrast to previous studies, asthma was never diagnosed as an underlying cause, but diagnostic confusion between asthma (or recurrent upper respiratory tract infections) and recurrent pneumonia was common.ConclusionThe cause of recurrent pneumonia in children remains elusive in almost a third of patients, partly because the favourable natural history consistent with immune system maturation eliminates the need for further diagnostic procedures. Asthma is more likely a differential diagnostic consideration than an underlying cause of recurrent pneumonia in children. A standardised diagnostic guideline is needed to improve knowledge on causes of recurrent pneumonia in children.
Types and distribution of congenital heart defects associated with trisomy 21 in Singapore
Authors: Tan Monica , Xu Cunzhi , Sim Sarah KR , Seow Adeline LH , Tan Teng Hong , Quek Swee Chye 
Published: February 2013

AimAtrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is widely accepted as the most common type of congenital heart defect in trisomy 21. Most of these studies, however, were conducted in Caucasian communities. The few Asian studies that had been conducted on this subject yielded different results. In the largest study of its kind in Asia, we described the distribution of types of congenital heart defects associated with trisomy 21 in Singapore.MethodsFive hundred and eighty‐eight patients with trisomy 21 born in 1996–2010, and confirmed by karyotyping, were included in the study. The diagnosis of congenital heart defects were made on echocardiography. Variables extracted for analysis were demographics (race and gender) and the types of congenital heart defects. Except for complex cyanotic heart defects, haemodynamically significant lesions were accounted for separately in cases where more than one type of congenital heart defect coexisted in a patient.ResultsVentricular septal defect (VSD) (39.2%) was the most common congenital heart defect associated with trisomy 21 in our study, followed by patent ductus arteriosus (34.3%), secundum atrial septal defect (23.4%) and AVSD (15.6%). This study validates previous smaller Asian studies identifying VSD as the most common cardiac lesion associated with trisomy 21. A high proportion (25.0%) of trisomy 21 patients with tetralogy of Fallot also had AVSDs. Coarctation of the aorta was uncommon.ConclusionVSD was the most common congenital heart defect seen in trisomy 21 in our study. A high proportion (25.0%) of trisomy 21 patients with tetralogy of Fallot also had AVSDs.
Self-assembly and controlled release behaviour of the water-insoluble drug nifedipine from electrospun PCL-based polyurethane nanofibres
Authors: Lin Xiuling , Tang Dongyan , Du Haofei 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Electrospun micro- and nanofibres are increasingly being investigated for drug delivery. The components of nanofibres are important influences on the drug release behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-assembly and release behaviour of drug from nanofibres.

Methods
Water-insoluble drug nifedipine (NIF)-loaded nanofibres with polymeric carrier of polycaprolactone (PCL)-based polyurethane (PU) were fabricated by electrospinning. The morphology of the nanofibres and the composite nanofibres with NIF were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interactions between NIF and PU were followed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the elemental composition on the surface of the nanofibres was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The release behaviour of NIF from nanofibres was observed by SEM (contacted with or without a drop of ethanol), and demonstrated by UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Key findings
In-vitro drug release studies revealed that a self-assembly process of NIF particles might be achieved within the body of the nanofibres. The electrospun nanofibre was an ideal drug carrier compared with a spin-coated film and could achieve controlled release of drug.

Conclusions
The electrospinning technique could be used to fabricate a polymeric carrier that might have potential applications in the biomedical field.
Aegle marmelos Correa leaf extract prevents secondary complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and demonstration of limonene as a potent antiglycating agent
Authors: Panaskar Shrimant N , Joglekar Madhav M , Taklikar Shreehari S , Haldavnekar Vivek S , Arvindekar Akalpita U 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Objectives
To study the antiglycating, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of Aegle marmelos Correa leaf extract and identify the bioactive constituent.

Methods
The effect of the chloroform extract of Aegle marmelos Correa was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through evaluation of biochemical parameters. Antiglycation activity was assessed in vitro through measurement of total and specific advanced glycation end products, protein carbonyl formation and collagen solubility tests. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assays. Identification of the bioactive component was attempted through silica gel column chromatography and GC-MS analysis.

Results
In-vivo studies for 60 days revealed that the extract prevented kidney damage and other secondary complications. The chloroform extract at 16 μg could inhibit protein glycation by 44.33% and pentosidine formation by 59.31%, and could effectively inhibit protein carbonyl formation. It could scavenge DPPH radicals up to 85.26% (IC50: 26 μg). Bio-guided fractionation revealed limonene as the bioactive component, which could account for the antiglycating activity shown by the chloroform extract.

Conclusion
The chloroform extract of Aegle marmelos demonstrated antidiabetic antiglycating and antioxidant activity, effectively preventing kidney damage and establishment of cataracts. Limonene is reported for the first time as possessing potent antiglycating activity and is non-toxic at the concentration used.
An evolutionary perspective on the walking gait of the long‐beaked echidna
Authors: Gambaryan P. P. , Kuznetsov A. N. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe speed, gait and trackway of the long‐beaked echidna's walk are reported for the first time. The gait formula is devised. Despite its sprawling limb posture, echidna's walking technique shows fundamental differences from that of the classical sprawlers such as urodelans and lizards, which are: (1) the presence of the pace‐like lateral stages of support and even their prevalence over the diagonal ones; (2) the narrow, though sprawling, limb posture and, consequently, the narrow trackway; (3) rolling, skidding and yawing of the trunk from side to side; (4) forelimb in‐fingerness, which presumably provides the major thrust for these side‐to‐side movements. On the whole, the echidna's sprawling type is more upright than in urodelans and lizards and is closer to the parasagittal type of therians. Like therians, echidnas already employ dynamic equilibration instead of the static one. The question is posed of whether mammalian ancestors have ever walked in the manner of urodelans and lizards.
Social competition and its consequences in female mammals
Authors: Clutton‐Brock T. , Huchard E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAlthough competition between females is one of the cornerstones of the theory of natural selection, most studies of reproductive competition have focussed principally on mating competition in males. Here, we summarize our current understanding of adaptive tactics used by competing females in social mammals, and assess the social mechanisms affecting competitive success and the evolutionary consequences of social competition between females. As well as emphasizing the importance of female–female competition in social evolution, recent studies highlight the qualitative similarities in the operation of selection in females and males.
Body size variation across climatic gradients and sexual size dimorphism in Tropidurinae lizards
Authors: Brandt R. , Navas C. A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn certain lineages of tetrapods, latitude and climate relate to body size in agreement with Bergmann's rule. Trends for squamates are ambiguous, even between genders within a species. Therefore, additional studies are required before generalizations can be made, and attention is needed to the possibility that male and female experience distinct selective pressures and display different patterns. We examine body size in male and female Tropidurinae lizard species and test both Bergmann's and Rensch's rule, using phylogenetic comparative methods. We also analyze whether trends are better explained by latitude or climatic conditions. In Tropidurinae lizards, body size does not vary in accordance with Bergmann's rule within the range of latitudes studied. Therefore, within this range, tropidurines seem not to experience thermal constraints limiting activity time, and therefore growth and body size. Yet, female body size relates to rain patterns, expectedly linked to productivity, suggesting that this gender experiences a stronger tradeoff between energy allocated to growth and to reproduction. In Tropidurinae, males tend to be larger than females and sexual dimorphism is male biased, with an isometric relationship between both sexes that does not support Rensch's rule.
The genomic consequences of adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation between species of manakins
Authors: Parchman T. L. , Gompert Z. , Braun M. J. , Brumfield R. T. , McDonald D. B. , Uy J. A. C. , Zhang G. , Jarvis E. D. , Schlinger B. A. , Buerkle C. A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe processes of adaptation and speciation are expected to shape genomic variation within and between diverging species. Here we analyze genomic heterogeneity of genetic differentiation and introgression in a hybrid zone between two bird species (Manacus candei and M. vitellinus) using 59 100 SNPs, a whole genome assembly, and Bayesian models. Measures of genetic differentiation () and introgression (genomic cline center [α] and rate [β]) were highly heterogeneous among loci. We identified thousands of loci with elevated parameter estimates, some of which are likely to be associated with variation in fitness in Manacus populations. To analyze the genomic organization of differentiation and introgression, we mapped SNPs onto a draft assembly of the M. vitellinus genome. Estimates of , α, and β were autocorrelated at very short physical distances (< 100 bp), but much less so beyond this. In addition, average statistical associations (linkage disequilibrium) between SNPs were generally low and were not higher in admixed populations than in populations of the parental species. Although they did not occur with a constant probability across the genome, loci with elevated , α, and β were not strongly co‐localized in the genome. Contrary to verbal models that predict clustering of loci involved in adaptation and isolation in discrete genomic regions, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic regions involved in adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation are scattered throughout the genome. We also found that many loci were characterized by both exceptional genetic differentiation and introgression, consistent with the hypothesis that loci involved in isolation are also often characterized by a history of divergent selection. However, the concordance between isolation and differentiation was only partial, indicating a complex architecture and history of loci involved in isolation.