bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of interleukin‐4 on ligament healing
Authors: Chamberlain Connie S. , Leiferman Ellen M. , Frisch Kayt E. , Wang Sijian , Yang Xipei , Brickson Stacey L. , Vanderby Ray 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTDespite a complex cascade of cellular events to reconstruct the damaged extracellular matrix, ligament healing results in a mechanically inferior scarred ligament. During normal healing, granulation tissue expands into any residual normal ligamentous tissue (creeping substitution), resulting in a larger region of healing, greater mechanical compromise and an inefficient repair process. To control creeping substitution and possibly enhance the repair process, the antiinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), was administered to rats before and after rupture of their medial collateral ligaments. In vitro experiments showed a time‐dependent effect on fibroblast proliferation after IL‐4 treatment. In vivo treatments with IL‐4 (100 ng/mL IV) for 5 days resulted in decreased wound size and type III collagen and increased type I procollagen, indicating a more regenerative early healing in response to the IL‐4 treatment. However, continued treatment of IL‐4 to day 11 antagonized this early benefit and slowed healing. Together, these results suggest that IL‐4 not only influences the macrophages and T lymphocytes but also stimulates fibroblasts associated with the proliferative phase of healing in a dose‐, cell‐, and time‐dependent manner. Although treatment significantly influenced healing in the first week after injury, IL‐4 alone was unable to maintain this early regenerative response.
Concurrent validation and reliability of digital image analysis of granulation tissue color for clinical pressure ulcers
Authors: Iizaka Shinji , Sugama Junko , Nakagami Gojiro , Kaitani Toshiko , Naito Ayumi , Koyanagi Hiroe , Matsuo Junko , Kadono Takafumi , Konya Chizuko , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTGranulation tissue color is one indicator for pressure ulcer (PU) assessment. However, it entails a subjective evaluation only, and quantitative methods have not been established. We developed color indicators from digital image analysis and investigated their concurrent validity and reliability for clinical PUs. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 47 patients with 55 full‐thickness PUs. After color calibration, a wound photograph was converted into three images representing red color: erythema index (EI), modified erythema index with additional color calibration (granulation red index [GRI]), and , which represents the artificially created red–green axis of L*a*b* color space. The mean intensity of the granulation tissue region and the percentage of pixels exceeding the optimal cutoff intensity (% intensity) were calculated. Mean GRI (ρ=0.39, p=0.007) and (ρ=0.55, p<0.001), as well as their % intensity indicators, showed positive correlations with a* measured by tristimulus colorimeter, but erythema index did not. They were correlated with hydroxyproline concentration in wound fluid, healthy granulation tissue area, and blood hemoglobin level. Intra‐ and interrater reliability of the indicator calculation using both GRI and had an intraclass correlation coefficient >0.9. GRI and from digital image analysis can quantitatively evaluate granulation tissue color of clinical PUs.
Differences in the surface and subsurface reflection characteristics of facial skin by age group
Authors: Matsubara Akira 
Published: April 2011

Background/purpose: The age‐dependent changes of facial skin imperfections such as spot or wrinkles have been investigated repeatedly by means of various objective measurements. However, the age‐dependent changes in the optical‐reflection characteristics that create a perception of a shine or a glow of the skin have received little attention. We evaluated the age dependence of the optical‐reflection characteristics of the surface and subsurface facial skin layers of three age groups.
Methodology: The facial skin of 83 Japanese females ranging in age from 20 to 49 years was examined using a high‐resolution digital camera equipped with a linear polarizing filter under polarized illumination. Surface and subsurface reflection components were extracted by means of an image‐processing technique. In addition to the reflection characteristics, skin hydration, the melanin index, and the hemoglobin index were also measured.
Results: Significant age‐dependent changes were found in the evenness of the surface reflection and in the intensity of the subsurface reflection. In contrast, no difference was observed in the intensity of the surface reflection or in the evenness of the subsurface reflection. The melanin index showed a significant age‐dependent difference, with a trend similar to that of the subsurface reflection intensity, but the skin hydration and hemoglobin index showed no difference by age group.
Conclusion: Surface and subsurface reflection characteristics show age‐dependent changes. Younger skin has a greater subsurface reflectivity and a more even surface reflectivity. These optical characteristics of the skin might be related to the perception of consumers that younger skin is brighter and more radiant with an internal glow, whereas aged skin is shinier or glossier.
Tolerance of low‐frequency ultrasound sonophoresis: a double‐blind randomized study on humans
Authors: Maruani Annabel , Vierron Emilie , Machet Laurent , Giraudeau Bruno , Halimi Jean‐Michel , Boucaud Alain 
Published: April 2011

Background: Sonophoresis [low‐frequency ultrasound (US)] has been used in animals and in vitro to investigate enhanced percutaneous absorption of drugs. No study focused on its clinical human tolerance has been published as yet.Methods: We aimed to assess the bioeffects of low‐frequency US in vivo on human skin in a double‐blind randomized‐controlled study. We applied pulse‐mode US at 36 kHz for 5 min in a step procedure of increasing dosage, from 1.57 to 3.50 W/cm2, and placebo. The primary outcome was toxic effects of the procedure, defined as a pain score >40 on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale or necrosis. Erythema (scored from 0 to 3 in severity) was also evaluated. The secondary outcomes were measurements of skin thickness by high‐resolution skin imaging, of skin capacitance and temperature.Results: We included 34 healthy volunteers. We found no pain score >38 and no skin necrosis with either US or placebo. Erythema was systematically observed immediately after US application, but after 1 day, we observed three cases in the knee group. The most frequent adverse effect was tinnitus. We observed no marked increase in temperature or cutaneous thickness after US or placebo. Cutaneous capacitance increased immediately after both applications.Conclusion: Such data demonstrating good tolerance of sonophoresis can be useful before the initiation of a clinical trial of the therapeutic use of low‐frequency sonophoresis in humans.
Thermography study of skin response due to whole‐body cryotherapy
Authors: Cholewka Armand , Stanek Agata , Sieroń Aleksander , Drzazga Zofia 
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Thermography and contact thermometry were used to study the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the lowering of skin temperature caused by whole‐body cryotherapy.Methods: The study was performed using the Thermovision Camera AGEMA Type 470 and A40. The thermograms of the chosen regions of interests were performed before and immediately after whole‐body cryotherapy in a research room outside a cryogenic chamber where the temperature was stabilized. As an additional measurement technique during whole‐body cryotherapy, contact thermometry was performed using thermocouples Ni–Cr–Ni–Al stacked to the skin surface.Results: The results obtained showed differences in the decrease of skin temperature of predetermined body parts. The largest temperature decrease was observed on the lower extremities. Some differences in the thermal response of similar body parts influenced by the extremely low temperature, with regard to the BMI of volunteers, were observed. This was also found in the results of contact thermometry studies. The statistical analysis confirmed the results of thermography and thermometry studies.Conclusion: The magnitude of skin temperature decrease due to the extremely low temperature used in whole‐body cryotherapy may be connected to a patient's BMI.
Cerebral Resistance Index is less predictive in hypothermic encephalopathic newborns
Authors: Elstad Maja , Whitelaw Andrew , Thoresen Marianne 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  Neonatal hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), if severe, may involve cerebral vasoparalysis. In HIE, Pourcelot’s cerebral vascular resistance index (RI) below 0.55 (by Doppler ultrasound) from published literature at normothermia predicted poor outcome with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 84%. The aim of this study was to re‐assess RI as a predictor of outcome in HIE during hypothermia.Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐five infants with HIE treated with hypothermia with outcome data and at least one measurement of RI at 24 h or later were included. Poor outcome was defined as death or severe disability.Results:  Positive predictive value of low RI (≤0.55) was 60% (95% CI 45%, 74%), while the negative predictive value (NPV) was 78% (95% CI: 67%, 86%). The PPV during hypothermia is significantly lower than the pooled PPV of 84% (95% CI 73%, 91%) from all published studies of RI at normothermia. NPV during hypothermia and normothermia was similar [76%, (95% CI 69%, 82%)].Conclusion:  Low RI is significantly less predictive of poor outcome during hypothermia than normothermia. The lower PPV may be because hypothermia affects cerebral vasculature or protects the brain solely at a molecular and cellular level. Infants, who would have been predicted from their RI to have poorer outcome at normothermia, have better outcome when cooled.
Low thymic size in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, a possible marker of infection? A prospective study from birth to 1 year of age
Authors: Jeppesen DL , Ersbøll AK , Nielsen SD , Hoppe TU , Valerius NH 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  To study the growth of the thymus in preterm infants.Methods:  Ultrasonographic thymic size (Ti) was studied in 80 preterm infants (gestational age 24–36 weeks) from birth to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Thirty‐three of these infants were followed to 1 year of age.Results:  At birth, the median Ti was 5.2 compared with 11.8 in term infants. At discharge, the median Ti was 10.0 and not significantly different from Ti in term infants at birth (p = 0.22). The size of the thymus was significantly associated with postmenstrual age and weight (both p < 0.01). Infections during admission were negatively associated with the size of the thymus (p < 0.01). During the first 3 months after discharge, preterm infants had a significantly higher frequency of infections than did term infants (p = 0.002); hereafter, the preterm infants had significantly fewer infections than term infants (p = 0.002). The median Ti in preterm infants and term infants at 1 year of age was 21.1 and 17.3, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.41).Conclusions:  Growth of thymus was not compromised by preterm birth. Ti is negatively associated with the frequency of infections in preterm neonates submitted to NICU.
Hypothesis‐driven species distribution models for tree species in the Bavarian Alps
Authors: Mellert K. H. , Fensterer V. , Küchenhoff H. , Reger B. , Kölling C. , Klemmt H. J. , Ewald J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractQuestion: What are the main drivers for tree species distribution in the Bavarian Alps? What are the species‐specific habitat requirements? Are predictions in accordance with expert knowledge?Location: Bavarian Alps (Southern Germany).Methods: To describe tree species–environment relationships, we established species distribution models for the 14 most common tree species of the region. We combined tree species occurrence data from forest inventories and a vegetation database with environmental data from a digital elevation model, climate maps and soil maps. For modelling, we used generalized additive models (GAM) combined with techniques to account for spatial autocorrelation and uneven coverage of environmental gradients. We developed parsimonious models to judge whether statistical models correspond to models based on expert knowledge.Results: Conceptual models were generally in accordance with expectations. Variables based on average temperatures were the most important predictors in most models. Proxies for soil properties such as water and nutrient availability were statistically significant and generally plausible, but appeared largely redundant for model performance. Altitudinal limits of tree species were generally well represented by models. Most species responded differently to summer and January temperatures, indicating that temperature variables are proxies not only for energy balance, but also for frost damage and drought. Although model building benefits considerably from collation with expert knowledge, there are limitations.Conclusions: Meaningful species distribution models can be obtained from noisy data sets covering only a small fraction of species ranges. Models calibrated with such data sets benefit from hypothesis‐driven model building rather than strict data‐driven model building. Hence, misleading explanations and predictions can be avoided and uncertainties identified. Nevertheless, projections based on climate scenarios can be substantially improved only with models calibrated on a wider data set. Ideally, environmental gradients should cover the whole niche space of a species, or at least include regions with analogous climate.
Self‐perception of oral health in non‐institutionalised elderly of Piracicaba city, Brazil
Authors: Esmeriz Cláudia E. C. , Meneghim Marcelo C. , Ambrosano Gláucia M. B. 
Published: April 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00464.x

Self‐perception of oral health in non‐institutionalised elderly of Piracicaba city, BrazilObjectives:  To associate the self‐perception of oral health with sociodemographic, clinical, quality of life and geriatric depression, evaluating what influence in the self‐perception of the elderly and the importance to the oral health.Background:  The current demographic transition and poor oral health of the elderly deserves particular attention, especially the impact of oral health on the quality of life.Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study, we evaluated 371 elderly, aged 60 years or more, adscript to Health Family Units, Piracicaba city, Brazil. Clinically, the indexes decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT), CPI and Use/Need of Prosthesis (WHO/99) were used and evaluated by means of instruments such as the self‐perceived oral health [geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI)], quality of life (SF‐36) and geriatric depression (Geriatric Depression Scale). The statistical analyses were carried out by means of univariate analysis of chi‐square and Fisher’s exact (α = 0.05) and multiple logistic regression analysis.Results:  The mean age was 67.35 (2.8), with a mean DMFT of 28.5 (4.8) and a positive GOHAI score (>30). Most were women (63.3%), between 60 and 70 years (72.2%), married (60.4%), had just the elementary school (75.5%) education. Around 80% used some removable prosthetic. The results were associated with characteristics of self‐perception of oral health and were significative of schooling (OR = 2.46) and the emotional aspects of quality of life (OR = 0.30). Over 20% of the sample had traits of depression, and these results were statistically significant (OR = 1.65) when associated with the GOHAI scores.Conclusion:  Educational and emotional aspects and geriatric depression are factors that influence the positive self‐perception of oral health of elderly people of Piracicaba USFs. These results represent that education, feelings and behaviours deserve special attention in their oral health, thereby approaching the self‐perception of real dental condition.
The patient journey of adults with hearing impairment: the patients’ views
Authors: Manchaiah V.K.C. , Stephens D. , Meredith R. 
Published: April 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 227–234Objective:  The term ‘patient journey’ refers to the experiences and processes the patient goes through during the course of a disease and its treatment. The study explores the perspectives of adults with acquired hearing impairment and to further develop the patient journey template based on the Ida model.Design:  Qualitative approach using thematic analysis and process mapping.Setting:  Support groups of people with hearing impairment.Participants:  Thirty‐two adults with acquired hearing impairment from two hearing impaired groups in Wales. All were hearing aid users.Main outcome measure:  Participants worked in small groups to describe their experiences through hearing loss. These data were used to develop a template of the patients’ perspective of the journey. This was then compared with the perspective of professionals, and a ‘patient journey template for adults with acquired hearing impairment’ was developed.Results:  This template identifies seven main phases as follows: (i) pre‐awareness; (ii) awareness; (iii) movement; (iv) diagnostics; (v) rehabilitation; (vi) self‐evaluation; and (vii) resolution. The study identified a number of new components. The self‐evaluation component was not defined by professionals and reflects the need for patients to consider the costs, benefits and alternatives to the approach provided by audiologists. It is important for audiologists to be aware of this.Conclusion:  The study highlighted the differences and commonalities in perspectives of professionals and patients. Use of the patient journey can help clinicians to understand the unique experiences their patients go through help them to develop patient‐centred treatment.
Cardiac and Vascular Consequences of Pre‐Hypertension in Youth
Authors: Urbina Elaine M. , Khoury Philip R. , McCoy Connie , Daniels Stephen R. , Kimball Thomas R. , Dolan Lawrence M. 
Published: April 2011

Hypertension is associated with increased left ventricular mass (LVM) and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT), which predict cardiovascular (CV) events in adults. Whether target organ damage is found in pre‐hypertensive youth is not known. The authors measured body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, lipids and C‐reactive protein, LVM/height2.7 (LVM index), diastolic function, cIMT, carotid stiffness, augmentation index, brachial artery distensibility, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 723 patients aged 10 to 23 years (29% with type 2 diabetes mellitus). Patients were stratified by blood pressure level (normotensive: 531, pre‐hypertensive: 65, hypertensive: 127). Adiposity and CV risk factors worsened across blood pressure group. There was a graded increase in cIMT, arterial stiffness, and LVM index and decrease in diastolic function from normotension to pre‐hypertension to hypertension. In multivariable models adjusted for CV risk factors, status as pre‐hypertension or hypertension remained an independent determinant of target organ damage for LVM, diastolic function, internal cIMT, and carotid and arterial stiffness. Pre‐hypertension is associated with cardiovascular target organ damage in adolescents and young adults.J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:332–342. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxygen saturation in branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Hardarson Sveinn Hakon , Stefánsson Einar 
Published: April 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of this study was to test whether oxygen saturation in retinal blood vessels is affected by branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).Methods:  The spectrophotometric retinal oximeter is based on a fundus camera. It simultaneously captures images of the retina at 586 and 605 nm and calculates optical density (absorbance) of retinal vessels at both wavelengths. The ratio of the two optical densities is approximately linearly related to haemoglobin oxygen saturation. Relative oxygen saturation was measured in retinal blood vessels in 24 patients with BRVO. Friedman’s test and Dunn’s post test were used for statistical analyses.Results:  Oxygen saturation in occluded venules ranged from 12% to 93%. The median oxygen saturation was 59% (range 12–93%, n = 22) in affected retinal venules, 63% (23–80%) in unaffected venules in the BRVO eye and 55% (39–80%) in venules in the fellow eye (p = 0.66). Corresponding values for arterioles were 101% (89–115%, n = 18), 95% (85–104%) (p < 0.05) and 98% (84–109%).Conclusions:  Venular saturation in BRVO is highly variable between patients. Hypoxia is seen in some eyes but not in others. This may reflect variable severity of disease, degree of occlusion, recanalization, collateral circulation, tissue atrophy, arteriovenous diffusion or vitreal transport of oxygen.
Measuring the temporal structure in serially sampled phylogenies
Authors: Gray Rebecca R. , Pybus Oliver G. , Salemi Marco 
Published: April 2011

Summary1. Nucleotide sequences sampled at different times (serially sampled sequences) allow researchers to study the rate of evolutionary change and the demographic history of populations. Some phylogenies inferred from serially sampled sequences are described as having strong ‘temporal clustering’, such that sequences from the same sampling time tend to cluster together and to be the direct ancestors of sequences from the following sampling time. The degree to which phylogenies exhibit these properties is thought to reflect interesting biological processes, such as positive selection or deviation from the molecular clock hypothesis.2. Here, we introduce the temporal clustering (TC) statistic, which is the first quantitative measure of the degree of topological ‘temporal clustering’ in a serially sampled phylogeny. The TC statistic represents the expected deviation of an observed phylogeny from the null hypothesis of no temporal clustering, as a proportion of the range of possible values, and can therefore be compared among phylogenies of different sizes.3. We apply the TC statistic to a range of serially sampled sequence data sets, which represent both rapidly evolving viruses and ancient mitochondrial DNA. In addition, the TC statistic was calculated for phylogenies simulated under a neutral coalescent process.4. Our results indicate significant TC in many empirical data sets. However, we also find that such clustering is exhibited by trees simulated under a neutral coalescent process; hence, the observation of significant ‘temporal clustering’ cannot unambiguously indicate the presence of strong positive selection in a population.5. Quantifying topological structure in this manner will provide new insights into the evolution of measurably evolving populations.
Serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from Children with Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Turkey: Baseline Evaluation of the Introduction of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Nationwide
Authors: Ceyhan Mehmet , Gurler Nezahat , Yaman Akgun , Ozturk Candan , Oksuz Lutfiye , Ozkan Sengul , Keser Melike , Salman Nuran , Alhan Emre , Esel Duygu , Gultekin Meral , Camcioglu Yildiz , Gul Mustafa , Sorguc Yelda , Aydemir Sohret , Gunaydin Murat , Yakupogullari Yusuf , Kizirgil Ahmet 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT
Before use of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV7 became widespread in Turkey, 202 invasive pneumococcus isolates were analyzed. The most common serotypes were 19F and 6B. In children ≤2 years of age, the potential coverage rate of PCV7 was 69.5%. The most frequent non-PCV7 serotypes were 19A, 3, 1, 6A, and 8.