bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol variability in patients with type 2 diabetes taking atorvastatin compared to simvastatin: justification for direct measurement?
Authors: Sathyapalan T. , Atkin S. L. , Kilpatrick E. S. 
Published: November 2009

Aim: The benefit of direct, as opposed to calculated, low density lipoprotein ‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) measurement remains unclear. This study compared the biological variability of direct LDL in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on equivalent doses of the short half‐life statin, simvastatin or the longer half‐life statin, atorvastatin. Methods: A cross‐over study of biological variation of lipids in 26 patients with T2DM taking either simvastatin 40 mg (n = 10) or atorvastatin 10 mg. After 3 months on one statin, fasting lipids were measured on 10 occasions over a 5‐week period. The same procedure was then followed on the other statin. The variability of LDL‐C was established using a Beckman direct assay. Results: As a group, mean LDL was no different between statins (mean ± s.d.) (1.69 ± 0.60 mmol/l simvastatin vs. 1.67 ± 0.60 mmol/l atorvastatin, p = 0.19). However, in all patients, the intraindividual biological variability of LDL while taking simvastatin was markedly higher than with atorvastatin (average s.d. = 0.17 mmol /l simvastatin vs. 0.01 mmol/l, p < 0.0001). Friedewald calculated LDL variability was no different between statins (average s.d. = 0.34 mmol /l simvastatin vs. 0.21 mmol/l atorvastatin, p = 0.19). Conclusions: In contrast to calculated values, direct measurement revealed LDL to be much more stable (the s.d. being an order of magnitude) in T2DM patients taking atorvastatin rather than simvastatin. This means LDL targets can be consistently met with less lipid monitoring using atorvastatin rather than simvastatin. Direct LDL measurement may therefore have a particular role in monitoring patients on statin treatment.
The diversity field of New World leaf‐nosed bats (Phyllostomidae)
Authors: Villalobos Fabricio , Arita Héctor T. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTAim  To analyse how the patterns of species richness for the whole family Phyllostomidae determine the structure of diversity fields (sets of species‐richness values) within the ranges of individual bat species.Location  The range of the family Phyllostomidae in North and South America.Methods  We generated a database of the occurrence of 143 phyllostomid bat species in 6794 quadrats, analysing the species‐richness frequency distribution for all sites, and for subsets of sites defined by the geographic ranges of species. Range–diversity plots, depicting simultaneously the size and the mean species richness of ranges, were built to explore the patterns of co‐occurrence in widespread and restricted species. We compared the empirical patterns against two null models: (1) with scattered (non‐cohesive) ranges, and (2) with cohesive ranges modelled with the spreading‐dye algorithm. Diversity fields were analysed with richness maps for individual species and with comparisons of species‐richness frequency distributions.Results  Overall richness frequency distribution showed a multimodal pattern, whereas simulated distributions showed lower values of variance, and were unimodal (for model 1) and bimodal (for model 2). Range–diversity plots for the empirical data and for the cohesive‐ranges simulation showed a strong tendency of species to co‐occur in high‐diversity sites. The scattered‐ranges simulation showed no such tendency. Diversity fields varied according to idiosyncratic features of species generating particular geographic patterns and richness frequency distributions.Main conclusions  Phyllostomid bats show a higher level of co‐occurrence than expected from null models. That tendency in turn implies a higher variance in species richness among sites, generating a wider species‐richness frequency distribution. The diversity field of individual species results from the size, shape and location of ranges, but also depends on the general pattern of richness for the whole family.
Morphological skin colour changes in teleosts
Authors: Leclercq Eric , Taylor John F , Migaud Hervé 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMorphological skin colour change in fish is often referred to in the sole context of background adaptation. It is becoming increasingly apparent that it is a broad phenomenon elicited by a variety of factors. To date, no review has attempted to integrate the different types of morphological colour changes occurring in teleosts, their ecological origins and the regulatory mechanisms involved, often restricting the view on the subject. First, the origin of skin colour is addressed in teleosts including chromatophore type and distribution, pigment biosynthetic pathways and their interactions to one‐another. Second, the different types of morphological colour changes occurring in teleosts are categorized and a key distinction is made between proximate and ultimate morphological colour changes. These are defined respectively as the change of phenotype during an established life‐stage in response to environmental interactions and during the transition between two developmental‐stages phenotypically pre‐adapted to their ancestral ecosystems. Nutrition and UV‐light are primary factors of proximate morphological colour changes beyond the control of the organism. By contrast, background light conditions and social interactions are secondary proximate factors acting through the control of the organism. Highly diversified among teleosts, ultimate morphological skin colour changes are presented in term of alterations in skin structure and pigment deposition during metamorphosis in different species. Finally, the physiological and endocrine mechanisms regulating both proximate and ultimate morphological colour changes are reviewed.
The Dynamic Influence of Social Capital on the International Growth of New Ventures
Authors: Prashantham Shameen , Dhanaraj Charles 
Published: November 2009

abstractThis paper explores the origin, evolution, and appropriation of social capital by new ventures seeking international growth. Using longitudinal case studies in the software industry, we model the dynamic influence of social capital on new venture internationalization. We theorize that new ventures of founders from a globally‐connected environment, such as with return migration or MNC experience, have higher stocks of initial social capital than others. We provide a nuanced analysis of the dynamic processes involved in the evolution of social capital, and highlight the mechanisms of decay and replenishment over time. Network learning plays a critical role in new ventures' ability to realize the potential contribution of social capital to international growth.
Integrity and Fragmentation
Authors: COTTINGHAM JOHN 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe virtue of integrity does not appear explicitly in either the Aristotelian or the Judaeo‐Christian list of virtues, but elements of both ethical systems implicitly acknowledge the importance of a unified and integrated life. This paper argues that integrity is indispensible for a good human life; the fragmented or compartmentalized life is always subject to instability, in so far as unresolved psychological conflicts and tensions may threaten to derail our ethical plans and projects. Achieving a stable and integrated life requires self‐awareness; and (drawing on insights from the psychoanalytic tradition) it is suggested that self‐awareness is not a simple matter, but requires a complex process of self‐discovery. The paper's final section argues that although vitally necessary for the good life, integrity cannot be sufficient. Against the view of influential writers such as Bernard Williams and Harry Frankfurt, our commitment to our chosen projects, however authentic and integrated, cannot in itself give our lives meaning and value. The good and meaningful life cannot be a matter of authenticity alone, but requires us, whether we like it or not, to bring our projects into line with enduring objective values that we did not create, and which we cannot alter.
Children at risk for developmental delay can be recognised by stunting, being underweight, ill health, little maternal schooling or high gravidity
Authors: Abubakar Amina , Holding Penny , Van de Vijver Fons J.R. , Newton Charles , Van Baar Anneloes 
Published: November 2009

Aims: To investigate markers of risk status that can be easily monitored in resource‐limited settings for the identification of children in need of early developmental intervention.Methods: Eighty‐five children in Kilifi, Kenya, aged between 2 and 10 months at recruitment, were involved in a 10‐month follow‐up. Data on developmental outcome were collected through parental report using a locally developed checklist. We tested for the unique and combined influence of little maternal schooling and higher gravidity, anthropometric status (being underweight and stunting) and poor health on the level of developmental achievement and the rate of acquisition of developmental milestones.Results: A model with all five predictors showed a good fit to the data (χ2(21,N = 85) = 23.00,p = .33). Maternal schooling and gravidity and child’s stunting were found to predict the rate of developmental achievements (β = .24, β = .31, and β = .41, respectively). Being underweight, ill‐health, stunting and gravidity predicted initial developmental status (β = −.26, β = −.27, β = −.43, and β = −.27).Conclusions: Slow rates of developmental achievement can be predicted using these easy‐to‐administer measures and the strongest relationship with risk was based on a combination of all measures.
Cosmetic use of polylactic acid: report of 568 patients
Authors: Redaelli Alessio , Forte Riccardo 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground  There are few methods for the correction of the reduction of subcutaneous volumes. Polylactic acid is a new material with which we can achieve interesting results.Objective  To review our case histories in the assessment of this material’s safety and effectiveness, its best indications, and to outline our technique.Materials and Method  Polylactic acid was prepared and diluted with 5–8 mL depending on injection sites, which included patients’ face, neck and hands volume restoration, as well as arm and thigh revitalization. A total of 568 patients were treated from January 1999 to December 2007.Results  The Definitive Graduated Score varied from 6.3 to 8.4 with an average score of 7.8. The principal side effect, collagen late nodules, appeared with a very low frequency (1%) and were the result of incorrect technique.Conclusions  The fibro‐connective restoration of face contours and volumes is the winning strategy for a holistic, three‐dimensional approach to the aged face, neck, and hands. Since the introduction of certified courses, side effects have become less common than in other methods, and can probably be further reduced to a minimum.
Topical antioxidant application augments the effects of intense pulsed light therapy
Authors: Freedman Bruce M 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground  There has been great interest in improving the efficacy of nonablative technologies by combining them during facial skin rejuvenation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of topical polyphenolic antioxidants to an intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment regimen augmented the effects of facial IPL treatments.Methods  Thirty female volunteers, ages 34–52, with skin phototypes 1–3 were randomly assigned into three groups: group A (n = 10) received three full‐face IPL treatments spaced 3 weeks apart; group B (n = 10) underwent 6‐weekly full‐face treatments of a pneumatically applied topical polyphenolic antioxidant solution; group C (n = 10) received the combination of the three full‐face IPL treatments and the six full‐face topical antioxidant applications. Skin biopsies, skin polyphenolic antioxidant levels, and skin moisture content levels were obtained and clinical efficacy variables were noted prior to and following the treatment period.Results  Compared to group A, group C demonstrated significantly greater epidermal and papillary dermal thickness, decreased lipid peroxide concentration, increased skin moisture content, and increased polyphenolic antioxidants levels (P < 0.05). There was qualitative improvement in hydration, texture, and pore size. Compared to group B, group C demonstrated significantly greater papillary dermal thickness (P < 0.05), and qualitative improvement in reduction of fine lines, reduction of hyperpigmentation, and skin dullness. group B and group C had equivalent polyphenolic antioxidant levels, lipid peroxide concentration, and epidermal thickness.Conclusion  The addition of polyphenolic antioxidants to an IPL regimen improved the clinical, biochemical, and histological changes seen following IPL treatment alone. These data support the use of multimodal therapy to create synergy and to optimize clinical outcomes in nonablative facial skin rejuvenation.
Hyaluronidase in the correction of hyaluronic acid‐based fillers: a review and a recommendation for use
Authors: Rzany Berthold , Becker‐Wegerich Petra , Bachmann Frank , Erdmann Ricardo , Wollina Uwe 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground  Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations are the most commonly used injectable fillers in esthetic medicine. In contrast to other injectable fillers with hyaluronidase, there is a tool available to reduce unwanted depots of this filler.Aims  The aim of this paper is to give an overview on the present literature and in addition to give some recommendations for use based on the experience of the authors.Methods  The overview is based on a literature search.Results  There is some evidence from two smaller clinical trials that hyaluronidase will effectively decrease injected depots of HA. It has further been shown from case series and case reports that this reduction is clinically relevant. There is less evidence that hyaluronidase is also helpful in adverse reactions to HA‐based fillers.Conclusions  The reports suggest that the treatment is safe. However, adverse reactions to hyaluronidase such as allergic reactions have been reported. Patient should be informed about that before treatment.
Suspension suture canthopexy: a minimally invasive procedure for correcting mild to moderate ectropion
Authors: Gladstone Hayes B , Moy Ronald L 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground:  Ectropion of the lower eyelid can occur after blepharoplasty as well as reconstructive procedures. Even mild ectropion can cause irritation or epiphora. Patients with preexisting lid laxity are at higher risk for post procedure ectropion.Aims:  To describe a method for canthopexy and discuss its indications, benefits and limitations.Methods:  We describe a technique that has been used on dozens of patients by both the authors.Results:  This suspension suture canthopexy corrects mild to moderate ectropion.Discussion:  Suspension suture canthopexy is effective in patients with the appropriate indications. It can be performed under local anesthesia with minimal complications. Unlike other forms of lid tightening, it does not change the shape of the eye.Conclusion:  Suspension suture canthopexy which is an ancillary procedure for eyelid rejuvenation is valuable procedure to master by the dermatologic surgeon.
Phospholipid‐based formulation with improved attributes of coal tar
Authors: Bhatia Amit , Raza Kaisar , Singh Bhupinder , Katare Om Prakash 
Published: November 2009

SummaryPurpose  The aim of this study was to evaluate the formulation characteristics and pharmacodynamic activity of the lecithinized coal tar formulation (LCT) employing different methodologies and compare it with that of a conventional coal tar formulation (CCT) employing different methodologies.Methods  Characterization for skin‐staining was carried out employing shaved back skin of rats. Rheological properties were determined using Texture Analyzer™. The dispersibility of the coal tar formulations in water was determined by macroscopic examination. Antipsoriatic pharmacodynamic activity of the formulations was evaluated employing mouse‐tail model.Results  The study revealed distinct superiority of the LCT vis‐à‐vis CCT. The LCT was found be nonstaining with no apparent adverse effect on rat skin. Rheological studies revealed significantly better spreadability and lower stickiness of the LCT than that of CCT. The LCT forms uniform dispersion with water, while the CCT tends to form large aggregates. Finally, the pharmacodynamic model demonstrated superior anti‐psoriatic activity of the LCT.Conclusions  The findings with the LCT were highly encouraging, as it proved to be nonstaining to skin, easily applicable, and water dispersible with markedly improved efficacy. The product was thus potentially more patient‐compliant and efficacious. The evaluation methodologies adopted during the studies were found to be accurate, simple, specific, and reproducible with immense potential for assuring the quality of coal tar product(s).
Different therapeutic modalities for treatment of melasma
Authors: Azzam Omar A , Leheta Tahra M , Nagui Noha A , Shaarawy Eman , Hay Rania M Abdel , Hilal Rana F 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground  Chemical peels and topical depigmenting agents have become a popular modality in the treatment of melasma.Aims  To compare the clinical efficacy of trichloroacetic acid peel 20%vs. Jessner’s solution peel vs. the topical mixture of hydroquinone 2% and kojic acid.Patients and methods  Forty five patients with melasma were randomly assigned into three groups of fifteen patients each. Group A received Jessner’s solution peel, group B received trichloroacetic acid peel 20%, and group C received topical hydroquinone 2% and kojic acid. All patients were seen in follow‐up period after 16 weeks; clinical evaluation using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score and photography were recorded before and after treatment and after 16 weeks.Results  There was a decrease in MASI score in all three groups after treatment and after follow‐up period but after treatment MASI score was statistically significantly lower in group A than group C (P = 0.01), and it was also statistically significantly lower in group B than group C (P < 0.001) but there was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B. After the follow‐up period, MASI score was statistically significantly lower in group A than group C (P < 0.001), statistically significantly lower in group B than group C (P < 0.001), and statistically significantly lower in group B than group A (P = 0.035). The statistical analysis was done through one‐way anova followed by least significant difference (LSD).Conclusion  Trichloroacetic acid 20% showed better results than Jessner’s solution as peeling agent and hydroquinone 2% with kojic acid as a topical agent in the treatment of melasma.
Low complex I content explains the low hydrogen peroxide production rate of heart mitochondria from the long‐lived pigeon,Columba livia
Authors: Lambert Adrian J. , Buckingham Julie A. , Boysen Helen M. , Brand Martin D. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryAcross a range of vertebrate species, it is known that there is a negative association between maximum lifespan and mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production. In this report, we investigate the underlying biochemical basis of the low hydrogen peroxide production rate of heart mitochondria from a long‐lived species (pigeon) compared with a short‐lived species with similar body mass (rat). The difference in hydrogen peroxide efflux rate was not explained by differences in either superoxide dismutase activity or hydrogen peroxide removal capacity. During succinate oxidation, the difference in hydrogen peroxide production rate between the species was localized to the ΔpH‐sensitive superoxide producing site within complex I. Mitochondrial ΔpH was significantly lower in pigeon mitochondria compared with rat, but this difference in ΔpH was not great enough to explain the lower hydrogen peroxide production rate. As judged by mitochondrial flavin mononucleotide content and blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, pigeon mitochondria contained less complex I than rat mitochondria. Recalculation revealed that the rates of hydrogen peroxide production per molecule of complex I were the same in rat and pigeon. We conclude that mitochondria from the long‐lived pigeon display low rates of hydrogen peroxide production because they have low levels of complex I.
Treatment of Late‐Life Depression Alleviates Caregiver Burden
Authors: Martire Lynn M. , Schulz Richard , Reynolds Charles F. , Karp Jordan F. , Gildengers Ariel G. , Whyte Ellen M. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVES: To describe the burden experienced by family caregivers of older adults with depression and to examine the positive effects on caregivers of treating late‐life depression.DESIGN: Two‐phase treatment study for major depressive disorder (MDD) that included 6 weeks of open treatment with antidepressant medication for all older patients followed by 16 weeks of randomized treatment for patients who were partial responders, comparing a combination of medication and interpersonal psychotherapy with medication alone.SETTING: Primary care and university late‐life mental health research clinic.PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 60 and older participating in a randomized trial for treatment of MDD who enrolled in a family caregiver study and their caregiver (N=244 dyads).MEASUREMENTS: Improvement in patient symptoms during open treatment (lower scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD)) and remission of depression during randomized treatment (3 consecutive weekly HRSD scores of ≤7) were examined as predictors of lower general caregiver burden and burden specific to patient depression.RESULTS: Caregivers reported a moderate to high level of general caregiver burden on average. Change in patient depression during open treatment was associated with significantly decreased depression‐specific burden (β=−0.22, P=.001) and a trend toward lower general burden (β=−0.08, P=.08). Caregivers of patients who remitted showed significantly decreased depression‐specific burden (F (1,76)=4.27, P=.04).CONCLUSION: Treatment of late‐life depression has benefits that extend to the family members on whom patients depend. Caregiver education and support may strengthen these effects.
Recirculating Delivery Improves Myocardial Cell Engraftment
Authors: BYRNE MELISSA J. , ZATTA AMANDA , GALLI CESERE , POWER JOHN M. , KAYE DAVID M. 
Published: November 2009

Introduction: Despite pharmacological advances for heart failure, morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. As a result, alternative approaches such as cell therapy have been suggested to hold potential promise. However, a major obstacle is the optimization of cell delivery to the heart. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a percutaneous recirculation system for the delivery of cells to the heart.
Methods: Ovine fibroblasts were delivered to the ovine heart (3 × 107 cells) using the V‐Focus system, a “closed” recirculatory system that draws blood from the coronary sinus and returns it to the coronary artery via an oxygenator, or intracoronary (IC) infusion, followed by a 2‐hour recovery period. Animals were euthanized and cardiac tissue collected to determine presence of cells.
Results: There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the number of cells delivered to the heart by the V‐Focus compared to direct coronary infusion for left ventricular freewall (V‐Focus 1.39 ± 0.63/mm2, IC 0.11 ± 0.06/mm2), septum (V‐Focus 3.18 ± 0.88/mm2, IC 0.38 ± 0.19/mm2), and right ventricle (V‐Focus 0.46 ± 0.23/mm2, IC 0.05 ± 0.04/mm2).
Conclusions: These results suggest that potential therapeutic cells are optimally delivered to the large animal heart using the V‐Focus cardiac delivery system in an ovine heart. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:14–17)