bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin improvement with two different oestroprogestins in patients affected by acne and polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical and instrumental evaluation
Authors: Colonna L. , Pacifico V. , Lello S. , Sorge R. , Raskovic D. , Primavera G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  Despite it is accepted that acne is mostly caused by an hyper‐responsiveness of the pilo‐sebaceous unit to normal circulating androgen hormones, in a few patients, especially women, acneic lesions can be associated with increased serum androgen levels (hyperandrogenism), of which polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause. In women with acne and proven PCOS therapy with estroprogestins (EPs) can be an excellent option.Objective  The aim of the study was to assess the effects of two estroprogestins (EPs), ethinyl‐estradiol (EE) 30 mcg/drospirenone (DRSP) 3 mg, and ethinyl‐estradiol (EE) 30 mcg/chlormadinone acetate (CMA) 2 mg, both on increased serum androgen levels and on several skin parameters in women affected by mild to severe acne and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods  Fifty‐nine women were randomized to receive EE/DRSP (n = 32) or EE/CMA (n = 27) for six months. Evaluation of serum androgen levels, grading of acne and hirsutism (respectively with Pillsbury and Ferriman‐Gallwey score) and non‐invasive assessment of skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin homogeneity were performed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months (end of treatment).Results  Both treatments were well tolerated and showed a significant improvement of skin and hormonal parameters, although EE/DRSP showed a more potent effect on acne and seborrhea.Conclusions  Estroprogestins represent an effective and safe treatment in women with acne and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Nevertheless, the combination EE 30 mcg/DRSP 3 mg appears to be a more potent therapeutic option.
How Effective is the European Union's Savings Tax Directive? Evidence from Four EU Member States*
Authors: RIXEN THOMAS , SCHWARZ PETER 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis article examines the strategies employed by individual investors to evade cross‐border capital income taxation, and evaluates the effectiveness of the European Union Savings Tax Directive (STD). Using data for four European countries, the results are, first, individual investors adapted to the institutional changes implemented by the STD before it became effective in 2005; second, the strategy of reallocating assets from debt to equity products in the same country is more important than shifting portfolio capital out of co‐operating countries into third countries; third, countries opting for a retention tax did not experience an outflow of portfolio capital, whereas countries engaged in information exchange lost capital relative to third countries outside the scope of the STD; and finally, there is considerable heterogeneity across countries. While there are strong behavioural responses by French investors, no evidence was found of cross‐border tax evasion by Italian investors, which may be explained by the absence of a national automatic reporting system on capital income in Italy. Overall, the findings show that the STD does not effectively prevent tax evasion and thus lend support to calls for tightening the directive.
Measurement of Aβ1–42 in cerebrospinal fluid is influenced by matrix effects
Authors: Slemmon J. Randall , Meredith Jere , Guss Valerie , Andreasson Ulf , Andreasen Niels , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj 
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 325–333.AbstractAβ1–42 measurement in CSF is an important biochemical marker for Alzheimer disease (AD). However, our understanding of why this biomarker is predictive and why it is often difficult to measure in a reproducible fashion is still lacking. To study these questions, the concentration of Aβ1–42 in CSF was compared before and after denaturation with 6M guanidine and reverse‐phase HPLC. Measurement of the Aβ1–42 after denaturation and reverse‐phase HPLC demonstrated that considerably more Aβ1–42 was present in CSF than revealed when assaying non‐denatured CSF. A comparison of Aβ1–42 concentrations before and after HPLC in AD CSF with that in normal controls suggested that matrix interference may affect the differentiation between the diagnostic groups. A similar effect was observed with dilutions of crude CSF. Together, these results suggested that at least part of the mechanism by which low Aβ1–42 concentrations in CSF function as a biomarker of AD is related to matrix components which preferentially hide a portion of the Aβ1–42 from detection in AD CSF. In contrast, we show that the association of the APOEε4 allele with lower Aβ1–42 concentrations in CSF is preserved even after denaturation and HPLC. A similar relationship between the presence of the APOEε4 allele and lower concentrations of Aβ1–40 was also apparent, thereby generating similar ratios of Aβ1–42/ Aβ1–40 across the APOE genotypes. The results from the present study suggested that Aβ1–42 in CSF functions as a biomarker of AD in tandem with other CSF matrix components that are increased in AD CSF. Further studies are needed to identify which matrix factors (e.g. binding of Aβ to proteins) underlie the increased detection of Aβ1–42 concentrations after denaturation and HPLC. The data also suggested that denaturation and HPLC of CSF may be a useful approach for studies using Aβ1–42 as a pharmacodynamic marker or in other paradigms where measurement of total non‐covalently bound Aβ1–42 is required.
Measurements of wound edge microvascular blood flow during negative pressure wound therapy using thermodiffusion and transcutaneous and invasive laser Doppler velocimetry
Authors: Borgquist Ola , Anesäter Erik , Hedström Erik , Lee Charles K. , Ingemansson Richard , Malmsjö Malin 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe effects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on wound edge microvascular blood flow are not clear. The aim of the present study was therefore to further elucidate the effects of NPWT on periwound blood flow in a porcine peripheral wound model using different blood flow measurement techniques. NPWT at –20, –40, –80, and –125 mmHg was applied to a peripheral porcine wound (n = 8). Thermodiffusion, transcutaneous, and invasive laser Doppler velocimetry were used to measure the blood perfusion 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 cm from the wound edge. Thermodiffusion (an invasive measurement technique) generally showed a decrease in perfusion close to the wound edge (0.5 cm), and an increase further from the edge (2.5 cm). Invasive laser Doppler velocimetry showed a similar response pattern, with a decrease in blood flow 0.5 cm from the wound edge and an increase further away. However, 1.0 cm from the wound edge blood flow decreased with high pressure levels and increased with low pressure levels. A different response pattern was seen with transcutaneous laser Doppler velocimetry, showing an increase in blood flow regardless of the distance from the wound edge (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 cm). During NPWT, both increases and decreases in blood flow can be seen in the periwound tissue depending on the distance from the wound edge and the pressure level. The pattern of response depends partly on the measurement technique used. The combination of hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion caused by NPWT may accelerate wound healing.
Comparison of Different Fabrication Techniques for Human Adipose Tissue Engineering in Severe Combined Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Frerich Bernhard , Winter Karsten , Scheller Konstanze , Braumann Ulf‐Dietrich 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAdipose tissue engineering has been advocated for soft‐tissue augmentation and for the treatment of soft tissue defects. The efficacy in terms of persistence of the engineered fat is, however, not yet understood and could depend on the nature of fabrication and application. The high metabolic demand of adipose tissue also points to the problem of vascularization. Endothelial cell (EC) cotransplantation could be a solution. Human adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells were seeded on collagen microcarriers and submitted to adipogenic differentiation (“microparticles”). In a first run of experiments, these microparticles were implanted under the skin of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice (n = 45) with and without the addition of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). A group of carriers without any cells served as control. In a second run, adipose tissue constructs were fabricated by embedding microparticles in fibrin matrix with and without the addition of HUVEC, and were also implanted in SCID mice (n = 30). The mice were sacrificed after 12 days, 4 weeks, and 4 months. Mature adipose tissue, fibrous tissue, and acellular regions were quantified on whole‐specimen histological sections. The implantation of microparticles showed a better sustainment of tissue volume and a higher degree of mature adipose tissue compared with adipose tissue constructs. Immunohistology proved obviously perfused human tissue‐engineered vessels. There was a limited but not significant advantage in EC cotransplantation after 4 weeks in terms of tissue volume. In groups with EC cotransplantation, there were significantly fewer acellular/necrotic areas after 4 weeks and 4 months. In conclusion, the size of the implanted tissue equivalents is a crucial parameter, affecting volume maintenance and the gain of mature adipose tissue. EC cotransplantation leads to functional stable vascular networks connecting in part to the host vasculature and contributing to tissue perfusion; however, the long‐term benefit depends on additional basic conditions that need further research.
Intradiscal Pulsed Radiofrequency Application Following Provocative Discography for the Management of Degenerative Disc Disease and Concordant Pain: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rohof Olav 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The development of diagnostic criteria and the use of provocative discography allow identifying the degenerative disc as causative structure for chronic low‐back pain. Unfortunately, none of the available interventional treatment options have been demonstrated to be effective over a prolonged period of time for a considerable number of patients.Pathophysiological studies indicate sprouting of sensory nerves and inflammatory processes as underlying pain mechanisms.Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment in small and larger joints was described to reduce pain and improve healing by stimulating the immunology. Earlier findings of PRF applied in the disc annulus were promising. It is assumed that PRF applied in the nucleus would change the conductivity of nerve endings and provide a clinically relevant pain reduction. The application of the electric field of PRF in the disc may also activate the immune system, thus reducing the inflammation process of chronic pain.Pulsed radiofrequency in the nucleus was studied in 76 patients with discogenic pain confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and provocative discography. At 3‐month follow‐up, 38% of the patients had > 50% pain reduction, at 12 month the effect is maintained in 29%. In patients with unsatisfactory pain relief 3 months after the intervention, secondary pain sources may have been revealed. The latter were treated accordingly. Of all patients, 56% had > 50% pain reduction 1 year after first treatment.Our findings suggest that PRF in the nucleus may be considered for patients with proven discogenic pain. A randomized controlled trial to confirm our findings is justified.▪
Emerging indications for the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS)
Authors: HEIKINHEIMO OSKARI , GEMZELL‐DANIELSSON KRISTINA 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS), originally designed for long‐term contraceptive use, has been on the Scandinavian market for approximately 20 years. Novel clinical indications for the LNG‐IUS, derived mainly from investigator‐initiated studies, are emerging. These include heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, as well as endometrial hyperplasia. In both cohort and randomized studies, the LNG‐IUS is effective in decreasing heavy menstrual bleeding, also in women diagnosed with uterine fibroids. In randomized studies the LNG‐IUS has shown comparable clinical efficacy to GnRH analogues or progestins for the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis. Experience with LNG‐IUS in adenomyosis is based on prospective cohort studies. Dysmenorrhea has been reported to decrease in all women, and uterine volume was seen to diminish in some of these studies. In the treatment of endometrial hyperplasias, including atypical hyperplasia, the LNG‐IUS is equal or superior to treatment with systemic progestins. Further studies are needed to examine the full potential of the LNG‐IUS in such common clinical situations.
Periodontal disease: a new factor associated with the presence of multiple complex coronary lesions
Authors: Romagna Christine , Dufour Laurie , Troisgros Odile , Lorgis Luc , Richard Carole , Buffet Philippe , Soulat Gilles , Casillas Jean Marie , Rioufol Gilles , Touzery Claude , Zeller Marianne , Laurent Yves , Cottin Yves 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground and AimPeriodontal disease, including bone loss, is thought to be involved in coronary artery disease. Multiple complex coronary lesions relate to multifocal destabilization of coronary plaques. We investigated whether bone loss could be associated with the presence of multiple complex coronary lesions.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 150 patients with recent myocardial infarction (<1 month). Multiple complex coronary lesions were determined at coronary angiography. A panoramic dental X‐ray including bone loss >50% was performed. Patients with no or simple complex lesions were compared to patients with multiple complex lesions.ResultsOver 20% of patients had multiple complex coronary lesions. Patients with multiple complex lesion were less likely to be women and more likely to have multivessel disease or elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) than patients with no or single complex lesion. Bone loss >50% tended to be more frequent in patients with multiple complex lesions (p = 0.063). In multivariate analysis, multivessel disease, gender and CRP were associated with multiple complex lesion. Bone loss >50% increased the risk of multiple complex lesion.ConclusionBone loss was associated with complex multiple coronary lesions, beyond systemic inflammation. These findings may bear important clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.
Ultrasensitive Measurements of Microbial Rhodopsin Photocycles Using Photochromic FRET
Authors: Bayraktar Halil , Fields Alexander P. , Kralj Joel M. , Spudich John L. , Rothschild Kenneth J. , Cohen Adam E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMicrobial rhodopsins are an important class of light‐activated transmembrane proteins whose function is typically studied on bulk samples. Herein, we apply photochromic fluorescence resonance energy transfer to investigate the dynamics of these proteins with sensitivity approaching the single‐molecule limit. The brightness of a covalently linked organic fluorophore is modulated by changes in the absorption spectrum of the endogenous retinal chromophore that occur as the molecule undergoes a light‐activated photocycle. We studied the photocycles of blue‐absorbing proteorhodopsin and sensory rhodopsin II (SRII). Clusters of 2–3 molecules of SRII clearly showed a light‐induced photocycle. Single molecules of SRII showed a photocycle upon signal averaging over several illumination cycles.
Phlorotannin and Antioxidant Responses Upon Short‐term Exposure to UV Radiation and Elevated Temperature in Three South Pacific Kelps
Authors: Cruces Edgardo , Huovinen Pirjo , Gómez Iván 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRapid adjustments of the photosynthetic machinery and efficient antioxidant mechanisms to scavenge harmful ROS are physiologic adaptions exhibited by intertidal seaweeds to persist in temperate regions. This study examines short‐term (3 h) responses of three large kelps from the cold‐temperate coast of Chile, normally adapted to water temperatures <16°C, but exposed abruptly to simultaneous high temperatures and UV radiation during low tide in summer. The kelps were exposed in the laboratory to three temperatures (10, 20 and 28°C) with and without UV radiation, and photochemical reactions, concentration of phlorotannins and antioxidant activity were examined. The exposure to elevated temperature (slightly exacerbated by the presence of UV radiation) decreased photochemical processes (measured as fluorescence kinetics) in the three studied species and increased lipid peroxidation in two of them. The concentration of total soluble phlorotannins was variable and correlated with the antioxidant activity in the presence of UV radiation. Insoluble phlorotannins did not change during the exposure. In all, the downregulation of the photochemical machinery, which was expressed as dynamic photoinhibition, and the rapid induction of soluble phlorotannins triggered by UV radiation minimized the effects of oxidative stress and maintained the operation of photochemical processes during short‐term thermal stress.
Predictors of 1‐year visual outcome in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration following intravitreal ranibizumab treatment
Authors: Bloch Sara B. , la Cour Morten , Sander Birgit , Hansen Louise K. H. , Fuchs Josefine , Lund‐Andersen Henrik , Larsen Michael 
Published: October 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe predictors of visual outcome in patients treated with intravitreal ranibizumab for choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  Retrospective review of 279 patients with CNV in AMD who fulfilled MARINA/ANCHOR study eligibility criteria and were treated with repeated intravitreal injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg in routine clinical practice, beginning with three initial injections at 4‐week intervals followed by individualized retreatment for the subsequent 9 months. Study parameters included best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and morphological characteristics.Results:  Mean BCVA relative to baseline was +4.7 (p < 0.0001), +4.2 (p < 0.0001)and −0.4 (p > 0.667) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters after 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively, after a mean of 5.1 injections when the proportion of patients with BCVA ≥70 letters had doubled compared with baseline. Predictive factors for BCVA ≤35 letters after 12 months were BCVA ≤35 letters at baseline and month 3 (p < 0.0001) while BCVA ≥70 letters at month 12 was associated with BCVA ≥70 letters at baseline and month 3 (p < 0.001) and with total lesion size <4 DA (p = 0.0147).Conclusion:  Under a ranibizumab regimen with substantially fewer injections than with fixed four‐weekly injection regimens, BCVA was improved compared with the natural history of neovascular AMD, but did not achieve the visual gain observed in randomized clinical trials using fixed 4‐week retreatment. Visual acuity at month 3, after the initial fixed‐interval injections, was the strongest predictor of BCVA at month 12.
Glaucoma management in Sweden – results from a nationwide survey
Authors: Lindén Christina , Bengtsson Boel , Alm Albert , Calissendorff Berit , Eckerlund Ingemar , Heijl Anders 
Published: October 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To report the results from a nationwide survey on glaucoma management in Sweden, performed as a part of an Open Angle Glaucoma project conducted by the Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment 2004–2008.Methods:  In 2005, a survey was distributed to all providers of glaucoma care in Sweden: public eye departments, public outpatient departments and private practices. The questionnaire included questions on number of examined patients, types of examinations during one defined week, internal organization and access to diagnostic equipment. The questionnaire was endorsed by the Swedish Ophthalmological Society. Reminders were sent out to nonresponders.Results:  Response rate was high; 97% (33/34) of eye departments, 85% (39/46) of outpatient departments and 55% (69/125) of private practices. Out of 29 282 visits in ophthalmic care during the study week, 7737 (26%) were related to glaucoma. Diagnostic equipment was generally available; all public eye facilities and 92% of private practices had at least one computerized perimeter, while equipment for fundus photography/imaging was available at 100% of eye departments, 82% of outpatient departments and 62% of private practices. The number of visual field tests and fundus images was rather low. Survey results indicate that patients on the average underwent bilateral field testing every 2nd year and fundus imaging every 8th year.Conclusion:  Glaucoma care generated about a quarter of all patient visits in Swedish ophthalmic care. Access to diagnostic facilities was good. To meet modern standards of glaucoma care, glaucoma damage must be measured and followed more closely than at the time of the survey.
Complete remission and fatal interstitial pneumonitis related to nab‐paclitaxel in refractory small cell lung cancer: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Binchao , Yang Jinji , Luo Donglan , Qiao Huixian , Xie Zhi , Zhang Xuchao , Wu Yilong 
Published: October 2011

AbstractFor refractory or resistant small cell lung cancer (SCLC), there is no standard treatment. We report a case of refractory SCLC achieving complete remission and then developing fatal interstitial pneumonitis after treatment with single‐agent nab‐paclitaxel. The relevant literature has also been reviewed. In terms of effectiveness, evidences exists that some refractory or resistant SCLC patients respond to paclitaxel, including nab‐paclitaxel and solvent‐based paclitaxel. Paclitaxel‐related fatal interstitial pneumonitis is an uncommon event, with five fatal cases reported in the literature. It appears to occur in weekly paclitaxel‐treated patients and develop during the middle‐to‐late phase of treatment. Therefore, further randomized clinical trials should be encouraged. In our case, positive immunohistochemical analysis for caveolin‐1 in the tumor vascular endothelia suggests that the complete response may have been facilitated by enhanced transportation of paclitaxel through the tumor vascular barrier via caveolin‐1, despite being negative for secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in tumor cells. Further molecular investigations of gp60, caveolin‐1 and SPARC will shed light on tailored treatment in this setting.