bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot clinical study of a novel minimally invasive bipolar microneedle radiofrequency device
Authors: Hantash Basil M. , Renton Bradley , Berkowitz R. Laurence , Stridde Braden C. , Newman James 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNoninvasive bipolar and monopolar radiofrequency (RF) deep dermal heating devices have previously been described. A novel minimally invasive RF device employing a bipolar microneedle electrode system is introduced and its resultant thermal effects on human skin in vivo were characterized for the first time.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAn investigational 35 W RF device was configured to operate in bipolar mode delivering energy directly within the dermis using 5 microneedle electrode pairs with real‐time feedback of tissue temperature for treatment control. Superficial cooling was achieved using a Peltier device. A range of pulse durations between 1 and 25 seconds, and lesion temperatures between 60 and 80°C were tested in vivo on 15 human subjects. Thermal effects were assessed histologically using either hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) or nitroblue‐tetrazoliumchloride (NBTC) staining. Treatment effects and adverse events were also monitored clinically.ResultsThe investigational bipolar RF device delivered controlled heating within dermal tissue. Histological staining with H&E revealed the presence of zones of denatured collagen within the reticular dermis. Lesions were generated at preselected temperatures between 60 and 80°C. Fractional lesions separated by zones of sparing as well as contiguous lesion patterns were demonstrated. Histological staining with H&E and NBTC revealed sparing of adnexal structures and adipose tissue. No major adverse events were observed.ConclusionsA novel fractional RF device utilizing a minimally invasive bipolar microneedle delivery system for the treatment of human tissue was developed. Treatment of 15 human subjects illustrated the controlled creation of dermally located thermal coagulation zones, herein known as radiofrequency thermal zones. We discovered that varying the pulse length allowed for fractional sparing of dermal tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe use of a direct real‐time temperature and impedance feedback system to control energy delivery during deep dermal heating. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:87–95, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of multiple passes on the epidermal thermal damage pattern in nonablative fractional resurfacing
Authors: Manstein Dieter , Zurakowski David , Thongsima Siremon , Laubach Hans , Chan Henry H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveNonablative fractional resurfacing is a concept of cutaneous re‐modeling whereby laser‐induced microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) are surrounded by normal viable tissue. Such thermal damage pattern with a small diameter of individual lesions allows fast re‐epithelialization with minimal side effects. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the fraction of thermal injury per unit surface area (fill factor) and lesion size in relation to pulse energy and number of passes.MethodsFull thickness abdominal skin samples were exposed ex vivo to the Fraxel SR 750 laser (Reliant Technologies, Mountain View, CA). One set of exposures was performed for pulse energies in the range of 8 to 40 mJ for a single pass at 250 MTZ/cm2. A second set of exposures was performed at 10 mJ with number of passes from 1 to 30. The thermal damage pattern was assessed by incubation of epidermal sheets with NitroBlueTetrazoliumChloride (NBTC) stain. Size of individual MTZ and fill factor were determined by image analysis (ImageJ, NIH, Bethesda, MD) of digital micrographs.ResultsWidth of the thermal injury zone was directly related to the pulse energy used. The fill factor did not have a uniform relationship with the number of passes. Due to the stochastic placement of individual MTZs, even for greater number of passes, some residual undamaged tissue was found. Due to formation of thermal damage clusters, defined as overlapping individual MTZs, the size of the resulting clustering lesions which we defined as microscopic treatment cluster (MTC) increased linearly as a function of the number of passes.ConclusionWe have described the fill factor as it relates to the number of passes and have demonstrated that the average size of individual lesions depends on the number of passes. Clustering of MTZs lead to the development of MTC, the average size of which increased with the number of passes. The clinical implications of these findings are contingent on further studies. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:149–153, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fractional deep dermal ablation induces tissue tightening
Authors: Rahman Zakia , MacFalls Heather , Jiang Kerrie , Chan Kin F. , Kelly Kristen , Tournas Joshua , Stumpp Oliver F. , Bedi Vikramaditya , Zachary Christopher 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveDue to the significant risk profile associated with traditional ablative resurfacing, a safer and less invasive treatment approach known as fractional deep dermal ablation (FDDA™) was recently developed. We report the results of the first clinical investigation of this modality for treatment of photodamaged skin.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four subjects received treatments on the inner forearm with a prototype fractional CO2 laser device (Reliant Technologies Inc., Mountain View, CA) at settings of 5–40 mJ/MTZ and 400 MTZ/cm2. Clinical and histological effects were assessed by study investigators 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following treatment. Thirty subjects were then enrolled in a multi‐center study for treatment of photodamage using the same device. Subjects received 1–2 treatments on the face and neck, with energies ranging from 10 to 40 mJ/MTZ and densities ranging from 400 to 1,200 MTZ/cm2. Study investigators assessed severity of post‐treatment responses during follow‐up visits 48 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following treatment. Using a standard quartile improvement scale (0–4), subjects and investigators assessed improvement in rhytides, pigmentation, texture, laxity and overall appearance 1 and 3 months post‐treatment.ResultsClinical and histologic results demonstrated that fractional delivery of a 10,600 nm CO2 laser source offers an improved safety profile with respect to traditional ablative resurfacing, while still effectively resurfacing epidermal and dermal tissue. Forearm and facial treatments were well‐tolerated with no serious adverse events observed. Eighty‐three percent of subjects exhibited moderate or better overall improvement (50–100%), according to study investigator quartile scoring.ConclusionsFDDA™ treatment is a safe and promising new approach for resurfacing of epidermal and deep dermal tissue targets. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:78–86, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal pulse durations for the treatment of leg telangiectasias with an alexandrite laser
Authors: Ross E.V. , Meehan K.J. , Gilbert S. , Domankevitz Y. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDetermine optimal settings using a long pulse 755 nm alexandrite laser in the treatment of superficial leg veins.Study Design\Materials and MethodsFifteen patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I–III with telangiectasia ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 mm were enrolled. Spot size varied from 3 to 6 mm. Pulse durations ranged from 3 to 100 milliseconds. For each pulse duration, test sites were performed to determine threshold radiant exposures using persistent bluing and/or immediate stenosis (closure) as the clinical endpoint. Test sites were re‐evaluated 21 days later. Optimal settings, those that resulted in the greatest clearance with minimal side effects (pain, purpura, epidermal damage, pigment changes), were used to treat a larger area of like‐sized vessels. Follow‐up evaluations were conducted 12 weeks after a single treatment using the optimal setting. Polarized digital photographs were obtained at each visit. Improvement was determined by blinded evaluation of pre/post‐treatment photographs.ResultsFourteen patients completed the study. Radiant exposure thresholds for immediate vessel changes depended on vessel diameter, with larger radiant exposures required for smaller spot sizes and smaller vessels. The average threshold radiant exposure for closure was 89 J/cm2. The optimal pulse duration was 60 milliseconds for most of the patients. With this pulse width, clearance approached 65% 12 weeks after a single treatment. Transient hyperpigmentation occurred in four patients. Increasing the pulse duration improved epidermal tolerance and decreased the likelihood of purpura.ConclusionsBy lengthening the pulsewidth beyond 3 milliseconds, a long pulse alexandrite laser achieves satisfactory clearance with an improved side effect profile. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:104–109, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluorescence detection and diagnosis of non‐melanoma skin cancer at an early stage
Authors: de Leeuw Jaap , van der Beek Nick , Neugebauer W. Dieter , Bjerring Peter , Neumann H.A. Martino 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe occurrence of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including actinic keratosis (AK) is increasing all over the world. The detection and diagnosis of NMSC is not optimal in clinical practice. Complementary methods for detection and accurate demarcation of NMSC at an early stage are needed in order to limit the damage caused by tumours.ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to use a large area skin fluorescence detection system to detect early NMSCs (clinical visible as well as non‐visible lesions) in the face, neck, chest, back and hands of patients treated with UV and outdoor workers.MethodsFluorescence detection with a purpose‐made digital camera and software (Dyaderm®) combined with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) encapsulated in liposomes.ResultsIn 93 consecutively referred patients positive skin fluorescence was detected in 61 patients. After histological examination the positive fluorescence appeared to be correlated to benign lesions in 28 patients (sebaceous gland hyperplasia in 22 patients) and to (pre‐) malignant lesions in 33 patients (actinic keratosis in 29, BCC in 3 and SCC in 1 patient). False negative fluorescence was found in only one lesion. In five patients the FD technique used in this study appeared to be more sensitive for the identification of (pre‐) malignant lesions than the clinical examination. This is in contrast with FD techniques used in previous studies.ConclusionDiagnostic skin fluorescence using liposomal encapsulated 5‐ALA and a specialised computerised detection and visualisation system offers the possibility for detection of NMSC at an early, pre‐clinical stage. The technique is well suited to examine large areas of skin. It also identifies areas of most interest for performing confirmatory skin biopsies, as well as pre‐operative assessment of boundaries of skin malignancies, and finally, the technique is applicable in the control and follow‐up of skin cancer treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:96–103, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific pH‐Responsive Folate‐Conjugate Microgels Designed for Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Pérez‐Alvarez Leyre , Sáez‐Martínez Virginia , Hernaez Estíbaliz , Herrero M. , Katime Issa 
Published: February 2009

AbstractColloidal nanosized folate‐conjugated hydrogels for targeted chemotherapy were prepared via a versatile and efficient postsynthetic modification pathway starting from P(NPA‐co‐NIPAM). The modifications included the introduction of 4‐methylpyridine as pH‐sensitive pendant groups and the conjugation of folic acid to the microgel network. The microgels showed a specific swelling at pH < 6 (endosomes) as judged by DLS studies varying the external pH. The relative composition of the microgels shows a clear influence on the pH volume transition shifting. The potential of the microgels for anticancer drug release at pH = 5.0 was confirmed. Therefore, they are a promising targeting carrier for improved anticancer chemotherapy.magnified image
Multifunctional xGnP/LLDPE Nanocomposites Prepared by Solution Compounding Using Various Screw Rotating Systems
Authors: Kim Sumin , Do Inhwan , Drzal Lawrence T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractxGnP‐Reinforced LLDPE nanocomposites have been prepared using co‐, counter‐ and modified co‐rotating screw systems. The highest tensile strength and modulus were shown in the case of composites made by counter‐rotating screws. The percolation threshold of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet/LLDPE nanocomposites was between 12 and 15 wt.‐%. The change of crystallinity caused by exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet loading was monitored using DSC and XRD. It was found that solution mixing showed better dispersion of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets than melt mixing, and counter‐rotating screws produced better dispersion of the exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets than co‐ and modified co‐rotating screws even though bubbling appeared during mixing in the barrel.magnified image
A Template‐Free Method toward Urchin‐Like Polyaniline Microspheres
Authors: Wang Junsheng , Wang Jixiao , Wang Zhi , Zhang Fengbao 
Published: February 2009

AbstractUrchin‐like PANI microspheres with an average diameter of 5–10 µm have been successfully prepared. Their surfaces consist of highly oriented nanofibers of ≈30 nm diameter and 1 µm length. The solvent composition plays an important role in the formation process of urchin‐like PANI microspheres. The structure of the products has been characterized by FT‐IR, UV‐vis, and XRD. To investigate the self‐assembly of urchin‐like PANI microspheres, the effect of polymerization time on the morphology of the products has been studied. The morphological evolution process indicates that the urchin‐like microspheres originate from the self‐assembly of nanoplates, which then grow into urchin‐like microstructures with nanofibers on the surface.magnified image
Low‐frequency scattering by a penetrable body with an eccentric soft or hard core
Authors: Lucas‐Lekatsas John , Kostopoulos Vassilis 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA plane wave is scattered by an acoustically soft or hard sphere, covered by a penetrable non‐concentric spherical lossless shell that disturbs the propagation of the incident wave field. The dimensions of the coated sphere are much smaller than the wavelength of the incident field. Low‐frequency theory reduces this scattering problem to a sequence of potential problems, which can be solved iteratively. Exactly one bispherical coordinate system exists that fits the given geometry of the obstacle. For the case of a soft and hard core, the exact low‐frequency coefficients of the zeroth and the first‐order for the near field as well as the first‐ and second‐order coefficients for the normalized scattering amplitude are obtained and the cross sections are calculated. Discussion of the results and their physical meaning is included. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Olsen Sherri A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system without a known cure. Because of this, people with MS often seek complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to manage their disease symptoms. The goal of this review article was to describe the use of CAM by individuals diagnosed with MS. Evidence was obtained by searching Medline (1950–2007), EBSCOhost and PubMed for studies relating CAM to MS. Results from the literature showed that people with MS reported that they used CAM from 27 to 100%. The major reasons for choosing CAM were as follows: conventional treatment was not effective, anecdotal reports of CAM's help, and doctor referral. The types of CAM reported by people with MS included exercise, vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, cannabis and massage. The major symptoms treated by CAM as noted in the literature were pain, fatigue and stress. There is a need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of CAM with MS patients and their application by occupational therapists. The limitation of this literature review was the low response rate in many of the surveys reported. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The predictive value of 18 and 22 week uterine artery Doppler in patients with low first trimester maternal serum PAPP‐A
Authors: Cooper Stephanie , Johnson Jo‐Ann M. , Metcalfe Amy , Pollard Jeffery , Simrose Rebecca , Connors Gregory , Jones Donna , Roggensack Anne , Krause Richard , Lange Ian 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if the addition of uterine artery (UA) Doppler pulsatility index (PI) at 18 and 22 weeks of gestation improves the predictive accuracy of low first trimester pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) in the detection of adverse obstetrical outcomes.MethodsThis was a prospective interventional study. All women undergoing first trimester combined screening (FTS) at a single center, with a low maternal serum PAPP‐A level (<0.4 MoM), were included. Patients underwent bilateral UA Doppler assessments at 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. A positive test was defined as a mean PI > 1.45. Primary outcomes were obtained from chart review, and logistic regression analysis was used to compare outcomes with positive and negative tests. Positive and negative predictive value, specificity and sensitivity were calculated.ResultsBetween January and October 2007, 5359 women completed FTS. Among the low PAPP‐A group (n = 289), 18 week UA Doppler was a significant predictor of low birth weight (OR = 2.28, p = 0.04) while 22 week UA Doppler significantly predicted preterm birth (OR = 12.6, p = 0.001), small for gestational age (OR = 8.24, p = 0.001) and low birth weight (OR = 2.28, p = 0.04). Test characteristics suggested improved positive and negative predictive value for Doppler at 22 versus 18 weeks for these outcomes.ConclusionsUA Doppler at 22 weeks is a useful adjunct in patients with low PAPP‐A. However, a negative Doppler does not rule out all adverse outcomes and clinical judgment is advised in the management of these patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of antiphosholipid biology in maternal Down syndrome screening
Authors: Brochet Christine , Morin Nathalie , Coudert Mathieu , Vauthier‐Brouzes Danièle , Costedoat‐Chalumeau Nathalie , Bernard Maguy 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveWomen with antiphospholipid (aPL) biology present obstetric complications. The α‐fetoprotein (AFP) serum levels of these patients are higher than in general population. Because AFP is involved in the calculation of the risk of trisomy 21 (T21), we studied the effect of AFP variations in the presence of aPL during T21 screening.MethodsThe study group (aPL group) was comprised of 64 pregnancies in women with aPL antibodies. The control group was comprised of 21 655 pregnancies included in the national program for routine Down syndrome (DS) screening by maternal serum markers [human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and AFP] between 14 + 0 and 18 + 6 weeks of gestation.ResultsAFP values, converted in logarithm of multiples of the median (MoM), were significantly higher in the aPL group (0.03 vs 0.10; p = 0.018). After a matricial transformation of AFP MoM and hCG MoM in the aPL group, new T21 risks presented a median of one in 1665 versus one in 2574 (p < 0.0001 with a rank‐sign test).ConclusionOur results highlight the fact that in the presence of aPL antibodies, the calculated risk of T21 is underestimated. Therefore, clinicians should interpret the screening borderline results in aPL patients with caution. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A strategy for identifying circulating placental RNA markers for fetal growth assessment
Authors: Pang Winnie W. I. , Tsui Michelle H. Y. , Sahota Daljit , Leung Tak Y. , Lau Tze K. , Lo Y. M. Dennis , Chiu Rossa W. K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether circulating placental mRNAs in maternal plasma could serve as markers for the assessment of fetal growth or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).MethodsFrom a panel of placental transcripts detectable in maternal plasma identified by microarray previously, we chose growth‐related transcripts, namely CSH1, GH2, KISS1, and ADAM12, as potential growth markers. Relationships between the maternal plasma mRNA concentrations with several fetal growth indicators were studied. Maternal plasma mRNA concentrations from IUGR pregnancies with or without pre‐eclampsia (PET) were compared with gestational age matched controls cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. The four transcripts were quantified by one‐step real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsMaternal plasma GH2 mRNA significantly correlated with birth weight and fetal biometric measurements. Maternal plasma ADAM12 mRNA concentration was significantly higher in IUGR with PET than normal pregnancies in the cross‐sectional comparison. No significant difference was observed for all markers between IUGR without PET and controls in both the cross‐sectional and longitudinal comparisons.ConclusionThis study presents a potential strategy in identifying surrogate markers for the study of fetal growth. Circulating GH2 mRNA in maternal plasma appeared to be associated with fetal growth. The utility of this strategy and the currently assessed markers could be explored in further studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and photochromic properties of crown‐containing styryl derivatives of naphthopyrans
Authors: Glebov Evgeni M. , Smolentsev Artjom B. , Korolev Valeri V. , Plyusnin Victor F. , Chebunkova Anna V. , Paramonov Sergei V. , Fedorova Olga A. , Lokshin Vladimir , Samat Andre 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNew crown‐containing and crownless chromenes were synthesized. Their physical properties and photochemistry were characterized. Crown‐containing chromenes form inclusion complexes with Mg2+ cation. Two types of photochemical reactions were observed for all the studied chromenes. The photoreaction of the first type is cis–trans isomerization of styryl fragment in closed form. Second type of photoreaction is the reversible formation of open form responsible for the photochromism of chromenes. Arrhenius parameters of back reactions are determined. Both crownless and crown‐containing chromenes do not demonstrate cation‐dependent photochromism, which is explained by the peculiarities of the structure of open form. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel topology for representing protein folds
Authors: Segal Mark R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractVarious topologies for representing 3D protein structures have been advanced for purposes ranging from prediction of folding rates to ab initio structure prediction. Examples include relative contact order, Delaunay tessellations, and backbone torsion angle distributions. Here, we introduce a new topology based on a novel means for operationalizing 3D proximities with respect to the underlying chain. The measure involves first interpreting a rank‐based representation of the nearest neighbors of each residue as a permutation, then determining how perturbed this permutation is relative to an unfolded chain. We show that the resultant topology provides improved association with folding and unfolding rates determined for a set of two‐state proteins under standardized conditions. Furthermore, unlike existing topologies, the proposed geometry exhibits fine scale structure with respect to sequence position along the chain, potentially providing insights into folding initiation and/or nucleation sites.