bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What are the most effective interventions in preventing diabetic foot ulcers?
Authors: Lavery Lawrence A , Peters Edgar JG , Armstrong David G 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAlthough many studies have shown strong associations between certain causal factors and patients with foot ulcers, it is unclear how many of these factors interact. A model that could help identify unique causal pathways and pivotal factors associated with the development of foot ulcers may lead to earlier intervention as well as less frequent and less severe complications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the responsible causal pathways associated with foot ulcers in persons with diabetes, to determine the frequency of components of the pathway and to identify pivotal events of the pathway. Eighty‐seven patients with 103 existing or recently healed ulcers were prospectively evaluated. The data used in the pathway analysis reflected seven variables that have been associated with the development of foot ulcers. The data were interpreted to assess which component causes and pivotal events were responsible for the present ulcer. A cluster analysis was used to confirm findings from the descriptive analysis. Twenty‐four pathways were identified. The seven most common unique pathways accounted for 64·1% of the cases. The results of the cluster analysis showed four consistent, dominant clusters: (i) neuropathy, deformity, callus and elevated peak pressure; (ii) peripheral vascular disease; (iii) penetrating trauma and (iv) Ill‐fitting shoe gear. These results suggest that there is a finite number of key factors that, if identified and addressed with appropriate intervention strategies, may reduce the risk for the cascade of events towards ulceration and subsequent amputation.
A prospective study of blanchable erythema among university hospital patients
Authors: Konishi Chie , Sugama Junko , Sanada Hiromi , Okuwa Mayumi , Konya Chizuko , Nishizawa Tomoe , Shimamura Kimi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the predictive accuracy and factors deteriorating blanchable erythema. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a 832‐bed university hospital in Japan. Skin condition, risk factors, care plans and practices were measured everyday for 4 weeks by direct assessments and chart review by research staff. Blanchable erythema developed in 62 (24·9%) and a pressure ulcer in 8 (3·2%) patients. Six of the 62 blanchable erythema patients worsened to pressure ulcer of either stage I or II. Calculating the accuracy of blanchable erythema for predicting pressure ulcer development, sensitivity was 75%, specificity 77% and positive likelihood ratio 3·26. The factors found to deteriorate blanchable erythema were K‐scale ‘pressure’ and inadequate support surface management to a patient whose condition was deteriorating. These results suggested that the value of positive likelihood ratio means small effect to the clinical use. However, if adequate support surface management were implemented to blanchable erythema patients, the incidence of pressure ulcer would probably fall to 0·8%.
The hypothesis of ‘biophysical matrix contraction’: wound contraction revisited
Authors: Farahani Ramin Mostofizadeh , Kloth Luther C 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWound contraction is an orchestrated phenomenon that contributes to closure of wounds that heal by secondary intention. However, excessive and premature contraction results in scarring. Although the exact mechanism of contraction is unknown, the wound closure process is accompanied by and followed by changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the wound and periwound tissues during the biological transformation. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) induces a contractile phenotype in the cellular–extracellular matrix. Meanwhile, various external and internal mechanical stresses lead to microdeformations of the wound milieu with resultant upregulation of TGF‐β. Furthermore, the mechanical strain exerted on collagen fibres and other piezoelectric tissues leads to development of piezoelectric current in the wound site, which acts synergistically with TGF‐β. TGF‐β and mechanical strain regulate the orientation of collagen fibres parallel with the skin surface, which minimises the induction of piezoelectricity through the action of internal forces because of improper angulation of collagen fibres and these forces. The resulting dominance of external forces guides the contractile activity towards restoration of the original unwounded tissue architecture and functional activity of the previously wounded milieu. The aforementioned contractile activity proceeds into the remodelling phase of wound healing as the level of TGF‐β is reduced and myofibroblasts undergo apoptosis.
In vivo microvascular response of murine cutaneous muscle to ibuprofen‐releasing polyurethane foam
Authors: Ring Andrej , Goertz Ole , Muhr Gert , Steinau Hans‐Ulrich , Langer Stefan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn view of their pain‐relieving effect, the non steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are more and more used as a pain‐reducing component in modern wound dressings. To analyse the effect on new blood vessel growth, implants from Biatain Ibu™, a polyurethane foam containing ibuprofen, were inserted into the dorsal skinfold chamber of BALB/c mice. Implants from ibuprofen‐free polyurethane foam Biatain™ served as controls (n = 10 per group). Blood vessel growth and the functional vessel density (FVD) as a parameter for microvascularisation of implant’s border zone were assessed by intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVFM). IVFM was performed on days 3, 7 and 12 after implantation. Direct comparison showed no significant differences in FVD (mm/mm2) for the border zone of the ibuprofen‐releasing implants versus controls on day 3 (185·49 ± 4·75 versus 197·17 ± 5·21) and day 7 (229·60 ± 8·53 versus 247·99 ± 5·39). However, the IVFM showed a significant increased FVD for ibuprofen‐releasing implants (301·30 ± 8·44 versus 279·24 ± 5·78) on day 12 (P < 0·05). Also, a significant increase of FVD was detected for the ibuprofen‐releasing implants throughout the implantation time of 12 days. This study shows that local release of small‐dose ibuprofen from a polyurethane dressing does not decrease new blood vessel growth during the implantation time of 12 days. In the end, the microvascularisation of implant’s border zones in both groups was found comparatively undisturbed.
Mathematical model for wound healing following autologous keratinocyte transplantation
Authors: Renner Regina , Teuwen Isabell , Gebhardt Carl , Simon Jan C 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn times of increasing economical pressure on the health care systems, it is important to optimise the outpatient treatment of chronic wounds. Another aim of wound healing research is to discover agents to accelerate healing. Wound healing trajectories or healing velocities can provide information to demonstrate the endpoints for wound healings. A great problem in clinical trials is to specify these parameters. Therefore, we developed a mathematical model for more transparency. In this initial project, we observed 19 wounds to construct the wound healing trajectories after transplantation of autologous keratinocytes, and the results are so encouraging that investigation in this area will continue. The developed mathematical model describes the clinical observed healing process. It was possible to find parameters to distinguish between old and young patients, retrospectively or prospectively calculate the healing rates and to determine exactly the endpoint of healing. Therefore, our model might be very useful in practices or for studies.
Povidone–iodine: use in hand disinfection, skin preparation and antiseptic irrigation
Authors: Durani Piyush , Leaper David 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIodine and its antibacterial properties have been used for the prevention or management of wound infections for over 150 years. However, the use of solutions (tincture) of iodine has been replaced by the widespread use of povidone–iodine, a water‐soluble compound, which is a combination of molecular iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The resultant broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity is well documented and its efficacy, particularly in relation to resistant micro‐organisms such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has been shown. In the clinical environment, there is no general agreement regarding the ‘best’ antiseptic and the practice varies widely. This article reviews the studies that have assessed the efficacy of povidone–iodine in hand disinfection and skin preparation and its use as an antiseptic irrigant. Although there is a distinct lack of well‐designed, randomised controlled trials evaluating antiseptic efficacy, selection should be based on the next best available evidence. This evidence suggests that the use of povidone–iodine as an agent of choice is dependent on the clinical need but is also likely to be influenced by personal preference.
Treatment with bone marrow‐derived stromal cells accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats
Authors: Kwon David S , Gao Xiaohua , Liu Yong Bo , Dulchavsky Deborah S , Danyluk Andrew L , Bansal Mona , Chopp Michael , McIntosh Kevin , Arbab Ali S , Dulchavsky Scott A , Gautam Subhash C 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBone marrow stem cells participate in tissue repair processes and may have a role in wound healing. Diabetes is characterised by delayed and poor wound healing. We investigated the potential of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) to promote healing of fascial wounds in diabetic rats. After manifestation of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic state for 5 weeks in male adult Sprague–Dawley rats, healing of fascial wounds was severely compromised. Compromised wound healing in diabetic rats was characterised by excessive polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, lack of granulation tissue formation, deficit of collagen and growth factor [transforming growth factor (TGF‐β), epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet‐derived growth factor PDGF‐BB and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)] expression in the wound tissue and significant decrease in biomechanical strength of wounds. Treatment with BMSC systemically or locally at the wound site improved the wound‐breaking strength (WBS) of fascial wounds. The improvement in WBS was associated with an immediate and significant increase in collagen levels (types I–V) in the wound bed. In addition, treatment with BMSCs increased the expression of growth factors critical to proper repair and regeneration of the damaged tissue moderately (TGF‐β, KGF) to markedly (EGF, VEGF, PDGF‐BB). These data suggest that cell therapy with BMSCs has the potential to augment healing of the diabetic wounds.
Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation: a pilot study describing a new method for treating infected wounds
Authors: Gabriel Allen , Shores Jaimie , Heinrich Cherrie , Baqai Waheed , Kalina Sharon , Sogioka Norman , Gupta Subhas 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis data review reports the results of 15 patients who were treated with Vacuum‐Assisted Closure® (VAC) negative pressure therapy system in addition to the timed, intermittent delivery of an instilled topical solution for management of their complex, infected wounds. Prospective data for 15 patients treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)‐instillation was recorded and analysed. Primary endpoints were compared to a retrospective control group of 15 patients treated with our institution‘s standard moist wound‐care therapy. Culture‐specific systemic antibiotics were prescribed as per specific patient need in both groups. All data were checked for normality of distribution and equality of variance and appropriate parametric and non parametric analyses were conducted. Compared with the standard moist wound‐care therapy control group, patients in the NPWT‐instillation group required fewer days of treatment (36·5 ± 13·1 versus 9·9 ± 4·3 days, P < 0·001), cleared of clinical infection earlier (25·9 ± 6·6 versus 6·0 ± 1·5 days, P < 0·001), had wounds close earlier (29·6 ± 6·5 versus 13·2 ± 6·8 days, P < 0·001) and had fewer in‐hospital stay days (39·2 ± 12·1 versus 14·7 ± 9·2 days, P < 0·001). In this pilot study, NPWT instillation showed a significant decrease in the mean time to bioburden reduction, wound closure and hospital discharge compared with traditional wet‐to‐moist wound care. Outcomes from this study analysis suggest that the use of NPWT instillation may reduce cost and decrease inpatient care requirements for these complex, infected wounds.
Intermittent pneumatic compression in immobile patients
Authors: Partsch Hugo 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to stress the value of using intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) in immobile patients. The use of IPC helps prevent limb oedema and the associated skin changes frequently seen on the legs of the immobile patient. Oedema formation is caused by an increase of fluid extravasation, while skin changes including leg ulcers are mainly because of a deficiency of the venous and lymphatic pumps. Conventional compression stockings and bandages impede leg swelling but are less efficient in supporting the deficient veno‐lymphatic pump when patients are unable to move. In this situation, actively compressing the limb using IPC is a very meaningful and effective treatment option. Because of a lack of literature on the specific indication of IPC in immobile patients, experimental studies and randomised controlled trials in similar situations are reviewed. IPC is a very effective although underused treatment modality, especially in immobile, wheelchair‐bound patients. By inflation and deflation of the air‐filled garments, IPC produces cycles of pressure waves on the leg, thus mimicking the working and resting pressures applied by compression bandages. IPC not only reduces leg swelling but also augments the veno‐lymphatic pump, which is essential for the restoration of the damaged microcirculation of the skin.
Relationship Factors in the Development and Maintenance of ED: Implications for Treatment Effectiveness
Authors: McCabe Marita P. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionWith the advent of effective medical treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), there has been a reduced focus in recent years on the role of relationship in the development of this disorder.AimThis article examines the contribution of relationship factors to the success or otherwise of different treatment approaches for ED.Main Outcome MeasuresThe results of findings in the literature on the association between relationship factors and the development and maintenance of ED.MethodsThis article reviews and evaluates the literature that relates to the role of relationship factors in the development and maintenance of ED.ResultsThe current review demonstrates that relationship dynamics are frequently dysfunctional among men with ED. Research demonstrates that addressing these problems is likely to improve the effectiveness of therapy. However, there have been limited studies conducted in this area; many of these studies are methodologically flawed, and so it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.ConclusionThere needs to be further research on the association between relationship factors and ED. Suggestions for future research that include combined medical and psychological interventions for ED are proposed.
The effects of urea fertilisation and genotype on yield, nitrogen use efficiency, δ15N and δ13C in wheat
Authors: Serret M.D , Ortiz‐Monasterio I , Pardo A , Araus J.L 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNew methodologies to assess nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in field crops could help in the characterisation of large numbers of genotypes and growing conditions. The effects of chemical nitrogen fertilisation on yield: nitrogen taken up by the crop, NUE and its components utilisation efficiency (UTE) and uptake efficiency (UPE) and the stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) composition of mature grains and straw were evaluated. A set of 24 wheat genotypes generated over the past four decades by International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and the Mexican Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research were studied under well‐irrigated field conditions. Five concentrations of urea were applied as a source of N fertilisation. Fertilisation significantly decreased δ15N and increased δ13C, but δ15N was the isotopic trait most strongly correlated with absolute changes in yield and crop nitrogen (N) accumulation caused by different levels of N fertilisation. Both grain δ15N and grain δ13C correlated positively with NUE and UTE. Differences across genotypes in δ13C correlated positively with UTE and negatively with grain N content within each of the N levels assayed. Genotypic differences in δ15N correlated negatively with total grain N accumulated but only at the intermediate levels of N fertilisation. We conclude that under our experimental conditions, natural abundances of 15N and 13C may provide complementary information on how nitrogen fertiliser is used by the plant. However, whereas grain yield and biomass, as well as total N accumulated and NUE, increased in the most recent genotypes, only a tendency for higher δ15N was observed and there was no clear trend for δ13C. Changes in NUE were paralleled by changes in UPE rather than UTE.
A typology of sloping and mountainous olive plantation systems to address natural resources management
Authors: Fleskens L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOlive plantation systems occur in a wide variety throughout the Mediterranean, especially in sloping and mountainous areas. Recent drivers of change, including the widespread introduction of mechanisation, increased use of (chemical) inputs and (drip)irrigation have considerably added to this diversity. The various systems have very different resource use patterns and environmental and social performances. This article attempts to grasp these differences and to link systems characteristics to options for natural resources management in the spirit of contemporary agricultural policies that seek to promote a more sustainable agriculture. Cluster analysis was employed to classify 28 olive plantation systems distinguished by regional typologies developed for six study areas: Trás‐os‐Montes (Portugal), Córdoba and Granada/Jaén (both in Spain), Haffouz (Tunisia), Basilicata/Salerno (Italy) and West‐Crete (Greece). Six types of olive plantation systems resulted: (a) very extensive, (b) traditional extensive, (c) semi‐intensive low input, (d) semi‐intensive high input, (b) intensive and (e) organic. Natural resources management options to address soil erosion, low biodiversity, wildfire risk and excessive water use are explored for each of these systems. In the discussion, it becomes evident that an important quality for a typology lies in its capacity to differentiate likely future development pathways. If options are known, policy‐makers can make choices as to what the desired pathway is and what instruments to design to facilitate it.
Ability of Reptalus quinquecostatus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) to inoculate stolbur phytoplasma to artificial feeding medium
Authors: Pinzauti F. , Trivellone V. , Bagnoli B. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractLaboratory trials were carried out on wild individuals of Reptalus quinquecostatus (Cixiidae), a potential vector of stolbur phytoplasma to grapevine, to assess its ability to inoculate the phytoplasma in artificial feeding medium. Seventy‐seven specimens of the cixiid were tested on a sucrose–TE (Tris–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) diet and 62 of them survived less than 24 h. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays performed on the insect bodies detected the presence of stolbur phytoplasma, with an infection rate of 32.5%. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the tuf gene, amplified by PCR, revealed Vergilbungskrankheit type I (VK‐I) in 20 specimens, VK‐II in 4 specimens and both types in 1 specimen. Ten of the 25 infected R. quinquecostatus specimens successfully inoculated VK‐I in the sucrose solution, that is, a 40% inoculation efficiency despite the brief survival. The results indicate that R. quinquecostatus is a competent species to transmit the stolbur phytoplasma in artificial conditions. The repeated observation of adults feeding on grapevine strengthens the hypothesis that the species is a vector of stolbur phytoplasma to this plant.
Incidences and progression of tomato chlorosis virus disease and tomato yellow leaf curl virus disease in tomato under different greenhouse covers in southeast Spain
Authors: Velasco L. , Simón B. , Janssen D. , Cenis J.L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractEpidemics of whitefly‐transmitted Tomato chlorosis virus, Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus have been present in the south east of Spain since the 1990s. A survey was performed in 40 greenhouses and nethouses during 2003 to establish the relationship between the disease incidence and the quality of greenhouse or nethouse coverings, providing a physical protection of crops against whiteflies. For tomato chlorosis virus disease (ToCD), the incidence correlated with the type of greenhouse cover and was most reduced under higher quality covers. Control of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) was achieved only for crops grown in the highest quality greenhouses. TYLCD incidence in tolerant tomatoes remained below 100% within the 5 months of sampling, despite the disease progress rate at the initial stage of the cultivation being higher than that of ToCD, which did reach 100% incidence in many greenhouses. Linear regression analysis showed that the development of ToCD and TYLCD in most of the greenhouses was best described by the monomolecular model and the Gompertz model, respectively. Tomato infectious chlorosis virus was not detected in parallel surveys carried out during this study, although it has been described previously in the area studied.
Galactolipid depletion in blast fungus‐infected rice leaves
Authors: Zhou L. , Zhang Y. , Rao L. , Cao Y. , Peng Y. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis research focuses on galactolipid depletion in blast fungus‐infected rice leaves. Two major galactolipids, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), from rice leaves were isolated and purified. The chemical structure of MGDG was identified as 1,2‐dilinolenyl‐3‐O‐β‐d‐galactopyranosyl‐sn‐glycerol, and that of DGDG as 1,2‐dilinolenyl‐3‐O‐[α‐d‐galactopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐O‐β‐d‐galactopyranosyl]‐sn‐glycerol. Both the MGDG and DGDG content in the incompatible blast fungus race‐infected leaves decreased more than those in the compatible blast fungus race‐infected leaves during the infection process. Active oxygen species had the ability to peroxygenate and de‐esterify MGDG or DGDG in vitro, suggesting that active oxygen species play an important role in galactolipid depletion during the process of rice blast fungus invasion. Other possible functions of rice galactolipids during disease resistance are also discussed.