bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does low socioeconomic status in early life protect against multiple sclerosis? A multinational, case–control study
Authors: Goulden R. , Riise T. , Myhr K.‐M. , Pugliatti M. , Wolfson C.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

The findings from existing research on the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are inconsistent. Most previous studies are limited to one country and do not adequately adjust for other risk factors for the disease.

Methods

The association between SES and MS was examined using data from the multinational Environmental Risk Factors in Multiple Sclerosis (EnvIMS) case–control study, comprising 2144 cases and 3859 controls from Norway, Canada and Italy. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between early life SES, measured by parental educational level, and MS. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, sunlight exposure, history of infectious mononucleosis, smoking, obesity and family size.

Results

Relative to those whose parents had primary school education or below, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for MS amongst individuals with university‐educated parents, and the P value for trend across education levels, were 1.45 (1.03–2.05) in Canada (P for trend 0.030), 1.09 (0.85–1.39) in Norway (P for trend 0.395) and 0.65 (0.39–1.07) in Italy (P for trend 0.158).

Conclusion

There is no consistent association between parental SES and MS risk in Norway, Canada and Italy, with a protective effect of low SES only found in Canada.
Fish population genetic structure shaped by hydroelectric power plants in the upper Rhine catchment
Authors: Gouskov Alexandre , Reyes Marta , Wirthner‐Bitterlin Lisa , Vorburger Christoph
Published: October 2015

The Rhine catchment in Switzerland has been transformed by a chain of hydroelectric power stations. We addressed the impact of fragmentation on the genetic structure of fish populations by focusing on the European chub (Squalius cephalus). This fish species is not stocked and copes well with altered habitats, enabling an assessment of the effects of fragmentation per se. Using microsatellites, we genotyped 2133 chub from 47 sites within the catchment fragmented by 37 hydroelectric power stations, two weirs and the Rhine Falls. The shallow genetic population structure reflected drainage topology and was affected significantly by barriers to migration. The effect of power stations equipped with fishpasses on genetic differentiation was detectable, albeit weaker than that of man‐made barriers without fishpasses. The Rhine Falls as the only long‐standing natural obstacle (formed 14 000 to 17 000 years ago) also had a strong effect. Man‐made barriers also exacerbated the upstream decrease in allelic diversity in the catchment, particularly when lacking fishpasses. Thus, existing fishpasses do have the desired effect of mitigating fragmentation, but barriers still reduce population connectivity in a fish that traverses fishpasses better than many other species. Less mobile species are likely to be affected more severely.
Sebocytes differentially express and secrete adipokines
Authors: Kovács Dóra , Lovászi Marianna , Póliska Szilárd , Oláh Attila , Bíró Tamás , Veres Imre , Zouboulis Christos C. , Ståhle Mona , Rühl Ralph , Remenyik Éva , Törőcsik Dániel
Published: October 2015

In addition to producing sebum, sebocytes link lipid metabolism with inflammation at a cellular level and hence, greatly resemble adipocytes. However, so far no analysis was performed to identify and characterize the adipocyte‐associated inflammatory proteins, the members of the adipokine family in sebocytes. Therefore, we determined the expression profile of adipokines [adiponectin, interleukin (IL) 6, resistin, leptin, serpin E1, visfatin, apelin, chemerin, retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1)] in sebaceous glands of healthy and various disease‐affected (acne, rosacea, melanoma and psoriasis) skin samples. Sebaceous glands in all examined samples expressed adiponectin, IL6, resistin, leptin, serpin E1 and visfatin, but not apelin, chemerin, RBP4 and MCP1. Confirming the presence of the detected adipokines in the human SZ95 sebaceous gland cell line we further characterized their expression and secretion patterns under different stimuli mimicking bacterial invasion [by using Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and 4 activators], or by 13‐cis retinoic acid (13CRA; also known as isotretinoin), a key anti‐acne agent. With the exception of resistin, the expression of all of the detected adipokines (adiponectin, IL6, leptin, serpin E1 and visfatin) could be further regulated at the level of gene expression, showing a close correlation with the secreted protein levels. Besides providing further evidence on similarities between adipocytes and sebocytes, our results strongly suggest that sebocytes are not simply targets of inflammation but may exhibit initiatory and modulatory roles in the inflammatory processes of the skin through the expression and secretion of adipokines.
Eosinophil localization to the basement membrane zone is autoantibody‐ and complement‐dependent in a human cryosection model of bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Messingham Kelly N. , Wang Jeffrey W. , Holahan Heather M. , Srikantha Rupasree , Aust Samantha C. , Fairley Janet A.
Published: October 2015

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by antibodies (IgG and IgE) targeting cell‐substrate adhesion proteins. A variety of BP models suggest that autoantibody‐dependent neutrophil degranulation is essential for blister formation. However, lesional biopsies reveal a predominance of eosinophils and few neutrophils. Our goal was to evaluate the role of antibodies and complement in eosinophil localization, degranulation and split formation at the dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ) utilizing a human skin cryosection model of BP paired with a human eosinophilic cell line, 15HL‐60. Expression of receptors for IgG (FcγRII), IgE (FcεRI) and complement (CR1 and CR3) was confirmed on 15HL‐60 cells using flow cytometry. 15HL‐60 expression of granule protein [eosinophil derived neurotoxin (EDN) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO)] mRNA and their degranulation in vitro was confirmed using RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. For cryosection experiments, BP or control sera or IgG and IgE antibodies purified from BP sera were utilized in combination with 15HL‐60 cells ± fresh complement. Both BP serum and fresh complement were required for localization of 15‐HL60 cells to the DEJ. Interestingly, eosinophil localization to the DEJ was dependent on IgG, but not IgE, and complement. However, no subepidermal split was observed. Additionally, the 15HL‐60 cells did not degranulate under any experimental conditions and direct application of cell lysate to cryosections did not result in a split. Our observation that eosinophil localization to the DEJ is dependent on IgG mediated complement fixation provides additional insight into the sequence of events during the development of BP lesions.
What the #@!* are they Fighting About?!?: Reflections on Fairness, Identity, Social Capital, and Peacemaking in Family Conflicts
Authors: Hoffman David A.
Published: October 2015

Peacemaking is particularly challenging in family conflicts. Deeply held feelings about identity, fair treatment, moral issues, and protecting social capital often cause people in conflict to make self‐defeating decisions. There are, however, techniques that enable mediators, Collaborative Practice professionals, and other peacemakers to overcome the settlement barriers created by these strongly held views. These techniques include those pioneered by psychotherapists using the Internal Family Systems model, which enables parties to see that their strongly held views comprise only part of the constellation of feelings that they have about the conflict.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Parents who feel that their role as father or mother is in danger often find it difficult to focus on the children's best interests.

The “rule of reciprocity” causes people who feel wronged to exact even harsher punishment on those who harmed them.

The concept of “social capital” explains why people care so passionately about whether they are treated fairly and about their reputation for fairness.

The Internal Family Systems model helps peacemakers to understand how to work with the parties’ ambivalence about settlement versus courtroom vindication.
A Systematic Approach to Domestic Abuse–Informed Child Custody Decision Making in Family Law Cases
Authors: Davis Gabrielle
Published: October 2015

This article introduces an approach to domestic violence–informed decision making developed under the auspices of the National Child Custody Differentiation Project, a cooperative undertaking among the Battered Women's Justice Project, the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts, the National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges, Praxis International, and the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. This approach has four essential elements: (1) identifying domestic abuse; (2) understanding the nature and context of domestic abuse; (3) determining the implications of abuse; and (4) accounting for the nature, context, and implications of abuse in all custody‐related recommendations and decisions.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Applying a systematic approach to domestic violence can help practitioners identify, understand, and account for abuse in family law cases.

The approach recommended here is suitable for use by anyone who is involved in a contested child custody case at any stage of the proceeding.

The specific application of the recommended approach will vary depending upon the practitioner's role and function in the case, relationship to the parties, and access to information, as well as the nature of the proceeding and the issues to be decided.
Out on a Limb: Appointing a Parenting Coordinator with Decision‐Making Authority in the Absence of a Statute or Rule
Authors: Montiel Joi T.
Published: October 2015

This Article addresses the issue of whether a court may appoint a Parenting Coordinator (PC) with decision‐making authority in the absence of a statute or court rule. The Article identifies possible sources of authority for the appointment of a PC with decision‐making authority in a state with no authorizing statute or court rule. It also provides a paradigm for constructing an appointment that allows for the benefits of Parenting Coordination but does not delegate decision‐making authority to an extent that it would constitute an impermissible delegation of judicial authority.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Where a court seeks to appoint a PC with decision‐making authority in the absence of an authorizing statute or court rule, the court may find some authority allowing the appointment in (1) its equitable authority over child custody and visitation, (2) its authority to enforce its own orders, or (3) its authority to appoint other extrajudicial assistants such as a special master or mediator.

Where a court seeks to appoint a PC with decision‐making authority in the absence of an authorizing statute or court rule, the court must craft an appointment that delegates enough decision‐making authority to the PC for parenting coordination to be effective yet, at the same time, not so much decision‐making authority as to render the appointment an impermissible delegation of a judicial function, specifically:

The PC's role should be limited to assisting the parties in implementing custody and visitation terms already decreed by the trial court.

A PC should be appointed only if the parties to the divorce consent to the appointment or if the trial court makes a finding that the case is a high‐conflict case.

The parties must have the opportunity for the trial court to meaningfully review any decision of the PC so that the trial court retains ultimate decision‐making authority.
Expressed‐Interest Legal Representation for Children in Substitute Care: Evaluation of the Impact of Representation on Children's Permanency Outcomes
Authors: Zinn Andrew , Peters Clark
Published: October 2015

Based on a combination of administrative data; juvenile court record review; and informed‐participant interviews of juvenile court judges, attorneys, and service providers, the current study examines the impact of the Foster Children's Project (FCP). FCP is a program that provides professional legal representation to children in substitute care. Legal representation by FCP attorneys is found to increase the rate of children's exit to adoption, leading to a higher overall rate of exit to permanence. The rate of exit to reunification is not, however, found to be affected by FCP representation. Implications for juvenile court policy and practice are discussed.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

The study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of client‐directed representation in cases of children in foster care through examination of Palm Beach County's Foster Children's Project (FCP), which provides professional legal representation to those in state care.

FCP representation was found to increase the rate of children's exit to adoption, leading to a higher overall rate of exit to permanence. The rate of exit to reunification, however, remained stable.

Research findings are based on administrative data; juvenile court record review; and interviews of juvenile court judges, attorneys, and service providers.
The Family Court–Based Stepping Stones Model of Triage: Some Concerns About Safety, Process, and Objectives*
Authors: Ellis Desmond
Published: October 2015

This article critically evaluates the recommendation that family court–based mandatory mediation incorporated in a tiered service delivery model be replaced by a mandatory screening process incorporated in a stepping stones triage model in which couples are matched with an appropriate conflict resolution proceeding. My conclusion is that implementation of this recommendation should be made contingent upon the willingness of its advocates to address concerns with the safety, process, and objectives as described herein.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Domestic violence screening should be incorporated in the larger triadic process of screening–risk assessment–risk management.

A Safety First Rule should be followed in screening couples into or out of conflict resolution proceedings.

Screening decisions must be grounded in an empirically validated method of matching couples with appropriate conflict resolution proceedings.

Causal mechanisms must be included as items in any risk assessment instrument used in family courts.
Forgotten Children of Immigration and Family Law: How The Absence of Legal Aid Affects Children in the United States
Authors: O'Neill Mary , Bagheri Parisa , Sarnicola Alexis
Published: October 2015

The absence of government‐appointed legal counsel in immigration proceedings adversely affects large numbers of children in the United States. Children born in the United States to parents without citizenship status (U.S.‐born children of noncitizen parents or UCNP) are harmed by a parent's detention and removal. Unaccompanied alien children (UAC) who have entered the country without legal status are adversely affected by their own detention and removal. The possibility of obtaining relief from removal is drastically diminished by the lack of legal representation. Currently UAC and immigrant parents are not entitled to court‐appointed attorneys. Any meaningful change in immigration law, such as a federal statutory amendment to provide UAC and immigrant parents with government‐appointed counsel is unlikely due to the present political dissension in Congress regarding this issue. Because UAC and immigrant parents are not entitled to government‐funded legal representation, a pro bono legal service system has developed, but is unable to meet the present need adequately. For immigrant parents, this Note proposes the adoption of a statute to allow the appointment of court liaisons in family court proceedings. The court liaison is a nonattorney who is familiar with the processes of the family court and ensures that immigrant parents are fully informed regarding all pertinent family court proceedings. For UAC, this Note proposes an amendment to the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act to mandate the appointment of a child advocate to all UAC. The child advocate is not a lawyer, but works with the UAC's attorney to provide the child with legal representation and advocacy.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

UCNP confront the loss of parents to detention and removal. Children are condemned to limbo, torn between absent biological parents and placement in foster care.

The recent surge in the number of UAC who enter the United States by crossing the border from Mexico has been described as a humanitarian crisis. These children often remain alone without legal protection, vulnerable to detention and removal.

Ideally, UAC and the immigrant parents would be provided with government‐funded legal representation in immigration proceedings. In the absence of the federal statutory reform necessary to make that a reality, state statutory reform to allow for the provision of court liaison programs for immigrant parents and federal statutory reform to allow the appointment of child advocates for UAC can begin to offer children and families needed legal support and advocacy.
Some Themes Arising from the Last Edition of Family Court Review
Authors: Wade John
Published: October 2015

In the last edition of the FRC, there are a number of articles which highlight ever‐present themes in the many dispute resolution industries. These themes are: The cyclical nature of family law and DR reform to and fro “faster, cheaper, less formal and more accessible”; Access barriers for the poor and middle class; Access barriers due to geography, distance, and cultural differences; Blossoming of a range of “abbreviated” (short and inexpensive) DR services; The essential, yet neglected, task of systematic diagnosis of possible causes of conflict, and of a possible range of helpful interventions: DR practitioners should aim to “at least do no harm”; If a DR practitioner exhibits care, and core communication skills, how much do different processes matter? The Hawthorne effect—all pilot projects tend to succeed?; There is a constant flow of stories, systematic and statistical knowledge in DR industries. Who is listening and translating this flow of information between the various DR silos and to the public?

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

The repetitive and predictable cycles of family law reform.

Access to DR services restricted by finances, geography and cultural differences.

The old saying “at least do no harm” should find a prominent place in all family DR services and training.

The Hawthorne effect—all pilot and new projects seem to “succeed” for awhile. What follows?

In the many family DR silos, there are “truths” embodied in stories, systems and statistics. Who can translate helpfully from one silo to another?
Hypothetical protein Rv3423.1 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a histone acetyltransferase
Authors: Jose Leny , Ramachandran Ranjit , Bhagavat Raghu , Gomez Roshna Lawrence , Chandran Aneesh , Raghunandanan Sajith , Omkumar Ramakrishnapillai Vyomakesannair , Chandra Nagasuma , Mundayoor Sathish , Kumar Ramakrishnan Ajay
Published: October 2015

We isolated an 8 kDa mycobacterial hypothetical protein, Rv3423.1, from the chromatin of human macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Bioinformatics predictions followed by in vitro biochemical assays with purified recombinant protein showed that Rv3423.1 is a novel histone acetyltransferase that acetylates histone H3 at the K9/K14 positions. Transient transfection of macrophages containing GFP‐tagged histone H1 with RFP‐tagged Rv3423.1 revealed that the protein co‐localizes with the chromatin in the nucleus. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that the Rv3423.1–histone interaction is specific. Rv3423.1 protein was detected in the culture filtrate of virulent but not avirulent M. tuberculosis. Infection of macrophages with recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis constitutively expressing Rv3423.1 resulted in a significant increase in the number of intracellular bacteria. However, the protein did not seem to offer any growth advantage to free‐living recombinant M. smegmatis. It is highly likely that, by binding to the host chromatin, this histone acetyltransferase from M. tuberculosis may manipulate the expression of host genes involved in anti‐inflammatory responses to evade clearance and to survive in the intracellular environment.
The α4 isoform of the Na+,K+‐ATPase is tuned for changing extracellular environments
Authors: Voldsgaard Clausen Michael , Nissen Poul , Poulsen Hanne
Published: October 2015

In their journey from the male to the female reproductive tract, spermatozoa are confronted with a constantly changing environment. To cope with the associated challenges, spermatozoa express a distinct set of transporters, channels and pumps. One of the membrane proteins unique to spermatozoa is the α4 isoform of the Na+,K+‐ATPase. In addition to α4, spermatozoa express the ubiquous α1 variant. To get a detailed understanding of how α1 and α4 differ, and why spermatozoa need an additional Na+,K+‐ATPase, we have conducted an electrophysiological comparison of the rodent isoforms (rat α4 versus mouse α1–3) using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. We demonstrate isoform‐specific differences in the voltage sensitivity of steady‐state turnover, with α2 being the more sensitive, and α1 and α2 having faster Na+ release kinetics than α3 and α4. Our data further show that the α1 and α2 turnover rates are fast compared with those of α3 and α4. Finally, α4 is less influenced by changes in extracellular Na+ and temperature than α1. Based on these findings, we discuss the possibility that evolution has selected robust activity rather than rapid turnover for α4.
Structures of the double‐ring AAA ATPase Pex1–Pex6 involved in peroxisome biogenesis
Authors: Tan Dongyan , Blok Neil B. , Rapoport Tom A. , Walz Thomas
Published: October 2015

The Pex1 and Pex6 proteins are members of the AAA family of ATPases and are involved in peroxisome biogenesis. Recently, cryo‐electron microscopy structures of the Pex1–Pex6 complex in different nucleotide states have been determined. This Structural Snapshot describes the structural features of the complex and their implications for its function, as well as questions that still await answers.
Does residential aged care need dental professionals? A qualitative study on dental professionals' perceptions in Australia
Authors: Britton Katherine F. , Durey Angela , O'Grady Martin J. , Slack‐Smith Linda M.
Published: October 2015

Objective

Adults in residential aged care often retain their own teeth following restorative dental procedures during their lives. They may also have physical and psychological comorbidities impacting on oral health including side effects from medications. residents' poor oral hygiene, dental caries and periodontal disease raise questions about the quality of oral health care in aged care facilities. This paper presents findings from a study investigating dental professionals' perceptions of barriers and enablers to providing oral care to residents in such settings.

Material and methods

Following university ethics approval, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 dental professionals [five dentists, three oral health therapists (OHTs) and nine dental hygienists] across Australia to address the issue. Interviews were transcribed and analysed for key themes, noting similarities and differences within and between groups that were compared to existing evidence.

Results

Key themes emerging from interviews included individual and organisational difficulties dental professionals experience when meeting residents' oral health needs; poor access to dental resources; limited oral health education for aged care staff; and lack of interprofessional collaboration. Suggested enablers to oral health included interprofessional education and practice, reflecting broader trends in health care that positively impact on health outcomes.

Conclusion

Improving residents' oral health requires appropriate organisational commitment to support dental and non‐dental health providers deliver high‐quality oral care. This study highlights the need to critically review barriers and enablers to providing such care, particularly as Australia's ageing population increases and longer periods are spent in residential aged care.
Dermoscopy of verrucous epidermal nevus: large brown circles as a novel feature for diagnosis
Authors: Carbotti Mattia , Coppola Rosa , Graziano Antonio , Verona Rinati Maria , Paolilli Francesco Luigi , Zanframundo Salvatore , Panasiti Vincenzo
Published: October 2015

Background

The epidermal nevus is a hamartomatous proliferation of the epithelium that can involve keratinocytes, sebaceous glands, the pilosebaceous unit, and eccrine or apocrine glands. It occurs in one in 1000 live births and most commonly presents as the verrucous type. Dermoscopy is a non‐invasive technique commonly used to differentiate between melanocytic and non‐melanocytic lesions.

Objectives

This study was performed to analyze dermoscopic aspects of verrucous epidermal nevi, which have not previously been described.

Methods

Dermoscopic analyses of eight different verrucous epidermal nevi were conducted. Each lesion was excised, and its diagnosis was histopathologically confirmed.

Results

In non‐melanocytic lesions, a new dermoscopic feature of large brown circles was observed. This characteristic is useful in the diagnosis of verrucous epidermal nevi.

Conclusions

Large brown circles represent a specific dermoscopic feature for the diagnosis of verrucous epidermal nevus.
Povidone‐iodine induced post‐surgical irritant contact dermatitis localized outside of the surgical incision area. Report of 27 cases and a literature review
Authors: Borrego Leopoldo , Hernández Noelia , Hernández Zaida , Peñate Yeray
Published: October 2015

Background

Povidone–iodine solution is an antiseptic that is used worldwide as surgical paint and is considered to have a low irritant potential. Post‐surgical severe irritant dermatitis has been described after the misuse of this antiseptic in the surgical setting.

Methods

Between January 2011 and June 2013, 27 consecutive patients with post‐surgical contact dermatitis localized outside of the surgical incision area were evaluated. Thirteen patients were also available for patch testing.

Results

All patients developed dermatitis the day after the surgical procedure. Povidone‐iodine solution was the only liquid in contact with the skin of our patients. Most typical lesions were distributed in a double lumbar parallel pattern, but they were also found in a random pattern or in areas where a protective pad or an occlusive medical device was glued to the skin. The patch test results with povidone‐iodine were negative.

Conclusions

Povidone‐iodine–induced post‐surgical dermatitis may be a severe complication after prolonged surgical procedures. As stated in the literature and based on the observation that povidone‐iodine–induced contact irritant dermatitis occurred in areas of pooling or occlusion, we speculate that povidone‐iodine together with occlusion were the causes of the dermatitis epidemic that occurred in our surgical setting. Povidone‐iodine dermatitis is a problem that is easily preventable through the implementation of minimal routine changes to adequately dry the solution in contact with the skin.
Uremic frost: a harbinger of impending renal failure
Authors: Saardi Karl M. , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: October 2015

Uremic frost is a striking cutaneous finding seen in patients with severe kidney disease. Familiarity with this condition can be a life‐saving signal to initiate urgent dialysis. Uremic frost generally occurs at blood urea nitrogen levels of approximately 200 mg/dl, although it may arise with less severe uremia. Recently confirmed urea transporters in the skin may play a role in the development of uremic frost. Alternatively, damage to the cutaneous microvasculature and pilosebaceous units, as seen in chronic kidney disease, could account for the high levels of urea deposited outside the skin. The treatment of uremic frost is largely aimed at correcting the underlying cause of uremia and the other life‐threatening conditions associated with renal failure.
Dermatology in the North American Indian/Alaska Native population
Authors: Kryatova Maria S. , Okoye Ginette A.
Published: October 2015

Dermatology is greatly understudied in the American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) population. This topic deserves attention in light of the changing demographics of the United States and the healthcare disparities faced by AIAN, including access to dermatologic care. In this review, we discuss disorders that are more prevalent or otherwise important in the AIAN population, such as cutaneous malignancies, photodermatoses, acanthosis nigricans, connective tissue disorders, cutaneous infections, hypertrophic scar formation, and Heck's disease. We aim to provide an updated review and increase awareness of the dermatologic needs of the AIAN population.
Medium‐dose ultraviolet A1 phototherapy and mRNA expression of TSLP, TARC, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in acute skin lesions in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bogaczewicz Jaroslaw , Malinowska Karolina , Sysa‐Jedrzejowska Anna , Wozniacka Anna
Published: October 2015

Background

The mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) are not fully understood.

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate mRNA expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), thymus‐ and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), and IL‐13 in AD before and after UVA1 therapy, to determine correlations among them, and to examine whether UVA1 influences their expression and whether it is associated with UVA1 efficacy.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with AD underwent medium‐dose UVA1 phototherapy. Before and after UVA1, biopsies from acute skin lesions were studied using reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Levels of mRNA TSLP correlated with those of TARC, IL‐5, and IL‐13, and levels of TARC correlated with those of IL‐5 and IL‐13, both before and after UVA1. Expression of IL‐5 correlated with that of IL‐13 only before UVA1. SCORAD (SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis) indices correlated with levels of TARC and IL‐5 before irradiation. After UVA1, no mRNA level correlated with the SCORAD index. Phototherapy with UVA1 improved SCORAD values (P < 0.001) and increased expression of TARC (P < 0.05) but did not affect mRNA expression of TSLP, IL‐5, or IL‐13.

Conclusions

Expression levels of the mediators TSLP, TARC, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in AD are interrelated. Phototherapy with UVA1 improves SCORAD indices and increases expression of TARC but has no direct effects on the expression of other molecules. It is likely that UVA1 also interferes with or acts via intermediators on the link between IL‐5 and IL‐13.
Serum level of interleukin‐17A in patients with alopecia areata and its relationship to age
Authors: El‐Morsy Eman H. , Eid Amira A. , Ghoneim Hossam , Al‐Tameemi Khaleel A.
Published: October 2015

Background

There is strong evidence for an autoimmune etiology of alopecia areata (AA). Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) is a Th17 proinflammatory cytokine that has been linked to the pathogeneses of diverse autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Objectives

This study aimed to measure serum IL‐17A in AA patients and to study associations between IL‐17A levels and AA severity, duration, and age of onset, and patient gender and age.

Methods

The study enrolled 39 AA patients and 37 healthy control subjects. Scalp involvement was assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT), and clinical disease severity was determined. Serum IL‐17A was measured using ELISAs.

Results

Serum IL‐17A was significantly higher in AA patients than in control subjects (P < 0.001). Correlations between serum IL‐17A and gender, disease duration, SALT score, and disease severity were non‐significant. Serum IL‐17A was significantly higher in patients aged ≤30 years than in patients aged >30 years (P = 0.045). Age and serum IL‐17A were significantly negatively correlated in patients with AA (rs = −0.363, P = 0.023) but not in control subjects (rs = −0.294, P = 0.077). Patients with juvenile‐onset AA had significantly higher IL‐17A levels than those with maturity‐onset disease (P = 0.034). There was a significant negative correlation between age at disease onset and serum IL‐17A (rs = −0.349, P = 0.029).

Conclusions

It is possible that IL‐17A plays a role in the pathogenesis of AA. Serum IL‐17A may be influenced by patient age and age of onset of AA but does not seem to influence disease severity.
Delusional infestation: a case series from a university dermatology center in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Martins Ana Claudia G. P. , Mendes Carolina P. , Nico Marcello M. S.
Published: October 2015

Background

Monosymptomatic hypochondriac psychosis (MHP) patients present with a delusional ideation that revolves around one particular hypochondriac concern. Delusional infestation is the most common type of MHP seen by the dermatologist.

Objectives

This study was designed to retrospectively investigate a group of patients with delusions of infestation seen in an academic medical center in São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients presenting with delusional infestation between 2007 and 2014 was conducted. Records were reviewed to study personal data, symptoms, and treatments.

Results

Thirty patients were studied (22 female, eight male). Their mean age was 58 years in men and 60 years in women. Twenty‐four patients spent most of their time at home (i.e. they were housewives, retired, or unemployed). The duration of disease varied from 3 months to 20 years. Fifteen patients brought in fragments of material that they believed to be parasites (“specimen sign”). Treatment consisted of the antipsychotic drugs pimozide (1–6 mg/d) or olanzapine (5–10 mg/d). Three patients did not return for follow‐up. Follow‐up varying from 2 months to 7 years was recorded in 24 patients. Two patients were treated with other psychoactive drugs prescribed by psychiatrists for additional psychiatric diagnoses. Control of symptoms was achieved in the majority of patients who underwent adequate follow‐up.

Conclusions

Delusional infestation is an extremely chronic disease. Attempts to discontinue treatment in those patients in whom a lengthy follow‐up was performed inevitably resulted in symptom relapses.
Laser treatment of granuloma annulare: a review
Authors: Verne Sebastian H. , Kennedy Johnathan , Falto‐Aizpurua Leyre A. , Griffith Robert D. , Nouri Keyvan
Published: October 2015

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign asymptomatic dermatosis that typically manifests in papules arrayed in annular arrangements. Many methods of treatment have been used with variable degrees of success, but finding a consistent and long‐term treatment has proven a challenge. This study was conducted in order to review and evaluate the latest published research on the use of lasers in the treatment of GA. A systematic search of the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database was performed to identify relevant articles. Seven reports met the inclusion criteria for the review. Evidence for the use of pulsed dye laser, fractional photothermolysis, and excimer laser in the treatment of GA was found. Findings are limited by a lack of well‐designed clinical trials objectively evaluating the use of lasers in the treatment of GA. The literature review found a number of case reports and case series that report successful outcomes of the use of lasers in the treatment of GA. The promising results reported in the literature, coupled with the lack of a well‐designed review on this topic, reflect the importance of this article to the dermatologic literature as it emphasizes the need for larger and better‐designed studies on the use of lasers to treat GA.
Ruocco's immunocompromised cutaneous district
Authors: Piccolo Vincenzo , Baroni Adone , Russo Teresa , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: October 2015

The concept of ‘locus minoris resistentiae’ (lmr) is an old but still effective way of thinking in Medicine. In Dermatology, there are many reports of privileged localization of cutaneous diseases on injured skin, which therefore represents a typical condition of lmr. Lately the innovative concept of immunocompromised cutaneous district (ICD) has been introduced to explain why a previously injured cutaneous site may become in time a privileged location for the outbreak of opportunistic infections, tumors, and immune reactions. An ample documentation of multifarious disorders (infectious, neoplastic, immune) appearing in ICDs was delineated by Ruocco et al. in 2009. These cases were grouped according to the clinical settings responsible for the local immune imbalance: regional chronic lymphedema; herpes‐infected sites, which feature the well‐known Wolf's isotopic response; and otherwise damaged areas, comprising sites of vaccination, ionizing or UV radiation, thermal burns, and traumas. In the following five years, what was a “novel” pathogenic concept has been extended to an enlarging variety of clinical conditions. This paper focuses on ICD and the expanding spectrum of this now established pathogenic concept.
Setting reference values in trichology
Authors: Rebora Alfredo , Guarrera Marcella , Drago Francesco , Rossi Alfredo , Fortuna Maria Caterina , D'Ovidio Roberto , Chieco Paolo , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Starace Michela
Published: October 2015

Background

In clinical trichology, reference values are often arbitrary. The difficulty in setting them up depends mostly on the presence of the androgenetic alopecia (AGA) genotype in subjects with clinically unapparent forms. Prepubertal children, who lack 5α‐reductase (a real indicator of the AGA phenotype), might provide reference values independent from AGA. We verified whether the vertex/occiput ratios (V/O) of hair density and the V/O of hair diameter are suitable parameters.

Methods

In sixty 4–10‐year‐old Caucasian children, we measured the ratio between the hair density at the vertex and the occiput. The same was done for the diameter.

Results

The V/O of density averaged 1.07 ± 0.17 and the V/O of diameter 1.02 ± 0.11.

Conclusions

Taking the mean ± 2SD as normal values, our “normal” V/O of density ranged between 0.73 and 1.41 and our “normal” V/0 of diameter between 0.8 and 1.24. People with lower ratios would have, therefore, AGA with 95% of probability. Moreover, we found that hair shedding using the hair pull test and the modified wash test come to 1‐2 hairs/day.
Calculation of the Orientation Relationships of Directionally Solidified Eutectic Ceramics by a Modified Coincidence of Reciprocal Lattice Points Model (CRLP)
Authors: Serrano‐Zabaleta Sonia , Larrea Ángel
Published: October 2015

The Coincidence of Reciprocal Lattice Points (CRLP) method was used to predict, according to geometric considerations, the most favorable orientation relationships (ORs) between the component phases in a family of directionally solidified eutectic ceramics (DSEC) (NiO–YSZ, CoO–YSZ, NiO–CeO2, NiO–GDC, CoO–CeO2, and CoO–GDC) grown by the laser floating zone method. The ORs predicted by theCRLPmodel are consistent with those experimentally found in a previous work by means of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). In this article, we also present a modification to the model with the aim of taking into account that the most stable ceramic–ceramic interfaces are usually formed between atomic planes with low Miller indices, due to their higher atomic density and bigger interplanar spacing. Thus, we introduce in the calculation of the overall coincidence volume a weighting factor which is a function of the interplanar spacing. This modifiedCRLPmethod has been applied to the aforementioned eutectic ceramics, and the results are presented and discussed in comparison with the traditionalCRLPresults and the experimental findings.
Towards Prediction of Thermally Induced Microcrack Initiation and Closure in Porous Ceramics
Authors: Fertig Ray S. , Nickerson Seth T.
Published: October 2015

This article describes development of a model to predict microcrack density evolution as a function of thermal history in porous ceramics with anisotropic thermal expansion coefficients. The model is based on the evolution of statistical distributions of grain‐boundary stresses and crack opening displacements (CODs), and represents universal cracking and crack closure behavior scaled by coefficients that depend on the microstructure and material properties. The functional forms for this model were developed from a 2D finite element simulation of thermally induced microcracking. Specifically, the grain‐boundary stresses and CODs were studied, and a parameter describing each quantity was calibrated from modulus hysteresis data. An additional calibration parameter was also introduced to link crack density to macroscopic behavior. The model was applied to experimental results from a porous cordierite ceramic and shown to accurately describe its behavior.
Raman Vibrations, Domain Structures, and Photovoltaic Effects in A‐Site La‐Modified BiFeO3Multiferroic Ceramics
Authors: Tu Chi‐Shun , Chen Cheng‐Sao , Chen Pin‐Yi , Xu Zhe‐Rui , Idzerda Yves U. , Schmidt V. Hugo , Lyu Ming‐Quan , Chan Ting‐Shan , Lin Chun‐Yen
Published: October 2015

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), oxygen vacancies, synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, magnetizations, optical band gaps, and photovoltaic (PV) effects have been studied in (Bi1−xLax)FeO3(BFO100xL) ceramics forx= 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15.XRD, Raman spectra, andTEMconfirm a rhombohedralR3csymmetry with the tilted FeO6oxygen octahedra in all compounds. The low‐frequency Raman vibrations become broader and shift toward higher frequency as La3+increases. Fe K‐edge synchrotron X‐ray absorptions reveal that Fe3+valence and Fe–O–Fe bond angle are not modified by the La3+substitution. All compounds exhibit a linear antiferromagnetic feature. Optical transmission reveals band gaps in the range of 2.22–2.24 eV. The heterostructures of indium tin oxide (ITO) film/(Bi1−xLax)FeO3ceramics/Au film show ap–njunction‐likeI–Vcharacteristic behavior. The maximalPVpower conversion efficiency can reach 0.19% inITO/BFO15L/Au under illumination of λ = 405 nm. A junction‐like theoretical model can reasonably describe open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current as a function of illumination intensity.
ZrB2–ZrCxN1−x Eutectic Composites Produced by Melt Solidification
Authors: Cheng Eric Jianfeng , Katsui Hirokazu , Goto Takashi
Published: October 2015

Ceramic eutectics are naturally occurring in‐situ composites and can offer superior mechanical properties. Here, ZrB2–ZrCxN1−x quasi‐binary ceramic eutectic composites were produced by arc‐melting a mixture of ZrB2, ZrC, and ZrN powders in an N2 atmosphere. The arc‐melted ZrB2–ZrCxN1−x composites containing 50 mol% of ZrB2 (irrespective of the ZrC/ZrN ratio) showed rod‐like eutectic structures, where ZrCxN1−x single‐crystalline rods were dispersed in the ZrB2 single‐crystalline matrices. Multiple orientation relationships between the ZrCxN1−x rods and the ZrB2 matrices were observed, and one was determined as ZrB2 {} //ZrxN1−x {111} and ZrB2 < > //ZrCxN1−x < > . The rod‐like eutectic composites had higher hardness than the hypo‐ and hypereutectic composites and the 50ZrB2–40ZrC–10ZrN (mol%) eutectic composite showed the highest Vickers hardness (Hv) of 19 GPa.
Iron Deposition from Aluminosilicate Containing Trace Amount of Iron Oxide by Borate‐Enhanced Hydrogen Reduction
Authors: Tsuyumoto Isao
Published: October 2015

Aluminosilicate containing 0.50 wt% of iron oxide as impurity yields metallic iron deposit by heating with sodium borate (3Na2O·B2O3) in H2 at 950°C, while it remains unchanged by heating without the borate under the same condition. The SEM and EDX measurements indicate that the metallic iron deposit is formed on the sodium borate glass layer. We first find that the reduction in minor constituents in oxides is enhanced by the addition of borate as a flux.
A Novel BiFeO3–BaTiO3–BaZrO3 Lead‐Free Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramic with Low‐Hysteresis and Frequency‐Insensitive Large Strains
Authors: Zheng Donggeng , Zuo Ruzhong
Published: October 2015

A novel (0.67−x)BiFeO3–0.33BaTiO3–xBaZrO3 lead‐free relaxor ferroelectric ceramic was developed by a solid‐state reaction method. Measurements of temperature‐dependent dielectric permittivity and the polarization/strain hysteresis loops demonstrated an obvious evolution of dielectric relaxor behavior at room temperature (RT) from nonergodic to ergodic states. A significantly enhanced electrostrain of ~0.37% at 7 kV/mm with a relatively small hysteresis of ~39% and a low‐frequency sensitivity was found at x = 0.04, showing large potential for actuator applications. This was basically attributed to a rapid response of forward and backward switching between ergodic and ferroelectric phases owing to similar free energies and large local random fields.
A Novel Sol–Gel Method for Large‐Scale Production of Nanopowders: Preparation of Li1.5Al0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 as an Example
Authors: Ma Qianli , Xu Qi , Tsai Chih‐Long , Tietz Frank , Guillon Olivier
Published: October 2015

Sol–gel synthesis is an extensively used method for the preparation of nanopowders. However, complicated or expensive precursors, and the necessity of using organic solvent and/or heat assistance limit the method to laboratory‐scaled level. An aqueous‐based sol–gel method with spontaneous sol and gel formation is developed in this study. It can be applied on a large scale to synthesize compounds with Ti4+ and PO43− as major components with low cost. Al‐substituted LiTi2(PO4)3 (LATP) has been widely investigated as a promising candidate for solid electrolyte in Li‐ion or Li‐air batteries. Major challenges such as unsatisfactory phase purity, low sintering activity, and high production costs are faced during the fabrication of LATP. In this study, as a sample application, Li1.5Al0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 (LATP05) is conveniently prepared on a large scale by the novel sol–gel method with high phase purity, active densification behavior and high conductivity.
Interplay of prior knowledge, self‐regulation and motivation in complex multimedia learning environments
Authors: Song H.S. , Kalet A.L. , Plass J.L.
Published: October 2015

This study examined the direct and indirect effects of medical clerkship students' prior knowledge, self‐regulation and motivation on learning performance in complex multimedia learning environments. The data from 386 medical clerkship students from six medical schools were analysed using structural equation modeling. The structural model revealed that medical students' prior knowledge directly positively affected their learning outcome, self‐efficacy and performance approach goal orientation. The learners' self‐regulation had a significant positive direct effect on learning outcome. The learners' mastery goal orientation directly affected their learning outcome. Interestingly, inconsistent with our hypothesis, the learners' performance approach goal orientation showed a significant negative direct effect on learning outcome, and performance avoidance goal orientation had a significant positive effect on learning outcome. These findings help develop a more comprehensive understanding of the role of individual characteristics on learning performance of complex tasks in multimedia learning environments.