bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delta‐Aminolevulinic Acid‐Based Photodynamic Therapy for Acne on the Body
Authors: Kimura Makoto , Itoh Yoshiyasu , Tokuoka Yoshikazu , Kawashima Norimichi
Published: July 2014

Intractable acne on the body was clinically treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) combining oral administration of δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) with polychromatic visible light from a metal halide lamp. The total number of body acne patients was 51. A 10 mg/kg B.W. of ALA was administered to the patients, and the acne lesions were exposed to the light emitted from the metal halide lamp. The wavelengths of the light ranged from 540 to 800 nm. The diameter of the irradiated area and the irradiating distance from the lamp were 100 mm and 130 mm, respectively. Under the irradiation conditions, the total fluence rate and the energy‐density uniformity of the light were 69.2 mW/cm2 and 11.5%. The total light energy dose in one session was 60–80 J/cm2 for the body. All patients underwent two sessions of PDT and received no other treatments after PDT or during the follow‐up period. The interval between the two PDT sessions was 2–4 weeks. The physician's clinical assessment scores as worsened, unchanged, improved, and markedly improved were 0 (0%), 4 (7.8%), 16 (31.4%), and 31 (60.8%) patients, respectively. Adverse effects of very slight discomfort, burning, and stinging were reported during the irradiation. The blood tests of patients before and after oral administration of ALA demonstrated that no liver dysfunction occurred in this study with ALA dosages within 10 mg/kg B.W. Consequently, orally administered ALA‐PDT with a metal halide lamp was considered to be effective for treatment of acne on the body.
A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of Quality of Life in Japanese Acne Patients Using the Japanese Version of Skindex‐16
Authors: Hayashi Nobukazu , Higaki Yuko , Kawamoto Kyoko , Kamo Toshiko , Shimizu Satoru , Kawashima Makoto
Published: July 2014

We measured the quality of life of Japanese patients with acne using the Japanese version of Skindex‐16, a semantically equivalent and validated translation of the original version produced by Chren et al. A total of 210 acne patients were enrolled in this study. The results showed that patients with acne experienced more severe emotional effects from their skin disease than functional or symptomatic effects. The scores for emotional aspects were related to the severity of the patients' acne following a prescribed scale, but the scores were high even when the patients only had a few comedones. Akaike's information criterion showed that the scores for symptoms were related to the severity of the patients' acne, and the patients' emotions were related to the interval between clinic visits. To improve patients' quality of life, treatment of comedones should be fully respected. In addition, dermatologists should encourage patients to visit clinics regularly to help them improve the emotional aspects of their quality of life.
The Significance of Serum Nitric Oxide Levels in Behçet's Disease and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Authors: Yildirim Mehmet , Baysal Vahide , Inaloz H. Serhat , Doguc Duygu
Published: July 2014

Behçet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory multisystem disorder characterized by recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcers, arthritis, uveitis, and thrombophlebitis; it can involve several organs. However, recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) can be seen without a confirmed diagnosis of BD. Moreover, there is no way of predicting whether a patient with RAS will develop BD. Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical synthesized from L‐arginine by one of the family of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes. Increased production of NO during several inflammatory and infectious processes has been recently postulated. Our aim was to investigate the serum NO levels in patients with active and inactive BD and RAS. Forty‐six patients with BD, 30 patients with RAS and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The patients with BD were separated into two groups: clinically active (n=24) and inactive (n=22). A blood sample was collected from all subjects in order to determine their serum NO levels. In patients with active BD, higher serum levels of NO metabolite were found in comparison with patients with inactive BD, in patients with RAS, or healthy controls (p<0.05). We also found higher serum NO metabolite levels in patients with RAS than in healthy controls (p<0.05). In patients with inactive BD, statistically significant higher levels of serum NO levels were found in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). However, we found no statistically significant difference between the patients with inactive BD and RAS, which indicated that inactive BD cannot be distinguished from RAS by serum NO levels. We conclude that serum NO levels may be an important marker for estimating the severity of BD. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Subungual Glomus Tumor: Clinical Manifestations and Outcome of Surgical Treatment
Authors: Moon Sang Eun , Won Jong Hyun , Kwon Oh Sang , Kim Jeong Aee
Published: July 2014

Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for subungual glomus tumor. However, the anatomical location has inherent difficulties. We report the outcomes of surgical treatments for subungual glomus tumor. Sixteen patients, who were seen over an eight‐year period (1995–2003) and confirmed as gloums tumor by histopathologic examination were reviewed. The most common subjective symptom was pain induced by contact in 81%. The tumor presented as a discolorated spot or subungual nodule and 38% of tumors were acccompanied with nail dystrophy. All tumors showed discolorated spots or subungual nodules. As shown in the Table 2, the dystrophic nail change was found in 38% of tumors. Differently oriented incisions were made according to the location of tumor, matrix, or bed. The original nail plate was restored in eight patients. Thirteen patients (81%) had cosmetically excellent nail plates, and three patients (19%) had partial distal splits of nail plates. There was no recurrence. Our series suggests that a transungual approach with nail avulsion and an incision selected according to the tumor location can produce an excellent outcome with minimal postoperative complications. Dressing with a trimmed nail plate may also be beneficial in managing the wound and preventing postoperative nail deformity.
Unsuccessful Treatment of Extragenital Lichen Sclerosus with Topical 1% Pimecrolimus Cream
Authors: Arican Ozer , Ciralik Harun , Sasmaz Sezai
Published: July 2014

Lichen sclerosus most commonly affects the anogenital region. Spreading into the extragenital regions is rare, and its course is most commonly asymptomatic. Women have been reported to be affected 6 to 10 times more often than men. The etiology of lichen sclerosus is still unknown. The disease is characterized by ivory‐white atrophic plaques, and no treatment ensuring complete recovery is available. T‐cells are also involved in its pathogenesis. Pimecrolimus is a topical inhibitor of T‐cells. In the present paper, we present a male patient with lichen sclerosus located only in extragenital regions and report an unsuccessful outcome of treatment with pimecrolimus 1% cream administered topically twice a day for 16 weeks.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Tacalcitol (1,24(R)(OH)2D3, TV‐02) in the Skin of TPA‐Treated Hairless Mice
Authors: Sato Hiroaki , Nakayama Yasunori , Yamashita Chizuru , Uno Hiroshi
Published: July 2014

Tacalcitol (1,24(R)(OH)2D3, TV‐02) inhibited the TPA‐induced inflammatory cell infiltration (largely neutrophils) histopathologically and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity dose‐dependently. Tacalcitol inhibited the mRNA expression and protein production of TPA‐induced macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and KC, the functional analogue of human interleukin (IL)‐8, in the skin. Immunohistochemical staining of the TPA‐applied skin revealed that mast cells expressed MIP‐2, whereas KC was observed in keratinocytes, fibroblasts and outer root sheath of hair follicles. Furthermore, tacalcitol inhibited TPA‐induced mast cell degranulation 24 hr after application without influence on the total number of mast cells. In this study, tacalcitol was found to have an inhibitory effect on cutaneous inflammation such as inhibition of neutrophil infiltration, MIP‐2 and KC production, and mast cell degranulation in TPA‐treated hairless mice. These results suggest that tacalcitol modulates cutaneous inflammation as well as keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, and the inhibitory effect of tacalcitol on cutaneous inflammation may contribute to clinical the effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis.
Two Cases of Subcutaneous Trichoblastoma
Authors: Takai Toshihiro , Tsuji Masayuki , Ueda Masato
Published: July 2014

This report concerns two Japanese women, 54 and 53 years old, with trichoblastoma. Histopathologically, these neoplasms were mainly composed of follicular germinative cells with fibrotic stroma. One of them was a giant lesion, but the other was small. Because both lesions were located in the subcutis, we termed them subcutaneous trichoblastoma.
A Case of Polypoid Clear Cell Acanthoma on the Scrotum
Authors: Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Tatewaki Satoko , Takeuchi Mizue
Published: July 2014

A red nodule appeared on the left side of the scrotum of a 37‐year‐old Japanese man and slowly grew for four years. When he first visited us, it was 5 mm in diameter, polypoid shaped, and had a smooth and slightly moist surface. Histologically, acanthosis, parakeratosis, and dilated blood vessels were seen in the upper dermis. In higher magnification, the thick epidermis consisted of tumor cells with slightly enlarged nuclei and pale cytoplasm, and neutrophils were also seen among the tumor cells. The cytoplasm of the tumor cells was stained with periodic‐acid‐Schiff (PAS), and the positive reaction was digested by diastase. There has been no previous report of polypoid clear cell acanthoma in Japan, and only a few reports from the rest of the world. In addition, clear cell acanthoma arising on the scrotum is particularly unusual.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Untreated Lichen Sclerosus of the Penis: A Rare Complication
Authors: Kumaran M. Sendhil , Kanwar Amrinder Jit
Published: July 2014

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is an uncommon disease of the skin and mucosae of either sex. Apart from a number of complications, SCC developing from a lesion of LSA in males is rare, although it is well known in females. We report two cases recently seen by us to alert clinicians of this potentially fatal complication in males.
Diabetes and Hepatitis Frequency in 140 Lichen Planus Cases in Çukurova Region
Authors: Denli Y. Gül , Durdu Murat , Karakaş Mehmet
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and diabetes mellitus (DM) frequencies in lichen planus (LP) cases in our region. We performed a retrospective review of records from all cases that were diagnosed with LP at the our department between 1997 and 2002. The results were compared with the control group (any type of dermatosis other than LP). The 260 LP cases included 108 (41.5%) males and 152 (58.5%) females aged between 5 and 78 years. The clinical distribution of the lesions were 127 (48.8%) with skin lesions and 133 (51.2%) with oral mucosal lesions. The duration of disease ranged from 1 to 240 months. In 140 of 260 LP cases, hepatitis serology and pre‐prandial blood glucose were examined. We found HBV positivity in 24 (17.1%) cases, Anti‐HCV positivity in 7 (5%) cases, and DM in 22 (15.7%) cases. The control group included 116 (41.4%) males and 164 (58.6%) females. Their ages ranged between 10 and 82 years. In this group, we found HBV positivity in 20 (7.1%), Anti‐HCV positivity in 4 (1.4%), and DM in 20 (7.1%) cases. We believe that the co‐association of LP with HCV is significant and this co‐association ratio indicates variance depending on clinical attributes of the lesions and racial characteristics of the patients. Although we found co‐associations between HBV and LP or DM and LP, we believe that further studies are necessary to determine if they are significant.
Proliferation Patterns Reflect Architectural Dedifferentiation: A Study of Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cabral Ailton , Haaften Caroline van , Boon Mathilde E.
Published: July 2014

The distribution of proliferating cells in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may be related to lesion type and architecture. Single proliferation indexes may not be representative. We aimed to establish the distribution of cell proliferation in BCC as related to architecture. We studied an unselected, consecutive series of 45 resection specimens of nodular BCC from patients in the age range of 25–95 years using MIB‐1 staining and systematically reviewed the cases. These lesions included nodular (n=32) and non‐nodular (n=9) BCC. Within the nodular BCC, two patterns were recognised, not related to age or gender. In small nodular patterns with well developed peripheral palisading and central parallel streaming of small, elongated nuclei, proliferation is limited to the basal palisading cells in a clustered distribution. In large nodular patterns, proliferation is absent at the basal membrane (BM) and distributed in single random cells throughout the lesion. Both patterns preclude accurate quantitation. Many lesions contained both patterns in a side‐by‐side, unmixed manner. These pattern differences suggest a loss of differentiation in nodular BCC. Perhaps a single mutation results in the loss of BM associated cell architecture and proliferation control related to tumor‐stroma interactions. As a result, the lesion reverts to a low frequency, non‐regulated proliferation, diffusely distributed throughout the lesion. The two patterns may exist side‐by‐side in a single lesion, further supporting the concept of polyclonality. This hypothesis explains perilesional clefting and previously reported variations in intra‐lesional laminin synthesis. Based on our findings, representation of tumor cell proliferation activity by a single value is not justified. Nodular BCC exists in one of two dedifferentiation‐mutation‐determined patterns of cell proliferation; many lesions clearly demonstrate bi‐clonality.
Hereditary Punctate Palmoplantar Keratoderma (PPK) (Brauer‐Buschke‐Fischer Syndrome)
Authors: Gupta Ritika , Mehta Shilpa , Pandhi Deepika , Singal Archana
Published: July 2014

We describe the first case of a sixty‐five‐year‐old male field worker from India, having lesions of hereditary punctate palmoplantar keratoderma with an autosomally dominant pattern of inheritance. Associations included nail abnormalities in the form of longitudinal ridging, onychorrhexis, onychoschizia, trachyonychia and notching, which has been reported only on one previous occasion. The article also presents a brief review of the literature.
A Case of Herpetiform Pemphigus with Anti‐Desmoglein 3 IgG Autoantibodies
Authors: Isogai Rieko , Kawada Akira , Aragane Yoshinori , Amagai Masayuki , Tezuka Tadashi
Published: July 2014

Herpetiform pemphigus (HP) is a rare variant of pemphigus characterized by a unique clinical phenotype of erythematous or urticarial plaques and vesicles that present in a herpetiform arrangement. Most HP cases have circulating anti‐desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) IgG autoantibodies, but some HP cases have anti‐desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) IgG. A 92‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with severely pruritic annular erythema and vesicles in a herpetiform arrangement on the trunk. No oral mucosal lesions were present. Histopathologically, these vesicles showed eosinophilic spongiosis as well as suprabasilar acantholysis. Direct immunofluorescence showed in vivo IgG deposition on keratinocyte cell surfaces, and indirect immunofluorescence showed circulating IgG autoantibodies against keratinocyte cell surfaces at a titer of 1:30. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant Dsg1 and Dsg3 revealed the presence of anti‐Dsg3 IgG but no anti‐Dsg1 IgG autoantibodies. The lack of oral mucosal involvement and the unique clinical features favored the diagnosis of HP. It remains to be clarified why the anti‐Dsg3 IgG autoantibodies in this patient induced this unique features of HP, rather than the mucosal dominant type of pemphigus vulgaris.
Variegate Porphyria
Authors: Sandhu Kamaldeep , Kumar Bhushan
Published: July 2014

Variegate porphyria is a rare, hereditary form of hepatic porphyria characterized by acute systemic symptoms as in acute intermittent porphyria in addition to cutaneous symptoms simulating porphyria cutanea tarda. We describe a 22‐year‐old female from India who first presented to the emergency department with acute symptoms and was later confirmed to have variegate porphyria.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Ozbilge Hatice , Aksoy Nurten , Kilic Eser , Saraymen Recep , Yazar Süleyman , Vural Huseyin
Published: July 2014

Oxidative stress occurs when there is excessive free‐radical production or a low antioxidant level. The role of free radicals in the pathogenesis and in the progression of many diseases has often been discussed, but it has not been widely investigated in leishmaniasis. However, measurement of oxidants and antioxidants in the serum seems to be of great value. In this study, we aimed to determine lipid peroxidation levels as markers of oxidative stress in the serum of patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is a common health problem in our region of Southern Anatolia, Turkey. Forty patients aged between 5–50 years and forty controls aged between 5–50 years were included in the study. The LPO levels of the patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those of healthy controls. As a result, it is possible to conclude that patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis are affected by oxidative stress, which may contribute to the progression of the disease.
Oral Fluconazole in the Treatment of Tinea Versicolor
Authors: Karakaş Mehmet , Durdu Murat , Memişoğlu Hamdi R.
Published: July 2014

This study was designed to assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of oral fluconazole given at 300 mg once weekly for two weeks in the treatment of tinea versicolor. Enrolled into the study were 44 subjects with tinea versicolor, provisionally confirmed by the detection of fungal hyphae in KOH wet mounts and Wood's lamp examination. Four subjects were classified as dropouts because no information was obtained from them after the baseline visit. Subjects were treated for two weeks orally with fluconazole 300 mg weekly and followed at the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 12th weeks of treatment. The study included 40 subjects (26 males and 14 females, mean age 29 years, range 19–48 years). At the week 4 visit, 30 (75%) patients showed a complete cure and 31 (77.5%) patients showed mycologic cure. Ten (25%) patients had no significant response to therapy. At the final follow‐up visit (week 12), none of the patients showing complete or mycologic cures exhibited a recurrence. No adverse effects were observed in any of the patients treated. We believe that, due to the low incidence of side effects, shorter treatment duration, and increased adaptation of the patients, fluconazole can be used in the treatment of tinea versicolor with confidence.
Efficacy of Terbinafine 1% Cream on Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Authors: Gündüz Kamer , Inanir Isil , Sacar Handan
Published: July 2014

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Although the exact pathogenesis of SD is unknown, Malassezia yeasts as well as genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of terbinafine 1% cream on SD lesions with face localisation. Thirty‐five patients with SD were included in the study. Patients applied terbinafine 1% cream twice daily for four weeks. The severity of the signs (erythema, scaling, infiltration) was assessed using a 4‐point score (0=absent, 1=mild, 2=moderate, and 3=intense) at baseline and at the 2nd and 4th weeks of the therapy. Also, self‐assessment was done by the patients on a 100 mm visual analogue score (VAS) at each visit. Complete remission was observed in 10 (32.3%) patients at the end of the therapy. Statistically significant reductions in the scores of all parameters were observed at both the 2nd and 4th weeks of the therapy. Patients' self assessments in the 2nd and 4th weeks were similarly better than at the baseline.
Membranous Lipodystrophy‐Like Changes in Two Cases of Traumatic Lipogranuloma Caused by Safety Belts
Authors: Lee Jin Wook , Bak Hana , Park In Ho , Choi Eung Ho , Ahn Sung Ku
Published: July 2014

A few cases of subcutaneous nodules with the histological findings of membranous lipodystrophy‐like changes have been reported in the literature. However, reports of membranous lipodystrophy‐like changes caused by trauma are exceedingly rare. We report two cases of traumatic lipogranuloma that had linear and multiple lesions showing membranous lipodystrophy‐like changes and were induced by safety belt trauma after a car accident. These patients showed peculiar changes in their subcutaneous fat and had linear patterned, multiple, nodular lesions with membranous lipodystrophy‐like changes caused by trauma.
Double‐Blind, Crossover Comparison of Olopatadine and Cetirizine versus Placebo: Suppressive Effects on Skin Response to Histamine Iontophoresis
Authors: Morita Eishin , Matsuo Hiroaki , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2014

Olopathadine, a newly developed histamine H1‐receptor antagonist, was compared with cetirizine in its suppressive effects on histamine‐induced wheal and flare reaction using an iontophoresis technique in a double‐blind, crossover, placebo‐controlled fashion. As a result, olopathadine was found to have effects comparable to cetirizine. This finding may predict the efficacy of this new H1‐antagonist in treating pruritic skin diseases.
Peripheral T‐Cell Lymphoma with Secondary Epithelioid Granulomatous Cutaneous Involvement: A Clinicopathologic Study of Four Cases
Authors: Pujol Ramon M. , Gallardo Fernando , Servitje Octavio , Martí Rosa M. , Bordes Ramon , García‐Muret M. Pilar , Estrach M. Teresa , Nomdedeu Josep F.
Published: July 2014

Epithelioid granuloma formation has rarely been observed in specific cutaneous lesions from T‐cell lymphomas other than those of mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome (MF/SS). Three patients diagnosed with nodal and/or extranodal (tonsillar) non‐Hodgkin's peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) and one patient with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AILD), developed specific cutaneous involvement showing prominent epithelioid cell and/or granulomatous inflammation. The original diagnostic lesions had no granulomatous features. In addition to a specific lymphomatous infiltrate, prominent dermal and/or subcutaneous granulomatous infiltrates were observed. Sarcoid‐like granulomas were observed in two patients (one of them presented a granuloma annulare‐like pattern in early lesions), granulomatous panniculitis was noted in one patient and in one patient with AILD, masses of epithelioid cells were noted. The clinicopathological features of cutaneous involvement by PTCL showing a florid epithelioid and/or granulomatous cell reaction are reviewed. Various histopathological patterns can be observed. The diagnostic difficulties of these cases are stressed.
Trichostasis Spinulosa Arising within Syringoma
Authors: Chun Seung Hyun , Bak Hana , Park Chang Ook , Choi Eung Ho , Ahn Sung Ku
Published: July 2014

A forty‐eight‐year‐old man presented with multiple pinhead to rice‐sized papules on the face. Histopathologic examination showed a typical syringoma and dilated hair follicles containing several vellus hairs in the middle of a fibrotic stroma. We discuss the possible pathomechanism between these two conditions in the same lesion.
Postsynaptic Supersensitivity after 6‐Hydroxy‐dopamine Induced Degeneration of the Nigro‐striatal Dopamine System
Authors: Ungerstedt U.
Published: July 2014

The effect of L‐DOPA and the dopamine (DA) receptor stimulating drug apomorphine was studied in rats after unilateral degeneration of the nigrostriatal DA system by intracerebral injection of 6‐hydroxydopamine. Both apomorphine and L‐DOPA induced a strong rotational behaviour which was registered in a specially designed “rotameter”. The direction of the rotation indicated that the denervated striatum was more sensitive to DA receptor stimulating drugs than the innervated striatum. This supersensitivity probably corresponded to the decentralisation type of supersensitivity in the peripheral nervous system although it developed faster. The action of L‐DOPA was inhibited by pretreatment with the DOPA‐decarboxylase inhibitor Ro4–4602 which indicated that L‐DOPA must be converted to DA in order to stimulate the supersensitive postsynaptic cells. Pretreatment with a single dose of reserpine also induced supersentitivity to apomorphine which reached its maximum on the 3rd day and then decreased on the 4th day. Postsynaptic supersensitivity after degeneration of the nigro‐striatal DA system is probably an important reason for the effectiveness of the L‐DOPA therapy against Parkinson's disease.
Adipsia and Aphagia after 6‐Hydroxydopamine Induced Degeneration of the Nigro‐striatal Dopamine System
Authors: Ungerstedt U.
Published: July 2014

The functional role of the nigro‐striatal dopamine (DA) system has been investigated on the basis of a recent detailed mapping of its path and a new method of lesioning the catecholamine systems selectively by intracerebral injection of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OH‐DA). The investigation was especially focused on the symptoms of adipsia, aphagia, hypokinesia and catalepsia after lateral hypothalamic lesions as such lesions may interrupt the ascending DA axons. Electrocoagulations or 6‐OH‐DA lesions were performed bilaterally at several sites along the DA pathway and the behavioural effects were evaluated in relation to the histochemically detected lesion of the DA pathway. It was concluded that bilateral complete degeneration of the nigro‐striatal DA pathway produces severe, long lasting adipsia and aphagia, hypoactivity, difficulties to initiate activity and loss of exploratory behaviour and curiosity. Experiments with DA receptor stimulating and blocking drugs supported the lesion results. Catalepsia and somnolence were attributed to the interruption of other pathways. The results suggest an important role for the nigro‐striatal DA system and the striatum in the control of behaviour. A number of symptoms earlier related to the hypothalamus may in fact be due to disturbance of the nigro‐striatal DA system.
Serial measurements of plasma renin activity, aldosterone and cortisol during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the renal artery in man
Authors: HÄGG A. , LÖRELIUS L.‐E. , MÖRLIN C. , WIDE L.
Published: July 2014

Fifteen patients (eight men, seven women) with hypertension and renal artery stenosis underwent dilation of the stenosis by percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA). During and shortly after this treatment the effects on the renin—angiotensin—aldosterone system and blood pressure were studied. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured in peripheral blood and in renal venous blood during the PTRA. PRA increased in peripheral blood during PTRA as a result of an immediate significant rise in renal venous plasma renin activity by 132 ± 134% (P < 0.01) on the dilated side. PRA in the contralateral renal vein was close to that in peripheral blood. Within 10 min after PTRA there was a significant increase in serum aldosterone from 439 ± 343 to 774 ± 635 pmol l−1 (P < 0.025), while serum cortisol remained unchanged. The aldosterone increase was most probably mediated by angiotensin II. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were unchanged during PTRA in spite of renin and aldosterone increases, suggesting that antihypertensive factors counteract the pressor effects of a physiologically relevant increase in PRA.
Increase in capillary blood flow and relative haematocrit in rabbit skeletal muscle following acute normovolaemic anaemia
Authors: LINDBOM L. , MIRHASHEMI S. , INTAGLIETTA M. , ARFORS K.‐E.
Published: July 2014

The effect of acute normovolaemic haemodilution on microvascular red blood cell flow was studied by intravital microscopy in the tenuissimus muscle of the rabbit. Blood was substituted isovolaemically with equal volumes of a 6% solution of dextran 70 (MW 70,000). The systemic haematocrit (Hsys) decreased from 36±4% (mean±SD) to 17 ± 2%. Following haemodilution capillary haematocrit (Hcap), as measured by video densitometric methods, decreased by 20 ± 9%. The reduction of Hcap was significantly smaller than that of Hsys, and Hcap normalized with respect to Hsys increased from 0.39 ± 0.07 in the control situation to 0.62 ± 0.18 after haemodilution. Red blood cell velocity (vrbc) increased by 45 ± 20% and compensated for the decrease in Hcap in such a way that the red blood cell flux, calculated from vrbc and Hcap, remained unchanged. Measurements of volume flow in the feeding arterioles in the muscle revealed a fractional redistribution of blood flow in favour of the muscle capillaries following haemodilution at the expense of vessels in adjacent connective tissue supplied by the same arterioles. This fractional flow redistribution was likely the basis for the relative increase in capillary haematocrit seen after haemodilution. The present data demonstrate that an acute reduction of the systemic haematocrit is compensated for in an active regulating vascular bed by a proportionally smaller decrease in capillary haematocrit and by an increased capillary red cell velocity. Microvascular haematocrit was found not to be a constant fraction of the systemic value, which supports the view of capillary haematocrit as a ‘controlled’ physiological variable.
Effects of chronic nicotine exposure on contractile enzyme‐histochemical and biochemical properties of fast‐ and slow‐twitch skeletal muscles in the rat
Authors: LARSSON L. , ÖRLANDER J. , ANSVED T. , EDSTRÖM L.
Published: July 2014

Nicotine‐exposed and control rats were compared with respect to contractile, enzyme‐histochemical and biochemical properties of fast‐ and slow‐twitch skeletal muscles in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying previously observed effects of tobacco smoking on skeletal muscle. The nicotine was administered in drinking water, since this approach has been shown to result in a plasma nicotine pattern similar to that seen in tobacco smokers. In a pilot study, fibre‐type proportions and mitochondrial enzyme activities tended to change in the slow‐twitch soleus muscle after 9 weeks of nicotine exposure in a way similar to that previously reported in tobacco smokers. In the present study, the duration of nicotine exposure was more prolonged (18 weeks) and the number of studied animals was increased. In this series neither contractile, enzyme‐histochemical nor biochemical properties were affected by the nicotine exposure. It is thus concluded that prolonged nicotine exposure has no significant effect on the skeletal muscle characteristics studied, and that other aetiological agent(s) for the observed differences in such characteristics between smokers and non‐smokers should be searched for.
WaDE: An Interoperable Data Exchange Network for Sharing Water Planning and Use Data
Authors: Larsen Sara G. , Young Dwane
Published: July 2014

The Water Data Exchange (WaDE) is a project initiated by the member states of the Western States Water Council (WSWC), in cooperation with the Western Governors’ Association (WGA), to assist state water agencies when answering local, regional, and national water availability questions. WaDE provides requested information more easily, sustainably, and cost‐effectively, by streamlining the publication of water planning, use, and allocation data for access by planners, policy makers, and the public.

This paper presents the background of the WaDE project, how it was envisioned to function, the types of data it will provide, and why access to the information is important for water managers. The goals of WaDE include the establishment of a governance structure, documentation of the current state agency capabilities and methodologies, and the design of a common data format that targets water data products and/or water‐quantity information. Many of these foundational products have been developed, such as governance workgroups, databases, web services code, and a prototype mapping application for centralized access. A major milestone, still underway, is the distribution and deployment of the databases and web services code within member states’ information technology environments. Lastly, WaDE seeks to encourage the publication of other agency datasets using web services and standardized data formats.
Water and Sediment Quality in the Clinch River,Virginia andTennessee,USA, over Nearly Five Decades
Authors: Price Jennifer E. , Zipper Carl E. , Jones Jess W. , Franck Christopher T.
Published: July 2014

The Clinch River, in eastern United States, supports a diverse freshwater fauna including endangered mussels. Although mussel populations are stable in the Clinch's northeastern Tennessee segment, long‐term declines have been documented upstream in Virginia. We analyzed water and sediment quality data collected by government agencies from the 1960s through 2013 in an effort to inform current management. The river was divided into sections considering data availability and major tributaries. We tested for spatial differences among river sections and for temporal trends, and compared measured values to potentially protective levels if available. Ammonia concentrations approaching and exceeding protective levels were recorded, most often during the 1970s and 1980s in upstream sections. Sediment metals occurred at levels potentially causing biological effects, mainly during the 1980s and 1990s. In the 2000s, water‐column metals have been well below protective levels for general aquatic life. Dissolved solids (DS) increased in most river sections over the study period but mussel‐specific protective levels are not known. Analysis of waterpH, total N, and total P did not generate conservation concern. Enhanced monitoring for sediment metals, water‐column metals, and ionic composition ofDS; closer alignment of agency water monitoring practices in the two states; and research to determine biological effects ofDSat current and anticipated levels can aid future conservation management.
Hypospadias and increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Butwicka Agnieszka , Lichtenstein Paul , Landén Mikael , Nordenvall Anna S. , Nordenström Anna , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Frisén Louise
Published: July 2014

Background

Hypospadias (aberrant opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis) occurs in 1 per 300 newborn boys. It has been previously unknown whether this common malformation is associated with increased psychiatric morbidity later in life. Studies of individuals with hypospadias also provide an opportunity to examine whether difference in androgen signaling is related to neurodevelopmental disorders. To elucidate the mechanisms behind a possible association, we also studied psychiatric outcomes among brothers of the hypospadias patients.

Methods

Registry study within a national cohort of all 9,262 males with hypospadias and their 4,936 healthy brothers born in Sweden between 1973 and 2009. Patients with hypospadias and their brothers were matched with controls by year of birth and county. The following outcomes were evaluated (1) any psychiatric (2) psychotic, (3) mood, (4) anxiety, (5) eating, and (6) personality disorders, (7) substance misuse, (8) attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), (9) autism spectrum disorders (ASD), (10) intellectual disability, and (11) other behavioral/emotional disorders with onset in childhood.

Results

Patients with hypospadias were more likely to be diagnosed with intellectual disability (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.8–3.8), ASD (1.4; 1.2–1.7), ADHD (1.5; 1.3–1.9), and behavioral/emotional disorders (1.4; 1.2–1.6) compared with the controls. Brothers of patients with hypospadias had an increased risk of ASD (1.6; 1.3–2.1) and other behavioral/emotional disorders with onset in childhood (1.2; 0.9–1.5) in comparison to siblings of healthy individuals. A slightly higher, although not statistically significant, risk was found for intellectual disability (1.3; 1.0–1.9). No relation between other psychiatric diagnosis and hypospadias was found.

Conclusions

This is the first study to identify an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in patients with hypospadias, as well as an increased risk for ASD in their brothers, suggesting a common familial (genetic and/or environmental) liability.
An Empirical Analysis of Cost Recovery in Superfund Cases: Implications for Brownfields and Joint and Several Liability
Authors: Chang Howard F. , Sigman Hilary
Published: July 2014

Economic theory developed in the prior literature indicates that under the joint and several liability imposed by the federal Superfund statute, the government should recover more of its costs of cleaning up contaminated sites than it would under nonjoint liability, and the amount recovered should increase with the number of defendants and with the independence among defendants in trial outcomes. We test these predictions empirically using data on outcomes in federal Superfund cases. Theory also suggests that this increase in the amount recovered may discourage the sale and redevelopment of potentially contaminated sites (or “brownfields”). We find the increase to be substantial, which suggests that this implicit tax on sales may be an important deterrent for parties contemplating brownfields redevelopment.
Do Kinship Networks Strengthen Private Property? Evidence from RuralChina
Authors: Zhang Taisu , Zhao Xiaoxue
Published: July 2014

This article finds that the existence of strong kinship networks tends to limit state interference with private property use in ruralChina by protecting villagers against unwanted government land takings. It then distinguishes kinship networks from other kinds of social networks by showing that their deterrence effect against coercive takings is far more significant and resilient under conditions of prevalent rural‐urban migration than deterrence by neighborhood cooperatives and religious groups. Finally, the article attempts to identify and differentiate between various possible mechanisms behind these effects: it argues that kinship networks protect private property usage mainly through encouraging social reciprocity between kinsmen, which facilitates collective action against coercive takings. Kinship networks are more effective than neighborhood cooperatives or religious groups at sustaining reciprocity over long distances and, therefore, are less affected by rural‐urban migration. Altruism between kinsmen, however, does not emerge from the data as a major factor.
Host tropism of infectious salmon anaemia virus in marine and freshwater fish species
Authors: Aamelfot M , Dale O B , McBeath A , Falk K
Published: July 2014

The aquatic orthomyxovirus infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) causes a severe disease in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Although some ISA outbreaks are caused by horizontal transmission of virus between farms, the source and reservoir of the virus is largely unknown and a wild host has been hypothesized. Atlantic salmon are farmed in open net‐pens, allowing transmission of pathogens from wild fish and the surrounding environment to the farmed fish. In this study, a large number of fish species were investigated for ISAV host potential. For orthomyxoviruses, a specific receptor binding is the first requirement for infection; thus, the fish species were investigated for the presence of the ISAV receptor. The receptor was found to be widely distributed across the fish species. All salmonids expressed the receptor. However, only some of the cod‐like and perch‐like fish did, and all flat fish were negative. In the majority of the positive species, the receptor was found on endothelial cells and/or on red blood cells. The study forms a basis for further investigations and opens up the possibility for screening species to determine whether a wild host of ISAV exists.
Relations among school/daycare functioning, fear of hypoglycaemia and quality of life in parents of young children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Herbert Linda J. , Clary Lauren , Owen Victoria , Monaghan Maureen , Alvarez Vanessa , Streisand Randi
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectives

To investigate the type 1 diabetes‐related school/daycare experiences of parents of young children and to examine the relationship among child school/daycare functioning, parent fear of hypoglycaemia and parent type 1 diabetes‐related quality of life.

Background

Parents of young children who attend school/daycare must rely on others for daily type 1 diabetes management. Worry about school/daycare type 1 diabetes management may cause parental distress and contribute to diminished parent quality of life. Parental concerns about type 1 diabetes management in young children in the school/daycare setting have not been well described in the literature.

Design

Descriptive correlational and cross‐sectional parent report of questionnaires design.

Methods

As part of a randomised controlled trial for parents of young children with type 1 diabetes, 134 parents completed self‐report measures at baseline. Data included demographic, school/daycare, and medical information, parent reports of child school/daycare functioning, parent fear of hypoglycaemia and parent type 1 diabetes‐related quality of life.

Results

Parents of younger children, children on a more intensive medical regimen and children who had experienced type 1 diabetes‐related unconsciousness or seizures had more school/daycare concerns. Parents who perceived their children had higher school/daycare functioning had less fear about hypoglycaemia and reported better type 1 diabetes‐related quality of life. School/daycare functioning and fear of hypoglycaemia were significantly associated with parent type 1 diabetes‐related quality of life.

Conclusions

Parents' concerns about school/daycare functioning and fear of hypoglycaemia play an important role in parents' type 1 diabetes‐related quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice

Members of the healthcare team should be aware of concerns related to children attending school/daycare and provide additional support as warranted.
Workplace violence against clinicians in Cypriot emergency departments: a national questionnaire survey
Authors: Vezyridis Paraskevas , Samoutis Alexis , Mavrikiou Petroula M
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectives

To identify perceived prevalence, characteristics, precipitating factors and suggestions for improving workplace violence in all nine public emergency departments in the Cyprus Republic.

Background

Workplace violence is a common phenomenon in emergency departments, but little is known about this phenomenon in Cyprus.

Design

A retrospective cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty of 365 emergency nurses (85·7%) and doctors (14·3%) participated in this study, of which 62% were female. Data were collected via a Greek language version of the Violent Incident Form. Additional questions examined perceived frequencies, encouragement for reporting, satisfaction with actions taken and suggestions for improvement. Descriptive analysis, chi‐square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to describe and associate characteristics with workplace prevalence.

Results

During the previous 12 months, the vast majority of nurses and doctors (76·2%) were exposed to verbal abuse (88·8%), mainly by relatives or friends of the patient (59·1%). Relatively inexperienced clinicians were at greater risk. Waiting time was identified as the most significant organisational factor. Alcohol intoxication, substance abuse and mental illness were individual factors for workplace violence. Severe underreporting (72·2%) and a belief that workplace violence is part of the work (74·1%) were also identified. Workplace violence was highly correlated with several factors, including a lack of encouragement for reporting, a feeling in advance that a violent incident was about to happen and having to handle the incident personally. Suggestions for improvement included more security measures (26·7%) and public education about the proper use of emergency services (15·2%).

Conclusion

Verbal abuse is common in Cypriot emergency departments, but clinicians are increasingly worried about physical assaults.

Relevance to clinical practice

Training, security policies, encouragement of reporting and support for staff after a violent incident are needed. Future research should try to include the perpetrator's viewpoint.
Innovation processes and team effectiveness: The role of goal clarity and commitment, and team affective tone
Authors: Peralta Carlos Ferreira , Lopes Paulo Nuno , Gilson Lucy L. , Lourenço Paulo Renato , Pais Leonor
Published: July 2014

Using two distinct samples, this research unpacks the relationships between team innovation processes and effectiveness (measured as performance and reputation). Furthermore, we examine the moderating role of two team emergent states: goal clarity and commitment, and affective tone. We find that the relationship between innovation processes and performance is moderated by goal clarity and commitment, such that the relationship is more strongly positive when goal clarity and commitment is high. Conversely, innovation processes are more positively related to reputation when teams have lower levels of negative affective tone. Implications for research on innovation processes, emergent states, and effectiveness are discussed along with implications for practice.

Practitioner points

Innovation processes are beneficial for both team performance and reputation. However, these effects are influenced by the way team members view their goals and the emotions they experience in the team, respectively.

We find that the effect of innovation processes on team performance is stronger when team objectives are clear and members are committed to their goals. The relationship between innovation processes and team reputation is weakened when team members experience negative affect.

The findings, observed in both call centre and roller hockey teams, highlight that for the relationship between innovation and effectiveness to be positive, it is important to provide clear goals and manage team affect.