bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vulvar Melanoma Associated with Lichen Sclerosus in a Child: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: La Spina Milena , Meli Maria Claudia , De Pasquale Rocco , Perrotta Rosario E. , Lanzafame Salvatore , Caltabiano Rosario , Lo Nigro Luca , Russo Giovanna , Di Cataldo Andrea 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe authors describe the sixth pediatric case to date of primary vulvar melanoma associated with lichen sclerosus and propose a practical management for such a rare cancer.
Lymphangioma Circumscriptum: Good Clinical Response to Isotretinoin Therapy
Authors: Ayhan Erhan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a superficial form of lymphatic malformation that can be difficult to treat. Therapeutic approaches to LC such as laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical excision give varying results. This is the first description of a case of LC successfully treated with oral isotretinoin. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this is a reproducible treatment option.
Pediatric Positional Sitting Dermatitis: A New Form of Pediatric Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Isaacs Michael J. , Strausburg Matthew B. , Mousdicas Nico 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe report on four pediatric patients who presented with localized dermatitis in areas subject to repetitive friction due to their sitting positions. We propose that the cause of the eruption was irritant contact dermatitis due to frequently sitting in a crossed‐leg sitting position, an entity for which we have coined the term pediatric positional sitting dermatitis (PPSD). The goal of this report is to raise clinicians' awareness of PPSD, which to our knowledge has not been previously described, and to discuss management of these patients.
Ethics in the communicative encounter: seriously ill patients' experiences of health professionals' nonverbal communication
Authors: Timmermann Connie , Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth , Birkelund Regner 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe communicative encounter has been described as a fundamental element in caring for the patients, and further, in this encounter, the nonverbal body language and the tone of speech are agued to play a crucial role.AimThis study explores how seriously ill hospitalised patients experience and assign meaning to the health professionals' communication with special attention to the nonverbal body language and tone of speech. The study is part of a larger study exploring how seriously ill patients experience and assign meaning to the sensory impressions in the physical hospital environment as well as to the health professionals' communication.MethodThe study is based on qualitative interviews supplemented by observations and applies Paul Ricoeur's phenomenological‐hermeneutic theory of interpretation in processing the collected data. We included twelve patients with potentially life‐threatening illnesses such as cancer, severe lung, liver and heart disease.FindingsThrough analysis and interpretation of the interviews, we identified two themes in the text: (i) Being confirmed, (ii) Being ignored and an inconvenience. The patients experienced that the health professionals' nonverbal communication was imperative for their experience of being confirmed or in contrast, their experience of being ignored and an inconvenience.ConclusionThe health professionals' nonverbal communication proved essential for the seriously ill patients' experience of well‐being in the form of positive thoughts and emotions. Consequently, this sensory dimension of the communicative encounter represents a significant ethical element in caring for the patients.
The Role of Conviction in Personal Disease Risk Perceptions: What Can We Learn From Research on Attitude Strength?
Authors: Taber Jennifer M. , Klein William M. P. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPerceived risk for disease is included as a predictor of intentions and behavior in many health behavior theories. However, perceived risk is not always a strong predictor of intentions and behaviors. One reason may be suboptimal conceptualization and measurement of risk perceptions; in particular, research may not capture the conviction and certainty with which a risk perception is held. The rich and independent literature on attitudes might be leveraged to explore whether conviction is an important moderator of the effects of risk perceptions on intentions and behavior. Attitudes are more predictive of intentions when they are high in multiple aspects of attitude strength, including attitude certainty and being more accessible and stable over time. Working from the assumption that risk perceptions have a similar structure and function to attitudes, we consider whether factors known to strengthen the attitude–behavior correspondence might also strengthen the risk perception–behavior correspondence. Although by strict definition risk perceptions are not evaluations (a critical component of attitudes), the predictive validity of risk perceptions may be increased by attention to one's “conviction” or certainty of perceived risk. We also review recent strategies designed to improve risk perception measurement, including affective and experiential assessments of perceived risk and the importance of allowing people to indicate that they “don't know” their disease risk. The aim of this paper is to connect two disparate literatures – attitudes and persuasion in social psychology with risk perceptions in health psychology and decision science – in an attempt to stimulate more work on characteristics and proper measurement of risk perceptions.
Half‐dose ganciclovir preemptive treatment of cytomegalovirus infection after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ju H.Y. , Kang H.J. , Hong C.R. , Lee J.W. , Kim H. , Park K.D. , Shin H.Y. , Park J.D. , Choi E.H. , Lee H.J. , Ahn H.S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundGanciclovir (GCV) has been widely used as preemptive therapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), although bone marrow suppression is a known accompaniment, with secondary infection or bleeding as potential complications. Our aim was to evaluate clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with low cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia levels using half the dosage of GCV generally given preemptively.MethodsPatients received half doses of intravenous GCV (5 mg/kg once daily, 6 days/week) at CMV antigenemia levels <10/200,000 cells. At higher levels of CMV antigenemia, conventional doses of GCV (5 mg/kg every 12 h) were administered.ResultsA total of 130 patients were evaluated, detecting CMV antigenemia in 87 (66.9%). Of these patients, 74 (85.1%) were treated preemptively with half‐dose GCV, which proved effective as sole therapy in 51 (68.9%). CMV retinitis developed in 4 patients, 2 of whom initially were given half‐dose GCV. All infections resolved successfully, with no CMV‐related deaths. CMV seropositivity in recipients was the only significant risk factor for positive CMV antigenemia (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.05, P = 0.046). Compared with half‐dose GCV administration, conventional GCV dosing resulted in a higher rate of severe neutropenia, defined as absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L (HR = 4.30, P = 0.015).ConclusionHalf‐dose GCV therapy at CMV antigenemia levels <10/200,000 cells is an effective and safe means of preemptively treating pediatric CMV infection after HSCT.
Healthcare costs and outcomes of managing β‐thalassemia major over 50 years in the United Kingdom
Authors: Weidlich Diana , Kefalas Panos , Guest Julian F. 
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUNDThe objective was to estimate the incidence‐based costs of treating β‐thalassemia major (BTM) to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) over the first 50 years of a patient's life in terms of healthcare resource use and corresponding costs and the associated health outcomes.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a modeling study based on information obtained from a systematic review of published literature and clinicians involved in managing BTM in the United Kingdom. A state transition model was constructed depicting the management of BTM over a period of 50 years. The model was used to estimate the incidence‐based health economic impact that BTM imposes on the NHS and patients' health status in terms of the number of quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) over 50 years.RESULTSThe expected probability of survival at 50 years is 0.63. Of patients who survive, 33% are expected to be without any complication and the other 67% are expected to experience at least one complication. Patients' health status over this period was estimated to be a mean of 11.5 discounted QALYs per patient. Total healthcare expenditure attributable to managing BTM was estimated to be £483,454 ($720,201) at 2013/14 prices over 50 years. The cost of managing BTM could be potentially reduced by up to 37% if one in two patients had a bone marrow transplant, with an ensuing improvement in health‐related quality of life.CONCLUSIONThis analysis provides the best estimate available of NHS resource use and costs with which to inform policy and budgetary decisions pertaining to this rare disease.
Increased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 correlates with improved outcome in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours
Authors: Pulz L. H. , Barra C. N. , Kleeb S. R. , Xavier J. G. , Catão‐Dias J. L. , Sobral R. A. , Fukumasu H. , Strefezzi R. F. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCanine mast cell tumour (MCT) is a biologically heterogeneous disease. The extracellular matrix degradation promoted by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been studied in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the biological behaviour of tumours. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression ofMMP‐2 and ‐9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and ‐2 in canine cutaneousMCTsand to evaluate their prognostic values. Immunohistochemical staining forMMP‐2,MMP‐9,TIMP‐2 andTIMP‐1 was performed in 46 canine cases ofMCTs.TIMP‐1 expression showed an independent prognostic value for post‐surgical survival and disease‐related mortality. Dogs withMCTs showing less than 22.9% mast cellTIMP‐1 positivity were more prone to die because of the disease and had a shorter post‐surgical survival. This article suggests the involvement ofTIMP‐1 inMCTprogression, by contributing to a good outcome in patients withMCTs.
Retrospective evaluation of toceranib phosphate (Palladia®) toxicity in cats
Authors: Merrick C. H. , Pierro J. , Schleis S. E. , Sones E. A. , Wright Z. M. , Regan R. C. , Siedlecki C. T. , Bergman P. J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe the toxicity profile of toceranib phosphate in tumour bearing cats. Medical records were reviewed from seven institutions. Patients with incomplete medical records and those receiving concurrent chemotherapy orNSAIDs(non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory) were excluded. Fifty‐five cats met the inclusion criteria. Carcinoma was diagnosed in 55% of cases. Median oral toceranib dose was 2.7 mg kg−1and was most commonly administered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Thrombocytopenia (16.3%) and neutropenia (9.1%) were the most common haematologic toxicities. Azotemia (14.5%) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations (7.2%) were the most frequently encountered biochemical alterations. Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was seen in 21.8% of cats, and was lower than previously reported in dogs. The results of this study showed that treatment of cats with toceranib is well‐tolerated and toxicity is uncommon. Additional studies to define a more structured dosing schedule and to evaluate the efficacy of toceranib in the treatment of feline cancers are needed.
Differential expression of microRNAs in bovine papillomavirus type 1 transformed equine cells
Authors: Terron‐Canedo N. , Weir W. , Nicolson L. , Britton C. , Nasir L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 play an important role in the pathogenesis of equine sarcoids (ES), the most common cutaneous tumour affecting horses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non‐coding RNAs that regulate essential biological and cellular processes, have been found dysregulated in a wide range of tumours. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs associated with ES. Differential expression of miRNAs was assessed in control equine fibroblasts (EqPalFs) and EqPalFs transformed with the BPV‐1 genome (S6‐2 cells). Using a commercially available miRNA microarray, 492 mature miRNAs were interrogated. In total, 206 mature miRNAs were differentially expressed in EqPalFs compared with S6‐2 cells. Aberrant expression of these miRNAs in S6‐2 cells can be attributed to the presence of BPV‐1 genomes. Furthermore, we confirm the presence of 124 miRNAs previously computationally predicted in the horse. Our data supports the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of ES.
Determination of liver and muscle aflatoxin B1 residues and select serum chemistry variables during chronic aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Rehman Habib‐ur‐ , Manzoor Sohail , Tahir Shahida , Mukhtar Muhammad 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundAflatoxins are secondary metabolites of the fungus Aspergillus sp. The presence of aflatoxin in poultry feeds results in direct toxicity and economic losses, and human health hazards after consumption of contaminated liver and meat.ObjectivesThe study was conducted to assess tissue residues of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and alterations in select clinical chemistry variables in serum during chronic aflatoxicosis in broiler chicks fed different dietary levels of AFB1.Materials and MethodsSix groups of broiler chickens were fed diets containing between 0 and 800 ppb of AFB1 for 28 days. Groups of birds were terminated on days 0, 5, 13, 15, 20, and 28, and AFB1 levels were determined by HPLC in liver and muscle. Serum activities of ALT and ALP, and total protein and albumin concentrations were determined.ResultsNo AFB1 residues were detected in liver after 50 ppb AFB1, and muscle after 50 and 100 ppb AFB1 feeding. Residues above the permissible threshold (> 2.0 ng/g) were only detected in liver tissues of groups fed 400 ppb and 800 ppb AFB1 in feed. The ALT and ALP activities in treated groups were significantly higher, and total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly lower in all treated groups compared to controls.ConclusionsContinuous feeding of AFB1 to broiler chicken at levels of 50 and 100 ppb for 28 days did not reveal measurable AFB1 residues in muscle tissues. Serum values of ALT, ALP, total protein, and albumin may serve as markers for chronic aflatoxicosis in affected poultry.
Perineural Injection of the Ethmoidal Nerve of Horses
Authors: Caruso Michael , Schumacher Jim , Henry Robert 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the anatomical location of the ethmoidal nerve in the equine periorbital region and to determine the accuracy of a technique used to deposit local anesthetic solution adjacent to the nerve.Study DesignProspective experimental study.AnimalsAdult equine cadaver heads (n=6 for preliminary dissection; n=15 [30 nerve sites] for evaluation of injection technique).MethodsPreliminary dissections were performed to identify landmarks for injection of local anesthetic adjacent to the ethmoidal nerve. For evaluation of the injection technique a 20 gauge 6 cm spinal needle was inserted into the rostromedial aspect of the supraorbital fossa, where the caudal aspect of the zygomatic process emerges from the frontal bone caudal and medial to the globe. The needle was inserted to its hub at an angle of 110° to the long axis of the head using a protractor, in both a sagittal plane and a transverse plane, and 0.5 mL of new methylene blue dye was injected as a marker. The ethmoidal nerve was identified by dissection immediately after each injection and inspected for proximity of the dye.ResultsDye was observed surrounding the nerve in 27 of 30 sites (90%) or lying within 5 mm of the nerve at the other 3 sites.ConclusionThe described technique of perineural injection of the ethmoidal nerve proved reliable and simple. Anesthetizing the ethmoidal nerve may be helpful in desensitizing portions of the ipsilateral paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity innervated by the nerve when sinonasal surgery is performed in the standing horse.
Owner Evaluation of a CORA‐Based Leveling Osteotomy for Treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs
Authors: Kishi Erin N. , Hulse Don 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate a center of rotation of angulation (CORA)‐based leveling osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament injury in dogs.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n=70).MethodsMedical records (March 2011 to March 2012) of dogs diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury treated with a CORA‐based leveling osteotomy and stabilized using a bone plate and headless compression screw were reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed for tibial plateau angle and radiographic healing at final evaluation graded on a 5‐point scale. Follow‐up for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively was conducted by owner completion of a questionnaire regarding their dog's function after surgery. Based on owner responses, clinical outcomes were established.ResultsCORA‐based leveling osteotomy was used for 70 stifles with CCL injury. The mean time to final radiographic recheck was 107 days (range, 32–424 days). Radiographic healing scores were 42 dogs (69%) with grade 4, 17 dogs (28%) with grade 3, and 2 dogs (3%) with grade 2. The mean time to follow‐up was 11.9 months (range 6–18 months). Fifty‐four of the 70 (77%) dogs had full function, 13 (19%) had acceptable function, and 3 (4%) had unacceptable function. Complications occurred in 11 stifles (16%), including 3 incisional, 6 late‐onset meniscal tears, and 2 implant related.ConclusionThe described method of a CORA‐based leveling osteotomy can be successfully performed for treatment of CCL injury in dogs. At the time of mid‐term and long‐term owner follow‐up, most dogs in this case series had returned to full function.
The Secreted Protein Rv1860 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Stimulates Human Polyfunctional CD8+T Cells
Authors: Satchidanandam Vijaya , Kumar Naveen , Biswas Sunetra , Jumani Rajiv S. , Jain Chandni , Rani Rajni , Aggarwal Bharti , Singh Jaya , Kotnur Mohan Rao , Sridharan Anand 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTWe previously reported that Rv1860 protein fromMycobacterium tuberculosisstimulated CD4+and CD8+T cells secreting gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in healthy purified protein derivative (PPD)-positive individuals and protected guinea pigs immunized with a DNA vaccine and a recombinant poxvirus expressing Rv1860 from a challenge with virulentM. tuberculosis. We now show Rv1860-specific polyfunctional T (PFT) cell responses in the blood of healthy latentlyM. tuberculosis-infected individuals dominated by CD8+T cells, using a panel of 32 overlapping peptides spanning the length of Rv1860. Multiple subsets of CD8+PFT cells were significantly more numerous in healthy latently infected volunteers (HV) than in tuberculosis (TB) patients (PAT). The responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PAT to the peptides of Rv1860 were dominated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretions, the former coming predominantly from non-T cell sources. Notably, the pattern of the T cell response to Rv1860 was distinctly different from those of the widely studiedM. tuberculosisantigens ESAT-6, CFP-10, Ag85A, and Ag85B, which elicited CD4+T cell-dominated responses as previously reported in other cohorts. We further identified a peptide spanning amino acids 21 to 39 of the Rv1860 protein with the potential to distinguish latent TB infection from disease due to its ability to stimulate differential cytokine signatures in HV and PAT. We suggest that a TB vaccine carrying these and other CD8+T-cell-stimulating antigens has the potential to prevent progression of latentM. tuberculosisinfection to TB disease.
Primary malignant mesothelioma of the spermatic cord
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Singh Suresh , Mangal Akshay , Mittal Alka 
Published: April 2016

Primary spermatic cord malignant mesothelioma is an extremely rare tumour with only 12 cases reported so far. It is an aggressive tumour with a high recurrence rate. A 45-year-old man presented with a slow growing right inguinal swelling for the past 1 year. Physical examination revealed a well-circumscribed, hard, non-reducible swelling palpable along the medial extent of the inguinal canal with no cough impulse. Fine-needle aspiration cytology suggested metastatic carcinoma. Contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax and abdomen did not reveal any primary. Right high inguinal orchidectomy was performed at another institution. Postoperative histopathological examination (HPE) and immunohistochemistry suggested biphasic malignant mesothelioma with resected margin positive. The patient was referred to us for revision surgery and adjuvant therapy. Postoperative course was uneventful. Currently, he is undergoing radiotherapy.Surgery is the first-line treatment. Patients should receive adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and long-term follow-up surveillance.
Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS): towards a global surveillance system
Authors: Chiang Laura F , Kress Howard , Sumner Steven A , Gleckel Jessie , Kawemama Philbert , Gordon Rebecca N 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS). The survey is a national, household survey that systematically measures the prevalence, nature and consequences of sexual, physical and emotional violence against children.DesignThis report provides information about the history, implementation, ethical protections, utility, results, limitations, and future directions of the VACS work.ResultsThe study has been implemented in 11 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, providing each of these countries with baseline data and momentum to address violence against children as a public health and human rights priority. These data are novel in each country, and VACS is well poised to contribute to an existing surveillance system or be used as the basis of a periodic surveillance system.ConclusionsWithout ongoing surveillance to assess prevalence and the impact of policy, prevention and response programming, violence will likely continue to be overlooked as the linchpin public health crisis that it is, globally and in individual countries.
Use of syndromic surveillance data to monitor poisonings and drug overdoses in state and local public health agencies
Authors: Ising Amy , Proescholdbell Scott , Harmon Katherine J , Sachdeva Nidhi , Marshall Stephen W , Waller Anna E 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe incidence of poisoning and drug overdose has risen rapidly in the USA over the last 16 years. To inform local intervention approaches, local health departments (LHDs) in North Carolina (NC) are using a statewide syndromic surveillance system that provides timely, local emergency department (ED) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data on medication and drug overdoses.ObjectiveThe purpose of this article is to describe the development and use of a variety of case definitions for poisoning and overdose implemented in NC's syndromic surveillance system and the impact of the system on local surveillance initiatives.Design, setting, participantsThirteen new poisoning and overdose-related case definitions were added to NC's syndromic surveillance system and LHDs were trained on their use for surveillance purposes. Twenty-one LHDs were surveyed on the utility and impact of these new case definitions.Results/ConclusionsNinety-one per cent of survey respondents (n = 29) agreed or strongly agreed that their ability to access timely ED data was vital to inform community-level overdose prevention work. Providing LHDs with access to local, timely data to identify pockets of need and engage stakeholders facilitates the practice of informed injury prevention and contributes to the reduction of injury incidence in their communities.