bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The risk of malignancy or progression of existing malignancy in patients with psoriasis treated with biologics: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Patel Shailee , Patel Tejas , Kerdel Francisco A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThere is some debate regarding the risk of developing malignancy and progression of malignancy in patients with psoriasis treated with biologics. The lack of extensive, long‐term, and large studies, including patients with psoriasis, to assess these aforementioned risks makes it difficult to ascertain the safety profile of biologic therapy in these patients. Several studies do support the favorability of the safety profile of biologics in patients with psoriasis in terms of the risk of developing malignancy. A few studies include patients with a previous history of cancer that were thereafter treated with biologics and show no increased risk of recurrence in those treated with biologics compared to non‐biologic therapy. Although recent studies do not show an increased risk of new or recurrent malignancy in patients with psoriasis treated with biologic agents, there is still hesitancy in the widespread use of biologic agents in these patients. Considering all of the current data and opinions, the benefits of biologic therapy to improve quality of life often outweigh the negligible risk of solid organ malignancy associated with biologics in patients with existing or previous malignancies. Coordinating the management of patients that develop or have a history of previous malignancy with an oncology team is crucial for patient‐centered care until clear evidence‐based guidelines are developed.
Prevalence and clinical features of pigmented oral lesions
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Sawair Faleh , Al‐karadsheh Omar , Scully Crispian 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo examine the relative prevalence, types, and clinical features of pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa in 1275 patients attending a university hospital for dental care.MethodsPatients attending dental clinics at The University of Jordan Hospital over a 1‐year period were examined for the presence of oral pigmentations. Histopathological examination was performed on focally pigmented lesions with a suspicious or uncertain clinical diagnosis.ResultsA total of 386 (30.2%) patients were found to have oral pigmentations. Of these, racial pigmentation (39.9%) and smokers' melanosis (32.9%) were the most common causes of oral pigmentations. Other causes included amalgam tattoo (18.9%), focal melanotic macules (5.7%), postinflammatory pigmentation (1.6%), pigmentation due to medications or systemic disease (0.52%), heavy metal deposits (0.26%), and oral nevus (0.26%). Gingivae and buccal mucosae were the most common sites for oral pigmentations.ConclusionPigmentations of the oral mucosa are common. Gingivae and buccal mucosae are the most common sites for oral pigmentations. Proper history and recognition of clinical features are important for effective management.
Literature‐based immunization recommendations for patients requiring immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune bullous dermatoses
Authors: Laniosz Valerie , Lehman Julia S. , Poland Gregory A. , Wetter David A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAutoimmune bullous diseases, such as pemphigus, pemphigoid, and dermatitis herpetiformis, are uniquely associated with vulnerability in the mucocutaneous barrier against infection. The management of immunobullous diseases is complex and may at times require immunosuppressive medications. Iatrogenic immunosuppression may increase susceptibility to vaccine‐preventable illnesses. Currently, there are no guidelines to assist the clinician treating patients with immunobullous disease regarding the delivery of various vaccinations. The aim of this review is to provide recommendations for immunization in the unique setting of immunobullous disease. Recommendations are based on careful review of the literature in other conditions requiring iatrogenic immunosuppression, as well as the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Immunization with nonlive vaccines appears to be a safe and effective strategy for preventing infection in the particularly susceptible patient with immunobullous disease. Opportunities for live vaccine administration may become available at lower levels of immune suppression or during clinical remission when immunosuppressive regimens can be reduced. Anticipatory vaccination before the initiation of iatrogenic immunosuppression is ideal. Although immunologic response to vaccination may be suboptimal during immunosuppression, nonlive vaccination is strongly recommended for this patient population.
Serum level of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Amin Tarek E. , ElFar Nashwa N. , Ghaly Nahla R. , Hekal Mona M. , Hassan Azza M. , Elsaadany Hanan M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis usually precedes the onset of psoriatic arthritis by an average of 10 years in about 70% of patients. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) is a natural and necessary surface‐bound molecule, which is a ligand for osteoprotegrin and functions as a key factor for osteoclast differentiation and activation.ObjectiveEvaluation of the serum level of RANKL in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and its correlation with severity of the disease as a trial to predict the occurrence of psoriatic arthritis in such patients.MethodThis study included 80 subjects; 40 patients had chronic plaque psoriasis, 20 patients had chronic plaque psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis, and 20 were healthy controls. Patients with psoriasis were divided into three subgroups according to psoriasis area severity index score: mild, moderate, and severe. Serum RANKL levels were estimated for all subjects using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSerum RANKL level in psoriatic arthritis was significantly higher compared to both patients with plaque psoriasis and control groups. Serum RANKL level significantly correlated to the severity of psoriasis, with a very high correlation coefficient in groups I and II. The diagnostic performance of serum RANKL level for the early prediction of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis was >170 pg/ml.ConclusionSerum RANKL level could be considered as a useful diagnostic marker for the early prediction of psoriatic arthritis in patients with moderate and severe psoriasis. Assessment of soluble RANKL in psoriasis could identify those at increased risk for psoriatic arthritis, and anti‐RANKL agents may be effective in decreasing incidence of psoriatic arthritis.
Learning from mistakes: errors in approaches to melanoma and the urgent need for updated national guidelines
Authors: Simionescu Olga , Blum Andreas , Grigore Mariana , Costache Mariana , Avram Alina , Testori Alessandro 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe tracking and identification of errors in the detection and follow‐up of melanoma are important because there is huge potential to increase awareness about the most vulnerable aspects of diagnosis and treatment, and to improve both from the perspective of healthcare economics. The present study was designed to identify where errors occur and to propose a minimum set of rules for the routine guidance of any specialist in melanoma management.MethodsThis report describes the evaluation of a unique series of 33 cases in which errors applying to many steps in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma were detected. Cases were collected at two centers in Romania, one public and one private, as part of a process of obtaining patient‐requested second opinions.ResultsA total of 166 errors were identified across the 33 patients, most of which were treatment errors. The errors fell into six categories: clinical diagnostic errors (36 errors among 30 patients); primary surgical errors (31 errors among 16 patients); pathology errors (24 errors among 17 patients); sentinel lymph node biopsy errors (13 errors among 13 patients); staging errors (17 errors among 13 patients); and treatment or management errors (45 errors among 33 patients).ConclusionsBased on the present results, we propose that in countries lacking national guidelines, clinicians should adhere to international evidence‐based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.
Non‐invasive method distinguishes chronic telogen effluvium from mild female pattern hair loss: clinicopathological correlation
Authors: Bittencourt Caroline , Teixeira Fernanda , Ferraro Daniela A. , Soares Tania C.B. , Moraes Aparecida M. , Cintra Maria L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe distinction between chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is important because of their different prognosis and treatment. Non‐invasive methods have been described to be useful in differentiatingFPHLfromCTE. This prospective study investigated the use of the washing method to differentiateCTEfrom mildFPHL.MethodsTwenty patients withCTEand 17 withFPHLwere recruited and followed for 18 months. The diagnosis was established through clinical, laboratory, and histological studies. The patients were asked to abstain from washing their hair for 5 days and then shampoo and collect all hair shed in the process. Hair shafts were then counted and divided into two groups: up to 3 cm in length or longer.ResultsIn theCTEgroup, the mean hair count was high (438), and in all cases, <10% were short. In patients withFPHL, the mean count was not as high (215) and in only one patient, short hairs comprised <10% of the total. The greater the number of long hairs, the higher was the density of terminal follicles seen histologically. TheCTEgroup presented a greater number of patients with serum iron values <70 μg/dl. Ferritin levels ranged from 6.98 to 128.33, average of 66.65 (CTE), and 16.5–304.8, average of 114.97 ng/ml (FPHL), but no significant differences were found.ConclusionThe washing test can be useful to avoid biopsy procedures. Iron serum levels are possibly an additional parameter that may improveCTEdiagnosis if combined with an earlier test.
Morphology and environment in some fossil Hominoids and Pedetids (Mammalia)
Authors: Senut Brigitte 
Published: December 2015

AbstractLinking the environment to functional anatomy is not an easy exercise, especially when dealing with fossils, which are often fragmentary and represent animals that are extinct. A holistic approach permits us to fill the gaps in reconstructing the evolutionary patterns in fossil groups. Identifying the environment where animals lived can help to interpret some anatomical structures and, vice versa, the functional morphological pattern can help to refine some fossil environments. Two examples focusing on locomotor behaviours in fossil mammals are considered in this paper: the hominoids and the origins of hominid bipedalism and the springing adaptations in fossil rodents (Pedetidae) in connection with different habitats. In the first case, the limits of the chimp‐based models and the necessity to take into account detailed environmental reconstructions will be addressed. The famous ‘savannah hypothesis’ is no longer tenable because the palaeontological data support a more vegetated environment for the origins of bipedal hominids. Data from the environment will be considered. The earliest putative hominid fossils which preserve skeletal remains of the locomotor apparatus show mixed adaptations to terrestrial bipedalism and arboreal activities. The second example focuses on the variation in springing adaptations in Pedetidae in the Lower Miocene of East Africa and Southern Africa. In the East, the sites where Pedetidae were preserved were mainly forested, whereas in the South the region was more open and drier, with extensive grassy patches. In the first case, pedetids were robust and heavy jumpers, whereas in the South they were smaller, their skeleton more gracile and their springing was lighter. During the desertification of the southern part of Africa, the large pedetid species became extinct, but a smaller species developed. In the case of primates, as in the case of rodents, the skeletal morphology was adapted to its environment.
Impact of mode of delivery after 32 weeks’ gestation on neonatal outcome in dichorionic diamniotic twins
Authors: Soong Stephen , Greer Ristan M. , Gardener Glenn , Flenady Vicki , Kumar Sailesh 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to investigate neonatal outcome of dichorionic diamniotic twins born beyond 32 weeks’ gestation according to mode of delivery at a major tertiary center in Australia.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of women with dichorionic diamniotic twins delivering at ≥32 weeks’ gestation at a large tertiary maternity center in Australia using data from a maternity database. Primary and secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, birthweight, stillbirth, Apgar score, neonatal unit admission, neonatal resuscitation, death and respiratory distress.ResultsOf 1261 women, 82.9% (1045/1261; 2090 babies) delivered at ≥32 weeks’ gestation. The mode of delivery for these babies was as follows: normal vaginal delivery, 419 (20%); instrumental delivery, 179 (8.6%); emergency cesarean section, 658 (31.5%); and elective cesarean section, 834 (39.9%). Babies delivered by emergency cesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery had worse outcome. In contrast, the lowest complications were seen in the uncomplicated vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section cohorts.ConclusionsNeonatal outcome was worse for those delivering via emergency cesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery compared with elective cesarean section or uncomplicated vaginal delivery. The rate of uncomplicated vaginal delivery, however, was low, with only 14.8% of women delivering both babies vaginally without any form of intervention.
Informing health policy in Japan: A mixed‐model estimation to compare the cost of illness of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer
Authors: Hayata Eijiro , Seto Kanako , Kitazawa Takefumi , Matsumoto Kunichika , Morita Mineto , Hasegawa Tomonori 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to inform Japanese health policy by comparing cervical cancer and endometrial cancer from the standpoint of economic burden and examining factors affecting future changes in economic burden.MethodsUsing government‐based nationwide statistical data, we used the cost‐of‐illness (COI) method to estimate the COI from 1996 to 2011 and predicted future estimates for 2014, 2017, and 2020.ResultsIn 2011, the COI of cervical cancer was estimated at 159.9 billion yen and that of endometrial cancer was estimated at 99.5 billion yen. Assuming the current trends in health‐related indicators, the COI of cervical cancer is predicted to temporarily decrease in 2014 and then remain constant. Meanwhile, the COI of endometrial cancer is predicted to temporarily decrease in 2014 before returning to an upward trend.ConclusionThe COI of both cervical cancer and endometrial cancer is estimated to remain constant or increase in the future. The average age of death from cervical cancer is predicted to remain relatively young and the high human capital value of patients who die in their sixties is the most likely explanation for the lack of decrease in future COI. As women's participation in society continues to increase, the future COI may also increase. Regarding endometrial cancer, the increase in direct costs, particularly hospitalization costs, is a likely factor resulting in the increase in the COI. This is because women are surviving longer, and thus receiving care for longer durations, because of advancements in medical care.
Protease inhibitors partially overcome the interferon nonresponse phenotype in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Duarte‐Rojo A. , Fischer S. E. , Adeyi O. , Zita D. , Deneke M. G. , Selzner N. , Chen L. , Malespin M. , Cotler S. J. , McGilvray I. D. , Feld J. J. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe outcome of triple therapy with protease inhibitors (PI) depends on the intrinsic response to interferon. Interferon‐stimulated gene (ISG) expression differs by cell type in the liver and is a strong predictor of interferon responsiveness. Patients who respond well to interferon have low/absent ISG expression in hepatocytes but significant ISG expression in macrophages. Nonresponders (NRs) show the opposite pattern. We aimed to determine the association between cell‐type‐specific ISG staining and treatment outcome with PI‐based triple therapy. Liver biopsy tissue from consecutive patients treated with boceprevir or telaprevir with peginterferon and ribavirin was stained for myxovirus A (MxA). Staining was scored 0–3 in macrophages (M‐MxA) and hepatocytes (H‐MxA), and IL28B genotyping was performed. Of 56 patients included 41 achieved SVR (73%) (sustained virological response), 2 (4%) relapsed, 10 (18%) were NRs, and 3 (5%) were lost to follow‐up. Median M‐MxA staining was stronger and H‐MxA staining was weaker in patients who achieved SVR. MxA staining correlated with IL28B genotype and with the HCV RNA decline during lead‐in phase. However, unlike with dual therapy, the negative predictive value (NPV) of absent or weak M‐MxA staining was poor (42%), while the positive predictive value improved (93%). Although by multivariable logistic regression M‐MxA staining was significantly associated with SVR (OR 4.35, 1.32–14.28, P = 0.012), the predictive ability was inadequate to withhold therapy. The interaction between macrophages and hepatocytes plays a critical role in interferon responsiveness; however, the addition of a PI at least partially overcomes the interferon nonresponse phenotype making the predictive ability of ISG staining less clinically useful.
Correlations between estrogen and testosterone concentrations, pairing status and acanthocephalan infection in an amphipod
Authors: Lewis S. E. , Freund J. G. , Wankowski J. L. , Baldridge M. G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMechanisms by which parasites induce phenotypic alterations are poorly understood in many host–parasite systems. Amphipods are an intermediate host for a range of acanthocephalan parasites, and there is substantial evidence that parasites manipulate the physiology and behavior of amphipods in a variety of ways, including significant reproductive impacts. Evidence suggests such manipulations may result from disruption of serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways. However, correlations with other hormones have not been widely investigated, in part because we lack understanding of the production and action of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone in amphipods. We investigated how estrogen (17β‐estradiol) and testosterone concentrations vary between unparasitized male and female amphipods Gammarus pseudolimnaeus that were and were not in precopulatory pairs. We also investigated whether infection with the acanthocephalan Corynosoma sp. is correlated with differences in estrogen or testosterone concentrations when compared to unparasitized conspecifics. Our results indicate that estrogen and testosterone differ significantly between male and female amphipods, whether paired or unpaired, suggesting they may have sex‐specific functions. The biological relevance of these hormones merits increased attention in light of the prevalence of endocrine‐disrupting compounds in aquatic systems. Further, we found that encysted acanthocephalan parasites are correlated with elevated concentrations of estrogen and depressed concentrations of testosterone in male, but not female amphipods. This correlation suggests the need for a broader investigation of the mechanisms underlying phenotypic alterations of amphipod behavior and physiology by acanthocephalan parasites.
Further insights into the metamorphosis process in a carapid fish
Authors: Parmentier E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn Carapus homei, settlement on the reef corresponds to a metamorphosis during which the length of the fish is reduced by 60%. This phenomenon is unique since it is the only vertebrate in which the vertebrae are ossified before metamorphosis. Metamorphosis involves the complete degradation and disappearance of the caudal tip vertebrae, and there is a reduction in the size of most of the remaining vertebrae. The aim of this study is to gain more data on the process causing the metamorphosis. The shortening of the body axis can be compared to an ‘excision‐splicing’ process. During excision, various cell types, including muscle, notochord and osseous vertebrae are progressively lost. Excision causes the spacing of adjacent vertebrae because of the degeneration of their extremities. Splicing allows the shortening of the body by bringing close together the remaining parts of the vertebrae. The mechanism implies a compressive force whose source seems mainly to involve the notochord. The size reduction of the notochordal cells generates the shortening of the notochord along the longitudinal axis and the displacement of the vertebral bodies. At the end of the metamorphosis, the remaining muscles and the highly developed external ligaments of the vertebrae are able to complete the action of the notochord. The study highlights the morphogenetic role of the notochord, which appears to be responsible for the column remodelling and for its final size. The metamorphosis of C. homei represents a highly interesting model for the study of the degeneration, resorption and remodelling of different tissues.
Peptide and amino acid metabolism is controlled by an OmpR‐family response regulator in Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Alcántara Cristina , Bäuerl Christine , Revilla‐Guarinos Ainhoa , Pérez‐Martínez Gaspar , Monedero Vicente , Zúñiga Manuel 
Published: December 2015

SummaryA Lactobacillus casei BL23 strain defective in an OmpR‐family response regulator encoded by LCABL_18980 (PrcR, RR11), showed enhanced proteolytic activity caused by overexpression of the gene encoding the proteinase PrtP. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that, in addition to prtP expression, PrcR regulates genes encoding peptide and amino acid transporters, intracellular peptidases and amino acid biosynthetic pathways, among others. Binding of PrcR to twelve promoter regions of both upregulated and downregulated genes, including its own promoter, was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays showing that PrcR can act as a transcriptional repressor or activator. Phosphorylation of PrcR increased its DNA binding activity and this effect was abolished after replacement of the phosphorylatable residue Asp‐52 by alanine. Comparison of the transcript levels in cells grown in the presence or absence of tryptone in the growth medium revealed that PrcR activity responded to the presence of a complex amino acid source in the growth medium. We conclude that the PrcR plays a major role in the control of the peptide and amino acid metabolism in L. casei BL23. Orthologous prcR genes are present in most members of the Lactobacillaceae and Leuconostocaceae families. We hypothesize that they play a similar role in these bacterial groups.