bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective CD8+CD28− regulatory T cell suppressor function in rheumatoid arthritis is restored by tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy
Authors: Ceeraz S , Hall C , Choy E H , Spencer J , Corrigall V M 
Published: June 2013

Summary
Balanced immunoregulatory networks are essential for maintenance of systemic tolerance. Disturbances in the homeostatic equilibrium between inflammatory mediators, immune regulators and immune effector cells are implicated directly in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study we characterize the peripheral blood CD8+CD28− regulatory T cells (Treg) contribution to the immunoregulatory network in health and in RA. In health, CD8+CD28− Treg are suppressive but, unlike CD4+Treg, they function predominantly through the action of soluble mediators such as interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Neutralization of TGF-β consistently reduced CD8+CD28− Treg suppressor function in vitro. RA, CD8+CD28− Treg are increased numerically, but have reduced expression of inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) compared to healthy or disease controls. They produce more IL-10 but autologous T cells express less IL-10R. This expression was found to be restored following in-vitro addition of a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi). Deficiencies in both the CD8+CD28− Treg population and reduced sensitivity of the T responder cells impact upon their regulatory function in RA. TNFi therapy partially restores CD8+CD28− Treg ability in vivo and in vitro, despite the defects in expression of functionally relevant molecules by RA CD8+CD28− Treg compared to healthy controls. This study places CD8+CD28− Treg cells in the scheme of immune regulation alongside CD4+ Treg cells, and highlights the importance of understanding impaired responsiveness to regulation that is common to these suppressor subsets and their restored function in response to TNFi therapy.
Reversal of cardiomyopathy with tocilizumab in a case of HIV‐negative Castleman's disease
Authors: Man Louise , Goudar Ranjit K. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe association between Castleman's disease (CD) and cardiomyopathy has been rarely reported and the optimal therapeutic approach remains unknown. We report a previously healthy 20‐year‐old African American female who presented with fever, dyspnea, anasarca, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Diagnostic workup, including an axillary lymph node biopsy, revealed that she had human immunodeficiency virus‐negative and human herpes virus‐8‐negative multicentric CD. She had a non‐anaphylactoid infusion reaction during her fourth rituximab infusion. A few weeks later, she developed new‐onset severe cardiomyopathy requiring inotropic therapy, warranting consideration for left ventricular assist device. Several clinical clues indicated her new‐onset heart failure was a manifestation of her CD. Interestingly, a trial of tocilizumab (an anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor monoclonal antibody) resulted in complete resolution of her cardiomyopathy and other manifestations of CD. Tocilizumab received orphan drug approval for the treatment of CD in Japan, but is not yet approved for this indication in the United States. Clinicians should be aware of its potential clinical utility in CD.
Herbarium specimens reveal the footprint of climate change on flowering trends across north‐central North America
Authors: Calinger Kellen M. , Queenborough Simon , Curtis Peter S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractShifting flowering phenology with rising temperatures is occurring worldwide, but the rarity of co‐occurring long‐term observational and temperature records has hindered the evaluation of phenological responsiveness in many species and across large spatial scales. We used herbarium specimens combined with historic temperature data to examine the impact of climate change on flowering trends in 141 species collected across 116,000 km2 in north‐central North America. On average, date of maximum flowering advanced 2.4 days °C−1, although species‐specific responses varied from − 13.5 to + 7.3 days °C−1. Plant functional types exhibited distinct patterns of phenological responsiveness with significant differences between native and introduced species, among flowering seasons, and between wind‐ and biotically pollinated species. This study is the first to assess large‐scale patterns of phenological responsiveness with broad species representation and is an important step towards understanding current and future impacts of climate change on species performance and biodiversity.
Suspected venous air embolism during urinary tract endoscopy in a standing horse
Authors: Romagnoli N. , Rinnovati R. , Lukacs R. M. , Spadari A. , Dondi F. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryDuring cystoscopy, performed with air insufflation in a standing Argentinian gelding, the horse showed ataxia and fell to the ground with generalised muscular twitching and horizontal nystagmus, tachypnoea and tachyarrhythmia. General anaesthesia was induced. Arterial blood gas‐analysis before induction of anaesthesia revealed an increased pH, decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide and decreased partial pressure of oxygen. Venous air embolism was suspected.
Role of propolis in dentistry: review of the literature
Authors: Sardana Divesh , InduShekar KR , Manchanda Sheetal , Saraf Bhavna Gupta , Sheoran Neha 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundPropolis (also called bee glue) is a resinous substance derived from bees. It has long been used in medicine for its beneficial properties, including antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic and local anaesthetic effects. In dentistry, propolis has been used for the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases, as an interim transport medium for avulsed teeth, and in endodontics, orthodontics and periodontics.ObjectiveTo highlight the role of propolis in dentistry.MethodsA PubMed search was made using the keywords propolis, beeglue, antimicrobial, dental and herbs without any limits on the date of publication. No specific inclusion or exclusion criteria were applied as the purpose of the review was to make it as comprehensive as possible.DiscussionThe role of propolis is discussed in various branches of dentistry, including: preventive dentistry, dental traumatology, endodontics, periodontology, orthodontics and oral oncology.ConclusionAlthough most research published in the dental literature on propolis is based on in‐vitro studies or animal studies, extrapolating the results of these present studies to clinical practice may be too early as these results may not be necessarily replicated in human trials. In future, propolis may find a definitive role in one or more applications in dentistry; however, clinical trials are necessary to isolate the individual components responsible for its beneficial effects and to study them.
The integration of oral health care into day‐to‐day care in nursing homes: a qualitative study
Authors: De Visschere Luc , de Baat Cees , De Meyer Lize , van der Putten Gert‐Jan , Peeters Bart , Söderfelt Bjorn , Vanobbergen Jacques 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveThis qualitative study explored barriers and enabling factors to the implementation of an oral hygiene protocol in nursing homes.BackgroundOral health care in nursing homes in Flanders (Belgium) is inadequate.Materials and methodsQualitative data were obtained from nurses employed in 13 nursing homes involved in two randomised controlled trials in Flanders‐Belgium. Data were collected by focus group and face‐to‐face interviews during April 2005 and December 2009. All transcripts were analysed with support of NVivo 8 (Version 2008). Transcripts were intuitively analysed in a two‐step method.ResultsMost revealed barriers were consistent with previous findings in the literature. Newly reported barriers were respect for residents’ self‐determination, experience based oral health care by nurses, residents’ oral health status and nurses’ inability to notice residents’ oral health status. Demand‐driven oral health care was found to be a strong enabling factor.ConclusionThe integration of oral health care into day‐to‐day care seems to be a major problem due to a multitude of barriers. In future implementation innovations in oral health care an a priori assessment of influencing factors is recommended.
PTEN deletions are related to disease progression and unfavourable prognosis in early bladder cancer
Authors: Cordes Inga , Kluth Martina , Zygis Dominika , Rink Michael , Chun Felix , Eichelberg Christian , Dahlem Roland , Fisch Margit , Höppner Wolfgang , Wagner Walter , Doh Ousman , Terracciano Luigi , Simon Ronald , Wilczak Waldemar , Sauter Guido , Minner Sarah 
Published: June 2013

AimsThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of deletions of the tumour suppressor gene PTEN in bladder cancer.Methods and resultsA tissue microarray with 686 bladder cancers was analysed for PTEN deletions by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization. PTEN mutations were analysed in nine tumours with heterozygous PTEN deletion. Heterozygous PTEN deletions were present in 16.5% of tumours and were associated with grade (P = 0.0024) and p53 status (P = 0.0141), but not linked to stage (P = 0.0965). PTEN deletions were seen in 5.8% of pTaG1, 10.9% of pTaG2, 29.0% of pTaG3, 16.7% of pT1G2, 22.2% of pT1G3, 17.7% of pT2–4G2 and 20.9% of pT2–4G3 tumours (P = 0.0235). PTEN deletions were associated significantly with recurrences in pTa tumours (P = 0.0173), progression in pT1 tumours (P = 0.0016), but not with overall or cancer‐specific survival in pT2 tumours. Multivariate analyses including grade and PTEN deletions revealed that PTEN deletions but not grade were associated independently with recurrence in pTa tumours (P = 0.0377) and progression in pT1 tumours (P = 0.0030). No inactivating PTEN mutations were found.ConclusionsPTEN is linked to aggressive tumour phenotype and to unfavourable outcome in early bladder cancer. Heterozygous PTEN loss, i.e. reduced PTEN gene dosage, might be sufficient to cause aggressive tumour behaviour in bladder cancer cells.
Grasshopper assemblage response to surface rockiness in Afro‐montane grasslands
Authors: Crous Casparus J. , Samways Michael J. , Pryke James S. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Grasshoppers are often an important functional component of ecosystems, and many species show high levels of endemism.

Evidence exists that percentage surface rock cover within a landscape can predict diversity of grasshopper species. Nevertheless, the reason why grasshopper species are responding to rocky landscapes has not been established.

Here, we explore whether grasshoppers are responding to physical rockiness per se, or rather to specific correlates of higher surface rock exposure within a landscape. We also determine if this response varies between grasshopper taxonomic groups.

We sampled grasshoppers in Afro‐montane grasslands in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, and recorded 10 environmental variables. We explored the influence of these variables on grasshopper community composition and grasshopper family composition. We also determined the vegetation characteristics, which significantly correlate with percentage surface rock cover in this landscape (geophyte richness, perennial grass richness and vegetation density), and then measured the similarity of species composition across these correlates.

Overall, grasshopper assemblage composition, as well as familial composition, responded strongly to an elevation gradient, and not to the correlates of surface rock cover. In turn, the higher species richness in such areas is more likely a function of the significant vegetation correlates of higher surface rock cover.

Across taxonomic groups, there are specialist species within each group which are associated with environmental conditions related to surface rockiness through its underlying correlates. Rock exposure across this grassland landscape is therefore an important contributor to grasshopper dispersion patterns, and has important implications for conservation planning for this taxon.
Investigating the effects of metabolic dysregulation on hair follicles: a comparison of HIV‐infected women with and without central lipohypertrophy
Authors: Mirmirani Paradi , Maurer Toby , Cohen Mardge , D'Souza Gypsymber , Karim Roksana , Plankey Michael , Robison Esther , Sharma Anjali , Tien Phyllis C. , Hessol Nancy A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundNormal lipid metabolism and functioning of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐gamma) in the sebaceous gland is critical to maintaining a normal hair follicle. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects lipid metabolism; some have hypothesized a link between PPAR‐gamma function and lipodystrophy in HIV infection. Our objective was to determine whether lipodystrophy is associated with altered hair characteristics in HIV‐infected women from the Women's Interagency HIV Study.MethodsHair characteristics and scalp inflammation were assessed by an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. Central lipohypertrophy and peripheral lipoatrophy were defined by self‐report of moderate to severe fat gain in central body sites and fat loss in peripheral body sites, respectively confirmed by clinical examination. Additional covariates considered in the analyses included demographics, behavioral characteristics, medical history, and HIV‐related factors.ResultsThere were 1037 women with data on all study variables; 76 women reported central lipohypertrophy, while only four women reported lipoatrophy. Women with central lipohypertrophy were more likely to be older, had a self‐reported history of injection drug use, statin medication use, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and have self‐reported less hair and shorter eyelashes. After adjustment for age, central lipohypertrophy was associated with shorter eyelashes (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4–3.8).ConclusionsCentral lipohypertrophy was not associated with change in scalp hair texture or scalp inflammation in this cohort. Rather, we found an association between central lipohypertrophy and shorter eyelash length. This finding may be explained by an influence of prostaglandin E2 mediators on eyelash follicles.
Fluoridated salt for caries prevention and control – a 2‐year field study in a disadvantaged community
Authors: Wennhall Inger , Hajem Samara , Ilros Susanna , Ridell Karin , Ekstrand Kim R. , Twetman Svante 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundSalt fluoridation is considered a cost‐effective community strategy for reducing caries.AimTo evaluate the effect of school‐based and domestic distribution of F‐salt to schoolchildren residing in a disadvantaged community.DesignSeven hundred and thirty‐three schoolchildren (12–14 years), attending two public schools, were enrolled; one was assigned to intervention (IS), whereas the other served as reference (RS). Subjects in IS were given access to F‐salt (250 ppm F) in marked jars at school lunch and through free supply for domestic use. The 2‐year caries increment and progression rate, assessed from bitewing radiographs, was scored. Information on diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride exposure was collected through a baseline questionnaire.ResultsThe dropout rate was high (IS 27%; RS 18%). At baseline, the IS children displayed more unfavourable risk factors and a higher caries experience than RS children. There were no significant differences in total caries increment or proximal progression rate between the two schools. A negative correlation (r = −0.29; P < 0.05) between the amount of delivered salt and the caries progression rate was, however, noted. No side effects were reported.ConclusionsF‐salt was not effective in this setting. Still, the findings indicate that salt may be a beneficial source of fluoride in schoolchildren provided that compliance can be secured.
Sensitivity and specificity of self‐reported acne in 18‐year‐old adolescent males
Authors: de Almeida Hiram , Cecconi Josayres , Duquia Rodrigo P. , Souza Paulo R. , Breunig Juliano 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground  Self‐reporting is widely used in medical research. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of self‐reported lesions of acne (scars and active lesions) obtained by an interview with the examination carried out by a dermatologist.Methods  A questionnaire was applied to male adolescents who registered for obligatory military service. After that, skin examination was carried out.Results  Of the 2,191 adolescents examined, 474 (21.60%) showed acne scars, and 625 (28.51%) admitted to having scars. The sensitivity of self‐reported scars was 50.84%, and the specificity was 77.65%. The prevalence of active acne obtained by the dermatological examination was 85.76% and from self‐reported acne was 76.12%, with a sensitivity of 80.95% and a specificity of 52.88%. Neither schooling nor social class made any difference to sensitivity or specificity.Conclusions  Our findings showed that sensitivity and specificity of self‐reported acne was very low, pointing out that, in a sample of adolescents, self‐reporting of acne shows itself as an inadequate instrument for epidemiological studies.
Pharmacogenetics in dermatology: a patient‐centered update
Authors: Comfere Nneka I. , Ikediobi Ogechi N. , Peters Margot S. , el‐Azhary Rokea A. , Gibson Lawrence E. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe term pharmacogenetics is used to describe an evolving field that aims to understand the relationship between individual variations in genetic sequence and differences in the therapeutic and toxic response to medications. The promise of pharmacogenetics is empowerment of clinicians with information that will enable them to personalize drug therapy – to prescribe the right medication at the right dose for each patient, while minimizing adverse effects. Despite dramatic advances, wide application of pharmacogenetics to clinical practice has been slow for a number of reasons, including lack of evidence‐based therapeutic guidelines as well as ethical concerns and cost.MethodsTo illustrate applications to dermatology practice, we present three clinical scenarios that serve as a springboard for discussion of the principles of pharmacogenetics and how they can be used to guide treatment with azathioprine, 5‐fluorouracil, and trastuzumab.ConclusionThe therapeutic and toxic effects of a given medication ultimately depend on its combined pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacogenetic properties in a given individual. Pharmacodynamic properties of individual medications must be correlated with single nucleotide polymorphisms. Test recommendations and standardization of therapy for specific disorders can then be established.
Is narrowband ultraviolet B monotherapy effective in the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides?
Authors: Park Jung‐Min , Jwa Seung‐Wook , Song Margaret , Kim Hoon‐Soo , Chin Hyun‐Woo , Ko Hyun‐Chang , Kim Moon‐Bum , Kim Byung‐Soo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundPityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a self‐limiting papulosquamous disease that may persist for years and is associated with a high relapse rate. To date, few comparative studies have investigated the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy and other therapies in the treatment of PL.ObjectivesThe present study retrospectively compared the clinical efficacies of NB‐UVB phototherapy, systemic therapy, and a combination of NB‐UVB and systemic medication in the treatment of PL.MethodsSeventy patients diagnosed with PL were enrolled in this study. They were divided into three subgroups: the NB‐UVB treatment group; the systemic treatment group; and the combination treatment group. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated according to whether the subjects demonstrated a complete response (> 90% improvement in skin lesions), partial response (50–90% improvement), or no response (< 50% improvement) to treatment.ResultsA 91.9% complete response rate was achieved in the NB‐UVB group, whereas only 69.2 and 80.0% of patients achieved a complete response in the systemic and combination treatment groups, respectively; these differences were not statistically significant. The mean treatment periods were 8.3, 5.3, and 7.9 weeks in the NB‐UVB, systemic, and combination treatment groups, respectively; these differences were also not significant.ConclusionsMonotherapy using NB‐UVB is effective in achieving a complete response in the treatment of PL and thus eliminates the need for concurrent systemic medication.
Epithelial keratin and filaggrin expression in seborrheic keratosis: evaluation based on histopathological classification
Authors: Yoshimi Nobuko , Imai Yasutomo , Kakuno Ayako , Tsubura Airo , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Kurokawa Ichiro 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesSeborrheic keratosis (SK) is classified into six types: hyperkeratotic; acanthotic; irritated; clonal; reticulated; and adenoid. However, the origins of the respective types of SK remain unclear.MethodsTo clarify the histogenetic origins of SK, we performed immunohistochemical studies of keratin (K) and filaggrin expression, taking into account the histopathological classifications of SK.ResultsHyperkeratotic SK mainly expressed K1, K10, and filaggrin. Acanthotic SK mainly expressed K14 with some K15. Irritated SK mainly expressed K14 and K17 in squamous eddies. Clonal SK, reticulated SK, and adenoid SK mainly expressed K14. The results show that hyperkeratotic SK differentiated towards squamoid terminal keratinization, whereas acanthotic, irritated, clonal, reticulated, and adenoid SK mainly differentiated towards basaloid undifferentiated cells. In addition, acanthotic SK differentiated towards the hair bulge, and irritated SK differentiated towards the follicular infrainfundibulum.ConclusionsBased on the patterns of keratin and filaggrin expression demonstrated by the histopathological types, SK demonstrated diverse differentiation towards epidermal keratinization, basaloid cells, the infrainfundibulum and hair follicle bulges, which suggests that SK is in an undifferentiated and hyperproliferative state with heterogeneous differentiation. The immunohistochemical method of investigating patterns of keratin expression is useful in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous epithelial tumors.
Immunoenzymatic Typing of Lymphoplasmacytoid Skin Infiltrates
Authors: BURG GÜNTER , KERL HELMUT , KAUDEWITZ PETER , BRAUN‐FALCO OTTO , MASON DAVID Y. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract Monoclonal immunoglobulin‐producing lymphomas (immunocytomas, plasmacytomas, and immunoblastomas) constitute 15 to 20% of all cutaneous lymphomas. Their differentiation from polymorphous lymphoplasmacytoid inflammatory or pseudolymphomatous infiltrates may be difficult if sections are stained for a single light chain only.It was the aim of the study to elucidate the ratio of the ‐ to Λ‐positive cells in 10 lymphoproliferative, 5 pseudolymphomatous, and 42 inflammatory lymphoplasmacytoid cutaneous infiltrates and to characterize them by the type of Ig (α, γ, μ,; or Λ) synthesized intracellularly.An indirect immunoenzymatic double‐labeling method (alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase) was used for the simultaneous demonstration of and Λ light chains and α, γ, and μ heavy chains in paraffin sections. Ig‐producing lymphomas of the skin show patchy monoclonal proliferations of cells synthesizing IgM in almost 50% of the cases (5 of 10). Monoclonality is claimed if the ratio of Λ‐ to ‐positive cells is at least 1:10, or vice versa. In polyclonal inflammatory and pseudolymphomatous infiltrates, the Λ/ ratio never exceeds 1:5. The most common cell type found in these reactive infiltrates produces γ heavy chain; some produce α chain, but only a few produce μ chain. In high‐grade malignant lymphomas, the tumor cells may lose their capacity for Ig production.