bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon in an adult man with a tufted angioma and cirrhosis responding to radiation, bevacizumab, and prednisone
Authors: Fernandez Anthony P. , Wolfson Aaron , Ahn Eugene , Maldonad Jennifer C. , Alonso‐Llamazares Javier 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundTufted angioma (TA) is a benign cutaneous vascular tumor that most commonly occurs in young children. TAs have rarely been reported in adults and/or arising within port‐wine stains (PWS). Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a life‐threatening consumptive coagulopathy hypothesized to occur specifically in young children who develop either a TA or kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.MethodsHere we present a 52‐year‐old man with hepatitis C cirrhosis who presented with an extensive, painful vascular tumor involving the right side of his head, neck, and back that initially arose within a PWS.ResultsHe developed petechiae, severe thrombocytopenia, and a consumptive coagulopathy consistent with KMP. An incisional biopsy of his vascular tumor was compatible with a TA. Numerous treatments aimed at halting proliferation of his TA were attempted, with sustained improvement in his vascular tumor and platelet count achieved only after several courses of electron beam radiation therapy in association with corticosteroids and bevacizumab.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this represents the first report of KMP in an adult man associated with TA and challenges previous hypotheses arguing that KMP occurs only in children. We offer our own hypothesis concerning how, in extremely rare circumstances, this life‐threatening consumptive coagulopathy may occur in adults. Electron beam radiation therapy in association with corticosteroids can be an effective treatment in these rare patients.
Comparison of cure rates and durations of treatment with diphenylcyclopropenone immunotherapy for warts in children/adolescents and adults
Authors: Kang Ho Song , Lee Min Won , Paek Jun Oh , Yu Hee Joon , Kim Joung Soo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundImmunotherapy has been used for many years in the treatment of warts. Diphenylcyclopropenone is frequently used as an immunotherapeutic agent.MethodsA total of 143 patients with 180 cases of warts were included in this study. We divided the patients into two groups: 72 children/adolescents and 71 adults aged 20 and over. We evaluated two types of sensitization reaction, using an erythema and blister index and a pruritus index.ResultsOf the 180 cases of warts, 159 (88.3%) were completely cured: 86 (92.5%) of the 93 cases in children/adolescents and 73 (83.9%) of the 87 cases in adults. The time required for complete cure was 17.72 ± 2.69 weeks in children/adolescents and 22.92 ± 2.59 weeks in adults (P < 0.05).ConclusionsDiphenylcyclopropenone immunotherapy can be used effectively for both children/adolescents and adults. The time required for complete cure is shorter in children/adolescents than in adults.
Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a meta‐analysis with meta‐regression of observational studies
Authors: Barron Stacy J. , Del Vecchio Michael T. , Aronoff Stephen C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundStevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe disorders with significant morbidity and mortality. The therapeutic use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is based on limited data.ObjectivesThis systematic review evaluates the existing literature to determine if IVIG impacts the standardized mortality rate (SMR) in patients with SJS or TEN.MethodsThe MEDLINE database was searched for the period 1966–2011 for pertinent studies. The bibliographies of selected references were also reviewed for additional studies. Inclusion criteria required the studies to refer to patients who received IVIG for SJS or TEN, the severity of which was determined using the SCORTEN system. Thirteen studies were used in the final analysis. Demographic data, IVIG dosing, SCORTEN score, and mortality rates were extracted.ResultsOf the 13 studies, eight included a control group. Meta‐analysis revealed that differences in SMRs were not significant (−0.322, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.766 to 0.122; P = 0.155). The overall SMR point estimate for all 13 studies was 0.814 (95% CI 0.617–1.076). Meta‐regression demonstrated a strong inverse correlation between IVIG dosage and SMRs (slope: −0.59, 95% CI −0.14 to −1.03; P = 0.009).ConclusionsIntravenous IG at dosages of ≥2 g/kg appears to significantly decrease mortality in patients with SJS or TEN.
Scar prevention and remodeling: a review of the medical, surgical, topical and light treatment approaches
Authors: Kerwin Leonard Y. , El Tal Abdel Kader , Stiff Mark A. , Fakhouri Tarek M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCosmetic, functional, and structural sequelae of scarring are innumerable, and measures exist to optimize and ultimately minimize these sequelae. To evaluate the innumerable methods available to decrease the cosmetic, functional, and structural repercussions of scarring, pubMed search of the English literature with key words scar, scar revision, scar prevention, scar treatment, scar remodeling, cicatrix, cicatrix treatment, and cicatrix remodeling was done. Original articles and reviews were examined and included. Seventy‐nine manuscripts were reviewed. Techniques, comparisons, and results were reviewed and tabulated. Overall, though topical modalities are easier to use and are usually more attractive to the patient, the surgical approaches still prove to be superior and more reliable. However, advances in topical medications for scar modification are on the rise and a change towards medical treatment of scars may emerge as the next best approach. Comparison studies of the innumerable specific modalities for scar revision and prevention are impossible. Standardization of techniques is lacking. Scarring, the body's natural response to a wound, can create many adverse effects. At this point, the practice of sound, surgical fundamentals still trump the most advanced preventative methods and revision techniques. Advances in medical approaches are available, however, to assist the scarring process, which even the most advanced surgical fundamentals will ultimately lead to. Whether through newer topical therapies, light treatment, or classical surgical intervention, our treatment armamentarium of scars has expanded and will allow us to maximize scar prevention and to minimize scar morbidity.
Poroma: a review of eccrine, apocrine, and malignant forms
Authors: Sawaya Jennifer L. , Khachemoune Amor 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPoroma is a benign adnexal neoplasm of the terminal sweat gland duct. Although poromas have traditionally been thought to originate from the eccrine sweat gland, there have been cases of apocrine etiology as well. Eccrine and apocrine poromas typically present as erythematous or flesh‐colored nodules on the palms and soles. As these features overlap with a multitude of differential diagnoses, it is imperative to have a firm understanding of the characteristics that make the diagnosis of poroma. In addition, the malignant counterpart to the poroma, the eccrine porocarcinoma, manifests in a similar nonspecific fashion. Case studies and literature reviews have contributed immensely to our present knowledge of poroma and porocarcinoma. Given the rarity of these neoplasms, however, there remains a relative paucity of information on atypical presentations and rates of malignant transformation. In this article, the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of poroma and porocarcinoma will be reviewed. This systematic approach may serve as a guide in navigating the diagnostic dilemma of these rare cutaneous lesions.
A rare location for a common problem: popliteal pressure ulcer
Authors: Ozer Kadri , Colak Ozlem , Goktas Fethiye B , Sungur Nezih , Kocer Ugur 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPressure ulcer is defined as localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear. The most frequent sites for pressure ulcers are the occiput, sacrum, ischial tuberosities, trochanters, lateral malleoli and posterior heels. Herein, we present a case of grade III pressure ulcer seen in popliteal region which is an unusual localisation that is rarely seen in the literature. An awareness of this unusual localisation of pressure ulcer is necessary to prevent decrease in quality of life, particularly in the wheelchair‐dependent population.
Association between mobile phone use and semen quality: a systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu K. , Li Y. , Zhang G. , Liu J. , Cao J. , Ao L. , Zhang S. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryPossible hazardous health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations emitted from mobile phone on the reproductive system have raised public concern in recent years. This systemic review and meta‐analysis was prepared following standard procedures of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement and checklist. Relevant studies published up to May 2013 were identified from five major international and Chinese literature databases: Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, the VIP database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library. Eighteen studies with 3947 men and 186 rats were included in the systemic review, of which 12 studies (four human studies, four in vitro studies and four animal studies) with 1533 men and 97 rats were used in the meta‐analyses. Systemic review showed that results of most of the human studies and in vitro laboratory studies indicated mobile phone use or radiofrequency exposure had negative effects on the various semen parameters studied. However, meta‐analysis indicated that mobile phone use had no adverse effects on semen parameters in human studies. In the in vitro studies, meta‐analysis indicated that radiofrequency radiation had detrimental effect on sperm motility and viability in vitro [pooled mean difference (MDs) (95% CI): −4.11 (−8.08, −0.13), −3.82 (−7.00, −0.65) for sperm motility and viability respectively]. As for animal studies, radiofrequency exposure had harmful effects on sperm concentration and motility [pooled MDs (95% CI): −8.75 (−17.37, −0.12), −17.72 (−32.79, −2.65) for sperm concentration and motility respectively]. Evidence from current studies suggests potential harmful effects of mobile phone use on semen parameters. A further multicentred and standardized study is needed to assess the risk of mobile phone use on the reproductive system.
Characterization and sorting of flow cytometric populations in human semen
Authors: Marchiani S. , Tamburrino L. , Olivito B. , Betti L. , Azzari C. , Forti G. , Baldi E. , Muratori M. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryHuman semen is a complex biological matrix. It contains mature spermatozoa, immature germ cells, residual apoptotic bodies and, in some cases, epithelial cells and leucocytes. Hence, one of the challenges in applying flow cytometry in spermatology is the correct recognition of spermatozoa and their separation from signals of other semen cells/elements. In this study, we show that semen spermatozoa are included in a well‐defined, flame‐shaped FSC/SSC region (FR), by demonstrating that the count of the spermatozoa contained in such region overlaps that obtained by microscopy in the same samples. In FR, nuclear staining of semen samples reveals three different populations: unstained, brighter and dimmer. Unstained elements were previously characterized as apoptotic bodies of testis origin and the brighter elements represent the majority of semen spermatozoa, whereas the composition and the origin of the population with a lower nuclear staining is less clear, albeit we have previously shown that all the elements constituting it are positive for TUNEL. In this study, we sorted all the elements contained in FR region and demonstrated that the dimmer elements are spermatozoa. To further characterize dimmer spermatozoa, we evaluated apoptotic caspases and chromatin immaturity, the latter detected by aniline blue (AB) and chromomycin A (CMA3) staining. We found that caspases were much more expressed in the dimmer spermatozoa (71.4 ± 18.8%) than in the brighter (46.7 ± 15.1%), whereas similar amounts of spermatozoa with chromatin immaturity were found in both populations (brighter, AB: 48.2 ± 19.5%; CMA3: 48.5 ± 20.4% and dimmer, AB: 43.4 ± 19.8%; CMA3: 36.1 ± 18.0%). Hence, the role of apoptosis in generating dimmer spermatozoa and their DNA fragmentation appears clear, whereas the involvement of defects during the chromatin packaging remains elusive.
The effect of methamphetamine on an animal model of erectile function
Authors: Tar M. T. , Martinez L. R. , Nosanchuk J. D. , Davies K. P. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIn the US methamphetamine is considered a first‐line treatment for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is also a common drug of abuse. Reports in patients and abusers suggest its use results in impotence. The efficacy of phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors (PDE5i) to restore erectile function in these patient groups also has not been determined. In these studies, we determined if the rat is a suitable animal model for the physiological effects of methamphetamine on erectile function, and if a PDE5i (tadalafil) has an effect on erectile function following methamphetamine treatment. In acute phase studies, erectile function was measured in male Sprague‐Dawley rats, before and after administration of 10 mg/kg methamphetamine i.p. Chronically treated animals received escalating doses of methamphetamine [2.5 mg/kg (1st week), 5 mg/kg (2nd week), and 10 mg/kg (3rd week)] i.p. daily for 3 weeks and erectile function compared with untreated controls. The effect of co‐administration of tadalafil was also investigated in rats acutely and chronically treated with methamphetamine. Erectile function was determined by measuring the intracorporal pressure/blood pressure ratio (ICP/BP) following cavernous nerve stimulation. In both acute and chronic phase studies, we observed a significant increase in the rates of spontaneous erections after methamphetamine administration. In addition, following stimulation of the cavernous nerve at 4 and 6 mA, there was a significant decrease in the ICP/BP ratio (approximately 50%), indicative of impaired erectile function. Tadalafil treatment reversed this effect. In chronically treated animals, the ICP/BP ratio following 4 and 6 mA stimulation decreased by approximately 50% compared with untreated animals and erectile dysfunction (ED) was also reversed by tadalafil. Overall, our data suggest that the rat is a suitable animal model to study the physiological effect of methamphetamine on erectile function. Our work also provides a rationale for treating patients that report ED associated with therapeutics‐containing methamphetamine or amphetamine with PDE5i.
Sodium‐Doped ZnO Nanowires Grown by High‐pressure PLD and their Acceptor‐Related Optical Properties
Authors: Qiu Zhiwen , Yang Xiaopeng , Han Jun , Zhang Peng , Cao Bingqiang , Dai Zhengfei , Duan Guotao , Cai Weiping 
Published: April 2014

Sodium‐doped ZnO (ZnO:Na) nanowires were grown with a high‐pressure pulsed‐laser deposition process on silicon substrates using sputtered gold particles as catalysts. The introduction of sodium dopants into ZnO nanowires was confirmed by both X‐ray diffraction spectrum and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology and microstructural changes in ZnO nanowires due to sodium doping were investigated with scanning electron microscope, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, and Raman spectrum. Detailed photoluminescence studies of ZnO:Na nanowires revealed characteristic sodium acceptor‐related peaks, for example, neutral acceptor‐bound exciton emission (A0X, 3.356 eV), free‐to‐neutral‐acceptor emission (e, A0, 3.314 eV), and donor‐to‐acceptor pair emission (DAP, 3.241 eV). This indicated that sodium doping induces stable acceptor level with a binding energy of 133 meV in ZnO:Na nanowires.
Structural, Raman, and Dielectric Studies on Multiferroic Mn‐doped Bi1−xLaxFeO3 Ceramics
Authors: Xing Zhibiao , Zhu Xinhua , Zhu Jianmin , Liu Zhiguo , Al‐Kassab Talaat 
Published: April 2014

Multiferroic Bi1−xLaxFeO3 [BLFO (x)] ceramics with x = 0.10–0.50 and Mn‐doped BLFO (x = 0.30) ceramics with different doping contents (0.1–1.0 mol%) were prepared by solid‐state reaction method. They were crystallized in a perovskite phase with rhombohedral symmetry. In the BLFO (x) system, a composition (x)‐driven structural transformation (R3c→C222) was observed at x = 0.30. The formation of Bi2Fe4O9 impure phase was effectively suppressed with increasing the x value, and the rhombohedral distortion in the BLFO ceramics was decreased, leading to some Raman active modes disappeared. A significant red frequency shift (~13 cm−1) of the Raman mode of 232 cm−1 in the BLFO ceramics was observed, which strongly perceived a significant destabilization in the octahedral oxygen chains, and in turn affected the local FeO6 octahedral environment. In the Mn‐doped BLFO (x = 0.30) ceramics, the intensity of the Raman mode near 628 cm−1 was increased with increasing the Mn‐doping content, which was resulted from an enhanced local Jahn–Teller distortions of the (Mn,Fe)O6 octahedra. Electron microscopy images revealed some changes in the ceramic grain sizes and their morphologies in the Mn‐doped samples at different contents. Wedge‐shaped 71° ferroelectric domains with domain walls lying on the {110} planes were observed in the BLFO (x = 0.30) ceramics, whereas in the 1.0 mol% Mn‐doped BLFO (x = 0.30) samples, 71° ferroelectric domains exhibited a parallel band‐shaped morphology with average domain width of 95 nm. Dielectric studies revealed that high dielectric loss of the BLFO (x = 0.30) ceramics was drastically reduced from 0.8 to 0.01 (measured @ 104 Hz) via 1.0 mol% Mn‐doping. The underlying mechanisms can be understood by a charge disproportion between the Mn4+ and Fe2+ in the Mn‐doped samples, where a reaction of Mn4+ + Fe2+→Mn3+ + Fe3+ is taken place, resulting in the reduction in the oxygen vacancies and a suppression of the electron hopping from Fe3+ to Fe2+ ions effectively.
The history of sturgeon in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Popović Danijela , Panagiotopoulou Hanna , Baca Mateusz , Stefaniak Krzysztof , Mackiewicz Paweł , Makowiecki Daniel , King Tim L. , Gruchota Jakub , Weglenski Piotr , Stankovic Anna 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimMigrants of the Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus, from North America are thought to have founded the Baltic sturgeon population during the Little Ice Age around 1200 years ago, replacing the European sturgeon, Acipenser sturio. To test this hypothesis and to further elucidate the colonization of the Baltic Sea by A. oxyrinchus, we carried out DNA analyses of ancient and contemporary populations of both species.LocationWe analysed DNA from 188 specimens of sturgeons collected from archaeological sites and museums in Poland and of 225 contemporary specimens from North American and European populations.MethodsSeveral mitochondrial DNA fragments were sequenced and eight microsatellite loci were genotyped for species identification, polymorphism and population structure analyses. Approximate Bayesian computation was used to estimate when the Baltic Sea was colonized.ResultsOf 125 ancient sturgeon specimens from the Baltic Sea, only four were classified as A. sturio, the remainder being A. oxyrinchus oxyrinchus. The ancient A. o. oxyrinchus population over two different time periods was highly polymorphic and genetically distant from contemporary populations of this taxon. The time of entry into the Baltic Sea was estimated to be 4000–5000 years ago. We also detected introgression of A. sturio into the A. o. oxyrinchus gene pool, caused by a prior hybridization event.Main conclusionsFor the past 2000 years at least, A. o. oxyrinchus has been the dominant sturgeon in the Baltic Sea, indicating a much earlier origin than previously suggested. The most similar extant sturgeon populations to the extinct Baltic stock are those from the St John and St Lawrence rivers in Canada. These populations should be considered the best source of breeding material for the ongoing sturgeon restitution programmes in Poland and Germany.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmias in Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: WILLNER JONATHAN M. , VILES‐GONZALEZ JUAN F. , COFFEY JAMES O. , MORGENTHAU ADAM S. , MEHTA DAVENDRA 
Published: April 2014

Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmias in Cardiac SarcoidosisBackgroundWe previously reported on the incidence and clinical implications of supraventricular arrhythmia in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). The role of catheter ablation for the management of atrial arrhythmia (AA) in this patient population is unknown.Methods and ResultsOne hundred consecutive patients with CS were monitored for the incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias. Those with persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy proceeded to catheter ablation. Following ablation, all patients were followed serially with Holter monitoring or device interrogation. Thirty‐two (32%) patients had symptomatic supraventricular arrhythmias. Nine (28%) patients had symptomatic AA requiring catheter ablation for clinical indications. Mean age was 55 ± 11.6 years. Five (56%) patients had atrial fibrillation (AF), of whom 2 also had cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. Four patients had isolated atrial flutter: 2 patients with left atrial flutter, and 2 patients with cavotricuspid flutter. All other arrhythmias were ablated in the left atrium. Mean duration of follow‐up was 1.8 ± 1.9 years. One patient with atypical atrial flutter, and one patient with AF have had recurrence; the remaining patients remain in sinus rhythm.ConclusionsOur study suggests that AA in CS is frequently left atrial in origin. Catheter ablation appears to be effective and safe for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with CS.
Explaining Interest Groups' Articulation of Policy Preferences in the European Commission's Open Consultations: An Analysis of the Environmental Policy Area
Authors: Bunea Adriana 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWhy do some interest groups express more policy preferences than others during open consultations organized by the European Commission? This article examines this question by testing an explanatory framework that emphasizes the inter‐organizational context in which lobbying takes place and interest groups' resource endowment. The empirical analysis focuses on environmental policy‐making. The findings show that interest groups' preference articulation behaviour is largely influenced by the number of inter‐organizational linkages they have with other stakeholders. Resource endowment matters in that resource‐rich interest organizations are found to be less likely to articulate their preferences via open consultations. Interest groups' organizational form is also a relevant predictor of the likelihood they articulate preferences: in consultations, European federations voice more preferences than national or individual organizations.