bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spitzoid and non‐spitzoid melanoma in children. A prognostic comparative study
Authors: Paradela S. , Fonseca E. , Pita‐Fernández S. , Prieto V.G. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Spitzoid melanoma is a rare melanoma subtype often developing in children with unknown biological potential.Objectives  To compare the clinical and histopathological factors that influence the biological behaviour between spitzoid and non‐spitzoid childhood melanoma, to establish if the spitzoid subset of melanoma has different prognosis than other types of childhood melanomas.Methods  A comparison of the prognostic significance of clinical and pathological findings between 38 spitzoid (SM) and 99 non‐spitzoid melanomas (N‐SM) in children and teenagers younger than 18 years referred to UT – MD Anderson Cancer Center during the period 1992–2007.Results  Children with SM were significantly younger than those with N‐SM, had more frequently multiple melanocytic nevi, nodular melanoma subtype with vertical growth phase, high Breslow thickness and mitotic rate, positive sentinel lymph node biopsy and more advanced stage. N‐SM had more often associated nevus. However, the mortality rate in the SM group was lower (5.9%) than in the N‐SM group (12.0%). This study has two major limitations. Small size of both groups does not allow reaching statistically significant differences regarding mortality. Using metastatic potential as an inclusion criterion for SM could result in a sample selection bias of the most aggressive group of SM.Conclusions  Although SM patients had poorer prognostic factors than N‐SM patients, slightly lower mortality rate was detected in the SM group. This less aggressive behaviour could be due to lower potential for widespread distant metastases than conventional melanomas or younger age of children with SM.
Birhombic flap, a modified bilobed flap, for repair of nasal defect
Authors: Skaria A.M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Reconstruction of longitudinal defects of the lateral nasal alar might be challenging. Reconstruction with a bilobed flap is common for round defects normally the bilobed flap is less suited for longitudinal defects.Objective  We describe a birhombic flap for longitudinal defect.Methods  Demonstration of the technique and practical application for this kind of reconstruction.Results  The bilobed flap is a very useful flap for lateral nasal tip or distal alar reconstruction. We show that a small modification of the flap allows to cover also longitudinal defects on the lateral tip of the nose. As the first lobe movement corresponds more to the rhomboid transposition flap, we prefer to call it birhombic flap.Conclusion  The birhombic flap has its place in reconstructive surgery. This flap has a specific indication and precise advantages to other repairs in particular to the bilobed flap.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of safety and efficacy of miltefosine in antihistamine‐resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Magerl M. , Rother M. , Bieber T. , Biedermann T. , Brasch J. , Dominicus R. , Hunzelmann N. , Jakob T. , Mahler V. , Popp G. , Schäkel K. , Schlingensiepen R. , Schmitt J. , Siebenhaar F. , Simon J.C. , Staubach P. , Wedi B. , Weidner C. , Maurer M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a mast cell‐driven condition, is debilitating, common, and hard to treat. Miltefosine, a lipid raft modulator, can inhibit mast cell responses in vivo.Objective  To study the safety and efficacy of systemic miltefosine treatment in CSU patients resistant to standard‐dosed antihistamines.Methods  In this investigator‐initiated multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, CSU patients were treated for 4 weeks with daily doses of up to 150‐mg miltefosine (n = 47) or placebo (n = 26). Disease activity was assessed using the urticaria activity score. Safety and tolerability of miltefosine were also assessed.Results  After 4 weeks of treatment, Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) levels were substantially more reduced in miltefosine‐treated patients (−6.3 vs. −3.5 in placebo‐treated patients; P = 0.05). Also, the number of weals, but not the intensity of pruritus, was significantly reduced in miltefosine‐treated patients vs. placebo‐treated patients (P = 0.02). In general, adverse events were frequent in both groups (miltefosine: 88%, placebo: 65% of patients) but mostly mild to moderate in severity. We did not observe any serious adverse events.Conclusions  The results of this study indicate that miltefosine is an effective and safe treatment option for CSU patients who do not respond to standard‐dosed antihistamines.
Defining the developmental parameters of temper loss in early childhood: implications for developmental psychopathology
Authors: Wakschlag Lauren S. , Choi Seung W. , Carter Alice S. , Hullsiek Heide , Burns James , McCarthy Kimberly , Leibenluft Ellen , Briggs‐Gowan Margaret J. 
Published: August 2012

Background:  Temper modulation problems are both a hallmark of early childhood and a common mental health concern. Thus, characterizing specific behavioral manifestations of temper loss along a dimension from normative misbehaviors to clinically significant problems is an important step toward identifying clinical thresholds.Methods:  Parent‐reported patterns of temper loss were delineated in a diverse community sample of preschoolers (n = 1,490). A developmentally sensitive questionnaire, the Multidimensional Assessment of Preschool Disruptive Behavior (MAP‐DB), was used to assess temper loss in terms of tantrum features and anger regulation. Specific aims were: (a) document the normative distribution of temper loss in preschoolers from normative misbehaviors to clinically concerning temper loss behaviors, and test for sociodemographic differences; (b) use Item Response Theory (IRT) to model a Temper Loss dimension; and (c) examine associations of temper loss and concurrent emotional and behavioral problems.Results:  Across sociodemographic subgroups, a unidimensional Temper Loss model fit the data well. Nearly all (83.7%) preschoolers had tantrums sometimes but only 8.6% had daily tantrums. Normative misbehaviors occurred more frequently than clinically concerning temper loss behaviors. Milder behaviors tended to reflect frustration in expectable contexts, whereas clinically concerning problem indicators were unpredictable, prolonged, and/or destructive. In multivariate models, Temper Loss was associated with emotional and behavioral problems.Conclusions:  Parent reports on a developmentally informed questionnaire, administered to a large and diverse sample, distinguished normative and problematic manifestations of preschool temper loss. A developmental, dimensional approach shows promise for elucidating the boundaries between normative early childhood temper loss and emergent psychopathology.
A review of the pharmacology and clinical uses of pimobendan.
Authors: Boyle Kimberly L. , Leech Elizabeth 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo review the pharmacology, research developments, and clinical uses of pimobendanData SourcesOriginal research articles and clinical studies from 1984 to August 2011.Veterinary Data SynthesisPimobendan is approved for use in dogs for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Expert‐based veterinary guidelines recommend the use of pimobendan in the management of acute, hospital‐based therapy for patients with CHF attributable to CVHD.ConclusionsThe use of pimobendan, an inodilator with phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) inhibitory and calcium‐sensitizing properties, is regarded as a component of the standard of care in the management of dogs with CHF secondary to both DCM and CVHD. Further studies are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of pimobendan for the off‐label use of this drug in asymptomatic CVHD, pulmonary arterial hypertension, asymptomatic myocardial diseases, CHF from all other causes and in cats with CHF.
Retrospective evaluation of vacuum‐assisted peritoneal drainage for the treatment of septic peritonitis in dogs and cats: 8 cases (2003–2010)
Authors: Cioffi Krista M. , Schmiedt Chad W. , Cornell Karen K. , Radlinsky MaryAnn G. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the use of vacuum‐assisted peritoneal drainage (VAPD) in dogs and cats with septic peritonitis.DesignRetrospective descriptive study.SettingUniversity Veterinary Teaching Hospital.AnimalsSix dogs and 2 cats with septic peritonitis.InterventionsApplication ofVAPDafter abdominal exploration.MeasurementsPre‐ and post‐operative physical and clinicopathologic data, surgical findings, treatment,VAPDfluid production, outcome, and survival are reported.Main resultsEight nonconsecutive cases of septic peritonitis, consisting of 6 dogs and 2 cats, were treated surgically and hadVAPDapplied post‐operatively. The mean duration of clinical signs prior to surgical intervention was 4 ± 3 days.VAPDtherapy was applied for a mean of 2 ± 1.1 days and collected a median of 27 mL/kg/d of abdominal effusate. The median time in hospital was 5 days and abdominal closure was completed in 5 of the 8 patients. All specimens collected at surgery cultured positive for bacteria, most commonlyEnterococcusspp. The peritoneum of 4 animals was cultured at the time of abdominal closure; 1 was negative and 3 were positive forEscherichia coli,Enterococcusspp. or gram‐positive cocci. Cultures before and after surgery differed in 2 patients. Hypoproteinemia was present in all patients postoperatively. Three patients were considered survivors, all of which were dogs. Five patients died or were euthanized due to cardiopulmonary arrest (n= 3), pyothorax (n= 1), and acute, severe, septic peritonitis (n= 1).ConclusionsVAPDis available for maintaining abdominal drainage for the treatment of septic peritonitis after surgical intervention; however, similar to open abdominal drainage and closed suction drainage, nosocomial infection and hypoproteinemia remain challenges in the treatment of septic peritonitis.
Benzamil sensitive ion channels contribute to volume regulation in canine chondrocytes
Authors: Lewis R , Feetham CH , Gentles L , Penny J , Tregilgas L , Tohami W , Mobasheri A , Barrett‐Jolley R 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeChondrocytes exist within cartilage and serve to maintain the extracellular matrix. It has been postulated that osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes lose the ability to regulate their volume, affecting extracellular matrix production. In previous studies, we identified expression of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in human chondrocytes, but their function remained unknown. Although ENaC typically has Na+ transport roles, it is also involved in the cell volume regulation of rat hepatocytes. ENaC is a member of the degenerin (Deg) family, and ENaC/Deg‐like channels have a low conductance and high sensitivity to benzamil. In this study, we investigated whether canine chondrocytes express functional ENaC/Deg‐like ion channels and, if so, what their function may be.Experimental ApproachCanine chondrocytes were harvested from dogs killed for unassociated welfare reasons. We used immunohistochemistry and patch‐clamp electrophysiology to investigate ENaC expression and video microscopy to analyse the effects of pharmacological inhibition of ENaC/Deg on cell volume regulation.Key ResultsImmunofluorescence showed that canine chondrocytes expressed ENaC protein. Single‐channel recordings demonstrated expression of a benzamil‐sensitive Na+ conductance (9 pS), and whole‐cell experiments show this to be approximately 1.5 nS per cell with high selectivity for Na+. Benzamil hyperpolarized chondrocytes by approximately 8 mV with a pD2 8.4. Chondrocyte regulatory volume decrease (RVI) was inhibited by benzamil (pD2 7.5) but persisted when extracellular Na+ ions were replaced by Li+.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur data suggest that benzamil inhibits RVI by reducing the influx of Na+ ions through ENaC/Deg‐like ion channels and present ENaC/Deg as a possible target for pharmacological modulation of chondrocyte volume.
Hydrogen sulphide–mediated vasodilatation involves the release of neurotransmitters from sensory nerves in pressurized mesenteric small arteries isolated from rats
Authors: White Benjamin J O , Smith Paul A , Dunn William R 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gas that has recently been shown to have biological activity. In the majority of blood vessels studied so far, H2S has been shown to cause vasorelaxation, although contractile responses have been reported. In the present study, we have made a pharmacological assessment of the effects of H2S in mesenteric small arteries isolated from rats.Experimental ApproachRat mesenteric small arteries were studied using pressure myography. In pressurised arteries, responses were obtained to the H2S donor, sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS), in the absence and presence of the NOS inhibitor L‐NAME, raised extracellular potassium, the KATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide, the Cl– channel blockers DIDS, NPPB and A9C, the TRPV1 receptor desensitizing agent, capsaicin, the CGRP antagonist, olcegepant, the TRPV1 channel blocker capsazepine and the TRPA1 channel blocker HC‐030031.Key ResultsNaHS produced a vasodilator response in rat mesenteric small arteries held at 90 mmHg. Responses to NaHS were not reproducible. Neither, glibenclamide nor, L‐NAME inhibited responses to NaHS. DIDS abolished vasodilator responses to NaHS, but these were unaffected by the chloride channel blockers, NPPB and A9C. Responses to NaHS were attenuated after capsaicin pre‐treatment, by a CGRP receptor antagonist and an inhibitor of TRPA1 channels.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn small arteries isolated from the rat mesentery, NaHS caused a vasodilatation. This response was not reproducible in vitro, since it was mediated by the release of sensory neurotransmitters in a capsaicin‐like action. This release was mediated by a H2S‐induced activation of TRPA1 channels.
Peer Victimization and Internalizing Symptoms From Adolescence Into Young Adulthood: Building Strength Through Emotional Support
Authors: Yeung Thompson Rachel S. , Leadbeater Bonnie J. 
Published: August 2012

This longitudinal study investigated how changes in peer victimization were associated with changes in internalizing symptoms among 662 adolescents across a 4‐year period. The moderating effects of initial levels of father, mother, and friend emotional support on this association were also examined. Gender and age group differences (early adolescent group aged 12–15 years; late adolescent group aged 16–18 years) were tested. Increases in physical and relational victimization were related to increases in internalizing symptoms. Friend emotional support was more protective in reducing internalizing symptoms for adolescent males than adolescent females in both the early and late adolescent groups. Gender differences also moderated the effects of mother and father emotional support.
Measuring the processes of change for increasing blood donation in black adults
Authors: Amoyal Nicole R. , Robbins Mark L. , Paiva Andrea L. , Burditt Caitlin , Kessler Debra , Shaz Beth H. 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Blacks have significantly lower blood donation rates than whites. Many views, experiences, and behaviors associated with blood donation are unique to black culture. Evidence suggests that culturally tailored health promotion programs help with increasing black blood donation. To be effective, tailored interventions should be based on valid and reliable measures. The Transtheoretical Model's (TTM) Processes of Change (POC) construct provides an assessment of participants' covert and overt activities and experiences in blood donation. This study describes development and validation of POC for increasing blood donation tailored to blacks.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross‐sectional measure development with online survey dissemination was used in 566 blacks in the Northeastern United States. Factor analytic structural modeling procedures were used to examine validity of the POC measure. Blood donation POC were examined in participants representing a range of blood donation history and intentions (nondonors, sometimes donors, regular donors) based on an established algorithm.RESULTS: Confirmatory analyses replicated the theoretically expected structure of POC scales which is a 10‐factor, fully correlated best‐fit model. Expected POC patterns by Stages of Change based on theoretical and empirical predictions were confirmed. The range of effect sizes for 10 POC were η2 = 0.04 to 0.25, indicating that TTM POC are strong strategies in blood donation decision making for blacks and can be applied to interventions to increase blood donation for a minority population.CONCLUSION: POC measure was internally and externally valid in a sample of blacks. Interventions can utilize the POC measure to guide stage‐matched interventions to encourage use of relevant experiential and behavioral strategies to increase blood donation.
Thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion in UK critical care: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Stanworth Simon J. , Walsh Timothy S. , Prescott Robin J. , Lee Robert J. , Watson Douglas M. , Wyncoll Duncan L.A. ,   Intensive Care Study of Coagulopathy (ISOC) investigators
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) transfusions are widely used, but few studies have described patterns of use in critical care.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: As part of a prospective multicenter observational study of all sequentially admitted patients to UK general intensive care units (ICUs) over 8 weeks, daily data were collected throughout admission on frequency of thrombocytopenia and use of PLT transfusions, in addition to clinical outcomes, including bleeding.RESULTS: There were 1923 admissions recruited across 29 ICUs for analysis (96.6% of all eligible admissions). The period prevalences of severe thrombocytopenia (<50 × 109/L) for the entire ICU stay were 12.4% (234/1881) and 13.7% (263/1914) when the 24 hours before admission was also included. A total of 35.4% of patients who experienced severe thrombocytopenia died in the ICU. A total of 169 patients (9% of study population) received 534 units of transfused PLTs (median number of units per patient admission was 2; interquartile range, 1‐3; maximum, 38). Pretransfusion PLT counts were more than 50 × 109 for 40% of PLT transfusions overall, and even when no clinically significant bleeding was recorded on the day of transfusion, the lowest recorded PLT count was more than 50 × 109 for 34% of transfusions. There was evidence of only modest increments in PLT count.CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia is common in critical care, but there is wide variation in PLT transfusion use. Patients commonly received PLT transfusions on days without clinically significant hemorrhage. The high prevalence of thrombocytopenia in the critically ill population and inconsistent patterns of PLT transfusions indicate the importance of improving the evidence base for PLT use.
Relation of Kinetic Energy to Contact Wounds of the Head by Centerfire Rifles and Shotgun Slugs
Authors: Harruff Richard C. , Park Jennifer , Smelser Brian J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWounds of high‐energy centerfire rifles and shotguns represent distinctive injuries of forensic importance. Previous studies of contact wounds have shown variability in the potential of these weapons to produce bursting wounds of the head. The present study analyzed contact head wounds owing to 26 centerfire rifles and nine shotgun slugs and compared them with respect to weapon, ammunition, entry wound site, and projectile kinetic energy. The bursting effect, defined for this study as disruption of at least 50% of the head, occurred in 25/35 of cases and was related to kinetic energy. Bursting was associated with energies <2700 ft‐lbs in 12/22 cases and energies >2700 ft‐lbs in 13/13 cases. The volume of gunpowder gas injected into the wound was considered as contributing to the bursting phenomenon. There was no relation of bursting to the specific entrance wound site, type of ammunition, or projectile fragmentation.
A Novel Forged Image Detection Method Using the Characteristics of Interpolation
Authors: Hwang Min‐Gu , Har Dong‐Hwan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDevelopment of digital image‐editing programs has enabled us to be widely exposed to forged digital images surrounding us. Such forged images have been dispersed through the Internet, newspaper articles, and magazines, and in particular, the information contained in these unverified images happened to be regarded as true. As a result, the forged images provided wrong information for individuals and society, thus sometimes creating social issues. In order to solve such problems, this study was aimed to suggest the methods of identifying the veracity of forged images. In this way, it suggested re‐interpolation algorithm. Namely, the study re‐interpolated in identical arbitrary values both the interpolated and un‐interpolated regions based on the interpolation used a lot in forged, confirmed discrete fourier transform (DFT) characteristics of these two regions, and embodied a detection map for the final forged images, using the subtraction value between two regions in DFT characteristics.
The outcome of 9 years of consecutive patch testing with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane and 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate
Authors: Engfeldt Malin , Goossens An , Isaksson Marléne , Zimerson Erik , Bruze Magnus 
Published: August 2012

Background. Two outbreaks of allergic contact dermatitis caused by isocyanates at two companies in southern Sweden initiated a research project focusing on contact allergy to isocyanates. Within the project, there was an interest in determining how often contact allergy to the most common isocyanate, diphenylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate (4,4′‐MDI), occurred.Objectives. To determine and compare the occurrence of contact allergy to 4,4′‐MDI, its corresponding amine 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (4,4′‐MDA), and polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (PMDI) in a Swedish and a Belgian study population.Patients and method. The study population consisted of 6190 consecutively patch tested dermatitis patients: 5690 patients from Malmö, Sweden, and 500 patients from Leuven, Belgium. Patch test results were analysed and compared.Results. None of the Belgian patients reacted positively to 4,4′‐MDI, but 5 Swedish patients did. Contact allergy to 4,4′‐MDA was more common in the Belgian patients than in the Swedish patients: 3.6% and 0.9%, respectively. This could possibly be explained by the fact that the prevalence of p‐phenylenediamine allergy was higher in the Belgian population.Conclusions. The prevalence of contact allergy to 4,4′‐MDI, 4,4′‐MDA and PMDI is not high enough to justify their inclusion in any baseline series. Isocyanate allergic individuals should be detected by aimed testing with an isocyanate series and work materials.