bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous skeletal‐muscle‐derived cell injection for anal incontinence due to obstetric trauma: a 5‐year follow‐up of an initial study of 10 patients
Authors: Frudinger A. , Pfeifer J. , Paede J. , Kolovetsiou‐Kreiner V. , Marksteiner R. , Halligan S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimOur aim was to determine whether the benefits of autologous skeletal‐muscle‐derived cell injection to treat obstetric anal incontinence are sustained at 5 years.MethodAn observational study was performed of 10 women suffering from obstetric anal incontinence refractory to non‐surgical therapy. Autologous skeletal‐muscle‐derived cells were injected into the external sphincter defect under ultrasound guidance. Incontinence diaries and quality of life questionnaires were obtained pre‐implantation and annually after implantation for 5 years. Anal physiology testing was performed before implantation and at 1, 2 and 5 years after implantation. The end‐points included were adverse events, Wexner incontinence scores, incontinence episodes, anal squeeze pressures and quality of life over 5 years. An independent statistician used multilevel linear regression to analyse changes in repeated measures over time. Any skewed distributions were log transformed prior to analysis.ResultsNo procedure‐related adverse events occurred and haematological and biochemical parameters were normal during the 5‐year period. There were sustained significant improvements in the Wexner incontinence score and reduced frequency of defaecation and number of incontinence episodes (all comparisons P < 0.001). Anal resting and squeeze pressures showed sustained improvement (all P < 0.001) and quality of life improved overall (P < 0.001), including all submeasures studied (P < 0.001).ConclusionAutologous skeletal‐muscle‐derived cells to treat obstetric anal incontinence resulted in sustained improvement in incontinence episodes, physiological measurements of anal function and quality of life at 5 years.
Association between patient activation and patient‐assessed quality of care in type 2 diabetes: results of a longitudinal study
Authors: Aung Eindra , Donald Maria , Coll Joseph R. , Williams Gail M. , Doi Suhail A. R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research using cross‐sectional data has shown a positive relationship between patient activation and quality of care. The quantitative relationships in the same patients over time, however, remain undefined.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between changes in activation over time and patient‐assessed quality of chronic illness care.DesignProspective cohort study.ParticipantsThe study used data reported annually from 2008 (N = 3761) to 2010 (N = 3040), using self‐report survey questionnaires, completed by patients with type 2 diabetes in a population‐based cohort in Queensland, Australia.Main MeasuresPrincipal measures were the 13‐item Patient Activation Measure (PAM), and the 20‐item Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) instrument.MethodsNonparametric anova was used to determine the association between patient activation and patient‐assessed quality of care in low and high patient activation groups at baseline (2008), and in 2009 and 2010, when patients had changed group membership. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare the PACIC scores between baseline and each follow‐up survey for the same patient activation level.ResultsPatient activation was positively associated with the median PACIC score within each survey year and within each of the groups defined at baseline (high‐ and low‐activation groups; P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatient activation and the PACIC change in the same direction and should be considered together in the interpretation of patient care assessment. This can be carried out by interpreting PACIC scores within strata of PAM.
Age‐related characteristics of cutaneous melanoma in a Spanish Mediterranean population
Authors: Montero Iria , Requena Celia , Traves Victor , García‐Casado Zaida , Kumar Rajiv , Nagore Eduardo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma is considered a heterogeneous tumor with genetic and environmental factors involved in its pathogenesis. The impact of these factors varies depending on age.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiological, phenotypic, and histological features of patients with melanoma according to three age groups: ≤40, 41–65, and >65 years.MethodsA total of 1122 consecutive patients with invasive melanoma definitively treated in our institution since January 2000 were selected from our melanoma database. Epidemiological, phenotypic, and histological data were retrieved and analyzed as a function of age.ResultsFemale patients predominated in the younger age group. The location of cutaneous malignant melanoma differed with age. In the younger and middle age groups, tumors presented mainly on the trunk, while in the older group they were mainly found on the head/neck. Signs of actinic damage such as actinic keratoses, solar lentigines, or other skin tumors increased with age, while genetic factors such as family history of melanoma or a high number of common melanocytic nevi were more frequent in the younger group.ConclusionOur results suggest that melanoma development in younger patients is the result of genetic factors, particularly related to multiple nevi, whereas in older patients environmental factors such as severe chronic sun exposure play a major role.
Assessment of thyroid function and lipid profile in patients with postadolescent acne in a Mediterranean population from Turkey
Authors: Ekiz Ozlem , Balta Ilknur , Unlu Ezgi , Bulbul Sen Bilge , Rifaioğlu Emine N. , Dogramaci Asena C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundPostadolescent acne is defined as acne that is seen even after the age of 25 years, regardless of the age at onset. The causes of postadolescent acne have not been completely clarified up to now. Androgens are considered to be the major factor involved in pathogenesis.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the status of thyroid functions and lipid levels in patients with postadolescent acne and determine the effects of lifestyle and environmental factors on postadolescent acne in a Turkish population.MethodsIn total, 184 patients and 82 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Thyroid function and lipid profiles of all participants were analyzed.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 30.4 ± 4.9 years (25–50). The mean age of control group was 30.0 ± 4.4 years (25–40). Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with postadolescent acne (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between patients with postadolescent acne and control subjects in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, thyroid hormone profiles, and thyroid ultrasound scans. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased with postadolescent acne (P = 0.01).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the thyroid functions and lipid profile in men and women with postadolescent acne. In this study, there was no relationship between thyroid functions and postadolescent acne. However, an association with low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and postadolescent acne was detected. Further investigations with more patients in different populations are needed to determine the causes of postadolescent acne.
Core temperature affects scalp skin temperature during scalp cooling
Authors: Daanen Hein A. M. , Peerbooms Mijke , van den Hurk Corina J. G. , van Os Bernadet , Levels Koen , Teunissen Lennart P. J. , Breed Wim P. M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of hair loss prevention by scalp cooling to prevent chemotherapy induced hair loss has been shown to be related to scalp skin temperature. Scalp skin temperature, however, is dependent not only on local cooling but also on the thermal status of the body.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of body temperature on scalp skin temperature.MethodsWe conducted experiments in which 13 healthy subjects consumed ice slurry to lower body temperature for 15 minutes after the start of scalp cooling and then performed two 12‐minute cycle exercise sessions to increase body core temperature. Esophageal temperature (Tes), rectal temperature (Tre), mean skin temperature (eight locations, Tskin), and mean scalp temperature (five locations, Tscalp) were recorded.ResultsDuring the initial 10 minutes of scalp cooling, Tscalp decreased by >15 °C, whereas Tes decreased by 0.2 °C. After ice slurry ingestion, Tes, Tre, and Tskin were 35.8, 36.5, and 31.3 °C, respectively, and increased after exercise to 36.3, 37.3, and 33.0 °C, respectively. Tscalp was significantly correlated to Tes (r = 0.39, P < 0.01): an increase of 1 °C in Tes corresponded to an increase of 1.6 °C in Tscalp.ConclusionsSlight cooling of patients with an elevated body temperature during scalp cooling contributes to the decrease in scalp temperature and may improve the prevention of hair loss. This may be useful if the desired decrease of scalp temperature cannot be obtained by scalp cooling systems.
The profile of adult onset Henoch–Schönlein purpura in an Asian population
Authors: Yong Adeline Mei‐Yen , Lee Shan‐Xian , Tay Yong‐Kwang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundHenoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) is less common in adults and has been linked with a more severe clinical syndrome as well as a higher frequency of renal disease and internal malignancy. Renal involvement in adult HSP has been significantly associated with antecedent infections, pyrexia at time of first presentation, and purpura above the waist. We aim to evaluate the frequency of cutaneous and extra‐cutaneous features and identify the predictive factors for renal involvement in Asian adults with HSP.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 48 adult Asian patients diagnosed with HSP based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria at a tertiary hospital in Singapore between January 2000 and December 2011.ResultsThe most common cutaneous manifestations were palpable purpura (73%), papules (31%), and petechiae (27%). Forty‐percent had cutaneous lesions extending above the waist. Fifteen patients (31%) had gastrointestinal symptoms, 21 (44%) had joint involvement, and 27 (56%) had renal disease. Seventy‐percent of patients with pyrexia at presentation experienced renal disease, whereas only 30% without pyrexia had renal involvement (P = 0.018). Sixty‐six percent of patients with purpura had renal involvement as compared to 31% in those without purpura (P = 0.049). The frequency of renal involvement in patients with purpura above the waist (52%) was similar to those with purpura below the waist (55%).ConclusionsOur study confirms that HSP in adults tends to be more severe with a high incidence of extracutaneous manifestations, especially renal disease. Pyrexia at presentation and the presence of purpura were significant predictive factors for renal involvement.
Superficial acral fibromyxoma
Authors: Sawaya Jennifer L. , Khachemoune Amor 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSuperficial acral fibromyxoma (SAF), also known as digital fibromyxoma, is a rare soft tissue tumor with a predilection for acral surfaces. Superficial acral fibromyxoma classically presents as a pink to flesh‐colored nodule located on the subungual or periungual region of the hands or feet. It is typically slow‐growing and asymptomatic, which, coupled with its nonspecific clinical appearance, presents a diagnostic dilemma to the dermatologist. As these features overlap with those of a multitude of differential diagnoses, it is imperative to have a good understanding of the characteristics on which the diagnosis of SAF is based. Superficial acral fibromyxoma was initially described in 2001, since when several case reports and literature reviews have contributed to our current understanding of these tumors. In this article, we will review the history, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of SAF. It is our hope that this systematic approach will help to facilitate the recognition and management of this distinct dermatologic entity.
Microchimerism in alopecia areata
Authors: Terzi Erdinç , Bulut Bilal , Türsen Ümit , Kaya Tamer İrfan , Türsen Belma , Erdal Mehmet Emin , Yilmaz Şenay Görücü 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmunity is the main etiopathogenetic factor in alopecia areata. Microchimerism is the existence of allogeneic DNA in a living creature. There are variable studies investigating the role of microchimerism on the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. To our knowledge, no report has investigated the relationship between microchimerism and alopecia areata.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the possible role of microchimerism on alopecia areata.MethodsWe analyzed SRY gene levels as indicators of fetal microchimerism in our patient group. The patients were 29 women with alopecia areata, over 18 years old, who had visited our clinic between 2010 and 2013. Patients were divided into two groups; group 1 consisted of 14 patients having a son and group 2, 15 patients either nulliparous or having a daughter.ResultsSeventeen of 29 patients (58.6%) and four of 103 controls (3.9%) showed presence of an SRY gene. The difference between the patient and control groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).ConclusionAs a result of our study, microchimerism may be associated with the etiopathogenesis of alopecia areata. However, we think there is a need for a larger series of studies to support this hypothesis.
Melioidosis in children: a retrospective study
Authors: Foong Yee‐Wah , Tan Natalie Woon‐Hui , Chong Chia‐Yin , Thoon Koh‐Cheng , Tee Nancy Wen‐Sim , Koh Mark Jean‐Aan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundMelioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in Singapore and can present as localized or disseminated disease.MethodsDemographic data, clinical features, investigation results, treatments, and outcomes in patients aged <16 years diagnosed with melioidosis at KK Women's and Children's Hospital between January 2002 and January 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Data for patients with primary skin disease and those with other organ involvement were compared.ResultsSeventeen children were diagnosed with melioidosis. Their median age was 12.5 years (range: 2–15 years). Nine (53%) patients presented with localized cutaneous melioidosis and five (29%) with localized lymphadenitis, pneumonia, or septic arthritis. The remaining three (18%) patients had melioidosis sepsis; two of these patients died from septic shock. Treatment included an initial 1–2 weeks of IV antibiotics followed by 3–6 months of oral combination antibiotics. All cases of localized cutaneous disease resolved completely with no recurrences. Three (60%) of the five patients with localized involvement of other organ systems achieved complete resolution of disease, and the remaining two were lost from follow‐up.ConclusionsAlthough uncommon, melioidosis can occur in children living in endemic regions. Patients with localized skin disease have good outcomes with no recurrences. Systemic disease can be fatal, especially in the presence of underlying immunodeficiency. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, and treatment requires prolonged combination antibiotic therapy.
MicroRNA‐155 regulates interferon‐γ production in natural killer cells via Tim‐3 signalling in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Cheng Yong Q. , Ren Jun P. , Zhao Juan , Wang Jia M. , Zhou Yun , Li Guang Y. , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryHost immune responses must be tightly regulated by an intricate balance between positive and negative signals while fighting pathogens; persistent pathogens may usurp these regulatory mechanisms to dampen host immunity to facilitate survival in vivo. Here we report that Tim‐3, a negative signalling molecule expressed on monocytes and T cells, is up‐regulated on natural killer (NK) cells in individuals chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Additionally, the transcription factor T‐bet was also found to be up‐regulated and associated with Tim‐3 expression in NK cells during chronic HCV infection. MicroRNA‐155 (miR‐155), an miRNA that inhibits signalling proteins involved in immune responses, was down‐regulated in NK cells by HCV infection. This Tim‐3/T‐bet over‐expression and miR‐155 inhibition were recapitulated in vitro by incubating primary NK cells or NK92 cell line with Huh‐7 hepatocytes expressing HCV. Reconstitution of miR‐155 in NK cells from HCV‐infected patients led to a decrease in T‐bet/Tim‐3 expression and an increase in interferon‐γ production. Blocking Tim‐3 signalling also enhanced interferon‐γ production in NK cells by improving signal transducer and activator of transcription‐5 phosphorylation. These data indicate that HCV‐induced, miR‐155‐regulated Tim‐3 expression regulates NK cell function, suggesting a novel mechanism for balancing immune clearance and immune injury during chronic viral infection.
Initial Experience with a New Image Integration Module Designed for Reducing Radiation Exposure During Electrophysiological Ablation Procedures
Authors: CANO ÓSCAR , ALONSO PAU , OSCA JOAQUÍN , ANDRÉS ANA , SANCHO‐TELLO MARÍA‐JOSÉ , OLAGÜE JOSÉ , SALVADOR ANTONIO , MARTÍNEZ‐DOLZ LUIS 
Published: March 2015

Reducing Radiation ExposureIntroductionReduction of radiation exposure during cardiac arrhythmia ablation procedures is desirable. We sought to evaluate the utility of a new image integration module (CARTOUNIVUTM) in reducing fluoroscopy times and dosages during left atrial arrhythmia (LAA) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedures.Methods and ResultsConsecutive patients undergoing LAA (n = 28)/VT (n = 13) ablation using the CARTOUNIVUTM module were included. Total fluoroscopy time, radiation dose (total dose area product [tDAP], effective dose [ED]), and procedure duration were evaluated. A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent LAA (n = 16)/VT(n = 8) ablation without the new image integration module served as a control group. The use of the new image integration module significantly reduced mean fluoroscopy time (5.2 minutes [IQR 1.9;6.8] in the LAA ablation UNIVU group vs. 28.2 minutes [IQR 15.3;37.8] in the control group, P<0.001; 9.8 minutes [IQR 4.5;13.1] vs. 25.5 minutes [IQR 14.1;30.9] for VT ablation, P = 0.013), tDAP (2,088 cGy*cm2 [IQR 664;2911] vs. 5,893 cGy*cm2 [IQR 3088;8483], P< 0.001 for LAA ablation; 3,917 cGy*cm2 [IQR 948;4217] vs. 12,377 cGy*cm2 (IQR 3385;23157) for VT ablation patients, P = 0.025) and ED (4.1 mSv [IQR 1;5.8] vs. 11.8 mSv [IQR 6.2;16.9] for LAA ablation patients, P< 0.001; 7.8 mSv [IQR 1.9;8.4] vs. 24.7 mSv [IQR 6.8;46.3] for VT ablation patients, P = 0.025). Procedure duration did not significantly change (174 ± 45 minutes vs. 197 ± 36 minutes for LAA ablation, P = 0.083; 201 ± 51 minutes vs. 201 ± 63 minutes for VT ablation, P = 0.860). No serious adverse events related to the use of the CARTOUNIVUTM module occurred.ConclusionsThe new image integration module significantly reduced total fluoroscopy time and mean radiation dose without influence in procedure duration during ablation of complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
Perspectives on thyroid hormone action in adult neurogenesis
Authors: Kapoor Richa , Fanibunda Sashaina E. , Desouza Lynette A. , Guha Suman K. , Vaidya Vidita A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThyroid hormone exhibits profound effects on neural progenitor turnover, survival, maturation, and differentiation during perinatal development. Studies over the past decade have revealed that thyroid hormone continues to retain an important influence on progenitors within the neurogenic niches of the adult mammalian brain. The focus of the current review is to critically examine and summarize the current state of understanding of the role of thyroid hormone in regulating adult neurogenesis within the major neurogenic niches of the subgranular zone in the hippocampus and the subventricular zone lining the lateral ventricles. We review in depth the studies that highlight a role for thyroid hormone, in particular the TRα1 receptor isoform, in regulating progenitor survival and commitment to a neuronal fate. We also discuss putative models for the mechanism of action of thyroid hormone/TRα1 on specific stages of subgranular zone and subventricular zone progenitor development, and highlight potential thyroid hormone responsive target genes that may contribute to the neurogenic effects of thyroid hormone. The effects of thyroid hormone on adult neurogenesis are discussed in the context of a potential role of these effects in the cognitive‐ and mood‐related consequences of thyroid hormone dysfunction. Finally, we detail hitherto unexplored aspects of the effects of thyroid hormone on adult neurogenesis that provide impetus for future studies to gain a deeper mechanistic insight into the neurogenic effects of thyroid hormone.
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Thyroid hormone regulation of adult neurogenesis in the mammalian brain exhibits both unique and overlapping effects within distinct neurogenic niches. Thyroid hormone regulates hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ) progenitor survival and neuronal cell fate acquisition and influences subventricular zone (SVZ) progenitor cell turnover, cell cycle exit, and neuronal cell fate acquisition. In this review, we summarize, critically discuss and highlight open questions in regard to thyroid hormone regulation of adult neurogenesis.
Receptive range analysis of a mouse odorant receptor subfamily
Authors: Li Jingyi , Haddad Rafi , Santos Vanessa , Bavan Selvan , Luetje Charles W. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMammals deploy a large array of odorant receptors (ORs) to detect and distinguish a vast number of odorant molecules. ORs vary widely in the type of odorant structures recognized and in the breadth of molecular receptive range (MRR), with some ORs recognizing a small group of closely related molecules and other ORs recognizing a wide range of structures. While closely related ORs have been shown to have similar MRRs, the functional relationships among less closely related ORs are unclear. We screened a small group of ORs with a diverse odorant panel to identify a new odorant‐OR pairing (unsaturated aldehydes and MOR263‐3). We then extensively screened MOR263‐3 and a series of additional MORs related to MOR263‐3 in various ways. MORs related by phylogenetic analysis (several other members of the MOR263 subfamily) had MRRs that overlapped with the MRR of MOR263‐3, even with amino acid identity as low as 48% (MOR263‐2). MOR171‐17, predicted to be functionally related to MOR263‐3 by an alternative bioinformatic analysis, but with only 39% amino acid identity, had a distinct odorant specificity. Our results support the use of phylogenetic analysis to predict functional relationships among ORs with relatively low amino acid identity.
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We screened a small group of mouse odorant receptors (MORs) with a diverse odorant panel to identify a new odorant‐OR pairing (unsaturated aldehydes and MOR263‐3), then extensively screened a series of additional MORs related to MOR263‐3 in various ways. MORs related by phylogenetic analysis had odorant specificities that overlapped with that of MOR263‐3, but MOR171‐17, predicted to be functionally related to MOR263‐3 by an alternative bioinformatic analysis, had a distinct odorant specificity.