bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of antihypertensive drugs and risk of skin cancer
Authors: Schmidt S.A.J. , Schmidt M. , Mehnert F. , Lemeshow S. , Sørensen H.T. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundSeveral antihypertensive drugs are photosensitizing and may therefore act as cocarcinogens with ultraviolet radiation.ObjectiveTo examine whether antihypertensive drug use is associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and malignant melanoma (MM).MethodsWe used population‐based databases to conduct a case–control study including all first‐time cases of SCC (n = 2282), BCC (n = 17 242), and MM (n = 3660) in northern Denmark, 1991–2010. We matched approximately 10 controls (n = 231 743) to each case by age, sex and county using risk‐set sampling. We used conditional logistic regression to compute odds ratios (ORs) for skin cancer with 95% confidence intervals comparing ever users of antihypertensives (>2 previous prescriptions) with non‐users (≤2 previous prescriptions). We adjusted for comorbidity and comedications. We further analysed use by duration (short term: <5 years; long term: ≥5 years) and intensity (low intensity or high intensity: <50% or ≥50% prescription coverage during total duration of use, respectively).ResultsEver users of diuretics were at increased risk of SCC (OR 1.19; 1.06–1.33), driven by potassium‐sparing agents alone (OR 1.40; 1.09–1.80) or with low‐ceiling diuretics (OR 2.68; 2.24–3.21) and by long‐term use (OR 1.41; 1.16–1.72 at low intensity; OR 1.44; 0.98–2.14 at high intensity). Ever users of sulphonamides (OR 1.49; 1.04–2.12) and non‐aldosterone antagonist potassium‐sparing agents (OR 2.26; 0.85–6.01) were at increased MM risk. The latter was also associated with BCC (OR 1.47; 1.00–2.17), as was low‐ceiling diuretics combined with potassium‐sparing agents (OR 1.23; 1.12–1.35). Long‐term, low‐intensity (OR 1.53; 1.05–2.23) and high‐intensity (OR 1.44; 0.56–3.69) angiotensin receptor blocker use was associated with MM. Estimates for angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, β‐blockers, and calcium channel blockers were inconsistent or weak (<20% increased).ConclusionLong‐term angiotensin receptor blocker use was associated with risk of MM. Moreover, long‐term diuretic use was associated with SCC risk, driven by potassium‐sparing agents alone or in combination with low‐ceiling diuretics.
An update on photodynamic therapies in the treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Simmons B.J. , Griffith R.D. , Falto‐Aizpurua L.A. , Nouri K. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOnychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the nails that is increasing in prevalence in the old, diabetics and immunocompromised. Onychomycosis presents a therapeutic challenge that can lead to significant reductions in quality of life leading to both physical and psychological consequences. Current treatment modalities are difficult to implement due to the poor penetration of topical treatments to the nail bed, the slow growing nature of nails and the need for prolonged use of topical and/or oral medications. Standard of care medications have cure rates of 63–76% that leads to a high propensity of treatment failures and recurrences. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers an alternative treatment for onychomycosis. Methylene blue dye, methyl‐aminolevulinate (MAL) and aminolevulinic acid (ALA) have been used as photosensitizers with approximately 630 nm light. These modalities are combined with pre‐treatment of urea and/or microabrasion for better penetration. PDT treatments are well tolerated with only mild transient pain, burning and erythema. In addition, significant cure rates for patients who have contraindications to oral medications or failed standard medications can be obtained. With further enhancements in photosensitizer permeability, decreased pre‐treatment and photosensitizer incubation times, PDT can be a more efficient and cost‐effective in office based treatment for onychomycosis. However, more large‐scale randomized control clinical trials are needed to access the efficacy of PDT treatments.
Surgery under general anaesthesia in severe hidradenitis suppurativa: a study of 363 primary operations in 113 patients
Authors: Blok J.L. , Boersma M. , Terra J.B. , Spoo J.R. , Leeman F.W.J. , van den Heuvel E.R. , Huizinga J. , Jonkman M.F. , Horváth B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a difficult undertaking, especially as there is no consensus on what surgical technique is preferred. At our centre severe HS (Hurley II/III) is operated under general anaesthesia, mostly with the STEEP procedure.ObjectivesTo investigate characteristics, surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction of HS patients who underwent deroofing or STEEP under general anaesthesia.MethodsA clinical records‐based retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients who had surgery under general anaesthesia between 1999 and 2013. Patient satisfaction was retrospectively investigated with questionnaires.ResultsA total of 482 operations (363 primary operations and 119 re‐operations) were performed during the study period. The proportion of women in the included population was 68%. The median diagnostic delay (patient's and doctor's delay) was 6.5 years. Relapses occurred after 29.2% of primary operations. Women had higher relapse rates than men [odds ratio 2.85 (1.07;7.61)]. Hypergranulation of the wound was the most common complication and occurred in 7% of all operations. The median score patients attributed to the medical effect of surgery was eight of 10 (zero corresponding to very dissatisfied and 10 to very satisfied).ConclusionThe diagnostic delay in HS is long due to a lack of knowledge in both patients and health care professionals, indicating that there is a need for education. Deroofing and the STEEP are effective surgical procedures in severe cases of HS and lead to a relatively high patient satisfaction. The postoperative relapse risk is higher in women. Prospective studies are required for the development of clear guidelines on the appropriate choice of surgery.
Splenic lipidosis in intensively cultured perch, Perca fluviatilis L.
Authors: Stejskal V , Kouřil J , Policar T , Svobodová Z 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMacroscopically visible lipid deposition varying in size from pinpoint to 8‐mm diameter was found in spleens of a population of intensively farmed perch, Perca fluviatilis L. over a 24‐month rearing period. Large agglomerates of adipocytes distinguishable from surrounding normal tissue occurred in all individuals with spleen lipidosis. Several affected fish presented total dystrophy of large clusters of hepatocytes. Prevalence of lipidosis was 5.0% at 12 months and 16.6% at 24 months. There was no significant difference between fatty acid profiles of liver or perivisceral fat of perch with and without lipidosis except for linoleic, myristic, γ‐linoleic, cis‐eicosatrienic, palmitooleic acid. Body weight and hepatosomatic, perivisceral fat and splenosomatic indices were not associated with lipidosis. There was no significant effect of lipidosis on mortality or growth.
Maintenance and Expansion: Modeling Material Stocks and Flows for Residential Buildings and Transportation Networks in the EU25
Authors: Wiedenhofer Dominik , Steinberger Julia K. , Eisenmenger Nina , Haas Willi 
Published: January 2015

SummaryMaterial stocks are an important part of the social metabolism. Owing to long service lifetimes of stocks, they not only shape resource flows during construction, but also during use, maintenance, and at the end of their useful lifetime. This makes them an important topic for sustainable development.In this work, a model of stocks and flows for nonmetallic minerals in residential buildings, roads, and railways in the EU25, from 2004 to 2009 is presented. The changing material composition of the stock is modeled using a typology of 72 residential buildings, four road and two railway types, throughout the EU25. This allows for estimating the amounts of materials in in‐use stocks of residential buildings and transportation networks, as well as input and output flows. We compare the magnitude of material demands for expansion versus those for maintenance of existing stock. Then, recycling potentials are quantitatively explored by comparing the magnitude of estimated input, waste, and recycling flows from 2004 to 2009 and in a business‐as‐usual scenario for 2020. Thereby, we assess the potential impacts of the European Waste Framework Directive, which strives for a significant increase in recycling.We find that in the EU25, consisting of highly industrialized countries, a large share of material inputs are directed at maintaining existing stocks. Proper management of existing transportation networks and residential buildings is therefore crucial for the future size of flows of nonmetallic minerals.
Topographic sleep EEG changes in the acute and chronic stage of hemispheric stroke
Authors: Poryazova Rositsa , Huber Reto , Khatami Ramin , Werth Esther , Brugger Peter , Barath Krizstina , Baumann Christian R. , Bassetti Claudio L. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAfter stroke, the injured brain undergoes extensive reorganization and reconnection. Sleep may play a role in synaptic plasticity underlying stroke recovery. To test this hypothesis, we investigated topographic sleep electroencephalographic characteristics, as a measure of brain reorganization, in the acute and chronic stages after hemispheric stroke. We studied eight patients with unilateral stroke in the supply territory of the middle cerebral artery and eight matched controls. All subjects underwent a detailed clinical examination including assessment of stroke severity, sleep habits and disturbances, anxiety and depression, and high‐density electroencephalogram examination with 128 electrodes during sleep. The recordings were performed within 10 days after stroke in all patients, and in six patients also 3 months later. During sleep, we found higher slow‐wave and theta activity over the affected hemisphere in the infarct area in the acute and chronic stage of stroke. Slow‐wave, theta activity and spindle frequency range power over the affected hemisphere were lower in comparison to the non‐affected side in a peri‐infarct area in the patients’ group, which persisted over time. Conversely, in wakefulness, only an increase of delta, theta activity and a slowing of alpha activity over the infarct area were found. Sleep slow‐wave activity correlated with stroke severity and outcome. Stroke might have differential effects on the generation of delta activity in wakefulness and sleep slow waves (1–8 Hz). Sleep electroencephalogram changes over both the affected and non‐affected hemispheres reflect the acute dysfunction caused by stroke and the plastic changes underlying its recovery. Moreover, these changes correlate with stroke severity and outcome.
An accurate and portable eye movement detector for studying sleep in small animals
Authors: Sánchez‐López Álvaro , Escudero Miguel 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAlthough eye movements are a highly valuable variable in attempts to precisely identify different periods of the sleep–wake cycle, their indirect measurement by electrooculography is not good enough. The present article describes an accurate and portable scleral search coil that allows the detection of tonic and phasic characteristics of eye movements in free‐moving animals. Six adult Wistar rats were prepared for chronic recording of electroencephalography, electromyography and eye movements using the scleral search coil technique. We developed a miniature magnetic field generator made with two coils, consisting of 35 turns and 15 mm diameter of insulated 0.2 mm cooper wire, mounted in a frame of carbon fibre. This portable scleral search coil was fixed on the head of the animal, with each magnetic coil parallel to the eye coil and at 5 mm from each eye. Eye movements detected by the portable scleral search coil were compared with those measured by a commercial scleral search coil requiring immobilizing the head of the animal. No qualitative differences were found between the two scleral search coil systems in their capabilities to detect eye movements. This innovative portable scleral search coil system is an essential tool to detect slow changes in eye position and miniature rapid eye movements during sleep. The portable scleral search coil is much more suitable for detecting eye movements than any previously available system because of its precision and simplicity, and because it does not require immobilization of the animal's head.
Empirical caspofungin therapy in clinical practice for suspected invasive fungal disease in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Kiehl Michael G. , Egerer Gerlinde , Engelhardt Monika , Gross Barbara 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPatients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) after cytotoxic chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for life‐threatening invasive fungal disease (IFD). The aim was to evaluate the characteristics, antifungal therapy and outcome of adult patients with ALL after chemotherapy or HSCT receiving caspofungin empirically in a clinical setting. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted at nine large tertiary care centres in Germany. Adult patients with ALL treated empirically with caspofungin according to the product label between 2006 and 2012 were eligible. Data were extracted as case reports. In total, 25 patients (12 males, 13 females; median age 37 years; 19 with B‐ALL, 6 with T‐ALL) with 28 treatment episodes because of suspected IFD (18 episodes after chemotherapy, 10 episodes after allogeneic HSCT) were included in the analysis. Empirical caspofungin therapy (median duration: 19 days, range 1–105 days) was given as first‐line monotherapy in 20 (71.4%), second‐line monotherapy in five (17.9%) and combination therapy in three (10.7%) episodes respectively. Therapy rated successful according to the physician's overall assessment (inflammatory parameters, clinical symptoms): 20 (95%) of 21 evaluable episodes with therapy duration of at least 8 days. Empirical caspofungin appears to be an effective therapeutic option in critically ill adult ALL patients with suspected IFD in clinical practice.
Evaluation of 28 cases of mucormycosis
Authors: Kursun Ebru , Turunc Tuba , Demiroglu Yusuf Ziya , Alışkan Hikmet Eda , Arslan Ayşe Hande 
Published: January 2015

SummaryMucormycosis is a rare but invasive fungal disease with high mortality. The present study aimed to retrospectively investigate the demographic characteristics, as well as the clinical, radiological and laboratory features and the results of treatment, in the patients followed in our hospital because of mucormycosis. The present study retrospectively evaluated 28 cases, which were followed in our hospital because of mucormycosis between January 2002 and July 2013. The clinical form was rhinocerebral in 27 cases (rhinoorbital in 12, nasal in 8 and rhinoorbitocerebral in 7) and disseminated in one case. With regard to predisposing factors, diabetes mellitus (n = 20), haematological malignancy (n = 6) and chronic renal insufficiency (n = 5) were the leading concomitant diseases. Seventeen (61%) of 28 cases showed atypical clinical picture. With regard to the therapeutic outcomes; it was found that 14 (50%) cases died and six cases recovered with sequel. Today, when particularly the prevalence of immunosuppressive diseases and conditions are gradually increasing, the incidence of mucormycosis is also increased. Considering that the majority of our cases had atypical clinical involvement and complications, being familiar with the characteristics of this disease could be life‐saving together with early diagnosis and treatment.
Onychomycosis caused by Onychocola canadensis: the first report in Estonia and lessons to learn
Authors: Järv Helle 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe report the first case of onychomycosis caused by Onychocola canadensis in Estonia. We believe that the number of nail infections caused by this fungus is underestimated due to the current diagnostic algorithm of non‐dermatophytic onychomycosis. The need to define categories and criteria for ‘proven’ and ‘probable’ non‐dermatophyte mold infections to promote more extensive studies in the future is also discussed.
Comparison of nephrotoxicity associated to different lipid formulations of amphotericin B: a real‐life study
Authors: Falci Diego R. , da Rosa Franciane B. , Pasqualotto Alessandro C. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAmphotericin B (AmB) use is limited by the occurrence of kidney toxicity. Here, we evaluated the incidence and impact of nephrotoxicity in a large series of patients receiving therapy with amphotericin B deoxycholate (d‐AmB), liposomal AmB (L‐AmB), or AmB lipid complex (ABLC), in a clinical practice scenario. In a retrospective cohort study, patients treated with different AmB formulations between 2003 and 2012 were evaluated. Medical records and laboratory data were reviewed. Nephrotoxicity was determined according to modified RIFLE criteria. Predictors of nephrotoxicity and mortality were determined and treatment groups were compared. About 431 patients were studied (d‐AmB, n = 236; L‐AmB, n = 105; ABLC, n = 90). Frequency of severe nephrotoxicity (RIFLE ‘Failure’) was 11.5%, 2.4% and 7.2% for d‐AmB, L‐AmB and ABLC, respectively (P = 0.046). Use of L‐AmB was found to be an independent protective factor (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.03–0.64; P = 0.006) for severe nephrotoxicity, considering d‐AmB as a reference. L‐AmB was also a protective factor for mortality (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32–0.99; P = 0.046). In addition, in‐hospital overall mortality was associated with cancer, previous dialysis, evolution to dialysis, and stay in the intensive care unit. Patients treated with ABLC showed similar frequency of severe kidney toxicity than those treated with d‐AmB. L‐AmB was associated with better outcomes than other formulations, including severe nephrotoxicity and overall mortality.
Successful long‐term management of invasive cerebral fungal infection following liver transplantation
Authors: Patel Madhukar S. , Wright Alissa J. , Kohn Rachel , Markmann James F. , Kotton Camille N. , Vagefi Parsia A. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryCentral nervous system (CNS) infections after liver transplantation may be fungal in aetiology, with involvement from either common organisms such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus spp. as well as less common organisms, such as the Mucorales and Scedosporium spp. Although the mortality of CNS fungal infections was nearly 100% in early series, more recent data has suggested that good outcomes can be achieved. This may be due to both improved diagnostic capabilities, such as the ability to obtain fungal susceptibilities and therapeutic drug levels, and improved therapeutic options, such as the newer triazoles‐ voriconazole and posaconazole. Due to improved outcomes, issues have now arisen around the long‐term tolerability of these agents. The following two cases of invasive cerebral fungal infections following liver transplantation, one with Aspergillus flavus, and the other with Scedosporium boydii/apiospermum highlight the success that can be seen with the modern management of a previously fatal diagnosis. In particular, we highlight the issues around therapeutic monitoring and discontinuation of therapy.
A case of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis caused by Fonsecaea monophora, a neurotropic dematiaceous fungus, and a review of the literature
Authors: Doymaz Mehmet Z. , Seyithanoglu Mehmet F. , Hakyemez İsmail , Gultepe Bilge S. , Cevik Serdar , Aslan Turan 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe Fonsecaea species, which are the leading causes of chromoblastomycosis, are not considered neurotropic fungal agents. Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the primary species in the genus and is usually isolated from chromoblastomycosis cases. However, the recently distinguished species F. monophora has been reported in a few cerebral phaeohyphomycosis cases. Here, a case of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis caused by Fonsecaea monophora is presented in a 71‐year‐old female subject with chronic diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The identification of F. monophora was made through mycological and molecular analysis, and an isolate was differentiated from the closely related F. pedrosoi by sequence data on key bases on the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region. The case was successfully treated with surgical and medical approaches, and the patient has remained healthy and stable after a ten‐month follow up. Given the increasing incidence of this type of infection of the central nervous system (CNS), this case provides further support for the consideration that F. monophora might represent a neurotropic agent.
Application of the DiversiLab system for tracing the source of the mixed infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dou Hongtao , Xu Yingchun , Li Taisheng 
Published: January 2015

SummaryTwo strains of Cryptococcus neoformans (PU 66 and PU112) were simultaneously isolated from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. We aimed to trace the source of the mixed infections. Multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST) and the DiversiLab system analyses were performed on the 2 clinical and 23 environmental C. neoformans from pigeon droppings, 11 from the home (H1) the patient visited, 12 from another home (H2) as control. All the strains were uniformly genotyped as C. neoformans var. grubii VNI. Clinical strain PU66 and all the H1 isolates had the same sequence type (ST) – ST5, while for PU112 a new ST was observed – ST265. However, there was only one single base of 7 MLST loci difference between PU66 and PU112. Sequence types of the H2 strains were ST31 and ST297. DiversiLab analysis showed that strain similarity between the two clinical strains was 96.7%. In relation to environmental samples, the highest strain similarity (99.3%) was observed for PU66 and PU70 (H1). However, none of the environmental isolates had similarity over 98.6% comparing to PU112. One source of the mixed infections has been detected, but another needs further investigation.
HIV‐associated disseminated histoplasmosis in western French Guiana, 2002–2012
Authors: Putot A. , Perrin S. , Jolivet A. , Vantilcke V. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDisseminated histoplasmosis (DH) is the most current revelation mode of AIDS in French Guiana. We describe the clinical and paraclinical presentation of DH, diagnostic tools, evolution and factors associated with 1‐year mortality in HIV‐infected patients from western French Guiana. Microbiologically proven AIDS‐related DH in Saint Laurent du Maroni's hospital between May 2002 and May 2012 were retrospectively included. Among the 82 patients included, 58 (71%) were male, 44 (53%) presented concurrent histoplasmosis and HIV diagnosis and 63 (80%) had a CD4 cell count under 50 cells μL−1. Almost all patients had weight loss (97%) and fever (95%), while 84% had digestive symptoms (63% diarrhoea), 55% lymphadenopathy, and 49% respiratory symptoms. Documented and presumed locations of H. capsulatum var capsulatum (Hcc) concerned almost all organs, with a particular affinity for the bone marrow and the digestive system. Co‐infections were associated in 65%. Following treatment initiation, 10 patients (13%) died within 1 month and 17 patients (25%) died within a year. DH is a polymorphous systemic mycosis with haematological and digestive tropism. Co‐infections are frequent and mortality rate is high.