bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effects of short‐ and intermediate‐term tolvaptan administration for refractory ascites in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis
Authors: Akiyama Shintaro , Ikeda Kenji , Sezaki Hitomi , Fukushima Taito , Sorin Yushi , Kawamura Yusuke , Saitoh Satoshi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Akuta Norio , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: November 2014

AimTolvaptan, an oral arginine vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, became available for hepatic ascites. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and safety of tolvaptan administration to treat refractory ascites.MethodsData were collected from 15 hospitalized patients with cirrhosis (hepatitis C, 10; alcoholism, five) after adding tolvaptan (3.75–11.25 mg/day) to conventional diuretics. Bodyweights and serum sodium and creatinine concentrations were measured. Tolvaptan was continued for 4 weeks or longer for a median follow‐up period of 42 days (range, 28–56).ResultsIn the first week (introduction phase), tolvaptan significantly reduced median weight (66.6, 65.9 and 63.1 kg on days 0, 1 and 7, respectively; P < 0.004). The numbers of good responders (≥3 kg reduction in 4 days), responders (<3 kg weight reduction) and non‐responders (no weight reduction) were seven (46.7%), six (40.0%) and two of the 15 (13.3%), respectively. The two non‐responders had concomitant chylous pleural effusion or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. All patients continued tolvaptan for 2 weeks or longer and six (40%, three good responders and three responders) were treated for a median of 42 days without additional intervention. During this intermediate‐term administration of tolvaptan, the median weight reduction was statistically significant (65.4, 61.9 and 56.9 kg on days 0, 7 and 42, respectively; P < 0.030) and there was no serum sodium imbalance or renal dysfunction; but two of these six developed hepatic coma.ConclusionTolvaptan safely alleviated fluid retention caused by hepatic cirrhosis. Intermediate‐term administration of tolvaptan apparently helped maintain weight reduction achieved during the introduction phase.
Serum alanine aminotransferase predicts the histological course of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in Japanese patients
Authors: Seko Yuya , Sumida Yoshio , Tanaka Saiyu , Mori Kojiroh , Taketani Hiroyoshi , Ishiba Hiroshi , Hara Tasuku , Okajima Akira , Yamaguchi Kanji , Moriguchi Michihisa , Mitsuyoshi Hironori , Kanemasa Kazuyuki , Yasui Kohichiroh , Minami Masahito , Imai Shunsuke , Itoh Yoshito 
Published: November 2014

AimSome cases with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can ultimately progress to liver cirrhosis. However, studies to clarify factors predictive of histological change in patients with NASH remain scarce. Our aim is to determine predictors of histological progression in Japanese patients with biopsy‐proven NASH.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled 52 patients with NASH who underwent serial liver biopsies. Histological evaluation included NAFLD activity score (NAS) and liver fibrosis. The median interval between initial and second liver biopsies was 968 days. An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) response was defined as a decrease of 30% or more from baseline.ResultsOf 52 patients, NAS was ameliorated in 30.8%, deteriorated in 30.8% and remained unchanged in 38.4%. Liver fibrosis was improved in 25.0% of patients, progressed in 25.0% and remained stable in 50.0%. Multivariate analysis identified ALT non‐response as a predictor of deterioration of NAS (hazard ratio [HR], 5.85; P = 0.031) and progression of liver fibrosis (HR, 4.50; P = 0.029). The mean annual rate of fibrosis was 0.002 stages/year overall, increasing to 0.15 stages/year in ALT non‐responders.ConclusionA lack of reduction in serum ALT level by at least 30% from baseline was a predictor for histological progression in patients with NASH. Serum ALT level is a better predictor of histological change than insulin resistance or bodyweight and can be a valid index in treatment. Serum ALT should be strictly controlled to prevent liver histological progression in patients with NASH.
Pediatric Sweet syndrome. A retrospective study
Authors: García‐Romero Maria Teresa , Ho Nhung 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntroductionSweet syndrome (SS) is a relatively rare pediatric diagnosis, with fewer than 80 pediatric cases reported in the literature, characterized by tender erythematous plaques and nodules associated with systemic inflammation.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of pediatric patients diagnosed with SS both clinically and histologically at our reference hospital between the years of 2000 and 2012. Clinical, laboratory, and pathologic data were analyzed.ResultsWe found five patients; four were male, aged between 9 and 14 years. All had fever, elevated markers of systemic inflammation, and typical skin lesions. SS was associated with underlying hematologic malignancy in one patient; all‐trans retinoic acid in another; infection in two patients; and in one patient, no identifiable cause was found. Three of the five patients treated with systemic corticosteroids had excellent response, and two had recurrences and received additional treatment with dapsone and saturated solution of potassium iodide.ConclusionsSweet syndrome is an extremely rare diagnosis in children. It is associated with the same conditions as in adults, but it is more frequently associated with infections than malignancies. In general, prognosis is good, but recurrences occur and second‐line treatment may be needed.
Increased serum levels of interleukin‐23 circulating in patients with non‐segmental generalized vitiligo
Authors: Vaccaro Mario , Cannavò Serafinella P. , Imbesi Selene , Cristani Mariateresa , Barbuzza Olga , Tigano Valeria , Gangemi Sebastiano 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntroductionVitiligo is a common progressive depigmentation of the skin due to selective destruction of melanocytes. Nowadays increasing evidences support the hypothesis of an autoimmune etiology.MethodsIn order to sustain the role of T‐helper‐17 lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, we measured the serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐23 (an important regulator of this subset) using a quantitative enzyme immunoassay technique in 12 males and 16 females (ages ranging from 18 to 58 years) affected by non‐segmental vitiligo and compared the results with a group of healthy donors.ResultsIL‐23 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with vitiligo as compared with controls. There was a significant positive correlation of IL‐23 serum levels with disease duration and extent of vitiligo and disease activity.ConclusionsThe inhibition of IL‐23 might be a novel strategy in the therapy of autoimmune inflammatory diseases like vitiligo.
Fingerprint verification prediction model in hand dermatitis
Authors: Lee Chew K. , Chang Choong C. , Johor Asmah , Othman Puwira , Baba Roshidah 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundHand dermatitis associated fingerprint changes is a significant problem and affects fingerprint verification processes. This study was done to develop a clinically useful prediction model for fingerprint verification in patients with hand dermatitis.MethodsA case–control study involving 100 patients with hand dermatitis. All patients verified their thumbprints against their identity card. Registered fingerprints were randomized into a model derivation and model validation group. Predictive model was derived using multiple logistic regression. Validation was done using the goodness‐of‐fit test.ResultsThe fingerprint verification prediction model consists of a major criterion (fingerprint dystrophy area of ≥ 25%) and two minor criteria (long horizontal lines and long vertical lines). The presence of the major criterion predicts it will almost always fail verification, while presence of both minor criteria and presence of one minor criterion predict high and low risk of fingerprint verification failure, respectively. When none of the criteria are met, the fingerprint almost always passes the verification. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.937, and the goodness‐of‐fit test showed agreement between the observed and expected number (P = 0.26).ConclusionsThe derived fingerprint verification failure prediction model is validated and highly discriminatory in predicting risk of fingerprint verification in patients with hand dermatitis.
A survey of self‐reported skin disease in the elderly African‐American population
Authors: Caretti Katherine L. , Mehregan Darius R. , Mehregan David A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn the USA, the geriatric population, almost 12% of which will be comprised of African‐Americans, is expected to exceed 88 million by 2050. Data on dermatologic conditions in elderly African‐Americans are deficient.ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify prevalences of self‐reported skin disease and skin‐related concerns in elderly African‐Americans, and to assess participants’ perceptions of skin disease and awareness of skin cancer.MethodsElderly African‐Americans were recruited into a cross‐sectional study and asked to complete a 17‐item questionnaire.ResultsA total of 101 participants aged 60–91 years (median age: 71 years) completed the questionnaire. The majority (75.2%) of the subjects were female. The most common self‐reported skin diseases were eczema/dermatitis (28.7%), fungal skin infections (16.8%), alopecia (6.9%), viral skin infections (4.9%), and urticaria (4.9%). The most common skin concerns were dry skin/pruritus (40.6%), moles (27.7%), hair loss (25.7%), skin discoloration (20.8%), and wrinkles (15.8%). Overall, 40.6% of participants reported concern about skin cancer, and 75.2% reported examining their skin regularly. However, 34.7% did not believe that people with darker skin types should be concerned about skin cancer.ConclusionsThis study provides an important overview of the most common self‐reported skin conditions in elderly African‐Americans. Substantial age‐related differences in the frequencies of skin disorders were apparent. It is important to include the elderly population within campaigns to educate minority group members on skin cancer.
Association of HLA‐B*1502 allele with lamotrigine‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in Han Chinese subjects: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zeng Tao , Long Yue‐Sheng , Min Fu‐Li , Liao Wei‐Ping , Shi Yi‐Wu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundDespite several studies investigating the association between the human leukocyte antigen HLA‐B*1502 allele and lamotrigine‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in Han Chinese subjects, the relationship remains unclear.ObjectivesWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to ascertain the association between the HLA‐B*1502 allele and lamotrigine‐induced SJS and TEN in Han Chinese populations.MethodsWe searched the biomedical literature archived in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and China Science and Technology Journal databases. Only studies investigating the association between HLA‐B*1502 and lamotrigine‐induced SJS/TEN were included. We then performed a meta‐analysis of the data in these studies.ResultsFour studies including a total of 12 patients with SJS/TEN and 128 lamotrigine‐tolerant control subjects were identified. The HLA‐B*1502 allele was present in 33.3% (four of 12) of lamotrigine‐induced SJS/TEN cases but in only 9.4% (12 of 128) of lamotrigine‐tolerant controls. The occurrence of SJS/TEN was thus associated with the presence of the HLA‐B*1502 allele (odds ratio: 4.98, 95% confidence interval 1.43–17.28; P < 0.05).ConclusionsWe found a statistical association between HLA‐B*1502 and lamotrigine‐induced SJS/TEN in Han Chinese subjects. Future studies with larger sample sizes are suggested to verify the results.
Differential expression patterns of metastasis suppressor proteins in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bozdogan Onder , Yulug Isik G. , Vargel Ibrahim , Cavusoglu Tarik , Karabulut Ayse A. , Karahan Gurbet , Sayar Nilufer 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are common malignant skin tumors. Despite having a significant invasion capacity, they metastasize only rarely. Our aim in this study was to detect the expression patterns of the NM23‐H1, NDRG1, E‐cadherin, RHOGDI2, CD82/KAI1, MKK4, and AKAP12 metastasis suppressor proteins in BCCs.MethodsA total of 96 BCC and 10 normal skin samples were included for the immunohistochemical study. Eleven frozen BCC samples were also studied by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to detect the gene expression profile.ResultsNM23‐H1 was strongly and diffusely expressed in all types of BCC. Significant cytoplasmic expression of NDRG1 and E‐cadherin was also detected. However, AKAP12 and CD82/KAI1 expression was significantly decreased. The expressions of the other proteins were somewhere between the two extremes. Similarly, qRT‐PCR analysis showed down‐regulation of AKAP12 and up‐regulation of NM23‐H1 and NDRG1 in BCC. Morphologically aggressive BCCs showed significantly higher cytoplasmic NDRG1 expression scores and lower CD82/KAI1 scores than non‐aggressive BCCs.ConclusionThe relatively preserved levels of NM23‐H1, NDRG1, and E‐cadherin proteins may have a positive effect on the non‐metastasizing features of these tumors.
Are all patients with psoriasis at increased risk for coronary artery disease?
Authors: Seremet Sila , Genc Berhan , Tastan Ahmet , Akyildiz Zehra Ilke , Nazli Cem , Ozcelik Sinan , Afsar Fatma Sule , Solak Aynur , Emren Volkan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAssociations have been recently recognized between psoriasis and an increased incidence of atherosclerotic diseases. However, there are scarce data on the prevalence of coronary lesions in patients with psoriasis. The aim of this study was to identify the calcified and non‐calcified atherosclerotic coronary lesions in patients with psoriasis compared to controls. Forty patients with psoriasis and 42 control subjects matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk profile were included in this case–control study. Coronary lesions were evaluated by a 128‐slice dual source multidetector computed tomography scanner. Coronary calcification scoring was calculated according to the Agatston score. The prevalence of atherosclerotic coronary lesions (psoriasis: 15%, controls: 16.7%; P = 0.83) and the mean coronary calcification scoring (psoriasis: 9.9 ± 35.2 Agatston unit, controls 2.8 ± 12.0 Agatston unit; P = 0.81) did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Multivariate analysis identified age ≥48 years and fasting blood glucose ≥99.0 mg/dl as independent predictors of coronary artery disease in patients with psoriasis (F = 30.9; P = 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.49). Patients with psoriasis had the same prevalence of calcified and non‐calcified atherosclerotic coronary lesions as compared to controls. Our results demonstrated the necessity of considering the age and fasting blood glucose of patients with psoriasis in a decision for further cardiovascular evaluation.
The function of endogenous cathepsin in quality deterioration of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fillets stored in chilling conditions
Authors: Ge Lihong , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui 
Published: November 2014

SummaryChanges of textural properties and cathepsin activity of grass carp fillets during storage in superchilling (−1.5 ± 0.2 °C) and ice (0.2 ± 0.1 °C) was investigated, and the function of cathepsin in quality deterioration of grass carp fillets was discussed. Results showed that shear force of superchilled and ice‐stored fillets decreased by 50% and 55% after 6 days of storage, respectively. The cathepsin activies in different fractions changed significantly during storage at both conditions. Cathepsin B, B+L activities in sarcoplasma, myofibrillar and heavy mitochondrial fraction significantly increased during the early 3 days postmortem, accompanied by remarkable reduction of corresponding activity in lysosome. Cathepsin D activity in sarcoplasma and myofibrillar significantly increased during 6 days of storage with corresponding decrease in lysosome and heavy mitochondria. Correlation analysis showed that changes of shear force of grass carp fillets were significantly correlated with integration of cathepsin B, D and B+L throughout storage time (r2 > 0.94). As derived from the first‐order exponential decay model, the enzyme efficiencies (ka) of cathepsin B and B+L were more than twofold higher than those of cathepsin D, suggesting the major role of cathepsin B and B+L in textural deterioration of grass carp fillets in chilling storage.
Frequency distribution of autoimmunity associated FCGR3B gene copy number in Indian population
Authors: Almal S. H. , Padh Harish 
Published: November 2014

SummaryAmongst several human genome variations, copy number variations (CNVs) are considered as an important source of variability contributing to susceptibility to wide range of diseases. Although CNV is scattered for genes throughout the human genome, several of autoimmunity related genes have CN variation and therefore play an important role in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The association of the Fc gamma receptor 3B (FCGR3B) gene copy number in autoimmunity is well characterized in various populations studied. The Fc gamma receptor is a low affinity, glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐linked receptor for IgG molecule predominantly expressed on human neutrophils. The variable gene copy number of FCGR3B is found to be involved in the impaired clearance of immune complexes, which significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type‐1 diabetes and others. The FCGR3B copy number ranged from 0 to ≥2 copies per diploid genome in other populations, but yet not explored in Indian population. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the variation in the frequency distribution of FCGR3B CNV in Indian population. FCGR3B gene copy number varied significantly when compared to other population of the world. This observation will help us in exploring the potential role of CNV in FCGR3B gene and its association to autoimmune disorders in Indian population.
Refugee community organizations inCanada: From the margins to the mainstream? A challenge and opportunity for social workers
Authors: Lacroix Marie , Baffoe Michael , Liguori Marilena 
Published: November 2014

Various waves of asylum seekers and resettled refugees arriving inCanada since the 1980s reflect the eruption of war and ethnic conflicts in parts ofAfrica, CentralAmerica, andSouthEastAsia. Contrary to long‐established immigrant communities such as theGreeks,Italians, andPortuguese, these newcomers have had to fend for themselves and develop their own support networks, leading to new forms of organizing and to the formation of refugee community organizations (RCOs). This article discusses the findings of a 2008–2011 study onRCOs inCanada, specifically inMontréal and Winnipeg. The objective of the study was to understand the context in whichRCOs have developed, the populations they serve, and the role they play in their ethnic communities. Working within theRCOparadigm, we analyze the creation of these organizations, contrast findings with research done in theUK, and raise issues for social work practice.Key Practitioner Message:● Innovative research in Canada documenting refugee community organizations gives fresh insight regarding community organizing practice; ● Documents the situation of asylum seekers and refugees on an individual and a collective basis in terms of needs; ● Focuses on the necessity of building bridges with refugee organizations to bring them into the mainstream.
Effect of Grain Boundaries on the Lattice Thermal Transport Properties of Insulating Materials: A Predictive Model
Authors: Gheribi Aïmen E. , Chartrand Patrice 
Published: November 2014

We present two theoretical models to predict the lattice thermal conductivity degradation of insulating materials at high temperature (above one‐third of the Debye temperature). This degradation is due to the presence of grains, with known sizes and shapes, inducing thermal resistance at their boundaries. The first model is derived directly from the kinetic theory of gases (KTG). The formulation of the second is based on a localized continuum model (LCM), assuming phonon Umklapp scattering and the Debye approximation of phonon density of state. The two proposed models are purely predictive, as no experimental information related to the grain size dependence of the thermal conductivity is necessary for the parameterization of the models. The predictive accuracy of the two proposed models is tested on several different types of electrically insulating compounds. Although the model derived from the KTG is similar to the well‐known Kapitza thermal resistance formalism, it fails to predict the grain size dependence of the lattice thermal conductivity. The one derived from a LCM is a new formalism predicting, with good accuracy, the lattice thermal conductivity as a function of the average grain size. It is applicable for microstructures with a grain size typically above 20–50 nm.
How Does Crack Bridging Change at Cryogenic Temperatures?
Authors: Wei Sai , Chen Juan , Xie Zhipeng , Xue Weijiang 
Published: November 2014

The crack bridging behaviors of silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics based on the advancing cracks have been evaluated at cryogenic temperatures in contrast with those happened at ambient temperatures. R‐Curve behavior of Si3N4 ceramics was determined to compare the cumulative effect of bridging at 77 and 293 K. The detailed changes in crack morphologies and crack opening displacement profiles at different temperatures were investigated. The bridging stress maps around a bridging ligament were recorded by in situ Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the highest tensile stress measured at 77 K (~1.0 GPa) is much higher than that at 293 K (~0.7 GPa). The experimental results suggested that Si3N4 ceramics at cryogenic temperatures possessed a higher probability of crack bridging with a higher closing force, which could make them a promising candidate for cryogenic applications.
Reactive Hot Pressing and Properties of Zr1−xTixB2–ZrC Composites
Authors: Rosenberger Andrew T , Hodson Stephen , Fisher Timothy , Stanciu Lia 
Published: November 2014

Reactive hot pressing was used to prepare Zr1−xTixB2–ZrC composites with advantageous microstructure and mechanical properties from ZrB2–TiC powders. The reaction mechanisms and the effects of different levels of TiC on the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting composite were explored in detail and compared to conventionally hot‐pressed ZrB2 and ZrB2–ZrC. Incorporation of 10 to 30 vol% TiC enabled full densification and restrained grain growth, reducing the final average grain size from 5.6 μm in pure ZrB2 to a minimum of 1.4 μm in samples with 30 vol% TiC. The flexural strengths and hardnesses of the composites sintered with TiC were consequently greater than the conventionally processed ZrB2–ZrC materials, increasing from 440 MPa and 17.4 GPa to a maximum of 670 MPa and 24.2 GPa at 10 vol% TiC. However, despite a decrease in the total average grain size, the flexural strength at higher TiC levels was limited by an increase in ZrC grain growth, which was observed to determine the flexural strength of the reaction sintered composites similar to the case of ZrB2–SiC.