bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Palmoplantare Keratosen (PPK): erworbene und genetische Ursachen eines gar nicht so seltenen Krankheitsbildes
Authors: Schiller Stina , Seebode Christina , Hennies Hans Christian , Giehl Kathrin , Emmert Steffen 
Published: August 2014

ZusammenfassungAls palmoplantare Keratosen (PPK) bezeichnet man eine Gruppe von Verhornungsstörungen, die sich durch Hyperkeratosen an den Handflächen und Fußsohlen als Leitsymptom auszeichnen. Palmoplantare Keratosen (PPK) können im Allgemeinen in sporadisch auftretende erworbene und genetisch bedingte PPK unterteilt werden. Um Patienten angemessen behandeln und vor allem beraten zu können, ist eine Abgrenzung zwischen genetisch bedingten und erworbenen PPK für den behandelnden Arzt unabdingbar. Für die erworbenen Varianten finden sich mannigfaltige Auslöser als Ursache. Auch bei den genetisch bedingten PPK kommen Mutationen in einer Reihe von möglichen Genen als Ursache infrage. Gerade in den letzten Jahren werden immer neue Gene identifiziert, die sich als Auslöser verschiedener genetisch bedingter PPK herausstellen. Weil einzelne PPK in der Ausprägung ihrer Symptome und dem Umfang möglicher Begleitsymptome sehr heterogen sind und weil insbesondere die hereditären PPK – wie viele monogene Erkrankungen – eine niedrige Prävalenz aufweisen, lässt sich eine exakte Diagnose nicht immer leicht stellen und es bedarf oft der molekulargenetischen Abklärung. Kenntnisse über die insgesamt große, jedoch sehr heterogene Gruppe genetisch bedingter PPK sind auch wichtig, um den Prozess der palmoplantaren epidermalen Differenzierung besser auf molekularer Ebene zu verstehen, um so zukünftig zielgerichtete kausale Behandlungsoptionen zu entwickeln.
Introduction: The ‘Labour Question’ in Contemporary Capitalism
Authors: Chhachhi Amrita 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe recent upsurge in workers’ struggles globally has bought labour again to the forefront, despite predictions that the working class was no longer relevant as a force for social transformation. Neoliberal globalization, with the hypermobility of capital, has led to the emergence of new forms of flexible work/labour, the co‐existence of old and new working classes, and an extreme rise in inequality, realigning class structures nationally and globally. Financialization has ushered in a new regime of accumulation and there is a deepening crisis of reproduction. Can a Marx plus Polanyi theoretical integration capture contemporary dynamics of capitalist globalization and the role of labour? What do the trajectories of such struggles in the South tell us about the limits and potentialities for a counter‐capitalist movement? More crucially, is the route to full social citizenship entitlements still possible via employment (with its further extension universally), or is it to be reached by directly demanding citizenship rights, bypassing labour‐based demands? How do recent collective actions express workers’ interests/identities as workers, citizens and consumers? What role is the state playing in responding/mediating/facilitating these struggles? The Introduction delineates some of these contentious issues which frame this Forum Debate. The contributors all offer different perspectives and critical insights on the connections between forms of labour, possibilities for action and organization, the relationship between labour struggles and social citizenship and the role of the state in contemporary capitalism. The conclusion reflects on some of the equally controversial proposed alternatives and argues for going beyond minimalism and for the imperative of radical rethinking to ensure dignified work and full social citizenship entitlements as part of a new social emancipatory political project.
Typology of people with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Subramaniam Mythily , Zheng Huili , Soh Pauline , Poon Lye Yin , Vaingankar Janhavi A. , Chong Siow Ann , Verma Swapna 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimsThe aim of the current study was to create a typology of patients with first‐episode psychosis based on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, service use and outcomes using cluster analysis.MethodsData from all respondents who were accepted into the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP), Singapore from 2007 to 2011 were analysed. A two‐step clustering method was carried out to classify the patients into distinct clusters.ResultsTwo clusters were identified. Cluster 1 comprised largely of younger people with mean age of 25.5 (6.0) years at treatment contact, who were predominantly male (55.3%), single (98.3%) and living with parents (86.3%). Cluster 1 had a higher proportion of people diagnosed with the schizophrenia spectrum disorder (71.4%) and with a positive family history of psychiatric illness. Patients in cluster 2 were generally older with a mean age of 33.6 (4.7) years and the majority were women (74.2%). Cluster 1 had people with higher Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores at baseline as compared with cluster 2. After a 1‐year follow up, their scores were still poorer than their counterparts in cluster 2, especially for PANSS negative score. The functioning level of people in cluster 1 showed less improvement than the people in cluster 2 after a year of treatment.ConclusionsThere is a compelling need to develop new therapies and intensively treat young people presenting with psychosis as this group tends to have poorer outcomes even after 1 year of treatment.
Can primary failure of arteriovenous fistulas be anticipated?
Authors: Gibyeli Genek Dilek , Tuncer Altay Canan , Unek Tarkan , Sifil Aykut , Seçil Mustafa , Camsari Taner 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPrimary failure, early thrombosis, and inadequate maturation are the main complications encountered in arteriovenous fistulas. Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) is currently used for the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Clinical experience in the use of FMD for preoperative assessment of vasculature is rather limited; therefore, we sought to elucidate the relationship between preoperative FMD and primary failure of the fistula. Thirty‐three patients with end‐stage renal disease who were admitted to our hospital between January and July 2005 were included in our study. Medical histories were established and the internal diameter, wall thickness, peak systolic flow rate, and resistive index (RI) were measured in the cephalic vein and radial and brachial arteries. Flow‐mediated dilatation and nitrate‐mediated dilatation (NMD) of the brachial artery were assessed. Fistulas were evaluated 48 hours and 30 days postoperatively. Brachial arterial internal diameter was lower in all fistulas that developed primary failure in 48 hours (0.4 ± 0.07 cm vs. 0.35 ± 0.07 cm, P = 0.016). The radial artery RI was found to be significantly elevated in fistulas with both early (48‐hour) and late‐term (30‐day) failure (0.9 ± 0.08 vs. 0.68 ± 0.3, P = 0.01, and 0.86 ± 0.8 vs. 0.67 ± 0.3, P = 0.038, respectively). The brachial artery peak systolic flow rate was significantly reduced in patients in the radiocephalic fistula group that developed early and late‐term failure (42.9 ± 12 cm/sec vs. 68.4 ± 10 cm/sec, P = 0.01, and 44.1 ± 13 cm/sec vs. 57.7 ± 16 cm/sec, P = 0.038, respectively). Our study, constrained by a smaller, older patient group, was unable to show a statistically significant correlation between FMD, NMD, and fistula success. Any single parameter may not be sufficient to assess vascular health preoperatively. A multifactorial approach incorporating parameters evaluating arterial and venous function might be more effective in predicting fistula success. Further studies on larger patient groups may indeed demonstrate the value of these assessments.
Helicobacter pylori and Nonmalignant Diseases
Authors: Ierardi Enzo , Goni Elisabetta , Losurdo Giuseppe , Di Mario Francesco 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPeptic ulcer bleeding and recurrence rate are strongly linked to Helicobacter pylori infection even if nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a relevant role in this setting. Further studies confirm that H. pylori eradication lowers the risk of recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding. Therefore, a test‐and‐treat strategy appears to be mandatory for patients with a history of ulcer bleeding and NSAIDs and/or aspirin use. Concerning gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), evidence clearly shows that H. pylori status has no effect on symptoms and treatment. Therefore, H. pylori treatment is not contraindicated in patients with GERD. The exact role of H. pylori in functional dyspepsia (FD) remains controversial. Novel possible mechanisms by which H. pylori may elicit dyspeptic symptoms include alterations of gastric motility, as well as endocrine and acid‐secretory abnormalities. Hunger sensations, acid secretion, and gastrointestinal motility are regulated by ghrelin, particularly produced by the gastric enteroendocrine cell compartment. The improvement of symptoms correlates with enhanced plasma ghrelin levels. Apart from the need for more trials on this topic, these findings may give insight into the underlying pathophysiology of FD symptoms. Recent reports suggest that the presence of bacterial DNA in the oral cavity may be relevant to its transmission. A potential protective role of H. pylori on inflammatory bowel diseases needs to be better elucidated.
Helicobacter pylori and Extragastric Diseases
Authors: Franceschi Francesco , Tortora Annalisa , Gasbarrini Giovanni , Gasbarrini Antonio 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWhile Helicobacter pylori infection was initially revealed to be associated only with some gastroduodenal diseases, further studies have shown its possible role in several extragastric diseases. For idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, sideropenic anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency, the diagnosis of H. pylori infection is recommended, and there are many other conditions such as cardiovascular, neurological, dermatological, and respiratory diseases in which H. pylori may possibly play a role. Interestingly, a potential role has also been described for GI neoplastic diseases, including colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Different mechanisms of action have been proposed, ranging from the induction of a low grade inflammatory state to the occurrence of molecular mimicry mechanisms. This review summarizes the results of the most relevant studies published on this topic over the last year.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Mégraud Francis , Bessède Emilie , Lehours Philippe 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe present manuscript focuses on the new information that was published in the field of diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori this past year. While there is little news about the invasive tests, more data are coming concerning the endoscopic features of H. pylori infection. Major efforts were also done to improve molecular detection of the mutations involved in antibiotic resistance. New antibody‐based tests (stool antigen test or indirect antibody tests) were also developed.
Gastric and Enterohepatic Helicobacters other than Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ménard Armelle , Péré‐Védrenne Christelle , Haesebrouck Freddy , Flahou Bram 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDuring the past year, research on non‐Helicobacter pylori species has intensified. H. valdiviensis was isolated from wild birds, and putative novel species have been isolated from Bengal tigers and Australian marsupials. Various genomes have been sequenced: H. bilis, H. canis, H. macacae, H. fennelliae, H. cetorum, and H. suis. Several studies highlighted the virulence of non‐H. pylori species including H. cinaedi in humans and hyperlipidemic mice or H. macacae in geriatric rhesus monkeys with intestinal adenocarcinoma. Not surprisingly, increased attention has been paid to the position of Helicobacter species in the microbiota of children and animal species (mice, chickens, penguins, and migrating birds). A large number of experimental studies have been performed in animal models of Helicobacter induced typhlocolitis, showing that the gastrointestinal microbial community is involved in modulation of host pathways leading to chronic inflammation. Animal models of H. suis, H. heilmannii, and H. felis infection have been used to study the development of severe inflammation‐related pathologies, including gastric MALT lymphoma and adenocarcinoma.
Gastric Cancer—Epidemiologic and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Venerito Marino , Nardone Gerardo , Selgrad Michael , Rokkas Theodoros , Malfertheiner Peter 
Published: August 2014

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) continues to be an important health threat as the third leading cause of cancer related death in both sexes worldwide. In a recent analysis, the mortality trends for the time period from 1980 till 2011 were significantly downward in all countries, but the declines in the USA, EU and several other major countries were of low magnitude when compared with the past. Furthermore, the relative contribution of cardia cancers compared with noncardia cancers increased among countries with higher GC rates. With respect to preneoplastic changes of the gastric mucosa, a large population‐based study suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection and antigastric parietal cell antibodies‐mediated autoimmune response might, for the most part, be independent and follow distinct pathways rather than causally related pathways leading to chronic atrophic gastritis. A large prospective, randomized, open‐label Korean trial questioned the role of H. pylori eradication for the prevention of metachronous lesions after endoscopic resection of early GC. A review of 1258 Japanese cases undergoing curative endoscopic submucosa dissection for early GC showed that scheduled follow‐up endoscopy is mandatory for detecting metachronous lesions at an early stage, where they can be treated by endoscopic resection. Ramucirumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 antagonist, is the first biological treatment that provides survival benefits to patients with advanced GC in progress after first‐line chemotherapy. The target agent rilotumumab is currently being evaluated in patients with advanced GC overexpressing the HGF/c‐MET signaling pathway. In the near future, ipilimumab and nivolumab, two immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies with antineoplastic effects, might offer new therapeutic options for patients with advanced GC.
Applying software engineering techniques in the development and management of linear and integer programming applications
Authors: Costa Fernando , Murta Leonardo , Ribeiro Celso C. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis work addresses characteristics of software environments for mathematical modeling and proposes a system for developing and managing models of linear and integer programming (IP) problems. The main features of this modeling environment are: version control of models and data; client‐server architecture, which allows the interaction among modelers and decision makers; the use of a database to store information about the models and data scenarios; and the use of remote servers of optimization, which allows the optimization problems to be solved on different machines. The modeling environment proposed in this work was validated using mathematical programming models that exploit different characteristics, such as the treatment of conditions for generating variables and constraints, the use of calculated parameters derived from other parameters, and the use of integer and continuous variables in mixed IP models among others. This validation showed that the proposed environment is able to treat models found in various application areas of operations research and to solve problems with tens of thousands of variables and constraints.
An in vitro study of the effect of mifepristone and ulipristal acetate on human sperm functions
Authors: Ko J. K. Y. , Huang V. W. , Li R. H. W. , Yeung W. S. B. , Ho P. C. , Chiu P. C. N. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryUlipristal acetate (UPA) and mifepristone are currently well‐established agents for emergency contraception. Both drugs are selective progestogen receptor modulators which have been shown to have better efficacy than the widely used levonorgestrel in prevention of pregnancy. However, there is only limited information on the action of UPA on sperm function. The present study compared the in vitro biological effects of mifepristone and UPA on human sperm functions. Spermatozoa from semen samples with normal semen parameters were isolated. Capacitated spermatozoa were pre‐incubated with 0.04, 0.4, 4 and 40 μm mifepristone or UPA for 1 h. Sperm motility, viability, DNA integrity, capacitation, spontaneous acrosome reaction, spontaneous hyperactivation, zona pellucida (ZP) binding capability and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were determined. The effects of mifepristone and UPA on progesterone‐induced acrosome reaction, hyperactivation and [Ca2+]i were also studied. Our results showed that mifepristone and UPA dose‐dependently suppressed progesterone‐induced acrosome reaction, hyperactivation and [Ca2+]i at concentrations ≥0.4 μm in human spermatozoa. Both compounds did not affect sperm motility, viability, DNA integrity, capacitation, spontaneous acrosome reaction, spontaneous hyperactivation, ZP binding capability and [Ca2+]i. This study demonstrated that UPA and mifepristone modulate human sperm functions by acting as progesterone antagonists. The results enable us to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms by which mifepristone and UPA work for emergency contraception, and provide a scientific basis for their clinical application.
Impact of High Night‐Time and High Daytime Temperature Stress on Winter Wheat
Authors: Narayanan S. , Prasad P. V. V. , Fritz A. K. , Boyle D. L. , Gill B. S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHigh temperature is a major environmental factor that limits wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity. Climate models predict greater increases in night‐time temperature than in daytime temperature. The objective of this research was to compare the effects of high daytime and high night‐time temperatures during anthesis on physiological (chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll concentration, leaf level photosynthesis, and membrane damage), biochemical (reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and antioxidant capacity in leaves), growth and yield traits of wheat genotypes. Winter wheat genotypes (Ventnor and Karl 92) were grown at optimum temperatures (25/15 °C, maximum/minimum) until the onset of anthesis. Thereafter, plants were exposed to high night‐time (HN, 25/24 °C), high daytime (HD, 35/15 °C), high daytime and night‐time (HDN, 35/24 °C) or optimum temperatures for 7 days. Compared with optimum temperature, HN, HD and HDN increased ROS concentration and membrane damage and decreased antioxidant capacity, photochemical efficiency, leaf level photosynthesis, seed set, grain number and grain yield per spike. Impact of HN and HD was similar on all traits. Greater impact on seed set, grain number and grain yield per spike was observed at HDN compared with HN and HD. These results suggest that HN and HD during anthesis cause damage of a similar magnitude to winter wheat.
Bullous pemphigoid induced by m‐TOR inhibitors in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Atzori L. , Conti B. , Zucca M. , Pau M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundBullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired autoimmune disease, with typical histology and immune pathological findings, which might be associated with drug therapy. The list of responsible drugs increases every year, but a current literature revision do not include the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. By converse, bullous pemghigoid cases have been described in renal transplant recipients and associated with the allogenic graft itself, causing a cross reaction against the skin, or unbalancing the immune response, through a chronic cell‐mediated suppression, non‐specifically favouring the autoantibody production.Object and resultsTwo cases of BP occurred, respectively, 10 days to 2 months after the addition to their current regimen of everolimus in a 35‐year‐old woman and sirolimus in a 65‐year‐old man. The graft functionality was within normal range. General corticosteroids therapy resistance, immediate improvement after drug discontinuation (dechallenge) and relapse after re‐exposure (rechallenge) were striking criteria supporting a causative role of the drugs, grouped in the mTOR inhibitors class.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of drug‐induced events is crucial for early management, and particularly bullous eruptions affect patients' health and quality of life. Additional research is necessary to confirm the m‐TOR inhibitors association, which exploit the possible mechanisms and eventually point out preventive measures.
Prioritizing dermatoses: rationally selecting guideline topics
Authors: Borgonjen R.J. , van Everdingen J.J.E. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Spuls Ph.I. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundClinical practice guideline (CPG) development starts with selecting appropriate topics, as resources to develop a guideline are limited. However, a standardized method for topic selection is commonly missing and the way different criteria are used to prioritize is not clear.ObjectivesTo select and prioritize dermatological topics for CPG development and elucidate criteria dermatologists find important in selecting guideline topics.MethodsAll 410 dermatologists in the Netherlands were asked to create a top 20 of dermatological topics for which a guideline would be desirable, regardless of existing guidelines. They also rated, on a 5‐point Likert scale, 10 determinative criteria derived from a combined search in literature and across (inter)national guideline developers. Top 20 topics received scores ranging from 0.01 to 0.2 and combined scores yielded a total score.ResultsThe 118 surveys (response 29%) identified 157 different topics. Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are top priority guideline topics. Venous leg ulcer, vasculitis, varicose veins, urticaria, acne, Lyme borreliosis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, pruritus, syphilis, lymphoedema, decubitus ulcer, hidradenitis suppurativa, androgenic alopecia and bullous pemphigoïd complete the top 20. A further 15 topics have overlapping confidence intervals. Mortality and healthcare costs are regarded as less important criteria in topic selection (P < 0.04), than other criteria like the potential to reduce unwanted variation in practice.ConclusionDermatological professional organizations worldwide succeeded in developing guidelines for all top 20 topics. Respondents mostly agree with (inter)national guideline programmes and literature concerning the criteria important to selecting guideline topics.