bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy: epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological study of 18 cases from Lebanon
Authors: Ghazeeri Ghina , Kibbi Abdul‐Ghani , Abbas Ossama 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is a benign pruritic inflammatory skin disorder that usually affects primigravidae in their third trimester of pregnancy. Studies on this condition from our area are lacking.Objective and methods  To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological findings of all patients diagnosed with PUPPP at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUB‐MC) between 1998 and 2009 and compare our findings with those published in the literature.Results  PUPPP mainly affected primigravidae (72%) in the third trimester of pregnancy (89%). Multiple gestation pregnancies were observed in 50% of cases. The abdomen and proximal thighs were the most commonly involved sites (67%), with exclusive involvement of the extremities in four cases. Although pruritic urticarial papules and plaques were the main morphological feature of PUPPP observed (98%), five cases had additional features, and one case presented exclusively with papulovesicular lesions. Microscopically, all cases biopsied showed the typical features of PUPPP, including negative direct immunofluorescence findings. Emollients, topical corticosteroids, and/or oral antihistamines were generally adequate to control symptoms in all cases, in which skin lesions resolved in an average of three weeks.Conclusion  This study showed a lower incidence of PUPPP in our population compared with its incidence in other populations. It also confirmed the previously described clinical features, benign course, and excellent outcome of the condition, although variations may occur. Significant associations mainly included multiple gestation pregnancies, excessive maternal weight, and Rh‐positive blood type, while fetal gender and weight gain did not contribute.
De Novo COL7A1 mutation in a patient with trisomy 21: coexistence of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and Down syndrome
Authors: Catalán Javiera A. , Rodríguez Fernando A. , Yubero María J. , Palisson Francis , Gana María J. , Krämer Susanne M. , Repetto Gabriela M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Down syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal chromosomal disorder. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by skin and mucous membrane fragility, with formation of blisters and erosions after minor trauma. Dystrophic EB (DEB) is inherited as an autosomal dominant (DDEB) or recessive (RDEB) trait. Both forms are caused by mutations in COL7A1, the gene coding for the type VII collagen. We report a patient affected by both conditions: DS and DDEB.Methods  A patient with DS developed generalized blisters at the age of three months. Cytogenetic study was performed to confirm DS. Skin biopsies were examined with immunohistochemical and electron microscopy techniques to determine EB subtype. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. COL7A1 mutations were screened by heteroduplex analysis using conformation‐sensitive gel electrophoresis and sequencing.Results  Karyotype analysis revealed trisomy 21. Histological study agreed with a DEB diagnosis. Mutational analysis showed a heterozygous c.6127G>T mutation in COL7A1, which is compatible with DDEB. Parental study suggests that c.6127G>T arises as a de novo mutation.Conclusions  This report demonstrates that EB can be associated with other common conditions and reports the case of a patient who suffered two de novo independent genetic conditions. It also contributes to expanding the knowledge and database of clinical and molecular aspects of DDEB.
Up to 9‐day survival and control of thrombocytopenia following alpha1,3‐galactosyl transferase knockout swine liver xenotransplantation in baboons
Authors: Kim Karen , Schuetz Christian , Elias Nahel , Veillette Gregory R. , Wamala Isaac , Varma Manish , Smith R. Neal , Robson Simon C. , Cosimi A. Benedict , Sachs David H. , Hertl Martin 
Published: August 2012

Kim K, Schuetz C, Elias N, Veillette GR, Wamala I, Varma M, Smith RN, Robson SC, Cosimi AB, Sachs DH, Hertl M. Up to 9‐day survival and control of thrombocytopenia following GalT‐KO swine liver xenotransplantation in baboons. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 256–264.. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Background: With standard miniature swine donors, survivals of only 3 days have been achieved in primate liver‐transplant recipients. The recent production of alpha1,3‐galactosyl transferase knockout (GalT‐KO) miniature swine has made it possible to evaluate xenotransplantation of pig organs in clinically relevant pig‐to‐non‐human primate models in the absence of the effects of natural anti‐Gal antibodies. We are reporting our results using GalT‐KO liver grafts.Methods: We performed GalT‐KO liver transplants in baboons using an immunosuppressive regimen previously used by our group in xeno heart and kidney transplantation. Post‐operative liver function was assessed by laboratory function tests, coagulation parameters and histology.Results: In two hepatectomized recipients of GalT‐KO grafts, post‐transplant liver function returned rapidly to normal. Over the first few days, the synthetic products of the donor swine graft appeared to replace those of the baboon. The first recipient survived for 6 days and showed no histopathological evidence of rejection at the time of death from uncontrolled bleeding, probably caused by transfusion‐refractory thrombocytopenia. Amicar treatment of the second and third recipients led to maintenance of platelet counts of over 40 000 per μl throughout their 9‐ and 8‐day survivals, which represents the longest reported survival of pig‐to‐primate liver transplants to date. Both of the last two animals nevertheless succumbed to bleeding and enterococcal infection, without evidence of rejection.Conclusions: These observations suggest that thrombocytopenia after liver xenotransplantation may be overcome by Amicar therapy. The coagulopathy and sepsis that nevertheless occurred suggest that additional causes of coagulation disturbance must be addressed, along with better prevention of infection, to achieve long‐term survival.
Physiotherapy practice patterns for patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer: a survey of hospitals in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Cavalheri V. , Jenkins S. , Hill K. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere has been a recent increase in the research available to guide physiotherapy management of patients who require surgical resection for lung cancer. It is unclear whether this evidence has influenced clinical practice.AimTo describe physiotherapy practice patterns in the preoperative and postoperative management of patients who undergo surgical resection for lung cancer.MethodsPhysiotherapists involved in the management of patients who require surgical resection for lung cancer at hospitals across Australia and New Zealand were mailed a purpose‐designed questionnaire.ResultsThe response rate was 91% (43/47). Prior to surgery, 40% (n = 17) of the respondents indicated that patients were not assessed by a physiotherapist. In most hospitals (n = 39; 91%), patients did not participate in supervised exercise training before surgery. Most commonly, physiotherapy was commenced on the day following surgery (n = 39; 91%), with walking‐based exercise being the treatment that was most frequently implemented in all patients (n = 40; 93%). Seventy‐two per cent of respondents referred less than 25% of patients to pulmonary rehabilitation on discharge from hospital. Physiotherapy assessment and treatment choices were influenced predominantly by established practice in the hospital and personal experience rather than research findings.ConclusionIn people who undergo surgical resection for lung cancer, physiotherapy services focused on reducing or preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. Despite recent data suggesting that exercise training is beneficial in this population, our data indicate that referral to pulmonary rehabilitation was uncommon.
Reducing risk in coronary artery disease. Are Australian patients in general practice achieving targets? The Coronary Artery Disease in general practice study (CADENCE)
Authors: Driscoll A. , Beltrame J. , Beauchamp A. , Morgan C. , Weekes A. , Tonkin A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe benefits of secondary preventive measures for stable coronary artery disease are well established and risk factor treatment targets are defined.AimThe aim of this study was to examine Australian general practitioners' (GP) perception and management of risk factors in chronic stable angina patients in primary care.MethodsUsing a cluster‐stratified design, 2031 consecutive stable angina patients were recruited between October 2006 and March 2007 by 207 GP who documented their risk factors and reported if they were optimally controlled.ResultsAmong the patients, 93% had objective evidence of coronary artery disease and 63% were male, and mean age was 71 ± 11 years. Based upon national guidelines, recommended targets were achieved in: 60% for blood pressure, 24% for body mass index, 23% for waist circumference, 17% for lipid profiles (low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) and 54% of diabetics for haemoglobin A1c. However, GP perceived risk factors to be ‘optimally controlled’ in: 86% for blood pressure (kappa statistic (κ) = 0.37), 44% for weight (κ = 0.3), 70% for lipids (κ = 0.20) and 60% for haemoglobin A1c (κ = 0.74).ConclusionsIn this representative cohort of chronic stable angina patients attending GP, cardiovascular risk factor control was frequently suboptimal despite being perceived as satisfactory by the clinicians. New strategies that raise awareness and address this treatment gap need to be implemented.
Normal aging modulates prefrontoparietal networks underlying multiple memory processes
Authors: Sambataro Fabio , Safrin Martin , Lemaitre Herve S. , Steele Sonya U. , Das Saumitra B. , Callicott Joseph H. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Mattay Venkata S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA functional decline of brain regions underlying memory processing represents a hallmark of cognitive aging. Although a rich literature documents age‐related differences in several memory domains, the effect of aging on networks that underlie multiple memory processes has been relatively unexplored. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging during working memory and incidental episodic encoding memory to investigate patterns of age‐related differences in activity and functional covariance patterns common across multiple memory domains. Relative to younger subjects, older subjects showed increased activation in left dorso‐lateral prefrontal cortex along with decreased deactivation in the posterior cingulate. Older subjects showed greater functional covariance during both memory tasks in a set of regions that included a positive prefronto‐parietal‐occipital network as well as a negative network that spanned the default mode regions. These findings suggest that the memory process‐invariant recruitment of brain regions within prefronto‐parietal‐occipital network increases with aging. Our results are in line with the dedifferentiation hypothesis of neurocognitive aging, thereby suggesting a decreased specialization of the brain networks supporting different memory networks.
The neural pathway underlying social buffering of conditioned fear responses in male rats
Authors: Kiyokawa Yasushi , Wakabayashi Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Yukari , Mori Yuji 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn social animals, the presence of an affiliative conspecific alleviates acute stress responses, and this is termed social buffering. However, the neural mechanisms underlying social buffering have not been elucidated. We have reported that the main olfactory system mediates social buffering of conditioned fear responses in male rats, and this is accompanied by suppression of the lateral and central amygdala. Therefore, olfactory signals are probably transmitted from the main olfactory system to the amygdala. Because the lateral and central amygdala do not receive projections from the main olfactory bulb, the site that links the main olfactory bulb and amygdala was presumed to be located within the main olfactory system. To find the linkage site, we generated lesions within the main olfactory system, and found that a bilateral lesion in the posteromedial region of the olfactory peduncle (pmOP) blocked social buffering. Next, we determined that the pmOP receives direct projections from the main olfactory bulb. Finally, we demonstrated that the connection between the pmOP and ipsilateral amygdala is important for social buffering, and that the pmOP projects directly to the ipsilateral amygdala, including the lateral and central amygdala. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the pmOP links the main olfactory blub to the amygdala and enables social buffering of conditioned fear responses. These results provide the first comprehensive picture of the neural pathway underlying the social buffering phenomenon.
Offloading effect of therapeutic footwear in patients with diabetic neuropathy at high risk for plantar foot ulceration
Authors: Arts M. L. J. , Waaijman R. , de Haart M. , Keukenkamp R. , Nollet F. , Bus S. A. 
Published: August 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1534–1541 (2012)AbstractAims  Custom‐made therapeutic footwear is often prescribed to patients with diabetic neuropathy, foot deformity and a healed plantar foot ulcer. Offloading these feet is important to prevent ulcer recurrence. The aim was to evaluate the offloading effect of custom‐made footwear in these patients.Methods  In 171 patients with diabetic neuropathy (336 feet) with foot deformity and a recently healed plantar foot ulcer, plantar pressures walking barefoot and inside new custom‐made footwear were measured. At the previous ulcer location and at locations of highest barefoot pressure attributable to the deformity, in‐shoe pressures were compared with non‐deformed feet. The footwear was considered effective in offloading when in‐shoe peak pressure at these locations was < 200 kPa.Results  Mean in‐shoe peak pressures ranged between 211 and 308 kPa in feet with forefoot deformity (vs. 191–222 kPa in non‐deformed feet) and between 140 and 187 kPa in feet with midfoot deformity (vs. 112 kPa in non‐deformed feet). Offloading was effective in 61% of all feet with deformity, 81% of feet with midfoot deformity, 44% of feet with forefoot deformity and 62% of previous ulcer locations. Inter‐subject variability in measured in‐shoe plantar pressure was large.Conclusions  Offloading in custom‐made footwear is often not sufficiently achieved in high‐risk diabetic feet with deformity. Highest offloading success rates were seen at known high‐risk locations such as previous ulcer locations and Charcot feet, the lowest success rates in forefoot deformities. Together with the large inter‐subject variability in pressure outcomes, this emphasizes the need for evidence‐based prescription and evaluation procedures to assure adequate offloading.
FLOWS OF THE PACIFIC: ASIAN FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS THROUGH TRANQUILITY AND TURBULENCE
Authors: RIME DAGFINN , TRANVÅG HANS JØRGEN 
Published: August 2012

AbstractUsing the longest data set on foreign exchange (FX) order flow to date, along with the broadest coverage of currencies to date, we examine the effect of FX order flow on exchange rates across small and large currencies, currencies with floating or fixed regimes, and across both tranquil and turbulent periods. Over our 15 years of data for 11 Asian and Australasian currencies, we find that order flow has a potentially strong impact on all exchange rates in the sample. The effect is strongest on floating exchange rates, both economically and statistically, but is sizeable also on the other exchange rates, especially during periods of turbulence. By creating a measure of regional order flow, we show that all exchange rates depreciate as flows are moved out of Asia/Australasia and into US dollars. This is true both across regimes and if their own flow is not included in the structure of the regional flow.
Communicating About Macro‐prudential Supervision – A New Challenge for Central Banks
Authors: Born Benjamin , Ehrmann Michael , Fratzscher Marcel 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn response to the financial crisis of 2007–10, many central banks have been given responsibility for macroprudential supervision. This paper argues that central bank communication will play a central role for that purpose, and makes the point that it should be generally geared towards clarity, transparency and predictability, in order to enhance the effectiveness of macroprudential policies and ensure central bank accountability. Moreover, central banks must manage expectations by clearly communicating what macroprudential policy can achieve, and what its limitations are, to counteract reputational risks. This paper also provides empirical evidence showing that financial markets react significantly and systematically to central bank communication about financial stability issues. However, some forms of communication – such as through speeches – may at times raise volatility and uncertainty, in particular during crises, thus underlining the importance of choosing carefully a communication strategy on macroprudential policy which is suited for a given market environment.
Macroeconomic Stability, Financial Stability, and Monetary Policy Rules
Authors: Agénor Pierre‐Richard , Pereira da Silva Luiz A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper reviews arguments for and against attributing an explicit financial stability objective to monetary policy. The discussion is conducted from the perspective of middle‐income countries (MICs), where bank credit plays a critical role both on the supply and demand sides. It also discusses, on the assumption that a more proactive role is desirable, what monetary policy should react to and to what extent it should be combined with macroprudential regulation. There are robust arguments in favour of monetary policy reacting in a state‐contingent fashion to a measure at the private‐sector credit gap, not only because of financial stability considerations but also because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding real‐time estimates of the output gap in MICs. Nevertheless, monetary policy is not a substitute for macroprudential regulation; in particular, it cannot address the cross‐section dimension of systemic risk.
The Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (SCQOLIT): a validated health‐related quality of life questionnaire for non‐metastatic skin cancers
Authors: Burdon‐Jones D. , Gibbons K. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Quality of life (QOL) issues in patients with non‐metastatic skin cancer are not satisfactorily demonstrated when using existing QOL questionnaires.Objective  To construct and validate a 10 item disease‐specific QOL questionnaire, the Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (SCQOLIT), for use in patients following treatment of non‐metastatic skin cancer.Methods  The SCQOLIT was constructed and administered initially to 120 patients with non‐metastatic skin cancer, 60 with malignant melanoma (MM) and 60 with non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) following treatment, then repeated in half this cohort at seven days, and the other half at three months. Data was collected on age, gender, skin cancer type and Breslow thickness. Statistical validation was undertaken.Results  There were 113 valid SCQOLIT responses at initial completion (54 in the MM group, and 59 in the NMSC group). Initial SCQOLIT median scores (interquartile range [IQR], range) for the two groups were 10 (12, 0–28) MM, and 4 (5, 0–19) NMSC. Amongst the cohort readministered the SCQOLIT at three months (23 in the MM group, 25 in the NMSC group) median scores (IQR, range) were 6 (6, 0–26) MM and 3 (4, 0–20) NMSC.Conclusions  The SCQOLIT is a validated disease‐specific QOL questionnaire for use in patients following treatment of non‐metastatic skin cancer. Higher SCQOLIT scores are observed in MM patients than NMSC patients, but diminish with time in the MM group. Patients with persistently elevated SCQOLIT scores merit additional attention.
MIL2 (MICROSPORELESS2) regulates early cell differentiation in the rice anther
Authors: Hong Lilan , Tang Ding , Shen Yi , Hu Qing , Wang Kejian , Li Ming , Lu Tiegang , Cheng Zhukuan 
Published: August 2012

Summary

The formation of diverse, appropriately patterned cell types is critical in the development of all complex multicellular organisms. In flowering plants, anther patterning is a complex process essential for successful sexual reproduction. However, few genes regulating this process have been characterized to date. We report here that the gene MICROSPORELESS2 (MIL2) regulates early anther cell differentiation in rice (Oryza sativa).

The anthers of mil2 mutants were characterized using molecular markers and cytological examination. The MIL2 gene was cloned and its expression pattern was analyzed through RNA in situ hybridization. The localization of the MIL2 protein was observed by immunostaining.

MIL2 encodes the rice homolog of the Arabidopsis TAPETUM DETERMINANT1 (TPD1) protein. However, mil2 anthers display phenotypes different from those of tpd1 mutants, with only two layers of anther wall cells formed. MIL2 has an expression pattern distinct from that of TPD1. Its transcripts and proteins predominate in inner parietal cells, but show little accumulation in reproductive cells.

Our results demonstrate that MIL2 is responsible for the differentiation of primary parietal cells into secondary parietal cells in rice anthers, and suggest that rice and Arabidopsis anthers might share similar regulators in anther patterning, but divergent mechanisms are employed in these processes.
Risk‐avoidant decision making increased by threat of electric shock
Authors: Clark Luke , Li Ruoran , Wright Chelsea M. , Rome Farima , Fairchild Graeme , Dunn Barnaby D. , Aitken Michael R. F. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThreat cues elicit defensive reactions mediated by limbic brain circuitry that is also implicated in risk‐sensitive decision making. Building upon research looking at stress effects on decision making, a gambling task was administered to 65 healthy adults, comparing decision making on trials on which a red screen background signalled threat of shocks against trials when shocks could not occur. The threat cues elicited increased electrodermal activity and a sustained decrease in heart rate, consistent with defensive vigilance. The threat condition was associated with risk‐avoidant choices, on trials where the risky option involved moderate losses and when choosing between options involving only losses. These effects were not explained by changes in latency. Threat exerts immediate effects on decision making and physiological arousal, biasing subjects towards safer alternatives, potentially through a magnified processing of loss information.