bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutation‐dependent effects on mRNA and protein expressions in cultured keratinocytes of Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Matsuda Mitsuhiro , Hamada Takahiro , Numata Sanae , Teye Kwesi , Okazawa Hiromi , Imafuku Shinichi , Ohata Chika , Furumura Minao , Hashimoto Takashi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHailey–Hailey disease (HHD) is a dominantly inherited skin disease caused by mutations in ATP2C1 gene, which encodes secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+‐ATPase protein 1. The precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, to understand molecular basis of HHD, we examined expression of mRNA and protein in cultured keratinocytes derived from three HHD patients with different mutations. We showed that reduced expression of mRNA and protein in patient with p.Gln504X, but not in patients with p.Pro307His and c.1308+1G>A. RT‐PCR analysis for patient with c.1308+1G>A revealed in‐frame exon skipping. Reduction of mRNA and protein in p.Gln504X was considered to be caused by nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. p.Pro307His located adjacent to Ca2+‐binding residue may induced conformational change, which leads to defective Ca2+ transport. In‐frame shorter transcript caused by c.1308+1G>A may have slightly reduced activity, which accounted for mild phenotype of the patient. These results clarified the pathogenic effects of different causative mutations in development of skin lesions.
Production and function of pigment epithelium‐derived factor in isolated skin keratinocytes
Authors: Chen Lin , DiPietro Luisa A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional factor with potent anti‐angiogenic activity that may play a role in skin homoeostasis and wound healing. Analysis of PEDF levels demonstrated that PEDF levels are high in normal skin but quite low in early wounds. As previous studies have suggested that keratinocytes can produce PEDF, we investigated how conditions that mimic those found at sites of injury influence PEDF production by keratinocytes in vitro. Both injury by mechanical disruption (scratch assay) and treatment of human keratinocytes with inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α) inhibited PEDF expression. We next examined how PEDF affects keratinocyte functions that are important in tissue repair. Treatment of keratinocytes with exogenous PEDF enhanced keratinocyte adhesion, therefore impairing migration, while having no effect on cell proliferation. The results suggest that modulation of PEDF levels may play a pivotal role in skin homoeostasis and the response of keratinocytes to injury or inflammatory insults.
The Implementation and Use of Benchmarking in Local Government: A Case Study of the Translation of a Management Accounting Innovation
Authors: Siverbo Sven 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBenchmarking is a management accounting innovation (MAI) that can be used for performance measurement and management in both the private and the public sectors. Although public sector accounting researchers have reported some success with the use of benchmarking, frequently charged problems exist in implementing and using this management technique. To look beyond the technical and institutional explanations, this paper takes a translation approach and presents a case study of a local government benchmarking network. We conclude that there is a link between benchmarking implementation problems and initiators’ failure to build a strong network of benchmarking allies. Implementation is facilitated if actors, other than the initiators, recognize the possibility of making benchmarking more relevant and less cost focused. However, even when a network of actors has a favourable attitude towards benchmarking, benchmarking may still appear as an unruly ‘actant’. Furthermore, the perception of implementation failure and success is heterogeneous and connected to various actors’ adoption of benchmarking. We also conclude that there is a connection between the use of benchmarking and 1) actors’ possibilities to use benchmarking in the struggle for resources and 2) the perception of benchmarking information as ‘factual’ or ‘factual enough’. However, the perception of benchmarking information as ‘factual’ or ‘factual enough’ seems not only a matter of correct or incorrect ratios but also of whether such information serves actors’ interests. A final conclusion is that the use of benchmarking increases when actors other than the initiators complement the original idea and ‘counter interest’ the initiators.
Role of Internal Audit in Australian Local Government Governance: A Step in the Right Direction
Authors: Pilcher Robyn 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWhile the functions of local government are many and varied, the primary role is to provide effective performance which arguably will coincide with good governance for its municipality. Internal audit and relevant controls play a key role in ensuring that good governance. The introduction of accrual accounting in local government certainly has added complexity and additional risks, with cases of fraud, corruption and high risk investments in several Australian local councils being reported periodically by the media. Those cases have been accompanied by proposed governance reforms including the introduction of an internal audit function to address the issues raised. Although seen as an essential part of the governance process, the results here suggest there is still some confusion as to the role of the internal audit and its perceived effectiveness in Australian local government.
High‐Dose Extended‐Release Lansoprazole (Dexlansoprazole) and Amoxicillin Dual Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infections
Authors: Attumi Taraq A. , Graham David Y. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infections have become increasingly difficult to treat.AimTo examine whether amoxicillin and high‐dose dexlansoprazole would reliably achieve an H. pylori eradication rate of ≥90%.MethodsAn open‐label prospective pilot study of H. pylori eradication in treatment‐naïve subjects with active H. pylori infection (positive by two tests). Therapy: amoxicillin 1 g and dexlansoprazole 120 mg each twice a day at approximately 12‐hour intervals for 14 days. Success was accessed by urea breath test. An effective therapy was defined as a per‐protocol treatment success of 90% or greater; treatment success of 80% or less was prespecified as an unacceptable result.ResultsAfter 13 subjects were entered (12 men, one woman; average age of 54 years), the prespecified stopping rule of six treatment failures was achieved (i.e., the 95% confidence interval excluded achieving the required 90% success rate even if the proposed study of 50 completed patients were entered) and enrollment was stopped. Per‐protocol and intention‐to‐treat treatment success were both 53.8%; (7/13); 95% CI = 25–80%. Compliance was 100%. Three patients (23%) reported side effects, all of which were mild and none interrupted therapy.ConclusionTheoretically, dual PPI plus amoxicillin should reliably eradicate H. pylori provided nearly neutral intragastric pH can be maintained. Clearly, dexlansoprazole, despite being administered at high dose and twice a day (i.e., total daily dose 240 mg), failed to achieve an intragastric milieu consistent with dual PPI plus amoxicillin therapy being an effective anti‐H. pylori regimen.
Children's mental health policies in the United States: perspectives from advocates and state leaders
Authors: Cooper Janice L. , Aratani Yumiko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research suggests a disconnect on both policy and practice between advocates and state leaders in child mental health.AimTo compare advocates' and state leader's perspectives and understanding on the three main themes in children's mental health policies: (i) state's initiatives to empower and engage families and youth in policy and practice; (ii) state's fiscal support for family and youth driven services; and (iii) policy challenges to improving children's mental health services and outcomes.Study designThis study draws on data from national surveys of State Children's Mental Health Directors (2006) and of state affiliates of Mental Health America (2007).ResultsThe findings from 38 responses representing 19 states suggest differences between state leaders and advocates on their understanding of family and youth engagement, service access, quality and fiscal supports. While state directors and advocates seem to have similar understanding on the existence of states' efforts related to evidence‐based practices, many advocates are unaware of the specifics of the strategies that states undertook or funded. Advocates also did not know which types of settings were eligible for reimbursement for children's services.ConclusionsAdvocates lack some information that is vital to fulfilling their role. Policymakers seem unaware of key challenges that families face and therefore appear to be without critical information that fuels the agenda for advocates. The challenge for both set of actors is how to get beyond this information asymmetry to advance efforts to improve mental health.
Imatinib: a novel treatment approach for generalized morphea
Authors: Coelho‐Macias Vasco , Mendes‐Bastos Pedro , Assis‐Pacheco Fernando , Cardoso Jorge 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundMorphea is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that involves skin and subcutaneous tissues, causing skin sclerosis. Generalized morphea is characterized by extensive cutaneous involvement and poor response to therapy. Although the pathophysiology for morphea is not completely understood, abnormal signaling through the platelet‐derived growth factor and transforming growth factor beta axes seems to play a major role in the inflammatory response and sclerotic process. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, interferes with both transforming growth factor beta and platelet‐derived growth factor signaling pathways. Recent studies proved imatinib's efficacy in the prevention and regression of fibrosis associated with systemic sclerosis, nephrogenic sclerosis, and bleomycin‐related fibrosis.ObservationsWe present the case of a 50‐year‐old Caucasian man with a generalized morphea diagnosed 10 years ago, with multiple ulcers, who was treated with imatinib over the course of 12 months. At the end of the treatment, most of the skin ulcerations had healed, and cutaneous thickness was reduced as demonstrated by skin biopsy and ultrasound evaluation. The patient also experienced an improvement in articular mobility, sustained by a 20° increase in left knee extension.ConclusionsAlthough controlled studies are necessary to access the antifibrotic effect of imatinib in morphea, the present report shows its potential role in the treatment of this condition.
A seminar on gardens for the health of the skin
Authors: Ryan Terence J. , Matts Paul J. , Snyder Brad , Orr Vanya 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis is a report on a seminar held on January 12, 2013, at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Tanzania, sponsored by the International Society of Dermatology as part of its Taskforce Program for Skin Care for All: Community Dermatology. There were four themes: (i) Gardens attached to health centers increase their attractiveness and result in increased attendance and, thus, increase the utilization of effective skin care interventions. Literature on the positive effect of greenery surrounding health centers on health and the environment is reviewed. (ii) Adding an expert on agriculture to the staff of health centers in Rwanda has provided nutrition and safe medicines. (iii) In southern India, these interventions are channeled through the empowerment of tribal women in an area noted for anxiety due to unemployment in the tea and forestry industry. The gardens are used for teaching about nutrition and herbal medicines, and the women are further attracted by childcare facilities. (iv) Measuring barrier function defects gives early warning of malnutrition of the skin after damage by trauma or by ultraviolet radiation. Higher cost research techniques may help to provide the science required to produce its evidence base. In conclusion, Gardens for health should be adopted as policy by skin care providers.
Metallothionein overexpression of bladder biopsies associated with tissue hypoxia in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Lee Jane‐Dar , Lee Ming‐Huei 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo study the relationship between hypoxia and metallothionein expression in bladder biopsies of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome patients.MethodsThe study group consisted of 41 patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, and the control group consisted of 12 volunteers without any interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome symptoms. All biopsy specimens were analyzed for both proteins of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and metallothionein expression by immunoblotting, immunostaining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsAn increased expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and metallothionein was noted in the study group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Both proteins of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and metallothionein mainly distributed over bladder urothelium by immunohistochemical staining, and showed co‐localization under confocal microscopy.ConclusionsHigh expression and co‐localization of metallothionein and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha in the bladder mucosa of patients with interstitial cystitis suggest that overexpression of metallothionein is associated with the bladder hypoxia related to this disease.
Signal‐regulatory protein α from the NOD mouse binds human CD47 with an exceptionally high affinity – implications for engraftment of human cells
Authors: Kwong Lai Shan , Brown Marion H. , Barclay A. Neil , Hatherley Deborah 
Published: April 2014

SummaryOne common way to study human leucocytes and cancer cells in an experimental in vivo situation is to use mice that have been genetically engineered to lack an immune system and prevent human cell rejection. These mice lack CD132 and either RAG2 or the catalytic subunit of the DNA‐dependent protein kinase, to make the mice deficient in lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The NOD mouse strain provides a better background for engraftment than other strains due to stronger engagement of the signal‐regulatory protein‐α (SIRPα) inhibitory receptor with human CD47 (hCD47) resulting in a ‘don't‐eat‐me’ signal. To determine the molecular parameters that determine this major functional effect in the NOD mouse we measured the affinity of hCD47 for SIRPα from various mouse strains. Human CD47 bound SIRPα from the NOD mouse with an affinity 65 times greater than SIRPα from other mouse strains. This is due mainly to the NOD SIRPα lacking two amino acids in domain 1 compared with other mouse strains. Remarkably the SIRPα(NOD) binds hCD47 with 10 times the affinity of the syngeneic hCD47/hSIRPα interaction. This affinity is outside the normal range for affinities for leucocyte surface protein interactions and raises questions as to what is the optimal affinity of this interaction for engraftment and what other xenogeneic interactions involved in homeostasis may also not be optimal.
l‐Arginine modulates neonatal lymphocyte proliferation through an interleukin‐2 independent pathway
Authors: Yu Hong‐Ren , Kuo Ho‐Chang , Huang Li‐Tung , Chen Chih‐Cheng , Tain You‐Lin , Sheen Jiunn‐Ming , Tiao Mao‐Meng , Huang Hsin‐Chun , Yang Kuender D. , Ou Chia‐Yo , Hsu Te‐Yao 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIn cases of arginine depletion, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production and CD3ζ chain expression are all diminished. In addition to myeloid suppressor cells, polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) also exert T‐cell immune suppressive effects through arginase‐induced l‐arginine depletion, especially during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated how arginase/l‐arginine modulates neonatal lymphocyte proliferation. Results showed that the neonatal plasma l‐arginine level was lower than in adults (48·1 ± 11·3 versus 86·5 ± 14·6 μm; P = 0·003). Neonatal PMN had a greater abundance of arginase I protein than adult PMN. Both transcriptional regulation and post‐transcriptional regulation were responsible for the higher arginase I expression of neonatal PMN. Exogenous l‐arginine enhanced neonate lymphocyte proliferation but not that of adult cells. The RNA‐binding protein HuR was important but was not the only modulation factor in l‐arginine‐regulated neonatal T‐cell proliferation. l‐Arginine‐mediated neonatal lymphocyte proliferation could not be blocked by interleukin‐2 receptor blocking antibodies. These results suggest that the altered arginase/l‐arginine cascade may be one of the mechanisms that contribute to altered neonatal immune responses. Exogenous l‐arginine could enhance neonate lymphocyte proliferation through an interleukin‐2‐independent pathway.
Non‐surgical treatment of deep wounds triggered by harmful physical and chemical agents: a successful combined use of collagenase and hyaluronic acid
Authors: Onesti Maria G , Fino Pasquale , Ponzo Ida , Ruggieri Martina , Scuderi Nicolò 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSome chronic ulcers often occur with slough, not progressing through the normal stages of wound healing. Treatment is long and other therapies need to be performed in addition to surgery. Patients not eligible for surgery because of ASA class (American Society of Anesthesiologists class) appear to benefit from chemical therapy with collagenase or hydrocolloids in order to prepare the wound bed, promoting the healing process. We describe four cases of traumatic, upper limb deep wounds caused by different physical and chemical agents, emphasising the effectiveness of treatment based on topical application of collagenase and hyaluronic acid (HA) before standardised surgical procedures. We performed careful disinfection of lesions combined with application of topical cream containing hyaluronic acid, bacterial fermented sodium hyaluronate (0·2%w/w) salt, and bacterial collagenase obtained from non‐pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus (>2·0 nkat1/g). In one patient a dermo‐epidermal graft was used to cover the wide loss of substance. In two patients application of a HA‐based dermal substitute was done. We obtained successful results in terms of wound healing, with satisfactory aesthetic result and optimal recovery of the affected limb functionality. Topical application of collagenase and HA, alone or before standardised surgical procedures allows faster wound healing.
The ‘French Fry’ VAC technique: hybridisation of traditional open wound NPWT with closed incision NPWT
Authors: Chopra Karan , Tadisina Kashyap K , Singh Devinder P 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSurgical site occurrences (SSO), specifically surgical site infections represent a significant burden in the US health care system. It has been hypothesised that postoperative dressing can help drive down SSO. We describe the successful use of a novel technique combining both closed incision and open negative pressure wound therapy in the management of a high‐risk wound associated with lymphoedema of obesity.
Concept analysis: patient autonomy in a caring context
Authors: Lindberg Catharina , Fagerström Cecilia , Sivberg Bengt , Willman Ania 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThis paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of patient autonomyBackgroundMany problems regarding patient autonomy in healthcare contexts derive from the patient's dependent condition as well as the traditional authoritarian position of healthcare professionals. Existing knowledge and experience reveal a lack of consensus among nurses regarding the meaning of this ethical concept.DesignConcept analysis.Data SourcesMedline, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library and PsycINFO were searched (2005–June 2013) using the search blocks ‘autonomy’, ‘patient’ and ‘nursing/caring’. A total of 41 articles were retrieved.Review MethodsThe Evolutionary Method of Concept Analysis by Rodgers was used to identify and construct the meaning of the concept of patient autonomy in a caring context.ResultsFive attributes were identified, thus creating the following descriptive definition: ‘Patient autonomy is a gradual, time‐changing process of (re‐)constructing autonomy through the interplay of to be seen as a person, the capacity to act and the obligation to take responsibility for one's actions’. Patient vulnerability was shown to be the antecedent of patient autonomy and arises due to an impairment of a person's physical and/or mental state. The consequences of patient autonomy were discussed in relation to preserving control and freedom.ConclusionPatient autonomy in a caring context does not need to be the same before, during and after a care episode. A tentative model has been constructed, thus extending the understanding of this ethical concept in a caring context.
Adolescents developing life skills for managing type 1 diabetes: a qualitative, realistic evaluation of a guided self‐determination‐youth intervention
Authors: Husted Gitte R. , Esbensen Bente Appel , Hommel Eva , Thorsteinsson Birger , Zoffmann Vibeke 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo explore and illustrate how the Guided Self‐Determination‐Youth method influences the development of life skills in adolescents with type 1 diabetes supported by their parents and healthcare providers.BackgroundEvidence‐based methods that accomplish constructive cooperation between adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, their parents and healthcare providers are needed. We adjusted an adult life skills intervention comprising reflection sheets and advanced communication for use by adolescent‐parent‐professional triads in outpatient visits.DesignA qualitative realistic evaluation design comprising eight context‐mechanism‐outcome configurations directed the analysis of the Guided Self‐Determination‐Youth's influence on adolescent‐parent‐professional triads to evaluate what worked for whom, how and in what circumstances. Thirteen adolescents aged 13–18 years diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for ≥1 year and having poor glycaemic control participated together with 17 parents and eight healthcare providers. Data were collected from December 2009–March 2012 and consisted of digitally recorded outpatient Guide Self‐Determination‐Youth visits collected during the intervention period (11·5–24·5 months) and semi‐structured interviews at 6‐month follow‐up.FindingsEmerging life skills in adolescents were identified as: (1) developing new relatedness with healthcare providers and parents; (2) becoming decision makers in their own lives with diabetes; and (3) growing personally. Reflection sheets combined with healthcare providers' advanced communication were central to promoting mutual problem‐solving.ConclusionA life skills approach turned outpatient visits into person‐specific visits with improved cooperation patterns in the triads. Combining reflection sheets and advanced communication skills supported adolescents in beginning a process of developing life skills.