bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical peeling: How, when, why?
Authors: Ghersetich I. , Teofoll P. , Gantcheva M. , Ribuffo M. , Puddu P. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractGeneral description Chemical peeling is a procedure frequently used lo treat unaesthetic cutaneous alterations such as photoageing, actinic keratosis, chloasma, senile lentigo, and post‐acneic scars as well those of a non‐strictly aesthetic nature such as seborrhoeic keratosis and flat warts. Several chemical agents are used depending on the depth of peeling to be obtained. The most commonly used agents are: alpha‐hydroxy‐acids, resorcinol, Jessner's solution, and trichloroacetic acid. In the present study the characteristics of the individual substances, technical procedure, and applications are taken into consideration. Finally, the main risks and side‐effects, depending on the depth of peeling, are considered.Learning objective The reader will have learned what a chemical peeling is, what chemical agents are available, and how to perform chemical peeling in the office. The mechanism of action of different chemical agents, expectations from this procedure, potential risks and complications are also reviewed with insight into criteria for selecting patients.
Rating clothing for sun protection: current status in Australia
Authors: Stanford Duncan G. , Georgouras Katherine E. , Pailthorpe Michael T. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractClothing has been promoted as a major sun protection measure for some time, yet its performance in this role has only recently been studied. The principal test methods for measuring the photoprotectiveness of clothing are: in vitro testing, in which ultraviolet transmission through a garment is measured; and in vivo testing, where protection by the garment from human skin erythema is assessed. Our research team has been studying the fabric properties and design factors involved in photoprotection by clothing so that more effective products can be developed. Fabric properties identified include: the construction and fibre type used, the stretch and hydration states, and ultraviolet‐absorbing dyes and chemicals incorporated. An exciting innovation has been the use of an ultraviolet absorber which dramatically improves a garment's rating. In Australia, we are about to have the world's first standard for rating sun‐protective clothing.
Dermatomyositis with normal muscle enzymes: a single blind study of the diagnostic value of thallium‐201 scanning
Authors: Soni Bhavik P. , Stonecipher Marcus R. , Jorizzo Joseph L. , Ball James 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground It is well documented that the classic cutaneous lesions of dermatomyositis can precede the onset of muscle involvement or may occur in the absence of any detectable muscle disease by current diagnostic criteria. Thallium scanning has been reported to be a useful test in the evaluation of muscle disease in patients with dermatomyositis.Objective Our purpose was to examine the utility of thallium scanning in patients with dermatomyositis with normal muscle enzymes.Methods In this single blind study we used thallium‐201 scanning to evaluate 5 patients who presented with classical clinicopathologic dermatomyositis but with normal levels of serum muscle enzymes. A positive control patient with active myositis and a negative control patient were also examined.Results All patients had muscle groups with decreased signal intensity on thallium scanning. Even the negative control patient demonstrated marked asymmetry of several different muscle groups. These results are very different from those previously reported.Conclusions Non‐invasive radiologic examinations clearly have a role in the evaluation of patients with dermatomyositis sine myositis or dermatomyositis. We have previously reported that magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are useful adjunctive tests. However, thallium scanning does not seem to be useful in the evaluation of patients with dermatomyositis with normal muscle enzymes. Thallium scanning appears to be a very sensitive test. However, the abnormal findings on every patient, including the negative control patient, suggest a very low specificity.
The plasma level of sICAM‐1 in the chosen inflammatory dermatoses
Authors: Lecewicz‐Toruń Barbara , Krasowska Dorota , Kozioł Maria , Chodorowska Grażyna 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe have determined the plasma levels of sICAM‐l in 11 patients with generalized lichen planus, 19 with psoriasis, 10 with acrosderoderma. 4 with mycosis fungoides and 14 patients of the control group. All the investigated groups displayed mean values significantly higher than those of the controls (199.5 ± 97.7 ng/ml), and values in generalized lichen planus subjects were much higher (426.8 ± 145.5 ng/ml) than in those with acrosderoderma (360.8 ± 121.7 ng/ml), psoriasis (356.9 ± 175.6 ng/ml) and mycosis fungoides (329.4 ± 142.3 ng/ml). These data suggest that the level of sICAM‐l in plasma increases during different immunological skin diseases. Soluble ICAM‐I is a sensitive marker of inflammatory states in the course of the investigated diseases.
Chromoblastomycosis – a case report
Authors: Munn S.E. , Basarab T. , Papadavid E. , Chu A.C. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractChromoblastomycosis is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous fungal infection in man most commonly occurring in tropical and sub‐tropical climates. It is rarely seen in the United Kingdom. Response to treatment is slow but there have been recent reports of successful treatment with itraconazole. We report a case in a 70‐year‐old Bangladeshi man who presented with a recurrence of a long‐standing lesion on his forearm.
Do healthy preterm children need neuropsychological follow‐up? Preschool outcomes compared with term peers
Authors: DALL’OGLIO ANNA M , ROSSIELLO BARBARA , COLETTI MARIA F , BULTRINI MASSIMILIANO , DE MARCHIS CHIARA , RAVÀ LUCILLA , CASELLI CRISTINA , PARIS SILVANA , CUTTINI MARINA 
Published: August 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine neuropsychological performance (possibly predictive of academic difficulties) and its relationship with cognitive development and maternal education in healthy preterm children of preschool age and age‐matched comparison children born at term.Method  A total of 35 infants who were born at less than 33 weeks’ gestational age and who were free from major neurosensory disability (16 males, 19 females; mean gestational age 29.4wk, SD 2.2wk; mean birthweight 1257g, SD 327g) and 50 term‐born comparison children (25 males, 25 females; mean birthweight 3459g, SD 585g) were assessed at 4 years of age. Cognition was measured using the Griffiths Mental Development scales while neuropsychological abilities (language, short‐term memory, visual–motor and constructive spatial abilities, and visual processing) were assessed using standardized tests. Multivariable regression analysis was used to explore the effects of preterm birth and sociodemographic factors on cognition, and to adjust neuropsychological scores for cognitive level and maternal education.Results  The mean total Griffiths score was significantly lower in preterm than in term children (97.4 vs 103.4; p<0.001). Factors associated with higher Griffiths score were maternal university education (β=6.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–11.7) and having older siblings or a twin (β=4.0; 95% CI 0.5–7.6). At neuropsychological assessment, preterm children scored significantly lower than term comparison children in all tests except lexical production (Boston Naming Test) and visual‐processing accuracy. After adjustment for cognitive level and maternal education, differences remained statistically significant for verbal fluency (p<0.05) and comprehension, short‐term memory, and spatial abilities (p<0.01).Interpretation  Neuropsychological follow‐up is also recommended for healthy very preterm children to identify strengths and challenges before school entry, and to plan interventions aimed at maximizing academic success.
A possible association of responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone with specific GRIN1 haplotypes in infantile spasms
Authors: DING YING‐XUE , ZHANG YING , HE BING , YUE WEI‐HUA , ZHANG DAI , ZOU LI‐PING 
Published: August 2010

Aim  Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has been used as the major therapy for infantile spasms since 1958 because it effectively suppresses seizures; it also normalizes the electroencephalogram in the short‐term treatment of infantile spasms. G protein‐regulated inducer of neurite outgrowth 1 (GRIN1, also known as N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor 1, NMDAR1), a glutamate receptor, is the main component of functional N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptors that are involved in the glucocorticoid‐induced neuronal damage. Thus, it may be a candidate gene to be tested for responsiveness to ACTH in infantile spasms. In the present study, polymorphisms in the GRIN1 gene in infantile spasms were investigated using a case–control design.Method  Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms in the GRIN1 gene were genotyped in a Chinese case–control set consisting of 97 unrelated patients with infantile spasms (60 males, 37 females; mean age 6.4mo, SD 2.7) and 96 healthy individuals (63 males, 33 females; mean age 7.3mo, SD 3.8). Association analysis was performed on the genotyped data.Results  Five estimated haplotypes with a frequency of more than 3% were detected. Results of the study showed that responsiveness to treatment with ACTH in homozygous carriers of the CTA haplotype was higher than that in heterozygous carriers and non‐carriers (p=0.022). Furthermore, CTG, a rare haplotype, was strongly associated with infantile spasms (p=0.013).Interpretation  The results suggest that haplotypes of GRIN1 may influence responsiveness to ACTH. The findings necessitate further study for confirmation.
Self‐care and mobility skills in children with cerebral palsy, related to their manual ability and gross motor function classifications
Authors: ÖHRVALL ANN‐MARIE , ELIASSON ANN‐CHRISTIN , LÖWING KRISTINA , ÖDMAN PIA , KRUMLINDE‐SUNDHOLM LENA 
Published: August 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to investigate the acquisition of self‐care and mobility skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in relation to their manual ability and gross motor function.Method  Data from the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) self‐care and mobility functional skill scales, the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were collected from 195 children with CP (73 females, 122 males; mean age 8y 1mo; SD 3y 11mo; range 3–15y); 51% had spastic bilateral CP, 36% spastic unilateral CP, 8% dyskinetic CP, and 3% ataxic CP. The percentage of children classified as MACS levels I to V was 28%, 34%, 17%, 7%, and 14% respectively, and classified as GMFCS levels I to V was 46%, 16%, 15%, 11%, and 12% respectively.Results  Children classified as MACS and GMFCS levels I or II scored higher than children in MACS and GMFCS levels III to V on both the self‐care and mobility domains of the PEDI, with significant differences between all classification levels (p<0.001). The stepwise multiple regression analysis verified that MACS was the strongest predictor of self‐care skills (66%) and that GMFCS was the strongest predictor of mobility skills (76%). A strong correlation between age and self‐care ability was found among children classified as MACS level I or II and between age and mobility among children classified as GMFCS level I. Many of these children achieved independence, but at a later age than typically developing children. Children at other MACS and GMFCS levels demonstrated minimal progress with age.Interpretation  Knowledge of a child’s MACS and GMFCS level can be useful when discussing expectations of, and goals for, the development of functional skills.
Adolescents' soft drinks consumption in family environment: a case study in Northern Greece
Authors: Sdrali Despina , Anisiadou Melina , Goussia‐Rizou Maria , Costarelli Vassiliki 
Published: August 2010

AbstractStudies have shown that high levels of consumption of sugar‐containing soft drinks by adolescents are associated with increased risk of obesity, dental carries, hyperactivity and mental health problems in this group. Research has also shown that parental influences and family environment are key determinants in the formation of children's eating habits. The purpose of the current study was to explore the role of home environment on Greek adolescents' soft drinks consumption, and especially cola drinks. A total of 149 adolescents, aged 13–16 years old, have been recruited from two public high schools in a semi‐urban area of Northern Greece. The adolescents completed a general background questionnaire and a specially designed food frequency questionnaire assessing soft drinks consumption. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.The results showed that most adolescents in this sample consume soft drinks, especially cola drinks with sugar, and they have access to these beverages in their home environment. The majority of the adolescents, however, reported that their parents do not serve soft drinks during their meals, do not approve of soft drinks consumption and do not consume high levels of soft drinks themselves.Results also indicated that taste seems to be a strong determinant of soft drinks consumption. In the case of cola drinks, statistical analysis has revealed that gender, general eating habits, soft drink‐related knowledge and a number of family environment variables, such as single‐parent family and maternal educational level, together with parental practices, such as parents' approval of soft drinks consumption and parental soft drinks consumption, are significant determinants of cola drinks intake in this age group.Future studies investigating predictors of soft drinks consumption with emphasis on the role of home food environment and on adolescents' response to reduced availability, may identify the next steps towards improving the diets of adolescents and hence their general health and well‐being.
Successive deep dives impair endothelial function and enhance oxidative stress in man
Authors: Obad Ante , Marinovic Jasna , Ljubkovic Marko , Breskovic Toni , Modun Darko , Boban Mladen , Dujic Zeljko 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of successive deep dives on endothelial function of large conduit arteries and plasma pro‐oxidant and antioxidant activity. Seven experienced divers performed six dives in six consecutive days using a compressed mixture of oxygen, helium and nitrogen (trimix) with diving depths ranging from 55 to 80 m. Before and after first, third and sixth dive, venous gas emboli formation and brachial artery function (flow‐mediated dilation, FMD) was assessed by ultrasound. In addition, plasma antioxidant capacity (AOC) was measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power, and the level of oxidative stress was assessed by thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) method. Although the FMD was reduced to a similar extent after each dive, the comparison of predive FMD showed a reduction from 8·6% recorded before the first dive to 6·3% before the third (P = 0·03) and 5·7% before the sixth dive (P = 0·003). A gradual shift in baseline was also detected with TBARS assay, with malondialdehyde values increasing from 0·10 ± 0·02 μmol l−1 before the first dive to 0·16 ± 0·03 before the sixth (P = 0·005). Predive plasma AOC values also showed a decreasing trend from 0·67 ± 0·20 mmol l−1 trolox equivalents (first day) to 0·56 ± 0·12 (sixth day), although statistical significance was not reached (P = 0·08). This is the first documentation of acute endothelial dysfunction in the large conduit arteries occurring after successive deep trimix dives. Both endothelial function and plasma pro‐oxidant and antioxidant activity did not return to baseline during the course of repetitive dives, indicating possible cumulative and longer lasting detrimental effects.
Lymphoedema of the lower extremities – background, pathophysiology and diagnostic considerations
Authors: Jensen Mads R. , Simonsen Lene , Karlsmark Tonny , Bülow Jens 
Published: August 2010

SummaryLymphoedema of the lower extremities is a chronic debilitating disease that is often underdiagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount in reducing the risk of progression and complications. Lymphoedema has traditionally been defined as interstitial oedema and protein accumulation because of a defect in the lymphatic drainage; however, some findings suggest that the interstitial protein concentration may be low in some types of lymphoedema. Primary lymphoedema is caused by an inherent defect in the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes. Secondary lymphoedema is caused by damages to the lymphatic system most often caused by cancer or its treatment. Many of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Many methods have been developed for examination of the lymphatic system. Lymphoscintigraphy is presently the preferred diagnostic modality. Lack of consensus regarding protocol and qualitative interpretation criteria results in a too observer dependent outcome. Methods for objectifying the scintigraphy through quantification have been criticized. Depot clearance rates are an alternative method of quantification of lymphatic drainage capacity. This method however has mostly been applied on upper extremity lymphoedema. The aim of this review is to provide a literature‐based overview of the aetiology and pathophysiology of lower extremity lymphoedema and to summarize the current knowledge about lymphoscintigraphy and depot clearance techniques. The abundance of factors influencing the outcome of the examination stresses the need for consensus regarding examination protocols and interpretation. Further studies are needed to improve diagnostic performance and understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms.
Role of β‐Adrenoceptor Desensitization in Heart Failure
Authors: Rapacciuolo Antonio , Rockman Howard A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Heart failure is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction associated with a complex of symptoms that relate to inadequate perfusion of tissues and pulmonary congestion. When the heart is damaged by an insult, compensatory mechanisms mediated through activation of the sympathetic nervous system are involved to stabilize myocardial performance. Although these mechanisms can sustain cardiac function for a short time, chronic activation of sympathetic activity has adverse biological effects.This review will focus on the changes that occur in the β‐adrenergic receptor pathway in the failing heart and will discuss novel approaches to therapy through manipulation of this pathway.
Ridogrel: An Antiplatelet Agent with Antihypertensive Properties
Authors: Wilson Thomas W. , Quest Dale W. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTRidogrel is a member of the class of drugs known as thromboxane receptor antagonists/thromboxane synthase inhibitors or TRASIs. In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed it selectively reduces thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthesis in platelets and elsewhere, while leaving the synthesis of other eicosanoids unchanged or even increased. Theoretically, it should produce a greater overall antithrombotic effect than aspirin. Some animal and human studies support this concept. A large phase III study confirmed the safety and efficacy of ridogrel in patients following myocardial infarction. It may also be useful in other clinical situations. In spontaneously hypertensive‐stroke prone rats, ridogrel reduces blood pressure, but increases plasma renin activity. The antihypertensive effect is potentiated by losartan. an angiotensin‐type I receptor antagonist. Ridogrel may also have efficacy in pregnancy induced hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.
The Therapeutic Potential of Candoxatril, a Neutral Endopeptidase Inhibitor, in Humans
Authors: McDowell Garry , Nicholls D. Paul 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTCandoxatril (UK‐79,300) is the orally active prodrug of candoxatrilat (UK‐73,967), the active enantiomer of (±) candoxatrilat (UK‐69,578), a potent neutral endopeptidase inhibitor. This article describes the rationale behind the use of this drug in the treatment of hypertension and chronic heart failure in humans. It further describes the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of candoxatril in preclinical animal studies, normal healthy individuals, and in patients with hypertension and chronic cardiac failure. In addition, we have described the initial results of clinical trials in hypertension and chronic cardiac failure, together with the potential future clinical developments of combined neutral endopeptidase/angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
Defibrotide and Endothelial Cell Activation
Authors: Pescador Rodolfo , Porta Roberto , Ferro Laura 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTDefibrotide has several activities [profibrinolytic, antithrombotic‐thrombolytic, anti‐ischemic (heart, liver, kidney, skin, brain), antishock, antiatherosclerotic, and antirejection]. This host of activities has puzzled several people accustomed to the concept: one drug — one activity. But, if you see defibrotide as an antiendothelial cell activation drug, each piece of the puzzle will neatly fit into its right place and the host of activities becomes an array of activities. In fact the polyhedric inflammatory process is the common background of seemingly different illnesses, both acute and chronic. So the old concept of one drug‐one activity proves true; one drug: defibrotide — one activity; antiendothelial cell activation activity.
ART‐123: Recombinant Human Soluble Thrombomodulin
Authors: Mohri Mitsunobu 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTART‐123 is a soluble form of recombinant human thrombomodulin comprising all extracellular domains of thrombomodulin. Bound to thrombin, ART‐123 inhibits its procoagulant activity and promotes activation of protein C. ART‐123 inhibits thrombin generation by the activation of protein C and the subsequent inactivation of factor Va in the presence of protein S. ART‐123 attenuates the extension of the clot by inhibiting further thrombin generation on clots, while other anticoagulants inhibit the initiation of clot formation. A higher concentration of ART‐123 is needed to affect clotting time and platelet aggregation than thrombin generation. Intravenous administration of ART‐123 is effective in animal models of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), AV‐shunt, and other models with a wider safety margin than conventional anticoagulants. The plasma half‐life of ART‐123 is long, especially on subcutaneous injection. Clinical studies have been performed or are planned to evaluate the efficacy of ART‐123 in DIC and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In clinical trials against DIC ART‐123 was well tolerated and showed a good dose‐response effect. These findings suggested that ART‐123 is a promising drug for thrombotic diseases.
Xemilofiban/Orbofiban: Insight into Drug Development
Authors: Anders Robert , Kleiman Jay , Nicholson Nancy , Wazowicz Betty , Burns Dan 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTA number of studies have reported on the successful use of intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists in patients with unstable angina or undergoing percutaneous interventions. The promise of interrupting the aggregation of platelets in the setting of unstable plaques on a chronic basis had led to the evaluation of several oral agents for longer‐term administration. The development program of two of these agents, xemilofiban and orbofiban, will be reviewed and evaluated to understand the selection process of therapeutic targets for use based upon complex pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses. A review of the pivotal phase III trial results will also be provided along with insights into the potential reasons for the lack of significant benefit shown with these agents to date.