bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Criteria for diagnosing pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus by reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Kurzeja Marta , Rakowska Adriana , Rudnicka Lidia , Olszewska Malgorzata 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundPemphigus is an autoimmune, bullous disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF), may be diagnosed using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).MethodsThirty patients (18 with PV and 12 with PF) were included into the study. In total, 36 PV lesions and 29 PF lesions were examined. Healthy‐appearing skin adjacent to skin lesions and not adjacent to skin lesions was also investigated.ResultsIntraepidermal clefts (bullae) with acantholytic cells were observed in 47% of PV lesions and 59% of PF lesions. Multiple dilated blood vessels in the upper dermis were observed using RCM in 61% of PV lesions and in 86% of PF lesions. RCM features of pemphigus also included presence of inflammatory infiltrates, loss of typical honeycomb pattern of the epidermis, and detachment of the outer root sheath in hair follicles. In 20–64% of cases, RCM features, which are characteristic for PV and PF lesions were also observed in the proximity of these lesions within the healthy‐appearing skin. Following criteria for RCM diagnosis of pemphigus were developed: (i) acantholytic clefts in RCM of a lesion, (ii) acantholytic clefts in RCM of healthy‐appearing skin adjacent to a lesion, (iii) multiple‐dilated blood vessels in RCM of a lesion. Fulfillment of two of these three criteria is sufficient to establish a RCM diagnosis of pemphigus. These criteria do not differentiate between PV and PF.ConclusionsRCM is useful for rapid, non‐invasive, in‐office differential diagnosis of pemphigus. RCM does not replace immunologic and histopathologic examinations, which remain the gold standard for establishing the final diagnosis of PV and PF.
Invasive non‐native species attributes and invasion extent: examining the importance of grain size
Authors: Akasaka Munemitsu , Takada Masayuki , Kitagawa Rie , Igarashi Hiroshi 
Published: September 2011

AbstractQuestionsDo differences in species attributes explain the variation in invasion extent among non‐native plant species? Which attributes of the invasion process exhibit scale dependency and which do not?LocationHokkaido prefecture, northern Japan.MethodsWe calculated the invasion extent of 316 non‐native plant species based on gridded maps at three different spatial scales (grain size of approximately 2 km × 2 km, 10 km × 10 km and 80 km × 80 km). Relationships between the invasion extent of 316 non‐native plant species and their attributes that are likely to enhance introduction (human use and introduction period), establishment (height, clonality, longevity and life form) and expansion (seed size, introduction period) were evaluated using phylogenetic regression.ResultsIrrespective of grain size, non‐native species with clonality, those used as fodder or for landscaping, and those with a historically earlier introduction period had significantly larger invasion extents than species without such attributes. In contrast, seed size, which is related to successful expansion, was negatively correlated with invasion extent and was significant only at the finest grain.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the presence of scale‐dependent responses of the species attributes on their grain size may be caused by the invasion process to which the attribute is related. When developing general rules for invasiveness, researchers must consider the grain size at which the invasion extent is calculated.
Hyperactivity induced by prenatal BrdU exposure across several experimental conditions
Authors: Kuwagata Makiko , Ogawa Tetsuo , Muneoka Katsumasa , Shioda Seiji 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBehavioral results are sometimes not reproducible even in the positive controls of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) tests. Effects of several factors on the results should be considered. In the present paper, we examined the effects of strain‐, gender‐, and test‐condition differences on BrdU‐induced hyperactivity. The results showed that BrdU‐induced hyperactivity was reproducible in two rat strains (SD and F344 rats), rodent species (rat and mouse), and both sexes. When the level of background sound in a test room was increased, the hyperactivity was persistent, resulting in no effect of background sound on BrdU‐induced hyperactivity. Thus, we have demonstrated that the BrdU‐animal model is a useful positive control via prenatal exposure to validate the entire DNT test process.
Geriatric assessment and intervention in an emergency department observation unit reduced re‐attendance and hospitalisation rates
Authors: Foo Chik Loon , Siu Vivian Wing Yin , Tan Thai Lian , Ding Yew Yoong , Seow Eillyne 
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To determine the efficacy of geriatric assessment and intervention in an emergency department observation unit (EDOU).Methods:  This was a single‐centre, before/after prospective study. The control group received the usual EDOU care. Intervention group received geriatric assessment and intervention before discharge. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. End‐points included falls and functional scores obtained via telephone, and unscheduled ED re‐attendance and hospitalisation obtained through electronic records.Results:  The study population included 172 control and 315 intervention group patients. A total of 71.7% of patients in the intervention group had hidden needs that required intervention. The intervention group had significantly less ED re‐attendance (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.71) and hospitalisation rates (adjusted IRR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51–0.79) at 12 months.Conclusion:  Older patients admitted to an EDOU are an at‐risk group and benefit from geriatric assessment before discharge.
Potential Risks of Chronic Sildenafil Use for Priapism in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Lane Andrew , Deveras Ruby 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Priapism is a common concern in sickle cell disease. With a high frequency of recurrences and serious long-term sequela, a preventative, rather than traditionally reactive approach, needs to be taken in these patients. Reports have shown successful use of sildenafil as a prophylactic treatment but have failed to address adverse outcomes, including vasoocclusive pain crises, of chronic sildenafil therapy in sickle cell patients.

Aims
We wish to draw attention to the potential adverse outcomes of this therapy on the overall state of the patient's disease for consideration in future studies.

Methods
We used sildenafil in a patient suffering from almost daily attacks of priapism.

Results
Sildenafil was successful in decreasing the frequency of priapism; however, our patient experienced an increased frequency of vasoocclusive crises, something not previously addressed.

Conclusion
Future studies of sildenafil use in sickle cell disease need to assess the global state of the disease, not just the frequency of priapism.
ANALYSIS OF MULTILINGUAL LABELED SORTING TASKS: APPLICATION TO A CROSS‐CULTURAL STUDY IN WINE INDUSTRY
Authors: BÉCUE‐BERTAUT MONICA , LÊ SÉBASTIEN 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTVerbalization can be used as a complement in a sorting task (also known as categorization). Assessors are required to describe each item or group of items using their own words; thus, a “labeled” categorization is performed. In cross‐cultural studies, several panels may use different languages. We propose to extend hierarchical multiple factor analysis (HMFA) to compare panels from, simultaneously, both categorization and verbalization tasks, even when the latter is performed in several languages. We present this methodology through a study where both a Catalan and French panels performed a labeled categorization on a set of eight Catalan wines. Either Catalan or French is used by the panelists. HMFA allows for comparing the two panels not only globally but also from either the categorization or the verbalization tasks. Although results show a noticeable similarity between both configurations of wines as defined by the panels, textual data highlight interesting differences or viewpoints between Catalan and French.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCross‐cultural studies are increasing in sensory studies, frequently including verbalization that can be performed in different languages. We propose a methodology to tackle the data issued from this kind of studies, including categorical and multilingual textual data. Our application concerns two panels, Catalan and French, who have performed a labeled sorting task, although more panels could be considered. The application shows that textual data nuance the similarities put to the fore between both configurations of wines as defined by the panels. Furthermore, this application uncovers that important concepts in the wine world are not always shared by panels issued from different backgrounds. No translation is required before the treatment.
The effect of continuous and interval exercise on PGC‐1α and PDK4 mRNA in type I and type II fibres of human skeletal muscle
Authors: Wang L. , Sahlin K. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Aim:  Differences in fibre‐type recruitment during exercise may induce a heterogenic response in fibre‐type gene expression. We have investigated the effect of two different exercise protocols on the fibre‐type‐specific expression of master genes involved in oxidative metabolism [proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) and Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4)].
Methods:  Untrained subjects (n = 7) completed 90‐min cycling either at a constant intensity [continuous exercise (CE): approximately 60% of V̇O2max] or as interval exercise (IE: approximately 120/20%V̇O2max, duty cycle 12/18s). Muscle samples were taken before (pre) and 3 h after (post) exercise. Single fibres were isolated from freeze‐dried muscle and characterized as type I or type II. The cDNA from two fibres of the same type was pooled and mRNA analysed with reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR.
Results:  Continuous exercise and IE elicited a small increase in blood lactate (<2.5 mm) and moderate glycogen depletion (<40%) without difference between exercise modes. The mRNA of PGC‐1α and PDK4 increased 5‐ to 8‐fold in both fibre types after exercise, and the relative increase was negatively correlated with the basal level. However, the mRNA of PGC‐1α and PDK4 was not different between type I and II fibres neither pre nor post, and there was no difference in the exercise‐induced response between fibre types or exercise modes.
Conclusion:  We conclude that the mRNA of PGC‐1α and PDK4 increases markedly in both fibre types after prolonged exercise without difference between CE and IE. The similar response between fibre types may relate to that subjects were sedentary and that the metabolic stress was low.
Contribution of murine innate serum inhibitors toward interference within influenza virus immune assays
Authors: Cwach Kevin T. , Sandbulte Heather R. , Klonoski Joshua M. , Huber Victor C. 
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Cwach et al. (2011) Contribution of murine innate serum inhibitors toward interference within influenza virus immune assays. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00283.x.Background  Prior to detection of an antibody response toward influenza viruses using the hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI), sera are routinely treated to inactivate innate inhibitors using both heat inactivation (56°C) and recombinant neuraminidase [receptor‐destroying enzyme (RDE)].Objectives  We revisited the contributions of innate serum inhibitors toward interference with influenza viruses in immune assays, using murine sera, with emphasis on the interactions with influenza A viruses of the H3N2 subtype.Methods  We used individual serum treatments: 56°C alone, RDE alone, or RDE + 56°C, to treat sera prior to evaluation within HAI, microneutralization, and macrophage uptake assays.Results  Our data demonstrate that inhibitors present within untreated murine sera interfere with the HAI assay in a manner that is different from that seen for the microneutralization assay. Specifically, the γ class inhibitor α2‐Macroglobulin (A2‐M) can inhibit H3N2 viruses within the HAI assay, but not in the microneutralization assay. Based on these findings, we used a macrophage uptake assay to demonstrate that these inhibitors can increase uptake by macrophages when the influenza viruses express an HA from a 1968 H3N2 virus isolate, but not a 1997 H3N2 isolate.Conclusions  The practice of treating sera to inactivate innate inhibitors of influenza viruses prior to evaluation within immune assays has allowed us to effectively detect influenza virus‐specific antibodies for decades. However, this practice has yielded an under‐appreciation for the contribution of innate serum inhibitors toward host immune responses against these viruses, including contributions toward neutralization and macrophage uptake.
Performance of rapid influenza H1N1 diagnostic tests: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chu Haitao , Lofgren Eric T. , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Kuan Pei F. , Hudgens Michael , Cole Stephen R. 
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Chu et al. (2011) Performance of rapid influenza H1N1 diagnostic tests: a meta‐analysis. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00284.x.Background  Following the outbreaks of 2009 pandemic H1N1 infection, rapid influenza diagnostic tests have been used to detect H1N1 infection. However, no meta‐analysis has been undertaken to assess the diagnostic accuracy when this manuscript was drafted.Methods  The literature was systematically searched to identify studies that reported the performance of rapid tests. Random effects meta‐analyses were conducted to summarize the overall performance.Results  Seventeen studies were selected with 1879 cases and 3477 non‐cases. The overall sensitivity and specificity estimates of the rapid tests were 0·51 (95%CI: 0·41, 0·60) and 0·98 (95%CI: 0·94, 0·99). Studies reported heterogeneous sensitivity estimates, ranging from 0·11 to 0·88. If the prevalence was 30%, the overall positive and negative predictive values were 0·94 (95%CI: 0·85, 0·98) and 0·82 (95%CI: 0·79, 0·85). The overall specificities from different manufacturers were comparable, while there were some differences for the overall sensitivity estimates. BinaxNOW had a lower overall sensitivity of 0·39 (95%CI: 0·24, 0·57) compared with all the others (P‐value <0·001), whereas QuickVue had a higher overall sensitivity of 0·57 (95%CI: 0·50, 0·63) compared with all the others (P‐value = 0·005).Conclusions  Rapid tests have high specificity but low sensitivity and thus limited usefulness.
Suicidal changes in patients with first episode psychosis: clinical predictors of increasing suicidal tendency in the early treatment phase
Authors: Madsen Trine , Nordentoft Merete 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim: To identify predictors for developing a higher suicidal tendency during treatment of first‐episode psychosis.Methods: In a prospective follow‐up study, we examined clinical factors collected at treatment initiation as predictors for developing a higher suicidal tendency among patients in the first year of treatment of psychosis. Patients were grouped and ranked according to their highest suicidal tendency in the year before treatment: not suicidal, suicidal thoughts, suicidal plans or suicide attempt(s). Predictors for becoming more suicidal in the first year of treatment were examined on group level in multivariate logistic regression analyses. We assessed patients' suicidal tendency and clinical factors using validated interviews and rating scales. Analysis included 386 patients.Results: Among patients with some suicidal tendency a one‐point increase score on hallucinations significantly predicted developing a higher suicidal tendency, whereas a one‐point increase score on delusions was preventive of this. Feeling hopeless was highly associated with suicide attempt in those with earlier suicide attempt.Conclusion: The risk of suicide attempt did not differ between patient groups with suicidal thoughts, plans or suicide attempt. In first year of treatment of psychosis, hallucinations increased the risk for becoming more suicidal, whereas delusions reduced this risk in already suicidal patients.
Prodromal psychosis screening in adolescent psychiatry clinics
Authors: Loewy Rachel L. , Therman Sebastian , Manninen Marko , Huttunen Matti O. , Cannon Tyrone D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground: Research has identified a syndrome conferring ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis, although UHR interviews require intensive staff training, time and patient burden. Previously, we developed the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) to screen more efficiently for UHR syndromes.Aims: This study examined the concurrent validity of the PQ against UHR status and preliminary predictive validity for later psychotic disorder.Method: We assessed a consecutive patient sample of 408 adolescents who presented to psychiatry clinics in Helsinki, Finland, seeking mental health treatment, including 80 participants who completed the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS).Results: A cut‐off score of 18 or more positive symptoms on the PQ predicted UHR diagnoses on the SIPS with 82% sensitivity and 49% specificity. Three of 14 (21%) participants with high PQ scores and SIPS UHR diagnoses developed full psychotic disorders within 1 year.Conclusions: Using the PQ and SIPS together can be an efficient two‐stage screening process for prodromal psychosis in mental health clinics.
A Dosing Algorithm for Erythropoietin Alpha in Older Adults with Heart Failure and a Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Altincatal Arman , MacArthur Robert B. , Teruya Sergio , Helmke Stephen , Maurer Mathew S. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYAims: Erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) is an active area of clinical investigation in heart failure (HF) but can cause hypertension and higher hemoglobin concentrations (Hb) that have been associated with adverse outcomes. We evaluated a dosing algorithm and potential confounders’ effect on Hb and blood pressure (BP) in a clinical trial. Methods: In an ongoing randomized, placebo controlled, single blind clinical trial of ESA (epoetin alfa) in anemic patients with HF and a preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), Hb was measured weekly as was BP, weight and concomitant medical therapy. A repeated measure mixed model evaluated determinants of weekly changes in Hb and BP. Results: Among 45 subjects (78 ± 11 years, 67% women, EF = 57 ± 9%) with a total of 780 repeated weekly Hb measures, Hb significantly increased over time in those assigned to ESA (β= 0.933, P < 0.0001), compared to placebo. Dose (β=−0.108, P < 0.0001), patient weight (β=−0.016, P= 0.0037), diuretic use (β=−0.124, P= 0.0389), and time (β= 0.003, P= 0.0331), were all significantly associated with Hb change. Increased diuretic dose and weight change were significantly inversely associated with changes in Hb. ESA administration and dose were not significant determinants of absolute BP or changes in BP from baseline. Discussion: In addition to ESA dose and duration of therapy, factors indicative of volume status including weight and diuretic use are determinants of hemoglobin levels in HF subjects. Conclusion: The currently employed dosing algorithm, which adjusts the administration of ESA based on the absolute hemoglobin and weekly change in hemoglobin increases Hb with relatively a low weekly dose of ESA without significant effects on BP.
Suppressive Effects of Eviprostat, a Phytotherapeutic Agent, on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Brachytherapy
Authors: TANAKA Tomoaki , MORIMOTO Kazuya , NISHIKAWA Noriaki , KURATSUKURI Katsuyuki , ISHII Kentaro , YOSHIMURA Rikio , NAKATANI Tatsuya 
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Eviprostat is an anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory phytotherapeutic agent that is commonly used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in benign prostatic hyperplasia in Japan and Germany. Prostate cancer patients treated with brachytherapy generally have complaints of LUTS for several months postoperatively.Methods: We investigated the protective effects of Eviprostat against the development of LUTS in 37 patients, who had received 125I prostate brachytherapy as monotherapy. These patients were divided into two groups, an Eviprostat‐treated group (n = 18) and an untreated control (n = 19), whose background had no significant difference. The group treated with Eviprostat was prophylactically medicated from 3 weeks preoperatively until 3 months postoperatively. Symptom scores and quality of life for urination were evaluated according to the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) on preoperative day 1, and postoperative months 1, 3 and 6.Results: Both the scores of IPSS and the levels of quality of life in EPIC were significantly worse at 1 month postoperatively compared to the pretreatment baseline, and thereafter progressively improved in both groups. Eviprostat‐treated patients showed significantly better recovery compared to Eviprostat‐untreated control at 6 months postoperatively, with respect to urinary summary score, urinary function and urinary irritation/obstruction subscales in EPIC. Moreover, the feeling of incomplete emptying in IPSS and the urinary irritation/obstruction subscale in EPIC were significantly improved at 3 months postoperatively compared to the peak impairment at 1 month in the Eviprostat‐treated group.Conclusions: It is possible that Eviprostat has the potential to ameliorate postoperative LUTS caused by brachytherapy.
Do as I do? Prospects for parental participation 1.5 years after immersion treatment for adolescent obesity
Authors: Kirschenbaum D. S. , Pecora K. , Raphaeli T. , Germann J. N. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThis study compared successful with unsuccessful participants and their mothers 1.5 years following completion of an immersion programme for the treatment of adolescent obesity. Teenagers (M age = 14.5; 69.5% female) participated in a 4‐ to 8‐week therapeutic camp; those who continued losing weight 1.5 years post‐camp were identified as ‘Losers’; those who regained weight were considered ‘Gainers’. Twenty‐six Loser campers, 23 Gainer campers and all mothers were interviewed about their current weights and lifestyle habits. Losers' and Gainers' mothers both reported losing weight significantly. Relative to Gainer mothers, however, Loser mothers reported 26% fewer high‐fat foods in the house and greater likelihood of self‐monitoring. Loser campers, relative to Gainer campers, reported self‐monitoring more consistently; using trainers more frequently; and consuming fewer calories and less fat. Gainer campers also reported a tendency to use family therapy more than Loser families. The Loser campers reported following the dictates of the programme more than the Gainer campers, as expected. One striking and unique finding, however, was that Gainer mothers seemed to follow the programme for themselves as much as Loser mothers. Apparently for some participants in immersion treatment (like the Loser campers in this study), parents who participate fully may promote sustained success; for other adolescent weight controllers (like the present Gainer campers), having ‘Do as I do’ mothers clearly does not guarantee sustained changes in lifestyle for the teenagers. A hypothesis based on these results is that additional cognitive‐behaviour therapy subsequent to immersion may be useful for this latter group.