bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired quality of life in adults and children with scabies from an impoverished community in Brazil
Authors: Worth Christine , Heukelbach Jorg , Fengler Gernot , Walter Birke , Liesenfeld Oliver , Feldmeier Hermann 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Scabies is highly prevalent in resource‐poor communities in developing countries and is associated with considerable morbidity in this setting. How the parasitic skin disease impairs the quality of life of patients has rarely been investigated.Methodology  A modified Dermatology Life Quality Index (mDLQI) was developed to assess the quality of life in adults and children with scabies living in an urban slum in Fortaleza, capital of Ceará State, Brazil. A total of 105 patients with scabies (58 children and 57 adults) were included in the study. The diagnosis was made by dermatoscopy, skin scraping, and adhesive film test.Results  Feelings of shame was the restriction most frequently noted (adults 77.2% and children 46.6%). Other types of quality of life impairment were the need to dress differently (35.1 vs. 29.3%), restriction on leisure activities (24.6 vs. 36.8%), social exclusion (24.6 vs. 17.9%), stigmatization (21.1 vs. 25.0%), teasing (only children: 26.3%), and problems with sexual partners (only adults: 10.9%). Women and girls perceived more restrictions than men and boys. mDLQI scores indicated that 13.9% of the patients noticed a large or very large effect on their life, 65.2% considered their quality of life lightly or moderately reduced by scabies, and 20.9% did not feel any restrictions. The degree of impairment increased parallel to the degree of itching and severity of scabies (P = 0.003).Limitations  Owing to active case finding, most of the patients were in an early phase of scabies, and clinical pathology was not very pronounced.Conclusion  Scabies considerably impaired the quality of life in adults and children living in poverty in an urban slum. Females particularly suffered from restrictions.
The cutaneous manifestations of metastatic malignant melanoma
Authors: Reed Kurtis B. , Cook‐Norris Robert H. , Brewer Jerry D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCutaneous metastases are common sequelae of primary malignant melanoma. Because patients with melanoma are examined frequently after diagnosis, it is important that dermatologists are aware of the range of findings that may represent metastatic disease. Many case reports and a few retrospective series have been published detailing the wide variety of clinical presentations of cutaneous metastatic melanoma. This article reviews the various manifestations of metastatic melanoma of the skin and oral mucous membranes and summarizes treatment options for metastatic disease.
Cryptosporidium enteritis in solid organ transplant recipients: multicenter retrospective evaluation of 10 cases reveals an association with elevated tacrolimus concentrations
Authors: Bonatti H. , Barroso II L.F. , Sawyer R.G. , Kotton C.N. , Sifri C.D. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:BackgroundCryptosporidial enteritis, a diarrheal infection of the small intestine caused by the apicomplexan protozoa Cryptosporidium, is infrequently recognized in transplant recipients from developed countries.MethodsA retrospective review of all cases of cryptosporidiosis in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at 2 centers from January 2001 to October 2010 was performed and compared with transplant recipients with community‐onset Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). A literature search was performed with regard to reported cases of cryptosporidiosis in SOT recipients.ResultsEight renal, 1 liver, and 1 lung transplant recipient were diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis at median 46.0 months (interquartile range [IQR] 25.2–62.8) following SOT. Symptoms existed for a median 14 days (IQR 10.5–14.8) before diagnosis. For the 9 patients receiving tacrolimus (TAC), mean TAC levels increased from 6.3 ± 1.1 to 21.3 ± 9.2 ng/mL (P = 0.0007) and median serum creatinine increased temporarily from 1.3 (IQR 1.1–1.7) to 2.4 (IQR 2.0–4.6) mg/dL (P = 0.008). By comparison, 8 SOT recipients (6 kidney, 2 liver) hospitalized with community‐onset CDI had a mean TAC level of 10.8 ± 2.8 ng/dL during disease compared with 9.2 ± 2.3 ng/mL at baseline (P = 0.07) and had no change in median creatinine. All patients recovered from Cryptosporidium enteritis after receiving various chemotherapeutic regimens.ConclusionsCryptosporidiosis should be recognized as an important cause of diarrhea after SOT and is associated with elevated TAC levels and acute kidney injury. Increased TAC levels may reflect altered drug metabolism in the small intestine.
A new AQP1 null allele identified in a Gypsy woman who developed an anti‐CO3 during her first pregnancy
Authors: Saison C. , Peyrard T. , Landre C. , Ballif B. A. , Schlosser K. A. , Dettori I. , Chicheportiche C. , Nemeth P. , Cartron J.‐P. , Arnaud L. 
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives  The Colton blood group antigens are carried by the AQP1 water channel. AQP1‐/‐ individuals, also known as Colton‐null since they express no Colton antigens, do not suffer any apparent clinical consequence but may develop a clinically significant alloantibody (anti‐CO3) induced by transfusion or pregnancy. Identification and transfusion support of Colton‐null patients are highly challenging, not only due to the extreme rarity of this phenotype, the lack of appropriate reagents in most laboratories, as well as the possibility of confusing it with the recently described CO:‐1,‐2,3,‐4 phenotype where AQP1 is present. This study investigated a new Colton‐null case and evaluated three commercially available anti‐AQP1s to identify Colton‐null red blood cell samples.Methods  The Colton‐null phenotype was investigated by standard serological techniques, AQP1 sequencing, immunoblot and flow cytometry analyses.Results  We identified and characterized the Colton‐null phenotype in a Gypsy woman who developed an anti‐CO3 during her first pregnancy. After developing a simple and robust method to sequence AQP1, we showed that she was apparently homozygous for a new AQP1 null allele, AQP1 601delG, whose product is not expressed in her red blood cells. We also established the Colton specificity of three commercially available anti‐AQP1s in immunoblot and/or flow cytometry analyses.Conclusion  This Gypsy woman represents the sixth Colton‐null case characterized at the serological, genetic and biochemical levels. The validation here of new reagents and methods should facilitate the identification of Colton‐null individuals.
Regrowth of black hair in two red‐haired alopecia areata patients
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Sinclair Rodney D , Zlotogorski Abraham 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of alopecia areata (AA) in a red‐haired individual is considered to be rare. We report two cases of red‐haired men who were afflicted with patch‐type AA. Astonishingly, the hair regrowth was coloured black, in contrast to the surrounding red hair, an event which has been reported only once in the past after cyclophosphamide administration. This phenomenon raises some interesting questions regarding the significance of pigmentation and the melanocortin‐1 receptor in AA pathogenesis.
Earnings Distribution and Labour Supply after a Retirement Earnings Test Reform*
Authors: HernæS Erik , Jia Zhiyang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNorwegian administrative data are used to evaluate the impact of a doubling of the threshold in the retirement earnings test. We find almost no impact on the extensive margin, but a positive effect on the intensive margin. This positive effect is uneven over the earnings distribution, and concentrated on workers around the threshold, increasing with exposure to the reform and leading to a decrease in earnings inequality. Individuals who remain active until retirement age respond more to the reform. Conditional on prereform earnings, we find little evidence that individual characteristics such as working histories influence the responsiveness to the reform.
Late‐onset alopecia areata: A retrospective study of 73 patients from Taiwan
Authors: Wu M.C. , Yang C.‐C. , Tsai R.Y. , Chen W.C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Alopecia areata (AA) is regarded to be mediated by autoimmune process, and manifests as patchy non‐scarring hair loss with occult onset. Little is known about AA occurring later in life.Objective  To define the characteristics of late‐onset AA.Methods  Patients with first onset of AA at age 50 years and above were retrospectively recruited from two separate institutes in southern and northern Taiwan. The onset age, patterns, severity, past history, serological findings and therapeutic responses were reviewed.Results  Seventy‐three AA patients were enrolled, including 49 females (67%) and 24 males (33%). The onset age ranged from 50–78 years with the median age of 57 years. Multifocal lesions (41%) constituted the most common pattern and 55% of the recruited patients had a hair loss of less than 10%. Seventeen patients (23%) had co‐existent dermatological or systemic diseases while six patients (8%) had a history of malignancy. Among 27 patients (37%) with available laboratory data, positive anti‐nuclear antibody, anti‐microsomal antibody and anti‐thyroglobulin antibody was demonstrated in 26%, 40% and 30% of them, respectively. Association with personal or family history of atopy was absent. In 15 patients of follow‐up longer than 6 months, a complete hair regrowth was found in three patients with mild disease severity.Conclusion  Late‐onset AA is characterized by marked female predominance and milder disease activity with increasing age. The link to cancer in the old age remains to be determined. The influence of aging on the pathogenesis and prognosis of AA deserves further studies.
Could colorimetric method replace the individual minimal erythemal dose (MED) measurements in determining the initial dose of narrow‐band UVB treatment for psoriasis patients with skin phototype III–V?
Authors: Kwon I.H. , Kwon H.H. , Na S.J. , Youn J.I. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Assessment of minimal erythemal dose (MED) for individual patients has been used to guide the narrowband Ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy, which sometimes causes discomfort and additional time. The L* value (the lightness of color in Commission Internationlale de l’Eclairge L*a*b* color scale) measured by colorimeter was shown to be useful for predicting sensitivity to NB‐UVB irradiation.Objective  To compare the efficacy and safety of NB‐UVB phototherapy between 50% of MED and colorimetric L* value starting dose regimens for skin phototype III–V Korean patients with psoriasis.Method  Twenty seven patients determined starting doses based on colorimetric L* value, and 27 patients based on 50% of MED. Since correlation analysis showed that L* value had the most significant association with MED compared with skin phototypes, a*, and b* values, we designated starting doses of L* value regimen as follows: 300 mJ/cm2 (L* >66), 400 mJ/cm2 (62 < L*≤66), and 500 mJ/cm2 (L*≤62).Results  There was no significant difference between two groups in clinical efficacy including response rate, mean number of sessions, duration of treatment, maximum dose and cumulative dose until achieving the state of near clearance. The proportion of adverse effects was not also significantly different.Conclusions  NB‐UVB starting dose determination based on colorimetric L* value was comparable with conventional MED based regimen in efficacy and safety for skin phototype III–V patients. Since it provides much convenience and ease for both patients and physicians, colorimetric L* value could partly substitute the MED checking methods in NB‐UVB phototherapy.
Paleohydrogeologic simulations of Laurentide ice‐sheet history on groundwater at the eastern flank of the Michigan Basin
Authors: NORMANI S. D. , SYKES J. F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA deep geologic repository (DGR) for low‐ and intermediate‐level waste has been proposed by Ontario Power Generation for the Bruce nuclear site in the Municipality of Kincardine, Ontario, Canada. As envisioned, the proposed DGR would be constructed at a depth of about 680 m below ground surface within the argillaceous Ordovician limestone of the Cobourg Formation. Within the geologic setting of southern Ontario, the Bruce nuclear site is positioned along the eastern flank of the Michigan Basin. The regional‐scale domain for the modeling undertaken in support of the DGR program encompasses an area of approximately 18 000 km2 and extends to the deepest points in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. The conceptual model for the ground water system was developed using data from the DGR site characterization program. Hydraulic parameters for the model hydrostratigraphic units were defined using data from the DGR site boreholes and from lab analyses of cores. Borehole data included hydraulic conductivities from straddle‐packer hydraulic tests and pressure measurements from the Westbay MP38 and MP55 multilevel groundwater monitoring system. Data from this system indicate that units of the Salina and the Ordovician sediments are under‐pressured relative to hydrostatic levels associated with ground surface at the DGR site. The Silurian Niagaran Group is slightly over‐pressured while the Cambrian Formation sandstone is significantly over‐pressured. The pressure distribution in the sedimentary rock of the Bruce site was analyzed using a hydromechanical model that assumed homogeneous loads and no lateral strain. Layer dependent specific storage coefficients and one‐dimensional loading efficiencies were calculated based on testing of core samples. The impact of glaciation and deglaciation on the groundwater system was investigated in paleohydrogeologic scenarios. The model results indicated that basal meltwater does not penetrate vertically below the units of the Salina at the DGR site. A suite of paleohydrogeologic scenarios were investigated in this study. Based on these analyses, glaciation and deglaciation were unable to yield the abnormal pressure patterns observed in the DGR boreholes for the Ordovician formations. Models that included the presence of a gas phase were found to produce under‐pressures that are similar to field observations.
How much heterogeneity can the welfare state endure? The influence of heterogeneity on attitudes to the welfare state
Authors: Hjerm Mikael , Schnabel Annette 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCultural and economic heterogeneity is often seen as a major threat to modern welfare states. This article contributes to the discussion of how much heterogeneity the welfare state can endure by theoretically and empirically focusing on the relationship between different levels of national identity and the support for welfare state policies. We analyse the effect of different types of national identity on attitudes towards taxation and redistribution. We show that it is the subjective aspect of national identity, or social cohesion, that in fact matters for predicting attitudes to the welfare state. In comparison, more objective measures of heterogeneity like the inequality of income distribution, language fractionalisation or the percentage of foreign‐born individuals do not have any effect on attitudes to the welfare state.
Review: Psychopathology in childhood epilepsy
Authors: Reilly Colin , Kent Elizabeth , Neville Brian G.R. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundPopulation‐based studies of psychopathology are important in childhood epilepsy given that there is a spectrum of severity with regard to the impact of epilepsy and associated behavioural/psychiatric difficulties.MethodPopulation‐based studies in childhood epilepsy which have focused on global measures of psychopathology and rates of specific behavioural and psychiatric disorders were reviewed with respect to prevalence of disorders and possible correlates of difficulties. Clinic‐based studies and meta‐analyses were reviewed where they added to an understanding of the correlates or treatment of psychopathology in childhood epilepsy. The systematic review methodology was based on a search of PubMed from January 1980 to June 2011.ResultsChildren with epilepsy are at significantly higher risk for a range of behavioural and psychiatric disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depressive and anxiety disorders. Available evidence suggests that these difficulties are under‐recognised and there have been few studies focussing on interventions to treat these behavioural and psychiatric issues in childhood epilepsy.ConclusionPopulation‐based studies suggest high rates of psychopathology in childhood epilepsy. As a result children with epilepsy need close monitoring with regard to the presence of behavioural difficulties. There is a need for studies on how such difficulties can be best managed so that affected children and their families can maximise their quality of life.
Elaboration and Luminescent Properties of Eu/Tb Co‐Doped GdPO4‐Based Glass Ceramics for White LEDs
Authors: Guo Hai , Li Fang , Wei RongFei , Zhang Hao , Ma ChongGeng 
Published: February 2012

Eu/Tb single‐doped and co‐doped oxyfluoride aluminosilicate glasses and glass ceramics containing GdPO4 nanocrystals were elaborated, and their structural and luminescent properties were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, excitation and emission spectra, as well as decay lifetime measurement. Excited by 350 nm light, a combination of blue (5d→4f of Eu2+), green (5D4→7F5 of Tb3+) and red (5D0→7F2 of Eu3+) emissions emerges to achieve white emission in Eu/Tb co‐doped precursor glasses and glass ceramics. Our research shows that Eu/Tb co‐doped precursor glasses and GdPO4‐based glass ceramics may be applied in lighting and luminescent aspects.
MiR‐155 inhibits cell migration of human cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (hCMPCs) via targeting of MMP‐16
Authors: Liu Jia , van Mil Alain , Aguor Eissa N. E. , Siddiqi Sailay , Vrijsen Krijn , Jaksani Sridevi , Metz Corina , Zhao Jiajun , Strijkers Gustav J. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Sluijter Joost P. G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractUndesired cell migration after targeted cell transplantation potentially limits beneficial effects for cardiac regeneration. MicroRNAs are known to be involved in several cellular processes, including cell migration. Here, we attempt to reduce human cardiomyocyte progenitor cell (hCMPC) migration via increasing microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) levels, and investigate the underlying mechanism. Human cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (hCMPCs) were transfected with pre‐miR‐155, anti‐miR‐155 or control‐miR (ctrl‐miR), followed by scratch‐ and transwell‐ assays. These functional assays displayed that miR‐155 over‐expression efficiently inhibited cell migration by 38 ± 3.6% and 59 ± 3.7% respectively. Conditioned medium from miR‐155 transfected cells was collected and zymography analysis showed a significant decrease in MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities. The predicted 3′‐UTR of MMP‐16, an activator of MMP‐2 and ‐9, was cloned into the pMIR‐REPORT vector and luciferase assays were performed. Introduction of miR‐155 significantly reduced luciferase activity which could be abolished by cotransfection with anti‐miR‐155 or target site mutagenesis. By using MMP‐16 siRNA to reduce MMP‐16 levels or by using an MMP‐16 blocking antibody, hCMPC migration could be blocked as well. By directly targeting MMP‐16, miR‐155 efficiently inhibits cell migration via a reduction in MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities. Our study shows that miR‐155 might be used to improve local retention of hCMPCs after intramyocardial delivery.
Inflammation in atherosclerosis: a cause or a result of vascular disorders?
Authors: Manduteanu Ileana , Simionescu Maya 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSound data support the concept that in atherosclerosis, inflammation and dyslipidemia intersect each other and that irrespective of the initiator, both participate from the early stages to the ultimate fate of the atheromatous plaque. The two partakers manoeuvre a vicious circle in atheroma formation: dyslipidaemia triggers an inflammatory process and inflammation elicits dyslipidaemia. Independent of the initial cause, the atherosclerotic lesions occur focally, in particular arterial‐susceptible sites, by a process that, although continuous, can be arbitrarily divided into a sequence of consecutive stages that lead from fatty streak to the fibro‐lipid plaque and ultimately to plaque rupture and thrombosis. In the process, the initial event is a change in endothelial cells (EC) constitutive properties. Then, the molecular alarm signals send by dysfunctional EC are decoded by specific blood immune cells (monocytes, T lymphocytes, neutrophils, mast cells) and by the resident vascular cells, that respond by initiating a robust inflammatory process, in which the cells and the factors they secrete hasten the atheroma development. Direct and indirect crosstalk between the cells housed within the nascent plaque, complemented by the increase in risk factors of atherosclerosis lead to atheroma development and outcome. The initial inflammatory response can be regarded as a defense/protective reaction mechanism, but its further amplification, speeds up atherosclerosis. In this review, we provide an overview on the role of inflammation and dyslipidaemia and their intersection in atherogenesis. The data may add to the foundation of a novel attitude in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Post‐stroke depression: mechanisms, translation and therapy
Authors: Loubinoux Isabelle , Kronenberg Golo , Endres Matthias , Schumann‐Bard Pascale , Freret Thomas , Filipkowski Robert K. , Kaczmarek Leszek , Popa‐Wagner Aurel 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe interaction between depression and stroke is highly complex. Post‐stroke depression (PSD) is among the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequences of stroke. Depression also negatively impacts stroke outcome with increased morbidity, mortality and poorer functional recovery. Antidepressants such as the commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors improve stroke outcome, an effect that may extend far beyond depression, e.g., to motor recovery. The main biological theory of PSD is the amine hypothesis. Conceivably, ischaemic lesions interrupt the projections ascending from midbrain and brainstem, leading to a decreased bioavailability of the biogenic amines – serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Acetylcholine would also be involved. So far, preclinical and translational research on PSD is largely lacking. The implementation and characterization of suitable animal models is clearly a major prerequisite for deeper insights into the biological basis of post‐stroke mood disturbances. Equally importantly, experimental models may also pave the way for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. If we cannot prevent stroke, we shall try to limit its long‐term consequences. This review therefore presents animal models of PSD and summarizes potential underlying mechanisms including genomic signatures, neurotransmitter and neurotrophin signalling, hippocampal neurogenesis, cellular plasticity in the ischaemic lesion, secondary degenerative changes, activation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and neuroinflammation. As stroke is a disease of the elderly, great clinical benefit may especially accrue from deciphering and targeting basic mechanisms underlying PSD in aged animals.