bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving adherence to safe prescription guidelines for Dapsone: harnessing an enhanced electronic medical records system and a team approach
Authors: Neoh Ching Yin , Tian Elizabeth A.L. , Choi Cindy , Leong Hui Hui , Tan Audrey W.H. , Chan Roy K.W. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Dapsone is a commonly prescribed medication in dermatological practice. Its use is associated with a broad spectrum of adverse effects. Careful selection and monitoring of patients on dapsone are paramount in the prevention and early recognition of adverse effects.Objective and methods  We designed a risk‐management program for dapsone at National Skin Centre, Singapore, enhancing an existing electronic medical records system and harnessing a team approach involving the nurses. This includes the performance of key laboratory tests before and after starting dapsone, ensuring adequate counseling before starting dapsone and screening for adverse effects using a questionnaire every visit.Results  This system of dapsone prescription efficiently improved the adherence to safe prescription and monitoring guidelines. Average adherence rates for key safety parameters improved from 61.4% pre‐implementation to 95.3% at six months and were sustained at 12 months at 91.3%. Percentage of follow‐up cases in which all three key monitoring parameters were fulfilled increased from 9.5% to 79.6% (p = 0.0001) after 12 months. The percentage of new patients in which all four key monitoring parameters were met increased from 50% to 80%. It was not statistically significant possibly because of small patient numbers. This project has also translated into enhanced patient safety with dapsone dosages adjusted in 17 patients who experienced mild adverse effects. No severe adverse effects to dapsone were observed in the 12‐month period.Conclusion  This example of risk management for dapsone may serve as a model for institutions looking at harnessing information technology and a team approach for safer prescription of high‐alert medications.
Diagnostic utility of dermatoscopy in hydroquinone‐induced exogenous ochronosis
Authors: Mishra Sunil N. , Dhurat Rachita S. , Deshpande Deepal J. , Nayak Chitra S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Hydroquinone is the preferred topical bleaching agent used in the treatment of melasma. The adverse effects of its chronic use are confetti‐like depigmentation and exogenous ochronosis. Exogenous ochronosis manifests clinically with gray‐brown or blue‐black hyperpigmentation, as well as pinpoint hyperchromic caviar‐like papules over the malar region. Dermatoscopic findings of ochronosis are unique and point towards a clue for its diagnosis.Methods  Three cases of suspected hydroquinone‐induced exogenous ochronosis while treating melasma were subjected to dermatoscopy and histopathology studies.Results  Dermatoscopy in the areas of caviar‐like hyperpigmentation revealed accentuation of the normal pseudo‐rete of the facial skin with amorphous densely‐pigmented structures obliterating some follicular opening and multiple thin, short arciform structures. On histopathological examination, curved ochre‐colored structures, ‘banana‐shaped’ fibers, were seen in the dermis of all patients.Conclusion  Exogenous ochronosis is difficult to treat. Dermatologists should be able to differentiate it from melasma and immediately discontinue hydroquinone. Exogenous ochronosis has characteristic features on dermatoscopy which may obviate the need for an invasive procedure of biopsy for its diagnosis.
Bacterial skin flora and contamination of blood components: do we defer blood donors wisely?
Authors: Pastila S. , Lönnroth M. , Heikkilä R. , Heikkilä H. , Carlson P. 
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives  Bacterial infection through contaminated blood is currently the greatest infection risk in relation to a transfusion. Deferral of prospective blood donors with a skin disorder is a common practise, because bacteria usually originate from the donor’s skin. The effectiveness of current deferral guidelines to prevent the bacterial contamination of blood has not been assessed.Materials and methods  We recruited 55 blood donors with a skin disorder that prevented donation, and matched three controls for each case. The donors filled out a questionnaire and one bacterial culture sample was taken from venepuncture forearm skin.Results  The median total number of colony forming skin bacteria was significantly higher in the cases (224 CFUs per sample) than controls (105 CFU per sample). Staphylococcus aureus was significantly more often present on the skin in cases (49%) as compared to controls (7%). Regarding other bacterial genera, no difference between cases and controls was found.Conclusions  This study shows that our current guidelines for deferral of blood donors with skin disorders effectively identifies individuals with a high number of bacteria on their skin, as well as S. aureus carriers. However, deferral due to skin disorders had only a minor impact on blood product contamination when compared to other actions.
Morphology of Moderator Bands (Septomarginal Trabecula) in Porcine Heart Ventricles
Authors: Gulyaeva A. S. , Roshchevskaya I. M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe morphology of moderator bands in both heart ventricular cavities was examined on macro‐ and microscopic levels in 14 six‐month‐old Landrace pigs. One transverse moderator band, measuring 2.9 ± 0.6 mm in diameter, was located between the septum and the free wall of the right ventricular cavity. On cross‐section, clumps of conductive cells were found at the periphery of the moderator band and in its central part around the blood vessels. Large amounts of muscle fibres were identified. The left ventricular cavity contained moderator bands in the form of thin cords, measuring 1.05 ± 0.09 mm in diameter and located mostly between the interventricular septum and the papillary muscles. Conductive tissue was represented by clumps of Purkinje cells, surrounded by myocardial fibres. The proportion of conductive cells and muscle fibres in the moderator bands was approximately the same. Owing to different amounts of conductive cells and muscle fibres in the bands, we assume that moderator bands in the right and left ventricles play different primary functional roles. Our results were compared with previous data on pigs and other ungulate animal species.
A case of mosaic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Lamrock Edwina , Wills Edward , Fischer Gayle 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTEhlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and usually generalised. We present a case of mosaic EDS, an extremely rare variant. Our patient presented with a single localised patch of EDS affecting her upper left thigh.
Measurement of tear production in black‐tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) using three different methods: modified Schirmer’s I, phenol red thread and standardized endodontic absorbent paper points
Authors: Lange Rogério R. , Lima Leandro , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:  To report normal tear production of healthy adult black‐tufted marmosets and propose a novel alternative for the measurement of the aqueous portion of tear production in animals with small eyes.Animal studied:  Black‐tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata).Procedures:  Tear production of 19 animals was evaluated by the following methods: modified Schirmer’s I, phenol red thread and the novel use of standardized endodontic absorbent paper points. These methods and results were compared. Additionally, blink frequency and palpebral fissure length were measured.Results:  Modified Schirmer’s test I, mean = −0.46 ± 3.41 mm/min; Phenol red thread, mean = 13.27 ± 5.41 mm/15 s.; Standardized endodontic paper points, size 30, mean = 9.32 ± 3.09 mm/min; Mean palpebral fissure length = 7.83 ± 0.72 mm. Blink frequency, mean = 20.27 ± 5.92/5 min.Conclusions:  Normal parameters for blink frequency, palpebral fissure length and tear production measurement are presented. The palpebral fissure of black‐tufted marmoset is very small and tear production is one of the lowest reported for all animal species. A novel and practical alternative for tear production measurement using standardized endodontic absorbent paper points is presented and is indicated for animals with small eyes.
DOWNWARDS WAGE RIGIDITY, ENDOGENOUS SEPARATIONS AND FIRM TRAINING
Authors: Lechthaler Wolfgang 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the effect of downwards wage rigidity on wage setting, wage compression and firm training. It is shown that downwards wage rigidity in future periods induces a wage penalty and increases wage compression in the present period. However, contrary to previous work this is not sufficient to increase firms’ training investments. The reason lies in the endogeneity of separations, which become more frequent.
Life‐Cycle Patterns of Interest‐Rate Mark‐Ups in Small‐Firm Finance*
Authors: Kim Moshe , Kristiansen Eirik Gaard , Vale Bent 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe derive empirical implications from a theoretical model of bank–borrower relationships. The interest‐rate mark‐ups of banks are predicted to follow a life‐cycle pattern over the age of the borrowing firms. Because of endogenous bank monitoring by competing banks, borrowing firms initially face a low mark‐up, and thereafter an increasing mark‐up as a result of informational lock‐in, until it falls for older firms when the lock‐in is resolved. By applying a large sample of predominantly small unlisted firms and a new measure of asymmetric information, we find that firms with significant asymmetric‐information problems have a more pronounced life‐cycle pattern of interest‐rate mark‐ups. Additionally, we examine the effects of concentrated banking markets on interest‐rate mark‐ups. The results indicate that the life cycle of mark‐ups is mainly driven by asymmetric‐information problems and not by concentration. However, we find evidence that bank market concentration matters for older firms†
Depression in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Onderdijk A.J. , van der Zee H.H. , Esmann S. , Lophaven S. , Dufour D.N. , Jemec G.B.E. , Boer J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease with abscess formation and scarring predominantly in the inverse areas. The disease is often difficult to treat and patients experience a decreased quality of life (QoL). It is hypothesized that depression is more common in HS patients than among other dermatological patients.Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of depression in patients with HS.Methods In total 211 HS patients were included in the study and 233 were dermatological control patients. Their QoL and depression scores were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) questionnaires. HS severity was recorded with a questionnaire and Hurley stages were extracted from the case records.Results The DLQI was significantly higher for HS patients than for the control patients, 8.4 ± 7.5 vs. 4.3 ± 5.6 (P < 0.0001) and correlated with Hurley stage severity scores. Mean MDI scores were significantly higher for HS patients, 11.0 vs. 7.2 (P < 0.0001). However, clinically defined depression rates according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD‐10) criteria were not significantly higher in HS patients compared to controls (9% vs. 6%).Conclusions HS is a chronic skin disease with major impact on QoL even when compared to other dermatological diseases. MDI scores in HS patients correlate with disease severity. This correlation could indicate that the MDI represents a valid measure of disease related morbidity that may serve as an outcome measure in future studies and a relevant point of intervention for individual patients.
Skin conditions presenting in emergency room in Korea: an eight‐year retrospective analysis
Authors: Kim J.Y. , Cho H.H. , Hong J.S. , Jin S.P. , Park H.S. , Lee J.H. , Cho S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground Dermatological patients do visit the emergency department (ED) while most skin problems are controllable in the outpatient clinic. However, there is paucity of data on skin conditions presenting in ED.Objective The aim of this study was to provide the demographic and clinical data on dermatological problems in the ED in a secondary hospital in Korea.Methods A retrospective study was conducted based on dermatological international classification of diseases (ICD) rendered in the emergency department of Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Korea, during an 8‐year period from 2003 to 2010. Most skin conditions were diagnosed by emergency medicine specialist, not dermatologist.Results A total of 8332 patients with skin problem were seen corresponding to 3.2% of total ED visits. The number of patients had increased 277% from 621 visits in 2003 to 1719 visits in 2010 with a peak incidence in the summer season annually. Urticaria and angioedema group was most common (68.1%), followed by infections group and nonspecific and descriptive diagnosis group. The mean length of stay was distributed preponderantly around one hour. In 6.2% cases, the patient was admitted, most frequently for infections.Conclusion During the eight‐year period, dermatological ED patients increased at a steeper rate than total ED patients. However, the non‐urgent dermatologic ED patients have increased with respect to admission rate, death rate, length of stay and visiting‐admitting discordance. Health policy makers could utilize these basic data to amend the current health delivery system to reduce unnecessary expenditure of medical resources.
Gender distinctive impacts of prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) on age‐6 attention problems
Authors: Hall James , Jaekel Julia , Wolke Dieter 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundPredictors of attention problems remain uncertain. Here we distinguish prematurity from small (birth weight) for gestational age (SGA).MethodA total of 1437 children were studied between 0 and 6 years. Gender differences and indirect perinatal effects (via 20‐month head circumference and cognition) were considered for age 6 attention problems.ResultsBoys, preterms, and SGA children were all at increased risk for attention problems. Indirect perinatal effects differed between boys and girls.ConclusionsThe routes leading to attention problems seem to differ for SGA and preterm children. SGA appears to reduce brain volume while prematurity alters brain function. Although less frequent, female attention problems are more strongly predicted by prematurity and cognitive dysfunction.
Screening for adolescent depression in paediatric care: validity of a new brief version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale
Authors: Pietsch Kathrin , Allgaier Antje‐Kathrin , Frühe Barbara , Hoyler Anne , Rohde Sabine , Schulte‐Körne Gerd 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundThe study assessed the criterion validity of the 15‐item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D‐15) as a screening instrument in paediatric care.MethodA total of 327 patients (13–16 years) completed the CES‐D‐15 and a diagnostic interview serving as gold standard diagnosis for validation.ResultsReceiver operating characteristics yielded an overall accuracy of area under the curve (AUC) = .90 (95% CI [.85, .95]) for the detection of any depressive disorder. At the optimal cut‐off point of 14, sensitivity (.85) and specificity (.84) were good.ConclusionsThe CES‐D‐15 is a promising tool for paediatricians to enhance the recognition rate of juvenile depression.
Pivotal roles of the interleukin‐23/T helper 17 cell axis in hepatitis B
Authors: Huang Zemin , van Velkinburgh Jennifer C. , Ni Bing , Wu Yuzhang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractT helper 17 (Th17) cells are a newly identified subset of T helper cells that play important roles in host defense against extracellular bacteria, as well as in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Research interest in these cells was piqued when hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients were found to have significantly elevated Th17 cell frequency, and it was proposed that these proinflammatory effectors may promote the HBV disease process. Subsequent studies have revealed that Th17 cells drive immune‐mediated pathology of HBV infection, and that IL‐23 amplifies the Th17 cell responses and liver inflammation. As a result, new pathways of HBV‐mediated liver damage have been elucidated, along with promising new targets of molecular therapeutic strategies. Ongoing research is also providing significant insights into the target cells and underlying mechanisms of Th17‐secreted cytokines, including IL‐17A, IL‐21 and IL‐22. Future studies are expected to fully uncover the cytokine‐related mechanisms mediating HBV‐induced liver inflammation, and to determine the yet unknown cell source of IL‐23. This review will draw upon the most up‐to‐date available data to discuss the putative roles and detailed mechanisms of IL‐23/Th17 cell axis in HBV infection‐mediated liver pathogenesis.
Identification of liver proteins altered by type 2 diabetes mellitus in obese subjects
Authors: Valle Adamo , Catalán Victoria , Rodríguez Amaia , Rotellar Fernando , Valentí Victor , Silva Camilo , Salvador Javier , Frühbeck Gma , Gómez‐Ambrosi Javier , Roca Pilar , Oliver Jordi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well‐known factor risk for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in obese patients.AimsTo better understand the association between T2DM and NAFLD, global changes in protein expression in diabetic and non‐diabetic obese subjects were assessed by a proteomic approach.MethodsLiver samples were obtained from diabetic and non‐diabetic morbid obese subjects (BMI>40 kg/m2). Histological analysis was used to evaluate hepatic steatosis and the degree of anatomopathological alteration. Changes in protein expression were analysed by two‐dimentional electrophoresis combined with MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Levels of glutathione, carbonyl and 4‐HNE protein adducts were used to assess oxidative stress status.ResultsOf 850 proteins analysed, 33 were differentially expressed in T2DM obese subjects. Of these, 27 were unequivocally identified by mass spectrometry. Analysis of protein sets revealed patterns of decreased abundance in mitochondrial enzymes, proteins involved in methione metabolism, and oxidative stress response. Accordingly, T2DM subjects showed decreased levels of glutathione, the antioxidant byproduct of methionine metabolism via the transsulfuration pathway, and higher levels of protein and lipid oxidative damage. Changes in detoxyfing enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism, proteasome subunits and retinoic acid synthesis were also found.ConclusionsThe results suggest alterations in mitochondrial function and methionine metabolism as potential contributing factors to increased oxidative stress in liver of obese diabetic patients which may be influencing the development of NAFLD and NASH.
Endovascular Stent Migration to the Right Ventricle Causing Myocardial Injury
Authors: Bani‐Hani Samer , Showkat Arif , Wall Barry M. , Das Prnab , Huang Liwei , Al‐Absi Ahmed I. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCentral stenosis of the subclavian and internal jugular veins is common in end stage renal disease. Treatment of these stenoses is difficult as these veins respond poorly to angioplasty alone and often require metallic stents to ensure patency. These stents are not without complications. Reports of stent fracture, thrombosis and vessel rupture abound in the literature. Stent migration can occur when used in large central veins leading to severe consequences such as pulmonary infarction, tricuspid regurgitation and right sided heart failure. In this report, we report a case of a subclavian vein stent which migrated into the right heart and caused subendocardial injury. As the use of vascular stents is becoming a common treatment option for central venous stenosis, the occurrences of serious complications associated with the stents are likely to rise.
Stimulating effect of sugar dusting on honey bee grooming behaviour
Authors: Stevanovic Jevrosima , Stanimirovic Zoran , Lakic Nada , Djelic Ninoslav , Radovic Ivica 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe aim of this research was to investigate whether or not sugar dusting can stimulate the grooming behaviour in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), an important defensive mechanism against Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Acari: Varroidae), and to assess the most effective dose and frequency of treatment. The criterion for evaluation of grooming potential was the percentage of damaged mites (PDM) among the total number collected on the bottom boards of the hives. In each sugar‐treated group PDM was significantly higher in comparison both with the negative control (no treatment) and with the values preceding the treatment. The results point to a stimulating effect of sugar on the grooming behaviour at all doses and frequencies tested. Treatment frequency influenced the stimulating effect of sugar: treatments at 3‐ and 7‐day intervals with 30 and 40 g resulted in significantly higher PDMs than the least frequent treatment (every 14 days); dusting with 20 g influenced PDM only when repeated at 3‐day intervals. Because treatments at 3‐day intervals are time‐consuming, those with 40 or 30 g repeated every 7 days may be recommended. In the positive control (hives treated with amitraz), average PDM was significantly lower than in the negative control and all sugar‐treated groups. Possible causes of the stimulating effect of sugar dusting on bee grooming behaviour are discussed.
Suppression of high lipid diet induced by atherosclerosis sarpogrelate
Authors: Xu Yan‐Jun , Zhang Ming , Ji Lei , Elimban Vijayan , Chen Li , Dhalla Naranjan S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSarpogrelate (SP), a serotonin (5‐HT2A) receptor antagonist, is used as an anti‐platelet agent for the treatment of some vascular diseases. SP has been reported to inhibit 5‐HT induced coronary artery spasm, increase in intracellular calcium and smooth muscle cells proliferation. This study was undertaken to test that SP suppresses the development of atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol diet (HCD) by decreasing blood viscosity and oxidative stress. For this purpose, 29 rabbits were divided into four groups: control group (normal diet); normal diet group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day; HCD group fed 1% cholesterol; and HCD group with SP at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day. After 90 days of the experiment, blood samples were collected and the animals were killed; the thoracic aorta was stained by the Oil Red O staining method. The results indicate that plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and malondialdehyde were increased in rabbits fed HCD. Plasma viscosity and whole blood viscosity were also higher in the HCD group than that in normal diet group. Treatment with SP prevented these alterations induced by HCD whereas this agent had no significant effect in rabbits fed normal diet. Morphological examination of the aorta revealed that SP treatment prevented the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaque. It is suggested that the beneficial effects of SP in atherosclerosis may be due to actions on blood viscosity, lipid levels and oxidative stress.