bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic vulvitis in pre‐pubertal girls
Authors: Fischer Gayle 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTPre‐pubertal girls with inflammatory chronic vulval disease excluding lichen sclerosus are often described as having ‘non‐specific vulvovaginitis’. The aim of this retrospective case series was to determine the aetiology of chronic vulvovaginitis in pre‐pubertal (Tanner Stage 1) girls, with particular reference to candidiasis. A chart review recorded and compared the characteristics of 38 girls and 68 post‐menarchal adolescents and pre‐menopausal women with chronic vulvitis. Nineteen (50%) of the pre‐pubertal children had been previously diagnosed with candidiasis and 21 (55%) had been treated unsuccessfully with topical antifungal agents. Candida albicans was isolated in two (5%) of the children and 37 (54%) of the adults (P < 0.001). A positive Candida culture was causally associated with chronic vulvovaginitis in 50% of the adults but in none of the children (P < 0.001). In 28 (74%) of the children and 28 (41%) of the adults, no pathogens were isolated on microbiological testing. General skin examination of the girls revealed signs of psoriasis in 27 (71%) and atopic dermatitis in nine (24%). Symptoms were controlled with topical anti‐inflammatory treatment and environmental modification, including cessation of topical antifungals. Pre‐pubertal girls with chronic vulvitis are likely to have either psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis is not seen in Tanner Stage 1 girls.
Short sleep duration as a possible cause of obesity: critical analysis of the epidemiological evidence
Authors: Nielsen L. S. , Danielsen K. V. , Sørensen T. I. A. 
Published: March 2010

SummarySystematic literature search for epidemiological evidence for an association of short sleep with weight gain and eventual development of obesity provided 71 original studies and seven reviews of various subsets of these studies. We have summarized the evidence for such an association with particular emphasis on prospective studies. The studies showed that short sleep duration is consistently associated with development of obesity in children and young adults, but not consistently so in older adults. We have identified critical aspects of the evidence, and assessed the possibility for interpretation of the evidence in terms of causality. We have discussed the requirement of temporal sequence between putative exposure and outcome and the implications of the time lag between them, the problems in adequate measurements of exposure and effects, the possible bidirectional causal effects, the necessary distinction between confounders and mediators, the possible confounding by weight history, and the possibility of common or upstream underlying causes. In conclusion, causal interpretation of the association is hampered by fundamental conceptual and methodological problems. Experimental studies may elucidate mechanisms, but adequate coverage of the entire pathway from sleep curtailment through obesity development is not feasible. Randomized trials are needed to assess the value of targeted interventions.
Genetic studies of common types of obesity: a critique of the current use of phenotypes
Authors: Müller M. J. , Bosy‐Westphal A. , Krawczak M. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryRecent research into the genetic basis of obesity has focused upon the study of candidate genes, both functional and positional, of genes underlying weight‐related Mendelian disorders and of susceptibility loci identified in genome‐wide association studies. Three large genome‐wide association studies on obesity, together involving more than 150 000 individuals, were published in Nature Genetics last year. The results suggested the involvement of a large number of genetic variants in disease susceptibility. Most genetic effects upon body weight are likely to become obscured by the use of inappropriate phenotypes. In particular, clinical categories such as the body mass index and Metabolic Syndrome do not provide sufficient etiological information for them to be used sensibly in genetic studies on obesity or obesity‐related disease. Alleviation of this situation will not come from new genomic research tools, sophisticated statistical algorithms or ever larger sample sizes. Instead, the above notions argue in favour of so‐called ‘deep phenotyping’.
Maintenance of weight loss after lifestyle interventions for overweight and obesity, a systematic review
Authors: Barte J. C. M. , Ter Bogt N. C. W. , Bogers R. P. , Teixeira P. J. , Blissmer B. , Mori T. A. , Bemelmans W. J. E. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryLifestyle interventions can reduce body weight, but weight regain is common and may particularly occur with higher initial weight loss. If so, one may argue whether the 10% weight loss in clinical guidelines is preferable above a lower weight loss. This systematic review explores the relation between weight loss during an intervention and weight maintenance after at least 1 year of unsupervised follow‐up. Twenty‐two interventions (during at least 1 month) in healthy overweight Caucasians were selected and the mean percentages of weight loss and maintenance were calculated in a standardized way. In addition, within four intervention groups (n > 80) maintenance was calculated stratified by initial weight loss (0–5%, 5–10%, >10%). Overall, mean percentage maintenance was 54%. Weight loss during the intervention was not significantly associated with percentage maintenance (r = −0.26; P = 0.13). Percentage maintenance also not differed significantly between interventions with a weight loss of 5–10% vs. >10%. Consequently, net weight loss after follow‐up differed between these categories (3.7 vs. 7.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). The analyses within the four interventions confirmed these findings. In conclusion, percentage maintenance does not clearly depend on initial weight loss. From this perspective, 10% or more weight loss can indeed be encouraged and favoured above lower weight loss goals.
Characterization and evaluation of pigment distribution and response to therapy in melasma using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy: a preliminary study
Authors: Ardigo M , Cameli N , Berardesca E , Gonzalez S 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground  Melasma is a frequent skin disorder characterized by the appearance of abnormal pigment (melanin) deposits in different layers of the skin. Melasma has been classified into epidermal, dermal and mixed types using Wood’s lamp, and the type and extent of the pigment deposits determine the type and invasiveness of the treatment.Aims  The aims of this study were to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the effective usefulness of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in pigment distribution definition and subsequent re‐classification of melasma types. Moreover, RCM therapeutical follow‐up efficiency to combination therapy with pyruvic acid and hydroquinone was also tested.Materials and methods  A small group (n = 15) of patients previously diagnosed with facial melasma were selected and their pigment distribution was evaluated by RCM. In seven of these patients therapeutical follow‐up was performed.Results  The results of the study suggest that RCM is more accurate than techniques previously used in the diagnosis of melasma, thus providing precise information on the location and extent of pigment deposits.Discussion and conclusion  The non‐invasive nature of this technique suggests that RCM may be a suitable tool for treatment monitoring, providing additional information not only on the evolution of the disorder but also on the possible occurrence of therapeutical side or adverse effects.
Oestrogen and progesterone receptor expression in melasma: an immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Jang YH , Lee JY , Kang HY , Lee E‐S , Kim YC 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground  Melasma is a commonly acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis on sun‐exposed areas of the skin. The development of melasma appears to be associated with increased levels of oestrogen, exposure to sunlight and a genetic predisposition. Several in vitro studies have partially clarified the effects of oestrogen and progesterone on melasma. However, oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in melasma‐affected skin has not been investigated to date, except for one case report on ER expression.Objective  The purpose of this study was to compare ER and PR expression between hyperpigmented areas and unaffected areas of facial skin in patients with melasma.Methods  Biopsies were performed on skin lesions and adjacent‐unaffected facial skin in 33 Korean women with melasma. The sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, Fontana‐Masson, and antibodies to NKI/beteb, ERα, β and PR.Results  The immunohistochemical expression of ERβ showed an increasing tendency in epidermal lesions without statistical significance. Expression of PR was significantly increased in the epidermal lesions compared with unaffected skin on the computer‐assisted image analysis. Interestingly, there was increased ERβ expression in the dermal lesions especially around small blood vessels and fibroblast‐like cells compared with unaffected dermis on the semi‐quantitative analysis. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of PR between the dermal lesions and unaffected dermis.Conclusion  The results of this study may provide useful information for further investigation into the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches for treating melasma in relation to hormonal factors. The role of ER in the dermis in association with dermal environment such as blood vessels and fibroblasts remains to be further clarified.
A homoallelic FECH mutation in a patient with both erythropoietic protoporphyria and palmar keratoderma
Authors: Minder EI , Schneider‐Yin X , Mamet R , Horev L , Neuenschwander S , Baumer A , Austerlitz F , Puy H , Schoenfeld N 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground  Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a hereditary disorder caused by the deficiency of ferrochelatase (FECH) in the haem biosynthetic pathway. In the majority of families, EPP is transmitted as a pseudodominant trait. Autosomal recessive form of EPP is found in only about 3% of the families.Objectives  In this study, we describe a 6‐year‐old boy who suffered from both EPP and palmar keratoderma.Methods and Results  A novel homoallelic missense mutation (p.Ser318Tyr) was identified in the FECH gene. In addition, a region of homozygosity of approximately 6.8 Mb was observed in chromosome 18 of the patient by both microsatellite and SNP array. The parents of the patient, both of Palestinian (Jordanian) origin, were heterozygous for the S318Y mutation, although no history of consanguinity was known. Microsatellite genotyping identified a partial haplotype from each parent that corresponds to the region of homozygosity in the patient. Assuming S318Y is a founder mutation, the number of generations separating the two parents from their common ancestor from whom they inherited S318Y was estimated as 21.7 (95% CI 3.42–69.7).Conclusion  EPP was therefore inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in the family. This study confirms the association between palmar keratoderma and autosomal recessive EPP.
Circulating adipokine levels in Portuguese patients with psoriasis vulgaris according to body mass index, severity and therapy
Authors: Coimbra S , Oliveira H , Reis F , Belo L , Rocha S , Quintanilha A , Figueiredo A , Teixeira F , Castro E , Rocha‐Pereira P , Santos‐Silva A 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis vulgaris is associated with overweight/obesity and with increased C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, leptin and resistin levels and decreased adiponectin levels.Objectives  To understand the role/relationship of adipokines, as well as CRP, in a Portuguese psoriatic population, by assessing the relationship of their levels with psoriasis severity, defined by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), with obesity, defined by body mass index (BMI), and psoriasis therapy.Methods  A cross‐sectional (n = 66) and longitudinal study (before and after 12 weeks of therapy; n = 44) was performed; 10 patients started topical treatment, 17 narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) and 17 psolaren associated with UVA (PUVA).Results  Patients presented significantly higher BMI, leptin, resistin, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and CRP and significantly lower adiponectin values. CRP and IL‐6 correlated with PASI. Adiponectin and leptin were more altered in patients with higher BMI. Concerning severity, CRP, resistin and adiponectin were more altered in the severer forms. After treatment, a significant reduction in PASI, CRP, resistin, TNF‐α and IL‐6, and a significant rise in adiponectin were observed. Nonetheless, CRP and adiponectin remained different from those of control. Concerning therapies, topical therapy was not associated with any significant change, except for TNF‐α. After NBUVB, a significant reduction was observed in TNF‐α and in CRP. For PUVA, we observed a significant reduction in TNF‐α, IL‐6 and CRP, and a significant increase in adiponectin.Conclusion  In psoriatic patients, increased overweight/obesity was associated with raised leptin levels and decreased adiponectin levels. Leptin may contribute to enhance the inflammatory process in overweight/obese psoriatic patients. Resistin, IL‐6, CRP and adiponectin levels appear to be dependent on psoriasis severity. CRP, together with IL‐6, appears to be a useful marker of psoriasis severity. Both NBUVB and PUVA were effective; however, PUVA results seem to be more successful. Nonetheless, after NBUVB and PUVA, a low‐grade inflammation still persists.
5HTT genotype moderates the influence of early institutional deprivation on emotional problems in adolescence: evidence from the English and Romanian Adoptee (ERA) study
Authors: Kumsta Robert , Stevens Suzanne , Brookes Keeley , Schlotz Wolff , Castle Jenny , Beckett Celia , Kreppner Jana , Rutter Michael , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund 
Published: March 2010

Background:  A common polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4, 5HTT) has been repeatedly shown to moderate the influence of childhood adversity and stressful life events on the development of psychopathology. Using data from the English and Romanian Adoptee Study, a prospective‐longitudinal study of individuals (n = 125) exposed to severe early institutional deprivation (ID), we tested whether the effect of ID on adolescent emotional problems is moderated by 5HTT genotype and stressful life events in adolescence.Methods:  Emotional problems were assessed using questionnaire data (age 11), and on the basis of the CAPA diagnostic interview (age 15). Additionally, the number of stressful life events was measured.Results:  There was a significant effect for genotype (p = .003) and a gene × environment interaction (p = .008) that was independent of age at testing. Carriers of the s/l and s/s genotype who experienced severe ID showed the highest emotional problem scores, while l/l homozygotes in the severe ID group showed the lowest overall levels. Furthermore, s/s carriers in the severe ID group who experienced a high number of stressful life events between 11 and 15 years had the largest increases in emotional problem scores, while a low number of stressful life events was associated with the largest decrease (4‐way interaction: p = .05).Conclusions:  The effects of severe early ID on emotional problems in adolescence are moderated by 5HTT genotype, and influenced by stressful life events in adolescence.
New archisargids from China (Insecta: Diptera)
Authors: ZHANG Kuiyan , YANG Ding , REN Dong , SHIH Chungkun 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe extinct family Archisargidae, which was rich in the Mesozoic, has been found in China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. By now, six genera and 14 species have been found in Inner Mongolia and Liaoning Province of China. In this paper, two new species of the genus Mesosolva Hong, 1983 and a new genus Brevisolva gen. nov., represented by a new species belonging to the Archisargidae, are described from the Middle Jurassic deposits of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia. A key to the species of Mesosolva is given.
Cecidophagy in adults of Demotina fasciculata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its effect on the survival of Andricus moriokae (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) inhabiting leaf galls on Quercus serrata (Fagaceae)
Authors: KATSUDA Takayoshi , YUKAWA Junichi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFemales of Demotina fasciculata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were found to prefer to feed on galls induced by Andricus moriokae (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) rather than on leaves of its host plant, Quercus serrata (Fagaceae). This is the first record of cecidophagy by adult chrysomelid beetles. Demotina fasciculata did not infest healthy galls induced by another unidentified cynipid species on the same host trees, but did feed on galls inhabited by an inquiline species Synergus quercicola (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), presumably because such galls remained on the host trees longer than healthy galls. Galls of A. moriokae were infested more severely than cynipid galls inhabited by the inquiline. Therefore, higher density and thicker gall wall in A. moriokae galls seem to make them more suitable targets for D. fasciculata to attack. Larval chambers of A. moriokae galls were stripped by the infestation of gall walls and readily dropped to the ground, resulting in 100% death of cynipid larvae due to desiccation, while 62.5% of pupae survived when they had developed to the late stadium before the fall of larval chambers.
Effects of nest size and dispersion on brood production in a North American population of wood ant Formica fusca (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: TUZZOLINO Kimberly E. , BROWN William D. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe examined several key parameters of the population ecology of a North American population of Formica fusca (L.), including nest dispersion, colony size and brood production. Physical nest size was significantly correlated with colony size, and colony size, in turn, was significantly correlated with brood production. Sex allocation was male biased, although larger nests were more likely to produce reproductive female brood (gynes). Neither nest temperature nor moisture level was significantly correlated with brood production. Formica fusca nests in this population had a comparatively low average nearest‐neighbor distance with a significantly even pattern of dispersion, which suggests relatively high intraspecific competition. However, nearest‐neighbor distance was not significantly associated with either colony size or relative brood production.
New Brazilian species ofEndecousSaussure, 1878: Phallic sclerites, calling song and tegmen morphometry (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsinae)
Authors: ZEFA Edison , MESA Alejo , MARTINS Luciano de P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this paper we describe the phalangopsid cricketEndecous alejomesain. sp. collected from the cave “Lapa do Fuzil”, Vila Propício, State of Goiás, Brazil. Diagnosis has been acquired by the combination of the following characteristics: phallic sclerite features; calling song with dominant frequency of 4.8 kHz and 52.9 ± 5.8 (42–60,n = 22) cycles of sound per pulse;pars stridenswith 90 ± 6.84 (78–99,n = 12) teeth; mirror with one or two cross‐veins; harp with two, three or four cross‐veins.
Antibiotic lock: In vitro stability of gentamicin and sodium citrate stored in dialysis catheters at 37 °C
Authors: BATTISTELLA Marisa , VERCAIGNE Lavern M. , COTE Dennis , LOK Charmaine E. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractCatheter‐related bacteremia (CRB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among patients receiving hemodialysis. Antibiotic lock therapy represents a promising technique in the treatment of CRB. Several studies have evaluated antibiotics in combination with heparin as an interdialytic locking solution for prophylaxis of CRB. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of gentamicin and sodium citrate in hemodialysis catheters as an interdialytic lock. Solutions containing gentamicin 2.5 mg/mL and sodium citrate 40 mg/mL (4%) were prepared individually and in combination. The solutions were instilled into dialysis catheters and stored at 37 °C for 96 h. Samples were withdrawn randomly from catheter lumens at 24‐hour intervals for 4 days and stored at −20 °C until analysis. The samples were analyzed with validated, stability‐indicating HPLC assays. The luminal concentration of gentamicin 2.5 mg/mL, sodium citrate 40 mg/mL (4%), and the combination was determined on study days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. When gentamicin was combined with sodium citrate and stored at 37 °C in dialysis catheters, the solution showed no decrease in either the gentamicin or the sodium citrate concentrations over the 96‐hour study period. The percent of the original concentration at 96 h was 102.4±1.03 for gentamicin and 102.9±1.25 for citrate (P=0.5556). The combination of gentamicin 2.5 mg/mL and sodium citrate 40 mg/mL (4%) can be retained in hemodialysis catheters for at least 96 h at 37 °C with no evidence of degradation.
Determination of Calliphoridae (Diptera) Fauna and Seasonal Distribution on Carrion in Ankara Province*
Authors: Sabanoğlu Burcu , Sert Osman 
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  This study was conducted from March 2006 to 2007. The aim of the study was to determine the forensically significant Calliphoridae (Diptera) species and their seasonal distribution in Ankara province at Beytepe Campus. Pig carcasses were killed by a veterinary using pentobarbital sodium with intervals from 2 to 3 weeks to a month. Samples were collected from the carcass everyday in the morning, in the afternoon, and at sunset. Temperature and parameters of weather, such as cloudy, sunny, rainy, and snowy, were recorded at each visit. Phaenicia sericata (Meigen), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus), and Calliphora vicina (Robineau‐Desvoidy) species, which belong to Calliphoridae family, were collected. It was shown that the seasonal distribution of the collected species was different from each other. The species were determined on carcass between the following times; P. sericata, from April to November; C. albiceps, from May to November; Ca. vomitoria, from February to June and from September to December; and Ca. vicina, from February to May and in June and September. Calliphoridae fauna and its annual seasonal distribution in Turkey on 12 pig carcasses were reported for the first time in this study.