bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review: epidemiology of hepatitis C genotype 6 and its management
Authors: Chao D. T. , Abe K. , Nguyen M. H. 
Published: May 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 286–296SummaryBackground  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 is common among patients from Southeast Asia and the surrounding regions, where HCV prevalence is also high. HCV genotype 6 has great genetic diversity and different response to antiviral therapy compared with the more commonly known genotype 1.Aim  Our goal was to provide a systematic review of the current literature on the epidemiology, classification and treatment of HCV genotype 6.Methods  A search using PubMed for ‘hepatitis C’ AND ‘genotype 6’ produced a total of 47 articles, of which 33 articles were found to be relevant and included in this review. Additional articles were identified using the reference lists of these 33 primary articles.Results  The prevalence of HCV genotype 6 is estimated to be as high as 50% in some regions of Southeast Asia with demonstrated significance among intravenous drug users and thalassemia major patients. Although previous line probe assays may have misclassified HCV genotype 6 as genotype 1, newer line probe assays can more accurately and reliably determine HCV genotype. Patients infected with HCV genotype 6 respond better to interferon‐based therapy compared with those infected with genotype 1, although patient baseline clinical characteristics and side effect profiles are similar between HCV genotype 6 and other HCV genotypes.Conclusions  Future studies should seek to clarify issues regarding early predictors for treatment response in patients with HCV genotype 6, and the impact of ethnic and genotypic factors to treatment response in HCV genotype 6 patients.
Meta‐analysis: insulin resistance and sustained virological response in hepatitis C
Authors: Eslam M. , Aparcero R. , Kawaguchi T. , Del Campo J. A. , Sata M. , Khattab M. A. , Romero‐Gomez M. 
Published: May 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 297–305SummaryBackground  A higher baseline homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) score has sometimes predicted a poorer sustained virological response (SVR) rate to peginterferon/ribavirin therapy in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis C patients.Aim  To perform a meta‐analysis to evaluate the impact of HOMA‐IR on SVR in hepatitis C.Methods  Relevant studies were identified by searching Medline and EMBASE. We identified 17 publications that addressed the influence of insulin resistance on SVR. The random effect model of Der Simonian and Laird method were used for heterogeneous studies using the Meta‐Disc software 1.4, Madrid, Spain.Results  Normal insulin sensitivity was associated with a higher rate of SVR [odds ratio (OR) 2.86 (95%CI: 1.97–4.16)] in comparison with insulin resistance. Moreover, in separate analysis by genotype selecting studies that used HOMA‐IR > 2 as cut‐off defining insulin resistance, SVR was higher in patients with HOMA‐IR < 2 in all genotypes: HCV‐1 [OR: 2.16 (95%CI: 1.51–3.08)], HCV‐2&3 [OR: 3.06 (95%CI: 1.06–8.82)] and HCV‐4 [OR: 6.65(95%CI: 2.51–17.61)]. Studies reporting no association between HOMA and SVR included easy‐to‐cure cohorts, analysed variables strongly related with insulin resistance like body mass index, steatosis, hyper γGT, age and fibrosis and reported differences in handling and interpretation of HOMA‐IR.Conclusion  Elevated HOMA‐IR was associated with a lower cure rate of patients with hepatitis C treated with Peg‐IFN‐α/ribavirin irrespective of genotype, and the more difficult‐to‐treat cohort, the better the HOMA‐IR prediction. HOMA‐IR is, as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, susceptible to some biases derived from both handling and interpretation.
Dietary polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases
Authors: Singh A. , Holvoet S. , Mercenier A. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryAllergic disorders encompass skin, food and respiratory allergies. Sensitization to a normally harmless allergen results in the immune system being biased to a predominant T‐helper type 2 response. Re‐exposure to the same allergen leads to a robust secretion of allergy‐related mediators that eventually triggers symptoms. Our understanding of these disorders has enabled the search of therapeutic approaches that can either modulate the sensitization process or impact on allergic mediators, thus helping manage allergic symptoms. Polyphenols are one such class of compounds that are found in foods and plant sources and have been investigated for their anti‐allergic effect in different disease models and in human clinical trials. Their anti‐inflammatory profile is known to impact on the recruitment of immune cells to the skin and in preventing the development of secondary infections following disruption of the skin barrier. The interaction of polyphenols with proteins can modulate the process of allergic sensitization and their direct effect on allergic effector cells such as mast cells inhibit mediator release, resulting in the alleviation of symptoms. In addition, their endogenous anti‐oxidant ability limits the extent of cellular injury from free radicals during the allergic insult. Overall, polyphenols hold promise as anti‐allergy agents capable of influencing multiple biological pathways and immune cell functions in the allergic immune response and deserve further investigation. The objective of the current review is to summarize the key findings and progress made in studying polyphenols as anti‐allergic ingredients. Special emphasis is placed in this review to highlight key physiological, cellular and signalling pathways implicated in the mechanism of action of different polyphenols in the context of allergic disorders and their manifestations.
Cite this as: A. Singh, S. Holvoet and A. Mercenier, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1346–1359.
Role of osteopontin, a multifunctional protein, in allergy and asthma
Authors: Konno S. , Kurokawa M. , Uede T. , Nishimura M. , Huang S.‐K. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryOsteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein and immune modulator with a wide range of functions. OPN is recognized as a key cytokine in Th1 immune responses, yet its potential involvement in allergic/asthmatic responses has been investigated only recently. Current data from molecular and cellular studies and studies of OPN‐deficient mice provide evidence that OPN plays multiple roles in the regulation of allergic responses, including regulation of IgE response, inflammatory cell migration, and the development of airway fibrosis and angiogenesis. These results suggest that OPN is a pleiotropic cytokine that functions both systemically and locally in tissue mucosa. Notably, OPN is able to exert its effects through different functional domains, and the secreted and intracellular forms of OPN may have distinct functions. Future research to elucidate all aspects of OPN function is needed to ultimately establish its role in the regulation of immune responses and various disease processes, including those critically involved in the development of allergies and asthma.
Cite this as: S. Konno, M. Kurokawa, T. Uede, M. Nishimura and S.‐K. Huang, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1360–1366.
Drug-induced bullous pemphigoid: cases triggered by intravenous iodine and etanercept
Authors: Kluk J. , Goulding J. M. R. , Bhat J. , Finch T. M. 
Published: May 2011

Summary
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is one of the most common acquired immunobullous diseases. Rarely, the development of BP is attributed to drug exposure. We present two cases of BP, one triggered by intravenous iodine, and one associated with etanercept treatment in a patient with psoriasis; the first time, to our knowledge, that either of these associations has been reported. The recognition of occasional cases of drug-induced BP such as ours, with timely cessation of the offending agent, may produce rapid clinical improvement with decreased exposure to potent immunosuppressive therapy.
Acquired progressive kinking of hair affecting the scalp and eyelashes in an adult woman
Authors: MacDonald A. , Holmes S. 
Published: May 2011

Summary
Acquired hair kinking of scalp hair in adults is an unusual, rarely reported phenomenon. There are several possible aetiologies, including drug-induced changes, diffuse partial woolly hair, and acquired progressive kinking of hair (APKH). We report a case of focal APKH occurring in an adult woman. This was associated with a previously unreported feature, that of eyelash involvement.
Increased interleukin-4-positive lymphocytes in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and concurrent non-endocrine autoimmune disorders
Authors: Santaguida M G , Nardo S , Del Duca S C , Lococo E , Virili C , Gargano L , Lenti L , Centanni M 
Published: May 2011

Summary
A prevalent T helper type 1 (Th1) subset of lymphocytes has been described in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), but whether a similar polarization may characterize HT when associated with non-endocrine autoimmune disorders (NEAD) is not known. The aim of the present study was to analyse the intracellular Th1 and Th2 distinctive cytokines in patients with isolated HT or associated with non-endocrine autoimmune disorders. Intracellular cytokine expression was assessed in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of 68 out-patients (females = 55; males = 13; median age = 36 years) with HT : 33 had isolated HT and 35 had a concurrent NEAD. The percentage of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-2 Th1- and IL-4 Th2-positive cells was measured by flow cytometric analysis. We found an increased percentage of IL-2-positive cells in all patients, without differences between patients with isolated HT or associated with NEAD. IFN-γ+ cells were also increased in both groups, but the median percentage of those with isolated HT was lower than in patients with HT+NEAD (19·0 versus 29·9%; P = 0·0082). An increased number of IL-4-positive cells was observed in three of 33 (9·1%) patients with isolated HT and in 25 of 35 patients with NEAD [71%; P &lt; 0·0001; relative risk (RR) = 3·18]. The median values of IL-4+ cells (HT = 5·0% versus HT + NEAD = 16·8%) confirmed this large difference (P &lt; 0·0001). A clear-cut increase of IL-4+ lymphocytes characterizes patients with autoimmune thyroiditis who have associated non-endocrine autoimmune disorders. These findings may represent an initial tool to detect patients with autoimmune thyroiditis in which additional non-endocrine autoimmune disorders may be awaited.
Genome‐wide association studies provide new insights into the genetic basis of testicular germ‐cell tumour
Authors: Turnbull C. , Rahman N. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryTesticular germ‐cell tumour (TGCT) is the most common cancer in young men, and genetic epidemiological studies suggest that the disease has a strong genetic basis. Until 2009, very little of this genetic component had been explained. Genome‐wide association studies have since identified eight SNPs at six loci which together account for approximately 15% of the genetic risk of TGCT and offer novel biological insights into testicular germ‐cell oncogenesis. In this review, we summarize the genetic epidemiology of TGCT, detail the contribution genome‐wide association studies have made to our understanding of the genetic basis of TGCT and reflect on how future technological advances may assist in revealing the remaining genetic factors underlying TGCT susceptibility.
Peritubular myoid cell‐derived factors and its potential role in the progression of testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: Díez‐Torre A. , Silván U. , Moreno P. , Gumucio J. , Aréchaga J. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe tumour surrounding stroma, known as reactive stroma, is a crucial factor to understand cancer cell growth and invasion. In the normal adult testis, the stroma contains extracellular matrix components, fibroblasts, infiltrating leucocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages and capillaries, as well as other specific cell populations, like Leydig cells and a thin myoepithelium surrounding the seminiferous tubules constituted by the peritubular cells. All these cells are an important source of proliferation and survival promoting signals, proteolytic enzymes, migratory cues and pro‐angiogenic factors. Ascribable to this pro‐invasive activity, the tumour reactive stroma cells, especially cancer‐associated myofibroblasts, have emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy. This review is focused on the potential role of the peritubular myoid cells in the development of testicular germ cell tumours as the precursors of cancer‐associated myofibroblast and on an experimental model for the study of testis germinal cancer stroma and on the differences between normal and tumour‐associated stromal cells, including the molecular mechanisms that mediate the important cancer stroma crosstalk. Special attention will be paid to the cancer‐associated myofibroblasts as possible therapeutic targets, because they are one of the main components of the reactive stroma and are known to secrete a variety of paracrine factors that stimulate tumour progression.
Impact of classification of mixed germ‐cell tumours on incidence trends of non‐seminoma
Authors: Trabert B. , Stang A. , Cook M. B. , Rusner C. , McGlynn K. A. 
Published: May 2011

SummarySeminomas and non‐seminomas [embryonal carcinomas, yolk sac tumours, teratomas, choriocarcinomas, mixed germ‐cell tumours (MGCT)] are the major histological types of testicular germ‐cell tumours (TGCT). TGCTs composed of both seminomatous and non‐seminomatous elements have been coded as their non‐seminoma component in the World Health Organization classification. In the late 1980s, a provisional International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD‐O) morphology code for MGCT was introduced. Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program and two population‐based German cancer registries, we examined the impact of MGCT classification on TGCT trends. Cases were identified using ICD‐O topography (ICD‐9: 186; ICD‐10: C62) and morphology codes (seminoma = 9060–9062, 9064; embryonal carcinoma = 9070; yolk sack tumour = 9071; teratoma = 9080–9084, 9102; choriocarcinoma = 9100, 9101; MGCT = 9085; all non‐seminoma = 9065–9102). As MGCTs and teratoma are often grouped as a single histological group, we analysed teratoma both including and excluding MGCTs. Between 1988 and 2007, incidence rates of MGCT in the US increased 407%. Rates of teratoma including MGCT increased 80%, whereas rates of teratoma excluding MGCT decreased 71%. Rates of embryonal carcinoma [−40%] and choriocarcinoma [−22%] also declined, suggesting that the code for MGCT is now being used for any mixed histology. Similar declines in incidence were observed in the German comparison populations. The declines in incidence of teratoma (excluding MGCT), embryonal carcinoma and choriocarcinoma in the US data since 1988 are likely in part because of increases in classifying any TGCT with mixed histology as MGCT. These results suggest that analysis of trends in specific histological types of non‐seminoma should be interpreted cautiously.
The effect of ezetimibe, administered alone or in combination with simvastatin, on lymphocyte cytokine release in patients with elevated cholesterol levels
Authors: Krysiak R. , Zmuda W. , Okopien B. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract.  Krysiak R, Zmuda W, Okopien B (Medical University of Silesia, Katowice; and and Electrotherapy and Angiology Centre, Oswiecim, Poland). The effect of ezetimibe, administered alone or in combination with simvastatin, on lymphocyte cytokine release in patients with elevated cholesterol levels. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 32–42.Objective.  Studies assessing the extra‐lipid effects of ezetimibe have provided contrasting results. In the present study, we compared the effects of ezetimibe and simvastatin, administered alone or in combination, on the secretory function of human lymphocytes, systemic inflammation and endothelial function in subjects with elevated cholesterol levels.Methods.  A prospective study involving a group of 178 ambulatory patients with isolated hypercholesterolaemia who were randomly assigned in a double‐blind fashion to 90 days of treatment with ezetimibe (10 mg), simvastatin (40 mg), ezetimibe (10 mg) plus simvastatin (40 mg) or placebo. A total of 170 patients completed the study.Main outcome measures.  Lymphocyte cytokine release and plasma levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1).Results.  Although both drugs reduced lymphocyte release of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐2 in a lipid‐independent manner, only the effect of simvastatin was statistically significant (P < 0.001). This lymphocyte‐suppressing effect, which was accompanied by a decrease in plasma levels of hsCRP and ICAM‐1 (P < 0.001), was strongest in patients receiving both simvastatin and ezetimibe. There were no differences in lymphocyte‐suppressing, systemic anti‐inflammatory and endothelial protective effects of simvastatin between insulin‐resistant and insulin‐sensitive subjects, whereas the effects of ezetimibe and the combined treatment were greater in the former group of patients (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively).Conclusions.  The results of this study indicate that simvastatin is superior to ezetimibe in producing lymphocyte‐suppressing, systemic anti‐inflammatory and endothelial protective effects in patients with elevated cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolaemic patients with high cardiovascular risk may receive the greatest benefits from concomitant treatment with a statin and ezetimibe.
Training mental health promotion workers in programme evaluation
Authors: REUPERT A. , MCHUGH C. , MAYBERY D. , MITCHELL D. 
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary
The evaluation of mental health promotion programmes can strengthen the evidence base of such programmes. However, mental health promotion workers often lack the skills and knowledge to conduct programme evaluations.
Evaluation training, consisting of interactive workshops and follow‐up individual mentoring, was offered to mental health promotion workers. The programme was based on adult learning values, mental health promotion principles and guidelines for evaluation training.
The programme was evaluated using a questionnaire, immediately before, after and six months after training, as well as interviews with participants.
Evaluation of the training demonstrated significant knowledge, confidence and behaviour change.
AbstractIn this paper, a programme to train mental health promotion workers in programme evaluation is described and evaluated. The programme is based on adult learning values, guidelines for programme evaluation training and the general principles of mental health promotion. Facilitated over 2 days, the programme also provided individual mentoring. Training was evaluated via a questionnaire immediately before and post training, and 6 months post training (n = 28, n = 18, n = 18). Additionally, individual interviews were used with seven participants and qualitatively analysed. Results indicate significant and sustained positive changes in knowledge, confidence and behaviour and while satisfaction reduced significantly at the six month follow‐up, participants' level of satisfaction towards mentoring was consistent. Post training, participants reported a greater appreciation of the importance of evaluation planning and working collaboratively.
Irish psychiatric nurses' self‐reported sources of knowledge for practice
Authors: YADAV B. L. , FEALY G. M. 
Published: May 2011

Accessible summaryThe work of health professionals is generally of a better quality if it is based on reliable knowledge or evidence that comes from good research.While nurses are frequently recommended to use best available research evidence to guide them in their practice, it seems that many do not heed this recommendation.A survey was undertaken among Irish psychiatric nurses to find out from them the sources of knowledge or evidence that they use in order to guide their practice.Psychiatric nurses in Ireland get most of their knowledge from their everyday experiences of nursing patients and from fellow practitioners, but few seem to get knowledge to guide their practice from sources such as published professional and research journals.Based on these findings, it may be concluded that psychiatric nurses are similar to general nurses in their tendency to not use published information to guide their practice.AbstractEvidence‐based practice (EBP) is an approach to health care in which health professionals use the best evidence available to guide their clinical decisions and practice. Evidence is drawn from a range of sources, including published research, educational content and practical experience. This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the sources of knowledge or evidence for practice used by psychiatric nurses in Ireland. The paper is part of a larger study, which also investigated barriers, facilitators and level of skills in achieving EBP among Irish psychiatric nurses. Data were collected in a postal survey of a random sample of Irish psychiatric nurses using the Development of Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire. The findings revealed that the majority of survey respondents based their practice on information which was derived from interactions with patients, from their personal experience and from information shared by colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team, in preference to published sources of empirically derived evidence. These findings are consistent with those of the previous similar studies among general nurses and suggest that Irish psychiatric nurses face similar challenges to their general nursing counterparts in attaining of EBP.
Acute mental health nurses: comprehensive practitioners or specialist therapists?
Authors: MATHERS B. 
Published: May 2011

Accessible summaryPsychosocial interventions (PSI) is an approach for helping people with mental health problems in addition to medication. It is a way for nurses to work closely with patients to help them with their problems.Nurses (trainees) who were taught PSI on two modules were interviewed to find out the aids and barriers to using the PSI when they were working with patients on acute (admissions) wards.Most of the trainees found it difficult to use these new skills because of the pressure of time on acute wards.This article makes recommendations for more effective implementations of PSI in acute wards in the future.AbstractThis paper examines the aids and barriers to implementing the psychosocial interventions (PSI) which trainees learned on two teaching modules. The main purpose of the modules is to teach trainees PSI to help them be more effective in their care of patients with severe mental illness. The trainees were qualified nurses working in acute mental health wards in various London hospitals. PSI has been found to be helpful for patients with psychotic symptoms in community contexts. In this study, the implementation of PSI specific to acute inpatient mental health settings is explored. This was achieved by conducting semi‐structured audiotaped interviews with all 20 trainees from a single cohort. The data were analysed by categories and themes to elicit not only the problems but also helpful strategies which can be used when working with PSI in acute inpatient mental health settings. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for future good practice for this area of mental health service.