bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient perceived priorities between technical skills and interpersonal skills: their influence on correlates of patient satisfaction
Authors: Murakami Genki , Imanaka Yuichi , Kobuse Hiroe , Lee Jason , Goto Etsu 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives  The study objective was to elucidate the differences in factors related to overall patient satisfaction levels among subgroups based on whether patients placed higher priorities on technical or interpersonal skills of health care personnel.Methods  This questionnaire survey targeted 2341 patients discharged from five Japanese hospitals in 2007. Patients were grouped based on whether they prioritized technical or interpersonal skills by chi‐squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare and evaluate differences in various factors related to patient satisfaction among the subgroups.Results  Survey respondent rate was 55.7% (1305 patients). CHAID analysis showed that patients, in particular those warded in surgery departments, tended to place a higher value on technical skills, although paediatric and rehabilitation patients also placed a high value on interpersonal skills. While it has been shown that non‐surgical patients tended to prioritize interpersonal skills, our results revealed that patients warded in the surgery department who did not undergo operations still prioritized technical skills. These variation patterns among patient subgroups were further supported by regression analysis of overall patient satisfaction. In surgical patients, the 40‐ to 79‐year‐old subgroup regarded technical skills to be more important and the role of the doctor was found to be more associated with overall satisfaction. However, even among surgical patients, older patients placed higher values on interpersonal skills, and overall satisfaction was found to be more associated with health care professionals (besides doctors) and living arrangements.Conclusions  We conclude that differences in patient satisfaction levels could be influenced by different perspectives on prioritized skills.
The Australasian contribution to malaria vaccine development
Authors: REDMOND A. M. , DOOLAN D. L. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryMalaria remains a major threat to public health worldwide, despite intense research efforts spanning decades. Much of this work has been directed towards developing an effective malaria vaccine, and scientists from Australasia have made significant contributions to progress in this area. Herein, we review the research undertaken in Australasia and summarize some of the important roles that Australasian researchers have played in malaria vaccine development that has occurred outside the region.
Haim Munk syndrome and Papillon Lefevre syndrome – allelic mutations in cathepsin C with variation in phenotype
Authors: Rai Reena , Thiagarajan S. , Mohandas Soumya , Natarajan Karthika , Shanmuga Sekar C. , Ramalingam S. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPapillon–Lefevre syndrome and Haim Munk syndrome are palmoplantar keratodermas associated with premature periodontal destruction. The additional findings of Haim Munk Syndrome include onychogryphosis, arachnodactyly, acral osteolysis and pes planus. Both are associated with mutations in the lysosomal protease cathepsin C. We describe a patient with phenotype for Haim Munk Syndrome and genetic analysis revealed a homozygous point mutation in exon 1 of the gene encoding cathepsin C.
Osteosarcoma of the skin
Authors: Larsen Sangeetha , Davis Dawn Marie R. , Comfere Nneka I. , Folpe Andrew L. , Sciallis Gabriel F. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  Osteosarcoma is a common malignancy, although skin metastasis is rare. We sought to review the incidence, epidemiology, risk factors, and prognosis of osteosarcoma with skin involvement.Methods  We conducted a retrospective chart review that covered 30 years and involved clinic patients younger than 18 years who had cutaneous metastases of osteosarcoma. The main outcome measure was histologic documentation of both primary tumor and metastatic lesion in the skin.Results  Two patients were found to have osteosarcoma with skin involvement. No unifying factors were identified.Conclusions  Although osteosarcoma is a common malignancy with frequent metastases, involvement of the skin is rare. Further studies to identify risk factors and subsequent prognosis are necessary. Nevertheless, unidentifiable skin lesions in a patient with a history of osteosarcoma should be investigated to rule out tumor metastasis, regardless of cancer status.
Co‐infection of mucosal leishmaniasis and extra pulmonary tuberculosis in a patient with inherent immune deficiency
Authors: Rathnayake Deepani , Ranawake Ranthilaka R. , Sirimanna Ganga , Siriwardhane Yamuna , Karunaweera Nadeera , De Silva Rajiv 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  In Sri Lanka, cutaneous leishmaniasis is a well‐established disease caused by Leishmania donovani. Only a few cases of visceral disease and mucosal localization have been reported to date.Case report  A 52‐year‐old man presented with severe local destruction of his upper and lower lip and total destruction of the anterior nasal septum and was diagnosed with mucosal leishmaniasis. The causative organism was confirmed to be Leishmania donovani. In addition he had tuberculous lymphadenitis and inherent immune deficiency. His previous medical history was unremarkable. The patient was successfully treated with intramuscular sodium stibogluconate.Conclusion  The clinical picture and satisfactory treatment response to antimony are similar to mucosal leishmaniasis caused by L. donovani reported in India and Sudan and with the absence of primary skin lesions make it different from new world mucosal leishmaniasis. Even though leishmania and tuberculous co‐infection has been reported in association with HIV this has not been reported in inherent immune deficiency.
Leishmaniasis recidivans among school children in Bam, South‐east Iran, 1994–2006
Authors: Sharifi Iraj , Fekri Ali Reza , Aflatoonian Mohammad Reza , Khamesipour Ali , Mahboudi Fereidoun , Dowlati Yahya , Nadim Abolhassan , Modabber Farrokh 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  Leishmaniasis recidivans (LR) is a rare phenomenon in the world with high morbidity in children.Methods  Overall 22 838 school children were examined during 1994–2006. Diagnosis was performed by combination of methods as clinical appearance, direct smears, cultures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histology.Results  Ninety‐eight cases were diagnosed as LR with duration of lesions varying from 2 to 8 years and diameter of lesions 1–5 cm, yellowish‐brown appearance with papules around or in the scar. Most of the lesions (95%) were on the face. No amastigote was found in direct smears. Identification of nine random isolates by PCR confirmed all species to be L. tropica. Tissue sections showed typical granulomatous reactions with various inflammatory cells but no visible amastigote was seen.Conclusions  The presence of LR as an important cause of morbidity has future implications for treatment regimens and immunoprophylaxis.
Genetic homogeneity of mutational spectrum of group‐A xeroderma pigmentosum in Tunisian patients
Authors: Messaoud Olfa , Ben Rekaya Mariem , Cherif Wafa , Talmoudi Faten , Boussen Hammouda , Mokhtar Inçaf , Boubaker Samir , Amouri Ahlem , Abdelhak Sonia , Zghal Mohamed 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground Xeroderma Pigmentosum(XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cutaneous and ocular alterations. Eight genes,Xeroderma Pigmentosumgroup A (XPA)toXeroderma Pigmentosumgroup G (XPG)andXeroderma Pigmentosumgroup V (XPV), are known to be responsible for the disease and products of these genes are involved in the repair of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) lesions generated by UV radiation. Several XP patients suffer from neurological defects, found in the XPA (the most common form), D and G groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the mutational spectrum ofXPAin Tunisia, in order to propose a simple tool for molecular diagnosis.Methods This study was carried out on six unrelated families with nine Tunisian XPA patients. Clinical features were recorded. As a previous study showed the presence of the R228X mutation in Tunisia, patients were first screened for this mutation by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and then confirmed by direct sequencing.Results The results showed that all patients carried theXPAR228X mutation. This mutation corresponds to a C to T transition, which creates a premature stop codon at position 228, thus causing a DNA repair defect.Conclusions TheXPAR228X mutation is common in Tunisian population. This mutation is associated with a relatively moderate phenotype of the XPA. As all explored patients presented the recurrent mutationXPAR228X, a potential founder effect was searched and confirmed by haplotype analysis. Taking into account similar genetic background, investigation of this mutation should allow a cost effective and rapid diagnosis of XPA in north‐African populations.
Cardiac findings in Behçet’s patients
Authors: Heper Gulumser , Polat Mualla , Yetkin Ertan , Senen Kubilay 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBehçet’s disease is a chronic multi‐system inflammatory disorder and the severity and clinical manifestations of Behçet’s patients may show geographic variation. We aimed to detect the cardiac findings in 30 Behçet’s patients and compare them with the normal population (n = 29). We used color‐doppler echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography in combination. We calculated manually QT intervals and QT dispersion (QTd) from twelve‐lead ECG recordings. There was no E/A inversion and coronary ischemia in all patients or control group. The E velocity difference between groups was not significant. The mean A velocity was significantly lower in Behçet’s patients than normal group. The mean DT was 154.4 ± 5.8 msec in Behçet’s patients and 122.59 ± 0.96 msec in control group (P < 0.0001). The mean IVRT was 75.66 ± 1.36 msec in Behçet’s patients and 69.1 ± 0.55 msec in control group (P < 0.0001). There was no QTc time difference between the Behçet’s patients and the control group. The mean QT dispersion (QTd) interval was 45.46 ± 2.65 msec in Behçet’s patients and 31.83 ± 1.23 msec in control group (P < 0.0001). Atrial septal aneurysm, mitral valve prolapse and insufficiency, tricuspid valve insufficieny, and pulmonary hypertension frequencies in Behçet’s patients were significantly higher than in the control group. We concluded that Behçet’s cardiac involvement may effect cardiac structure and cause diastolic dysfunction, electrical instability and structural abnormalities. We also concluded that cardiac involvement in Behçet’s disease may be specific for this geographic area.
Analysis of clinical and molecular characteristics of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome in 24 patients from 23 unrelated Chinese families
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Yong , Xiao Hui‐Qin , Jiang Li‐Ping , Zhou Yu , Zhao Qin , Yu Jie , Liu Wei , Yang Xi‐Qiang , Zhao Xiao‐Dong 
Published: April 2010

Zhang Z‐Y, Xiao H‐Q, Jiang L‐P, Zhou Y, Zhao Q, Yu J, Liu W, Yang X‐Q, Zhao X‐D. Analysis of clinical and molecular characteristics of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome in 24 patients from 23 unrelated Chinese families. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 522–532. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/SThe clinical data of 24 children with Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) from 23 unrelated Chinese families were reviewed in the present study. WAS protein (WASP) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was examined by flow cytometry (FCM); WASP gene was amplified by PCR and directly sequenced to analyze mutations in the WASP gene in patients and their female relatives. FCM analysis of 21 patients showed that 18 cases were WASP‐negative, and three had partially WASP expression. WASP gene analysis revealed mutations in 23 patients, including five missense mutations, four nonsense mutations, four deletion mutations, three insertion mutations, six splice site mutations, and one complex mutation, among which, 20 unique mutations were detected, including seven novel mutations (168 C>A, 747–748del T, 793–797del C, 1185 ins C, Dup 1251–1267, 1277 insA and 1266 C>G; 1267–1269del C). Five WAS children underwent stem cell transplantation. After 2 months of transplantation, WASP expression was restored to normal in all five patients whereas one patient died of cytomegalovirus‐induced interstitial lung disease. WASP gene analysis can make a definite diagnosis of WAS and identify mutation carriers, beneficial for timely treatment and genetic counseling for children with WAS.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in a child treated with oral fluconazole
Authors: Sklavos Angelo V , Walls Tony , Webber Murray T , Watson Alan B 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTWe report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a 3‐year‐old West African girl with a 3‐month history of multiple disfiguring, infiltrated, ulcerating and variably necrotic granulomatous plaques on the limbs and face that occurred after swimming in a river approximately 6 weeks before arriving in Australia. A diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a protozoal zoonosis usually transmitted by the Phlebotomus species of sandfly, was considered. The clinico‐pathological features were consistent with Leishmania major infection, known to be the major endemic species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the country of origin. Because of the presence of lesions on the face, active treatment was instituted. Continuing resolution of all lesions over 6 weeks was noted to occur with cribiform scarring with the use of oral fluconazole 150 mg daily. Oral fluconazole appears to be emerging as a therapy for uncomplicated cutaneous leishmaniasis, with advantages particularly important in paediatrics.
Antithrombotic management of ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack in China: A consecutive cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Wang Yi‐Long , Wu Di , Nguyen‐Huynh Mai N , Zhou Yong , Wang Chun‐Xue , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Liao Xiao‐Ling , Liu Li‐Ping , Wang Yong‐Jun ,   for The Prevention of Recurrences of Stroke Study in China (PRESS‐China) Investigators
Published: April 2010

Summary1. Little is known about the prevention of secondary stroke in China. In the present study, we assessed the status of antithrombotic management of stroke patients in clinics across China.2. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 19 urban neurological clinics. All subjects diagnosed with ischaemic stroke (IS) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) were enrolled consecutively in the study. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted by research assistants using questionnaires on the day of enrolment. The data recorded included demographic and clinical characteristics, medication and reasons for not using medication. Independent predictors for the prescription of antiplatelet drugs were determined using multivariate logistic regression models.3. Of the 2283 patients with IS or TIA enrolled in the study (34.7% women; mean ( ± SD) age 65.8 ± 11.6 years), 1719 (75.3%) had a prescription for antiplatelet therapy. Of the 108 patients with atrial fibrillation, only 14 (13.0%) were receiving warfarin therapy. The main independent factors significantly associated with being on antiplatelet therapy were having basic health insurance (odds ratio (OR) 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.99), government insurance and labour insurance (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.03–2.59) and a monthly income of > 500 yuan (US$66.70; OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.51–3.03). Being older (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.50–0.99) and having a severe disability (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.49–0.97) were associated with lower odds of receiving antiplatelet therapy.4. Based on the survey results, adherence to guidelines for antithrombotic management in neurological clinics in China is poor. The main reasons contributing to the less than optimal management of stroke patients include negative attitudes among neurologists, a lack of medical insurance, a lower income and being elderly and/or severely disabled.
Isoliquiritigenin, a natural anti‐oxidant, selectively inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Yeung Eddie D , Wang Jingying , Panzhinskiy Evgeniy E , Tong Chao , Li Wenguang , Li Ji 
Published: April 2010

Summary1. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a simple chalcone‐type flavonoid derived from liquorice compounds. It has been reported to have anti‐oxidative and antitumour activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumour effect of ISL on prostate cancer cells and to explore the possible signalling mechanisms involved.2. Cell viability was assessed using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The fluorescent probe 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF‐DA) was used to measure intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm) was measured using the mitochondrial probe 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′,3,3′‐tetraethyl‐benzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC‐1).3. Isoliquiritigenin treatment (10–100 μmol/L for 24 h) markedly inhibited the proliferation of both C4‐2 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Intriguingly, ISL treatment (10–100 μmol/L for 24 h) had no effect on the viability of IEC‐6 normal epithelial cells. Treatment of C4‐2 and IEC‐6 cells with 87.0 μmol/L ISL significantly decreased ROS levels and the Ψm of C4‐2 cells, but had no effect on either parameter in IEC‐6 cells. Furthermore, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and extracellular‐signal regulated kinase (ERK) levels were three to fourfold higher in IEC‐6 cells than in C4‐2 cells (P < 0.05).4. The results of the present study suggest that ISL, a natural anti‐oxidant, selectively inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer C4‐2 cells, which may be attributed, in part, to defective AMPK and ERK signalling pathways in C4‐2 compared with IEC‐6 cells.
Functional impact of the hyperpolarization‐activated current on the excitability of myelinated A‐type vagal afferent neurons in the rat
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Hong , Sun Li‐Hua , Liu Zhen‐Hong , Bu Guixue , Pang Xiao‐Ping , Sun Shi‐Chao , Qiao Guo‐Fen , Li Bai‐Yan , Schild John H 
Published: April 2010

Summary1. The hyperpolarization‐induced, cation‐selective current Ih is widely observed in peripheral sensory neurons of the vagal and dorsal root ganglia, but the peak magnitude and voltage‐ and time‐dependent properties of this current vary widely across afferent fibre type.2. Using patch clamp investigations of rat isolated vagal ganglion neurons (VGN) identified as myelinated A‐type afferents, we established a compendium of functional correlates between changes in membrane potential and the dynamic discharge properties of these sensory neurons as a result of the controlled recruitment of Ih using the current clamp technique.3. Two robust reponses were observed in response to hyperpolarizing step currents: (i) upon initiation of the negative step current, there was a rapid hyperpolarization of membrane potential followed by a depolarizing voltage sag (DVS) towards a plateau in membrane potential as a result of steady state recruitment of Ih; and (ii) upon termination of the negative step current, there was a rapid return to the pretest resting membrane potential that often led to spontaneous action potential discharge. These data were strongly correlated (r2 > 0.9) with a broad compendium of dynamic discharge characteristics in these A‐type VGN.4. In response to depolarizing step currents of increasing magnitude, the discharge frequency of the A‐type VGN responded with increases in the rate of sustained repetitive discharge. Upon termination of the depolarizing step current, there was a post‐excitatory membrane hyperpolarization of a magnitude that was strongly correlated with action potential discharge rate (r2 > 0.9).5. Application of the selective hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channel blockers ZD7288 (10 μmol/L) or CsCl (1.0 mmol/L) abolished Ih and all of the aforementioned functional correlates. In addition to reducing the excitability of the A‐type VGN to step depolarizing currents.6. Because there is increasing evidence that the HCN channel current may represent a valid target for pharmacological intervention, the quantitative relationships described in the present study could potentially help guide the molecular and/or chemical modification of HCN channel gating properties to effect a particular outcome in VGN discharge properties, ideally well beyond merely selective blockade of a particular HCN channel subtype.
Leucocyte apoptosis in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Tsai Nai‐Wen , Chang Wen‐Neng , Shaw Chen‐Fu , Jan Chung‐Ren , Lu Cheng‐Hsien 
Published: April 2010

Summary1. Inflammation and activated leucocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of acute ischaemic stroke. Leucocyte apoptosis is critical for the efficient resolution of inflammation. Little is known about the correlation between leucocyte apoptosis and acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of leucocyte apoptosis in patients with AIS.2. Serial changes in leucocyte apoptosis and the apoptosis of leucocyte subsets (i.e. neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes), as determined by flow cytometry, were examined prospectively at various time‐points in 50 patients with AIS and 50 controls using the APO 2.7 antibody.3. Leucocyte apoptosis and the apoptosis of leucocyte subsets were significantly lower in stroke patients than in the control group (P < 0.01). The percentage apoptosis of total leucocytes and neutrophils was significantly lower in the group with large‐artery disease than in the group with small‐atery disease (P < 0.01). Leucocyte apoptosis was lowest during the acute stage of ischaemic stroke and increased thereafter.4. Leucocyte apoptosis may reflect the inflammatory status after AIS. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying leucocyte apoptosis in ischaemic stroke may lead to the development of new strategies to improve the outcome for stroke patients.
Developmental changes in the geometry, function and responsiveness of the mouse heart to β‐adrenergic stimulation as determined by high‐resolution echocardiography
Authors: Xiao Han , Zhang You‐Yi , Du Xiao‐Jun , Lu Zhi‐Zhen 
Published: April 2010

Summary1. The mouse is the preferred species for gene targeting as a tool for research into the heart and heart development. The developmental features of the geometry and function of the heart in young mice are not well defined and cardiac functional responses following stimulation of β‐adrenoceptors have not been investigated.2. Using the VisualSonic (Toronto, ON, Canada) high‐resolution ultrasound system, we investigated male C57BL/6 mice at 0.5–18 weeks of age. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and repeated after administration of the β‐adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol (4 μg/kg).3. The geometry of the left ventricle became mature 2 weeks after birth. A significant decline in left ventricular contractile function occurred at 2–3 weeks of age.4. Inotropic and chronotropic responses to isoproterenol were significantly weaker in mice at a weaning age < 2 weeks compared with adult mice (heart rate increment 3 ± 3% vs 32 ± 4%, respectively; fractional shortening increment 19 ± 5% vs 78 ± 8%, respectively;P < 0.001).5. In conclusion, significant changes occur in mice from birth until weaning with respect to the topography, function and β‐adrenoceptor responsiveness of the heart. The results of the present study provide a reference point for future studies in genotyping cardiac function during the postnatal phase in genetically engineered mice.