bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical darkening and removal of pink tattoo ink
Authors: Kirby William , Kaur Ravneet Ruby , Desai Alpesh 
Published: June 2010

SummaryIt is widely accepted that Q‐switched lasers are the gold‐standard treatment for the resolution of unwanted tattoo ink. Although much safer than other tattoo removal modalities, the treatment of tattoo ink with Q‐switched devices may be associated with long‐term adverse effects including undesired pigmentary alterations such as tattoo ink darkening. Darkening of tattoo ink is most often reported in cosmetic, flesh‐toned, white, peach, and pink tattoos. In this paper, we briefly review a case of pink tattoo ink that initially darkened paradoxically but eventually resolved with continued Q‐switched laser treatments.
Synergistic action of a triple peptide complex on an essential extra‐cellular matrix protein exhibits significant anti‐aging benefits
Authors: Byrne Adam John , Al‐Bader Tamara , Kerrigan Deirdre , Hickey Sinead , Laloeuf Aurelie , Rawlings Anthony Vincent 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBasement membranes are thin structures present in the extracellular matrix that provide a supporting framework on which epithelial and endothelial cells reside. Type IV collagen is present ubiquitously in all basement membranes and plays an important role in cell adhesion, migration differentiation, and growth. These are especially important at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) in skin. A reduction in the levels of DEJ proteins occurs in photodamaged skin and especially Type IV collagen at the base of a wrinkle. In these studies, the ability of a triple peptide complex (TPC) to stimulate the production of collagen IV in human skin fibroblasts and its effects on photoaged skin was investigated. Fibroblasts, matured to represent “aged” cells, were stimulated for 72 h with the TPC as well as the three individual peptides constituting the complex, and collagen IV production by the fibroblasts was determined immunochemically. The results show that stimulation with the individual peptides at doses found in 1% (v/v) of the TPC did not result in soluble collagen IV production above levels detected by the non‐stimulated cells. However, after stimulation with 1% (v/v) of the TPC, collagen IV was produced by the cells (1.4 ng/ng total protein ± 0.4 SD, n = 5) when compared to control un‐stimulated cells (0.32 ng/ng total protein ± 0.1 SD, n = 5). This indicates that the combination of the individual peptides is necessary to synergistically stimulate collagen IV production. These findings suggest that the TPC could play a role in the strengthening of the DEJ through its ability to produce collagen IV. In order to determine whether these results translated into significant effects in vivo, we performed two studies. In the first four‐week study, a double blind, placebo‐controlled and fully randomized clinical study on 22 healthy Caucasian volunteers displaying moderate periorbital wrinkles, a significant reduction in wrinkle parameters determined by profilometry was observed over the 4‐week period in comparison to the placebo. This result was reproduced in a 12‐week monadic study which also showed improvements in expertly graded wrinkle scores. Collectively, these results effectively demonstrate the anti‐aging applications of the TPC.
Barbed sutures “lunch time” lifting: evidence‐based efficacy
Authors: Atiyeh Bishara S , Dibo Saad A , Costagliola Michel , Hayek Shady N 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThere is a growing trend nowadays for patients to seek the least invasive treatments possible with less risk of complications and downtime to correct rhytides and ptosis characteristic of aging. Nonsurgical face and neck rejuvenation has been attempted with various types of interventions. Suture suspension of the face, although not a new idea, has gained prominence with the advent of the so called “lunch‐time” face‐lift. Although some have embraced this technique, many more express doubts about its safety and efficacy limiting its widespread adoption. The present review aims to evaluate several clinical parameters pertaining to thread suspensions such as longevity of results of various types of polypropylene barbed sutures, their clinical efficacy and safety, and the risk of serious adverse events associated with such sutures. Early results of barbed suture suspension remain inconclusive. Adverse events do occur though mostly minor, self‐limited, and of short duration. Less clear are the data on the extent of the peak correction and the longevity of effect, and the long‐term effects of the sutures themselves. The popularity of barbed suture lifting has waned for the time being. Certainly, it should not be presented as an alternative to a face‐lift.
When is a haircut medically necessary?
Authors: Efron Melissa , Reichenberg Jason , Magid Michelle 
Published: June 2010

SummaryWe present the case of a psychotic female, admitted to our inpatient psychiatric facility, who had not cut her hair for over 20 years based on her religious beliefs. In this report, we discuss her case, evaluate whether or not it was medically necessary to cut her hair, and review several widely accepted religious practices regarding the cutting of hair.
The frequency of polycystic ovary syndrome in females with resistant acne vulgaris
Authors: Maluki Azar Hadi 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground  Acne vulgaris in females may be resistant to treatment in spite of topical and systemic therapy for a sufficient period. In this condition, acne may be a manifestation of underlying endocrine conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Objective  To evaluate the frequency of PCOS in females with resistant acne vulgaris.Patients and methods  This case‐controlled study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology in The Teaching Hospital in Al‐Najaf during the period from October 2007 to November 2008. One hundred and twenty‐three female patients with resistant acne vulgaris were included in this study. One hundred and twenty‐three women, age‐matched, without acne were enrolled as a control group. Detailed history, clinical examination, abdominal ultrasound study, and hormonal assays were obtained for the patients and the control group.Results  One hundred and twenty‐three females with resistant acne were included; their ages ranged from 17 to 40 years with a mean of 25.016 ± 6.041 (SD). One hundred and twenty‐three control women without acne were enrolled; their ages ranged from 17–40 years with a mean of 26.014 ± 6.251 (SD). The patients and the control group are age‐matched (P = 0.192). It was found that 63 patients (51.2%) with resistant acne have PCOS in comparison to only eight control women (6.2%). The difference is highly significant.Conclusion  Polycystic ovary syndrome is an important contributing factor in females with resistant acne vulgaris.
Predictors of the intima‐media thickness of carotid artery in asymptomatic newly detected severe hypercholesterolemic patients
Authors: Vladimirova‐Kitova L. , Deneva T. , Marinov B. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground:  Data about predictors of intima‐media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery (CCA) in asymptomatic subjects with newly detected severe hypercholesterolemia is scarce.Aim:  This research is aimed at studying the predictors of the IMT of CCA among basic atherogenic risk biomarkers – lipid [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, Apolipoprotein‐B, Apolipoprotein‐Ai, Apolipoprotein‐B/A1 index] and non‐lipid, [asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), total homocysteine, cell adhesion molecules] in asymptomatic subjects with newly detected severe hypercholesterolemia.Methods:  Two hundred and fifty asymptomatic patients with severe, newly hypercholesterolemia and 200 controls were evaluated. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as TC > 7·5 mm and LDL cholesterol > 4·9 mm. The ADMA and cell adhesion molecules were determined by ELISA and total homocysteine by high‐performance liquid chromatography.Results:  There was significant difference between the two groups in respect to all lipid biomarkers (P<0·001). Hypercholesterolemic patients had significantly higher level of ADMA, sVCAM‐1, sICAM‐1, IMT (P<0·001), whereas no significant difference was found between two groups with respect to total homocysteine, P‐selectin and E‐selectin (P>0·05). A strong positive correlation between IMT mean and age (rxy = 0·714; P<0·001), Apolipoprotein‐B (rxy = 0·706; rxy < 0·001), Apolipoprotein‐B/A1 (rxy = 0·324; P<0·001), ADMA (rxy = 0·603; P<0·001) was found. The subsequent linear and multiple regression analysis selected age and Apolipoprotein‐B as most significant factors in relation to IMT mean. Apolipoprotein‐B is a better factor for assessment of risk, as LDL cholesterol underestimates the risk in asymptomatic subjects with newly detected severe hypercholesterolemia, until more rapid and feasible methods for measurement of small and dense LDL are available.
Declining Fertility and the Use of Cesarean Delivery: Evidence from a Population‐Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Ma Ke‐Zong M. , Norton Edward C. , Lee Shoou‐Yih D. 
Published: June 2010

Objective. To test the hypothesis that declining fertility would affect the number of cesarean sections (c‐sections) on maternal demand, but not medically indicated c‐sections.Data Sources. The 1996–2004 National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan for all singleton deliveries.Study Design. Retrospective population‐based, longitudinal study. Estimation was performed using multinomial probit models.Principal Findings. Results revealed that declining fertility had a significant positive effect on the probability of having a c‐section on maternal request but not medically indicated c‐section.Conclusions. Our findings offer a precautionary note to countries experiencing a fertility decline. Policies to contain the rise of c‐sections should understand the role of women's preferences, especially regarding cesarean deliveries on maternal request.
Troglitazone induces cytotoxicity in part by promoting the degradation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ co‐activator‐1α protein
Authors: Liao Xuemei , Wang Yanfei , Wong Chi‐Wai 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Troglitazone (Tro), rosiglitazone (Rosi) and pioglitazone (Pio) are anti‐diabetic thiazolidinediones that function as ligands for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ); however, Tro has been withdrawn from the market due to liver toxicity issues. Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Tro has been suggested to be an important mechanism behind its cytotoxicity. Constitutively active nuclear hormone receptors, oestrogen‐related receptor α and γ are thought to regulate mitochondrial mass and oxidative phosphorylation together with their co‐activators PPARγ co‐activator‐1α and ‐1β (PGC‐1α and PGC‐1β). Hence, in this study, we investigated whether Tro affects the expression and activity levels of these regulators.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cellular viability was measured by an ATP‐based assay. Mitochondrial mass and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified by two different fluorogenic probes. Apoptosis was measured by an Annexin‐V‐based kit. Gene expression at the levels of mRNA and protein was measured by quantitative RT‐PCR and Western analysis. Over‐expression of PGC‐1α was mediated by an adenovirus.KEY RESULTS Tro, but not Rosi or Pio, selectively stimulated PGC‐1α protein degradation. As a result, Tro reduced mitochondrial mass, and superoxide dismutases 1 and 2 expressions, but induced ROS to initiate apoptosis. Using a ubiquitin–proteasome inhibitor MG132, it was established that blocking PGC‐1α degradation partially suppressed the reduction of mitochondrial mass. Importantly, over‐expressing PGC‐1α partially restored the Tro‐suppressed mitochondrial mass and attenuated the cytotoxic effects of Tro.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Collectively, these results suggest that PGC‐1α degradation is an important mechanism behind the cytotoxic effects of Tro in the liver.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) activate mast cells
Authors: Sick E , Brehin S , André P , Coupin G , Landry Y , Takeda K , Gies JP 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAdvanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) represent one of the many types of chemical modifications that occur with age in long‐lived proteins. AGEs also accumulate in pathologies such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. Mast cells are major effectors of acute inflammatory responses that also contribute to the progression of chronic diseases. Here we investigated interactions between AGEs and mast cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHESHistamine secretion from AGEs‐stimulated mast cells was measured. Involvement of a receptor for AGEs, RAGE, was assessed by PCR, immunostaining and use of inhibitors of RAGE. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines was measured.KEY RESULTSAdvanced glycation endproducts dose‐dependently induced mast cell exocytosis with maximal effects being obtained within 20 s. RAGE mRNA was detected and intact cells were immunostained by a specific anti‐RAGE monoclonal antibody. AGEs‐induced exocytosis was inhibited by an anti‐RAGE antibody and by low molecular weight heparin, a known RAGE antagonist. RAGE expression levels were unaltered after 3 h treatment with AGEs. AGE‐RAGE signalling in mast cells involvesPertussistoxin‐sensitive Gi‐proteins and intracellular Ca2+increases as pretreatment withPertussistoxin, caffeine, 2‐APB and BAPTA‐AM inhibited AGE‐induced exocytosis. AGEs also rapidly stimulated ROS production. After 6 h treatment with AGEs, the pattern of cytokine secretion was unaltered compared with controls.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSAdvanced glycation endproducts activated mast cells and may contribute to a vicious cycle involving generation of ROS, increased formation of AGEs, activation of RAGE and to the increased low‐grade inflammation typical of chronic diseases.
Quercetin potentiates insulin secretion and protects INS‐1 pancreatic β‐cells against oxidative damage via the ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Youl E , Bardy G , Magous R , Cros G , Sejalon F , Virsolvy A , Richard S , Quignard JF , Gross R , Petit P , Bataille D , Oiry C 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Quercetin lowers plasma glucose, normalizes glucose tolerance tests and preserves pancreatic β‐cell integrity in diabetic rats. However, its mechanism of action has never been explored in insulin‐secreting β‐cells. Using the INS‐1 β‐cell line, the effects of quercetin were determined on glucose‐ or glibenclamide‐induced insulin secretion and on β‐cell dysfunctions induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These effects were analysed along with the activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway. N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) and resveratrol, two antioxidants also known to exhibit some anti‐diabetic properties, were used for comparison.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Insulin release was quantified by the homogeneous time resolved fluorescence method and ERK1/2 activation tested by Western blot experiments. Cell viability was estimated by the [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) colorimetric assay.KEY RESULTS Quercetin (20 µmol·L−1) potentiated both glucose (8.3 mmol·L−1)‐ and glibenclamide (0.01 µmol·L−1)‐induced insulin secretion and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The ERK1/2 (but not the protein kinase A) signalling pathway played a crucial role in the potentiation of glucose‐induced insulin secretion by quercetin. In addition, quercetin (20 µmol·L−1), protected β‐cell function and viability against oxidative damage induced by 50 µmol·L−1 H2O2 and induced a major phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In the same conditions, resveratrol or NAC were ineffective.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Quercetin potentiated glucose and glibenclamide‐induced insulin secretion and protected β‐cells against oxidative damage. Our study suggested that ERK1/2 played a major role in those effects. The potential of quercetin in preventing β‐cell dysfunction associated with diabetes deserves further investigation.
Territory and Power: Critiques and Reassessments of a Classic Work
Authors: Bradbury Jonathan , John Peter 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis introduction to the special issue provides an exploration of the scholarly analysis of Jim Bulpitt's Territory and Power in the United Kingdom: An Interpretation. It first addresses the principal theoretical concerns and the historical interpretation that Bulpitt pursued in Territory and Power. It discusses the main lines of criticism that have been laid against the book and how in turn these have been rebutted. The article then assesses how the contributions made in this special issue provide fresh reflection on the book's contribution to the study of UK and comparative politics before suggesting how Territory and Power could shape the agenda of future research.
The Strange Death of Unionist Scotland
Authors: Keating Michael 
Published: June 2010

AbstractJim Bulpitt understood the UK as an eminently political creation, emphasizing the role of elites in managing diversity. He can be criticized for underplaying the ideology of union, for dismissing Labour unionism and for an excessively central and Tory perspective. His insights, however, remain useful in analysing the current collapse of unionism, if not of the Union itself. His key concept of central autonomy explains why current neo-unionist efforts to forge Britishness are unlikely to succeed, since they imply a stronger territorial articulation of the state itself.
Bulpitt in America: Presidential Approaches, Territorial Politics and the Field of Urban Policy
Authors: Savitch H. V. , Osgood Jeffery L. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis article examines Jim Bulpitt's seminal work on UK territorial politics within the American context. We approach territorial politics by examining the ebbs and flows of American urban policy during the period 1964 to 2008. In doing so, our analysis explores changes in presidential approaches towards urban policy, and thus center–periphery relations, based on the outcomes of electoral politics. We find that conditions specific to the USA cause American territorial politics to be continually fluid, often erratic and highly differentiated by party affiliation.
Suboccipital Nerve Blocks for Suppression of Chronic Migraine: Safety, Efficacy, and Predictors of Outcome
Authors: Weibelt Silvia , Andress‐Rothrock Diane , King Wesley , Rothrock John 
Published: June 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1041‐1044)Background.— Approximately 1 in 50 Americans is afflicted by chronic migraine (CM). Many patients with CM describe cervicogenic headache. Options for treating CM effectively are at present quite limited.Objective.— To determine the safety and efficacy of occipital nerve blocks (ONBs) used to treat cervicogenic chronic migraine (CCM) and to identify variables predictive of a positive treatment response.Methods.— Using a uniform dose and injection paradigm, we performed ONBs consecutively on a series of patients presenting with CCM. Patients were stratified according to specific findings found to be present or absent on physical examination. A positive treatment outcome was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in headache days per month over the 30 days following treatment relative to the 30‐day pre‐treatment baseline. We used a 5‐point Likert scale as one of the secondary outcome variables.Results.— We treated 150 consecutive patients with unilateral (37) or bilateral (113) ONBs. At the 1‐month follow‐up visit 78 (52%) exhibited evidence of a positive treatment response according to the primary outcome variable, and 90 (60%) reported their headache disorder to be “better” (44; 29%) or “much better” (46; 30%). A total of 8 (5%) patients reported adverse events within the ensuing 72 hours, and 3 (2%) experienced adverse events that reversed spontaneously but required emergent evaluation and management.Conclusion.— For suppression of CCM, ONBs may offer an attractive alternative to orally administered prophylactic therapy.
Chronic Migraine With Medication Overuse Pre–Post Withdrawal of Symptomatic Medication: Clinical Results and fMRI Correlations
Authors: Grazzi Licia , Chiapparini Luisa , Ferraro Stefania , Usai Susanna , Andrasik Frank , Mandelli Maria Luisa , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Bussone Gennaro 
Published: June 2010

(Headache 2010;50:998‐1004)Background.— Chronic migraine with symptomatic medication overuse (CMwMO) is a common and often debilitating clinical condition. Withdrawal of the offending drug(s) is considered the first step in management. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may be a useful technique for obtaining information on particular neuronal changes in the pain network involved in this condition.Objective.— To identify specific fMRI patterns in patients suffering from CMwMO before and after withdrawal intervention.Methods.— We collected fMRI data from a group of patients suffering from CMwMO, evaluating those patients prior to and 6 months following withdrawal. We applied stimuli at sites far removed from where the headaches were experienced. Moreover, pre‐intervention fMRI data from the headache patients were compared with those obtained from headache‐free and otherwise healthy controls.Results.— Before withdrawal, the right supramarginal gyrus, the right inferior and superior parietal cortex were hypoactive. Activity recovered to almost normal 6 months after withdrawal of the offending medications.Conclusions.— The hypoactivation we detected in the lateral pain system indicate that there exists a modification of the pain network in CMwMO and that these changes are reversible with therapy.
Heart Failure and Incident Late‐Life Depression
Authors: Luijendijk Hendrika J. , Tiemeier Henning , van den Berg Julia F. , Bleumink Gysèle S. , Hofman Albert , Stricker Bruno H.C. 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether heart failure (HF) increases the risk of developing depression and whether the use of loop diuretics in persons with HF alters this risk.DESIGN: Population‐based cohort study between 1993 and 2005.SETTING: Ommoord, a district of Rotterdam, the Netherlands.PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand ninety‐five older adults free of depression at baseline.MEASUREMENTS: Detailed information on HF and depression was collected during examination rounds and through continuous monitoring of medical and pharmaceutical records. HF was defined according to the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology. Depressive episodes were categorized as clinically relevant depressive symptoms and depressive syndromes, including major depressive disorders defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression.RESULTS: HF was associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms and syndromes (HR=1.41, 95% CI=1.03–1.94) and depressive syndromes only (HR=1.66, 95% CI=1.09–2.52). In participants with HF, the use of loop diuretics was associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms and syndromes (HR=0.46, 95% CI=0.22–0.96) and depressive syndromes only (HR=0.41, 95% CI=0.16–1.00).CONCLUSION: HF is an independent risk factor for incident depression in elderly persons. Patient with HF require careful follow‐up to monitor and prevent the onset of depression. Effective treatment of the debilitating symptoms of HF may prevent depression.