bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma a new dermatosis? Two case reports and Chinese literature review
Authors: Fan Yi‐Ming , Li Shun‐Fan , Yang Yan‐Ping , Chen Qiu‐Xia , Li Wen 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  A series of cases characterized by symmetrical acral hyperkeratosis, mainly involving the dorsal surface of the hands, feet, and wrists, but sparing the palmoplantar areas, as well as rapid immersion upon exposure to water have been recently described in China, but similar disorders have not been reported in the English literature.Methods  The clinicopathologic features of two cases of acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma were reported and 27 Chinese patients were reviewed.Results  The disorder typically occurred in young or middle aged men. Brown to black hyperkeratotic patches were symmetrically distributed particularly on the wrists and dorsum of hands, fingers, and feet, but without involvement of palms and soles. The lesions became whitish with mild swelling immediately after contact with water and improved generally in winter. Histopathologic examination revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and papillomatous hyperplasia, as well as superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Main ultrastructural features of the immersed lesion were epidermal hyperkeratosis and spongiosis with partial split of the desmosomes.Conclusion  This disorder may be a new dermatosis, and the term “acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma” could exactly reflect its clinicopathologic characteristics.
Beta defensin‐1 gene (DEFB1) polymorphisms are not associated with atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents from northeast Brazil (Recife, Pernambuco)
Authors: Segat Ludovica , Guimarães Rafael L. , Brandão Lucas A. C. , Rocha Cintia R. C. , Zanin Valentina , Trevisiol Chiara , De Lima Filho José Luiz , Crovella Sergio 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease resulting from the interplay between environmental, immunological and genetic factors. In our study, we investigated the role of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 5′‐UTR of DEFB1 gene, encoding for the human beta defensin‐1, on the susceptibility to develop AD in a group of Brazilian children and adolescents.Methods  Three SNPs, −20 G/A (rs11362), −44 C/G (rs1800972), and −52 G/A (rs1799946) at 5′‐UTR of DEFB1 gene were genotyped in two groups of children and adolescents, one affected by AD (96 subjects), the other healthy (191 individuals), from northeast Brazil.Results  −44 C/G frequencies were comparable between the two groups. The −20 GG genotype was more frequent in AD subjects than in healthy controls; the −52 GG, conversely, was more frequent in healthy controls than in AD. However, both these differences did not reach statistical significance. Also, association between SNPs and AD severity has been shown. The analysis of DEFB1 haplotypes did not highlight any association of the three SNPs with AD development or disease severity.Conclusions  Our results seem to exclude a role for the −44 C/G DEFB1 SNPs on the pathogenesis and severity of AD, while for the −20 C/G and −52 G/A, even if not statistically significant, we evidenced a slight trend for susceptibility (−20 GG) and protection (−52 GG) for the development of AD. However, as controversial findings have been reported in the literature, the role of DEFB1 in the development of AD and in the severity of the phenotype deserves further investigation.
Subcutaneous cysticercosis diagnosed by mitochondrial DNA analysis
Authors: Shih Yi‐Chin , Chen Chien‐Ming , Huang Yu‐Huei , Liao Chein‐Wei , Fan Chia‐Kwung , Yang Chih‐Hsun 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Cysticercosis is caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Central nervous system, eyes, skeletal muscle, and subcutaneous tissue are the most frequent sites of involvement.Methods  We report a case of subcutaneous larval cestode where no diagnostic histological features such as scolex or bladder wall can be seen on serial sections. Identification of the pathogen was attempted using mitochondrial DNA analysis of the histopathologic specimen.Results  Analysis of PCR‐amplified DNA sequences targeting T. solium mitochondrial cox1 gene and cob gene confirmed the diagnosis.Conclusions  When characteristic morphology is absent in histopathology specimen, mitochondrial DNA diagnosis is a powerful tool for a definitive diagnosis of cysticercosis. The DNA diagnosis using such histopathologic specimens would also be applicable for identification of other parasites as extensive DNA sequence data are currently available.
Intractable genital ulcers from herpes simplex virus reactivation in drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome caused by allopurinol
Authors: Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Fujimoto Manabu , Enokido Yuri , Wayaku Takamasa , Kaji Kenzo , Echigo Takeshi , Takehara Kazuhiko 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe adverse systemic reaction. Reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV) family members other than HHV‐6 has been reported in patients with DIHS. Reactivation of HHV family members is generally characterized by increased serum antibody titers against the virus. By contrast, clinical symptoms caused by viral reactivation are relatively rare.Method  We report a case of DIHS with intractable genital ulcers from reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in accordance with reactivation of HHV‐6 and cytomegalovirus (CMV).Result  Twenty‐two days after the onset of the rash, the patient developed intractable genital ulcers that were resistant to treatment. Histological examination of the ulcers revealed necrotic degeneration in the epidermal cells, with giant cells containing inclusion bodies and marked lymphocytic infiltration in the upper dermis. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies reactive to HSV or CMV showed that these giant cells were positive for HSV but negative for CMV.Conclusion  Genital herpes is a common skin disease. However, our case was considered to be a DIHS‐associated symptom, not an accidental complication, as the symptoms were severe and resistant to treatment.
Pancreas and kidney transplantation: long‐term endocrine function
Authors: Mora Mireia , Ricart María José , Casamitjana Roser , Astudillo Emiliano , López Irela , Jiménez Amanda , Fernández‐Cruz Laureano , Esmatjes Enric 
Published: June 2010

Mora M, Ricart MJ, Casamitjana R, Astudillo E, López I, Jiménez A, Fernández‐Cruz L, Esmatjes E. Pancreas and kidney transplantation: long‐term endocrine function.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E236–E240. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Objective: To describe the characteristics of metabolic control and beta‐cell function in the long‐term follow‐up of patients with type‐1 diabetes (T1D) who have undergone pancreas and kidney transplantation (PKTx).Patients and methods: Twelve patients (eight males/four females) with normal pancreas and kidney graft function for more than 15 yr were included. Patient age at the time of transplantation was 35.8 ± 6.9, with a duration of diabetes of 19.0 ± 4.6 yr and time on dialysis of 18.7 ± 12.4 months. In all the cases, bladder derivation was performed to drain exocrine secretion, with subsequent conversion to the intestinal tract in 42% of the patients. The functional evaluation was made at one, five, 10, and 15 yr after PKTx determining: glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), measuring insulinemia, and anti‐GAD antibody.Results: Comparing the results between one and 15 yr after transplantation: (i) no differences were observed in either HbA1c (4.68% vs. 4.76%) or basal glycemia (71 vs. 79 mg/dL), but an increase was seen in the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose (11 983 vs. 15 875 mg/dL/120′, p = 0.02); (ii) a trend to a reduction in basal insulinemia (24 vs. 15 mU/L, p = 0.11) and a trend to a reduction in the AUC of insulinemia (8446 vs. 7057 mU/L/120′, p = 0.22) were observed. The OGTT was normal in six patients, intolerant in two and diabetic in four patients. No variations were seen in insulin resistance (FIRI, QUICKI). Anti‐GAD antibody became positive in one case.Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that pancreas transplantation has long‐term functional viability, being an essential strategy for the treatment of patients with T1D with end‐stage renal failure. Nevertheless, lesser response to OGTT can be expected suggesting certain deterioration in the functional capability of the pancreas graft during follow‐up.
Acute dialysis in HIV‐positive patients in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: ARENDSE CRAIG , OKPECHI IKECHI , SWANEPOEL CHARLES 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  The prognosis for HIV patients needing acute dialysis is uncertain. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, renal diagnoses and outcomes of HIV patients who underwent acute haemodialysis at Groote Schuur Hospital in the period 2002–2007.Methods:  A retrospective review of case records of HIV patients who underwent acute haemodialysis was conducted.Results:  One hundred and seventeen patients were reviewed (median age 34.0 years (29.0–40.0) 53.8% men, 93.2% black Africans) and 33 had a renal biopsy. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was diagnosed in 68 patients. Recovery of renal function occurred in 33.3% of all patients while in 25.7% treatment was withdrawn and 41.0% died in hospital. Suspected ATN was the commonest cause of renal disease in those who recovered renal function (82.1%). A higher CD4 count (odds ratio (OR) = 0.994, P = 0.007), lower pre‐dialysis serum creatinine (<1230 µmol/L) and longer hospitalization (OR = 0.93, P = 0.006) significantly correlated with survival.Conclusion:  There is a good chance of survival for HIV patients needing acute dialysis when the diagnosis is ATN, and when the CD4 count is more than 200 cells/mm3.
Leptomeningeal metastases in pediatrics: magnetic resonance image manifestations and correlation with cerebral spinal fluid cytology
Authors: Porto Luciana , Kieslich Matthias , Bartels Marco , Schwabe Dirk , Zanella Friedhelm E , Mesnil Richard Du 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  Detection of leptomeningeal metastases is fundamental to a complete evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) or non‐CNS tumor with suspected involvement of the neuroaxis. Our purpose was to assess the appearances of different magnetic resonance (MR) sequences in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastases and correlate those positive findings with the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cytology results.Methods:  The authors reviewed the medical records and MR image manifestations of leptomeningeal metastases from 18 children who had positive MR findings and retrospectively correlated them with CSF cytologic results. There was a uniform MR protocol and the patients were examined with the same sequences.Results:  The abnormalities included pial‐arachnoid disease (n= 16), disease coating the nerves (n= 12), hydrocephalus (n= 3) and subependymal metastases (n= 2). Enhanced T1 images were better than unenhanced fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2 to delineate cranial and spinal leptomeningeal metastases. In our sample, seven out of 18 cases were cytologically negative on a single lumbar puncture.Conclusions:  Contrast‐enhanced MR imaging can be invaluable, detecting the false‐negative lumbar punctures. FLAIR and diffusion images can be helpful in diagnosing leptomeningeal metastases of non‐enhancing primary tumors. Prognosis was more related to the primary tumor type than to the leptomeningeal enhancement MR pattern.
Does an acute care surgical model improve the management and outcome of acute cholecystitis?
Authors: Lehane Christopher W. , Jootun Ravish N. , Bennett Michael , Wong Shing , Truskett Phil 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the management and outcome of acute cholecystitis in an acute care surgery (ACS) model to that of the traditional home‐call attending surgeon. The ACS model is one in which a consultant led team manage all emergency surgical presentations. The consultant is involved with every decision made including theatre allocation. Records of all patients who underwent an emergency cholecystectomy in the 2 years before and after introduction of an ACS model were reviewed. A total of 202 patients were recruited into this study. The groups were matched for sex, age and insurance status. There was a decrease in the median time to theatre (1 versus 2 days) and total length of stay (4 versus 6 days) in the ACS group. There was no significant difference in the conversion rate between the groups. However, there was a decreased complication rate in the ACS group (8.7 versus 17.2%). There were no differences in the histological findings. Consultant presence in theatre was higher in the ACS group (73.9 versus 56.3%), and they were more often assisting (30.4 versus 4.6%). Results suggest that an ACS model is beneficial to patient care with shorter hospital stay and a decreased complication rate. This may reflects a greater input to patient assessment and management by the on‐site consultant. In addition, the ACS model provides greater consultant supervision to the trainee.
A prospective study of the effect of nursing home residency on mortality following hip fracture
Authors: Harris Ian A. , Yong Sarah , McEvoy Lynette , Thorn Lyndall 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  The strength of nursing home residence as a prognostic indicator of outcome following hip fracture has not previously been examined in Australia. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of nursing home residency on mortality after sustaining an acute hip fracture.Methods:  A prospective study of all adults aged 65 years and over presenting to a single tertiary referral hospital for management of a proximal femoral fracture between July 2003 and September 2006. Residential status was obtained at admission. Patients were followed up to September 2007 (minimum 12 months). Relative risk values for mortality were calculated comparing nursing home residents with non‐nursing home residents. Survival analysis was performed.Results:  Relative risk of death was higher in nursing home patients compared with non‐nursing home patients. The difference was greater in the immediate period (30 days) post‐injury (relative risk 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.0–3.6, P= 0.04) than after 12 months (relative risk 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2–1.8, P= 0.001). Survival analysis showed that 25% of patients in the nursing home group died by 96 days post‐injury, compared with 435 days in the non‐nursing home group.Conclusions:  Nursing home residence confers an increased risk of death following hip fracture; this difference is greater in the immediate post‐injury period. The relative risk of death decreases over time to equal previously reported comparative mortality rates between nursing home residents and community dwellers without hip fracture.
Acute Surgical Unit: a new model of care
Authors: Cox Michael R. , Cook Lyn , Dobson Jennifer , Lambrakis Paul , Ganesh Shanthan , Cregan Patrick 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe traditional on‐call system for the management of acute general surgical admissions is inefficient and outdated. A new model, Acute Surgical Unit (ASU), was developed at Nepean Hospital in 2006. The ASU is a consultant‐driven, independent unit that manages all acute general surgical admissions. The team has the same make up 7 days a week and functions the same every day, including weekends and public holidays. The consultant does a 24‐h period of on‐call, from 7 pm to 7 pm. They are on remote call from 7 pm to 7 am and are in the hospital from 7 am to 7 pm with their sole responsibility being to the ASU. The ASU has a day team with two registrars, two residents and a nurse practitioner.All patients are admitted and stay in the ASU until discharge or transfer to other units. Handover of the patients at the end of each day is facilitated by a comprehensive ASU database.The implementation of the ASU at Nepean Hospital has improved the timing of assessment by the surgical unit. There has been significant improvement in the timing of operative management, with an increased number and proportion of cases being done during daylight hours, with an associated reduction in the proportion of cases performed afterhours. There is greater trainee supervision with regard to patient assessment, management and operative procedures. There has been an improvement in the consultants' work conditions. The ASU provides an excellent training opportunity for surgical trainees, residents and interns in the assessment and management of acute surgical conditions.
Codon 129 polymorphism and the E200K mutation do not affect the cellular prion protein isoform composition in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Schmitz Matthias , Schlomm Markus , Hasan Badrul , Beekes Michael , Mitrova Eva , Korth Carsten , Breil Andreas , Carimalo Julie , Gawinecka Joanna , Varges Daniela , Zerr Inga 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe cellular prion protein (PrPc) is a multifunctional, highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed protein. It undergoes a number of modifications during its post‐translational processing, resulting in different PrPc glycoforms and truncated PrPc fragments. Limited data are available in humans on the expression and cleavage of PrPc. In this study we investigated the PrPc isoform composition in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with different human prion diseases. The first group of patients was affected by sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease exhibiting different PrP codon 129 genotypes. The second group contained patients with a genetic form of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (E200K). The third group consisted of patients with fatal familial insomnia and the last group comprised cases with the Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome. We examined whether the PrP codon 129 polymorphism in sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease as well as the type of prion disease in human patients has an impact on the glycosylation and processing of PrPc. Immunoblotting analyses using different monoclonal PrPc antibodies directed against various epitopes of PrPc revealed, for all examined groups of patients, a consistent predominance of the glycosylated PrPc isoforms as compared with the unglycosylated form. In addition, the antibody SAF70 recognized a variety of PrPc fragments with sizes of 21, 18, 13 and 12 kDa. Our findings indicate that the polymorphisms at PrP codon 129, the E200K mutation at codon 200 or the examined types of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies do not exert a measurable effect on the glycosylation and processing of PrPc in human prion diseases.
Management choice of buyback method: Australian evidence
Authors: Brown Christine , Norman Daniel 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis study investigates management choice of repurchase method for large Australian industrial companies from 1997 to 2007. We show that managers favour off‐market buybacks to distribute excess franking credits to shareholders when the buyback is larger and when the firm is generating more cash. On‐market buybacks are more likely when the firm is undervalued. These findings have implications for understanding how corporate managers approach the repurchase decision, the impact of taxes on corporate financial policy, and how transaction costs can influence the choice between an off‐market and an on‐market buyback.
Voluntary weight loss: systematic review of early phase body composition changes
Authors: Heymsfield S. B. , Thomas D. , Nguyen A. M. , Peng J. Z. , Martin C. , Shen W. , Strauss B. , Bosy‐Westphal A. , Muller M. J. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryWeight loss follows when adult humans enter a phase of negative energy balance brought about by reducing energy intake and/or increasing energy expenditure. The weight loss period is usually viewed as a continuous process, ending when energy equilibrium is achieved at a lower weight or with death following depletion of fuel stores. However, growing evidence supports the expanded view that induction of negative energy balance leads to well‐defined physiological effects characterized by three discrete phases (I‐III). At present there are no comprehensive reviews of the ‘early’ phase of weight loss, a gap highlighted by recent interest in rapidly testing new treatments with short‐term protocols. Herein we show from earlier reports and with new data that weight loss during phase I is: mathematically quantifiable with a t1/2 < 1‐week and 4‐ to 6‐week duration; includes well‐defined rapidly evolving body composition and energy expenditure changes; and is moderated by multiple factors including subject sex and activity level, nutrients ingested at baseline and during the negative energy balance period, and hormone and pharmacologic treatments. Our in depth review collectively characterizes phase I as a distinct weight loss period while revealing important knowledge gaps that can be filled with appropriately designed future studies.
The Entry Cost Shock and the Re‐rating of Power Prices in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Simshauser Paul , Molyneux Elizabeth , Shepherd Michelle 
Published: June 2010

Abstract Australia has long been the beneficiary of low, stable power prices. A decade‐long state of oversupply underpinned this result and while plant capital costs had been rising, the cost of capital had been declining. These offsetting effects locked the wholesale market into an average cost of $35–$40/MWh. However, from 2007, a simultaneous and sharp rise in new entrant plant capital costs and the cost of capital occurred. The combined effects crept up on the industry while it was in a state of oversupply. This ‘entry cost shock’ disrupted a 7 year long equilibrium price, with average power system cost rising to $60/MWh.
Australian Family Tax Reform and the Targeting Fallacy
Authors: Apps Patricia , Rees Ray 
Published: June 2010

Abstract Over recent decades, Australia's highly progressive, individual‐based taxation of families has been replaced by a system that tends towards joint taxation with an inverted U‐shaped rate scale. The reform has been implemented by introducing family‐income‐targeted child payments (now Family Tax Benefit Part A) and by lowering tax rates on higher incomes. The new system has shifted the burden of taxation to two‐earner families on low and average wages and, in particular, to working married mothers as second earners. For reasons of fairness and efficiency, we propose returning to more progressive individual taxation and universal family payments.