bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solitary epidermolytic acanthoma: a clinical and histopathological study
Authors: Abbas O , Wieland CN , Goldberg LJ 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Epidermolytic acanthoma (EA) is an uncommon cutaneous entity that typically presents as a solitary lesion, or, less commonly, as multiple or disseminated discrete lesions. It usually appears at or after middle‐age, and has been reported in various locations including the face, trunk, extremities and genitalia. Histopathologically, EA shows epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK) involving either the entire thickness of the epidermis or just the granular and upper spinous layers.Objective and methods  To describe the clinical and microscopic features of EA, we retrospectively reviewed all cases diagnosed as EA at the Skin Pathology Laboratory at Boston University between 1999 and 2009.Results  Solitary EA is more common in men (65%) and usually presents as a hyperkeratotic papule on the trunk (45%) or extremities (25%). Histopathologically, all cases of solitary EA showed the classical features of hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and EHK. Three architectural patterns were observed on scanning magnification: papillomatous (55%), cup‐shaped (40%) and acanthotic (15%). Additional common features encountered included focal parakeratosis (85%), and a sparse to mild superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate (90%).Conclusion  This large case series of solitary EA reviews the clinical features of this entity and describes several new histological variants.
Decorative tattoos and reasons for their removal: a prospective study in 151 adults living in South of France
Authors: Latreille J , Levy J‐L , Guinot C 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Despite increasing demands for decorative tattooing in people of all ages, occupations and social classes, little is known regarding individuals’ characteristics and behaviour with respect to tattooing.Objective  The objective was to describe a large sample of French people asking for tattoo laser removal, to investigate their reasons for being tattooed and for tattoo removal, and to identify groups of subjects sharing similar characteristics.Methods  A prospective exploratory study was conducted on 151 consecutive subjects asking for tattoo removal.Results  The study population was composed of 65 women and 86 men, aged between 18 and 60 years. The reasons mentioned for tattoo removal included aesthetic, social, employment, family or partner pressure, change of lifestyle or partner and incompatibility with present attitudes and values. Four profiles were identified. Types 1 and 3 correspond to subjects with amateur tattoos more frequently reporting social reasons for tattoo removal, whereas types 2 and 4 correspond to subjects with studio tattoos who more frequently report aesthetic reasons. Types 1 and 4 are mainly composed of men (aged over forty and under forty, respectively), type 2 of women under thirty and type 3 of subjects of either sex aged over forty.Conclusions  These profiles could be used to target information campaigns about tattooing and tattoo removal techniques to avoid unwanted tattoos, and afterwards, possible disappointment after removal, as well as to target education programs on possible health risks. Furthermore, our findings open the way to focus further studies on more homogenous group of tattooed subjects.
A cognitive and affective pattern in posterior fossa strokes in children: a case series
Authors: KOSSOROTOFF MANOELLE , GONIN‐FLAMBOIS CORALIE , GITIAUX CYRIL , QUIJANO SUSANA , BODDAERT NATHALIE , BAHI‐BUISSON NADIA , BARNERIAS CHRISTINE , DULAC OLIVIER , BRUNELLE FRANCIS , DESGUERRE ISABELLE 
Published: June 2010

Aim  Posterior fossa strokes account for about 10% of ischaemic strokes in children. Although motor and dysautonomic symptoms are common, to our knowledge cognitive and affective deficits have not been described in the paediatric literature. Our aim, therefore, was to describe these symptoms and deficits.Method  In a retrospective study, we included all cases of posterior fossa strokes in children occurring at a single centre between 2005 and 2007, and investigated cognitive and affective deficits.Results  Five males aged 3 to 14 years met the inclusion criteria. They all presented very early with mood disturbances: outbursts of laughter and/or crying and alternating agitation or prostration that disappeared spontaneously within a few days. Persistent cognitive deficits were also diagnosed in all five: initial mutism, then anomia, followed by comprehension deficiency and deficiencies of planning ability, visual–spatial organization, and attention. Despite early and intensive rehabilitation, recovery from these cognitive deficits was slow and sometimes incomplete, and on follow‐up they proved to be more disabling than the motor symptoms.Interpretation  These findings are similar to the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome described in adults, and quite similar to the language and affective deficits observed in children after surgery for posterior fossa tumour. This is consistent with the role of the cerebellum and brainstem in affective and cognitive processes from early development.
Verbal and academic skills in children with early‐onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: HANNONEN RIITTA , KOMULAINEN JORMA , EKLUND KENNETH , TOLVANEN ASKO , RIIKONEN RAILI , AHONEN TIMO 
Published: June 2010

Aim  Basic verbal and academic skills can be adversely affected by early‐onset diabetes, although these skills have been studied less than other cognitive functions. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of learning deficits in children with diabetes by assessing basic verbal and academic skills in children with early‐onset diabetes and in comparison children. In addition, the incidence of dyslexia (≤10th centile in reading speed or reading–spelling accuracy) was studied.Method  The performance of 51 children with early‐onset diabetes (25 females, 26 males; mean age 9y 11mo, SD 4mo; range 9–10y) was compared with that of 92 children without diabetes (40 females, 52 males; mean age 9y 10mo, SD 3mo; range 9–10y) in the tasks of phonological processing, short‐term memory, rapid automatized naming, reading, spelling, and mathematics.Results  The performance of children with diabetes was poorer than that of the comparison children in phonological processing (p=0.001), spelling accuracy (p<0.001), and mathematics (p=0.024). They learned to read later (p=0.013), but reading performance and the incidence of dyslexia in the third grade (aged 9–10y) were similar in the two groups.Interpretation  Children with early‐onset diabetes are prone to minor learning difficulties in their early school years as a result of deficits in phonological processing.
Using World Café and drama to explore older people's experience of financial products and services
Authors: Ritch Elaine L. , Brennan Carol 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper examines a novel strategy to get older people talking about their financial needs and equity release. A questionnaire was used to identify issues which were then written into a drama on equity release products and bank accounts. This dramatic representation of the issues preceded discussion among older people at a World Café event – a format that involves a series of circulating focus groups where concepts can be discussed in depth and recorded. The drama offered an initial stimulus of alternative and opposing opinions and facilitated conversation about financial products and services which are often considered uninteresting and private. The aim was to record ideas in the discussions that would benefit the production and design of innovative financial products that would meet the needs of people over 50 years. Further, as a technique, the combination of drama, used to stimulate discussion, and the World Café format, to obtain and record consumer opinions, arguably offers innovative options to researchers in other sectors of product or service consumption.
How do U.S. and Canadian consumers value credence attributes associated with beef labels after the North American BSE crisis of 2003?
Authors: Steiner Bodo E. , Yang Jun 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA consumer survey conducted in 2006 (n = 419), and therefore after the first confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases in North America in 2003, employs attribute‐based choice experiments for a cross‐country comparison of consumers' valuation of credence attributes associated with beef steak labels; specifically a guarantee that beef was tested for BSE, a guarantee that the steaks were produced without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and a guarantee that beef steaks were produced without growth hormones and antibiotics. Considering consumers' socio‐economic characteristics, the results suggest that consumers in Montana (U.S.) and Alberta (Canada) are significantly heterogeneous in their valuation of the above attributes, although consumers' relative valuation of these process attributes does not appear to have changed since the 2003 BSE crisis in each region. Alberta consumers place a significant valuation on beef tested for BSE, which is striking because Canada's current legal environment does not permit testing and labelling of such beef by private industry participants. Montana consumers' valuation was found highest for a guarantee that the steaks were produced without GMO. Effective supply‐chain responses to consumers' valuation of credence attributes, for example, in the form of labelling, should therefore take consumers' heterogeneity into account.
Determinants of green electricity adoption among residential customers in Germany
Authors: Gerpott Torsten J. , Mahmudova Ilaha 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe label ‘green electricity’ is commonly used to refer to power generated from various renewable natural sources (e.g. wind). The present article develops hypotheses on the effects of eight attitudinal and perceptual characteristics of residential electricity consumers on their propensity to adopt a green electricity supplier. The hypotheses are tested empirically with data generated by means of a standardized telephone survey of 267 household electricity customers of a German regional power supplier. Questionnaire answers are augmented with information derived from the supplier's billing system on a participant's actual annual electricity consumption. Measurement and structural relationship models are obtained via Partial Least Squares analysis. Regardless of a person's level of actual power consumption in the recent past, propensity to adopt green electricity is most strongly influenced by general consumer attitudes towards environmental protection issues and social endorsement of green power use by close social contacts. In the subsample of participants with low actual electricity consumption, the propensity to purchase green energy is significantly positively affected by the weight an individual attaches to electricity prices in supplier selection decisions and the person's belief that his current electricity supplier takes over social responsibility. In contrast, in the subsample of respondents with high actual electricity consumption consumer's willingness to adopt green electricity is significantly enhanced by the degree of perceived dissimilarity among power company offerings. The identification of factors influencing the adoption of green electricity offers both practical implications for marketers of utilities and contributes to the academic knowledge base of a service domain characterized by increasing societal importance.
Altered signalling from germline to intestine pushes daf‐2;pept‐1 Caenorhabditis elegans into extreme longevity
Authors: Spanier Britta , Rubio‐Aliaga Isabel , Hu Hao , Daniel Hannelore 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe insulin‐like signalling pathway is a central regulator of development, metabolism, stress resistance and lifespan in eukaryotes. Caenorhabditis elegans daf‐2(e1370) animals with a loss‐of‐function mutation in the insulin‐like receptor live twice as long as wild‐type animals, and the additional knockout of the intestinal di‐ and tripeptide transporter pept‐1 further increases lifespan by 60%. In assessing the underlying molecular mechanisms for this phenomenon, microarray‐based transcriptome data sets of daf‐2(e1370) and daf‐2(e1370);pept‐1(lg601) animals were compared with a focus on genes that showed significantly higher changes in expression levels in daf‐2;pept‐1 than in daf‐2. We identified 187 genes with at least fourfold decreased transcript levels and 170 with more than a fourfold increase. A large fraction of the down‐regulated genes encode proteins involved in germline proliferation and reproduction. The DAF‐9/DAF‐12 signalling cascade was identified as a prime pathway that mediates the longevity of daf‐2;pept‐1 with a strict dependance on DAF‐16. Loss of DAF‐9/DAF‐12 or KRI‐1 reduces the lifespan of daf‐2;pept‐1 to that of the daf‐2 mutant. Amongst the DAF‐16 target genes, numerous enzymes involved in the defence of reactive oxygen species were with increased expression level in daf‐2;pept‐1. On a functional level, it was demonstrated that amongst those, a high de novo synthesis rate of glutathione is most important for the longevity phenotype of this strain. Taken together, a close interdependence of endocrine hormone signalling from germline to intestine was identified as an essential element in the control of the extreme longevity of C. elegans lacking a proper function of the insulin receptor and lacking the intestinal peptide transporter.
The calmodulin inhibitorN‐(6‐aminohexyl)‐5‐chloro‐1‐naphthalene sulphonamide directly blocks human etherà‐go‐go‐related gene potassium channels stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Jin Man‐Wen , Sun Hai‐Ying , Zhang Shetuan , Li Gui‐Rong 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEN‐(6‐aminohexyl)‐5‐chloro‐1‐naphthalene sulphonamide (W‐7) is a well‐known calmodulin inhibitor used to study calmodulin regulation of intracellular Ca2+signalling‐related process. Here, we have determined whether W‐7 would inhibit human ethergene (hERG or Kv11.1) potassium channels, hKv1.5 channels or hKIR2.1 channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe hERG channel current, hKv1.5 channel current or hKIR2.1 channel current was recorded with a whole‐cell patch clamp technique.KEY RESULTSIt was found that the calmodulin inhibitor W‐7 blocked hERG, hKv1.5 and hKIR2.1 channels. W‐7 decreased the hERG current (IhERG) in a concentration‐dependent manner (IC50: 3.5 µM), and the inhibition was more significant at depolarization potentials between +10 and +60 mV. The hERG mutations in the S6 regionY652AandF656V, and in the pore helixS631A, had the IC50s of 5.5, 9.8 and 25.4 µM respectively. In addition, the compound inhibited hKv1.5 and hKIR2.1 channels with IC50s of 6.5 and 13.4 µM respectively.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThese results indicate that the calmodulin inhibitor W‐7 exerts a direct channel‐blocking effect on hERG, hKv1.5 and hKIR2.1 channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. Caution should be taken in the interpretation of calmodulin regulation of ion channels with W‐7.
In Vivo Biocompatibility Evaluation of a New Resilient, Hard‐Carbon, Thin‐Film Coating for Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Takaseya Tohru , Fumoto Hideyuki , Shiose Akira , Arakawa Yoko , Rao Santosh , Horvath David J. , Massiello Alex L. , Mielke Nicole , Chen Ji‐Feng , Zhou Qun , Dessoffy Raymond , Kramer Larry , Benefit Stephen , Golding Leonard A.R. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo the biocompatibility of BioMedFlex (BMF), a new resilient, hard‐carbon, thin‐film coating, as a blood journal bearing material in Cleveland Heart's (Charlotte, NC, USA) continuous‐flow right and left ventricular assist devices (RVADs and LVADs). BMF was applied to RVAD rotating assemblies or both rotating and stator assemblies in three chronic bovine studies. In one case, an LVAD with a BMF‐coated stator was also implanted. Cases 1 and 3 were electively terminated at 18 and 29 days, respectively, with average measured pump flows of 4.9 L/min (RVAD) in Case 1 and 5.7 L/min (RVAD) plus 5.7 L/min (LVAD) in Case 3. Case 2 was terminated prematurely after 9 days because of sepsis. The sepsis, combined with running the pump at minimum speed (2000 rpm), presented a worst‐case biocompatibility challenge. Postexplant evaluation of the blood‐contacting journal bearing surfaces showed no biologic deposition in any of the four pumps. Thrombus inside the RVAD inlet cannula in Case 3 is believed to be the origin of a nonadherent thrombus wrapped around one of the primary impeller blades. In conclusion, we demonstrated that BMF coatings can provide good biocompatibility in the journal bearing for ventricular assist devices.
Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation Supported by Intracardiac Echocardiography: Integration of a Nonfluoroscopic Imaging Technique in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: NÖLKER GEORG , HEINTZE JOHANNES , GUTLEBEN KLAUS‐JÜRGEN , MUNTEAN BOGDAN , PÜTZ VANESSA , YALDA AMEERA , VOGT JÜRGEN , HORSTKOTTE DIETER 
Published: June 2010

Intracardiac Echo Supported Cryoballoon Ablation. Introduction: Cryoballoon ablation has been adopted for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) in many centers. Complete occlusion of PV by an adequately sized balloon is crucial for effectiveness of cryoenergy delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) as an alternative imaging technique compared to angiographic imaging in cryoballoon PVI.
Methods and Results:
A total of 75 PVs were treated in 22 patients (61 ± 13 years, 17 male) undergoing PV cryoballoon ablation for drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Decision for an adequate balloon size was based on diameters of the PV antra assessed by ICE and PV angiography. Per PV 2.4 ± 0.4 cryoenergy pulses were applied. Decision for the balloon size was similar either based upon angiography or on ICE. A single 23 or 28 mm balloon was chosen in 10 and 3 patients, respectively. Two different sized balloons were used in 9 patients. PVI was evaluated after 2 cryoenergy applications. Total occlusion of the PV confirmed by ICE color flow Doppler (CFD) during ablation predicted successful PVI in 70 of 75 (93%) and unsuccessful PVI in 8 of 8 (100%). PV flow registered by pulsed wave Doppler at the PV ostium pre‐ and postablation was 0.48 ± 0.10 and 0.51 ± 0.12 m/s, respectively (n.s.). PVI was finally confirmed by entrance block in all PVs. No procedural complications occurred.
Conclusions:
ICE is a feasible novel imaging technique in cryoballoon ablation procedures. It allows decision for adequate balloon size, exact balloon placement, prediction of acute ablation success, and excludes acute narrowing of PV ostia. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1325‐1330, December 2010)
Subjective distress predicts treatment seeking for depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, neurasthenia and insomnia severity spectra
Authors: Angst J. , Gamma A. , Clarke D. , Ajdacic‐Gross V. , Rössler W. , Regier D. 
Published: June 2010

Angst J, Gamma A, Clarke D, Ajdacic‐Gross V, Rössler W, Regier D. Subjective distress predicts treatment seeking for depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, neurasthenia and insomnia severity spectra.Objective:  To examine correlates of mental health treatment seeking such as gender, diagnosis, impairment, distress and mastery.Method:  Longitudinal epidemiological data from the Zurich Study of common psychiatric syndromes, including unipolar and bipolar depression, panic, anxiety, neurasthenia and insomnia, were utilized. In longitudinal Generalized Estimating Equations, treatment seeking was regressed on measures of subjective distress and impairment, childhood family problems, mastery and number of comorbid diagnoses.Results:  Approximately half of all treated participants across all six syndromes suffered from subthreshold disorders. Meeting full or subthreshold diagnostic criteria was associated with treatment seeking for insomnia. Being female was associated with treatment seeking for depression. The only variable highly and consistently associated with treatment seeking, across all syndromes, was subjective distress. Treated participants reported high levels of distress, work and social impairment in both diagnostic and subthreshold groups.Conclusion:  Subjective distress may be a better indicator of treatment seeking than symptom count.
Regenerative medicine in dermatology: biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cells, gene transfer and beyond
Authors: Dieckmann Christina , Renner Regina , Milkova Linda , Simon Jan C. 
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Regenerative medicine in dermatology: biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cells, gene transfer and beyond. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 697–706.Abstract:  The term ‘regenerative medicine’ refers to a new and expanding field in biomedical research that focuses on the development of innovative therapies allowing the body to replace, restore and regenerate damaged or diseased cells, tissues and organs. It combines several technological approaches including the use of soluble molecules, biomaterials, tissue engineering, gene therapy, stem cell transplantation and the reprogramming of cell and tissue types. Because of its easy accessibility, skin is becoming an attractive model organ for regenerative medicine. Here, we review recent developments in regenerative medicine and their potential relevance for dermatology with a particular emphasis on biomaterials, tissue engineering, skin substitutes and stem cell‐based therapies for skin reconstitution in patients suffering from chronic wounds and extensive burns.
Point scanning confocal microscopy facilitates 3D human hair follicle imaging in tissue sections
Authors: Kloepper Jennifer E. , Bíró Tamás , Paus Ralf , Cseresnyés Zoltán 
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Point scanning confocal microscopy facilitates 3D human hair follicle imaging in tissue sections. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 691–694.Abstract:  Efficiency is a key factor in determining whether a scientific method becomes widely accepted in practical applications. In dermatology, morphological characterisation of intact hair follicles by traditional methods can be rather inefficient. Samples are embedded, sliced, imaged and digitally reconstructed, which can be time‐consuming. Confocal microscopy, on the other hand, is more efficient and readily applicable to study intact hair follicles. Modern confocal microscopes deliver and collect light very efficiently and thus allow high spatial resolution imaging of relatively thick samples. In this letter, we report that we successfully imaged entire intact human hair follicles using point scanning confocal microscopy. Light delivery and light‐collection were further improved by preparing the samples in 2,2′‐Thiodiethanol (TDE), thus reducing refractive index gradients. The relatively short total scan times and the high quality of the acquired 3D images make confocal microscopy a desirable method for studying intact hair follicles under normal and pathological conditions.