bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term well‐being after surgical or conservative treatment of severe vulvar vestibulitis
Authors: TOMMOLA PÄIVI , UNKILA‐KALLIO LEILA , PAAVONEN JORMA 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective. To compare long‐term well‐being of women who needed surgery or did not need surgery in the treatment of severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. We also attempted to identify factors explaining differences in the treatment response. Design. An observational case‐control study. Setting. University Hospital Vulva clinic. Population. Sixty‐six women diagnosed with severe vulvar vestibulitis and treated initially by conservative management during 1994–2005. Thirty‐nine women did not respond and underwent posterior vestibulectomy and 27 were managed without surgery. Methods. Baseline patient characteristics, degree of dyspareunia, and details of management were collected from hospital charts. At the follow‐up visit current dyspareunia, sexual well‐being, somatic and mental health, and social support were analyzed. Vestibular tenderness was measured by swab‐touch test. Main outcome measures. Visual analogue scale for dyspareunia, sexual well‐being, vestibular tenderness, and overall patient satisfaction at follow‐up. Results. Dyspareunia decreased significantly in both groups. The visual analogue scale decreased 66.7% in the surgery group and 78.1% in the conservative treatment group (p= 0.407). Posterior swab‐touch test was negative more frequently after vestibulectomy. Long‐term sexual well‐being did not differ between the two groups. Overall, 89% of the women in both groups were satisfied with the treatment. Women with atopic skin problems were less likely to need surgery (odds ratio 0.2; 95% confidence interval 0.1–0.7). Conclusion. Women with severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome who do not respond to conservative management achieve good long‐term well‐being and decrease of dyspareunia by posterior vestibulectomy. The response is comparable to that achieved by conservative management among women who do not need surgery.
Dropping out of psychiatric treatment: a methodological contribution
Authors: Mazzotti E. , Barbaranelli C. 
Published: May 2012

Mazzotti E, Barbaranelli C. Dropping out of psychiatric treatment: a methodological contribution.Objective:  Treatment interruption rate among psychiatric patients varies from 26% to 82%. In order to evaluate the determinants of compliance and dropping out in out‐patient psychiatric clinics, we utilized Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour.Method:  In the pilot stage (n = 164), a questionnaire was administered to elicit the patient’s salient beliefs associated with the intention to contact the service. In the main stage, a new, broader sample (n = 239) was asked to fill in a structured questionnaire including the basic components of the Ajzen’s theory; a structural equation model was used for the evaluation of the fit between the relationships hypothesized by the theory and the empirical data gathered from the sample.Results:  The most important predictor of ‘intention’ is ‘perceived behavioural control’, followed by ‘attitude’. It was found that ‘past behaviour’ vs. ‘intentions’ was significant predictor of dropping out.Conclusion:  Dropout patients were more likely to have already been in psychiatric treatment and to have had a past history of missed appointments. Our results suggest that knowing previous treatment history and the role of interruptions could equip mental health carers for the rapid retrieval of dropouts, reducing the burden on patients’ families and the risk of patients themselves.
Diagnosis of blue nevus‐like metastatic uveal melanoma confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for monosomy 3
Authors: Busam Klaus J. , Fang Yuqiang , Jhanwar Suresh , Lacouture Mario 
Published: May 2012

Metastatic melanoma can on rare occasion simulate the appearance of a blue nevus clinically and/or histopathologically, which may lead to diagnostic confusion and delay in treatment. Given the known difficulty in recognizing a small dermal blue nevus‐like melanoma metastasis by light microscopic findings alone, recent discoveries of unique cytogenetic aberrations in various types of melanomas have led pathologists to explore cytogenetic techniques as an ancillary diagnostic tool. Herein, we report a case of a 58‐year‐old man with a history of uveal melanoma, in which fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for monosomy 3 helped confirm a diagnosis of blue nevus‐like uveal melanoma metastasis. The patient had presented clinically with a new small 1‐mm dark blue‐gray macule on the forehead. Histopathologically, a small dermal nodule of pigmented epithelioid melanocytes and melanophages was found with a rare mitotic figure. The pathologist's suspicion of a blue nevus‐like melanoma metastasis was confirmed by FISH analysis: both the tumor cells of the patient's prior uveal melanoma and the melanocytes of the new dermal blue nevus‐like nodule carried only one copy of chromosome 3. Furthermore, deletion of 1p36 and amplifications of 8q32 were also identified.Busam KJ, Fang Y, Jhanwar S, Lacouture M. Diagnosis of blue nevus‐like metastatic uveal melanoma confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for monosomy 3.
Histopathological spectrum of cutaneous tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections
Authors: Min Kyueng‐Whan , Ko Joo Yeon , Park Chan Kum 
Published: May 2012

The non‐specific clinical findings and variable histopathological features of cutaneous tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections often make it difficult to establish a diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. We investigated 25 patients diagnosed with mycobacterial infections of the skin in Hanyang University Hospital between 2001 and 2011. Skin biopsy specimens were re‐evaluated by various histopathological criteria and molecular studies. To identify the mycobacteria, we performed staining for acid‐fast bacilli and also completed polymerase chain reaction analysis. The non‐tuberculous mycobacterium species were identified by genetic sequencing of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues. Immunocompromised status was more frequent in non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections than in tuberculosis (p = 0.017) while disease duration was longer in tuberculosis (p = 0.026). Microscopically, neutrophil infiltration, interstitial granuloma, small vessel proliferation and increased numbers of bacilli were found to be associated with non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections (all p < 0.05). In contrast, giant cells, plasma cells, tuberculoid granulomas and necrosis were associated with tuberculosis (all p < 0.05). There were no species‐specific histopathological findings in non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections. The significant histopathological differences between cutaneous tuberculous and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections are helpful in considering differential diagnoses. In addition, molecular techniques together with clinico‐pathological findings may assist in making accurate diagnoses of cutaneous non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections.Min K‐W, Ko JY, Park CK. Histopathological spectrum of cutaneous tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections.
Targeting NADPH Oxidase Decreases Oxidative Stress in the Transgenic Sickle Cell Mouse Penis
Authors: Musicki Biljana , Liu Tongyun , Sezen Sena F. , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a state of chronic vasculopathy characterized by endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress, but the sources and mechanisms responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the penis are unknown.

Aims
We evaluated whether SCD activates NADPH oxidase, induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, and decreases antioxidants in the SCD mouse penis. We further tested the hypothesis that targeting NADPH oxidase decreases oxidative stress in the SCD mouse penis.

Methods
SCD transgenic (sickle) mice were used as an animal model of SCD. Hemizygous (hemi) mice served as controls. Mice received an NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (10 mM in drinking water) or vehicle. Penes were excised at baseline for molecular studies. Markers of oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]), sources of ROS (eNOS uncoupling and NADPH oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox, and gp91phox), and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD]1, SOD2, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase-1 [GPx1]) were measured by Western blot in penes.

Main Outcome Measures
Sources of ROS, oxidative stress, and enzymatic antioxidants in the SCD penis.

Results
Relative to hemi mice, SCD increased (P &lt; 0.05) protein expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox, and gp91phox, 4-HNE-modified proteins, induced eNOS uncoupling, and reduced Gpx1 expression in the penis. Apocynin treatment of sickle mice reversed (P &lt; 0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of p47phox, gp91phox (but not p67phox) and 4-HNE, but only slightly (P &gt; 0.05) prevented eNOS uncoupling in the penis. Apocynin treatment of hemi mice did not affect any of these parameters.

Conclusion
NADPH oxidase and eNOS uncoupling are sources of oxidative stress in the SCD penis; decreased GPx1 further contributes to oxidative stress. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase upregulation decreases oxidative stress, implying a major role for NADPH oxidase as a ROS source and a potential target for improving vascular function in the SCD mouse penis.
Bryophyte Species Diversity in Secondary Forests Dominated by the Introduced Species Spathodea campanulata Beauv. in Puerto Rico
Authors: Pérez Mervin E. , Sastre‐De Jesús Inés , Lugo Ariel E. , Abelleira Martínez Oscar J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe introduced tree species Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) forms novel forests in Puerto Rico, these having emerged after the abandonment of fields in the mid‐20th century and resulting in forests with a new species composition. We assessed bryophyte species richness in these novel forests and sought correlations with geological substrate, past land use, forest edge and patch area, forest structure, elevation, microhabitat diversity, tree species richness, and microclimatic conditions. Transects were established (edge and forest interior) in nine moist forest patches dominated by Spathodea in north‐central Puerto Rico. These Spathodea forest patches ranged from 0.6 to 9 ha. ANOVA, Chi‐square, correlation, and cluster analyses were used in data analyses. We found 57 bryophyte species. There was a significant difference in bryophyte richness among patches. Those on karst exhibited highest bryophyte richness due to microhabitat diversity, past land use, and shorter hydroperiods. Alluvial sites scored lowest in bryophyte species richness, and forest structure was important for bryophyte communities on these sites. Significant differences in temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity were observed between edge and forest interior. These appeared important for establishing bryophyte species cover but not richness and composition. Microhabitat diversity, patch area, and forest age were more related to bryophyte species richness than elevation, exposed edge, and tree species richness, regardless of geologic substrate. Collectively, Spathodea patches were similar to mature forests on the Island with respect to bryophyte species richness and composition. Novel Spathodea forests have conservation value due to their habitat suitability for bryophyte communities.
A prone technique for treatment of the breast, supraclavicular and axillary nodes
Authors: Mason Nicole , Macfarlane Deborah , Guidi Robyn , Owen Rebecca , Poulsen Michael 
Published: May 2012

SummaryRadiation therapy to women with large pendulous breasts presents dosimetric challenges when the whole breast (WB) and supraclavicular and axillary (SCF + AX) nodes need to be encompassed. The aim of this case study was to demonstrate the feasibility of planning and treating a pendulous breasted patient in the prone position. Computerised tomography (CT) images were acquired of the patient in both the prone and supine positions. A Perspex plate was added to the CDR Systems Inc. (Calgary, Canada) prone breastboard to minimize SCF + AX contour variations. Dosimetry was performed on both CT scans and the resultant treatment plans were evaluated for conformity, homogeneity, dose to the lung and maximum doses to the spinal cord (SC) and irradiated volume. The daily set‐up in the prone position was monitored for stability and reproducibility. The patient completed her treatment course in the prone position. Minimal daily interventions were required to ensure the position was reproduced. Grade 3 skin toxicity was recorded in the SCF + AX region where the Perspex plate was added to the prone positioning device. There was minimal difference in dosimetry between prone and supine plans in the SCF + AX region. The prone WB plan showed improved homogeneity (prone 0.15; supine 0.22) and conformity (prone 0.90; supine 0.77). A simple addition to the breastboard has enabled a pendulous breasted woman with SC + AX involvement to be treated in the prone position. Set‐up of this technique is achievable on a daily basis with minimal impact on workflow. It is a feasible alternative to supine treatment for this patient group.
Pax3GFP, a new reporter for the melanocyte lineage, highlights novel aspects of PAX3 expression in the skin
Authors: Djian‐Zaouche Johanna , Campagne Cécile , Reyes‐Gomez Edouard , Gadin‐Czerw Stéphanie , Bernex Florence , Louise Anne , Relaix Frédéric , Buckingham Margaret , Panthier Jean‐Jacques , Aubin‐Houzelstein Geneviève 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe paired box gene 3 (Pax3) is expressed during pigment cell development. We tested whether the targeted allele Pax3GFP can be used as a reporter gene for pigment cells in the mouse. We found that enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) can be seen readily in every melanoblast and melanocyte in the epidermis and hair follicles of Pax3GFP/+ heterozygotes. The GFP was detected at all differentiation stages, including melanocyte stem cells. In the dermis, Schwann cells and nestin‐positive cells of the piloneural collars resembling the nestin‐positive hair follicle multipotent stem cells exhibited a weaker GFP signal. Pigment cells could be purified by fluorescent activated cell sorting and grown in vitro without feeder cells, giving pure cultures of melanocytes. The Schwann cells and nestin‐positive cells of the piloneural collars were FACS‐isolated based on their weak expression of GFP. Thus Pax3GFP can discriminate distinct populations of cells in the skin.
Are all pharmacy staff interested in potential future roles?
Authors: Braund Rhiannon , Chesney Kate Marie , Keast Emilia Paulina , Ng Lye Jinn , Qi Sarah , Samaranayaka Sashika , Wang Eddie 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the current perceived roles and responsibilities of pharmacy staff in community pharmacies in New Zealand, and attitudes to proposed new advanced roles for pharmacy staff.

Methods
Structured interviews were conducted within five community pharmacies, including at least two pharmacists, two dispensary staff and two pharmacy assistants. The interviews were structured to determine previous experience, current roles and responsibilities and the perceived future roles of pharmacy staff within a community pharmacy setting. Thematic analysis from 27 interviews identified key findings.

Key findings
Current roles appeared to be fairly well defined. Pharmacy assistants listed key roles as customer interactions and sales focus, noting that the dispensary was outside their area of responsibility. Technicians identified their role as being dispensary focused while pharmacists saw their role as the ‘final check’ to ensure accuracy as well as providing dispensing, counselling and managerial roles. With potential future roles, the assistants were less interested than the other groups, citing contentment with current situation and training as a barrier. Some technicians indicated an interest in furthering their roles, but many were reluctant and saw that additional training was too time consuming. Whilst pharmacists appeared to be interested in further scopes of practice, they appeared more reluctant to do this at the expense of handing dispensing responsibility to a non-pharmacist.

Conclusions
Whilst there is a push for pharmacists to provide advanced clinical services, it is important to acknowledge that many staff working within community pharmacies are satisfied with their current role.
Comparative Genomics of Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains and Their Positions within the Clade Most Commonly Associated with Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus Hospital-Acquired Infection in the United States
Authors: Kos Veronica N. , Desjardins Christopher A. , Griggs Allison , Cerqueira Gustavo , Van Tonder Andries , Holden Matthew T. G. , Godfrey Paul , Palmer Kelli L. , Bodi Kip , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Wortman Jennifer , Feldgarden Michael , Lawley Trevor , Gill Steven R. , Haas Brian J. , Birren Bruce , Gilmore Michael S. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains are leading causes of hospital-acquired infections in the United States, and clonal cluster 5 (CC5) is the predominant lineage responsible for these infections. Since 2002, there have been 12 cases of vancomycin-resistant
S. aureus
(VRSA) infection in the United States—all CC5 strains. To understand this genetic background and what distinguishes it from other lineages, we generated and analyzed high-quality draft genome sequences for all available VRSA strains. Sequence comparisons show unambiguously that each strain independently acquired Tn
1546
and that all VRSA strains last shared a common ancestor over 50 years ago, well before the occurrence of vancomycin resistance in this species. In contrast to existing hypotheses on what predisposes this lineage to acquire Tn
1546
, the barrier posed by restriction systems appears to be intact in most VRSA strains. However, VRSA (and other CC5) strains were found to possess a constellation of traits that appears to be optimized for proliferation in precisely the types of polymicrobic infection where transfer could occur. They lack a bacteriocin operon that would be predicted to limit the occurrence of non-CC5 strains in mixed infection and harbor a cluster of unique superantigens and lipoproteins to confound host immunity. A frameshift in
dprA
, which in other microbes influences uptake of foreign DNA, may also make this lineage conducive to foreign DNA acquisition.

IMPORTANCE
Invasive methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infection now ranks among the leading causes of death in the United States. Vancomycin is a key last-line bactericidal drug for treating these infections. However, since 2002, vancomycin resistance has entered this species. Of the now 12 cases of vancomycin-resistant
S. aureus
(VRSA), each was believed to represent a new acquisition of the vancomycin-resistant transposon Tn
1546
from enterococcal donors. All acquisitions of Tn
1546
so far have occurred in MRSA strains of the clonal cluster 5 genetic background, the most common hospital lineage causing hospital-acquired MRSA infection. To understand the nature of these strains, we determined and examined the nucleotide sequences of the genomes of all available VRSA. Genome comparison identified candidate features that position strains of this lineage well for acquiring resistance to antibiotics in mixed infection.
Testing the hypothesis that diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis vaccine has negative non-specific and sex-differential effects on child survival in high-mortality countries
Authors: Aaby Peter , Benn Christine , Nielsen Jens , Lisse Ida Maria , Rodrigues Amabelia , Ravn Henrik 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundMeasles vaccines (MV) have sex-differential effects on mortality not explained by protection against measles infection.ObjectiveThe authors examined whether whole-cell diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP) vaccine has sex-differential and non-specific effects.Data sources and eligibilityFollowing previous reviews and a new search, the effect of DTP on mortality up to the next vaccination was assessed in all studies where DTP was given after BCG or DTP was given after MV and there was prospective follow-up after ascertainment of vaccination status.SettingHigh-mortality countries in Africa and Asia.MethodsThe initial observation of negative effect of DTP generated six hypotheses, which were examined in all available studies and two randomised trials reducing the time of exposure to DTP.Main outcomeConsistency between studies.ResultsIn the first study, DTP had negative effects on survival in contrast to the beneficial effects of BCG and MV. This pattern was repeated in the six other studies available. Second, the two ‘natural experiments’ found significantly higher mortality for DTP-vaccinated compared with DTP-unvaccinated children. Third, the female–male mortality ratio was increased after DTP in all nine studies; in contrast, the ratio was decreased after BCG and MV in all studies. Fourth, the increased female mortality associated with high-titre measles vaccine was found only among children who had received DTP after high-titre measles vaccine. Fifth, in six randomised trials of early MV, female but not male mortality was increased if DTP was likely to be given after MV. Sixth, the mortality rate declined markedly for girls but not for boys when DTP-vaccinated children received MV. The authors reduced exposure to DTP as most recent vaccination by administering a live vaccine (MV and BCG) shortly after DTP. Both trials reduced child mortality.ConclusionsThese observations are incompatible with DTP merely protecting against the targeted diseases. With herd immunity to whooping cough, DTP is associated with higher mortality for girls. Randomised studies of DTP are warranted to measure the true impact on survival.