bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The natural history and epidemiology of insect venom allergy: clinical implications
Authors: Bilò M. B. , Bonifazi F. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryHymenoptera stings can cause severe systemic allergic reactions and occasionally fatal anaphylaxis, which contribute significantly to morbidity and deterioration in health‐related quality of life. The latest epidemiological data confirm the importance of insect sting allergy as a cause of anaphylaxis. Despite the high prevalence of asymptomatic sensitization, the prevalence of sting‐induced systemic reactions (SRs) is low. However, to date, no parameter has been identified that can predict who will have a future reaction and whether it will be a large local reaction or anaphylactic. The combination of several concomitant factors, which include environmental, genetics and individual factors, may account for the occurrence of a system reaction in individual patients. Several not completely known factors may be associated with the severity of systemic re‐stings. As about 50% of subjects with fatal sting reactions had no documented history of a previous SR, greater insight of the natural history and risk factors is required, especially in asymptomatic sensitized subjects. For patients with SRs, prevention of future severe allergic reactions starts with referral to an emergency department, correct administration of epinephrine by medical staff, referral to an allergist and coaching for the self‐administration of epinephrine. However, most insect sting victims failed to seek medical advice and hospital attendance does not always correlate with the severity of the allergic reaction. Moreover, only about one‐third of patients received a prescription for self‐injectable epinephrine and were officially referred to an allergist after being discharged, causing the non‐ or delayed prescription of specific immunotherapy. Significantly, this means that at least half of the sting fatalities in patients with a positive history could have been avoided through the timely administration of specific immunotherapy. These findings indicate the urgent need to educate the general population and doctors on the management of venom‐allergic patients.
Increased immunoglobulin A in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: exploring the response of B cells to Toll-like receptor 9 activation
Authors: Massonnet B , Delwail A , Ayrault J-M , Chagneau-Derrode C , Lecron J-C , Silvain C 
Published: July 2009

SummaryAlcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is characterized by increased circulating levels of immunoglobulins (Igs). ALC patients undergo bacterial translocation evidenced by the presence of bacterial DNA in peripheral blood. Bacterial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) and unmethylated cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) DNA are ligands of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, TLR-2 and TLR-9, respectively. Although TLR activation results generally in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, activation of B cells through TLR-7 or TLR-9 is involved in their maturation and Ig synthesis. The aim of the present study was to assess Ig synthesis by ALC B cells under PAMP activation in order to evaluate the possible involvement of TLR pathways in the increased Ig levels, and especially the hyper-IgA observed in ALC. CpG, in combination with interleukin (IL)-10 or IL-21, enhanced IgA, IgG and IgM synthesis by healthy donor (HD) PBMCs, but had only a weak effect on ALC PBMCs. Relative CpG-induced IgA production by purified ALC B cells was less important when compared to HD B cells, in accordance with the lower TLR-9 expression on ALC B cells compared to HD B cells, but the absolute IgA production by CpG-activated B cells was enhanced significantly for ALC when compared to HD, in agreement with their intrinsic ability to produce spontaneously more IgA than HD. LPS and PGN had no direct activity on B cells, whereas R848 also enhanced Ig synthesis, as reported recently. Taken together, these results suggest that TLR priming of B cells could account for the hyperimmunoglobulinaemia observed in ALC patients.
Reproductive outcome of men with azoospermia due to cryptorchidism using assisted techniques
Authors: Haimov‐Kochman R. , Prus D. , Farchat M. , Bdolah Y. , Hurwitz A. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe aetiology of cryptorchidism is still undiscernible in the majority of cases. It has long been argued that cryptorchidism reflects a primary testicular maldevelopment, where the contralateral scrotal testis also suffers from aspermatogenesis and low spermatogonia count. The aim of the study was to determine the reproductive outcome of ex‐cryptorchid men with azoospermia post‐orchidopexy after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI). In a retrospective analysis, we compared the sperm retrieval, fertilization, pregnancy and live birth rates after ICSI of consecutive ex‐cryptorchid azoospermic patients (n = 15) undergoing TESE between Jan 2000 and Dec 2007 vs. non‐cryptorchid azoospermic men (n = 142). Sperm retrieval rate of ex‐cryptorchid men by TESE (66%) was comparable with non‐cryptorchid men (47%) (p = 0.15) despite significantly higher FSH levels (30.7 ± 25.4 vs. 17.9 ± 14.8 respectively) (p = 0.018) and a more prevalent histopathology diagnosis of aspermatogenesis (75% vs. 40%, p = 0.046). Fertilization (43.3%), pregnancy (30%) and live birth (20%) rates after TESE–IVF–ICSI in the ex‐cryptorchid group were not different from the non‐cryptorchid group (48.7, 43 and 29%, p = 0.26, p = 0.21, p = 0.29 respectively). We conclude that the reproductive outcome of ex‐cryptorchid men with azoospermia post‐orchidopexy employing TESE–IVF–ICSI is comparable with non‐cryptorchid azoospermic men.
Calpain‐mediated breakdown of cytoskeletal proteins contributes to cholecystokinin‐induced damage of rat pancreatic acini
Authors: Weber Heike , Hühns Saskia , Lüthen Frank , Jonas Ludwig 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe cytosolic cysteine protease calpain is implicated in a multitude of cellular functions but also plays a role in cell damage. Our previous results suggest that an activation of calpain accompanied by a decrease in its endogenous inhibitor calpastatin may contribute to pancreatic damage during cerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis. The present study aimed at the time course of secretagogue‐induced calpain activation and cellular substrates of the protease. Isolated rat pancreatic acini were incubated with a supramaximal concentration of cholecystokinin (0.1 μM CCK) for 30 min in the presence or absence of the calpain inhibitor Z‐Val‐Phe methyl ester (100 μM ZVP). The activation of calpain and the expression of calpastatin and the actin cytoskeleton‐associated proteins αII‐spectrin, E‐cadherin and vinculin were studied by immunoblotting. The cell damage was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release and ultrastructural analysis including fluorescence‐labelled actin filaments. Immediately after administration, CCK led to activation of both calpain isoforms, μ‐ and m‐calpain. The protease activation was accompanied by a decrease in the E‐cadherin level and formation of calpain‐specific breakdown products of αII‐spectrin. A calpain‐specific cleavage product of vinculin appeared concomitantly with changes in the actin filament organization. No effect of CCK on calpastatin was found. Inhibition of calpain by ZVP reduced CCK‐induced damage of the actin‐associated proteins and the cellular ultrastructure including the actin cytoskeleton. The results suggest that CCK‐induced acinar cell damage requires activation of calpain and that the actin cytoskeleton belongs to the cellular targets of the protease.
A study of Turkish critical care nurses’ perspectives regarding family‐witnessed resuscitation
Authors: Güneş Ülkü Yapucu , Zaybak Ayten 
Published: July 2009

Aim.  This paper reports a study to determine the experiences and attitudes of Turkish critical care nurses concerning family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Background.  The debate surrounding family‐member presence in resuscitation areas has been evolving since the 1980s. The practice of performing resuscitation of adults in the presence of family members is controversial and has stimulated discussion and debate worldwide.Design.  A descriptive survey.Method.  The survey was carried out in 2007 with 135 critical care nurses from two university hospitals in İzmir. A structured questionnaire was used, which incorporated a series of attitude statements that were rated using a three‐point Likert scale. The attitudes of the nurses were explored in three areas: decision making, processes and outcomes of resuscitation.Results.  Of the nurses, only 22·2% experienced a situation where family members were present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most of these nurses (n = 20) had one or more negative experiences. The majority disagreed that family members should always be offered the opportunity to be with the patient during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The most common concerns for not favouring family‐witnessed resuscitation were reported as performance anxiety, fear of causing psychological trauma to family members and increased risk of litigation.Conclusions.  Many Turkish critical care nurses have no knowledge of family‐witnessed resuscitation and do not support the practice. We suggest that Turkish critical care nurses should be informed by the international literature on the concept of family‐witnessed resuscitation and the culturally appropriate policies concerning this subject should be changed in Turkish hospitals.Relevance to clinical practice.  Most critical care nurses in Turkey are not supportive of family‐witnessed resuscitation. All critical care nurses should be informed by the international literature on the concept of family‐witnessed resuscitation.
Patients’ experiences of everyday life after lung transplantation
Authors: Thomsen Doris , Jensen Birte Østergaard 
Published: July 2009

Aim.  To investigate the experiences of everyday life after lung transplantation of patients with previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Background.  Compared with patients being transplanted due to other indications, those with COPD prior to lung transplantation report more problems in the form of shortness of breath, fatigue, sexual problems, insomnia and increased appetite. In addition, they are often faced with problems returning to normal working life. How these problems influence the patient’s everyday life is unknown.Design.  An exploratory qualitative study.Methods.  Ten COPD patients (five females and five males) aged 51–69 and more than six months post transplantation, were interviewed using of a semi‐structured interview guide. All interviews were taperecorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Findings.  The analysis revealed four themes of experience: a second chance; an ordinary life without chronic rejection; even minor daily activities take time with chronic rejection; and need for support and knowledge that were considered important by the participants for their situation and daily life.Conclusions.  This is the first study describing the experiences of everyday life after lung transplantation of patients with COPD prior to surgery. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these patients’ experiences of gratitude, positive life orientation and informational needs in relation to everyday life.Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals should be aware of the kind of problems both women and men may experience a long time after the lung transplantation. They constitute a basic knowledge of a patient’s everyday life that is important when planning individual counselling and rehabilitation.
The experiences of carers in Taiwanese culture who have long‐term schizophrenia in their families: a phenomenological study
Authors: HUANG X.‐Y. , HUNG B.‐J. , SUN F. K. , LIN J.‐D. , CHEN C.‐C. 
Published: July 2009

Accessible summary

Carers in families with long‐term schizophrenia in Taiwanese culture are suffering several burdens, such as burdens of caring and emotional burdens.
Strategies of coping, cognitive and religious coping strategies were used by carers in order to cope with their burdens.
The awareness of such traditional cultural values would help people to provide care in a culturally sensitive manner.

AbstractSchizophrenia is a severe illness with little hope of recovery and requires long‐term care. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of carers who live with someone with long‐term schizophrenia, within the cultural context of Taiwan. The study was conducted in a community setting in central Taiwan. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of carers. Purposive sampling was used by selecting the carers who were close relatives of the clients, had lived with the clients for at least 1 year and bore most of the responsibilities. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted to collect the data and narratives were analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) seven‐step method. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 10 carers. Three themes and eight sub‐themes were identified: burdens of caring (helping clients' illness, lack of professional support and family conflicts), emotional burdens (sadness, worry and fear) and strategies of coping (cognitive and religious coping strategies). Our study supported the importance for nurses to understand the cultural aspects of mental illness, particularly the widespread cultural beliefs and patterns of help seeking behaviours, in order to provide culturally sensitive health care.
Feline perforating dermatitis resembling human reactive perforating collagenosis: clinicopathological findings and outcome in four cases
Authors: Albanese Francesco , Tieghi Chiara , De Rosa Luigi , Colombo Silvia , Abramo Francesca 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are described. In all cases, the lesions were characterized by single or multiple papules and plaques, 0.5–3.0 cm in diameter, each containing a central, firm, exophytic, cone‐shaped, yellow‐orange keratotic plug, tightly adherent to the underlying skin. Removal of the protruding material was associated with bleeding and left the ulcerated surface exposed. In one case, the lesions showed a linear configuration and identical lesions occurred on the suture sites following biopsy. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was straightforward because of the presence of vertically orientated collagen bundles extruded from ulcerated, concave‐shaped invaginations of the skin. In two cases, vitamin C administration failed to resolve the disease. In two cases, methyl‐prednisolone acetate was used to manage relapsing episodes and vitamin C helped to reduce glucocorticoid requirements. In one case, treatment with methyl‐prednisolone acetate only appeared to be curative. The fourth case was lost to follow‐up immediately after the diagnosis.
Canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma with vesiculobullous lesions resembling human bullous mycosis fungoides
Authors: Bizikova Petra , Linder Keith E. , Suter Steven E. , Van Wettere Arnaud J. , Olivry Thierry 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe broad spectrum of clinical signs in canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma mimics many inflammatory skin diseases and is a diagnostic challenge. A 13‐year‐old‐male castrated golden retriever crossbred dog presented with multifocal flaccid bullae evolving into deep erosions. A shearing force applied to the skin at the periphery of the erosions caused the epidermis to further slide off the dermis suggesting intraepidermal or subepidermal separation. Systemic signs consisted of profound weight loss and marked respiratory distress. Histologically, the superficial and deep dermis were infiltrated by large, CD3‐positive neoplastic lymphocytes and mild epitheliotropism involved the deep epidermis, hair follicle walls and epitrichial sweat glands. There was partial loss of the stratum basale. Bullous lesions consisted of large dermoepidermal and intraepidermal clefts that contained loose accumulations of neutrophils mixed with fewer neoplastic cells in proteinaceous fluid. The lifted epidermis was often devitalized and bordered by hydropic degeneration and partial epidermal collapse. Similar neoplastic lymphocytes formed small masses in the lungs associated with broncho‐invasion. Clonal rearrangement analysis of antigen receptor genes in samples from skin and lung lesions using primers specific for canine T‐cell receptor gamma (TCRγ) produced a single‐sized amplicon of identical sequence, indicating that both lesions resulted from the expansion of the same neoplastic T‐cell population. Macroscopic vesiculobullous lesions with devitalization of the lesional epidermis should be included in the broad spectrum of clinical signs presented by canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma.
Sporotrichosis: a retrospective evaluation of 23 cases seen in northern California (1987–2007)
Authors: Crothers Samantha L. , White Stephen D. , Ihrke Peter J. , Affolter Verena K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSporotrichosis is an uncommon to rare cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis of animals and humans caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Twenty‐three mammalian cases of sporotrichosis examined between 1987 and 2007 at the University of California, Davis – Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, were retrospectively evaluated with regard to the historical, clinical, diagnostic and treatment findings. Cats were the most common species affected (n = 14). In addition, sporotrichosis was diagnosed in four dogs, four horses and a donkey. Six of 23 cases were diagnosed with the localized cutaneous form of sporotrichosis (four cats, one dog, one horse), 10 with the cutaneous‐lymphatic form (four cats, two dogs, three horses and a donkey), and seven with the disseminated form (six cats, one dog). Two of 23 cases did not have skin lesions at the time of diagnosis (one cat, one dog). The most common mode of diagnosis was demonstration of S. schenckii on histopathological evaluation of tissue. In contrast with most previously described sporotrichosis infections in cats, few to no fungal organisms were seen in histopathological samples (haematoxylin and eosin and special stains) in five of the 14 cats. Treatments received included itraconazole (12 cats, one dog), ketoconazole (three dogs), fluconazole (one cat, one donkey), sodium iodide (four horses, one cat) and potassium iodide (one cat, one horse, one donkey). The prognosis for successful treatment was good in all species. Fluconazole was successful in inducing resolution of the cutaneous lesions and controlling the infection in one cat with disseminated sporotrichosis.
Scarring alopecia: clinical and pathologic study of 54 African‐American women
Authors: Borovicka Judy H. , Thomas Lorna , Prince Carol , Mehregan Darius R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  Cicatricial or scarring alopecia results in the destruction of hair follicles and is a significant cosmetic concern in African‐American women.Objective  To correlate the clinical examination and histologic findings in African‐American women with scarring alopecia with a history of hairstyling practices.Methods  We reviewed retrospectively the medical records and scalp biopsy specimens of 54 women with scarring alopecia. Patients were selected from two dermatologic practices in the Detroit Metropolitan area.Results  Alopecia commonly presents in patients who use a variety of traumatic haircare techniques, including chemical and physical straighteners, traction, braiding, hair extensions, hair gluing, and chemical curls. Histologic findings are centered around the follicular infundibulum with a lymphocytic infiltrate and perifollicular fibrosis.Conclusion  Traumatic hairstyling techniques are common in African‐American women, and all result in a similar picture of a peri‐infundibular lymphocytic infiltrate and fibrosis, leading to alopecia.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of oral procyanidin with vitamins A, C, E for melasma among Filipino women
Authors: Handog Evangeline B. , Galang Dulce Amor Vivan F. , De Leon‐Godinez Maria Azirrel , Chan Gertrude P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  Melasma is a common, acquired, symmetric hypermelanosis characterized by irregular brown to gray–brown macules on the cheeks, forehead, nasal bridge, cutaneous part of the upper lip, mandible, and the upper arms. Few trials have been conducted regarding the potential benefits of oral procyanidin in melasma.Aim  To assess the safety and efficacy of oral procyanidin + vitamins A, C, E among Filipino patients with epidermal melasma.Methods  A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial lasting 8 weeks, involving 60 adult female volunteers with bilateral epidermal melasma, Fitzpatrick skin types III–V, was conducted at the Section of Dermatology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines. Patients received either the test drug or placebo, twice daily with meals. Changes in pigmentation were measured using a mexameter, the melasma area and severity index (MASI), and a global evaluation by the patient and investigator. Safety evaluations were performed at each follow‐up visit.Results  Fifty‐six patients completed the trial. Mexameter results demonstrated a significant decrease in the degree of pigmentation in the left malar (165.85 ± 70.909) and right malar (161.33 ± 61.824) regions (P < 0.0001). MASI scores showed a significant improvement in the left malar (2.4862 ± 1.67816) and right malar (1.8889 ± 1.67110) regions (P = 0.001). Procyanidin + vitamins A, C, E proved to be safe and well tolerated, with minimal adverse events.Conclusions  In this 8‐week trial period, oral procyanidin + vitamins A, C, E proved to be safe and effective among Filipino women with epidermal melasma.
A molecular phylogeny of minivets (Passeriformes: Campephagidae: Pericrocotus): implications for biogeography and convergent plumage evolution
Authors: Jønsson Knud A. , Irestedt Martin , Ericson Per G. P. , Fjeldså Jon 
Published: July 2009

AbstractJønsson, K. A., Irestedt, M., Ericson, P. G. P. & Fjeldså, J. (2009). A molecular phylogeny of minivets (Passeriformes: Campephagidae: Pericrocotus): implications for biogeography and convergent plumage evolution.—Zoologica Scripta, 39, 1–8.Minivets are conspicuous and mostly intensely colourful birds inhabiting wooded environments in tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia and temperate East Asia. We present a robust phylogeny of the group based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA data including all 12 recognized species and also many subspecies representing disjunct populations in the Oriental mainland and in Indonesia. The study indicates that minivets radiated within mainland Asia and dispersed to the Indonesian archipelago. We also demonstrate that in accordance with studies on other bird groups, plumage characters are highly plastic and that the diversity of plumage patterns and colouration represents an example of convergent evolution.