bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of tumour necrosis factor‐α polymorphism −308 and atopy on irritant contact dermatitis in healthcare workers*
Authors: Davis Jennifer A. , Visscher Marty O. , Randall Wickett R. , Hoath Steven B. 
Published: August 2010

Background. Chronic irritant hand dermatitis is an issue for healthcare workers and may negatively impact infection control. Objectives. We examined the effects of a G to A transition at position −308 on the tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) gene on chronically damaged skin of healthcare workers during exposure and recovery from repetitive hand hygiene, after intensive treatment, and on the irritant response in normal skin. Patients/Materials/Methods. In 68 healthcare workers with irritant hand dermatitis, we genotyped TNF‐α−308 and measured the epidermal response via quantitative digital imaging, erythema, dryness, and barrier integrity. Results. Excess hand erythema decreased with hand hygiene exposure and increased during time off for AA/GA genotypes, but had opposite effects for GG. AA/GA had smaller reductions in dryness with lotion treatment and larger reductions in excess erythema than GG. The atopic diathesis and heightened neurosensory irritation resulting from water and lactic acid significantly influenced the responses. Repeated exposure to water and sodium lauryl sulfate (0.05, 0.1%) produced higher erythema in normal skin for AA/GA than for GG. Conclusions. This study provides evidence that the TNF‐α polymorphism at −308 and an atopic history impact the severity of irritation and recovery from exposure and response to treatment for common hand skin products in both chronic irritant hand dermatitis and normal skin.
DIP2 disco‐interacting protein 2 homolog A (Drosophila) is a candidate receptor for follistatin‐related protein/follistatin‐like 1 – analysis of their binding with TGF‐β superfamily proteins
Authors: Tanaka Masao , Murakami Kosaku , Ozaki Shoichi , Imura Yoshitaka , Tong Xiao‐Peng , Watanabe Takuo , Sawaki Toshioki , Kawanami Takafumi , Kawabata Daisuke , Fujii Takao , Usui Takashi , Masaki Yasufumi , Fukushima Toshihiro , Jin Zhe‐Xiong , Umehara Hisanori , Mimori Tsuneyo 
Published: August 2010

Follistatin‐related protein (FRP)/follistatin‐like 1 (FSTL1) is a member of the follistatin protein family, all of which share a characteristic structure unit found in follistatin, called the FS domain. Developmental studies have suggested that FRP regulates organ tissue formation in embryos. Immunological studies showed that FRP modifies joint inflammation in arthritic disease, and modulates allograft tolerance. However, the principle physiological function of FRP is currently unknown. To address this issue, we cloned four FRP‐associated proteins using a two‐hybrid cloning method: disco‐interacting protein 2 homolog A from Drosophila (DIP2A), CD14, glypican 1 and titin. Only DIP2A was expected to be a membrane receptor protein with intracellular regions. Over‐expression of FLAG epitope‐tagged DIP2A augmented the suppressive effect of FRP on FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) expression, and the Fab fragment of IgG to FLAG blocked this effect. Knockdown of Dip2a leaded to Fos gene up‐regulation, and this was not affected by exogenous FRP. These in vitro experiments confirmed that DIP2A could be a cell‐surface receptor protein and mediate a FOS down‐regulation signal of FRP. Moreover, molecular interaction analyses using Biacore demonstrated that FRP bound to DIP2A and CD14, and also with proteins of the TGF‐β superfamily, i.e. activin, TGF‐β, bone morphogenetic protein 2/4 (BMP‐2/4), their receptors and follistatin. FRP binding to DIP2A was blocked by CD14, follistatin, activin and BMP‐2. FRP blocked the ligand–receptor binding of activin and BMP‐2, but integrated itself with that of BMP‐4. This multi‐specific binding may reflect the broad physiological activity of FRP.Structured digital abstract
A list of the large number of protein‐protein interactions described in this article is available via the MINT article ID MINT‐7990613
Appearance of Tissue Transglutaminase in Astrocytes in Multiple Sclerosis Lesions: A Role in Cell Adhesion and Migration?
Authors: Van Strien Miriam E. , Drukarch Benjamin , Bol John G. , Van Der Valk Paul , Van Horssen Jack , Gerritsen Wouter H. , Breve John J. , Van Dam Anne‐Marie 
Published: August 2010

AbstractMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease mainly affecting young adults. A major pathological hallmark of MS is the presence of demyelinated lesions in the central nervous system. In the active phase of the disease, astrocytes become activated, migrate and contribute to local tissue remodeling that ultimately can result in an astroglial scar. This process is facilitated by extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. Tissue Transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional enzyme with a ubiquitous tissue distribution and it has been shown that inflammatory cytokines can induce TG2 activity. In addition, TG2 is known to mediate cell adhesion and migration. We therefore hypothesized that TG2 is present in MS lesions and plays a role in cell adhesion and/or migration. Our studies showed that TG2 immunoreactivity appeared in astrocytes in active and chronic active MS lesions. These TG2 positive astrocytes partly co‐localized with fibronectin. Additional in vitro studies showed that TG2 mediated astrocytoma adhesion to and migration on the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. We therefore speculate that TG2 mediates the enhanced interaction of astrocytes with fibronectin in the extracellular matrix of MS lesions, thereby contributing to astrocyte adhesion and migration, and thus in tissue remodeling and possibly glial scarring.
Presence of Tissue Transglutaminase in Granular Endoplasmic Reticulum is Characteristic of Melanized Neurons in Parkinson's Disease Brain
Authors: Wilhelmus Micha M. M. , Verhaar Robin , Andringa Gerda , Bol John G. J. M. , Cras Patrick , Shan Ling , Hoozemans Jeroen J. M. , Drukarch Benjamin 
Published: August 2010

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the accumulation of α‐synuclein aggregates and degeneration of melanized neurons. The tissue transglutaminase (tTG) enzyme catalyzes molecular protein cross‐linking. In PD brain, tTG‐induced cross‐links have been identified in α‐synuclein monomers, oligomers and α‐synuclein aggregates. However, whether tTG and α‐synuclein occur together in PD affected neurons remains to be established. Interestingly, using immunohistochemistry, we observed a granular distribution pattern of tTG, characteristic of melanized neurons in PD brain. Apart from tTG, these granules were also positive for typical endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐resident chaperones, that is, protein disulphide isomerase, ERp57 and calreticulin, suggesting a direct link to the ER. Additionally, we observed the presence of phosphorylated pancreatic ER kinase (pPERK), a classical ER stress marker, in tTG granule positive neurons in PD brain, although no subcellular colocalization of tTG and pPERK was found. Our data therefore suggest that tTG localization to granular ER compartments is specific for stressed melanized neurons in PD brain. Moreover, as also α‐synuclein aggregates were observed in tTG granule positive neurons, these results provide a clue to the cellular site of interaction between α‐synuclein and tTG.
Prevalence of High‐Risk Cardiovascular Conditions and the Status of Hypertension Management Among Hypertensive Adults 65 Years and Older in the United States: Analysis of a Primary Care Electronic Medical Records Database
Authors: Biskupiak Joseph E. , Kim Jaewhan , Phatak Hemant , Wu David 
Published: August 2010

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).This study compared the prevalence of high‐risk cardiovascular (CV) conditions, antihypertensive medication treatment patterns, and demographic and clinical characteristics associated with blood pressure (BP) goal attainment between elderly (65 years and older) and nonelderly (younger than 65 years) adults with hypertension. Retrospective cohort study was conducted using an electronic medical record database among patients receiving at least 1 antihypertensive medication. CV risk profiles were assessed by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision diagnosis codes. Treatment patterns were assessed by the number of antihypertensive medications prescribed. BP goal attainment was determined by the mean of the last 2 BP readings during 1 year of follow‐up. Logistic regression estimated the odds of achieving BP goal. There were 61,355 nonelderly (mean age, 51.8 years) and 47,796 elderly (mean age, 73.2 years) patients in the study. Elderly patients had statistically significant higher levels of isolated systolic hypertension and complicated hypertension. Elderly patients had statistically significant higher levels of prescribing patterns characterized by multiple antihypertensive medications but statistically significant lower levels of BP goal attainment. Age 65 years and older, African American race, body mass index ≥30, and the presence of complicated hypertension were found to be statistically significant factors contributing to a lower likelihood of BP goal attainment. Despite aggressive antihypertensive treatment, elderly patients are less likely to achieve BP goals. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:935–944. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Comparison of a Commonwealth‐initiated regional radiation oncology facility in Toowoomba with a Queensland Health facility
Authors: Poulsen M , Middleton M , McQuitty S , Ramsay J , Gogna K , Martin J , Khoo E , Wong W , Fairweather R , Walpole E 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe aim was to compare a private Commonwealth‐initiated regional radiation oncology facility in Toowoomba with a Queensland Health facility (QHF) in Brisbane. The comparison concentrated on staffing, case mix and operational budgets, but was not able to look at changes in access to services. Data were collected from the two facilities from January 2008 to June 2008 inclusive. A number of factors were compared, including case mix, staffing levels, delay times for treatment, research, training and treatment costs. The case mix between the two areas was similar with curative treatments making up just over half the work load in both centres and two‐thirds the work being made up of cancers of breast and prostate. Staffing levels were leaner in Toowoomba, especially in the areas of nursing, administration and trial coordinators. Research activity was slightly higher in Toowoomba. The average medicare cost per treatment course was similar in both centres ($5000 per course). Total costs of an average treatment including patient, State and Commonwealth costs, showed a 30% difference in costing favouring Toowoomba. This regional radiation oncology centre has provided state‐of‐the‐art cancer care that is close to home for patients living in the Darling Downs region. Both public and private patients have been treated with modest costs to the patient and significant savings to QH. The case mix is similar to the QHF, and there has been significant activity in clinical research. A paperless working environment is one factor that has allowed staffing levels to be reduced. Ongoing support from Governments are required if private facilities are to participate in important ongoing staff training.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Radiological review of intercostal artery: Anatomical considerations when performing procedures via intercostal space
Authors: Choi S , Trieu J , Ridley L 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction: The aim of this study was to closely examine the course of the intercostal arteries within the intercostal spaces particularly with regard to where the arteries were located in relation to their adjacent ribs. The degree of tortuosity of the arteries was also examined, along with anatomical differences in different age groups.Methods: A total of 81 patients between the age of 30 and 90 years who had underwent a CT examination of the chest for any indication were included in the study. All studies were performed on a dual source 64 slice CT (Siemens Definition Erlangen Germany). Analysis of the intercostal arteries was performed on a CT workstation using volume rendered 3D reconstructions F, or each patient the 10'n intercostals pacesb ilaterally were examined for the course and tortuosity of the intercostal arteries.Results: The ICA is located relatively inferiorly in the intercostal space at costovertebral junction and it gradually becomes more superiorly positioned within the intercostal space it as courses laterally. This finding was consistent in all age groups. In addition, analysis of the data demonstrated increasing intercostal artery tortuosity with advancing age.Conclusion: In this study we have examined the course of the posterior intercostal arteries using MDCT. This study confirms the classical description of the course of ICA. We have shown that in the medial chest, posteriorly, the artery is located in the inferior half of the intercostal space. As it moves away from the costovertebral junction it travels closer to the inferior border of the rib above and reaches the intercostal groove. We have also shown that the artery tends to be more tortuous in elderly patients, decreasing the area of “safe” space for interventions. Both of these findings are relevant to radiologists and non‐radiologists performing interventional procedures via the intercostal space.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Long‐term outcomes of vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures
Authors: Thillainadesan J , Schlaphoff G , Gibson KA , Hassett GM , McNeil HP 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction: This study aimed to determine outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).Methods: Prospective assessment of short‐term (≤6 weeks), medium‐term (6 months) and long‐term (29 months) outcomes of vertebroplasty, followed by a retrospective long‐term follow‐up of patients treated with vertebroplasty compared with conservative therapy. Outcomes measured were visual analogue scale pain scores, analgesic use, disability scores using the Roland Morris Disability questionnaire and a number of new VCFs.Results: In 27 patients with acute VCFs followed prospectively, vertebroplasty resulted in significant reductions in pain levels (56‐mm reduction on a 100‐mm scale) and disability scores (11.8‐point reduction on a 24‐point scale) at all follow‐up points up to a mean of 29 months compared with pre‐vertebroplasty levels (P < 0.001). Analgesic use was significantly less intense in the short and medium term after vertebroplasty (P < 0.005). In 25 patients who had vertebroplasty for VCF, a sustained reduction in all outcomes was demonstrated at a mean follow‐up of 30 months, with less pain, significantly lower disability scores (P < 0.05) and less analgesic use (P < 0.05) compared with nine conservatively treated subjects. During the follow‐up period, six new VCFs occurred in 4/25 vertebroplasty patients compared with four new VCFs in 2/9 control subjects.Conclusions: Vertebroplasty provides significant and clinically meaningful reductions in pain, analgesic use, and disability in the short, medium and long term. Compared with conservative therapy, vertebroplasty provides significantly greater functional improvement and reduction in analgesic use. The procedure is relatively safe with no clearly increased risk of new vertebral fractures.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Enlarged hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kirchner J , Kirchner EM , Goltz JP , Obermann A , Kickuth R 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  To evaluate the frequency of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:  In a retrospective study, 89 patients with proven COPD were analysed. Exclusion criteria were history of malignant disease or clinical evidence of pneumonia. Prevalence, size, and localisation of enlarged lymph nodes were assessed by multi‐slice computed tomography (MSCT) and correlated with the clinical stages following the GOLD classification as well as the MSCT findings of bronchitis and emphysema.Results:  44/89 (49%) of our patients showed enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph node enlargement was more often seen in the mediastinum (48%) than the hilar region (20%). The most common localisation of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes was the regional station 7 following the ATS mapping (infracarinal). Patients with a stage I following the GOLD classification showed enlarged lymph nodes in 49% (18/37), stage II in 46% (12/26), stage III in 58% (7/12) and stage IV in 50% (7/14). These findings did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Severe airway wall thickening (42/89) was significantly more often associated with an increase of nodal enlargement (64%) (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates that enlarged hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes may occur in a rather high percentage of patients suffering from COPD, especially in those with the MSCT finding of severe bronchitis.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Retrospective audit of the investigation of patients with suspected acute subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Muhammed O , Teubner D , Jones DN , Slavotinek JP 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  Recommended investigational care (RIC) of emergency department (ED) patients with suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage comprises lumbar puncture (LP) to detect xanthochromia if the preceding CT scan is negative.Methods:  Retrospective audit of the investigational care of 100 consecutive ED patients presenting with possible subarachnoid haemorrhage.Results:  Of the 100 patients, 91 had negative CT, and 36 (39.6%) of these patients had an LP performed to detect xanthochromia (i.e. RIC). Fifty‐five of 91 (60.4%) patients did not receive RIC.Of the 55 patients who did not receive RIC, 25 (45.5%) had a documented senior clinical decision not to perform an LP; 15 (27.3%) had no documented reason; five (9.1%) refused consent; two (3.6%) had an LP but no xanthochromia requested, one patient did not have an LP because of technical issues, six patients underwent CT angiography (CTA), and one patient underwent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), in the absence of a LP, following a negative CT. Two patients underwent CTA following a negative xanthochromia result. Patients admitted to the emergency extended care unit had 6.85 times the odds of receiving RIC (95% CI 2.20–21.4).Conclusions:  Fifty‐five (55) of 91 (60%) ED patients did not receive RIC. Fifteen of the 55 did not have any documented justification for not performing an LP with xanthochromia testing. Admission to an emergency extended care unit was a predictor of receiving RIC. Inappropriate use of CTA and MRA was identified. These findings have important implications for patient safety. Multifaceted strategies are required to close this evidence–practice gap.
PICTORIAL ESSAY: Role of FDG PET/CT in imaging of renal lesions
Authors: Kochhar R , Brown RK , Wong CO , Dunnick NR , Frey KA , Manoharan P 
Published: August 2010

SummaryFocal incidental renal lesions are commonly encountered on positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging. The vast majority of these lesions are benign. However, the interpretation of renal lesions can be problematic if the imaging criteria of simple cysts are not met. Limited literature exists on the characterisation of renal masses with metabolic imaging. The purpose of this article is to focus on the imaging features of benign and malignant renal masses with PET/CT. The lesions discussed include renal cyst, angiomyolipoma, oncocytoma, renal cell carcinoma, renal metastases and other infiltrating neoplastic processes affecting the kidney. Both the anatomical and metabolic features which characterise these benign and malignant entities are described. We emphasise the importance of viewing the CT component to identify the typical morphological features and discuss how to best use hybrid imaging for management of renal lesions. Metabolic imaging has a promising role in the imaging of renal lesions and can help prevent unnecessary biopsies and ensure optimal management of suspicious lesions.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Sparing of the hippocampus and limbic circuit during whole brain radiation therapy: A dosimetric study using helical tomotherapy
Authors: Marsh JC , Gielda BT , Herskovic AM , Wendt JA , Turian JV 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  The study aims to assess the feasibility of dosimetrically sparing the limbic circuit during whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI).Methods and Materials:  We contoured the brain/brainstem on fused MRI and CT as the target volume (PTV) in 11 patients, excluding the hippocampus and the rest of the limbic circuit, which were considered organs at risk (OARs). PCI and WBRT helical tomotherapy plans were prepared for each patient with a 1.0‐cm field width, pitch = 0.285, initial modulation factor = 2.5. We attempted to spare the hippocampus and the rest of the limbic circuit while treating the rest of the brain to 30 Gy in 15 fractions (PCI) or 35 Gy in 14 fractions (WBRT) with V100 ≥ 95%. The quality of the plans was assessed by calculating mean dose and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for OARs and the % volume of the PTV receiving the prescribed dose, V100.Results:  In the PCI plans, mean doses/EUD were: hippocampus 12.5 Gy/14.23 Gy, rest of limbic circuit 17.0 Gy/19.02 Gy. In the WBRT plans, mean doses/EUD were: hippocampus 14.3 Gy/16.07 Gy, rest of limbic circuit 17.9 Gy/20.74 Gy. The mean V100 for the rest of the brain (PTV) were 94.7% (PCI) and 95.1% (WBRT). Mean PCI and WBRT treatment times were essentially identical (mean 15.23 min, range 14.27–17.5).Conclusions:  It is dosimetrically feasible to spare the hippocampus and the rest of the limbic circuit using helical tomotherapy while treating the rest of the brain to full dose.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Paediatric nasopharyngeal rhabdomyosarcoma: A case series and literature review
Authors: Healy JN , Borg MF 
Published: August 2010

SummaryRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue tumour in children, with the head and neck region accounting for 35–40% of cases. Nasopharyngeal RMSs tend to grow rapidly and invade adjacent structures. Both the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies and the European Studies have established that the ideal management of this disease is multimodal, using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This case series examines the role of radiotherapy in the management of paediatric nasopharyngeal RMSs, with particular reference to long‐term morbidity and disease‐free survival. The cases of five children with nasopharyngeal RMS were reviewed and a systematic review of the literature contained in the PubMed databases was conducted to establish 24 individually detailed cases. Management in all patients was multimodal, using a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy as well as surgery. External beam radiotherapy is an integral component of treatment for nasopharyngeal RMSs. With more patients surviving for longer periods, more long‐term sequelae of radiotherapy have been reported. Complications include sensorineural deafness, endocrine manifestations following radiation of the pituitary gland, cranial nerve palsies, second malignancies within the radiation field, cataract formation, retinopathy and growth disturbance. Morbidity from radiotherapy may be considerable and depends on the field and dose of radiation. Current advances in radiotherapy are aimed at improving the rate of tumour control and reducing such complications. Recent improvements in imaging and conformal techniques have the potential to reduce the morbidity associated with radiotherapy in this cohort.