bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of IL‐10 in exhaustion of myeloid dendritic cells and rescue by CD40 stimulation
Authors: Kajino Kiichi , Nakamura Ichiro , Bamba Hiromichi , Sawai Toshihiro , Ogasawara Kazumasa 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIt has recently been shown that immature dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated by a danger signal undergo transient maturation followed by exhaustion. However, the exact mechanism for this has not been elucidated. In this study, we show that interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) secreted from transiently matured DCs stimulated by danger signals is responsible for this rapid DC exhaustion. Blocking of the autocrine IL‐10 enabled transient mature DCs to maintain the mature phenotype for several days. However, these DCs remained phenotypically unstable because the addition of IL‐10 altered the transient mature DCs to exhausted DCs. More importantly, stimulation of DCs by CD40 protected transient mature DCs from IL‐10‐dependent exhaustion, with the result that mature DCs remained stable in the presence of IL‐10. Furthermore, in vivo administration of stable mature DCs pulsed with ovalbumin protein induced antigen‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) effectively, whereas neither exhausted DCs nor transient mature DCs were able to prime a strong antigen‐specific CTL response. These results indicate that DC−T cell engagement via CD40−CD154 is required for stable DC maturation leading to effective CTL induction. Otherwise, DCs stimulated solely by a danger signal are temporarily activated, but then rapidly lose their immune‐activating capacity under the influence of autocrine IL‐10.
Multidisciplinary perceptions of the role of nurses and healthcare assistants in rehabilitation of older adults in acute health care
Authors: Atwal Anita , Tattersall Kirsty , Caldwell Kay , Craik Christine 
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper describes the perceptions of nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors and therapists of rehabilitation and the role of nurses and healthcare assistants on an acute older adults ward in a London teaching hospital.Background.  The role perception, education and training and attitudes towards the older adults have been identified as barriers that have an impact upon the nurses’ role within rehabilitation. However, little is known about the role of nurses and healthcare assistants in rehabilitation of older adults in acute health care.Design.  Action research study.Method.  Twenty‐four semi‐structured interviews were conducted and audio recorded about healthcare professionals’ understanding of rehabilitation, the type of skills needed and their perceptions of the role of nurses and healthcare assistants in rehabilitation. The interview transcripts were analysed using the thematic content analysis.Results.  The findings suggest that the therapists relied on nurses and healthcare assistants for therapy carry‐over. Healthcare assistants were perceived as the professional group who could deliver therapy carry‐over. There was an evidence of role hierarchy as healthcare assistants perceived that they were not actively involved in decision‐making or discharge planning.Conclusion.  This paper suggests that healthcare assistants and nurses are viewed as the professional group best placed to deliver therapy carry‐over. However, whilst there is an acknowledgement of their role, there remains a reluctance to acknowledge healthcare assistants as a professional group and to involve them within decision‐making and discharge planningRelevance to clinical practice.  Employers must be seen to advocate, support and implement education and training programs for healthcare assistants. However, whilst nurses and healthcare assistants have an integral role in rehabilitation, there needs to be more research into the how they are supported by therapy professionals.
Biologic agents in psoriasis
Authors: Lee Michael R , Cooper Alan J 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYThis paper reviews the new biologic agents that selectively block the immunologic steps implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Four strategies have been targeted: reduction of the number of pathogenic T cells; inhibition of T‐cell activation and migration; modulation of the immune system; and blockage of the activity of inflammatory cytokines. There are three classes: monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins and recombinant cytokines or growth factors. The actions, efficacy and side‐effect profile of the biologic agents, alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept and infliximab, are reviewed.
Retrospective 5‐year review of 131 patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome seen at the National Skin Centre, Singapore
Authors: Tan Eugene Sern Ting , Tang Mark Boon Yang , Tan Suat Hoon 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYA total of 131 new cases of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome were diagnosed clinically and histopathologically at our centre over a 5‐year period. There were 87 males and 44 females with a mean age of 36.3 years (range 3–87 years) and no racial predilection. Of the 62 patients (47.3%) with classical mycosis fungoides, the majority were male (male : female = 4.2:1). There was one patient with Sézary syndrome. Patients aged older than 50 years were more likely to present with a longer duration of symptoms and advanced disease. In contrast to classical mycosis fungoides, the 47 patients diagnosed with hypopigmented mycosis fungoides had early stage disease, were younger, and no gender predilection was noted. The mean duration of follow up was 19.7 months (range 0.2–54.8 months). Complete remission was achieved in 24.7% and 53.8% of patients followed up at 1 and 3 years, respectively, using skin‐directed and systemic treatment modalities appropriate for the stage of disease. There were five patients with progressive disease and three patients with advanced disease who died from disease‐related complications. The most significant prognostic factors for 1‐year and 3‐year outcomes were the patient’s duration of symptoms and stage of disease at presentation.
Allopurinol induced generalized eosinophilic pustular folliculitis
Authors: Ooi Colin G , Walker Patrick , Sidhu Shireen K , Gordon Lynette A , Marshman Gillian 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYA 71‐year‐old Cambodian man who was commenced on allopurinol for the treatment of gout developed a generalized papulopustular follicular eruption 8 weeks following introduction of the drug. The skin biopsy findings were consistent with that of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. Resolution of the rash took place during the 8 weeks following cessation of allopurinol and treatment with oral and topical corticosteroids.
Interstitial mycosis fungoides initially diagnosed as interstitial granulomatous drug reaction
Authors: Fuller Karyn 
Published: October 2006

A 74 year old woman presented with a 1‐month history of symmetrical erythematous annular plaques involving her groin and medial thigh 3 to 4 years post commencing simvastatin. Initial histology was consistent with the diagnosis of interstitial granulomatous drug reaction (IGDR), however 11 months post cessation of Simvastatin the plaques were expanding in size. Repeat biopsy demonstrated features of interstitial mycosis fungoides (IMF).IMF is a rare variant of mycosis fungoides. It has been reported to resemble granuloma annulare, inflammatory morphoea and IGDR with an interstitial lymphocytic infiltrate. IGDR presents most commonly with a history of asymptomatic, erythematous to violaceous plaques in an annular pattern, mainly involving the intertriginous areas, medial thighs and inner aspects of the arms. There is a temporal association between the initiation of drug therapy and lesional onset and resolution after cessation of the drug. It has clinical and histological features that overlap with IMF. This case of a rare variant of mycosis fungoides initially diagnosed as interstitial granulomatous drug reaction is presented to highlight the importance of recognising this differential diagnosis when presumed IGDR fails to resolve.
Pulse itraconazole vs. continuous terbinafine for the treatment of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gupta AK , Gover MD , Lynde CW 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground Oral terbinafine and oral itraconazole are two of the most common agents used for the treatment of toenail dermatophyte onychomycosis. Despite the fact that diabetic patients are more likely to have onychomycosis than normal individuals are, there is little research into the efficacy of standard oral regimens of terbinafine and itraconazole for onychomycosis in the diabetic population.Study design We present a prospective, randomized, single‐blind, parallel group, comparator‐controlled, multi‐centre study designed to assess the efficacy of the pulse itraconazole (200 mg twice daily, 1 week on, 3 weeks off, for 12 weeks) vs. continuous terbinafine (250 mg once daily for 12 weeks) oral therapies in the treatment of dermatophyte toenail distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) in the diabetic population.Efficacy parameters Primary efficacy measures included mycological cure rate (negative KOH and culture) and effective cure (mycological cure plus nail plate involvement of 10% or less) at Week 48.Results At Week 48, mycological cure was attained by 88.2% (30 of 34) and 79.3% (23 of 29) of patients in the itraconazole and terbinafine groups, respectively (Pnot significant). Effective cure (mycological cure with ≤ 10% of nail plate involvement) was attained by 52.9% (18 of 34) of the itraconazole group and 51.7% (15 of 29) of the terbinafine group (Pnot significant). Three itraconazole patients experienced side effects in the form of gastrointestinal problems. There were no serious adverse events and no interactions with concomitant medications recorded.Discussion Both continuous terbinafine and itraconazole pulse therapy are effective and safe in the management of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis in people with diabetes.
Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in Turkey
Authors: Dolar N , Serdaroglu S , Yilmaz G , Ergin S 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are among the most common infectious diseases in humans. The prevalence of herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV‐1) and type 2 (HSV‐2) varies widely across the world. HSV‐2 infection is the primary cause of genital herpes. It is highly prevalent in human populations in many parts of the world, and is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide. In spite of the large prevalence and growing incidence of herpes simplex infection (HSV‐1 and HSV‐2), relatively few data have been published regarding the seroprevalence of herpes simplex infection, while no data exist regarding the Turkish population.Methods  We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 in selected populations in Turkey. A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 2082 serum samples of 725 adults, 300 pregnant women, 200 blood donors, 483 sex workers and 110 patients with genital warts and 264 hotel staff in Istanbul, Turkey. All serum samples were assessed for HSV1 and HSV‐2 IgG antibodies using an HSV‐type specific, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results  The prevalence of HSV‐2 and HSV‐1 antibodies was 4.8 and 85.3% in sexually active adults; 5.5 and 96% in blood donors; 5 and 98% in pregnant women, 17.3 and 93.6% in patients with genital warts; 8.3 and 97.3% in hotel staff; and 60% and 99% in sex workers.Conclusion  These results confirm a higher prevalence of HSV infection than estimated, especially in high risk groups in Turkey. The high prevalence of HSV infection underlines the need for education among these populations.
The Progression of Epilepsy
Authors: Blume Warren T. 
Published: October 2006

Summary: Prognosis for seizure control and cognitive development varies considerably among syndromes. Several factors may interact to influence outcome of an epilepsy including a causative etiology, ictal and interictal discharges, seizure‐related trauma or systemic perturbations, and antiepileptic drug (AED) effects. Clinical evidence convincingly supporting Gowers' hypothesis that seizures beget seizures is lacking. Short‐term seizure suppression by early treatment does not appear to influence long‐term prognosis.Malignant epilepsy syndromes usually begin in infancy or childhood, have a high seizure frequency, resist the initial AED, and are often associated with progressive cognitive dysfunction. Prompt management of some severe epilepsy syndromes may lessen cognitive decline. However, aggressive AEDs therapy must be balanced against the potential for cognitive side effects, particularly if multiple AEDs are used.Several experimental paradigms closely parallel human TLE as both have an initial precipitating injury (IPI), a latent period, then recurrent spontaneous seizures. In humans, an IPI is any medical event with neurological implications. Although transition from a latent period to a seizure disorder certainly constitutes “progression” of the disorder, convincing clinical evidence of subsequent worsening has not emerged. Substantial clinical and experimental evidence indicates some cognitive regression and focal atrophy with time for TLE and other intractable syndromes. However, seizure frequency and severity, established early in the disorder, appear stable in most patients, and even regress in benign syndromes. Factors mitigating or extinguishing epilepsies need to be further sought.
Identification of Susceptibility Loci for Alcohol‐Related Traits in the Irish Affected Sib Pair Study of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Kuo Po‐Hsiu , Neale Michael C. , Riley Brien P. , Webb Bradley Todd , Sullivan Patrick F. , Vittum Jen , Patterson Diana G. , Thiselton Dawn L. , Van Den Oord Edwin J. , Walsh Dermot , Kendler Kenneth S. , Prescott Carol A. 
Published: October 2006

Background:Alcoholism is a phenotypically and probably genetically heterogeneous condition. Thus, one strategy for finding genes influencing liability to alcoholism is to study the components of alcoholism, which may be more directly related to the underlying pathophysiology than is clinical diagnosis. The goal of this study was to identify genomic regions containing susceptibility loci for alcohol‐related traits.Methods:A 4‐cM dense whole‐genome linkage study was conducted in the Irish Affected Sib Pair Study of Alcohol Dependence. Probands, affected siblings, and parents were evaluated by structured interview. Variance component linkage analysis was applied to data from 485 families for 5 measures: initial sensitivity and tolerance (based on scales from the self‐report of the effects of ethanol; maximum drinks within 24 hours, an empirically derived factor score based on withdrawal symptoms, and age at onset of alcohol dependence.Results:Evidence for linkage (p<0.005) was found on 9 chromosomes. For age at onset, 2 regions were found on chromosome 9 (highest Lod=2.3,p=0.0005). For initial level of response to alcohol, suggestive regions were on chromosomes 1 and 11 (highest Lod=2.9,p=0.0001 on chromosome 11), while those for tolerance signals were on chromosomes 1, 6, and 22. Maximum drinking was associated with regions on chromosomes 12 and 18. For withdrawal symptoms, the highest peak was on chromosome 2 (Lod=2.2,p=0.0007).Conclusions:Using quantitative measures of components of alcohol dependence, we identified several regions of the genome that may contain susceptibility loci for specific alcohol‐related traits and merit additional study.
Hippocampus Volume Loss Due to Chronic Heavy Drinking
Authors: Beresford Thomas P. , Arciniegas David B. , Alfers Julie , Clapp Lori , Martin Brandon , Du Yiping , Liu Dengfeng , Shen Dinggang , Davatzikos Christos 
Published: October 2006

Objective: No clear consensus exists regarding the effect of sustained, heavy drinking on hippocampal volume. Our prior work hypothesized significantly lowered total hippocampus volumes in heavy chronically drinking alcohol‐dependent (AD) subjects compared with light‐drinking nondependent control subjects matched for age and gender.Method: Using a series of applicable exclusion criteria culled from previous published studies, we measured hippocampal volumes from MRI scan data acquired on a 3T scanner and subjected those data to automated volume analysis blind to the drinking history.Results: Comparison with AD test (n=8) and non‐AD control (n=8) subjects found significant lessening in total (p=0.020) and left (p=0.010) hippocampal volumes with a near‐significant difference on the right (p=0.051). Linear regression demonstrated that neither total brain volume nor intracranial volume affected the hippocampus measures.Conclusions: These data support the view that heavy drinking exerts a unique and selectively injurious effect on the hippocampus. Further study in larger samples must verify this in a search for possible mechanisms of injury.
The Relationship Between Sociodemographic Factors and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life in Dentate and Edentulous Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Makhija Sonia K. , Gilbert Gregg H. , Boykin Michael J. , Litaker Mark S. , Allman Richard M. , Baker Patricia Sawyer , Locher Julie L. , Ritchie Christine S. 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the associations between sociodemographic factors and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in dentate and edentulous community‐dwelling older adults.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study using a 54‐item OHRQoL questionnaire.SETTING: Five counties in central Alabama: Jefferson and Tuscaloosa (urban), and Hale, Bibb, and Pickens (rural).PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred eighty‐eight participants (Dental Study subjects) aged 65 and older were recruited from participants in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging, a longitudinal study of mobility in older African Americans and non‐Hispanic whites.MEASUREMENTS: Dental Study subjects were queried on their OHRQoL and sociodemographic status and classified into two categories: dentate and edentulous. Bivariate analyses were used to quantify associations between sociodemographic variables and OHRQoL after excluding participants with severe depression. Variables included age, sex, race, marital status, veteran status, residence, income, education, and transportation difficulties.RESULTS: Dentate and edentulous subjects had similar OHRQoL across age, sex, marital status, veteran status, and residence. Analyses suggested a strong association between OHRQoL and race, education, income, and transportation difficulties in dentate subjects. Sociodemographic factors were less strongly associated with OHRQoL in edentulous participants.CONCLUSION: OHRQoL decrements were prevalent in dentate and edentulous subjects. Of dentate persons, African Americans and those with a 6th‐grade education or less, with income less than $16,000/year, and with transportation difficulties were more likely to have decrements in OHRQoL. In edentulous persons, these associations were not statistically significant or were weaker. These findings suggest differential associations between sociodemographic factors and OHRQoL when stratified according to dentate status.
Long‐term maintenance of weight loss in patients with severe mental illness through a behavioural treatment programme in the UK
Authors: Pendlebury J. , Bushe C. J. , Wildgust H. J. , Holt R. I. G. 
Published: October 2006

Objective:  Obesity is common among people with severe mental illness (SMI). We report our experience from the first 4 years of The Cromwell House weight management clinic.Method:  Ninety‐three patients with SMI aged 43.7 ± 1.2 years referred themselves to this clinic. The patients were seen in weekly group sessions that involved weight measurement, discussion and education.Results:  Mean baseline weight was 89.5 ± 1.8 kg [body mass index (BMI) 32.3 ± 0.5 kg/m2]. Twenty‐three per cent dropped out within the first 8 weeks. There was progressive statistically significant reduction in mean weight and BMI throughout the duration of monitoring with no suggestion of a plateau. The mean final weight loss was 6.2 ± 0.6 kg. Weight loss was correlated only with the number of sessions attended (r = 0.53, P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  Long‐term weight management of obese and overweight patients with severe forms of mental illness was possible through the provision of simple lifestyle advice within the group setting.
Personality traits in unaffected twins discordant for affective disorder
Authors: Vinberg M. , Mortensen E. L. , Kyvik K. O. , Kessing L. V. 
Published: October 2006

Objective:  To examine whether a high genetic liability to develop affective disorder is associated with specific personality traits.Method:  A cross‐sectional, high‐risk, case–control study. Through nation‐wide registers, healthy monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins with (high‐risk twins) and without (the control group/low‐risk twins) a co‐twin history of affective disorder were identified. Personality traits were compared for a total of 211 high‐risk and low‐risk twins.Results:  In univariate analyses, the high‐risk twins had a higher level of neuroticism than the control twins (P = 0.03). In multivariate analyses, a high genetic liability to affective disorder was not significantly associated with neuroticism but correlated to sex, minor psychopathology and recent life events.Conclusion:  A high genetic liability to affective disorder showed an association with neuroticism, but the association interacts with other predictors of affective disorder such as female gender, minor psychopathology and recent adversity.
Siwak as a oral hygiene aid in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances
Authors: Al‐Teen RMA , Said KN , Abu Alhaija ESJ 
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the mechanical efficacy of Siwak in plaque control and gingival health conditions in subjects wearing fixed orthodontic appliances compared with standard and orthodontic toothbrushes. Methods: Forty male patients with a mean age of 17.20 ± 4.01 years, wearing fixed orthodontic appliances were included in this study. Following a session of scaling and polishing, which established a situation with minimal gingival inflammation and close to zero amounts of dental plaque, all patients were instructed to use a standard soft toothbrush for 1 week after which they were randomly and equally allocated to one of four groups: (i) a manual toothbrush group; (ii) an orthodontic toothbrush group; (iii) a Siwak group; and (iv) a combination of Siwak and an orthodontic toothbrush group. All patients were instructed to brush their teeth three times a day. All patients were scored for plaque and gingivitis 1 week after scaling and polishing and 2 weeks following group assignment. Results: A similar effect of Siwak to that of soft and orthodontic toothbrushes with respect to plaque control in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances was found. It was the combined use of Siwak and orthodontic toothbrush that provided the best plaque control in such patients. Gingival condition was better in the Siwak groups whether used solely or in combination with an orthodontic toothbrush. Conclusion: The use of Siwak promotes gingival health in patients with orthodontic appliances.