bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the irritant benzalkonium chloride a contact allergen? A contribution to the ongoing debate from a clinical perspective
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Lessmann Holger , Geier Johannes , Schnuch Axel 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a well‐recognized irritant. However, doubts exist that it is also a contact allergen.Objective:  Analysis of clinical patch test data addressing the reaction profile and synchronous reproducibility of BAC 0.1% in petrolatum (pet.) and possible increases in risk of BAC contact allergy in certain (occupationally exposed) subgroups.Patients /Methods:  Data of 42 898 patients tested with BAC 0.1% in pet. in 3 different series (topical drugs, ophthalmics, and disinfectants) in the departments of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (http://www.ivdk.org) between 1996 and 2006 was analysed.Results:  Overall, morphologically ‘positive’ reactions were rare, 0.6–1.5%, with a total of 41 stronger positive reactions. Concordance, assessed in 3322 patients tested in duplicate, was low (kappa coefficient 0.15, 95% CI: 0–0.31). Positive test reactions were observed significantly more often in the disinfectants series compared with the 2 other series, indicating that suspected exposure to disinfectants may be associated with sensitization. However, variation of stronger BAC test positivity across potentially relevant (occupational) groups was non‐significant.Conclusion:  This analysis of routine clinical data and a number of previous reports add further, if weak, evidence to the notion that BAC is a contact allergen, albeit a very rare one.
CD16+ CD56− NK cells in the peripheral blood of cord blood transplant recipients: a unique subset of NK cells possibly associated with graft‐versus‐leukemia effect
Authors: Lu Xuzhang , Kondo Yukio , Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Ohata Kinya , Yamazaki Hirohito , Takami Akiyoshi , Akatsuka Yoshiki , Nakao Shinji 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA marked increase in CD16+ CD56− NK cells in the peripheral blood (PB) was observed in a cord blood transplant (CBT) recipient with refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in association with attaining molecular remission. CD16+ CD56− NK cells isolated from the patient became CD16+CD56+NKG2D+ when they were cultured in the presence of IL‐2. Although cultured CD16+CD56− NK cells retained the killer‐cell immunoglobulin receptor (KIR)‐ligand (KIR‐L) specificity and the patient’s leukemic cells expressed corresponding KIR ligands, they killed patient’s leukemic cells expressing ULBP2. The cytotoxicity by cultured CD16+CD56− NK cells was abrogated by anti‐ULBP2 antibodies. When leukemic cells obtained at relapse after CBT were examined, both the ULBP2 expression and susceptibility to the cultured NK cells decreased in comparison to leukemic cells obtained before CBT. An increase in the CD16+CD56− NK cell count (0.5 × 109/L or more) in PB was observed in seven of 11 (64%) CBT recipients but in none of 13 bone marrow (BM) and eight peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplant recipients examined during the similar period after transplantation. These findings suggest an increase in CD16+CD56− NK cells to be a phenomenon unique to CBT recipients and that mature NK cells derived from this NK cell subset may contribute to the killing of leukemic cells expressing NKG2D ligands in vivo.
Expression of Foxo3a in non‐Hodgkin’s lymphomas is correlated with cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1
Authors: Zhao Yueming , Fei Min , Wang Yuchan , Lu Mudan , Cheng Chun , Shen Aiguo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  Cell cycle arrest by FOXO transcription factors involves in transcriptional activation of p27kip1, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. And it has been evidenced that reduced level of p27kip1 which is frequently occurred in human cancers has been associated with poor prognosis. In this study, our purpose is to investigate the clinical relevance of altered patterns of Foxo3a and p27kip1 expression in Chinese patients with localized non‐Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL).Methods:  We analyzed the Foxo3a and p27kip1 expression of Chinese NHL patients by immunohistochemistry and protein levels using Western Blot.Results:  There was a direct relationship between the low level of Foxo3a and the rapid proliferation in immunohistochemical analyses. We also found a positive correlation between Foxo3a and p27kip1 in immunohistochemical analyses and cell culture. Additionally we revealed that activation of Foxo3a could induce the accumulation of p27kip1 at protein levels when cell cycle was arrested.Conclusions:  The expression of Foxo3a may be correlated with patients’ survival.
HLA haplotype map of river valley populations with hemochromatosis traced through five centuries in Central Sweden
Authors: Olsson K. Sigvard , Ritter Bernd , Hansson Norbeth , Chowdhury Ruma R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  The hemochromatosis mutation, C282Y of the HFE gene, seems to have originated from a single event which once occurred in a person living in the north west of Europe carrying human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A3‐B7. In descendants of this ancestor also other haplotypes appear probably caused by local recombinations and founder effects. The background of these associations is unknown. Isolated river valley populations may be fruitful for the mapping of genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis. In this study, we try to test this hypothesis in a study from central Sweden where the haplotyope A1‐B8 was common.Methods:  HLA haplotypes and HFE mutations were studied in hemochromatosis patients with present or past parental origin in a sparsely populated (1/km2) rural district (n = 8366 in the year of 2005), in central Sweden. Pedigrees were constructed from the Swedish church book registry. Extended haplotypes were studied to evaluate origin of recombinations.Results:  There were 87 original probands, 36 females and 51 males identified during 30 yr, of whom 86% carried C282Y/C282Y and 14% C282Y/H63D. Of 32 different HLA haplotypes A1‐B8 was the most common (34%), followed by A3‐B7 (16%), both in strong linkage disequilibrium with controls, (P < 0.001). Twenty‐nine different families with A1‐B8 had a common founder origin 15 generations ago in small bottleneck populations of the late 16th century. A second A1‐B8 founder born 1655 was of Norwegian origin. Most of the A3 carriers (n = 26) had a common founder origin 16 generations ago in an even smaller nearby river valley. A fourth founder family carrying HLA‐A2 seems to have originated from a recombination along the descendant lines from the A3 ancestor supported by extended haplotype studies. A1‐haplotypes with alleles at the B locus different from B8 had a similar recombination origin as HLA‐A2 alleles and a common founder origin 11 generations ago. The intergenerational time interval averaged 35.5 ± 7.9 yr in men and 31.9 ± 5.9 in females.Conclusions:  River valley populations may contain HLA haplotypes reflecting their demographic history. This study has demonstrated that the resistance against recombinations between HLA‐A and HFE make HLA haplotypes excellent markers for population movements. Founder effects and genetic drift from bottleneck populations (surviving the plague?) may explain the commonness of the mutation in central Scandinavia. The intergenerational time difference >30 yr was greater than expected and means that the age of the original mutation may be underestimated.
Evaluation of four non‐invasive methods for examination and characterization of pressure ulcers
Authors: Andersen Ellen Sloth , Karlsmark Tonny 
Published: March 2008

Background: Pressure ulcers are globally of major concern and there is need for research in the pathogenesis for early intervention. Early studies have suggested existence of a hypo‐echogenic subepidermal layer at the location of pressure ulcers, visualized by ultrasound scans. As a continuation, we here report on usability of four non‐invasive techniques for evaluation of pressure ulcers.Methods: Fifteen pressure ulcers in stage 0–IV were examined using four different non‐invasive techniques [redness index, skin temperature, skin elasticity (i.e. retraction time), and ultrasound scanning]. Measurements were made at the ulcer, 5 cm from the ulcer, and at a reference skin location without ulcers.Results: The redness index was, in all cases, higher at the ulcers than at the reference skin. Temperature measurements were rather scattered. Ultrasound scans showed a hypo‐echogenic subepidermal layer at all pressure ulcers, but none at the reference points. The skin retraction time was often higher at the location of a pressure ulcer than at the reference location. We found no correlation between the stage of the ulcers and temperature, redness index, subepidermal layer thickness, or retraction time.Conclusion: We conclude that temperature and elasticity measurements do not alone characterize ulceration severity, although redness index in some cases provides a useful indication. We assume that a subepidermal layer found on ultrasound images may be a measure of the pressure that the skin has been subjected to, rather than of the severity of the pressure ulceration. This method may be useful for predicting whether the skin is at risk of developing pressure ulcers. More studies are needed.
Development of a new evaluation method for cheek sagging using a Moire 3D analysis system
Authors: Saito Naoko , Nishijima Takafumi , Fujimura Tsutomu , Moriwaki Shigeru , Takema Yoshinori 
Published: March 2008

Background/aims: Facial sagging becomes progressively noticeable with aging. Previously developed methods to study facial sagging measure the shape of sagging skin, evaluate skin properties such as elasticity or flexibility or visually score the degree of sagging using a photo scale. However, the practical use of these methods has shortcomings and is thus limited to advanced levels of sagging. In this study, we attempted to overcome the shortcomings of those previous methods.Methods: Fourteen points were marked on the cheek of each subject and photographed using a Moire three‐dimensional (3D) camera with the subject facing first frontward and then downward. The absolute 3D coordinates (x, y, z) of the 14 points from the control point (0, 0, 0) were calculated. Subsequently, the skin surface displacements at the 14 points between the frontward and downward images were analyzed along the x, y, and z axes. The values were compared by age and by sag scores obtained from the photo scales.Result: The displacement values strongly correlated with age and with the sag score. In addition, this new method revealed characteristic differences of sagging between women in their 60s and those in their 70s.Conclusion: This method, using Moire 3D analysis, revealed slight, continuous and characteristic changes of cheek skin sagging without causing any discomfort to the subjects. These results are consistent with people's visual impression. The results indicate the usefulness of this method in skin research.
Measurement of skin stretch using digital image speckle correlation
Authors: Afriat Staloff Isabelle , Rafailovitch Miriam 
Published: March 2008

Background/purpose: The surface of the skin is covered by intersecting grooves and ridges which produce characteristic skin surface patterns. It has been suggested that these folds provide a reserve of tissue, allowing the skin to stretch during normal muscle movements. More so, skin is anisotropic and under constant tension. Therefore, to characterize skin displacement following stretch, a discrete, description of the in‐plane skin displacement during stretch is of interest. We introduce the use of digital image speckle correlation (DISC), a non‐contact technique, to map, in two dimensions, the surface deformation patterns resulting from skin stretching.Methods: We analyze skin stretch under the mechanical action of a film former applied on a defined square surface on the back of the hand. This is achieved by taking a series of images, during the drying process of the film former. The images are then analyzed with DISC to create vector diagram and projection maps, from which we can obtain spatially resolved information regarding the skin displacement.Results: We first show that DISC can provide spatially resolved information at any time point during the drying process: areas of de‐wetting, wetting were identified using projection maps; we then extracted the value of the drying time. Finally using a vector map, we show the orientation of the skin displacement during stretching and calculated the magnitude of the total stretch.Conclusions: We have shown previously that DISC can be used to determine skin mechanical properties and muscular activity. We show here that DISC, as a non‐contact technique, can map, in two dimensions, the surface deformation patterns of a polymer solution on a substrate at any time point during the drying process. DISC analysis generates for each speckle of the sample analyzed, the orientation and magnitude of displacement of the polymer solution. DISC can map in two dimensions the deformation undergone by the substrate and skin stretch is measured in this particular case. We therefore show that the DISC method, as a non‐contact technique has great potential for characterization of film formation and is a potential clinical research tool for the measurement of epidermis stretch and epidermis properties.
Transcutaneous pO2 imaging during tourniquet‐induced forearm ischemia using planar optical oxygen sensors
Authors: Babilas Philipp , Lamby Philipp , Prantl Lukas , Schreml Stephan , Jung Ernst Michael , Liebsch Gregor , Wolfbeis Otto S. , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Abels Christoph 
Published: March 2008

Background: Oxygen‐dependent quenching of luminescence using transparent planar sensor foils was shown to overcome the limitations of the polarographic electrode technique in an animal model. This method was then transferred to a clinical setting to measure the transcutaneous pO2 (ptcO2).Methods: In six healthy subjects, a cuff on the upper arm was occluded up to 20 mmHg above systolic pressure and released after 8 min. PtcO2 was measured at the lower arm every 30 s before, during, and up to 20 min after cuff occlusion (40 °C applied skin temperature) using luminescence lifetime imaging (LLI) of platinum(II)‐octaethyl‐porphyrin immobilized in a polystyrene matrix. For validation, the polarographic Clark electrode technique was applied in close proximity, and measurements were conducted simultaneously.Results: PtcO2 measurements before (70.8±19.1 vs. 66.2±7.7 mmHg) and at the end of ischemic (2.7±1.2 vs. 3.6±1.7 mmHg) and reperfusion phases (72.2±3.6 vs. 68.4±8.9 mmHg) did not differ significantly using the Clark electrode vs. LLI. At both the initial ischemic and the reperfusion phases, the Clark electrode measured a faster decrease or increase, respectively, in ptcO2 because of the oxygen consumption occurring in this method.Conclusion: The presented method provides accurate and reproducible ptcO2 values under changing microcirculatory conditions. The lack of oxygen consumption during measurement allows both a more realistic estimation of ptcO2 than compared with the gold standard and permanent use in regions with critical oxygen supply.
Inter‐observer variability in reading of phototest reactions with sharply or diffusely delineated borders
Authors: Falk M. , Ilias M. , Anderson C. 
Published: March 2008

Background: In both clinical and experimental phototesting, naked eye assessment of erythema has been the main assessment parameter. As with all subjective assessment, variability in recorded results due to variable circumstances around the performance and reading of tests influences reliability and utility of data whether they be interpreted for an individual patient or for a group of research subjects.Methods: In the present study, variability in the reporting of diameter of ultraviolet B (UVB) erythema has been studied. The erythematous reactions were assessed by the naked eye and with the help of a millimetre‐graded ruler by a group of dermatologists and dermatological trainees. Reaction size, objectively quantified by means of laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) using thresholding of the reaction perfusion, and known size of UVB provocation were used as yardsticks in order to quantify this variability.Results: Agreement between observers, against known size, was excellent for reactions with a sharp border, but for reactions with a diffuse or indistinct border there was a substantial inter‐observer variability. This was also true for the comparison between naked‐eye reading and LDPI assessment of the reaction size.Conclusion: It is concluded that if naked‐eye readings are to be the outcome measurement, then provocations/protocols producing distinct borders are an advantage. If borders between provoked and unprovoked skin can be expected to be diffuse, i.e. part of a continuum of response, the use of objective, bioengineering techniques such as LDPI is required. Quantitative methods are also the basis for more detailed presentation and interpretation of test results including information on dose response above the minimal erythema dose.
Cognitive effects of acute tryptophan depletion in the healthy elderly
Authors: Mace Janet , Porter Richard , O’Brien John , Gallagher Peter 
Published: March 2008

Background:Studies investigating the cognitive effects of serotonin depletion, using the technique of acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) by dietary means, have generally suggested that ATD impairs delayed verbal recall and recognition. In two previous studies in the elderly, this result has not been replicated and ATD impaired working memory. These results may be susceptible to type II error but a similar testing schedule in the individual studies allows data to be pooled in a larger analysis.Methods:Data from two separate double-blind placebo-controlled studies of the effects of ATD on cognitive function in the elderly were combined. In one study, a low dose and in the other a high dose of amino acids was used. In a repeated measures analysis of variance, the effects of ATD and the interaction of this with the other factors (age, gender and dose) on cognitive measures was examined.Results:Data from 31 healthy subjects aged between 60 and 81 years were analysed. There were no main effects of ATD or consistent interactions between ATD and age, gender or dose. There were significant interactions between ATD, gender and dose. When tryptophan depleted, females having the higher dose drink had reduced scores on Digit span and immediate recall on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test.Conclusion:The enlarged data set did not confirm an overall effect of ATD on working memory or on delayed word recall but does suggest an effect of ATD on encoding or registration in the subgroup of females receiving a higher strength drink.
Weight change in the term baby in the first 2 weeks of life
Authors: Crossland DS , Richmond S , Hudson M , Smith K , Abu‐Harb M 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: Midwives once used serial weighing to highlight lactation problems, but this is now discouraged for the fear of undermining maternal confidence.Aim: To explore weight changes in healthy newborn term babies, to gain information to aid interpretation of such measurements and to construct a centile chart for those exclusively breastfed during the first 2 weeks.Method: Two hundred ninety‐nine mothers weighed their baby daily using the same electronic scales. In 46 cases, three or more consecutive measurements were omitted leaving 253 series to evaluate, of which 111 were exclusively breastfed.Results: Breastfed babies lost a mean 6.4% of birthweight (95% CI: 5.5–7.3%) before starting to gain, and 54% took more than 8 days to regain birthweight. Artificially fed babies lost less (3.7%, 95% CI: 2.7–4.7%), but 39% had not regained their birthweight by 8 days. Once birthweight was regained, average gain was about 1% of birthweight per day in both breast‐ and artificially‐fed babies. Measurements less than 5 days apart predicted average weight gain poorly.Conclusions: Feeding problems should be considered if weight is not increasing by 6 days, but some healthy babies take 17 days to regain their birthweight.
Foetal brain imaging: ultrasound or MRI. A comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and a dedicated multidisciplinary neurosonographic opinion
Authors: Hagmann Cornelia F , Robertson Nicola J , Leung Wee C , Chong Kling W , Chitty Lyn S 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectives: (i) To compare original foetal brain ultrasound findings with a multidisciplinary expert opinion; (ii) to compare the multidisciplinary expert ultrasound opinion with foetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and (iii) to determine in which circumstances foetal MRI gives additional information, and in how many cases management is changed by having information from MRI.Study design: Ultrasound scans of 51 consecutive foetuses where foetal brain MR had been performed were retrospectively reviewed by a panel consisting of maternal‐foetal‐medicine (MFM) consultants, a geneticist, neonatologists and MFM subspecialty trainees. The original ultrasound opinion was compared with the multidisciplinary opinion, which was then compared with MRI findings. In the cases where MRI gave additional information, an assessment was made as to whether this changed management.Results: The multidisciplinary ultrasound opinion differed from the original opinion in 9 of 51 (17%) cases. In 19 patients (37%), the MRI gave additional information to the original ultrasound, in 7 (13%) cases, management, and in 7 (13%) cases, counselling was altered by additional information gained from MRI. The multidisciplinary ultrasound and MRI diagnoses were similar in 36 cases (71%).Conclusion: Multidisciplinary review of an apparently abnormal foetal brain ultrasound can provide additional diagnostic information. When compared with this level of ultrasound expertise, MRI gave additional information in 29% of cases, but only resulted in change in management in about 13%.
Time trend for the prevalence of asthma among school children in a Swedish district in 1985–2005
Authors: Kälvesten Lena , Bråbäck Lennart 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim: To assess the temporal trend for asthma and asthma‐like symptoms over a period of 20 years.Method: Repeated cross‐sectional surveys with identical study design were carried out among all school children (7–16 years) in a well‐defined area in Sweden in 1985, 1995 and 2005.Results: In 2005, the parents of 1110 out of 7825 children (14.2%) answered yes to a screening question on asthmatic symptoms. Of these, 783 out of 1110 (70.5%) replied to a postal questionnaire with detailed questions concerning symptoms and asthma management. The rate of affirmative response to the screening question was unchanged between 1995 and 2005. However, the percentage of children with wheezing or three or more asthma‐like symptoms decreased, whereas the percentage of children with physician‐diagnosed asthma increased steadily since 1985. The number of reported symptoms was closely associated with the number of days with physical restriction. The annual sale of inhaled steroids from local pharmacies was stable between 1995 and 2005.Conclusion: The increase in asthmatic symptoms in school children has peaked. Reduced severity of symptoms and divergent trends for wheezing and physician‐diagnosed asthma suggest an increased awareness of asthma with improved management of the symptoms. However, differences in trends between allergic and nonallergic asthma could not be excluded.