bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of oxidative stress‐related molecules in circulating leukocytes and urine in patients with chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Saeki Toshiya , Ichiba Miho , Tanabe Naotada , Ueki Masaru , Okamoto Kinya , Matsunaga Yoshiko , Hosho Keiko , Kanbe Takamasa , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Kurimasa Akihiro , Yamada Sadako , Hirooka Yasuaki , Hisatome Ichiro , Kishimoto Yukihiro , Suou Takeaki , Murawaki Yoshikazu , Kawasaki Hironaka , Yodoi Junji , Shiota Goshi 
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Aims:Oxidative stress plays a role in pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis. Expression of oxidative stress‐related molecules remains to be clarified.Methods:4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE), 4‐hydroxy‐2‐hexenal (4‐HHE), catalase, superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD‐1), glutathione peroxidase‐1, thioredoxin (TRX) in leukocytes and urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) were examined in 164 persons, including 130 chronic viral hepatitis patients and 34 normal individuals, by Western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Hepatic expression of these proteins was immunohistochemically examined in 12 patients with chronic viral hepatitis, compared with three persons without liver damage.Results:The 4‐HNE/β‐actin ratios in chronic viral hepatitis were significantly higher than those in normal individuals (P<0.01), and were significantly correlated with asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.01, each). The catalase/β‐actin and SOD‐1/β‐actin ratios in chronic viral hepatitis were higher than those in normal individuals, and were significantly correlated with 4‐HNE/β‐actin ratios (P<0.01, each). Hepatic expression of 4‐HNE, 4‐HHE, catalase, SOD‐1 and TRX in chronic viral hepatitis was higher than that without liver damage. Urinary excretion of 8‐OHdG was not changed in chronic viral hepatitis.Conclusions:The results of the present study suggest that expression of oxidative stress‐related molecules in leukocytes is upregulated in relation to serum aminotransferase levels.
Expression of cathepsin L and its inhibitor hurpin in inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases
Authors: Bylaite M. , Moussali H. , Marciukaitiene I. , Ruzicka T. , Walz M. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract:  Cathepsin (Cat) L is an important lysosomal proteinase involved in a variety of cellular functions including intracellular protein turnover, epidermal homeostasis and hair development. Hurpin (serpinB13) is a cross‐class specific serine protease inhibitor of Cat L. We have analysed the expression and localization of Cat L and hurpin in various inflammatory and neoplastic diseases by immunohistochemistry. Whereas Cat L expression in normal skin was below detection limit, immunoreactivity was detected in chronic inflammatory dermatoses. The highest expression of Cat L was found in psoriasis, atopic eczema and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples. Samples of Lupus erythematosus, folliculitis, acne inversa, chronic leg ulcers and pyoderma gangrenosum demonstrated similar but lower expression for Cat L. In malignant cells of SCC, basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, characteristic staining patterns were observed for Cat L, with more abundant expression at the periphery of the tumor.Expanding our previous work, we found that the expression of hurpin was confined mainly to the basal layer in normal skin samples, whereas hurpin was overexpressed and redistributed in diseased skin. The localization of hurpin in dermatoses and neoplasias differed from that in normal skin in that the highest expression was found in the outermost layers of the granular and upper spinous layers. Similarly to Cat L, the highest expression for hurpin was found in psoriasis and SCC.The results presented here summarize for the first time the expression of the protease Cat L and its inhibitor hurpin in a broad spectrum of skin diseases.
Wheezing and eczema in relation to infant anthropometry: evidence of developmental programming of disease in childhood
Authors: Carrington Lynda J. , Langley‐Evans Simon C. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractEarly life factors and, in particular, the fetal environment have been suggested to programme risk of allergic disease in later life. Diversion of nutrients away from immune organs towards the brain, a process termed brain sparing, has been proposed as a mechanism underpinning this association. The study population was a group of 256 seven‐year old children from the UK recruited from two general practitioner surgeries. Historical anthropometric data from birth to age three and current anthropometry were assessed as predictors of parent‐reported wheeze and eczema. Eczema at seven years was not related to any anthropometric indices at birth or during infancy. A smaller head circumference at 10–15 days of age was noted in children with current wheeze at age 7 years (P = 0.018) and this relationship persisted after adjustment for current anthropometry and confounders. Comparison of children with head circumference over 36.5 cm at 10–15 days with those with head circumference under 35.5 cm, showed reduced odds for wheeze at 7 years (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03–0.44, Ptrend = 0.009).These data suggest that factors that determine fetal growth may be associated with wheeze in childhood and support the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis. Brain sparing does not appear to play a role in this early life programming.
Risk of stillbirth in relation to maternal haemoglobin concentration during pregnancy
Authors: Tomashek Kay M. , Ananth Cande V. , Cogswell Mary E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe authors determined the association between maternal haemoglobin concentration measured at <28 weeks’ gestation and late fetal death at ≥28 weeks’ gestation (stillbirth). Data were derived from the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey – a nationally representative survey of US deliveries in 1988. Analysis was restricted to women with a singleton live birth (n = 4199) or a stillbirth (n = 1375) for whom maternal prenatal care, haemoglobin, smoking status and gestational age data were available. Haemoglobin concentrations during first and second trimesters, respectively, were classified as mild (10.0 to <11.0 and 9.5 to <10.5 g dL−1) or moderate (9.0 to <10.0 and 8.5 to <9.5 g dL−1) anaemia, or high haemoglobin (≥14.6 g dL−1 in either trimester). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for stillbirth were derived from discrete proportional hazards regression models after adjusting for confounders. Stillbirth was not associated with mild anaemia or high haemoglobin in either the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Moderate anaemia measured before 28 weeks’ gestation was significantly associated with an increased risk of stillbirth among non‐black women (adjusted HR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.02, 19.01). Moderate anaemia was not associated with stillbirths among black women. Further investigation regarding causal mechanisms for this association is warranted.
The debridement of hard to heal leg ulcers by means of a new device based on Fluidjet technology
Authors: Mosti Giovanni , Iabichella Maria Letizia , Picerni Pietro , Magliaro Antonio , Mattaliano Vincenzo 
Published: December 2005

AbstractDebridement plays an essential role in the wound‐bed preparation of necrotic and sloughy ulcers, being a mandatory step to achieve a well‐debrided bed, proceeding towards healing. This study reports our experience with Versajet [Versajet Hydrosurgery System®(Smith & Nephew, Hull, UK)], a new device for the debridement of exudating ulcers, based on Fluidjet technology, which excises and aspirates the unwanted tissue by using the Venturi effect. In a 10‐month time period, a total of 68 patients, out of a setting of 167 patients, hospitalised as affected by chronic, hard‐to‐heal leg ulcers, stuck in the inflammatory phase, were treated with Versajet. Based on ulcer characteristics and clinical conditions, the remaining 99 patients underwent traditional debridement with moist dressings (controls). In the majority of Versajet‐treated cases (46), an adequately debrided wound bed was achieved with one operative procedure; two and three procedures were required in 17 and 5 patients, respectively. Almost all the procedures were performed in the ward at the patient's bedside. This procedure is quick (mean time per treatment is about 5 minutes); when compared with a traditional treatment with moist dressings, Versajet considerably shortens the in‐hospital stay and promotes a quicker healing process. When used by an experienced surgeon, Versajet allows a selective debridement, as it makes it possible to remove only the tissue centred in the working end and spare the healthy tissue. Debriding with Versajet is highly effective in reducing the bacterial load of the ulcer bed. The pain caused by Versajet is well tolerated, especially when set for gentle debridement. If multiple treatments are required, the combined use with moist dressings is synergistic, as the dressings soften the necrotic tissue, thus facilitating the following Versajet debridement. The results indicate that Versajet offers more precision than standard mechanical debridement and, at high settings, offers an alternative to surgical debridement.
Wound chronicity and fibroblast senescence – implications for treatment
Authors: Harding Keith G , Moore Keith , Phillips Tania J 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA proportion of chronic wounds fail to heal in response to standard therapy. For venous leg ulcers, a correlation exists between longer duration before treatment initiation and poor healing response to compression therapy. Differences identified between the healing wound microenvironment and that of the non healing chronic wound suggests that many potential mechanisms exist to impair healing. One contributory mechanism may be inhibition of fibroblast proliferation and induction of a stress‐induced premature senescence phenotype by the continuing inflammation found in chronic wounds. Senescent fibroblasts exhibit an extracellular matrix degradative phenotype that contributes to wound chronicity. Accumulation of greater than 15% senescent fibroblasts has been described as a threshold beyond which wounds become hard to heal. The ratio of senescent : non senescent cells is therefore critical to determining response to treatment, and adjunctive therapies that modulate this ratio in favour of non senescent cells are likely to enhance therapeutic healing rates. A number of tissue‐engineered dermal replacements contain non senescent fibroblasts and can donate cells to the wound environment additional to releasing growth factors and reversing the antiproliferative activity of chronic wound exudate. Recognition of the role of fibroblast senescence in wound chronicity may allow for identification of those wounds that will respond positively to these products.
Scalp necrosis and giant cell arteritis: case report and issues in wound management
Authors: Landis Stefan J , Selinger Susan , Flett Norman 
Published: December 2005

AbstractScalp necrosis is rare in patients with giant cell arteritis. Here, we report the case of an 81‐year‐old woman who presented with a management problem that required a truly multidisciplinary approach to treatment. A combined approach of effective wound bed preparation with selective debridement, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, corticosteroid use and careful dressing choices resulted in a successful outcome in a potentially disastrous situation.
Eikinella corrodens wound infection in a diabetic foot: a brief report
Authors: Ovadia Shmouel , Lysyy Lyudmila , Zubkov Tatiana 
Published: December 2005

Abstract Eikinella corrodens normally forms part of the flora of the oral cavity and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is usually associated with dental, head and neck infections (Cohen, Powderly, 2004, Infectious Diseases) and is considered to be an unusual cause of orthopaedic infections. We recently treated a diabetic patient with E. corrodens osteomyelitis of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, a phenomenon which has been reported in only three cases previously (Konugres et al., 1987, E. corrodens as a cause of osteomyelitis in the feet of the diabetic patients. Report of three cases). We recommend including E. corrodens in the spectrum of causative pathogens in diabetic foot infections.
The role of physical workload and pain related fear in the development of low back pain in young workers: evidence from the BelCoBack Study; results after one year of follow up
Authors: Van Nieuwenhuyse A , Somville P R , Crombez G , Burdorf A , Verbeke G , Johannik K , Van den Bergh O , Masschelein R , Mairiaux Ph , Moens G F 
Published: December 2005

Aims:To study the influence of work related physical and psychosocial factors and individual characteristics on the occurrence of low back pain among young and pain free workers.Methods:The Belgian Cohort Back Study was designed as a prospective cohort study. The study population of this paper consisted of 716 young healthcare or distribution workers without low back pain lasting seven or more consecutive days during the year before inclusion. The median age was 26 years with an interquartile range between 24 and 29 years. At baseline, these workers filled in a questionnaire with physical exposures, work related psychosocial factors and individual characteristics. One year later, the occurrence of low back pain lasting seven or more consecutive days and some of its characteristics were registered by means of a questionnaire. To assess the respective role of predictors at baseline on the occurrence of low back pain in the following year, Cox regression with a constant risk period for all subjects was applied.Results:After one year of follow up, 12.6% (95% CI 10.1 to 15.0) of the 716 workers had developed low back pain lasting seven or more consecutive days. An increased risk was observed for working with the trunk in a bent and twisted position for more than two hours a day (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.1), inability to change posture regularly (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.5), back complaints in the year before inclusion (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.8), and high scores of pain related fear (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.1). Work related psychosocial factors and physical factors during leisure time were not predictive.Conclusion:This study highlighted the importance of physical work factors and revealed the importance of high scores of pain related fear in the development of low back pain among young workers.
Self perceived health and mental health among women flight attendants
Authors: Ballard T J , Romito P , Lauria L , Vigiliano V , Caldora M , Mazzanti C , Verdecchia A 
Published: December 2005

Aims:The authors investigated associations of work related risk factors with self perceived health as less than “good” and psychological distress among Italian women flight attendants.Methods:The authors conducted a cross sectional survey on health and mental health among 1955 former and current flight attendants, using a postal questionnaire.Results:More current than former flight attendants reported self perceived health as fair to poor and psychological distress measured as a GHQ-12 score of six or more. Among current flight attendants, reporting health as fair to poor was associated with low job satisfaction (OR 1.89) and recent experiences of sexual harassment by passengers (OR 2.83). Psychological distress was associated with low job satisfaction (OR 2.38) and frequent tension with partner over childcare (OR 1.79).Conclusions:Perceived health as fair to poor and psychological distress were greater among current flight attendants and were related to job characteristics and family difficulties. Perceived poor health has been shown in the literature to be related to mortality, high job strain, and early retirement, and psychological distress is associated with work absence. The effect of sexual harassment by passengers on perceived health of flight attendants may be relevant to other working women dealing with the public. The health effects of family/work conflicts, low job satisfaction, and sexual harassment should be explored more in depth, using qualitative as well as quantitative methods among working women in various occupations.
Agricultural seed dust as a potential cause of organic dust toxic syndrome
Authors: Smit L A M , Wouters I M , Hobo M M , Eduard W , Doekes G , Heederik D 
Published: December 2005

Aims:Episodes of serious work related health problems resembling organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) in workers of a grass seed quality inspection laboratory prompted the authors to study personal endotoxin exposure levels in this facility and in the agricultural seed processing industry. In addition, microbial and inflammatory characteristics of agricultural seeds were studied.Methods:The authors assessed inhalable dust and endotoxin levels in 101 samples from 57 workers in grass, cereal, and vegetable seed plants who were handling mainly grass seeds as bulk product, and horticulture seeds in smaller quantities. Additionally, real-time dust exposure was measured using a DataRAM monitor in 12 grass seed workers to obtain more information on exposure patterns during specific tasks. Endotoxin concentrations in seed extracts were determined by LAL assay and seed samples were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. Release of inflammatory cytokines was measured in supernatants of whole blood samples stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or agricultural seed extracts in a human whole blood assay (WBA).Results:Endotoxin concentrations in personal samples were high (geometric mean 1800 EU/m3), particularly in the grass seed quality inspection lab where endotoxin levels up to 274 000 EU/m3were measured. The recommended health based endotoxin exposure limit of 50 EU/m3was amply exceeded in almost all personal samples. Job tasks dumping and mixing were associated with highest dust and endotoxin exposures, which was confirmed by real-time measurements. Microbial infestation was found in almost all seed samples. WBA results showed that most seed extracts were capable of inducing a pronounced dose dependent cytokine release.Conclusions:Workers handling grass, cereal, or vegetable seeds are at risk of exposure to high levels of endotoxin containing seed dust. Occupational exposure to inhalable agricultural seed dust can induce inflammatory responses, and is a potential cause of ODTS.
Occupational risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer among female textile workers in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li W , Ray R M , Gao D L , Fitzgibbons E D , Seixas N S , Camp J E , Wernli K J , Astrakianakis G , Feng Z , Thomas D B , Checkoway H 
Published: December 2005

Aims:To investigate whether occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals in the Chinese textile industry are associated with risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.Methods:Sixty seven nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cases identified during 1989–98 and a random sample (n = 3188) of women were included in a case cohort study nested in a cohort of 267 400 women textile workers in Shanghai, China. A complete occupational history of work in the textile industry was obtained for each woman. A job exposure matrix developed by experienced industrial hygienists was used to assess exposures to specific dusts and chemicals.Results:Risk of NPC is associated with cumulative exposure to cotton dust. The hazard ratio for women cumulatively exposed to >143.4 mg/m3× years of cotton dust was 3.6 (95% CI 1.8 to 7.2) compared with unexposed women. Trends of increasing risk were also found with increasing duration of exposure to acids and caustics (p = 0.05), and with years worked in dyeing processes (p = 0.06). Women who worked at least 10 years in dyeing processes had a 3.6-fold excess risk of NPC (95% CI 1.0 to 12.1).Conclusions:Occupational exposure to cotton dust, acids, and caustics, and work in dyeing and printing jobs in the textile industry may have increased risk of NPC in this cohort.
Application of Satellite-Derived Atmospheric Motion Vectors for Estimating Mesoscale Flows
Authors: Bedka Kristopher M. , Mecikalski John R. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
This study demonstrates methods to obtain high-density, satellite-derived atmospheric motion vectors (AMV) that contain both synoptic-scale and mesoscale flow components associated with and induced by cumuliform clouds through adjustments made to the University of Wisconsin—Madison Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (UW-CIMSS) AMV processing algorithm. Operational AMV processing is geared toward the identification of synoptic-scale motions in geostrophic balance, which are useful in data assimilation applications. AMVs identified in the vicinity of deep convection are often rejected by quality-control checks used in the production of operational AMV datasets. Few users of these data have considered the use of AMVs with ageostrophic flow components, which often fail checks that assure both spatial coherence between neighboring AMVs and a strong correlation to an NWP-model first-guess wind field. The UW-CIMSS algorithm identifies coherent cloud and water vapor features (i.e., targets) that can be tracked within a sequence of geostationary visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) imagery. AMVs are derived through the combined use of satellite feature tracking and an NWP-model first guess. Reducing the impact of the NWP-model first guess on the final AMV field, in addition to adjusting the target selection and vector-editing schemes, is found to result in greater than a 20-fold increase in the number of AMVs obtained from the UW-CIMSS algorithm for one convective storm case examined here. Over a three-image sequence of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-12 VIS and IR data, 3516 AMVs are obtained, most of which contain flow components that deviate considerably from geostrophy. In comparison, 152 AMVs are derived when a tighter NWP-model constraint and no targeting adjustments were imposed, similar to settings used with operational AMV production algorithms. A detailed analysis reveals that many of these 3516 vectors contain low-level (100–70 kPa) convergent and midlevel (70–40 kPa) to upper-level (40–10 kPa) divergent motion components consistent with localized mesoscale flow patterns. The applicability of AMVs for estimating cloud-top cooling rates at the 1-km pixel scale is demonstrated with excellent correspondence to rates identified by a human expert.