bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of patch test results among white Europeans and patients from the Indian subcontinent living within the same community
Authors: Fairhurst DA , Shah M 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  There are few studies comparing the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis among different racial groups living within the same community.Objectives  The objectives of this study were to compare white European patients with Fitzpatrick's skin phototypes (FSP) I to IV and patients from Indian, Pakistan and Bangladesh with FSP V living within the same community. Referral rates for patch testing, incidence of contact allergies and differences in contact allergens found were assessed.Method  All patients referred to the Contact Dermatitis Unit at Dewsbury and District Hospital between 2004 and 2006, inclusive, were included in the study. All patients were patch tested to the British Contact Dermatitis Society standard series, plus other series according to their clinical history, occupational history and clinical findings.Results  Four hundred and thirty‐five consecutive patients from the patch testing clinic were included in the study. Fewer patients from the Indian subcontinent underwent patch testing (11.5%) than would have been expected for the size of the local population (18%). Fewer patients from the Indian subcontinent (44%) had one or more positive reactions compared with the white European patients (56%). No significant differences in the contact allergens responsible were detected between the two racial groups.Conclusion  There is a lower incidence of positive patch test results among patients with racial origins from the Indian subcontinent compared with white Europeans. This modest difference could be explained by a lower average age within the study population, and increased or differing exposure to contact allergens rather than demonstration of variability in the susceptibility to develop contact sensitivities following equal exposure.
Flooding tolerance in halophytes
Authors: Colmer Timothy D. , Flowers Timothy J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryFlooding is a common environmental variable with salinity. Submerged organs can suffer from O2deprivation and the resulting energy deficits can compromise ion transport processes essential for salinity tolerance. Tolerance of soil waterlogging in halophytes, as in glycophytes, is often associated with the production of adventitious roots containing aerenchyma, and the resultant internal O2supply. For some species, shallow rooting in aerobic upper soil layers appears to be the key to survival on frequently flooded soils, although little is known of the anoxia tolerance in halophytes. Halophytic species that inhabit waterlogged substrates are able to regulate their shoot ion concentrations in spite of the hypoxic (or anoxic) medium in which they are rooted, this being in stark contrast with most other plants which suffer when salinity and waterlogging occur in combination. Very few studies have addressed the consequences of submergence of the shoots by saline water; these have, however, demonstrated tolerance of temporary submergence in some halophytes.
Novel approaches in herbal cosmetics
Authors: Chanchal Deep , Swarnlata Saraf 
Published: May 2008

SummaryNutracosmetics are an emerging class of health and beauty aid products that combine the benefits of nutracosmetical ingredients with the elegance, skin feel, and delivery systems of cosmetics. Herbs and spices have been used in maintaining and enhancing human beauty because herbs have many beneficial properties, such as sunscreen, antiaging, moisturizing, antioxidant, anticellulite, and antimicrobial effects. As compared with synthetic cosmetic products, herbal products are mild, biodegradable, and have low toxicity profile. To enhance these properties, research is being done in the development of newer approaches, which could improve both the aesthetic appeal and performance of a cosmetic product. In this respect, the approaches studied and discussed include liposomes, phytosomes, transferosomes, nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, microemulsions, nanocrystals, and cubosomes.
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Authors: Dieamant Gustavo de Campos , Velazquez Pereda Maria Del Carmen , Eberlin Samara , Nogueira Cecília , Werka Rejane Maria , Queiroz Mary Luci de Souza 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground  The pathophysiology of sensitive skin consists of an inflammatory reaction resulting from the abnormal penetration in the skin of potentially irritating substances, which occurs due to skin barrier dysfunction and changes in the production of local neuromediators.Aims  The therapeutic potential of l‐carnosine and Rhodiola rosea, as antioxidant and neuromodulatory, respectively, leads us to investigate the effects of the R. rosea extract/l‐carnosine–associated compound (RCAC) on sensitive skin alterations.Methods  A double‐blind comparative study was conducted on 124 volunteers with sensitive skin, who were selected by their reactivity to stinging test. Two randomized groups of 62 each received either a formulation containing 1% of RCAC or placebo, which was applied twice a day for 28 consecutive days. One perceptibility questionnaire was applied at the onset and at the end of the treatment to evaluate the subjective response to test product. Additionally, in vitro studies were performed to investigate RCAC neuroimmunomodulatory mechanisms.Results  RCAC treatment produced in vivo protective effects in skin barrier function and a positive subjective response of sensitive skin volunteers. In vitro treatment promoted the release of proopiomelanocortin peptides and restored to normal the increased levels of neuropeptides and cytokines produced by keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Clinical effectiveness was measured by reduction of transepidermal water loss, positive perceptions of improvements in skin dryness and skin comfort sensation, and reduction of discomfort sensation after stinging test.Conclusions  The protective effect of RCAC in skin barrier function and the positive response produced in human subjects with sensitive skin could be partially explained by our in vitro results showing a significant increase in opioid peptides release, an inhibitory effect on neuropeptides production, and modulation of cytokines production by keratinocytes under ultraviolet stress.
Protective effect of conditioning agents on Afro‐ethnic hair chemically treated with thioglycolate‐based straightening emulsion
Authors: Dias Tania Cristina de Sá , Baby André Rolim , Kaneko Telma Mary , Velasco Maria Valéria Robles 
Published: May 2008

SummaryStraightening is a chemical process by which excessively curly hair is straightened in an irreversible way. Generally, products are formulated as emulsions with high pH value (9.0–12.0), which, after applied on hair, cause considerable damage, making it dry and fragile. This research work evaluated the protective effect of lauryl PEG/PPG‐18/18 methicone, cyclopentasiloxane (and) PEG‐12 dimethicone cross‐polymer, jojoba oil, and aqua (and) cystine bis‐PG propyl silanetriol, as conditioning agents, on Afro‐ethnic hair locks treated with thioglycolate‐based straightening emulsions by protein loss, combability, and traction to rupture. Standard Afro‐ethnic hair locks were prepared following a protocol for straightening emulsion application. Considering the assays performed, the addition of conditioning agents to the straightening emulsion with ammonium thioglycolate benefited the hair fiber, thus diminishing protein loss, protecting the hair thread, and improving resistance to breakage. Jojoba oil and lauryl PEG/PPG‐18/18 methicone were the conditioning agents that presented the best results. Straightening emulsions with ammonium thioglycolate containing aqua (and) cystine bis‐PG propyl silanetriol and cyclopentasiloxane (and) PEG‐12 dimethicone cross‐polymer were the ones that provided higher breakage resistance of the thread.
Treatment of facial port‐wine stains with intense pulsed light: a prospective study
Authors: Özdemir Mustafa , Engin Burhan , Mevlitoǧlu İnci 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground  Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used for the treatment of port‐wine stains for 10 years. There are many IPL systems that have different setting. Some of them have been reported in the treatment of fresh or laser‐resistant port‐wine stains localized in different body regions.Objective  Our aim was to conduct a prospective trial to assess the effectiveness of Lynton (The Lumina Family of Medical Flashlamp Systems) of the IPL family in the treatment of fresh facial port‐wine stains.Material and methods  Twelve patients with facial and/or neck port‐wine stains without previous treatment were enrolled in the trial. Patient demographics, treatment setting, outcome of clearing, and treatment complications were noted.Results  The treatment intervals were 4 to 6 weeks for three to six treatment sessions. Moderate improvement (50–75%) was achieved in 47% of the patients. Complete clearing was seen in only one patient (8.3%) after four treatment sessions. Hypertrophic scar formation in two patients occurred after healing blister. Except for the side effects, long‐term complications were not seen.Conclusion  Moderate effectiveness was achieved with IPL treatment in the facial port‐wine stains.
Angioedema after ovine hyaluronidase injection for treating hyaluronic acid overcorrection
Authors: Andre Pierre , Fléchet Marie Laure 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground  Hyaluronic acid injections are becoming popular in aesthetic dermatology, and, sometimes, misplacements and very rarely adverse events have been reported. Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid, is used to treat overcorrection or granulomatous reactions. Allergic reactions are well known except for how frequent they occur.Objective  This paper aims to confirm the efficacy of hyaluronidase injections to dissolve hyaluronic acid, but insists on the risk of hypersensitivity with animal‐derived products.Methods  A case of angioedema due to ovine hyaluronidase is reported, and treatment is discussed.Conclusion  Hyaluronidase is highly effective, but skin test must be done before injection to avoid risk of angioedema and/or Quincke's edema.
Treatment of a resistant port‐wine stain with a new variable pulse‐duration pulsed‐dye laser
Authors: Bernstein Eric F 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground and objectives  Because of the heterogeneity in port‐wine stains, a number of them prove resistant to treatment with the pulsed‐dye laser (PDL). A new variable pulse‐duration PDL improves a refractory port‐wine stain.Study design/materials and methods  A 26‐year‐old man with a congenital port‐wine stain underwent eight treatments with the 1.5‐ms pulse‐duration PDL resulting in minimal improvement. A single treatment was then administered with the 3‐ms pulse‐duration PDL.Results  Initial results of treatment with the 3‐ms pulse‐duration PDL on this patient's port‐wine stain show dramatic clearance in areas previously treated with significantly higher fluences, an identical spot size, but with a pulse duration half as long.Conclusion  Vessel heterogeneity may require changing pulse durations once a port‐wine stain or a portion of a port‐wine stain becomes refractory to given pulse‐duration.
Mothers’ Recollections of Early Features of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: McConkey Roy , Truesdale‐Kennedy Maria , Cassidy Arlene 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Early intervention is recommended for autism spectrum disorders but often this is delayed because children have not received a formal diagnosis. Nonetheless parents are likely to identify features of ASD from an early age. The main aim of this study was to document through thematic analysis how parents described the features that alerted them to the child’s difficulties.Method:  From a population of children diagnosed at a specialist, community‐based clinic, 72 parents agreed to be interviewed at home about their recollections of early difficulties which were analysed thematically.Results:  Two‐thirds of parents reported the child’s problems were apparent by 18 months with speech and communication difficulties, along with behaviour problems, being the most commonly reported. Statistical analyses identified some relationships between certain features and the age of the child when they became apparent. Clusters of features were also identified.Conclusions:  It is argued that health visitors and childcare personnel should be knowledgeable about the early signs of ASD and of the strategies required to promote the development of children whose parents report these early features of ASD. They should be proficient in sharing their knowledge with parents so that assessment and intervention can begin earlier.
Dockside Prostitution in South African Ports
Authors: Trotter Henry 
Published: May 2008

AbstractProstitution has been a staple of dockside social life for centuries. In South Africa, it dates from the Dutch East India Company's establishment of a refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope. But unlike other prostitution sectors – streets, brothels, agencies – the women of the dockside sex trade in Cape Town and Durban participate in a global traffic of ideas, diseases, DNA, contraband and currency through their ceaseless interactions with foreign sailors. They exploit their knowledge of the seamen's languages and cultures so as to more effectively solicit their marks in a competitive and cosmopolitan environment. Social historians provide passing glimpses of dockside prostitution in their consideration of larger historical themes – Company rule, slavery, British colonial governance, the Mineral Revolution, the Anglo‐Boer War and apartheid – but they have yet to treat it as a distinct analytical category through which to view the past. However, popular intellectual trends suggest that research into the dockside sex trade would add new dimensions to the histories of cosmopolitanism, gender, globalization, maritime recreation and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Voyages, Encounters, and Agency in Oceania: Captain Cook and Indigenous People
Authors: Douglas Bronwen 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBeginning with a brief historiographic survey of the prolific literature on European voyages of exploration in Oceania, in particular those of James Cook, this article considers how embodied encounters helped shape the written and visual representations of indigenous Oceanian people by Cook and his naturalists and artists in New Holland (Australia), the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) and Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). I treat encounters as situated and permeable: not as a generalised clash of incommensurate cultures but as ambiguous intersections of multiple personal agencies, both indigenous and foreign. This approach suggests an indirect liaison between particular local actors and the expanding stock of empirical information provided by travellers and drawn on by metropolitan natural historians to illustrate their deductions about mankind. I suggest that voyagers’ representations of Oceanian people should be read not merely as reflections of received knowledge derived from dominant metropolitan discourses or literary and artistic conventions but also as personal productions generated in the flux, stress, high emotion and uncertainty of meetings with actual people in the vulnerable settings of voyages under sail. Such representations were often significantly, if obliquely affected by local agency.
Comparing the efficacy and safety of apheresis and whole blood–derived platelet transfusions: a systematic review
Authors: Heddle Nancy M. , Arnold Donald M. , Boye Diana , Webert Kathryn E. , Resz Ilona , Dumont Larry J. 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to determine if there were differences between apheresis platelet concentrates (APCs) or platelets (PLTs) derived from whole blood (WBD) for the outcomes acute reactions, alloimmunization, refractoriness, corrected count increment (CCI), radiolabeled recovery and survival, time to next transfusion, and bleeding.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Registry of Controlled Trials, PapersFirst, ProceedingsFirst, and AABB and ASH abstracts for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing APCs and WBD PLTs for clinical outcomes. Study selection, data extraction, and methodologic quality assessments were performed in duplicate. Results were pooled using meta‐analytic methods.RESULTS: Ten RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Acute reactions per patient were lower for APCs (relative risk [RR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44‐0.98); however, when controlling for leukoreduction, there was no significant difference (leukoreduced [LR]‐APCs vs. LR‐WBDs; odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 0.87‐3.62). There was no difference between products when reaction frequencies were assessed per transfusion (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.33‐1.28). APCs were associated with significantly higher CCIs than WBD PLTs at both 1 hour (weighted mean difference [WMD], 2.49; 95% CI, 2.21‐2.77) and 18 to 24 hours (WMD, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.60‐2.67). No conclusions could be made for the outcomes of alloimmunization and refractoriness. No studies addressed outcomes of time to next transfusion or bleeding.CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the small number of trials and lack of comparability of PLT products for leukoreduction, we were unable to draw definitive conclusions about the clinical benefits of APCs compared with WBD PLTs. Rigorous RCTs using clinically important end points are needed to settle this issue.
Flow cytometric measurement of CD62P (P‐selectin) expression on platelets: a multicenter optimization and standardization effort
Authors: Curvers Joyce , De Wildt‐Eggen Janny , Heeremans Judith , Scharenberg John , De Korte Dirk , Van Der Meer Pieter F. 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: One of the variables to determine the quality of platelets (PLTs) in vitro is measurement of CD62P expression. Different protocols are in use, however, making comparison of results virtually impossible. It was our aim to develop a uniform CD62P protocol that would yield comparable results in various laboratories.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of fixation, source and dilution of CD62P antibody, source of immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypic antibody, and analysis of results were investigated. Once the optimal variables were defined, comparative studies were performed at five participating centers. In the final comparative study, eight split PLT concentrates were shipped to the centers, where samples were stained and fixed according to the uniform protocol. Analyses were performed using commercially available flow cytometers (BD Biosciences and Beckman Coulter).RESULTS: Uniformity between centers could be achieved by using a single clone for CD62P and IgG monoclonal antibody. A protocol was selected using fixation with 0.5 percent methanol‐free formaldehyde. To increase conformity between flow cytometers, in the analysis of electronic data the thresholds of the isotypic control were set at 0.5 percent for the BD Biosciences and 2 percent for the Beckman Coulter flow cytometers. In the final comparative study, the 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs) for CD62P ranged between 8 and 21 percent in fresh and 20 to 40 percent in 8‐day‐old PLT concentrates.CONCLUSION: A uniform CD62P staining protocol and subsequent analysis can be used at multiple centers using different flow cytometers, yielding comparable results with acceptable 95 percent CIs.
Asymmetry of larval diet breadth and oviposition preference inLeptinotarsa undecimlineata
Authors: Eben Astrid , López‐Carretero Antonio 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe relationship between preference and performance was studied under laboratory conditions for larvae and adult females ofLeptinotarsa undecimlineata(Stål) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).Leptinotarsa undecimlineatafeeds exclusively onSolanum lanceolatumL. (Solanaceae) in the centre of Veracruz, Mexico. A common sympatric species,Solanum myriacanthumDunal, is not used as host. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to detect reasons for the exclusive use of one host plant.Leptinotarsa undecimlineatalarvae were reared under laboratory conditions on both plant species,Solanum lanceolatumandS. myriacanthum. Length of larval stages, pupal weight, and percent adult eclosion were compared, and larval preference for bothSolanumspecies was tested. Upon eclosion, adult females were exposed to each of the plants, and the effect of larval diet on adult preference was determined. Oviposition on bothSolanumspecies was observed in no‐choice tests. Larvae showed no significant preferences for either plant species. Pupal weight, however, was significantly higher onS. lanceolatum. Female beetles significantly preferredS. lanceolatumleaves, and no effect of preimaginal conditioning was found. Females reproduced in lower numbers after feeding onS. myriacanthum, oviposition initiated later, and females laid fewer eggs than females fed withS. lanceolatum. No female acceptedS. myriacanthumfor oviposition. Results obtained suggest that the potential host breadth ofL. undecimlineatais broader in larvae than in female beetles.
Evaluating the cytotoxic doses of narrowband and broadband UVB in human keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts
Authors: Cho Tae‐Ho , Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Mu‐Hyoung 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground: No comparative and simultaneous in vitro studies have been performed to determine the cytotoxic dose of narrowband UVB (NBUVB) and broadband UVB (BBUVB) for keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. Culture medium was often replaced with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) before UV irradiation; however, its amount differed across studies. We determined the cytotoxic doses of NBUVB and BBUVB and tested for changes in viability according to the amount of PBS.Methods: We exposed cultured human keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts to ultraviolet light in the range 12.5–1000 mJ/cm2 for NBUVB and 1.25–100 mJ/cm2 for BBUVB. The viability was assessed after 24 h. We also determined changes in viability at cytotoxic doses according to the amount of PBS (40, 80, and 120 μl/well in a 96‐well plate).Results: Cytotoxicity was observed at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mJ/cm2 for NBUVB and 5, 10, and 25 mJ/cm2 for BBUVB in keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts, respectively. At cytotoxic doses, there was no change in viability according to the amount of PBS.Conclusions: Fibroblasts are more resistant to UVB irradiation, irrespective of the amount of NBUVB and BBUVB, than keratinocytes and melanocytes. The amount of PBS during irradiation had no effect on viability.
Discrepant levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in psoriasis patients treated with PUVA, Re‐PUVA and narrow‐band UVB
Authors: Akman Ayse , Dicle Ozlem , Yilmaz Fikriye , Coskun Mesut , Yilmaz Ertan 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground: Previous reports showed that serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are increased in patients with psoriasis. However, to our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of PUVA, Re‐PUVA and narrow‐band UVB (NB‐UVB) treatments on serum levels of VEGF in patients with psoriasis.Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of PUVA, Re‐PUVA and NB‐UVB treatments on angiogenic activities in patients with psoriasis by comparing serum levels of VEGF.Methods: Forty‐six patients with psoriasis and 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected before, during and after the therapies. The efficacy of PUVA, Re‐PUVA and NB‐UVB was delineated by the psoriasis area and severity index. A repeated measure of ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U‐test, χ2 and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis.Results: The VEGF levels were significantly decreased in the PUVA group at the end of the follow‐up period (P<0.001). However, the levels were significantly increased in the groups of NB‐UVB and Re‐PUVA (P<0.001).Conclusions: We found that there was a discrepancy during the PUVA, Re‐PUVA and NB‐UVB treatments. We believe that VEGF plasma levels could not be a useful monitor of psoriasis activity and/or treatment response.