bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on cytokine secretion from intraepithelial lymphocytes infected by Escherichia coli and Candida albicans
Authors: Fidan Isil , Kalkanci Ayse , Yesilyurt Emine , Yalcin Burce , Erdal Berna , Kustimur Semra , Imir Turgut 
Published: July 2008

Summary Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a probiotic and used in the prevention or treatment of diarrhoea. Saccharomyces boulardii has many mechanisms to protect the host against diarrhoeal pathogens. It might modulate the immune system. In this study, the influence of S. boulardii on the secretion of cytokines from intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was investigated in vitro. Cytokine levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β was decreased in the infected IELs incubated with S. boulardii, but different from it, anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels such as IL‐4 and IL‐10, however, were found to be higher. These findings demonstrated that S. boulardii may have protective effects against diarrhoeal pathogens by reducing the proinflammatory response.
Isolation of Acremonium strictum from pleural fluid of a patient with colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nedret Koç Ayşe , Mutlu Sarigüzel Fatma , Artiş Tarık 
Published: July 2008

SummaryAlthough Acremonium strictum is environmentally widespread as opportunistic fungus, it may cause infection in patients who have immunodeficiency. In this study, A. strictum were isolated from the pleural fluid of a patient with colon adenocarcinoma. The patient did not receive antifungal therapy because the patient died on the same day after the isolation of the mould from the pleural fluid. Major risk factors for the fungal infection are surgery because of cancer, administration of parenteral hyperalimentation and broad‐spectrum antibiotics, attaching chest tube and ventilation tube and hospitalization in intensive care unit. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B, fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole for the A. strictum strain isolated from pleural fluid were 0.125, 256, 2, 1.5 and 0.25 μg ml−1, respectively. In conclusion, bacteria and fungi, especially opportunistic fungi should be taken into consideration in the developing pleuritis in the patients with predisposing risks for the fungal infection.
Systemic therapy of paediatric atopic dermatitis: An update
Authors: Borchard Kate LA , Orchard David 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYTopical therapies are the mainstay in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and are effective in the majority of patients with mild and localized disease. In patients with widespread or recalcitrant moderate to severe dermatitis, systemic therapies may be required. The frequently used systemic therapies are immunosuppressants, immune response modifiers, anti‐inflammatories, antihistamines, and antibiotics. In this article, the indications and scientific support for the use of these medications is reviewed.
Black heel, talon noir or calcaneal petechiae?
Authors: Urbina Francisco , León Lorena , Sudy Emilio 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYWe describe a series of six patients with superficial cutaneous haemorrhages of the feet, including a classical case of black heel (talon noir) and other similar cases with diverse clinical presentations that do not match the typical description of that process. The main differences lay in production mechanism, morphology and location. The causes of these ‘atypical’ lesions were: burns with hot sand, friction against the rough edge of a swimming pool, wearing new shoes, jogging, or pricking a blister with a needle. Clinically, they consisted of isolated or multiple, small, large or linear, brown or black lesions located in areas that did not include the convex part of the heel, in which talon noir usually appears; on the contrary, the lesions affected the back third of the soles, the toes, periungual fold and plantar arch. As the presence of blood in the horny layer was a common final factor in all these cases, a better name for this process would be ‘post‐traumatic cutaneous intracorneal blood’ to describe black heel and its diverse clinical presentations.
Erythema induratum in a Kenyan child
Authors: Thoo Caroline HF , Graf Nicole , Hogan Peter 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYA 10‐year‐old Kenyan girl presented with a 9‐month history of a persistent, painful eruption of multiple, tender, non‐ulcerated, pigmented nodules involving the calves, shins and soles of the feet. She had recurring fevers particularly at night, lethargy, weight loss and a persistent non‐productive cough. The Mantoux test was positive. Chest X‐ray revealed mild peribronchial thickening in the hilar region but no evidence of hilar lymphadenopathy, consolidation and/or cavitation suggestive of tuberculosis. Sputum and gastric washings were negative for acid‐fast bacilli. Histology on a skin biopsy showed a granulomatous panniculitis with no histological evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, consistent with erythema induratum. In view of her constitutional symptoms, chronic non‐productive cough and positive Mantoux test, she was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis despite the non‐specific chest X‐ray and negative bacteriology. Anti‐tuberculous therapy was initiated with pyrazinamide, isoniazid and rifampicin for 2 months followed by dual therapy with isoniazid and rifampicin for a further 4 months. Her constitutional and respiratory symptoms and skin eruption cleared within 6 months with treatment.
Spontaneous resolution of facial papular mucinosis in a transplant patient
Authors: Braue Anna , Dolianitis Con , Varigos George 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYA 37‐year‐old male developed facial papules 6 months post renal–pancreatic transplant. Histological findings were consistent with localized papular mucinosis; electrophoresis showed no paraprotein. A trial of erbium and aura lasers, at ablative doses, produced no improvement. Independent treatments with oral doxycycline, itraconazole, acitretin, and isotretinoin also had no effect. The facial papules improved spontaneously, 2 years after first presentation and 8 months after treatment ceased. The patient remains clear of lesions.
Integrated Community Policy Uptake Model: Responding to select Manitoba and Saskatchewan rural women's experiences of health reform/renewal
Authors: Petrucka Pammla , Smith Donna Lynn 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective:  To explore the impacts and implications of health reform/renewal for rural women in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada. Design:  The study was a multiple case study approach using mixed methods of focus groups, individual interviews, and trends/utilization analysis. Setting:  Three rural communities – two in Saskatchewan; one in Manitoba. Participants:  Rural women; non‐health providers. Interventions:  None. Outcome Measures:  None. Results:  This paper presents a four phase Integrated Community Policy Uptake Model which is derived from the experiences of rural women during the operationalizing of health reform policy. The model depicts a four phase integration of the health reform or renewal policy; specifically, ‘Taking In’, ‘Taking On’, ‘Taking Over’, and ‘Taking Beyond’. The Integrated Community Policy Uptake Model is firmly rooted in the perceptions and opinions of rural women, and is informed by their understanding of health policy. Conclusion:  The involvement of rural women in the policy process is necessary. The model proposed potentially encourages women to become more directly engaged in future health policy making and planning. There is also significant potential for this model to inform decision makers of the perceptions, needs, and solutions offered by stakeholders such as rural women.
Learning and being a first‐time student supervisor: Challenges and triumphs
Authors: Pereira Robert B. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract The transitions made from a student to a practitioner can be daunting for recent graduates when they enter the ‘real world’ and apply theory, frames of reference and idealistic goal setting to achieve the best outcome for their clients experiencing dysfunction, disruption or disability. The exponential rate of learning that the recent graduate experiences is phenomenal and can either promote their development as innovative and prepared practitioners or lead towards an early career change or feelings of incompetence. Retention in the allied health professions is of upmost importance for the ongoing development of professional scholarship, reputation and continued responsibility to the community. This is especially true for those working, or considering to work in regional, rural and remote areas where there is an ever‐growing need for flexible, resourceful and culturally sensitive health professionals.
Long‐term outcome of endoscopic semiconductive diode laser irradiation therapy with injection of indocyanine green for early gastric cancer
Authors: Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nagao Shigeaki , Takebayashi Koichi , Higashiyama Masaaki , Komoto Shunsuke , Hokari Ryota , Miura Soichiro 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Semiconductive laser irradiation has been used to treat early gastric cancer. However, the long‐term follow up results have not been reported. The objective of the present study was to assess retrospectively the clinical usefulness of diode laser irradiation for early gastric cancer.Methods:  The subjects of this study were 13 patients (14 lesions) selected from 125 patients with early gastric cancer who were treated by endoscopy during the period from September 1995 to February 2003. The macroscopic tumor type was superficial type, including eight lesions of 0′–IIc and six lesions of 0′–IIa. Histological diagnoses were eight cases (nine lesions) of well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma, three cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and two cases of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. After injection with indocyanine green solution (1 mg/mL) into the submucosal layer, a semiconductive diode laser (30–40 W/s) was irradiated by the non‐contacting method.Results:  The total amount of laser irradiation for 14 lesions was 9568.80 ± 7197.01 J on average. There was no major complication. In the period up to December 2007, six patients survived and seven patients died. However, no‐one died of progression of gastric cancer. The mean survival times of all patients, survivors and patients who died were 5 years 2.8 months; 6 years 4.5 months; and 4 years 11.7 months, respectively.Conclusions:  Early gastric cancer can be successfully treated by laser therapy with few complications and good prognosis. This method is expected to be most suitable and effective for elderly patients with serious underlying disease.
Psychological status of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II and their parents
Authors: Kuratsubo Izumi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Orii Koji O. , Kato Tomomi , Orii Tadao , Kondo Naomi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to delineate the psychological status of 10 patients with the attenuated phenotype of mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS‐II) and their parents (six fathers and five mothers) for the improvement of clinical management.Methods:  Intellectual ability was evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Activities of daily living (ADL) was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure. The personality and psychiatric aspects were analyzed using the Yatabe–Guilford Personality test (Y‐G test) and the Tree‐Drawing Test. Mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire 60 (GHQ‐60) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).Results:  Intellectual background, measured with full‐scale, verbal and performance IQ, were 72.8, 76.1 and 79.3, respectively. Nine of 10 patients were not judged as having neurosis and a psychotic tendency with the Y‐G test. In the tree‐drawing test, many patients drew a tree without ground, suggesting that they have difficulties in making relationships with surrounding people and the community. The child patient with a psychosis pattern on the Y‐G test, drew a bizarre tree, suggesting psychological problems. GHQ‐60 and STAI survey indicated that the patients and their parents had higher levels of anxiety. A significant negative correlation between GHQ‐60 score and ADL (R = −0.77) was identified, suggesting that the psychological status may worsen as ADL decreases.Conclusions:  Patients with MPS‐II and their parents had higher risks for mental problems. Understanding psychological status is essential when providing genetic counseling or therapeutic intervention.
Cardiac output and blood volume parameters using femoral arterial thermodilution
Authors: López‐Herce Jesús , Bustinza Amaya , Sancho Luis , Mencía Santiago , Carrillo Angel , Moral Ramón , Bellón Jose María 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  The pulse‐induced continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system is a less invasive method than pulmonary thermodilution for the measurement of cardiac output and estimating blood volume parameters. The normal values in children have not been defined. The purpose of the present paper was therefore to evaluate cardiac output and parameters of blood volume using femoral arterial thermodilution in critically ill children.Methods:  A prospective study was performed in 17 critically ill children aged between 2 months and 14 years. Two measurements were taken for each determination of cardiac output, global end diastolic volume (GEDVI), intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBI), extravascular lung water index (ELWI), systolic volume index (SVI), stroke volume variation (SVV), cardiac function index (CFI), left ventricular contractility (dp/dt max), and the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI).Results:  One hundred and seventeen measurements were performed. The mean cardiac index (CI) was 3.5 ± 1.3 L/min per m2. The GEDVI (399.7 ± 349.1 mL/m2), ITBI (574.5 ± 212.2 mL/m2) and dp/dt max (804.6 ± 372.1 mmHg/s) were lower than reported in adults, whereas ELWI (18.9 ± 9.3 mL/m2) and CFI (8 ± 2.5 L/min) where higher. The GEDVI, SVI, dp/dt max and CI increased with the weight of the patients whereas the ELWI values decreased.Conclusions:  Femoral arterial thermodilution is a suitable technique for the measurement of cardiac output in critically ill children. The intrathoracic and intracardiac volumes are lower than in adults, whereas extrapulmonary water is higher; these values are related to the weight of the patient.
Nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms in children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Alasehirli Belgin , Balat Ayse , Barlas Omer , Kont Aylin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAims:  Nitric oxide (NO) attenuates many functions within the kidney, and all NO synthase (NOS) isoforms are constitutively expressed in the kidney. But the exact role of NO in renal diseases is still debatable. The aim of the present study was to investigate endothelial (eNOS), and neuronal (nNOS) NOS gene polymorphisms in children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS).Materials and methods:  Eighty‐six Turkish children with clinical MCNS, ranging in age from 2 to 10 years, were compared with 114 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The glu 298 Asp (G/T) polymorphism of the eNOS, and C276T (C/T) polymorphism of nNOS genes were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction.Results:  The distribution of GG, TG, and TT genotypes for eNOS was 52%, 33% and 15% in MCNS compared with 61%, 26% and 13% in the controls (P > 0.05). The distribution of CC, TC, and TT genotypes for nNOS was 16%, 66% and 18% in MCNS compared with 10%, 43% and 47% in the controls. TT genotype distribution of nNOS was found to be lower in patients (P = 0.003). The eNOS and nNOS gene polymorphisms were not associated with gender, positive family history, frequency of relapses, or response to steroid.Conclusions:  The present study is the first to investigate eNOS and nNOS gene polymorphisms in children with MCNS. The nNOS gene polymorphism may be associated with MCNS in children, but further studies in a larger population with different glomerular diseases are needed to confirm the results.
Autonomic function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Inoue Miki , Mori Kazuhiro , Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Tatara Katsunori , Kagami Shoji 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  Assessing autonomic function is important for patients with chronic heart failure, but the way that autonomic function changes in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and correlates with other clinical parameters during their young age is not clearly known.Methods:  Heart rate variability (HRV) during ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed in 57 DMD patients (130 recordings) who were not receiving medication (mean age 15.3 ± 4.5 years). The data were compared with the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), the shortening fraction (SF) of the left ventricle on echocardiography, and simple parameters of heart rate from 24 h ambulatory ECG.Results:  Among four parameters of HRV measurements (high frequency [HF]; percentage of adjacent normal R‐R intervals that were >50 ms different for the entire 24 h recording [%RR50]; ratio of low to high frequency [LF/HF]; and standard deviation for all normal R‐R intervals for the entire 24 h recording [SDNN]), SDNN was most frequently abnormal. Even when SF was normal, a significant percentage of patients exhibited, abnormal parasympathetic activity (HF, %RR50: 74%, 78%, respectively), sympathetic activity (LF/HF, 43%), and SDNN (96%). Similarly, even if serum BNP levels were normal, 86%, 89%, 59%, and 97% of the patients displayed abnormal autonomic function on these measurements, respectively. Mean heart rate at night most accurately predicted abnormality of SDNN. When the cut‐off point for mean heart rate at night was 71 beats/min, the sensitivity and specificity of this parameter for predicting abnormal SDNN was 94% and 85%, respectively (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  In DMD, autonomic function, especially SDNN, was frequently abnormal, although conventional clinical examinations of cardiac function (BNP levels and SF) were normal. It is proposed that mean heart rate during night could be used as a simple measurement for evaluation of autonomic function.
Association between white blood cell count and components of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wu Chung‐Ze , Lin Jiunn D. , Li Jer‐Chuan , Kuo Shi‐Wen , Hsieh Chang‐Hsun , Lian Wei‐Chen , Lee Chien‐Hsing , Wan Hsiang‐Lin , Hung Yi‐Jen , Pei Dee 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  Components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) were found to be associated with several inflammatory factors including white blood cell count (WBCC), which is an easily available test in clinical practice. In the present study, the relationships between WBCC and MetS components were investigated in children.Methods:  A total of 288 Taiwanese children, under 10 years old, with normal WBCC, were enrolled in the study. They were divided into quartiles according to WBCC (lowest, WBCC1; highest, WBCC4). The mean values of each MetS component for every group were compared in boys and girls separately. Multivariate linear regression between the WBCC and the MetS components after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI) were also evaluated.Results:  In group comparison, only the high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) was found to be significantly lower in WBCC4 in boys. Other components were not different. After multivariate linear regression, WBCC was negatively correlated to HDL‐C and positively to BMI in boys. Although not significant, similar relationships were also observed in girls. Interestingly, borderline positive correlation was noted between triglyceride (TG) and WBCC in girls.Conclusion:  BMI was positively and HDL‐C was negatively related to WBCC in boys. A similar trend could also be observed in girls but without significance. Borderline significant correlation between TG and WBCC was noted in girls. These findings suggest that cardiovascular risks might commence even in childhood. Early detection of children with these abnormalities may help to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adolescence or even adulthood.
Test performance of two‐question screening for postpartum depressive symptoms
Authors: Mishina Hiroki , Hayashino Yasuaki , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is commonly used to screen for postpartum depression, but it is difficult to consistently administer it to all mothers during busy well‐child visits owing to the fact that it is time‐consuming. The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the performance of a concise, two‐question screening tool in the detection of mothers with postpartum depressive symptoms who had a high EPDS score.Methods:  The study involved 103 mothers attending a single hospital for 1 month well‐child visits. The primary outcome measure was the detection of mothers with postpartum depressive symptoms, using the EPDS score as the reference standard. Visiting mothers were asked to complete both the EPDS questionnaire and a two‐question questionnaire covering depressive mood and anhedonia while in the hospital waiting room. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and likelihood ratio of the two‐question instrument was evaluated using the EPDS as standard.Results:  Taking EPDS as standard, sensitivity of the two‐question instrument was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64−99%), specificity was 76% (95%CI: 65−84%), positive predictive value was 42% (95%CI: 26−59%), and negative predictive value was 97% (95%CI: 90−100%). The stratified likelihood ratios of each of the two‐question instrument test scores 0, 1, and 2 were 0.2 (95%CI: 0.04−0.6), 3.4 (95%CI: 1.8−6.2) and 4.2 (95%CI: 1.5−12.3), respectively.Conclusions:  With the cut‐off point set at 1, the two‐question instrument had high sensitivity in detecting postpartum depressive symptoms at 1 month well‐child visits. In primary care setting, negative result with the two‐question instrument may be a good indicator of no need for further evaluation for postpartum depression.
Introduction to the updated Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines for the use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting, 2008
Authors: Slavin M. A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe process for development of these consensus Australasian antifungal guidelines for use in adult patients with haematological malignancy is described. New features included, how the guidelines should be applied, the risk assessment tool used and the grading system for evidence and strength of recommendation are discussed.
Continuing medical education in pediatric anesthesia – a theoretical overview
Authors: TURNER NIGEL MCBETH 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe importance of continuing medical education (CME) as a method of improving the quality of care of children undergoing anesthesia is universally recognized. This article, which is based on a presentation at the FEAPA European Conference on Paediatric Anaesthesia in September 2007 in Amsterdam, gives a theoretical overview of continuing education and introduces some generic educational concepts, such as the CRISIS‐criteria and Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model, which are as relevant to pediatric anesthesia as to other areas of medical practice. The terms CME and continuing professional develop are described. Some consideration is given to how anesthesiologists can assess the potential worth of an educational activity for their practice. No attempt will be made to judge particular educational activities, as the choice of the most appropriate activity rests primarily with the individual.