bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of T cells in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ogg G. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryOur understanding of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis has been dramatically enhanced following the identification of the association with loss of function mutations in filaggrin, an epidermal protein thought to be important for cutaneous barrier integrity. However, it has also emerged that Th2 cytokines can influence barrier function, including through modulation of the expression of filaggrin, other structural proteins and peptides important for microbial barrier function. A picture is developing of a complex interplay between epidermal and non‐epidermal susceptibilities that contribute to disease. Understanding the key components involved will be important for the identification of new approaches to treatment.
Characterization of cis‐regulatory elements conferring mercury‐induced interleukin‐4 gene expression in rat mast cells: a role for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 and TATA box binding sites
Authors: Wu Zonglin , Pearson Alex , Oliveira David 
Published: November 2008

SummaryWe have previously shown that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of a mercuric chloride (HgCl2)‐induced, T helper type 2 (Th2)‐driven autoimmune syndrome in Brown Norway (BN) rats. In the context of the syndrome, the oxidative stress‐induced mast cell response seems to determine the development of the early phase of vasculitis, while oxidative stress‐mediated interleukin (IL)‐4 production may contribute to the subsequent Th2‐driven autoimmune response. However, the molecular basis of IL‐4 gene transcription induced by HgCl2 in mast cells remains unknown. In the present study, we dissect the critical regulatory mechanisms in the IL‐4 gene promoter in the rat mast cell line RBL‐2H3. Immunoprecipitation provided evidence that treatment with HgCl2 increased phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). Transient transfection reporter analyses with a series of 5′ end deletions of the IL‐4 promoter produced evidence that STAT6 and TATA box binding sites are important in HgCl2‐induced IL‐4 gene expression. Subsequent elimination of one or both sites by site‐directed mutagenesis significantly inhibited IL‐4 promoter activity. Our results provide evidence that STAT6 and TATA box regulatory elements play an important role in HgCl2‐induced IL‐4 transcription in rat mast cells.
Penile hygiene: puberty, paraphimosis and personal care for men and boys with an intellectual disability
Authors: Wilson N. J. , Cumella S. , Parmenter T. R. , Stancliffe R. J. , Shuttleworth R. P. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  Supporting men and boys with an intellectual disability (ID) to meet their penile hygiene needs is perhaps one of the least acknowledged but most confronting issues facing care staff. The delivery of intimate hygiene can be a challenging topic particularly as it has been drawn into the emerging sexuality discourse and the ongoing abuse narrative. Compounding this challenge is the lack of guidance in intimate care for support staff. In addition, whereas the male with an ID outnumber the female, female care staff greatly outnumber male staff. Whether this situation affects outcomes for men and boys with an ID is unknown but it is an issue which should be examined.Method  This paper reports data from two separate studies, one quantitative the other qualitative, which sought to explore penile hygiene as a male health issue.Results  Results show the practice of care staff to be inconsistent, the views and values of care staff to be divergent. Some patterns and contextual differences were identified depending upon the gender of care staff. An emerging dialogue described some of the positive contributions that male staff make to men and boys with an ID.Conclusions  The penile health needs of men and boys with an ID are being compromised by a lack of guidance, training, knowledge and limited gender‐sensitive care.
Emerging patterns in the comparative analysis of phylogenetic community structure
Authors: VAMOSI S. M. , HEARD S. B. , VAMOSI J. C. , WEBB C. O. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe analysis of the phylogenetic structure of communities can help reveal contemporary ecological interactions, as well as link community ecology with biogeography and the study of character evolution. The number of studies employing this broad approach has increased to the point where comparison of their results can now be used to highlight successes and deficiencies in the approach, and to detect emerging patterns in community organization. We review studies of the phylogenetic structure of communities of different major taxa and trophic levels, across different spatial and phylogenetic scales, and using different metrics and null models. Twenty‐three of 39 studies (59%) find evidence for phylogenetic clustering in contemporary communities, but terrestrial and/or plant systems are heavily over‐represented among published studies. Experimental investigations, although uncommon at present, hold promise for unravelling mechanisms underlying the phylogenetic community structure patterns observed in community surveys. We discuss the relationship between metrics of phylogenetic clustering and tree balance and explore the various emerging biases in taxonomy and pitfalls of scale. Finally, we look beyond one‐dimensional metrics of phylogenetic structure towards multivariate descriptors that better capture the variety of ecological behaviours likely to be exhibited in communities of species with hundreds of millions of years of independent evolution.
Hair growth stimulatory effect by a combination of 5‐aminolevulinic acid and iron ion
Authors: Morokuma Yuki , Yamazaki Masashi , Maeda Tatsuo , Yoshino Ikuyo , Ishizuka Masahiro , Tanaka Tohru , Ito Yoshiyasu , Tsuboi Ryoji 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  5‐Aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) is a precursor of a tetrapyrrole compound. 5‐ALA has been used for photodynamic therapy as well as for plant growth. 5‐ALA and iron ion are precursors of heme, which is incorporated into hemoglobin and cytochrome.Aim  To explore the possible application of a 5‐ALA and iron ion admixture on hair growth in mice.Methods  The effect of a 5‐ALA and iron ion admixture on hair growth and cell proliferation in mice was examined. The dorsal hair of 8‐week‐old male CeH/HeN mice was clipped, and a 5‐ALA and iron ion admixture was applied to the dorsal skin once daily for 21 days in a room supplied with common room lights. Hair growth was later examined by calculating the ratio of the area showing hair growth to the total clipped area. For the cell proliferation assay, a 5‐ALA and iron ion admixture at several different concentrations was added to a culture medium containing keratinocytes or fibroblasts, and the cell numbers were counted.Results  Mice treated with an admixture of 5‐ALA and iron ion showed significant hair growth (P < 0.05) at day 15 relative to those treated with iron ion alone, as revealed by the Tukey–Kramer test. The stimulatory effect of the mixture was almost identical to that of 5% minoxidil. No proliferation of keratinocytes or fibroblasts was observed, however, when an admixture of 5‐ALA and iron ion was added to the medium.Conclusions  The results suggest that an admixture of 5‐ALA and iron ion stimulates murine hair growth in vivo independent of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, although the precise mechanism is still uncertain. This mixture has the potential to become a beneficial new treatment for alopecia.
An unusual and serious complication of topical wart treatment with monochloroacetic acid
Authors: Tan Baser Nesrin , Yalaz Burcin , Yilmaz Ali Cemal , Tuncali Dogan , Aslan Gurcan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNumerous chemical agents are used in the topical treatment of warts. Monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) is one of these agents, which is used in low or high concentrations in most European countries. MCAA is a strong organic acid which is irritating and corrosive to the skin and has a high systemic toxicity. In addition to wart treatment, it is used for industrial purposes, such as the synthesis of certain organic chemicals. We present a case of joint deformity manifesting after the use of a preparation containing MCAA for topical wart treatment. This underlines the need to reassess the safety of MCAA use for topical wart treatment.
Chanarin–Dorfman syndrome with eccrine gland vacuolation: a case report
Authors: Pahwa Manish , Kar Rakhee , Singh Avninder , Goel Alka , Ramesh V. , Jain Rakesh 
Published: November 2008

AbstractChanarin–Dorfman syndrome is a rare congenital disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by ichthyosis, leukocytic vacuolation (Jordan's anomaly), and variable involvement of the liver and neuromuscular system, with about 40 cases described worldwide to date. We report one more case of this rare syndrome, with certain peculiarities, namely vacuolation in eccrine glands, in a young male adult.
Density of dendritic cells around basal cell carcinomas is related to tumor size, anatomical site and stromal characteristics, and might be responsible for the response to topical therapy
Authors: Rybka Maria O. , Cintra Maria L. , De Souza Elemir M. , Metze Konradin 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  The dermal dendritic cell (DC) is considered to be an important component of the host defense against basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Imiquimod, an immunologic response modifier, has recently been introduced in the topical therapy of BCCs. There is some evidence that the DC pretreatment density may affect the efficacy of imiquimod. The aim of our study was to find out which clinical or histological variables are related to the DC density at the margins of BCCs.Methods  Thirty cases of BCCs of aggressive and 30 cases of nonaggressive subtypes were selected from our files. In histological sections, the density of FXIIIa‐positive DCs and 1A4‐positive myofibroblasts in the tumor surrounding stroma was quantified, as well as the stroma type, the tumor size and the DC density in the normal dermis.Results  In nonaggressive BBCs, a multiple linear regression showed that a higher DC density was associated with an increased number of myofibroblasts, smaller tumors and those located on the face. For the aggressive subtypes, a higher DC density was related not only to an increased myofibroblast density, smaller BCCs or location on the face, but also to the presence of less mucinous and more granulation type stroma and an increased DC density in the normal dermis. The stability of the models was confirmed by bootstrap resampling.Conclusion  Our study demonstrates that the density of DCs around BCCs is related to tumor size, localization and characteristics of the surrounding tumor stroma.
Lack of evidence for hepatitis C virus infection in association with lichen planus
Authors: Stojanovič Larisa , Lunder Tomaž , Poljak Mario , Marš Tomaž , Mlakar Boštjan , Matičič Mojca 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and lichen planus (LP) is a subject of controversy. Prevalence studies of HCV infection in LP patients in various countries reveal diverse results. The Slovenian population is rather homogenous with specific geographic and epidemiological characteristics. Lack of data or contradictory results from neighboring countries urged the need for a case‐controlled study in our LP patients.Methods  The retrospective study was performed on 173 LP patients. Control group included 218 patients with dermatological diseases other than LP.Results  Anti‐HCV antibodies were found in 2/173 patients (1.2%) with LP and in 0/218 controls. No statistically significant difference was found between the study and control group regarding anti‐HCV antibody prevalence (P = 0.195; estimated OR 6.4, 95% CI 0.3–134.0) and risk factors for HCV infection.Conclusions  Based on our results, anti‐HCV antibody testing is not necessarily required in LP patients with no risk factors for HCV infection in this geographic region.
Parental experiences of the newborn hearing screening programme in Wales: a postal questionnaire survey
Authors: Fox Rosemary , Minchom Sally 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectives  To evaluate parental experiences and satisfaction with Newborn Hearing Screening Wales, which was set up over 18 months in 2003–04 to provide an all‐Wales neonatal hearing screening programme.Methods  A postal questionnaire was developed and piloted, then distributed to mothers of babies who had recently been screened.Results  General satisfaction levels were high. Women were less satisfied with the information provided than with staff or the test itself. Women whose babies had had no clear responses on initial screening were significantly more likely to feel that the test upset their baby (P < 0.05) and that there were things they were unhappy with about the screening programme (P < 0.01). These women also reported significantly more anxiety after screening than women whose babies had clear initial responses (P < 0.01).Conclusions  The survey results provide a baseline against which future user satisfaction surveys of neonatal hearing screening programmes can be evaluated. They highlight significant differences in user satisfaction between those whose babies had clear responses on initial screening and those who did not, and point to areas where improvement may be possible.
Views of treatment decision making from adolescents with chronic illnesses and their parents: a pilot study
Authors: Knopf Jennifer M. , Hornung Richard W. , Slap Gail B. , DeVellis Robert F. , Britto Maria T. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  Shared decision making may increase satisfaction with health care and improve outcomes, but little is known about adolescents’ decision‐making preferences. The primary purpose of this study is to describe the decision‐making preferences of adolescents with chronic illnesses and their parents, and the extent to which they agree.Design  Survey.Setting and participants  Participants were 82 adolescents seen at one of four paediatric chronic illness subspecialty clinics and 62 of their parents.Main variables  Predictor variables include sociodemographics, health parameters, risk behaviour, and physical and cognitive development. The main outcome variable is preferences for decision‐making style.Results and conclusions  When collapsed into three response categories, nearly equal percentages of adolescents (37%) and parents (36%) preferred shared decision making. Overall, the largest proportion of adolescents (46%) and parents (53%) preferred passive decision making compared to active or shared decision making. Across five response choices, 33% of pairs agreed. Agreement was slight and not significant. Improved general health perceptions (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.59–0.99) and improved behaviour (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.56–0.99) were significantly associated with parents’ preferences for less active decision making. Older age was significantly associated with agreement (OR 1.58, 95% CI = 1.09–2.30) between parents and adolescents. The paucity of significant predictor variables may indicate physicians need to inquire directly about patient and parent preferences.
Wise owls and professors: the role of older researchers in the review of the National Service Framework for Older People
Authors: Cornes Michelle , Peardon John , Manthorpe Jill ,   The 3YO Project Team
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim  This article explores the involvement of older people in research and inspection, reflecting on the learning from the recent ‘joint review’ of the National Service Framework for Older People in England.Methodological context  Working in 10 different localities, the ‘joint review’ comprised a formal inspection of health and local council services (carried out by the Healthcare Commission, Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Audit Commission) and an externally commissioned university‐led research project designed to ascertain the views and experiences of older people living in the 10 inspection sites. In total, 1839 older people were interviewed individually and through focus groups and an additional 4200 older people completed questionnaires. A distinctive feature of the research was the inclusion of a team of older researchers who had undertaken training in research methods in later life. Reflections of the older researchers and other members of the research team on undertaking this large‐scale user involvement project were ascertained via a day‐long seminar which was tape recorded and transcribed.Learning  While many espouse the principle of ‘service user involvement’ in research, there is a need to move beyond the rhetoric of participation and any blanket assumptions about what it means to be an ‘older researcher’, a ‘service user researcher’ or indeed, a ‘professional researcher’. This means ensuring that within any given team (user‐controlled or collaborative) there are clear lines of accountability and equal opportunities for individual appraisal, support, and personal or professional development. Such considerations are key to working with ‘older researchers’ and encouraging diversity in the research workforce more generally.
An alternative management for high‐risk patients with rectal prolapse
Authors: Parés D. , Vial M. , Grande L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIndication  The management of rectal prolapse in presence of high‐risk comorbidities can be challenging. We report the use of an anal plug as a noninvasive alternative in patients with contraindication of surgery.Method  This small device opens up in about 30 s to fit the contour of the lower rectum avoiding faecal leakage or in our case, the rectal prolapse. Although the plug is poorly tolerated in some cases, this device may be used up to 12 h per day and no adverse effects have been reported.Comparison with other methods  Nonsurgical alternatives described in the literature, such as sclerotherpy in children, are not routinely used in the adult population. The main advantage of the anal plug is its simplicity and safety as in the series published for the treatment of faecal incontinence no adverse events were described.Conclusion  An anal plug for rectal prolapse is an alternative in high‐risk patients or during the time before surgical treatment.
The effect of aspirin in the recurrence of colorectal adenomas: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gao F. , Liao C. , Liu L. , Tan A. , Cao Y. , Mo Z. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPurpose  Colorectal adenomas are precursors of most colorectal cancers and are important targets for chemoprevention. Aspirin is thought to play an important role in chemoprevention. However, the role of aspirin in preventing recurrence of adenomas is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of aspirin in preventing the recurrence of colorectal adenoma.Method  Trials were located through Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). From 14 articles screened, three were identified as randomized controlled trials and were included for data extraction. Main outcome measures were the recurrence of any new adenoma and advanced adenoma. The meta‐analysis was performed with the fixed‐effects model.Results  A total of 2338 participants were enrolled in the three studies and 2175 of them completed the follow‐up colonoscopy. We found that the relative risks of any adenoma (when compared with the placebo group) were 0.859 in the high dose of aspirin groups (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.756–0.976, P = 0.019), 0.826 in the low dose of aspirin groups (95% CI 0.706–0.965, P = 0.016) and 0.836 in the both aspirin combined groups (95% CI 0.746–0.937, P = 0.002). For the recurrence of advanced adenoma, the relative risk (when compared with the placebo group) was 0.655 (95% CI 0.513–0.837, P = 0.001) in the aspirin groups without considering the dose.Conclusion  This meta‐analysis suggests that aspirin prevents recurrent colorectal adenomas among patients with a history of colorectal adenomas.
Pilot study evaluating ureteric physiological changes with a novel ‘ribbon stent’ design using electromyographic and giant magnetoresistive sensors
Authors: Natalin Ricardo A. , Hruby Gregory W. , Okhunov Zhamshid , Singh Harmanmeet , Phillips Courtney K. , Humphrey Peter A. , Gupta Mantu , Landman Jaime 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo test a novel ‘ribbon stent’ (RS) design using an extraluminal bipolar electromyographic (EMG) and giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor system to characterize ureteric responses.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 11 female domestic pigs were divided into three groups to evaluate ureteric physiology: group 1 (two pigs) with an unstented ureter, group 2 (three) with a standard 6 F ureteric stent, and group 3 (six) with the RS. For all groups EMG/GMR evaluation was performed at baseline, immediately after stenting, and at 3 and 7 days after stenting. All pigs underwent standardized retrograde ureteropyelogram evaluation at these time points, and after the final evaluation the pigs were killed and the urinary tract was harvested for histopathological evaluation.RESULTSOne stent in group 3 could not be deployed due to a problem with ureteric access. For groups 1, 2 and 3 the ureteric peristaltic activity was 109, 63, 72 events/h at baseline (P = 0.49); 61, 70, and 66 events/h immediately after stenting (P = 0.97); 66, 0, 8 events/h at 3 days after stenting (P = 0.002); and 61, 12, 0 events/h at 7 days after stenting, respectively (P = 0.049).CONCLUSIONThe RS was deployed easily and safely in the porcine model using a standard technique. As with a standard stent, there was significant ureteric dilation and decrease in peristalsis with the RS.
How successful is the conservative management of pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction in adults?
Authors: Gulur Dev M. , Young James G. , Painter Daniel J. , Keeley Francis X. , Timoney Anthony G. 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the conservative management of pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO), according to severity, accepted in paediatric urology but rarely reported in adults.PATIENTS AND METHODSA series of 23 patients (median age 58 years, 17 men and six women) with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic PUJO were managed conservatively. The patients’ age, preference and comorbidities were considered. The diagnosis of PUJO was based on intravenous urography and isotopic renography. After stringently reviewing the renograms based on relative renal function (RRF) and output efficiency (OE), 15 patients had an OE consistent with definitive PUJO. One patient had no further imaging due to associated comorbidities. Ten patients had right PUJO, three left and one with bilateral PUJO, with unilateral conservative management. The follow‐up included annual renography and clinical consultation. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty was considered for patients with a >10% loss of RRF and/or <40% RRF during the follow‐up.RESULTSOverall, 14 of 15 patients had renograms during the follow‐up. The mean RRF of the affected kidney at diagnosis was 48.6% which marginally decreased to 46.7% after a median (range) follow‐up of 44 (23–75) months. The RRF of 11 patients remained stable and in three decreased significantly (median 11% RRF), requiring pyeloplasty. None of the patients became symptomatic throughout the follow‐up.CONCLUSIONIn asymptomatic adults the conservative management of PUJO appears to be safe during a short‐ to medium‐term follow‐up. We recommend that patients are regularly followed with renography and seen promptly should they become symptomatic. A longer follow‐up is needed in a larger group to confirm these findings.