bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the interleukin‐1 gene influence the stratum corneum interleukin‐1α concentration in uninvolved skin of patients with chronic irritant contact dermatitis
Authors: DeJongh Cindy M. , Khrenova Liubov , Kezic Sanja , Rustemeyer Thomas , Verberk Maarten M. , John Swen M. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Interleukin (IL)‐1α and its receptor antagonist IL‐1ra play a role in skin inflammation. Several polymorphisms in the IL1 gene cluster, coding for IL‐1α, IL‐1ra, and IL‐1β, influence their protein expression. Within this cluster, strong linkage disequilibrium has been shown.Objective:  We studied the association between the polymorphisms IL1A‐889 (C→T) and IL1B‐31 (T→C) and the concentration of IL‐1α and IL‐1ra in the stratum corneum (SC).Method:  In 124 patients with chronic irritant contact dermatitis, we genotyped the IL1A‐889 and IL1B‐31 polymorphisms and determined the amount of IL‐1α and IL‐1ra on tape strips obtained from uninvolved skin of the volar forearm.Results:  The SC IL‐1α concentration was 23% and 47% lower in subjects with IL1A‐889 C/T genotype and T/T genotype, respectively, compared with wild‐type genotype. In subjects with IL1B‐31 C/C genotype, the IL‐1α concentration was 51% lower compared with C/T and T/T genotypes. The ratio IL‐1ra/IL‐1α increased twofold in IL1A‐889 C/T genotype and threefold in T/T genotype compared with wild type.Conclusions:  We have shown a clear effect of IL1 genotype on protein expression in the SC. This altered expression may be responsible for the interindividual differences in the inflammatory response of the skin.
SOX9 expression is a general marker of basal cell carcinoma and adnexal‐related neoplasms
Authors: Vidal Valérie P.I. , Ortonne Nicolas , Schedl Andreas 
Published: March 2008

Background:  SOX9 is a transcription factor that fulfills multiple functions during development. In the hair follicle SOX9 is expressed in the outer layer of the epithelial sheath, and the hair stem cell compartment. Recent data suggest that Sox9 acts as a downstream target of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway. Activation of the Shh pathway is a major cause of cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Here we test whether activation of SOX9 is a general feature of BCC, or whether it could be used as a biomarker to better define subtypes of these skin tumors. In addition we investigated SOX9 expression in other skin epidermal tumors.Methods:  Tumors sections were stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E). SOX9 activation was determined by immunofluorescence.Results:  SOX9 activation was observed in all subtypes of BCC tested. Staining was heterogeneous and could be detected among the basaloid cells of the palisading cell layer as well as in the tumour nest. SOX9 expression was detected in all adnexal tumors analyzed and absent in Bowen’s disease and Merkel tumor.Conclusions:  SOX9 expression is a general feature of BCC and adnexal skin neoplasms, suggesting a contribution of SOX9 to the pathogenesis of these tumors.
GMS is superior to PAS for diagnosis of onychomycosis
Authors: D’Hue Zandra , Perkins Susan M. , Billings Steven D. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Onychomycosis is a common cause of deformed nails. Periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) stains are more sensitive than fungal cultures for diagnosing onychomycosis. We performed a retrospective study comparing the use of PAS and Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stains for histopathologic diagnosis of onychomycosis.Methods:  GMS stains were performed on 20 PAS‐positive and 51 PAS‐negative cases from nail biopsies with a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. The PAS stained slides and GMS stained slides were evaluated for the presence of fungal hyphae. The results were analyzed with McNemar’s test.Results:  All 20 PAS‐positive cases were also positive with GMS stains. Of the 51 PAS‐negative cases, GMS stains detected an additional five cases with fungal hyphae. GMS stains were quantitatively superior (p < 0.0253). GMS stains were also qualitatively superior. More fungal hyphae were highlighted and fungal hyphae were more easily recognized on low or medium power magnification.Conclusions:  GMS stains are superior to PAS stains for the routine diagnosis of onychomycosis.
Discordance in the histopathologic diagnosis of difficult melanocytic neoplasms in the clinical setting
Authors: Lodha Saurabh , Saggar Sarika , Celebi Julide T. , Silvers David N. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  The gold standard for diagnosing melanocytic neoplasms is by histopathologic examination. However, lack of agreement among expert dermatopathologists in evaluating these tumors has been well established in experimental settings.Objective:  This study examines the discordance among dermatopathologists in evaluating difficult melanocytic neoplasms in a clinical setting where the diagnosis impacts patient management.Methods:  Retrospective review of consultation reports over a 6‐year period.Results:  There was complete agreement among the consultants in 54.5% of the cases. However, a high level of disagreement was found in 25% of the cases.Limitations:  The analysis was limited to two consultant dermatopathologists.Conclusions:  There are limitations to the practical applications of histologic criteria for diagnosing difficult melanocytic tumors. It is not malpractice for a pathologist to have rendered a diagnosis that did not predict clinical outcome as long as ‘standard of care’ has been followed in his/her evaluation of the specimen.
Serum concentrations of DKK‐1 correlate with the extent of bone disease in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Kaiser Martin , Mieth Maren , Liebisch Peter , Oberländer Romy , Rademacher Jessica , Jakob Christian , Kleeberg Lorenz , Fleissner Claudia , Braendle Edgar , Peters Malte , Stover David , Sezer Orhan , Heider Ulrike 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Lytic bone disease is a hallmark of multiple myeloma (MM) and is caused by osteoclast activation and osteoblast inhibition. Secretion of Dickkopf (DKK)‐1 by myeloma cells is a major factor which causes inhibition of osteoblast precursors. So far, there is no study showing a significant difference in serum DKK‐1 levels in MM patients with or without lytic bone lesions.Methods:  DKK‐1 serum levels were quantified in 184 untreated MM patients and 33 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients by ELISA, using a monoclonal anti‐DKK‐1 antibody.Results:  Serum DKK‐1 was elevated in MM as compared with MGUS (mean 11 963 pg/mL vs. 1993 pg/mL; P < 0.05). Serum DKK‐1 levels significantly correlated with myeloma stage according to Durie and Salmon (mean 2223 pg/mL vs. 15 209 pg/mL in stage I and II/III, respectively; P = 0.005). Importantly, myeloma patients without lytic lesions in conventional radiography had significantly lower DKK‐1 levels than patients with lytic bone disease (mean 3114 pg/mL vs. 17 915 pg/mL; P = 0.003). Of interest, serum DKK‐1 correlated with the number of bone lesions (0 vs. 1–3 vs. >3 lesions: 3114 pg/mL vs. 3559 pg/mL vs. 24 068 pg/mL; P = 0.002).Conclusion:  Using a large series of myeloma patients, we could show for the first time a correlation between DKK‐1 serum concentration and the amount of lytic bone disease, indicating that DKK‐1 is an important factor for the extent of bone disease and supporting the hypothesis of DKK‐1 as a therapeutic target in myeloma bone disease.
Prolymphocytic leukaemia of B‐ and T‐cell subtype: a state‐of‐the‐art paper
Authors: Dungarwalla M. , Matutes E. , Dearden C. E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractProlymphocytic leukaemias of B and T cell subtype are rare diseases. Despite recent advances in immunophenotyping and molecular cytogenetics, leading to a better understanding of the underlying cell biology of the prolymphocytic leukaemias, prognosis for these patients remains poor. Purine analogues and monoclonal antibodies have shown efficacy in B‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia although further studies are warranted. Monoclonal antibody therapy with alemtuzumab has significantly improved outcome in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T‐PLL) but responses are still transient and further disease progression is inevitable. While allogeneic stem cell transplant is an attractive option, due to the older age group of T‐PLL patients the morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure is significant.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Interleukin 6 –174 G/C Promoter Polymorphism and Pregnancy Complications: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study in 1626 Pregnant Women
Authors: Stonek Felix , Metzenbauer Martin , Hafner Erich , Philipp Karl , Tempfer Clemens 
Published: March 2008

Problem  To investigate the frequency of the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) −174 G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in women with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), pre‐eclampsia (PE), preterm delivery (PD), and small for gestational age (SGA) infants.Method of study In a prospective cohort study, DNA from 1626 consecutive pregnant women was analyzed for IL‐6 −174 G/C. Women who developed at least one of the predefined pregnancy complications were used as cases and compared with women without pregnancy complications.Results Of 1626 women, 259 (15.9%) developed at least one pregnancy complication. IL‐6 −174 G/C allele frequencies and genotype distributions were not significantly different between cases and controls. Similarly, no statistically significant difference in IL‐6 −174 G/C genotype distribution in women with IUFD, PE, PD <34 weeks, PD >34 weeks and SGA infants <10th percentile was observed.Conclusion IL‐6 −174 G/C is not a genetic marker for identifying women at increased risk of common pregnancy complications.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF DRYING KINETICS OF CHERRY LAUREL
Authors: KAYA AHMET , AYDIN ORHAN 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT The present study was aimed at experimentally and theoretically investigating the drying kinetics of cherry laurel fruit (Laurocerasus officinalis Roemer) in a convective dryer. In the experimental part, effects of various values of drying air parameters, including temperature and relative humidity, on the drying characteristics of cherry laurel fruit were determined. Sorption isotherms of the dried cherry laurel fruit were also determined for different values of the temperature and the equilibrium relative humidity of the drying air. In the theoretical part, different thin‐layer drying models, such as Henderson and Papis, Newton and two‐term exponential models, have been used to analyze the moisture variation of cherry laurel. The two‐term exponential model was found to be the most suitable for describing the drying curves of cherry laurel fruit. A diffusion model was used to describe the moisture diffusivity at each temperature and relative humidity. The moisture diffusivity of cherry laurel varied between 1.896 and 3.252 × 10−10 m2/s. The temperature dependence of the diffusivity coefficient was also described by the Arrhenius‐type relationship. The activation energy of cherry laurel has been found as 15.806 kJ/mol.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDrying is used in order to preserve and store fruits for longer periods by removing some of their moisture content. In addition, commercial interest on dried fruits has been increasing. Improper drying causes considerable damage and waste of seasonal fruits in many countries. In the present study, some practical information about the drying kinetics of cherry laurel during convective drying is presented, which will be necessary for a food design engineer in the design and optimization of the drying system.
Computational Approaches to the Study of Language Change
Authors: Baker Adam 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe article reviews computational studies of language change. Computer models of change are helpful because of the complexity of the behavior involved: an entire population of complex, interacting agents must be accounted for. Computational studies frequently bring to light hidden implications of theories, which make them relevant to the theoretical development of both acquisition and change. Studies of language change have focused on discovering mathematical properties of dynamical systems, or on simulating populations of speakers that interact with one another and change their internal states as a result. Models of lexical (including phonological) and syntactic change are considered. Computational models of change have proved useful tools for testing theories of language change, and will prove more useful as the field matures to include more systematic studies of the effects of varying model parameters in complex simulations.
Linguistic Research and Language Teaching
Authors: Tsujimura Natsuko 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIt is not uncommon for theoretical linguists to find themselves involved in language teaching because of their expertise in a specific language, even though their primary training is not in language instruction. Apparent lack of intellectual stimulus and career development is a typical concern shared by those who are in these academic positions; and it is sometimes the case that time spent on language teaching is perceived to be detrimental to a successful tenure decision. Based on my own experience as a linguist in a language department for the past 20 years, I will discuss some of these dilemmas and suggestions that may lead to a more positive outlook of those who face a similar situation.
Commodity Chains, Rural Development and the Global Agri‐food System
Authors: Challies Edward R. T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTaking as its starting point the enduring ‘agrarian question’, or crisis, of uneven rural development, the paper traces the evolution of the global commodity chain approach as a means for conceptualising the complexities and contradictions of the global agri‐food system. Of central concern is the potential that commodity chain analysis has for illuminating the dynamics of local development. Much useful critique and debate (reflecting debate within human geography more generally) has highlighted theoretical and methodological shortcomings within commodity chain analysis, and critique and subsequent innovations have potentially strengthened the utility of the commodity chain approach. However, it is argued that if commodity chain studies are to effectively grasp the complexities of contemporary agri‐food globalisation, and its challenges for local social and economic development, they must maintain a global production‐consumption gaze, while not losing sight of local productive relations and rural livelihoods at the roots of the chains. In order to be inclusive of small‐scale primary producers, it is argued, commodity chain analyses might usefully incorporate aspects of rural livelihoods approaches.
Chloroquine is effective against influenza A virus in vitro but not in vivo
Authors: Vigerust David J. , McCullers Jonathan A. 
Published: March 2008

Background  Chloroquine is an inexpensive and widely available 9‐aminoquinolone used in the management of malaria. Recently, in vitro assays suggest that chloroquine may have utility in the treatment of several viral infections including influenza.Objectives  We sought to test whether chloroquine is effective against influenza in vivo in relevant animal models.Methods  The effectiveness of chloroquine at preventing or ameliorating influenza following viral challenge was assessed in established mouse and ferret disease models.Results  Although active against influenza viruses in vitro, chloroquine did not prevent the weight loss associated with influenza virus infection in mice after challenge with viruses expressing an H1 or H3 hemagglutinin protein. Similarly, clinical signs and viral replication in the nose of ferrets were not altered by treatment.Conclusions  Although in vitro results were promising, chloroquine was not effective as preventive therapy in vivo in standard mouse and ferret models of influenza virus infection. This dampens enthusiasm for the potential utility of the drug for humans with influenza.
Cross‐neutralisation of antibodies elicited by an inactivated split‐virion influenza A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (H5N1) vaccine in healthy adults against H5N1 clade 2 strains
Authors: Höschler Katja , Gopal Robin , Andrews Nick , Saville Melanie , Pepin Stephanie , Wood John , Zambon Maria C. 
Published: March 2008

Background  Highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 viruses are widespread in different parts of the world and have evolved into clade 1 and 2 lineages. Their continuing circulation represents serious pandemic threat, spurring human vaccine development efforts. Initial clinical trials tested vaccines prepared from clade 1 strains circulating in 2004.Methods  Post‐vaccination sera from a phase I trial of an inactivated split‐virion vaccine based on A/Vietnam/1194/2004/NIBRG14 (H5N1) were analysed in vitro for cross‐reactivity against highly pathogenic, wild‐type clade 2 H5N1 strains isolated from human cases, and their corresponding reverse genetics derived vaccine candidate strains.Results  Neutralisation of clade 1 and 2 wild‐type and reverse‐genetics viruses was seen, with highest titres observed for viruses most closely related to the vaccine strain. There was no consistent relationship between vaccine dose given, or presence of aluminium adjuvant and cross‐neutralising antibody titre, possibly because of small sample size. Use of wild‐type highly pathogenic strains compared with antigenically equivalent reverse‐genetics viruses suggests presence of a higher level of cross‐neutralising antibody.Conclusion  Vaccination with a clade 1 H5N1 virus elicited antibodies capable of neutralising diverse clade 2 H5N1 strains. This data underlines that while a close match between vaccine virus and circulating virus is important to achieve maximum protection, population priming with a ‘pre‐pandemic’ vaccine may be beneficial for the protection of a naïve population. The data suggests that use of reverse‐genetic viruses in neutralisation assays may underestimate the extent of cross‐protective antibody present following H5N1 vaccination.
Chest CT findings of influenza virus‐associated pneumonia in 12 adult patients
Authors: Fujita Jiro , Bandoh Shuji , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Higa Futoshi , Tateyama Masao 
Published: March 2008

Objective  In this study, we describe the chest computed tomography findings of influenza virus‐associated pneumonia in adult patients.Methods  Our retrospective study included 12 adult patients who had proven influenza virus ‐ associated pneumonia.Results  Out of 12 patients, six were diagnosed as having pure influenza virus pneumonia, five as having bronchopneumonia caused by bacteria associated with influenza A infection, and one as having a cryptogenic organizing pneumonia associated with influenza A infection.Conclusion  Radiographic findings of influenza virus pneumonia in adult patients consist of ground‐glass attenuation. Localized patchy consolidations were observed in cases of bronchopneumonia.
Influenza vaccination coverage rates in Europe – covering five consecutive seasons (2001–2006) in five countries
Authors: Holm Majbrit V. , Blank Patricia R. , Szucs Thomas D. 
Published: March 2008

Objective  To understand potential drivers and barriers to influenza vaccination in the general population.Methods  47 982 household surveys were conducted in five European countries between 2001 and 2006.Results  Overall influenza vaccination coverage increased over the years and reached 26·2% in 2005/06. Among the elderly ≥65 years, the rate increased significantly to 67·8% (2005/06). The most common reason for being vaccinated over the 5 years was the perception of influenza as a serious illness, which people want to avoid. The main reason for not getting vaccinated among those never previously vaccinated was feeling that they were unlikely to catch influenza. A recommendation by the family physician was the most encouraging factor for vaccination.
Primary glaucoma in Burmese cats
Authors: HAMPSON ECGM , SMITH RIE , BERNAYS ME 
Published: March 2008

Objective To document the clinical signs and management of primary glaucoma in Burmese cats. Design A retrospective study of six affected Burmese cats, from 1996 to 2001. ProcedureSix Burmese cats diagnosed with primary glaucoma were managed over periods varying from 3 months to 4.5 years. Clinical details were obtained from practice records. Gonioscopic examination of the drainage or iridocorneal angle in eyes of these affected cats was made. ResultsSix desexed female Burmese cats (ages 7.0 to 10.5 years) presented with complaints of either unilateral (n = 4) or bilateral (n = 2) red eye, dilated pupil or enlarged eye. In one of the affected cats, one eye had been enucleated prior to the commencement of the study, thus a total of 11 eyes were examined. Clinically, all affected eyes (n = 8) had injected episcleral blood vessels and elevated intraocular pressure. Gonioscopy revealed the presence of nine narrow and two closed irido‐corneal angles. Medical therapy included topical 2% dorzolamide (n = 8), 0.5% timolol maleate (n = 1), 0.005% latanoprost (n = 1) and 0.5–1.0% prednisolone acetate (n = 8). Surgery was performed in six eyes using either diode laser (n = 5) and/or cryothermy (n = 2) and one eye was eviscerated, with implantation of a prosthesis. With therapy, five affected eyes maintained vision and normal intraocular pressure, one eye remained blind with normal intraocular pressure, one eye remained blind with elevated intraocular pressure and one eye was eviscerated.Conclusions The Burmese cat may be predisposed to primary narrow‐angle glaucoma. Early diagnosis and continuous antiglaucoma therapy can help control intraocular pressure and maintain vision.
Serological evidence of exposure to tick fever organisms in young cattle on Queensland dairy farms
Authors: SSERUGGA JN , JONSSON NN , BOCK RE , MORE SJ 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To compare the features of farms on which the exposure of young cattle to tick fever organisms is sufficient to ensure that immunity is high and the risk of clinical disease is low (endemic stability) with those of farms on which exposure is insufficient to induce widespread immunity (hence without endemic stability); to examine the relationships between the management of ticks and tick fever, and endemic stability to Babesia bovis, B bigemina and Anaplasma marginale.Design Cross‐sectional study of 874 cattle between the ages of 6 and 15 months on 64 dairy farms, from three centres in south‐eastern Queensland (Mutdapilly, Dayboro and Kenilworth) and one centre in far‐north Queensland (Malanda).Procedure Blood samples collected from between 5 and 20 calves from each farm were submitted for serological assay to determine exposure to B bovis, B bigeminaand A marginale. A questionnaire about the farm characteristics and the management of ticks and tick fever was completed with each farmer.Results On 73% of farms, confirmed clinical cases of tick fever were recalled by the farmer, indicating that tick fever was a threat on most farms. The majority of herds in the study (54 of 64) did not have sufficient numbers of seropositive animals aged between 6 and 15 months to have a low risk of tick fever. Region had an effect on the likelihood of endemic stability for all tick fever organisms. Cattle near Malanda in Far‐north Queensland were more likely to be seropositive to B bovisand B bigemina. The method, strategy and intensity of tick control were not related to the likelihood of endemic stability when the effect of region was considered. The decision to leave a few ticks on cattle in an effort to induce endemic stability did increase the likelihood of endemic stability to A marginale. However, in practical terms, it was ineffective, because only 26% of these farms had endemic stability against all three organisms.Conclusions Given the low proportion of farms that have endemic stability to the tick fever organisms and the high likelihood of clinical disease, vaccination is recommended to protect dairy cattle from tick fever throughout the tick infested area of Queensland. However, further work is required to determine the economic value of vaccination, taking into account the costs of vaccination, of outbreaks and the protective value of vaccination.