bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hand eczema severity and quality of life: a cross‐sectional, multicentre study of hand eczema patients
Authors: Agner Tove , Andersen Klaus E. , Brandao Francisco M. , Bruynzeel Derk P. , Bruze Magnus , Frosch Peter , Goncalo Margarida , Goossens An , Le Coz Cristophe J. , Rustemeyer Thomas , White Ian R. , Diepgen Thomas ,   EECDRG
Published: June 2008

Background and Objectives:  Hand eczema is a chronic disease with negative impact on quality of life (QoL). In this study, QoL in hand eczema patients is assessed and related to age, sex, severity, and diagnostic subgroups.Methods:  A total of 416 patients with hand eczema from 10 European patch test clinics participated in the study. Data on QoL were obtained from a self‐administered questionnaire using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Severity was assessed by a scoring system (Hand Eczema Severity Index, HECSI) as well as frequency of eruptions and sick leave due to hand eczema.Results:  No significant difference was found between males and females with respect to QoL [DLQI median values and 25/75 percentiles for males and females being 7.0 (3–14) and 8.0 (3–13), respectively], although males were more severely affected than females (P < 0.025). A significant positive correlation was found for hand eczema severity and age (P < 0.001), while no significant correlation was found for QoL and age. QoL was found increasingly reduced when sick leave was getting higher (P < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation between QoL (as measured by DLQI) and hand eczema severity as measured by HECSI was found (P < 0.001). No significant difference in QoL was found between diagnostic subgroups.Conclusions:  QoL was found markedly negatively affected in hand eczema patients and was significantly correlated to disease severity. No significant difference in QoL was found between males and females, in spite of significantly more severe eczema in males, indicating that QoL in female patients is more easily affected.
Sclerosing Wegener’s granulomatosis in the orbit
Authors: Ostri Christoffer , Heegaard Steffen , Prause Jan Ulrik 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To report three cases of sclerosing Wegener’s granulomatosis in the orbit and to compare the histopathological morphology with those of other types of sclerosing orbital inflammation.Methods:  We analysed the clinical data along with histopathological specimens from orbital biopsies and from two enucleated eyes.Results:  All three patients had longstanding inflammation in the orbit and involvement of the paranasal sinuses. Proptosis, impaired ocular motility and reduced visual acuity dominated the clinical picture. All histopathological specimens featured granulomatous inflammation, tissue necrosis, vasculitis and widespread dense fibrosis. In certain areas of all specimens the fibrous tissue was arranged in characteristic concentric, onionskin‐like whorls of collagen around obliterated small blood vessels.Conclusions:  Wegener’s granulomatosis may lead to orbital fibrosis and sclerosis. The stromal changes and cellular infiltrate resemble the non‐specific orbital inflammation previously termed orbital pseudotumour. We present the first ‘onionskin’ lesions in association with Wegener’s granulomatosis in the orbit. This latter morphology may represent an abnormal fibrotic reaction in inflammatory tissue.
Corneal and conjunctival findings after mitomycin C application in pterygium surgery: an in‐vivo confocal microscopy study
Authors: Zhivov Andrey , Beck Ria , Guthoff Rudolf F. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To perform a qualitative assessment of the topical side‐effects of mitomycin C on cornea after pterygium surgery.Methods:  In‐vivo confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II in combination with the Rostock Cornea Module) was performed in 10 patients with unilateral primary pterygium. Mitomycin C 0.02% was applied topically to seven eyes for 5 min intraoperatively and twice daily for 5 days postoperatively. Three eyes underwent surgery without application of cytostatic agent. Patient follow‐up was 1 month.Results:  After application of mitomycin C, complete epithelialization of the operated zone was found 2 weeks after surgery. In‐vivo confocal microscopy revealed signs of superficial punctate keratitis for 2 weeks in the central cornea only after application of mitomycin C. The presence of epithelial and stromal oedema in this group was noted for up to 2 weeks in the central cornea and for up to 4 weeks in the operated zone. In the control group, complete epithelialization was found after 1 week; there were no signs of oedema after 1 week in the central cornea or after 2 weeks in the operated zone. Leucocyte infiltration and increased Langerhans cell density were noted in both groups in the operated and central zones. Analysis of the conjunctiva revealed a decrease in goblet cell density following cytostatic application.Conclusion:  Local application of mitomycin C delays corneal epithelialization, and prolongs postoperative epithelial and stromal oedema in both the centre and periphery. Moreover, signs of punctate keratitis were noted 2 weeks after surgery in central intact cornea. Nevertheless, in‐vivo confocal microscopy shows that these changes are reversible 4 weeks after application of mitomycin C 0.02%.
Outcome indicators for vitrectomy in Terson syndrome
Authors: Garweg Justus G. , Koerner Fritz 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  There is no general agreement on the best indication and timing of vitrectomy in patients suffering from Terson syndrome. Therefore, we reviewed our cases in order to assess factors interfering with the functional outcome and complication rates after vitrectomy.Methods:  In this retrospective consecutive case series, the records from all patients undergoing vitrectomy for Terson syndrome between 1975 and 2005 were evaluated.Results:  Thirty‐seven patients (45 eyes) were identified, 36 of whom (44 corresponding eyes) were eligible. The best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at first and last presentation was 0.07 ± 0.12 and 0.72 ± 0.31, respectively. Thirty‐five eyes (79.5%) achieved a postoperative BCVA of ≥ 0.5; 26 (59.1%) eyes achieved a postoperative BCVA of ≥ 0.8. Patients operated on within 90 days of vitreous haemorrhage achieved a better final BCVA than those with a longer latency (BCVA of 0.87 ± 0.27 compared to 0.66 ± 0.31; P = 0.03). Patients younger than 45 years of age achieved a better final BCVA than older patients (0.85 ± 0.24 compared to 0.60 ± 0.33; P = 0.006). Retinal detachment developed in four patients between 6 and 27 months after surgery. Seven patients (16%) required epiretinal membrane peeling and seven cataract surgery.Conclusion:  Ninety‐eight per cent of our patients experienced a rapid and persisting visual recovery after removal of a vitreous haemorrhage caused by Terson syndrome. A shorter time between occurrence of vitreous haemorrhage and surgery as well as a younger patient age are predictive of a better outcome. Generally, the surgical risk is low, but complications (namely retinal detachment) may occur late after surgery.
Detrimental effect of preservatives in eyedrops: implications for the treatment of glaucoma
Authors: Baudouin Christophe 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Antiglaucoma medications are often associated with ocular adverse reactions such as dry eye, and burning or stinging sensations. These undesirable effects may lead to treatment discontinuation and reduced quality of life in patients with glaucoma. Antiglaucoma medications usually contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative. Animal studies, in vitro studies and in vivo experiments have demonstrated various adverse effects of BAK. Clinical studies have also shown an increased incidence of adverse events with BAK and have demonstrated that the withdrawal of preservatives reduces these effects. Collectively, these data suggest that preservative‐free antiglaucoma treatments have clinically relevant benefits for patients.
What are the breast support choices of Australian women during physical activity?
Authors: Bowles K-A , Steele J R , Munro B 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:This study aimed to quantify the breast support wearing and purchasing habits of young women and to assess factors that affect their sports bra usage during physical activity.Design:Study results were obtained from a self-administered mail survey, which was posted to participants after gaining their verbal consent via random telephone recruitment.Participants:413 women aged 20 to 35 years were recruited from New South Wales, Australia.Results:From the returned (65%) surveys only 41% of respondents currently wore an encapsulating sports bra during physical activity, primarily due to a lack of awareness of the importance of good breast support during physical activity. Bra size was a predictor of sports bra usage, whereby participants with large breasts were more than twice as likely to wear a sports bra as their smaller-breasted counterparts.Conclusions:It was concluded that, although encapsulating sports bras have been shown to effectively reduce breast motion and associated exercise-induced breast discomfort, these bras were not the breast support option most commonly chosen by young women during physical activity. It is recommended that all women, irrespective of breast size, be educated on the importance of wearing a well-fitted and supportive bra during physical activity to decrease excessive strain on breast tissue structures and related breast discomfort.
Parachuting from fixed objects: descriptive study of 106 fatal events in BASE jumping 1981–2006
Authors: Westman A , Rosén M , Berggren P , Björnstig U 
Published: June 2008

Objective:To analyse the characteristics of fatal incidents in fixed object sport parachuting (building, antenna, span, earth (BASE) jumping) and create a basis for prevention.Design:Descriptive epidemiological study.Participants:Data on reported fatal injury events (n = 106) worldwide in 1981–2006 retrieved from the BASE fatality list.Assessment of risk factors:Human, equipment and environmental factors.Main outcome measurements:Identification of typical fatal incident and injury mechanisms for each of the four fixed object types of BASE jumping (building, antenna, span, earth).Results:Human factors included parachutist free fall instability (loss of body control before parachute deployment), free fall acrobatics and deployment failure by the parachutist. Equipment factors included pilot chute malfunction and parachute malfunction. In cliff jumping (BASE object type E), parachute opening towards the object jumped was the most frequent equipment factor. Environmental factors included poor visibility, strong or turbulent winds, cold and water. The overall annual fatality risk for all object types during the year 2002 was estimated at about one fatality per 60 participants.Conclusions:Participants in BASE jumping should target risk factors with training and technical interventions. The mechanisms described in this study should be used by rescue units to improve the management of incidents.
A delayed bone–tendon junction healing model established for potential treatment of related sports injuries
Authors: Wang L , Qin L , Cheung W-H , Lu H-B , Yang X-H , Leung K-S , Wong M W-N , Chan K-M 
Published: June 2008

BackgroundAnimal models for the study of tendinopathy and bone–tendon (B–T) junction repair have been established in the past for sports medicine research. As healing at the B–T junction is difficult and sometimes delayed, establishing a delayed B–T healing experimental model is therefore essential to study the efficacy of potential biophysical and biological interventions for treatment of B–T junction healing.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that a delay in B–T healing could be modelled by shielding the B–T healing interface for the initial few weeks.MethodsUsing an established partial patellectomy model in rabbits, the B–T healing interface was shielded with a latex slice for the first 4 postoperative weeks in mature female rabbits. The characteristics of delay in B–T repair (n = 10) compared with controls (n = 10) were evaluated at 8 and 12 postoperative weeks.ResultsRadiology showed consistent delay in osteogenesis at the healing interface in all samples in the delayed healing group; growth of new bone was only 25.8% and 50.1% of that in the control group at weeks 8 and 12, respectively. Bone mineral density was 56.0% lower in the delayed healing group at week 8, but this difference diminished at week 12. The quality of B–T healing was poor in the delayed healing group, with 22.9% and 24.2% lower failure load than the control group at weeks 8 and 12, respectively. The healing quality was also reflected by histological findings.ConclusionsA delayed B–T healing experimental model was established for the first time for future sports medicine research.
Anti-CD38 antibody–mediated clearance of human repopulating cells masks the heterogeneity of leukemia-initiating cells
Authors: Taussig David C. , Miraki-Moud Farideh , Anjos-Afonso Fernando , Pearce Daniel J. , Allen Kirsty , Ridler Christopher , Lillington Debra , Oakervee Heather , Cavenagh Jamie , Agrawal Samir G. , Lister T. Andrew , Gribben John G. , Bonnet Dominique 
Published: June 2008

AbstractImmunodeficient mice are increasingly used to assay human hematopoietic repopulating cells as well as leukemia-initiating cells. One method commonly used to isolate these rare cells is to sort cells stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies into fractions, then transplant the different fractions into immunodeficient mice to test their repopulating ability. The antibodies are generally treated as being neutral in terms of their effects on the experiment. Human repopulating cells are thought to express CD34 and lack CD38. Here we present evidence that anti-CD38 antibodies have a profound inhibitory effect on engraftment of cord blood and leukemia cells. We show that this effect is Fc-mediated and can be overcome by treating mice with immunosuppressive antibodies. When this inhibitory effect is prevented, we demonstrate that the CD34+CD38+ fraction of certain acute myeloid leukemia samples contains all, or at least most, leukemia-initiating cell capacity. This study highlights the potential pitfall of antibody-mediated clearance of repopulating cells and is important for any groups working with this model. More importantly, the work suggests that there is greater variation in the phenotypes of leukemia-initiating cells than previously suggested.
Regulatory polymorphism in vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) affects gene expression and warfarin dose requirement
Authors: Wang Danxin , Chen Huizi , Momary Kathryn M. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Johnson Julie A. , Sadée Wolfgang 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWarfarin dose requirements have been associated with 2 main haplotypes in VKORC1, but the responsible polymorphisms remain unknown. To search for regulatory polymorphisms, we measured allelic mRNA expression of VKORC1 in human liver, heart, and B lymphocytes. The observed 2-fold allelic mRNA expression imbalance narrowed possible candidate SNPs to −1639G>A and 1173C<T. This genotype effect was observed selectively in the liver but not in heart or lymphocytes. In vitro expression of VKORC1 gene constructs, including coding and promoter regions, failed to reveal any genotype effect on transcription and mRNA processing. Chromatin immunoprecipitation with antibodies against acetyl-histone3 and K4-trimethyl-histone3 revealed preferential association of the promoter −1639 G allele with active chromatin, consistent with enhanced mRNA expression. The minor −1639 A allele generates a suppressor E-box binding site, apparently regulating gene expression by a mechanism undetectable with reporter gene assays. A clinical association study demonstrated that promoter SNP −1639G>A, and the tightly linked intron1 SNP 1173C>T, predict warfarin dose more accurately than intron 2 SNP 1542G>C in blacks. Increased warfarin dose requirement in blacks was accounted for by lower frequency of the −1639 A allele. Therefore, −1639G>A is a suitable biomarker for warfarin dosing across ethnic populations.
Membrane-bound serine protease matriptase-2 (Tmprss6) is an essential regulator of iron homeostasis
Authors: Folgueras Alicia R. , de Lara Fernando Martín , Pendás Alberto M. , Garabaya Cecilia , Rodríguez Francisco , Astudillo Aurora , Bernal Teresa , Cabanillas Rubén , López-Otín Carlos , Velasco Gloria 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Proteolytic events at the cell surface are essential in the regulation of signal transduction pathways. During the past years, the family of type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) has acquired an increasing relevance because of their privileged localization at the cell surface, although our current understanding of the biologic function of most TTSPs is limited. Here we show that matriptase-2 (Tmprss6), a recently described member of the TTSP family, is an essential regulator of iron homeostasis. Thus, Tmprss6−/− mice display an overt phenotype of alopecia and a severe iron deficiency anemia. These hematologic alterations found in Tmprss6−/− mice are accompanied by a marked up-regulation of hepcidin, a negative regulator of iron export into plasma. Likewise, Tmprss6−/− mice have reduced ferroportin expression in the basolateral membrane of enterocytes and accumulate iron in these cells. Iron-dextran therapy rescues both alopecia and hematologic alterations of Tmprss6−/− mice, providing causal evidence that the anemic phenotype of these mutant mice results from the blockade of intestinal iron export into plasma after dietary absorption. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that matriptase-2 activity represents a novel and relevant step in hepcidin regulation and iron homeostasis.
CXCL10+ T cells and NK cells assist in the recruitment and activation of CXCR3+ and CXCL11+ leukocytes during Mycobacteria-enhanced colitis
Authors: Singh Udai P , Singh Rajesh , Singh Shailesh , Karls Russell K , Quinn Frederick D , Taub Dennis D , Lillard James W 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe role ofMycobacteriain the etiology of Crohn's disease (CD) has been a contentious subject for many years. Recently, our laboratory showed that spontaneous colitis in IL-10-/-mice is driven in part by antigens (Ags) conserved inMycobacteria. The present study dissects some of the common cellular and molecular mechanism that driveMycobacteria-mediated and spontaneous colitis in IL-10-/-mice.ResultsWe show that serum from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients contain significantly higher levels ofMycobacterium avium paratuberculosis-specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies (Abs), serum amyloid A (SAA) as well as CXCR3 ligands than serum from healthy donors. To study the cellular mechanisms ofMycobacteria-associated colitis, pathogen-free IL-10-/-mice were given heat-killed or liveM. avium paratuberculosis. The numbers of mucosal T cells, neutrophils, NK/NKT cells that expressed TNFα, IFN-γ, and/or CXCL10 were significantly higher in mice that received liveMycobacteriathan other groups. The numbers of mucosal CXCR3+, CXCL9+, CXCL11+and/or IFN-γ+dendritic cells (DCs) were also significantly higher inM. avium paratuberculosis-challenged mice, than compared to control mice.ConclusionThe present study shows that CD and UC patients mount significantMycobacteria-specific IgG1 > IgG2 and CXCR3 ligand responses. Several cellular mechanisms that drive spontaneous colitis also mediateMycobacteria-enhanced colitis in IL-10-/-mice. Similar to IL-10-/-mice under conventional housing, we show thatMycobacteria-challenge IL-10-/-mice housed under otherwise pathogen-free conditions develop colitis that is driven by CXCR3- and CXCR3 ligand-expressing leukocytes, which underscores another important hallmark and molecular mechanism of colitis. Together, the data show thatMycobacteria-dependent host responses, namely CXCL10+T cells and NK cells, assist in the recruitment and activation of CXCR3+and CXCL11+leukocytes to enhance colitis of susceptible hosts.
Practice organisational characteristics can impact on compliance with the BTS/SIGN asthma guideline: Qualitative comparative case study in primary care
Authors: Wiener-Ogilvie Sharon , Huby Guro , Pinnock Hilary , Gillies John , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Although the BTS-SIGN asthma guideline is one of the most well known and widely respected guidelines in the world, implementation in UK primary care remains patchy. Building on extensive earlier descriptive work, we sought to explore the way teamwork and inter-professional relationships impact on the implementation of the BTS-SIGN guideline on asthma in general practice.

Methods
Qualitative comparative case study using nine in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups with general practitioners and practice nurses, involved in delivering asthma care. Participants were purposively recruited from practices in a Scottish health board with high and low compliance with the BTS-SIGN asthma guideline.

Results
There was a marked difference in the way respondents from practices with high compliance and respondents from practices with low compliance spoke about the value of guidelines and the challenges of implementing them. On both accounts, the former were more positive than the latter and were able to be more specific about the strategies they used to overcome barriers to implementation. We explored the reason for this difference in response and identified practice organisation, centring on delegation of work to nurses, as a factor mediating the practice's level of compliance. Effective delegation was underpinned by organisation of asthma work among practice members who have the appropriate level of skills and knowledge, know and understand each others' work and responsibilities, communicate well among themselves and trust each others' skills. It was the combination of these factors which made for successful delegation and guideline implementation, not any one factor in isolation.

Conclusion
In our sample of practices, teamwork and organisation of care within practices appeared to impact on guideline implementation and further larger studies are needed to explore this issue further. Isolated interventions such as measures to improve staff's knowledge or increased clinical resource and time, which are currently being considered, are unlikely to be effective unless practices are supported in developing their teams in a way which supports the deployment of these resources.