bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ribosomal protein L3 bound to 23S precursor rRNA stimulates its maturation by Mini‐III ribonuclease
Authors: Redko Yulia , Condon Ciarán 
Published: January 2009

SummaryRibosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are processed from larger primary transcripts in every living system known. The maturation of 23S rRNA in Bacillus subtilis is catalysed by Mini‐III, a member of the RNase III family of enzymes that lacks the characteristic double‐stranded RNA binding domain of its relatives. We have previously shown that Mini‐III processing of 23S precursor rRNA in assembled 50S ribosomal subunits is much more efficient than a substrate with no ribosomal proteins bound, suggesting that one or more large subunit proteins act as a cofactor for Mini‐III cleavage. Here we show that this cofactor is ribosomal protein L3. Stimulation of the Mini‐III cleavage reaction is through L3 binding to its normal site at the 3′ end of 23S rRNA. We present indirect evidence that suggests that L3 acts at the level of substrate, rather than enzyme conformation. We also discuss the potential implication of using ribosomal protein cofactors in rRNA processing for ribosome quality control.
Preventive measures in infancy to reduce under‐five mortality: a case–control study in The Gambia
Authors: Rutherford Merrin E. , Dockerty John D. , Jasseh Momodou , Howie Stephen R. C. , Herbison Peter , Jeffries David J. , Mulholland Kim , Adegbola Richard A. , Hill Philip C. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryObjective  To investigate the relationship between child mortality and common preventive interventions: vaccination, trained birthing attendants, tetanus toxoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation.Methods  Case–control study in a population under demographic surveillance. Cases (n = 141) were children under five who died. Each was age and sex‐matched to five controls (n = 705). Information was gathered by interviewing primary caregivers.Results  All but one of the interventions – whether the mother had received tetanus toxoid during pregnancy – were protective against child mortality after multivariate analysis. Having a trained person assisting at child birth (OR 0.2 95% CI 0.1–0.4), receiving all vaccinations by 9 months of age (OR 0.1; 95% CI 0.01–0.3), being breastfed for more than 12 months (Children breastfed between 13 and 24 months OR 0.1 95% CI 0.03–0.3, more than 25 months OR 0.1 95% CI 0.01–0.5) and receiving vitamin A supplementation at or after 6 months of age (OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01–0.2) were protective against child death.Conclusions  This study confirms the value of at least four available interventions in the prevention of under‐five death in The Gambia. It is now important to identify those who are not receiving them and why, and to intervene to improve coverage across the population.
The anti‐condyloma acuminatum effects of interferon‐inducible protein 10 in vitro
Authors: Li Huijuan , Yi Tao , Zhao Shuyun , Chen Pin , Cheng Chenxian , Wei Yuquan , Zhao Xia 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  Interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10) has been reported to show an effective antiviral and antineoplastic role in various murine models.Aim  To investigate the anti‐condyloma acuminatum effect and human papillomavirus (HPV)‐inhibiting efficacy of a recombinant plasmid encoding IP‐10 in vitro.Methods  A recombinant plasmid DNA carrying IP‐10 cDNA was constructed. Condyloma acuminatum tissue particles were transfected with IP‐10 and examined for apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry techniques. Relative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to validate the HPV inhibited level of the treatment groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the IP‐10 expression on condyloma acuminatum tissues.Results  Transfected IP‐10 was expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of the condyloma acuminatum tissues. Plentiful apoptosis was observed in condyloma acuminatum tissues transfected with IP‐10. In addition, HPV expression was lower in IP‐10‐treated tissues than in control tissues.Conclusions  These observations suggest that IP‐10 has strong anti‐condyloma acuminatum effects, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting HPV, and therefore may be a novel and potentially effective therapy for condyloma acuminatum.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma developing in lupus vulgaris exfoliativus persistent for 40 years
Authors: Zawirska Agnieszka , Adamski Zygmunt , Stawicka Ewa , Schwartz Robert A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  A 65‐year‐old man is described with a 40‐year history of lupus vulgaris exfoliativus, a form of cutaneous tuberculosis that resembles psoriasis. He had been misdiagnosed as having psoriasis vulgaris for many years. A cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma developed within a plaque of lupus vulgaris exfoliativus.Methods  A skin biopsy provided the correct diagnoses.Results  The patient was successfully treated with medication for tuberculosis and had his skin cancer cured by surgical excision.Conclusions  With an increasing worldwide incidence of tuberculosis, one needs to be aware of its cutaneous forms and variants, as well as its complications, in particular skin cancer. Lupus vulgaris exfoliativus may resemble psoriasis vulgaris.
Atypical forms of lupus vulgaris – a case series
Authors: Saritha Mohanan , Parveen Basheer Ahamed , Anandan Venkatesan , Priyavathani Malathy R. , Tharini Karuvelan G. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAtypical presentations of cutaneous tuberculosis are not so uncommon and are frequently overlooked in clinical practice, leading to late diagnosis and increased morbidity. We report three cases of lupus vulgaris with atypical presentations. The cases mimicked other chronic skin lesions like actinomycosis, mycetoma, and so on. Strong clinical suspicion, histopathology, and response to antituberculous treatment led to the diagnosis and all three had excellent response to treatment. Today, when tuberculosis threatens to burst into pandemics again, early diagnosis and treatment are more important than ever for control and prevention of morbidity.
Alopecia in congenital hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia responding to treatment with a combination of topical minoxidil and tretinoin
Authors: Melkote Shubha , Dhurat Rachita S. , Palav Anjali , Jerajani Hemangi R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractClouston's syndrome is an ectodermal dysplasia characterized by dystrophic nails, alopecia, and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Alopecia is due to decrease in number and degree of maturation of the hair follicles. Tretinoin is a mitogen by itself and also enhances the absorption of minoxidil which acts by enlarging the miniaturized hair follicles. We report a case of alopecia in Clouston's syndrome who responded to treatment with topical minoxidil and tretinoin.
Atypical X‐linked ichthyosis in a patient with a large deletion involving the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene
Authors: Gonzalez‐Huerta Luz , Mendiola‐Jimenez Jaime , Del Moral‐Stevenel Maria , Rivera‐Vega Maria , Cuevas‐Covarrubias Sergio 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA 70‐year‐old male presented with very large, thick, tightly adherent, dark‐brown scales on the front of his lower extremities. His face, neck, back, abdomen, upper extremities, flexural areas, palms and soles as well as hair and nails were not involved. Family history was negative for similar lesions. Otherwise, the patient had a normal development. Onset of symptoms occurred during childhood with scales on lower extremities with no more additional features. Treatment included emollients exclusively with partial and temporary remission of cutaneous lesions. Recently, the patient had not received topical or systemic medical treatment. Laboratory investigations were within normal limits.The patient had undetectable levels of STS activity when compared with normal control (0.00 pmol mg‐1 protein h‐1) which confirmed the diagnosis of X‐linked ichthyosis (XLI) . PCR analysis showed deletion of the STS gene, markers DXS1139 and DXF22S1and the 5′ end of the VCX3A gene.The patient had scales present on lower extremities only with no medical treatment that corresponded to an unusual clinical manifestation of XLI. Clinical manifestations of XLI are due to a great variety of environmental, genetic and individual factors that should be considered in XLI diagnosis.
The most common challenges in melanoma diagnosis and how to avoid them
Authors: Marghoob Ashfaq A , Changchien Lily , DeFazio Jennifer , Dessio Whitney C , Malvehy Josep , Zalaudek Iris , Halpern Allan C , Scope Alon 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYDue to its particularly lethal nature and tendency to affect relatively young individuals, the timely diagnosis of melanoma remains of paramount importance for clinicians and their patients. Unfortunately, melanomas can mimic benign lesions that are overwhelmingly more common in the population than are melanomas, and misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis of melanoma can occur. Misdiagnosis of melanoma serves as one of the most common causes for malpractice litigation brought against medical practitioners. In this review we describe seven clinical scenarios that represent challenges in melanoma diagnosis and discuss potential strategies for avoiding the errors that commonly give rise to those scenarios.
Perioperative management and the associated rate of adverse events in dermatological procedures performed by dermatologists in New Zealand
Authors: Chan Bob CY , Patel Denesh C 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYDermatological surgery performed in an outpatient setting is common and generally perceived as safe, but the potential for serious adverse events does exist. Furthermore, there is a current lack of guidelines regarding preoperative and intraoperative monitoring of such patients. This is a retrospective study that involved a written questionnaire sent to current practising New Zealand dermatologists. Aspects investigated include their practice relating to preoperative assessments and intraoperative monitoring during standard dermatological procedures, and the resulting rate of adverse events. We found that most respondents performed dermatological procedures in dedicated theatres in outpatient clinics. The majority of survey respondents would screen for and optimize risk factors prior to surgery. Most respondents would not record vital sign measurements either preoperatively or intraoperatively. Antibiotic prophylaxis was generally only prescribed if clinically indicated, and anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies were in the majority of cases never withheld prior to surgery. Infection (<3.5%) and bleeding (<2%) were the most common postoperative complications, with other serious adverse events being extremely rare. Although dermatological surgery continues to be safely performed in the outpatient setting, attempts should still be made to identify patients who are at higher risk for surgery and extra precautions should be applied to these selected patients.
Leprosy: Not always an easy diagnosis and often a management challenge
Authors: Manifold Rachel , Marshman Gillian 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYLeprosy is rare in Australia, particularly in the southern states. We report two cases of leprosy in southern Australia that presented to the dermatology outpatients' department within a 4‐month period. The presentation of the first case was complex, making the correct diagnosis difficult. Both cases involved immigrants from South‐East Asia, were classified as multi‐bacillary leprosy as defined by the World Health Organization, and were commenced on the recommended multiple drug therapy. The ensuing clinical course was complicated, with both cases developing Type 1 leprosy reactions. The first case also developed the rare but serious dapsone‐induced delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
Leukaemia cutis in a patient treated for breast cancer
Authors: Weinel Sarah , Malone Janine , Jain Dharamvir , Callen Jeffrey P 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYA 47‐year‐old woman with a history of breast cancer presented with eruptive cutaneous nodules on the trunk and extremities. Treatment for her breast cancer had included surgery, radiation and chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Biopsy of the skin lesions revealed leukaemia cutis, which led to the discovery of acute myelogenous leukaemia. This was felt to be primarily induced by doxorubicin. Treatment included induction chemotherapy in preparation for a bone marrow transplant, which resulted in the disappearance of the cutaneous lesions. However, the patient later succumbed to her leukaemia.
Treatment of refractory pyoderma gangrenosum with intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: De Zwaan Sally E , Iland Harry J , Damian Diona L 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYWe report a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. He had previously been treated for 4 years with high‐dose corticosteroids and had developed insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. Multiple corticosteroid‐sparing agents had failed or were contraindicated. He developed no adverse effects from intravenous immunoglobulin, which allowed reduction of his prednisone to 3 mg/day, and his ulcer has completely healed.
Giant basal cell carcinoma masquerading as an osteogenic sarcoma
Authors: Cherian Paul , Kumarasinghe Prasad 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYAn 88‐year‐old man presented to the dermatology outpatient clinic with an 11‐month history of a rapidly growing mass overlying a clavicular fracture site. The lesion was 8 × 6 cm, painful, fixed to deeper structures and ulcerated. Superficial and deep biopsies yielded invasive basal cell carcinoma. Imaging demonstrated extensive soft tissue invasion into muscle, bone and potentially into the lung parenchyma. Due to complications arising from subsequent diagnostic procedures, the patient declined further invasive tests. The cutaneous lesion was treated with palliative radiotherapy. We explore the literature regarding the tumorigenic effects of peri‐fracture cytokines on the biological behaviour of basal cell neoplasms.
Use of oxygen in the resuscitation of preterm infants: Current opinion and practice in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Clark Rowena L , Lui Kei , Oei Ju Lee 
Published: January 2009

Aim:  The aim of this paper was to explore the opinions and practices of tertiary health‐care professionals in Australia and New Zealand regarding air and oxygen blending (OB) for the resuscitation of preterm infants.Methods:  Structured questionnaires were sent to the directors of 25 tertiary perinatal units, with instructions to distribute the questionnaires to 15 pertinent clinical staff.Results:  Response rate was 72% (n = 271); medical‐staff response was 25%. Sixteen (64%) perinatal units had OB resuscitation equipment. Among respondents, 114 (42%) had access to OB and 73 (27%) had OB for all resuscitations. Pulse oximetry was available to 160 (59%) of respondents. The majority (173, 64%) would initiate resuscitation with Fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 (mean 0.5), with 15% and 21% preferring air and 100% oxygen, respectively. There were large variations in managing FiO2 changes thereafter. Half of the respondents were either unsure (39%) or not convinced (15%) that 100% oxygen during resuscitation would cause harm. Conversely, 42% suggested that OB might improve outcome with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity being the most important considerations. Most (92%) would advocate for OB in the delivery suite. Set‐up cost (50%) and lack of guided experience (38%) ranked highest as barriers to change.Conclusions:  Two‐thirds of the tertiary centres have at least some OB equipment in the delivery suite, but the ways and opinions in which OB is utilised differ widely. Most practitioners would advocate for a change. There is an urgent need for further research to achieve a consistent and meaningful clinical management for OB resuscitation of preterm infants.
Bile and acid reflux in the pathogenesis of reflux oesophagitis in children
Authors: Jiang Mizu , Chen Jie , Chen Feibo , Yu Jindan , Liang Jianfeng , Zhang Yanyi , Ou Biyou 
Published: January 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the role of bile and acid reflux in the pathogenesis of reflux oesophagitis (RE) in children.Methods:  A total of 44 patients aged 5–17 years with gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms were enrolled. Simultaneous 24‐h oesophageal Bilitec 2000 (Medtronic Instruments, Minneapolis, MN, USA) bilirubin monitoring and pH monitoring, in biopsy of oesophageal mucosa by gastro‐endoscopy, were performed in all patients.Results:  According to the diagnostic criteria of pathological acid reflux and pathological bile reflux, 10 of 44 cases (22.7%) had acid reflux, 10 (22.7%) had isolated bile reflux, 16 (36.4%) had mixed acid and bile reflux, and the other eight (18.2%) had no reflux. Significant difference was observed in the ratio of different patterns of reflux between the RE group (26 cases) and the non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) group (18 cases) (χ2 = 9.096, P < 0.01). All the parameters of acid reflux in the RE group were higher significantly than that in the NERD group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). A total of 20 out of 26 cases (76.9%) with RE had oesophageal acid reflux as against six out of 18 cases (33.3%) in patients with NERD (P < 0.01). The difference of each parameter of bile reflux had not reached significance between the two groups.Conclusions:  Mixed reflux is the predominant form of reflux in the causation of oesophageal mucosal injury in children. Isolated bile reflux also plays a role in the development of RE, although only in patients without acid reflux.
DPP‐IV inhibition enhances the antilipolytic action of NPY in human adipose tissue
Authors: Kos K. , Baker A. R. , Jernas M. , Harte A. L. , Clapham J. C. , O’Hare J. P. , Carlsson L. , Kumar S. , McTernan P. G. 
Published: January 2009

Context:  Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) inactivates the incretin hormone glucagon‐like peptide. It can also affect the orexigenic hormone neuropeptide Y (NPY1–36) which is truncated by DPP‐IV to NPY3–36, as a consequence NPY’s affinity changes from receptor Y1, which mediates the antilipolytic function of NPY, to other NPY receptors. Little is known whether DPP‐IV inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients could influence these pathways.Aims:  To investigate the in vitro effects of NPY with DPP‐IV inhibition in isolated abdominal subcutaneous (AbdSc) adipocytes on fat metabolism, and assessment of NPY receptor and DPP‐IV expression in adipose tissue (AT).Methods:  Ex vivo human AT was taken from women undergoing elective surgery (body mass index: 27.5 (mean ± s.d.) ± 5 kg/m2, age: 43.7 ± 10 years, n = 36). Isolated AbdSc adipocytes were treated with human recombinant (rh)NPY (1–100 nM) with and without DPP‐IV inhibitor (1 M); glycerol release and tissue distribution of DPP‐IV, Y1 and Y5 messenger RNA (mRNA) were measured and compared between lean and obese subjects.Results and conclusion:  rhNPY reduced glycerol release, an effect that was further enhanced by co‐incubation with a DPP‐IV inhibitor [control: 224 (mean ± s.e.) ± 37 μmol/l; NPY, 100 nM: 161 ± 27 μmol/l**; NPY 100 nM/DPP‐IV inhibitor, 1 M: 127 ± 14 μmol/l**; **p < 0.01, n = 14]. DPP‐IV was expressed in AbdSc AT and omental AT with relative DPP‐IV mRNA expression lower in AbdSc AT taken from obese [77 ± 6 signal units (SU)] vs. lean subjects (186 ± 29 SU*, n = 10). Y1 was predominantly expressed in fat and present in all fat depots but higher in obese subjects, particularly the AbdSc AT‐depot (obese: 1944 ± 111 SU vs. lean: 711 ± 112 SU**, n = 10). NPY appears to be regulated by AT‐derived DPP‐IV. DPP‐IV inhibitors augment the antilipolytic effect of NPY in AT. Further studies are required to show whether this explains the lack of weight loss in T2DM patients treated with DPP‐IV inhibitors.
Preliminary evaluation of a novel side‐fire diode laser emitting light at 940 nm, for the potential treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: ex‐vivo and in‐vivo investigations
Authors: Seitz Michael , Bayer Thomas , Ruszat Robin , Tilki Derya , Bachmann Alexander , Gratzke Christian , Schlenker Boris , Stief Christian , Sroka Ronald , Reich Oliver 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate, ex vivo and in vivo, the tissue‐removal capacity and coagulation properties of a diode laser emitting light at 940 nm, as in the search for potential therapeutic strategies for benign prostatic hyperplasia that cause less morbidity than transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), various types of lasers have been tested.MATERIALS AND METHODSA diode laser system (prototype; wavelength 940 nm, Dornier MedTech, Wessling, Germany) was evaluated in an isolated, blood‐perfused ex‐vivo porcine kidney model at 10–60 W (five kidneys). An in‐vivo beagle model was used to investigate the effects on six prostate lobes at a generator output power level of 200 W. After the laser treatment tissue were examined histologically to compare the depth of coagulation and vaporization.RESULTSWith increasing generator output power levels there was an increasing vaporization and coagulation ability for the diode laser at 940 nm in the ex‐vivo model. At 60 W the mean (sd) vaporization depth was 1.72 (0.47) mm with a coagulation zone of 9.56 (0.26) mm. In vivo, the diode laser caused rapid ablation with no intraoperative haemorrhage. Histologically, the zone of coagulation had a mean (sd) depth of 4.25 (0.15) mm at 200 W. The tissue removal capacity was estimated at 0.874–1.583 g/min in vivo.CONCLUSIONSOur findings indicate that diode‐laser vaporization at 940 nm is feasible and might be effective for acutely relieving bladder outlet obstruction in an in‐vivo setting. Due to its mean coagulation zone of 4.25 mm the diode laser seems to have effective haemostatic properties.
A pilot phase‐II prospective study to test the ‘efficacy’ and tolerability of a penile‐extender device in the treatment of ‘short penis’
Authors: Gontero Paolo , Di Marco Massimiliano , Giubilei Gianluca , Bartoletti Riccardo , Pappagallo Giovanni , Tizzani Alessandro , Mondaini Nicola 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess a commonly marketed brand of penile extender, the Andro‐Penis® (Andromedical, Madrid, Spain), widely used devices which aim to increase penile size, in a phase II single‐arm study powered to detect significant changes in penile size, as despite their widespread use, there is little scientific evidence to support their potential clinical utility in the treatment of patients with inadequate penile dimensions.PATIENTS AND METHODSFifteen patients were required to test the efficacy of the device, assuming an effect size of >0.8. Eligible patients were counselled how to use the penile extender for at least 4 h/day for 6 months. Penile dimensions were measured at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months (end of study). The erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of EF was administered at baseline and at the end of the study. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using an institutional unvalidated five‐item questionnaire.RESULTSAfter 6 months the mean gain in length was significant, meeting the goals of the effect size, at 2.3 and 1.7 cm for the flaccid and stretched penis, respectively. No significant changes in penile girth were detected. The EF domain scores improved significantly at the end of study. Treatment satisfaction scores were consistent with acceptable to good improvement in all items, except for penile girth, where the score was either ‘no change’ or ‘mild improvement’.CONCLUSIONSPenile extenders should be regarded as a minimally invasive and effective treatment option to elongate the penile shaft in patients seeking treatment for a short penis.