bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and pain management among patients with painful peripheral neuropathic disorders in general practice settings
Authors: Gore Mugdha , Dukes Ellen , Rowbotham David J. , Tai Kei‐Sing , Leslie Douglas 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAlleviating chronic pain is a global healthcare priority. Understanding the medical profile and current treatment patterns in patients with painful neuropathic disorders (PNDs) is crucial to the development of effective pain management strategies. Thus, our objective was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of persons with PNDs and their use of pain medications. Using the general practice research database, we categorized PNDs in two ways: Pure PNDs (which include diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, etc.; N = 16,690) and Mixed PNDs (which include back/neck pain with neuropathic involvement; N = 14,309). On average, PND patients were 55 years old (Pure, 55.4 [SD = 16.9] years; Mixed, 54.3 [SD = 16.4] years). Over a third had other chronic pain‐related (Pure, 37.5%; Mixed, 37.1%) and nearly a quarter had non‐pain related (Pure, 28.1%; Mixed, 24.1%) comorbidities. Use of medications with clinically demonstrated efficacy in PNDs was higher among patients with Pure PNDs (tricyclic antidepressants [Pure, 16.6%; Mixed, 10.1%]; 2nd generation antidepressants [Pure, 11.0%; Mixed, 9.7%]; and antiepileptics [Pure, 12.2%; Mixed, 2.6%]), whereas use of NSAIDs (Pure, 43.1%; Mixed, 65.2%) and opioids (Pure, 8.5%; Mixed, 14.3%) was higher among patients with Mixed PNDs. Average daily doses of select neuropathic pain‐related medications among PND patients (Pure and Mixed) were lower than those recommended for neuropathic pain. Among both Pure and Mixed PND patients, use and doses of evidenced‐based neuropathic pain‐related medications was low, and lower than the use of NSAIDs (a medication class with no proven efficacy for PNDs) in each group, suggesting possible sub‐optimal neuropathic pain management among these patients.
Functional characterization of the dimerization domain of the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bai Erdeni , Rosell Federico I. , Lige Bao , Mauk Marcia R. , Lelj-Garolla Barbara , Moore Geoffrey R. , Mauk A. Grant 
Published: November 2006

The functional properties of the recombinant C-terminal dimerization domain of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Fur (ferric uptake regulator) protein expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli have been evaluated. Sedimentation velocity measurements demonstrate that this domain is dimeric, and the UV CD spectrum is consistent with a secondary structure similar to that observed for the corresponding region of the crystallographically characterized wild-type protein. The thermal stability of the domain as determined by CD spectroscopy decreases significantly as pH is increased and increases significantly as metal ions are added. Potentiometric titrations (pH 6.5) establish that the domain possesses a high-affinity and a low-affinity binding site for metal ions. The high-affinity (sensory) binding site demonstrates association constants (KA) of 10(±7)×106, 5.7(±3)×106, 2.0(±2)×106 and 2.0(±3)×104 M−1 for Ni2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ respectively, while the low-affinity (structural) site exhibits association constants of 1.3(±2)×106, 3.2(±2)×104, 1.76(±1)×105 and 1.5(±2)×103 M−1 respectively for the same metal ions (pH 6.5, 300 mM NaCl, 25 °C). The stability of metal ion binding to the sensory site follows the Irving–Williams order, while metal ion binding to the partial sensory site present in the domain does not. Fluorescence experiments indicate that the quenching resulting from binding of Co2+ is reversed by subsequent titration with Zn2+. We conclude that the domain is a reasonable model for many properties of the full-length protein and is amenable to some analyses that the limited solubility of the full-length protein prevents.
Paraneoplastic acrokeratosis of Bazex (Bazex's syndrome): Report of a female case associated with cholangiocarcinoma and review of the published work
Authors: KARABULUT Ayşe Anil , ŞAHİN Sedef , ŞAHİN Muzaffer , EKŞIOĞLU Meral , ÜSTÜN Hüseyin 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTParaneoplastic acrokeratosis of Bazex (PAB) or Bazex's syndrome is a rare, paraneoplastic syndrome that mostly affects men over 40 years old, and generally associates with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. We describe a 57‐year‐old woman with the characteristic features of PAB, including violaceous erythematous, scaling eruption, palmoplantar keratoderma and nail dystrophy. Further analysis revealed the underlying neoplasm to be cholangiocarcinoma. The clinical aspects of PAB and associated neoplasms are reviewed.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the frontal sinus
Authors: YOSHIDA Nobuyo , KANEKURA Takuro , HASHIGUCHI Takaki , NAGAYAMA Tetsuya , HAMADA Hiroshi , KANZAKI Tamotsu 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTWe report a 74‐year‐old Japanese man with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originating in the frontal sinus. It presented as a cutaneous nodule on his right forehead. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed invasion of the anterior wall of the ethmoid sinus, the frontal bone, and possibly the meninx by a frontal sinus carcinoma. Despite right fronto craniotomy with en bloc resection followed by two courses of radiation therapy and chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil and nedaplatin or TS‐1 he died of disease‐related causes 20 months later. Herein, we present a detailed description of this patient and a review of the published work.
Burn scars treated by pinhole method using a carbon dioxide laser
Authors: WHANG Sung Won , LEE Kyu‐yeop , CHO Sung Bin , LEE Sang Joo , KANG Jin Moon , KIM Young Koo , NAM In Hwan , CHUNG Kee Yang 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTMany patients with burn injuries have various complications and emotional problems due to scars. Although various modalities to improve burn scars have been attempted, such as excision of scars, skin grafts, laser abrasion and silicone product usage, the cosmetic outcomes have not been satisfactory for a large portion of patients. Herein, we describe two cases which showed satisfactory cosmetic results after treatment of burns scars with the pinhole method using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser that allowed us to make deep, closely set holes reaching down to the upper dermis. A 20‐year‐old female patient with a scar on her neck and a 25‐year‐old female patient with a scar on her right forearm after burn injuries are presented. As early as only a few weeks after the treatment, the scars showed relaxation of contracture, reduction of wrinkles and improvement of texture and color compared to before the treatment. Treatment of burn scars with the pinhole method can be easily performed and results in dramatic improvement in scar quality with only a few side‐effects.
Calcinosis cutis of the fingertip associated with Raynaud's phenomenon
Authors: YANG Jeong Hoon , KIM Jee Woong , PARK Hyun Su , JANG Sang Jai , CHOI Jung Chul 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTCutaneous calcification may be divided into four major categories: (i) dystrophic; (ii) metastatic; (iii) idiopathic; and (iv) iatrogenic. Dystrophic calcification is the most common type of calcinosis cutis and is associated with a variety of diseases. It most notably occurs in connective tissue diseases. Diffuse and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis is an example of connective tissue diseases that frequently show calcinosis. We experienced a case of fingertip calcinosis cutis associated with Raynaud's phenomenon. The patient had no previous trauma, skin lesion or systemic connective tissue disease. We propose that calcinosis cutis of the fingertip may result from chronic ischemic injury caused by Raynaud's phenomenon.
Antinuclear antibodies giving the ‘multiple nuclear dots’ or the ‘rim‐like/membranous’ patterns: diagnostic accuracy for primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: GRANITO A. , MURATORI P. , MURATORI L. , PAPPAS G. , CASSANI F. , WORTHINGTON J. , GUIDI M. , FERRI S. , DE MOLO C. , LENZI M. , CHAPMAN R. W. , BIANCHI F. B. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground  Serum antinuclear antibodies giving the ‘multiple nuclear dots’ or the ‘rim‐like/membranous’ patterns are frequently detected by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp‐2 cells in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.Aim  To assess the accuracy of multiple nuclear dot and rim‐like/membranous antinuclear antibodies for the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis.Methods  Sera from 4371 consecutive patients referred to our laboratory were analysed under code for antinuclear antibodies testing by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp‐2 cells.Results  Review of the clinical records of the 4371 patients allowed identification of 101 patients with antimitochondrial antibody‐positive primary biliary cirrhosis and 22 with antimitochondrial antibody‐negative variant. Multiple nuclear dot and/or rim‐like/membranous patterns were found in 59 (1.3%) of the 4371 patients: 31 antimitochondrial antibody‐positive primary biliary cirrhosis, 17 antimitochondrial antibody‐negative primary biliary cirrhosis and 11 non‐primary biliary cirrhosis. The specificity for primary biliary cirrhosis of both the antinuclear antibodies pattern was 99%. Positive predictive value and likelihood ratio for a positive test were 86% (95% CI: 72.7–94) and 221 (95% CI: 91.7–544) for multiple nuclear dot, 79% (95% CI: 62.2–90.1) and 132 (95% CI: 56.8–312.7) for rim‐like/membranous, respectively.Conclusions  Multiple nuclear dot and rim‐like/membranous antinuclear antibodies are rare findings. Their positivity strongly suggests the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis, irrespective of antimitochondrial antibody status. The high specificity for primary biliary cirrhosis makes them a useful diagnostic tool especially in antimitochondrial antibody‐negative patients.
Repeated epicutaneous exposures to ovalbumin progressively induce atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions in mice
Authors: Wang G. , Savinko T. , Wolff H. , Dieu‐Nosjean M. C. , Kemeny L. , Homey B. , Lauerma A. I. , Alenius H. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease in which environmental factors play a great role. A widely used murine model for AD has provided a useful tool to study the disease.Objective
The purpose of this study is to investigate kinetically the induction of this AD model and the processes involved in the development of AD due to extrinsic allergen exposures.Methods
BALB/c mice were epicutaneously exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) for 3 weeks; each week was separated by a 2‐week resting period. Mice were killed after each exposure week. Skin biopsies and blood were obtained for histological study, RNA isolation and antibody analysis.Results
There was a progressive and significant thickening of the epidermis and dermis in OVA‐exposed mice. Significantly increased dermal cell infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells and total inflammatory cells, including CD3 and CD4 cells, was found after each OVA exposure week. Total IgE, IgG2a and OVA‐specific IgE were significantly increased after the second and third exposure week, while OVA‐specific IgG2a was significantly induced after the third exposure week. Gradual and/or significant increases in mRNA expression of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐13, IFN‐γ and IL‐12p35 were found after each exposure week. Chemokines and their receptors involved in both T‐helper type 1 (Th1)‐ and Th2‐type cell recruitment (CCL1, CCL8, CCL11, CCL24, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCR1, CCR3, CCR5, CCR8 and CXCR3) were up‐regulated significantly at different time‐points.Conclusion
This study provides an insight into the dynamic nature and time‐dependent transition of skin inflammation and systemic immune responses in a murine AD model induced by repeated epicutaneous exposures to OVA.
Hev b 6.01 and Hev b 5 induce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in latex allergy
Authors: Lehto M. , Kotovuori A. , Palosuo K. , Varjonen E. , Lehtimäki S. , Kalkkinen N. , Palosuo T. , Reunala T. , Alenius H. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
Hev b 6.01 (prohevein) and Hev b 5 [acidic natural rubber latex (NRL) protein] are major IgE‐binding allergens in NRL allergy.Objective
To examine allergen‐specific cytokine and chemokine responses in NRL‐allergic patients.Methods
Fourteen NRL‐allergic patients and 10 healthy controls participated in the study. Hev b 6.01 and Hev b 5 were purified under non‐denaturating conditions by chromatographic methods. Specific IgE antibodies were measured by ELISA and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by 3H‐thymidine incorporation assay. Allergen‐specific induction of cytokine and chemokine mRNA in PBMC was measured by real‐time PCR and protein levels by ELISA. Surface expression of chemokine receptors was analysed by flow cytometry.Results
Twelve (86%) NRL‐allergic patients had positive skin prick test reactions and IgE antibodies against Hev b 6.01, but less than 30% responded to Hev b 5. Cell proliferation against Hev b 6.01, but not against Hev b 5, was significantly increased. Both allergens elicited significantly higher expression of pro‐inflammatory and T‐helper type 2 cytokines (TNF, IL‐12p40, IL‐13) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, CCL20) in the NRL‐allergic patients than in controls. Interestingly, mRNA expression of the regulatory cytokine TGF‐β1 was reduced, whereas IL‐10 expression was enhanced after allergen stimulations in patients with NRL allergy. Finally, the NRL‐allergic patients showed increased CCR4 expression on CD3+CD8− T cells and decreased CXCR3 expression on CD3+CD8+ T cells.Conclusion
Allergen‐specific induction of cytokines and chemokines in PBMC and chemokine receptor expression on circulating T cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of NRL allergy.
Honey bee and bumblebee trypanosomatids: specificity and potential for transmission
Authors: RUIZ‐GONZÁLEZ MARIO X. , BROWN MARK J. F. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract 1. Experimental studies of multihost parasite dynamics are scarce. Understanding the transmission dynamics of parasites in these systems is a key task in developing better models of parasite evolution and to make more accurate predictions of disease dynamics.2. Bumblebee species (Bombus spp.) host the trypanosomatid parasite, Crithidia bombi. Its transmission in the field occurs through the shared use of flowers. Flowers are a perfect scenario for inter‐taxa transmission of diseases because they are used by a wide range of animals.3. Honey bees host a poorly studied trypanosomatid, Crithidia mellificae. In this study, five questions have been experimentally addressed: (a) Can C. bombi infect honey bees? (b) Can C. mellificae infect bumblebees? (c) Can the honey bee act as a vector for C. bombi? (d) Are C. bombi cells present in honey‐bee faeces? (e) Does C. bombi have an effect on the mortality of honey bees after ingestion?4. While both parasites were found to be specific to their hosts at the genus level, results suggest that honey bees may play a role in the epidemiology of C. bombi transmission.
Effects of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and isolation on the density, species richness, and distribution of ladybeetles in manipulated alfalfa landscapes
Authors: ZAVIEZO TANIA , GREZ AUDREY A. , ESTADES CRISTIÁN F. , PÉREZ ASTRID 
Published: November 2006

Abstract 1. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main causes of changes in the distribution and abundance of organisms, and are usually considered to negatively affect the abundance and species richness of organisms in a landscape. Nevertheless, habitat loss and fragmentation have often been confused, and the reported negative effects may only be the result of habitat loss alone, with habitat fragmentation having nil or even positive effects on abundance and species richness.2. Manipulated alfalfa micro‐landscapes and coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are used to test the effects habitat loss (0% or 84%), fragmentation (4 or 16 fragments), and isolation (2 or 6 m between fragments) on the density, species richness, and distribution of native and exotic species of coccinellids.3. Generally, when considering only the individuals in the remaining fragments, habitat loss had variable effects while habitat fragmentation had a positive effect on the density of two species of coccinellids and on species richness, but did not affect two other species. Isolation usually had no effect. When individuals in the whole landscape were considered, negative effects of habitat loss became apparent for most species, but the positive effects of fragmentation remained only for one species.4. Native and exotic species of coccinellids did not segregate in the different landscapes, and strong positive associations were found most often in landscapes with higher fragmentation and isolation.5. The opposing effects of habitat loss and fragmentation may result in a nil global effect; therefore it is important to separate their effects when studying populations in fragmented landscapes.
Modelling the hydraulic preferences of benthic macroinvertebrates in small European streams
Authors: DOLÉDEC SYLVAIN , LAMOUROUX NICOLAS , FUCHS ULRIKE , MÉRIGOUX SYLVIE 
Published: November 2006

Summary1. Relating processes occurring at a local scale to the natural variability of ecosystems at a larger scale requires the design of predictive models both to orientate stream management and to predict the effects of larger scale disturbances such as climate changes. Our study contributes to this effort by providing detailed models of the hydraulic preferences of 151 invertebrate taxa, mostly identified at the species level. We used an extensive data set comprising 580 invertebrate samples collected using a Surber net from nine sites of second and third order streams during one, two or three surveys at each site. We used nested non‐linear mixed models to relate taxon local densities to bed shear stresses estimated from FliesswasserStammTisch hemisphere numbers.2. An average model by taxon, i.e. independent from surveys, globally explained 25% of the density variations of taxa within surveys. A quadratic relationship existed between the average preferences and the niche breadth of taxa, indicating that taxa preferring extreme hemisphere numbers had a reduced hydraulic niche breadth. A more complete model, where taxa preferences vary across surveys, globally explained 38% of the variation of taxa densities within surveys. Variations in preferences across surveys were weak for taxa preferring extreme hemisphere numbers.3. There was a significant taxonomic effect on preferences computed from the complete model. By contrast, season, site, average hemisphere number within a survey and average density of taxa within a survey used as covariates did not consistently explain shifts in taxon hydraulic preferences across surveys.4. The average hydraulic preferences of taxa obtained from the extensive data set were well correlated to those obtained from two additional independent data sets collected in other regions. The consistency of taxon preferences across regions supports the use of regional preference curves for estimating the impact of river management on invertebrate communities. By contrast, the hydraulic niche breadths of taxa computed from the different data sets were not related.
Associations between anuran tadpoles and salinity in a landscape mosaic of wetlands impacted by secondary salinisation
Authors: SMITH MICHAEL J. , SCHREIBER E. SABINE G. , SCROGGIE MICHAEL P. , KOHOUT MICHELE , OUGH KEELY , POTTS JOANNE , LENNIE RUTH , TURNBULL DEREK , JIN CHANGHAO , CLANCY TIM 
Published: November 2006

Summary1. The secondary salinisation of wetlands is a global problem that poses a great threat to most freshwater biodiversity, including amphibians. We examined tadpole diversity in relation to wetland conductivity (our proxy for salinity) in wetlands in south‐eastern Australia to better understand (i) how salinity and amphibian diversity interact and (ii) the threat posed by secondary salinisation.2. Six tadpole species were trapped in 56 wetlands that reflected a typical salinity gradient for the study region. We developed Bayesian models to examine the relationships between conductivity and both the probability of species occupancy and expected number of species with the imperfect detection probability of species accounted for in the models.3. The probability of occupancy for all species and expected species number was negatively associated with wetland conductivity. Our results predict that conductivity should not limit tadpole presence below about 3000 μS cm−1 at 25 °C (approximately 6% seawater) in the region, but will largely exclude amphibian larvae beyond about 6000 μS cm−1 at 25 °C (approximately 12% seawater).4. We also detected subtle among‐species differences in salinity tolerance. The results reported here show that tadpoles in the study region are likely to be negatively affected by projected future increases in salinisation.
Stream channel geomorphology influences mussel abundance in southern Appalachian streams, U.S.A.
Authors: GANGLOFF M. M. , FEMINELLA J. W. 
Published: November 2006

Summary1. Studies of North American streams have shown that hydraulic parameters and stream geomorphology can explain unionid mussel abundance at both the reach and catchment scale. However, few studies have examined applicability of hydrogeomorphic variables across broader spatial scales, such as across whole catchments, or have elucidated conditions under which spates can affect mussel populations in streams.2. We quantified freshwater mussel abundance and species richness and their physical habitat at 24 sites in eight streams in southern Appalachian catchments in 2000 and 2001. In addition, we modelled site‐specific hydraulic parameters during summer baseflow and bankfull stages to estimate high‐ and low‐discharge conditions, respectively.3. Mussel abundance was related to stream geomorphology, whereas richness was related to stream size. Baseflow habitat parameters explained only minor variation in abundance or richness, and both measures were highly correlated with mean current velocity or stream size. Bankfull shear stress composed a relatively low proportion of overall mussel habitat variability, but it accounted for significant variation in abundance and richness.4. Mussel abundance was highly variable at sites subject to low‐shear stress during spates, whereas abundance always was low at sites subject to high‐shear stress. These data suggest that habitat conditions during floods, rather than those at summer baseflow, limit the abundance of mussels in Appalachian streams. These data also suggest that mussel abundance and assemblage structure may be sensitive to any changes in channel geomorphology and hydraulic conditions that might result from land use in the catchment.