bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus: similar prognosis?
Authors: Zaraa I. , Mokni M. , Hsairi M. , Boubaker S. , Sellami M. , Zitouni M. , Makni S. , Dhahri A. Ben Osman 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  Pemphigus is a rare, life‐threatening, acquired autoimmune bullous dermatosis. The prognosis of pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is usually regarded as more favourable than that of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Our study aims to compare the clinical course of PV and PF in 37 patients.Patients and Methods  We conducted a retrospective study over a period of eight years (1994–2001). The patients were referred during this period and were followed until December 2003. PF and PV were included based on clinical, histological and immunopathological criteria.Results  In our study there was no significant difference between PF group and PV group concerning; age, sex, duration of the disease, presence of disseminated lesions, treatment, healing time, remission, relapse, complications, death and follows up duration. The survival graph showed no difference between the two groups for the first two relapses. There was a tendency to significance concerning an additional treatment and relapses frequency in the PF group.Conclusions  Few studies in the literature were interested in the evolution of the two forms of pemphigus. They showed that the two populations share the same clinical course; nevertheless they revealed the frequency of partial remission, failed treatment, relapses, necessity of high dose of corticosteroids, and difficulties of discontinuing treatment in PF. Our study, suggests that PF and PV may share the same clinical course.
Mycosis fungoides – analysis of the duration of disease stages in patients who progress and the time point of high‐grade transformation
Authors: Kamarashev Jivko , Theler Barbara , Dummer Reinhard , Burg Günter 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a low‐grade malignant primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma which, in its evolution, passes through five distinct stages (patch, plaque, and tumor stages, lymph node infiltration, and, finally, multiple organ infiltration). Furthermore, a blast transformation into a high‐grade malignant lymphoma can occur. In order to better understand the dynamics of the disease and the prognostic implications in patients who progress, we studied the duration of each stage and the time at which blast transformation occurred.Methods  We reviewed the records of 48 MF patients who had been followed in the lymphoma clinic of the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland for a median of 10 years. Forty‐two cases were eligible for evaluation.Results  Our study showed that MF in patients who progress is a disease which, after an initial patch stage with an average duration of 7.2 years, a plaque stage lasting for an average of 2.3 years, and a tumor stage with an average duration of 1.8 years, leads to a stage of lymph node infiltration with an average duration of 0.6 years, internal organ infiltration lasting for an average of 0.5 years and, finally, a fatal outcome. Consequently, the overall average disease duration in progressing patients is 12.4 years. Blast transformation occurs in 85% of all cases in the tumor stage.Conclusions  The course of progressing MF is chronic and advancing. The progression is initially slow and later accelerates. Important prognostic factors are the stage of disease and the presence of blast transformation. The prognosis is better in the early stage and when blast transformation is absent.
Fatal malignant melanoma in a child with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Bin Amer Yousef , Al‐Khenaizan Sultan 
Published: September 2007

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disease and is considered one of the most commonly inherited diseases in humans. Malignant melanoma has been reported in up to 5% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. We report a young Saudi boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 who developed fatal metastatic malignant melanoma arising from giant melanocytic nevi within speckled lentiginous nevus (SLN).
Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma: a discussion of two cases
Authors: Corella F. , Dalmau Joan , García Muret M. P. , Baselga E. , Alomar A. 
Published: September 2007

Case 1  A 3‐month‐old boy presented with two nodular lesions distributed symmetrically on the medial plantar surface of both heels, present since birth. The nodules were approximately 1 cm in diameter, pink in color, soft, mobile, and nonpainful to the touch (Fig. 1). The mother was a primigravida, with no previous medical history of interest or history of drug intake during pregnancy. The pregnancy passed without incident with normal delivery at term without complications, and the newborn was of appropriate weight for the gestational age. There was no family history of similar lesions. At 12 months of age, the lesions remained stable and asymptomatic.Bilateral nodular lesions on the medial internal plantar heel surface in a 3‐month‐old boyimageCase 2  A 7‐month‐old girl presented with two symmetrical nodules of 1.2 cm in diameter located on the medial plantar surface of each heel, present since birth. The nodules were of a normal skin color, soft, mobile, and painless (Fig. 2). The mother was a secundigravida and the only medical history of note was hepatitis C virus infection 3 years earlier. The pregnancy progressed without incident with a normal delivery at term, and the newborn was of an appropriate weight for the gestational age. Significant in the family history was the presence of similar lesions in both the aunt and maternal grandfather; the mother herself denied having had similar lesions during childhood. In the case of the maternal aunt, the lesions had diminished in size to the point of completely disappearing at the age of 3 years. In the case of the maternal grandfather, the outcome was unknown. The lesions had reduced in size to approximately 1 cm in diameter in our patient at 12 months of age. Presently aged 12 months, she continues to be monitored periodically in our department; the lesions persist but no morphological changes or associated functional alterations have been observed.Bilateral nodular lesions on the medial internal plantar heel surface in a 7‐month‐old girlimage
Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides
Authors: Mataix Javier , Bañuls José , Lucas Ana , Belinchón Isabel , Betlloch Isabel 
Published: September 2007

A 60‐year‐old woman presented with a 10‐year history of pruritic patch lesions that had originated on her breast and progressed over the years to involve the lower part of the abdomen. Different cutaneous biopsies were obtained during this period revealing a superficial chronic dermatitis. She had been treated previously with intermittent cycles of medium‐strength topical steroids. This regimen was of only temporary benefit and progression of the skin lesions had occurred over the last year. The patient's medical history was otherwise unremarkable.Physical examination revealed atrophic red–brown skin with telangiectasia predominantly located on the breast (Fig. 1). Clinical examination also revealed various red‐to‐brown scaly plaques affecting the lower part of the abdomen.Representative clinical appearance with reticulate pigmentation, atrophy, scaling, and telangiectasiaimageTwo skin biopsies were obtained from the breast and the abdomen. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining of the breast area revealed an atrophic epidermis covered by a scale of hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis. Scattered intraepidermal atypical lymphocytes were observed. In the dermis, there was a superficial band‐like infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes sparing the dermo‐epidermal interface. Pigmentary incontinence and dilated capillaries were present within the superficial dermis (Fig. 2). All of these findings were compatible with the poikilodermatous variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). Plaques affecting the lower part of the abdomen showed clinical features of classic mycosis fungoides (MF), and histology revealed an epidermis with acanthosis, a dense band‐like infiltrate within the upper dermis, and a prominent epidermotropism with intraepidermal collections of lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis of both biopsies identified the cells as CD2+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8–. Further detailed examination did not reveal any visceral or lymph node involvement.Biopsy specimen of the breast. (A) Atrophic epidermis and a superficial band‐like infiltrate (hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification, ×40). (B) Scattered intraepidermal atypical lymphocytes and melanophages within the superficial dermis (hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification, ×200)imageWhen topical mechlorethamine had no significant effect, psoralen plus UV‐A (PUVA) phototherapy was started at 0.5 J/cm2 twice weekly. After 20 treatments (cumulative dose, 143.5 J/cm2), the lesions had disappeared, leaving slight postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. No maintenance treatment was required and the patient remained in complete remission during a 14‐month follow‐up period.
Postoperative electron beam radiotherapy for keloids: objective findings and patient satisfaction in self‐assessment
Authors: Bischof Marc , Krempien Robert , Debus Juergen , Treiber Martina 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim  To evaluate the role of postoperative radiotherapy in the management of keloids.Methods  Forty‐seven patients with a combined total of 60 keloids were treated with 6‐MeV electron beam radiotherapy after surgical excision of the keloids. Mean daily fractions of 4 Gy (range, 3–5 Gy) were administered up to a total dose of 16 Gy (range, 12–18 Gy). The median follow‐up was 70 months. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire addressing their satisfaction with the treatment results. This self‐assessment was compared with the clinical outcome.Results  Four keloids (7%) relapsed completely, and five recurrences (8%) were classified as limited relapses. All recurrences were observed at sites of high stretch–tension. Keloid‐associated symptoms, e.g. itching and pain, were improved in 81%. Hypopigmentation was observed in 29 patients (62%), a mild redness of the scar in eight patients (17%), and grade 1 telangiectasias in two patients (4%). No severe complications or secondary malignancies were observed. Self‐assessments did not fully correspond to the clinical examination and recurrence status. Twelve patients were not satisfied with the treatment result, but only two of these relapsed completely. Three relapsed patients described the result of therapy as excellent or good.Conclusion  Postoperative electron radiotherapy is well tolerated and very effective in preventing keloid recurrence. To avoid an overestimation of cosmetic outcome, patients should be informed about achievable results before therapy starts.
Serological and genetic factors in early recurrence of IgA nephropathy after renal transplantation
Authors: Coppo Rosanna , Amore Alessandro , Chiesa Monica , Lombardo Federica , Cirina Paola , Andrulli Simeone , Passerini Patrizia , Conti Giovanni , Peruzzi Licia , Giraudi Roberta , Messina Maria , Segoloni Giuseppe , Ponticelli Claudio 
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Background:  The relative role of IgA anomalies and genetic factors in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) recurrence after transplantation has never been investigated in a single cohort.Methods:  Sixty‐one transplanted patients who had IgAN as an original disease (30 with biopsy‐proved early recurrence, median 2.9 yr post‐transplant), and 120 controls, were investigated for aberrantly glycosylated IgA1, IgA binding to mesangial matrix, macromolecular IgA (IgA/fibronectin and uteroglobulin/IgA/fibronectin complexes), and polymorphisms of cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), IL‐6, interferon gamma and transforming growth factor beta 1] and renin‐angiotensin system (angiotensinogen converting enzyme, angiotensin II receptor 1, and angiotensinogen) genes.Results:  At multivariate logistic regression analysis, recurrence showed a border‐line association with aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 [odds ratio (OR) 8.172, p = 0.077], and was significantly less frequent in carriers of ‐308 AG/AA TNF‐α“high producer” genotype (OR 0.125, p = 0.036) and ‐1082, ‐819, ‐592 ACC/ATA IL‐10 “low producer” (OR 0.038, p = 0.009) genotypes.Conclusion:  High levels of aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 do not appear to play a strong crucial role in recurrence of IgAN. Polymorphisms of TNFα and IL‐10 known to condition Th1 prevalence were associated with protection from early recurrence of IgAN.
Quality and impact of occupational therapy journals: Authors’ perspectives
Authors: Rodger Sylvia , McKenna Kryss , Brown Ted 
Published: September 2007

Background/aim:  With increasing pressure for academic accountability, there is a need for the profession to consider the quality and impact of its journals. This seems even more pressing because few occupational therapy journals have an impact factor, which has become synonymous with quality. By surveying authors of papers in occupational therapy journals, this study aimed to determine their perceptions of indicators of journal quality and ratings of 19 occupational therapy journals on these indicators and to have them provide a global rating for non‐occupational therapy journals. Methods:  Authors of papers in peer‐reviewed occupational therapy journals between 2003 and 2005 were invited to complete an online survey. Of 554 authors, 184 (33%) responded. Most respondents were female (91%); over 40 years of age (78%); from the USA (29%), Canada (17%), Australia (16%), UK (16%) or Sweden (10%); had PhDs or professional doctorates (55%); and were academics (53%). The majority (63%) had published between 0 and two papers per year over the previous 3 years. Results:  The top five quality indicators rated as very important were reputation/prestige of the journal, availability, rigour and quality of the manuscript review process, timeliness of review and publication, and impact on policy/practice. Six journals were rated high by respondents across most quality indicators (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, and Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy).Conclusions:  The results are discussed in terms of promoting research and scholarship within academic institutions that are influenced by measures of research productivity and quality. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are included.
Constructing an occupational therapy role in situ using Organisational Role Analysis: A case study
Authors: French Glenys , Hughes Patricia 
Published: September 2007

Background and Aims:  A developing international literature on population‐based occupational intervention provides limited evidence of the ways in which the associated occupational therapy roles are developed among entry‐level practitioners. This paper aims to explore the development of an occupational therapy role in a fieldwork placement from the perspective of a student and the off‐site supervisor and to explore the use of Organisational Role Analysis in this process. Methods:  Systems psychodynamics and an occupational perspective of health provided the theoretical framework for this participant observation case study. Data from the reflective diaries of a fourth‐year student and her supervisor were analysed with respect to role development in an organisation where occupational therapy was welcome, but not completely understood. Results:  This study provides insight into the challenges for students and supervisors in the development of an occupationally oriented role where the client is an organisation. Organisational Role Analysis was perceived to be helpful in focusing attention on the organisational context of role development. Conclusions:  The application of the Organisational Role Analysis as an approach to student supervision in other settings, with more than one student and to facilitate professionally development warrants further investigation.
Self‐identified goals and the ability to set realistic goals following acquired brain injury: A classification framework
Authors: Turner Benjamin J. , Ownsworth Tamara L. , Turpin Merrill , Fleming Jennifer M. , Griffin Janelle 
Published: September 2007

Objective:  To develop a framework for classifying the nature of goals identified by people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and explore the extent to which goals and the ability to set realistic goals vary over time and according to stage of recovery. Methods:  Participants included 60 people with ABI comprising two subgroups: a post‐acute subgroup (n = 28, mean time since injury = 1.1 years, SD = 0.5) and a long‐term subgroup (n = 32, mean time since injury = 4.9 years, SD = 3.0). Participants completed the Self‐Awareness of Deficits Interview, which includes a goal‐setting component, at an initial assessment and at 12‐month follow‐up assessment. Data generated from the interviewing process were analysed using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.Results:  Through an inductive analysis, a classification framework was developed consisting of the following goal categories: ‘relationships’, ‘work and education’, ‘injury/rehabilitation’, ‘health and leisure’, ‘daily life management’ and ‘general life/personal goals’. Each of these categories comprised several subcategories of goals. Overall, the post‐acute subgroup identified more goals in the improve function/rehabilitation subcategory than the long‐term subgroup (P = 0.002), whereas the nature of other life goals remained consistent over time. The ability to set realistic goals improved over time for the entire sample (P = 0.013).Conclusion:  The findings provide therapists with greater insight into the goals most commonly identified by individuals with ABI. The classification framework may assist therapists to elicit client goals and tailor rehabilitation accordingly.
Neurohydatidosis
Authors: Kovoor JME , Thomas RD , Chandrashekhar HS , Jayakumar PN , Pillai S , Shankar SK 
Published: September 2007

SummaryEarly and non‐invasive evaluation of hydatid infestation of brain and spine is of paramount importance, especially in endemic areas. We present a spectrum of imaging findings in neurohydatidosis with a brief review of literature.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal tumours: Case series of 11 tumours and review of published work
Authors: Watkins TW , Parkinson R 
Published: September 2007

SummaryDetection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing with the greater use of cross‐sectional imaging and up to two‐thirds of RCCs are discovered incidentally in asymptomatic patients. The traditional option of nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy may not always be appropriate. A minimally invasive treatment alternative is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We retrospectively reviewed the RFA cases for renal tumours at our institution between January 2004 and June 2006. Thirteen RFA treatment sessions were conducted for 11 neoplasms in 11 patients. Mean patient age was 74.4 years (61–88 years). Imaging was carried out after ablation with a mean follow up of 8.0 months (2–26 months). No residual tumour was observed after the first RFA treatment in 82% of patients (nine of 11). Two patients required a second RFA treatment for residual (one) or recurrent tumour (one). RFA is emerging as a useful technique for treatment of small renal tumour. A number of short‐term studies reflect this, however, long‐term findings are still lacking.
Evolving standards of practice for cervical spine imaging in trauma: A retrospective review
Authors: Jones C , Jazayeri F 
Published: September 2007

SummaryRecently published works on radiology and emergency medicine suggest an increasing role for primary CT imaging of the cervical spine (C‐spine) in trauma, rather than plain X‐rays. This observational retrospective study of 406 patients was undertaken to examine current practice in a metropolitan teaching hospital setting and to define factors affecting the use of primary imaging for suspected C‐spine fracture. This study supports the increasing recognition of the limited accuracy and adequacy of plain films, especially among the more severely injured patients. It is suggested that intubated patients, patients with severe trauma or patients with Glasgow Coma Scale <13 have CT as a primary screening examination for suspected C‐spine fracture rather than X‐ray. Patients having head CT for suspected intracranial injury may also benefit from included C‐spine CT. The increasing usage of primary CT will increase overall imaging costs and resource utilization.
MRI: Imaging of stomach
Authors: Lam WWM , Lee JSW , Ho G 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe study is to determine the optimal MRI bowel preparation regime for visualization of the stomach anatomy. Eight healthy volunteers were asked to take water, 75% barium and blueberry juice. The image quality and tolerance of different stomach distension regime were evaluated. Blueberry juice gave the best distension, but the signal intensity was not very homogeneous. Taking into account the image quality, tolerability and adverse effects, it is concluded that water is the most desirable oral contrast for MR stomach imaging.
Discrepancy between computed tomography coronary angiography and selective coronary angiography in the pre‐stenting assessment of coronary lesion length
Authors: Soon KH , Farouque HMO , Chaitowitz I , Cox N , Selvanayagam JB , Zakhem B , Bell KW , Lim YL 
Published: September 2007

SummaryWe aimed to compare the lesion length measured on computed tomography coronary angiography (CT‐CA) with the selective coronary angiography (SCA) lesion length measured on quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Compared with SCA, CT‐CA has the advantage of showing the lumen and the atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial wall. This prospective observational study involved 44 coronary lesions. Computed tomography coronary angiography was carried out with an electrocardiogram‐gated 16‐slice CT before percutaneous coronary intervention. A cardiologist and a radiologist measured CT lesion lengths in consensus, whereas an interventional cardiologist carried out QCA to obtain SCA lesion lengths independently. The median difference of (CT lesion length − SCA lesion length) was 9.84 mm (95%CI: [7.26, 13.34]). The median difference of (stent length − SCA lesion length) was 7.68 mm (95%CI: [6.29, 9.26]); the median difference of (stent length − CT length) was −2.63 mm (95%CI: [−5.80, 0.05]). The mean ratio of stent length to SCA lesion length was 2.07 (95%CI: [1.83, 2.30]). The mean ratio of stent length to CT‐CA lesion length was 0.97 (95%CI: [0.83, 1.11]). In the subgroup of drug‐eluting stents (17 lesions), the median difference of (stent length − SCA lesion length) was 9.76 mm (95%CI: [6.59, 13.28]); the median difference of (stent length − CT length) was −5.2 mm (95%CI: [−11, 0.5]). The mean ratio of stent length to CT‐CA lesion length was 0.93 (95%CI: [0.68, 1.17]). Computed tomography lesion length was substantially longer than SCA lesion length measured by QCA. Routine practice of choosing stent length based on QCA may underestimate the actual length of target lesion. This may lead to incomplete coverage of the target lesion, particularly when drug‐eluting stents are used.