bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The herpes simplex virus type 2 gene ICP10PK protects from apoptosis caused by nerve growth factor deprivation through inhibition of caspase‐3 activation and XIAP up‐regulation
Authors: Wales Samantha Q. , Li Baiquan , Laing Jennifer M. , Aurelian Laure 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) protein ICP10PK has anti‐apoptotic activity in virus‐infected hippocampal cultures through activation of the Ras/Raf‐1/MEK/ERK pathway. To exclude the possible contribution of other viral proteins to cell fate determination, we examined the survival of primary hippocampal cultures and neuronally differentiated PC12 cells transfected with ICP10PK from apoptosis caused by nerve growth factor (NGF) withdrawal. NGF deprivation caused apoptosis in cultures mock‐transfected or transfected with the kinase‐negative ICP10 mutant p139TM, but not in ICP10PK‐transfected cultures. In one clone (PC47), ICP10PK inhibited caspase‐3 activation through up‐regulation/stabilization of adenylate cyclase (AC), activation of PKA and MEK, and the convergence of the two pathways on extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation. The anti‐apoptotic proteins Bag‐1 and Bcl‐2 were stabilized and the pro‐apoptotic protein Bad was phosphorylated (inactivated). In another clone (PC70), ICP10PK inhibited apoptosis through MEK‐dependent up‐regulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein XIAP (that inhibits the activity of processed caspase‐3) and down‐regulation of the apoptogenic protein Smac/DIABLO. This may be cell‐type specific, but the baculovirus p35 protein did not potentiate the neuroprotective activity of ICP10PK in PC12 cells, suggesting that ICP10PK inhibits both caspase activation and activity. The data indicate that ICP10PK inhibits apoptosis independent of other viral proteins and is a promising neuronal gene therapy platform.
Hair health and management of common hair disorders
Authors: Shiel Steve 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground  In today's image‐conscious society, hair increasingly plays a central role in how we present ourselves to the outside world. It plays a significant role in signaling social and sexual status, with protection or heat conservation now secondary in importance. Therefore, it is no surprise that although hair and scalp disorders are not generally associated with considerable physiologic impairment, the psychologic impact can often be very high and significantly affects the patient's quality of life.Aims  The aim of this paper is to review the causes of hair shaft abnormalities and breakage and to describe the role of cosmetic products in treating hair disorders.Conclusion  While a number of congenital hair shaft abnormalities and scalp disorders do exist, in the majority of cases the cause of hair fiber damage and premature breakage is self‐inflicted physical or chemical processes, and the subsequent damage to the integrity of the hair fiber itself. In many cases, the correct choice of cosmetic hair products (such as conditioners and styling aids) and techniques can provide an individual with improvements in hair feel, appearance, behavior, and protection against damage. The correct use of products such as shampoos and conditioning treatments cannot only provide immediate benefits, but also afford long‐term protection from further damage. In addition, styling and hair coloring products can provide immediate visual benefits, especially in helping to increase the apparent bulk volume of the hair. Together, these changes can significantly improve the patient's self‐esteem and overall quality of life.
How Disaggregation Enhances the Credibility of Management Earnings Forecasts
Authors: HIRST D. ERIC , KOONCE LISA , VENKATARAMAN SHANKAR 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAn important problem facing managers is how to enhance the credibility, or believability, of their earnings forecasts. In this paper, we experimentally test whether a characteristic of a management earnings forecast—namely, whether it is disaggregated—can affect its credibility. We also test whether disaggregation moderates the relation between managerial incentives and forecast credibility. Disaggregated forecasts include an earnings forecast as well as forecasts of other key line items comprising that earnings forecast. Our results indicate that disaggregated forecasts are judged to be more credible than aggregated ones and that disaggregation works to counteract the effect of high incentives. We also develop and test an original model that explains how disaggregation positively impacts three factors that, in turn, influence forecast credibility: perceived precision of management's beliefs, perceived clarity of the forecast, and perceived financial reporting quality. We show that forecast disaggregation works to remedy incentive problems only via its effect on perceived financial reporting quality. Overall, our study adds to our understanding of how managers can credibly communicate their expectations about the future to market participants.
Performance Evaluations and Efficient Sorting
Authors: RAY KOROK 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTMuch of the production in firms takes place over time. This paper seeks to understand the value of interim performance information on long projects. In particular, the model explores the sorting effects of performance evaluations. Conducting an interim performance evaluation increases efficiency by providing the option to end projects with low early returns. The main result: It is efficient to allocate more resources towards the end of a project. This result holds under a variety of scenarios: when the worker has unknown ability, when the outside options vary with output, and even under an agency framework with a risk‐averse agent.
Management of Hyperkalemia in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Putcha Nirupama , Allon Michael 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHyperkalemia is common in patients with end‐stage renal disease, and may result in serious electrocardiographic abnormalities. Dialysis is the definitive treatment of hyperkalemia in these patients. Intravenous calcium is used to stabilize the myocardium. Intravenous insulin and nebulized albuterol lower serum potassium acutely, by shifting it into the cells. Despite their widespread use, neither intravenous bicarbonate nor cation exchange resins are effective in lowering serum potassium acutely. Prevention of hyperkalemia currently rests largely upon dietary compliance and avoidance of medications that may promote hyperkalemia. Prolonged fasting may provoke hyperkalemia, which can be prevented by administration of intravenous dextrose.
Hand Function and Oral Hygiene in Older Institutionalized Brazilians
Authors: Padilha Dalva M. P. , Hugo Fernando N. , Hilgert Juliana B. , Dal Moro Rafael G. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the oral hygiene of institutionalized older people differs significantly between groups of participants with different degrees of hand function.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: Residents of a long‐term institution of Porto Alegre, Brazil.PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐nine institutionalized older people. Subjects restricted to bed or with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores less than 15 were excluded.MEASUREMENTS: Dental (Silness and Löe Index) and denture plaque (Modified Ambjornsen Plaque Index) scores were assessed as a measure of oral hygiene. Hand functions were assessed using the Jebsen‐Taylor and the Purdue pegboard tests. Participants were grouped according to their levels of hand function (regarded as good if test values were at the median or higher in the case of Purdue pegboard test and below the median in the case of Jebsen‐Taylor test). Existence of differences between groups was checked using univariate analysis of variance, adjusting for age, sex and cognitive status according to MMSE.RESULTS: Dentate participants with poor hand function according to the Dominant Hand Purdue test harbored significantly more dental plaque after adjustment for age, sex, and cognitive status. Complete denture wearers with poor hand function according to the Dominant Hand and Sum of Three Steps Purdue tests and the total Jebsen‐Taylor test also had significantly more denture plaque after adjustment.CONCLUSION: The results support the notion that hand function plays a central role in oral hygiene, mainly removal of dental and denture plaque, in institutionalized older people.
Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome in Older Adults: Outcomes on Sleep Quality, Sleepiness, Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life
Authors: Cuellar Norma G. , Strumpf Neville E. , Ratcliffe Sarah J. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To compare differences in sleep quality, sleepiness, fatigue, depression, and quality of life according to severity of symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in older adults.DESIGN: Descriptive, comparative study; cross‐sectional design.SETTING: Penn Sleep Center at the University of Pennsylvania and RLS support groups in Philadelphia.PARTICIPANTS: Thirty‐nine adults, aged 65 and older, diagnosed with RLS with symptoms at least 3 nights per week. Participants were stratified according to symptom severity based on scores from the RLS Symptom Severity Scale. Exclusion criteria were dementia, cognitive impairments, and sleep disorders other than RLS.MEASUREMENTS: Sleep quality, measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were sleepiness, fatigue, depression, and quality of life measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression Scale (CES‐D), and RLS Quality of Life Instrument (RLS‐QLI), respectively.RESULTS: Significant differences were found in subjective sleep quality (P=.007) and sleep duration (P=.04), as well as in PSQI global score (P=.007). RLS‐QLI sleep quality (β=−0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−0.18 to −0.06, P<.001) and sleepiness (β=0.35, 95% CI=0.09–0.61, P=.01) were significantly related to PSQI global score. Subjects with severe symptoms were five times as likely to use medication to treat RLS (OR=5.3, 95% CI=1.2–22.2).CONCLUSION: The severity of RLS symptoms in older adults affects not only sleep quality but also many aspects of quality of life, including social functioning, daily functioning, and emotional well‐being.
Changing Trends in Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in the Population Aged 50 and Older
Authors: Paul Sindy M. , Martin Rose M. , Lu Shou‐En , Lin Yong 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To alert persons in the public and private healthcare professions to the increasing trends in higher proportions of persons aged 50 and older who are newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and who are living with HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).DESIGN: Data from the period 1992 through 2004 from the HIV/AIDS Reporting System (HARS) were analyzed.SETTING: New Jersey is the eleventh‐most‐populous state, with the highest density of persons per square mile. It also has the fifth‐highest number of AIDS cases.PARTICIPANTS: All persons residing in New Jersey and reported to HARS with HIV infection or who are considered to have AIDS.MEASUREMENTS: Trends in persons aged 50 and older were compared with those in the population younger than 50 during 1992 through 2004 for the numbers of persons living with HIV/AIDS and the number of persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection.RESULTS: The proportion of all persons aged 50 and older living with HIV/AIDS in 2004 was significantly greater than the comparable proportion of persons in 1992. Proportionally, more persons were newly diagnosed with HIV who were aged 50 and older according to sex and for each of the three major race or ethnicity groups (white non‐Hispanic, black non‐Hispanic, and Hispanic) than were persons younger than 50. Each of these increases was statistically significant.CONCLUSION: HIV/AIDS social marketing campaigns should include images and issues related to older persons in educational and prevention efforts. New methods that reach older populations should be considered. Physicians and other healthcare providers should be made aware of their role in prevention and education about HIV. Testing of older populations with risk factors should be encouraged.
Nitric Oxide Metabolites Are Associated with Survival in Older Patients
Authors: Hayashi Toshio , Nomura Hideki , Osawa Masako , Funami Jun , Miyazaki Asaka , Iguchi Akihisa 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of various vascular endocrinological substances, such as plasma nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), as surrogate markers of survival in older patients.DESIGN: Prospective cohort, observational.SETTING: Nagoya University Hospital and related hospitals, Japan.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty patients aged 70 and older, recruited consecutively from the outpatient clinics of Nagoya University Hospital and related hospitals.MEASUREMENT: Serum biochemical analyses such as albumin and total cholesterol, various prognostic markers, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, NOx, activities of daily living (ADLs), and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) were evaluated on enrollment. ADLs, IADLs, and comorbidities, especially depression and impaired cognition, were evaluated on enrollment. The main outcome was survival rate over 2.75 years.RESULTS: Forty‐nine patients died during the follow‐up period. Mann‐Whitney U‐test showed that hemoglobin, total protein, serum albumin, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high sensitive c‐reactive protein, NOx, B‐type natriuretic peptide, interleukin‐6, and TNF‐α levels; ADLs; cognitive impairment; and depressive status were significantly different for subjects who survived and those who died. Of the dependent variables in the Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, only ADLs, NOx, and albumin were significantly different. In the Kaplan‐Meier analyses of mortality, the prognosis of patients in the third and fourth quartiles of NOx was significantly worse than that of patients in the first or second quartile. The prognosis of patients with impaired ADLs was worse than that of other patients for the overall period.CONCLUSION: Lower levels of NOx may be associated with survival in older patients. It may be an effective marker, like ADLs, which is a well‐known marker.
Bone level changes at axial‐ and non‐axial‐positioned implants supporting fixed partial dentures. A 5‐year retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Koutouzis Theofilos , Wennström Jan L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the potential influence of implant inclination on marginal bone loss at freestanding, implant‐supported, fixed partial dentures (FPDs) over a 5‐year period of functional loading.Material and methods: The material comprised 38 periodontally treated, partially dentate patients with a total of 42 free‐standing FPDs supported by implants of the Astra Tech System®. Mesio‐distal inclination of the implants in relation to a vertical axis perpendicular to the occlusal plane was measured with a protractor on standardized photographs of the master cast. The two tail quartiles of the distribution of the implants with regard to the implant inclination were defined as axial‐positioned (mean 2.4°; range 0–4°) and non‐axial‐positioned implants (mean 17.1°; range 11–30°), respectively. For FPDs supported by two implants, both the mesial–distal and buccal–lingual inter‐implant inclination was measured. The primary outcome variable was change in peri‐implant bone level from the time of FPD placement to the 5‐year follow‐up examination. Comparison between axial‐ and non‐axial‐positioned implants was performed by the use of a Mann–Whitney U‐test. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to analyze relationships between inter‐implant inclination (mesial–distal and buccal–lingual) and 5‐year bone level change on the FPD level.Results: The 5‐year mean bone level change amounted to 0.4 mm (SD 0.97) for the axial and 0.5 mm (0.95) for non‐axial‐positioned implants (P>0.05). For the FPDs supported by two implants, the mean inter‐implant inclination was 9.2° (1–36°) in the mesial–distal direction and 6.7° (0–24°) in the buccal–lingual direction. Correlation analysis revealed lack of statistically significant correlation between inter‐implant inclination (mesial–distal and buccal–lingual) and 5‐year bone level change (r=−0.19 and r=−0.32, respectively).Conclusion: The study failed to support the hypothesis that implant inclination has an effect on peri‐implant bone loss.
Biomechanical analysis on platform switching: is there any biomechanical rationale?
Authors: Maeda Yoshinobu , Miura Jiro , Taki Ikuro , Sogo Motofumi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical advantages of platform switching using three‐dimensional (3D) finite element models.Material and methods: 3D finite element models simulating an external hex implant (4 × 15 mm) and the surrounding bone were constructed. One model was the simulation of a 4 mm diameter abutment connection and the other was the simulation of a narrower 3.25 mm diameter abutment connection, assuming a platform‐switching configuration.Results: The stress level in the cervical bone area at the implant was greatly reduced when the narrow diameter abutment was connected compared with the regular‐sized one.Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was suggested that the platform switching configuration has the biomechanical advantage of shifting the stress concentration area away from the cervical bone–implant interface. It also has the disadvantage of increasing stress in the abutment or abutment screw.
Pyoderma gangrenosum: Clinical presentation and outcome in 18 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Hasselmann Dirk O. , Bens Guido , Tilgen Wolfgang , Reichrath Jörg 
Published: June 2007

Summary Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an idiopathic ulcerative neutrophilic inflammatory skin disease characterized by variable clinical presentation and outcome. Because its incidence is low, no prospective randomized controlled trials and only a few large case studies on PG have been reported. Observations: We demonstrate the clinical presentation and outcome in 18 cases with severe and chronic PG. In our 18 patients, the female/male ratio was 3.5:1, the mean onset age was 53.1 yrs (range 23–78); six cases (33%) had associated diseases (inflammatory bowel disease [n = 2, 11%], monoclonal gammopathy [n = 2, 11%], rheumatoid arthritis [n = 1, 6%], diabetes mellitus [n = 1, 6%]). Anatomic locations involved were lower leg (n = 14, 78%), abdomen (n = 5, 28%), arm (n = 3, 17%), breast (n = 2, 11%), and buttocks (n = 1,6%). Five patients (28%) had multiple lesions (n ≥ 2). Immunosuppressive monotherapies (n = 3, 17%) and polytherapies (n = 15, 83%) were used. 13 patients (72%) showed complete remission (mean duration to complete remission: 1.29 yrs), three patients (17%) persistent disease (mean duration: 8 yrs), contact was lost to one patient (6%) and one patient died (6%). Conclusion: Our observations add to the growing body of evidence that PG responds in most cases to systemic immunosuppressive treatment, with corticosteroids and cyclosporine representing first‐line therapies. Besides reporting the clinical outcome in our 18 patients, we review the literature and discuss treatment recommendations that take additional factors including associated conditions, disease severity and localization of lesions into consideration.
Photochemical cleavage of a tattoo pigment by UVB radiation or natural sunlight
Authors: Engel Eva , Spannberger Andrea , Vasold Rudolf , König Burkhard , Landthaler Michael , Bäumler Wolfgang 
Published: June 2007

Summary Background: Millions of people have at least one tattoo. Complex and light absorbing molecules are implanted in the skin. When tattooed skin receives UV radiation or natural sunlight, photochemical cleavage of the pigments may occur. As a first step, we dissolved pigments in a suitable solvent and analyzed them after light irradiation. Methods: The widespread Pigment Red 22 was dissolved in different solvents. The solutions were irradiated with either UVB radiation (up to 8 h) or with natural sunlight (110 days). After irradiation, the solutions were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results: A clear cleavage of the pigment was detected in all solvents and the primary decomposition products were identified. In tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, the pigment concentration decreased significantly during UVB irradiation, whereas the pigment was completely destroyed during sunlight exposure. In chloroform and dichloromethane, the pigment concentration decreased slightly during UVB irradiation, whereas the pigment was almost completely destroyed during sunlight exposure. Conclusion: Since chloroform and dichloromethane do not affect the cleavage process, these solvents are optimal for such in vitro experiments. We have shown the cleavage of the tattoo pigment Red 22 when exposed to UVB radiation or natural sunlight. The decomposition products are hazardous showing a potential risk of being toxic or even carcinogenic. At present, a risk assessment is not feasible since the concentration of pigments and their decomposition products in skin are unknown.
Fabry disease: Case report with emphasis on enzyme replacement therapy and possible future therapeutic options
Authors: Möhrenschlager Matthias , Pontz Bertram F. , Lanzl Ines , Podskarbi Theodor , Henkel Verena , Ring Johannes 
Published: June 2007

SummaryA 38‐year‐old male Caucasian with Fabry disease presented with angiokeratomas and tortuous conjunctival and retinal vessels. Additionally, the patient showed characteristic skin lesions of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. His past medical history revealed anhidrosis, acral paresthesias, myocardial infarction, phlebothrombosis, hypertension, antithrombin III deficiency, factor V Leiden disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, tinnitus, diarrhea, recurrent abdominal pain, headache, and depressive mood. He was treated with intravenous substitution of the deficient enzyme α‐galactosidase A. Possible future options in treatment of Fabry disease are discussed.