bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Air travel during pregnancy
Authors: Committee on Obstetric Practice  
Published: July 2004

AbstractIn the absence of obstetric or medical complications, pregnant women can observe the same general precautions for air travel as the general population and can fly safely up to 36 weeks of gestation. In‐craft environmental conditions, such as low cabin humidity and changes in cabin pressure, coupled with the physiologic changes of pregnancy, do result in maternal adaptations, which could have transient effects on the fetus. Pregnant air travelers with medical problems that may be exacerbated by a hypoxic environment, but who must travel by air, should be prescribed supplemental oxygen during air travel. Pregnant women at significant risk for preterm labor or with placental abnormalities should avoid air travel. Because air turbulence cannot be predicted and the risk for trauma is significant, pregnant women should be instructed to continuously use their seat belts while seated, as should all air travelers. Pregnant air travelers may take precautions to ease in‐flight discomfort, and although no hard evidence exists, preventive measures can be employed to minimize risks.
Comparison of modified Bass technique with normal toothbrushing practices for efficacy in supragingival plaque removal
Authors: Poyato‐Ferrera M , Segura‐Egea JJ , Bullón‐Fernández P 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Objectives: This study was designed to compare the efficacy in supragingival plaque removal of normal toothbrushing practices and a particular toothbrushing technique, the modified Bass method.Subjects and methods: The research consisted of two identical experiments with two toothbrushing methods: the normal toothbrushing practices and the modified Bass technique. Forty‐six secondary, non‐dental students (10 males and 36 females) with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years were selected. Dental plaque was assessed according to the Turesky modification of Quigley–Hein Index. Subjects were requested not to brush their teeth 48 h prior to the baseline record of plaque index. Participants were instructed to brush twice daily during 3 min for the duration of the 3‐week trial using their usual toothpaste. Plaque index was recorded at 2, 7 and 21 days.Results: The modified Bass (Mod‐Bass) technique was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective in removing supragingival plaque than normal toothbrushing practices both in all, buccal and lingual sites. After 21 days, the normal practices did not significantly decrease mean plaque indices compared to the scores calculated after 7 days (P > 0.05), but did so with the modified Bass technique (P < 0.05). The modified Bass technique was specially efficient at the lingual sites where it was 2.9‐fold more effective than normal practices in reducing plaque scores (P < 0.01).Conclusion: The results show that a particular toothbrushing technique as modified Bass method is significantly superior to normal toothbrushing practices in supragingival plaque removal. The introduction of a specific toothbrushing technique, such as modified Bass technique represents an important improvement in the oral hygiene of the patients.
Dental hygiene in Hong Kong: a global perspective
Authors: Luciak‐Donsberger C , Chan CKP 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Purpose: This article examines how dental hygiene status in Hong Kong compared to global developments of the profession. The aim is to address access to cost‐effective, qualified preventive care.Methods: Information for this study was obtained using questionnaires and followed up by e‐mail correspondence with International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) delegates and additional experts, supporting studies and reference literature. All experts consulted are involved in the professional and educational organisation of dental hygiene on a national level.Results: Results show that dental hygiene is practised in about 30 countries, generally as a licensed profession, studied at institutions of higher education. Average study duration is 3 years. Globally, low access to qualified dental hygiene care tends to be a result of a lack of social and cultural awareness of the benefits of preventive care and insufficient funding for preventive services as well as supervision requirements, which tie dental hygiene care to private practice dentistry settings. In several countries, a reduction of supervision requirements has opened the door to provide care at alternative settings and public health institutions.Conclusion: In Hong Kong, owing to a small number of practising dental hygienists, access to qualified preventive care is scarce. Public awareness of the benefits and cost‐effectiveness of preventive measures need to be raised to achieve higher acceptance of the profession. Global and scientific developments mandate an extension of study duration. Access to qualified care could be addressed by public health initiatives, which utilise the expertise of dental hygienists in setting and attaining preventive health goals.
Hypoxia regulation of the cell cycle in malignant melanoma: putative role for the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1
Authors: Murphy Michael , Carlson J. Andrew , Keough Martin P. , Claffey Kevin P. , Signoretti Sabina , Loda Massimo 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Intratumor hypoxia has been shown to promote more aggressive and metastatic cancer phenotypes that are associated with treatment resistance and poor prognosis. Cellular proliferation and its control are known to be important components of tumor progression. Hypoxia induces cell‐cycle arrest in cultured cell lines, possibly via up‐regulation of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27. The effect of hypoxia on cell‐cycle regulation in excised human tumors has not been investigated.Methods:  We performed immunohistochemistry for p27 and Ki‐67 on 10 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded metastatic melanomas, selected on the basis of histological evidence of zonal/geographic necrosis, adjacent to areas with viable perivascular tumor cells.Results:  In the majority of cases, there was a significant increase in p27 staining in cells adjacent to necrotic areas compared to perivascular zones. An inverse staining pattern between Ki‐67 and p27 was identified in these tumors. Tumors with no zonal increase in p27 staining demonstrated a diffuse pattern of staining for Ki‐67 within tumor nests.Conclusions:  While increased cellular proliferation is a characteristic of cancer, subsets of human melanomas may retain the ability to regulate their rate of proliferation in response to changes in the tumor microenvironment. The hypoxia‐mediated cell‐cycle arrest (decreased Ki‐67) in these tumors may be mediated by p27 up‐regulation.
Neurofibromatous changes in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of a serious cutaneous soft tissue neoplasm
Authors: Kovarik Carrie L. , Hsu Mei‐Yu , Cockerell Clay J. 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low‐grade malignant neoplasm that has the potential for aggressive local growth and destruction if not treated appropriately. Although the storiform arrangement of spindle cells in DFSP is relatively characteristic, histologic patterns simulating other benign as well as malignant neoplasms such as dermatofibroma, neurofibroma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and atypical fibroxanthoma have been described.Methods:  We collected and analyzed six cases of probable DFSP in which a specific diagnosis could not be rendered due to the predominant neurofibromatous changes in the histologic sections. In an attempt to reach a definitive diagnosis, the clinical history and physical characteristics of the lesions were taken into account, and all cases were further evaluated using immunostaining for CD34 and S‐100 protein.Results:  The average age of the patient was 56 years (range 21–80), and the male to female ratio was 1 : 1. The location of lesions included the scalp, neck, back, and abdomen. All cases displayed two distinct histological patterns: (i) a proliferation of spindle cells with wavy nuclei in a loose mucinous stroma suggesting neural differentiation and (ii) a proliferation of spindle cells which interweaved and filled the reticular dermis extending into the subcutis. The wide variety of clinical impressions and descriptions indicated that the diagnoses were not always straightforward, and clinical information did not always assist in the clinicopathologic correlation. All lesions stained positively for CD34; however, three of six cases also stained positively for S‐100. The three cases which were CD34 positive and S‐100 negative were likely DFSP, and this was the final diagnosis given. The three cases that were CD34 and S‐100 positive did not allow for a straightforward diagnosis.Conclusions:  DFSP may demonstrate areas with features more characteristic of a benign neural lesion, such as a neurofibroma, which can lead to underdiagnosis and subsequent failure to treat. Clinicians and pathologists should recognize this potential diagnostic pitfall and understand that equivocal clinical information, combined with non‐specific immunohistochemical staining patterns, can further complicate the dilemma. In these situations, where DFSP is the likely diagnosis but definitive evidence cannot be obtained, full excision of the lesion should be recommended to avoid mistreatment of a potentially malignant lesion.
?Metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
Authors: Mahalingam M. , Bhawan J. 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Cutaneous metastases from thyroid carcinomas, although uncommon, have been previously reported and are usually found in association with evidence of disseminated disease.Methods:  We report a 75‐year‐old male who presented with a 4‐cm reddish violaceous nodule on the left temple and a clinical history significant for papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.Results:  Microscopic examination of a 4‐mm punch biopsy revealed a poorly circumscribed neoplasm with focal epidermal connection and multiple cystic cavities and papillary projections.Conclusions:  This case report describes a solitary cutaneous lesion as the first evidence of disseminated neoplastic disease in a patient with no other clinical evidence of concurrent metastases. The histology of the lesion was unusual in that it mimicked a primary cutaneous neoplasm.
Pleural mesothelioma with cutaneous extension to chest wall scars
Authors: Shieh Sherry , Grassi Marcelle , Schwarz James K. , Cheney Richard T. 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Cutaneous mesothelioma is rare but may occur following local surgical procedures for visceral mesothelioma or as a metastasis.Methods:  A patient with pleural mesothelioma, who developed papules within chest wall scars, 14 and 15 months after pleural biopsy and thoracentesis, respectively, is reported.Results:  Histopathology showed an epithelioid tumor forming tubulopapillary and glandular structures. The diagnosis of mesothelioma was confirmed with immunohistochemistry. Tumor cells stained characteristically for low‐molecular‐weight cytokeratins 5/6, calretinin, and vimentin and were negative for mucicarmine, carcinoembryonic antigen, thyroid transcription factor 1, prostate‐specific antigen, gross cystic disease fluid protein, S‐100, factor VIII, and CD31.Conclusions:  Histologically, mesothelioma may resemble a primary adnexal neoplasm, metastatic adenocarcinoma, or angiosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry can clarify the diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of the varied presentations of mesothelioma, as cutaneous presentations are becoming increasingly common.
K16 expression in uninvolved psoriatic skin: a possible marker of pre‐clinical psoriasis
Authors: Bhawan Jag , Bansal Cheryl , Whren Kara , Schwertschlag Ullrich ,   The IL‐11 Psoriasis Study Group
Published: July 2004

Background:  K16, a type I keratin, is upregulated in hyperproliferative states including psoriasis. It has been used as a marker of psoriasis and its expression is upregulated in relapsing psoriasis and downregulating in resolving. We evaluated non‐lesional psoriatic skin for K16 expression.Methods:  Sixty‐seven non‐lesional and lesional skin samples from patients with psoriasis and normal skin from 19 non‐psoriatic patients were studied by immunohistochemistry on frozen sections with K16.Results:  Seventeen of 19 normal skin samples showed staining of basal cells in the deeper part of the rete ridges. Sixty‐two non‐lesional psoriatic skin samples showed intense basal staining of K16. Of the remaining five non‐lesional samples, diffuse intense suprabasal staining in one, pan‐epidermal staining in two, and no staining was seen in two samples. Suprabasal (37), diffuse (14), sandwich (12), and basal (3) pattern staining were seen in psoriatic skin. One psoriatic skin sample did not show any expression.Conclusion:  Our results demonstrate that K16 expression is also observed in non‐lesional psoriatic skin and may serve as a marker of preclinical psoriasis.
Primary rat muscle progenitor cells have decreased proliferation and myotube formation during passages
Authors: Machida S. , Spangenburg E. E. , Booth F. W. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract.  Adult skeletal muscle contains populations of satellite cells and muscle‐derived stem cells that are capable of forming multinucleate myotubes. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotype of cells isolated from a common satellite cell isolation and passaging procedure from whole skeletal muscle. To ascertain the characteristics of the cellular phenotype, the myogenic markers MyoD and desmin, the satellite‐cell‐specific marker Pax7, and the haemopoietic stem cell markers CD34 and CD45 were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Immediately after isolation, > 90% myogenic marker‐positive cells were positive for desmin, MyoD and Pax7. In contrast, ∼10% of the isolated cells expressed only CD34 or CD45. After three passages, the percentage of cells that were positive for the myogenic markers desmin, MyoD and Pax7 was reduced to ∼55%, while the population of CD34‐ or CD45‐positive cells increased to ∼30% after the third passage. Immunohistochemical detection of bromodeoxyuridine demonstrated that the number of proliferating cells decreased progressively after each passaging. Finally, after the third passage the percentage of nuclei in myotubes decreased from 46.7% to 12.5%. Since passaging of muscle progenitor cells is common practice, the results of the current report suggest that characterization of cell heterogeneity needs to be made frequently.
Thrombopoietin, flt3‐ligand and c‐kit‐ligand modulate HOX gene expression in expanding cord blood CD133+ cells
Authors: McGuckin C. P. , Forraz N. , Pettengell R. , Thompson A. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract.  Haemopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) development is regulated by extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli. Extrinsic modulators include growth factors and cell adhesion molecules, whereas intrinsic regulation is achieved with many transcription factor families, of which the HOX gene products are known to be important in haemopoiesis. Umbilical cord blood CD133+ HSPC proliferation potential was tested in liquid culture with ‘TPOFLK’ (thrombopoietin, flt‐3 ligand and c‐kit ligand, promoting HSPC survival and self‐renewal), in comparison to ‘K36EG’ (c‐kit‐ligand, interleukins‐3 and ‐6, erythropoietin and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, inducing haemopoietic differentiation). TPOFLK induced a higher CD133+ HSPC proliferation (up to 60‐fold more, at week 8) and maintained a higher frequency of the primitive colony‐forming cells than K36EG. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed opposite expression patterns for specific HOX genes in expanding cord blood CD133+ HSPC. After 8 weeks in liquid culture, TPOFLK increased the expression of HOX B3, B4 and A9 (associated with uncommitted HSPC) and reduced the expression of HOX B8 and A10 (expressed in committed myeloid cells) when compared to K36EG. These results suggest that TPOFLK induces CD133+ HSPC proliferation, self‐renewal and maintenance, up‐regulation of HOX B3, B4 and A9 and down‐regulation of HOX B8 and A10 gene expression.
Telomere attrition and accumulation of senescent cells in cultured human endothelial cells
Authors: Hastings R. , Qureshi M. , Verma R. , Lacy P. S. , Williams B. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract.  The human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) is an important model of the human endothelium that is widely used in vascular research. HUVECs and the adult endothelium share many characteristics including progression into senescence as the cells age. Despite this, the shortening of telomeres and its relationship to the progression into senescence are poorly defined in HUVECs. In this study of several HUVEC lines we show notable consistency in their growth curves. There is a steady decline in the growth rate of HUVECs grown continually in culture and we estimate complete cessation of growth after approximately 70 population doublings. The HUVECs lose telomeric DNA at a consistent rate of 90 base pairs/population doubling and show a progressive accumulation of shortened telomeres (below 5 kilobases). This telomeric loss correlates with the accumulation of senescent HUVECs in culture as assessed by staining for β‐galactosidase activity at pH 6. Although the telomere length of a large population of cells is a relatively crude measure, we suggest that in HUVECs a mean telomere length (as measured by terminal restriction fragment length) of 5 kilobases is associated with entry into senescence. These data demonstrate the strong relationship between telomere attrition and cell senescence in HUVECs. They suggest that DNA damage and subsequent telomere attrition are likely to be key mechanisms driving the development of endothelial senescence in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.
The relational core of nursing practice as partnership
Authors: Jonsdottir Helga , Litchfield Merian , Pharris Margaret Dexheimer 
Published: July 2004

Background.  Consideration of the relational core of nursing has gained significance in today's health systems, where the work of nurses is dominated by technologically‐driven, prescriptive, and outcome‐oriented approaches. This has led to disregard for individual experiences of living life with diverse health conditions.Aim.  The aim of this paper is to articulate the relational core of nursing practice as partnership.Discussion.  The relational core of nursing practice is explicated as a process of professional partnership, focusing on the evolving dialogue between nurse and patient. In partnership, the dialogue is open, caring, mutually responsive and non‐directive. The nurse attends to that which is of concern to patients in relation to their health predicaments and the meaning in the health experience unfolds. Nurse and patient reach insight that represents more useful ways of comprehending and acting on their health predicaments.Conclusions.  Partnership represents theoretically‐driven practice that invites nurses to meet patients where they are in understanding their health predicaments and what can be done about them. As such, partnership strengthens the resolve of nurses to resist the pressures of contemporary health service delivery to provide a technical form of practice and it protects the relational core of a fully professional practice.
Patient safety and comfort during transfers in relation to nurses’ work technique
Authors: Kjellberg Katarina , Lagerström Monica , Hagberg Mats 
Published: July 2004

Background.  The work technique used by health care professionals in patient transfer tasks affects the musculoskeletal load on the professionals, but probably also the safety and well‐being of patients being transferred; it is thus a matter of quality of care.Aims.  The aim of this paper is to report a study exploring the relations between the work technique of nurses in patient transfer tasks, and patients’ perceptions of safety and comfort during the transfers.Methods.  The work technique used by 102 nurses at orthopaedic wards to perform two common patient transfers: one transfer higher up in bed and one from bed to wheelchair, were examined using video recordings and an observation instrument. A work technique score for each performed transfer was calculated, indicating the level of musculoskeletal safety for the nurse. Nurses assessed their own work technique and patients rated the perceived safety and comfort on bipolar scales directly after each transfer.Results.  Patients’ perceptions of safety and comfort were positively correlated to the work technique score in both transfers. Patients felt safer and more comfortable during transfers performed with a safe technique, according to the work technique score, than during those performed with a poor technique. Patients’ ratings of safety in the transfer from bed to wheelchair, and their ratings of comfort in both transfers, were positively correlated to nurses’ assessments of their own work technique. However, the correlation coefficients were rather low.Conclusions.  The results support the existence of a relationship between nurses’ skills in patient transfers and quality of patient care.
Growth and development of children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Chen Chi‐Wen , Li Chung‐Yi , Wang Jou‐Kou 
Published: July 2004

Background.  Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) commonly experience delayed growth. Because growth and development are closely related, both should be considered when a child's progress is examined.Purpose.  This paper reports a study to evaluate and compare the growth and development of preschool children with CHD to those of normal preschool children.Methods.  The heights and weights of 42 preschool children with CHD and 116 normal preschool children were compared with standard growth curves. Differences in development of personal and social skills, fine motor skills and adaptability, language, and gross motor skills were evaluated. Developmental skills were assessed using the Denver Developmental Screening Test II.Results.  A significant difference was found in both body height (P < 0·05) and weight (P < 0·05) between the two groups. More preschoolers with congenital hear disease were below the 50th percentile in height (P < 0·05) and weight (P < 0·001). Preschoolers with CHD had more suspicious interpretations than non‐CHD preschoolers, specifically in the language (P < 0·01) and gross motor sections (P < 0·001). Nevertheless, there were two items in the personal‐social section and one in the language section on which the children with heart disease passed in the range of 55·6–63·2%. Problems were encountered with the Denver II test because of differences in language, culture and childrearing methods between Taiwanese and Western societies. These cultural differences must be considered when the test is used to assess development.Conclusions.  Learning about the growth and developmental differences between children with CHD and normal children may help parents of the former to detect problems associated with delayed growth and development earlier. These children and their families should have the opportunity to participate in a long‐term, follow‐up programme that provides information and encourages developmental progress. The results could serve as a reference for those in both clinical and community workers who provide nursing care to children with CHD.