bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lasers alleviate acne
Authors: Nouri Keyvan , Ballard Christopher J 
Published: December 2004

Summary Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and sebaceous glands are involved in the pathogenesis of acne. Although often effective, traditional therapies can have drawbacks, such as photosensitivity, other toxicities, polypharmacy and frequent dosing. Lasers have been studied to seek a solution that may overcome these disadvantages. Lasers and other light therapies target the wavelengths of the porphyrins in P. acnes to induce thermal damage that causes the bacterium's destruction. Pulsed‐dye laser (PDL) or a system of light pulses and heat with wavelengths between 430 and 1100 nm are both efficacious. The 1450‐nm diode laser targets sebaceous glands and is also effective. Topical indocyanine green (ICG) photodynamic therapy (PDT), using the near‐infrared (NIR) laser, targets either P. acnes or sebaceous glands. ICG‐PDT has fewer adverse effects than aminolevulinic acid‐PDT. Lasers are still a relatively new therapy for acne and may be best used in an adjuvant role.
Nail beauty
Authors: Baran Robert , Schoon Douglas 
Published: December 2004

SummaryNail beauty depends firstly upon nail health. It is a truism to say that a beautiful nail is always a healthy nail. In addition, there are subjective and evolving aspects of nail beauty which are related to fashion. The texture of the nail affects its appearance and function. Soft or brittle nails are fragile. This results in unattractive longitudinal and horizontal splitting. Fragility is encouraged by wet work and excessive nail manicuring, especially by the removal of nail cosmetics. Critical to the aesthetic appeal of the nail is its shape. Most pleasing are nails are those that conform to the ‘magic’ ratio, in which the nail's length is approximately equal to its breadth, especially for the thumbs. The role of nail decoration and nail art in nail beauty is a subjective and evolving question of fashion.
Use of Community Health Workers in Research With Ethnic Minority Women
Authors: Andrews Jeannette O. , Felton Gwen , Wewers Mary Ellen , Heath Janie 
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To explore roles and effectiveness of community health workers in research with ethnic minority women in the United States (US).
Methods

: Medline (1966‐2002) and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; 1982‐2002) databases were used to locate published research studies on the use of community health workers with ethnic minority women in the US. Key words for searches were community health workers, community health aides, health promoters, and community workers.
Results

: An integrative analysis of 24 studies showed that, despite varying roles and functions, evidence indicates that community health workers are effective in increasing access to health services, increasing knowledge, and promoting behavior change among ethnic minority women. Other advantages of using community health workers are to provide social support and culturally competent, cost‐effective care. Recommendations for future directions of research with community health workers and ethnic minority women include improved conceptualization of the community health worker role, theoretical frameworks for research designs, enhanced methods for evaluating effectiveness, and increased community involvement.
Women, Nursing, and Baccalaureate Education in 20th Century America
Authors: D'Antonio Patricia 
Published: December 2004

Purpose:

To analyze the social meaning of the American system of education for nursing practice.
Methods:

Historiographical analysis to compare and contrast the relative educational level of different self‐reported groups of American women with that of nurses in the later decades of the 20th century.
Findings:

Early 20th century social support for efforts to improve the overall educational level of some nurses planning careers in education, administration, or public health nursing lent credence to the belief in nursing as a vehicle for upward social mobility. This promise of mobility was particularly apparent in the educational backgrounds of African American, Hispanic, and Asian American nurses. However, the late 20th century decreased average educational level of U.S. nurses relative to that of all U.S. women jeopardizes the clinical and social roles of the profession.
Conclusions:

The language of class and community status is needed in addition to that of science, knowledge development, and clinical excellence to increase social and political support for educational initiatives.
Rofecoxib versus ibuprofen for acute treatment of migraine: a randomised placebo controlled trial
Authors: Misra U K , Jose M , Kalita J 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background: Rofecoxib is a potent cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor with a long duration of action. Its role in migraine has not been systematically evaluated.
Aim: To study the efficacy of rofecoxib in migraine.
Method: In a randomised placebo controlled trial rofecoxib 25 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg, and placebo were compared regarding their efficacy in relieving acute migraine attack. Migraine patients with 2–6 attacks per month were recruited. Headache severity, functional disability, and severity of associated symptoms were graded on a 0–3 scale. The primary endpoint was pain relief at two hours. Relief of associated symptoms and sustained pain relief for 24 hours were also noted.
Result: One hundred and twenty four patients were randomised into rofecoxib (42), ibuprofen (40), and placebo (42) groups. One hundred and one patients were followed up: 33 on rofecoxib, 35 ibuprofen, and 33 placebo. Patients’ ages ranged from 16–62 (mean 31.4) years, and 83 were females. Pain relief at two hours was noted in 45.5% on rofecoxib, 55.6% on ibuprofen, and 9.1% in the placebo group. The associated symptoms at two hours were reduced in 39.4% on rofecoxib, 50% on ibuprofen, and 9.1% in the placebo group. Sustained 24 hour pain relief was noted in 36.4% on rofecoxib, 41% on ibuprofen, and 6.1% in the placebo group. In the ibuprofen group, five patients had abdominal pain but there were no side effects in those on rofecoxib or in the control group. Both rofecoxib and ibuprofen were significantly effective in relieving pain, associated symptoms at two hours, and in sustained pain relief. There was no significant difference between rofecoxib and ibuprofen in aborting acute migraine attacks.
Conclusions: Both ibuprofen and rofecoxib were superior to placebo in aborting an acute migraine attack, and there was no significant difference in their efficacy in an acute migraine attack.
Eosinophilia and symptomatic pulmonary amyloidosis
Authors: Haydar A A , Li A , Hilton R , Lams B , Hangartner R , Weber M , Goldsmith D J A 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The case of a man with progressive breathlessness and pulmonary infiltration caused by AL amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma is presented. There was a marked peripheral eosinophilia, which has not previously been described with amyloidosis.
Neurotological status in Behçet’s disease and its ophthalmological correlates
Authors: Bayazıt Y A , Evereklioğlu C , Ozer E , Kırtak N , Bayazıt N , Kanlıkama M , İnalöz S 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Objective: To assess neurotological status and its ophthalmological correlates in Behçet’s disease.
Study design: A cross sectional study in which 17 patients with Behçet’s disease and 13 healthy controls were included.
Patients and methods: The patients were divided into two groups: those with and without end stage ocular involvement. Neurotological status was evaluated with audiological tests (pure tone and speech audiometry, tympanometry, short increment sensitivity index, tone decay, and evoked response audiometry), and Dix-Halpike positional testing.
Results: The positional test was normal. The audiological test results of the patients with and without end stage ocular involvement were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). A sloping audiogram with bilateral symmetric and mild sensorineural hearing loss was the main audiogram obtained. There was no relationship between the presence or absence of the end stage ocular involvement and the otological parameters studied excluding I–III interval on evoked response audiometry (p&gt;0.05).
Conclusion: Although the main underlying pathogenetic factor in Behçet’s disease is the autoimmune vasculitis, the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of neurological and ocular damage may be different. Alternatively, the differential involvement of certain organ systems may not reflect the nature of the disease process itself, but rather the manner in which each organ responds to injury.
Nodules of fibrocollagenous scar tissue induced by subcutaneous insulin injections: a cause of poor diabetic control
Authors: Wallymahmed M E , Littler P , Clegg C , Haqqani M T , MacFarlane I A 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
A 46 year old man with longstanding type 1 diabetes developed major weight loss and marked deterioration in diabetic control. He had been persistently injecting insulin into areas of abdominal lipohypertrophy within which hard collagenised fibrous tissue nodules had developed. Injecting insulin at different sites dramatically improved blood glucose control. Fibrocollagenous nodules induced by insulin injections have not been previously described. Examination of a further 73 type 1 patients revealed lipohypertrophy in 44% and hard subcutaneous nodules on two.
Efficacy of Injection Immunotherapy with Ragweed and Birch Pollen in Elderly Patients
Authors: Asero Riccardo 
Published: December 2004

<i>Background:</i> The role of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in elderly allergic patients is still debated. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of this study was to assess whether SIT is associated with a better control of symptoms and a better quality of life also in older allergic patients. <i>Methods:</i> The effect of injection SIT was assessed in 39 patients [age >54 years, median 59; 29 patients (74%) with asthma, otherwise healthy] monosensitized to birch (n = 20) and ragweed (n = 19). Thirty-three younger subjects [age <50 years, median 35; 26 patients (79%) with asthma, otherwise healthy] monosensitized to birch (n = 10) and ragweed (n = 23), and 37 subjects >54 years old (25 males/12 females; age 55–79 years, median 59 years) monosensitized to birch (n = 18) and ragweed (n = 19) who refused to undergo SIT were enrolled as positive and negative controls, respectively. All groups had a disease duration <10 years; the disease was inadequately controlled with standard drug therapies in all cases. SIT was carried out using the same extracts and was administered using a perennial schedule both in patients and controls. Seasonal therapies were the same in all groups and were not changed after SIT was started. After 1–5 years of SIT, patients and controls were asked to quantify symptom reduction on a visual analogue scale: reductions >50% were considered significant. Moreover, the use of cetirizine and/or salbutamol as an adjunct to standard therapies during the last pollen season was assessed as an objective measure of SIT outcome. <i>Results:</i> 37/39 (95%) patients versus 32/33 (97%) controls submitted to SIT reported a symptom reduction >50% after 1–5 years of SIT (nonsignificant). The median clinical efficacy of SIT was 80% in both groups (nonsignificant). 27/37 controls not submitted to SIT did not report any change in symptom severity at the follow-up visits, whereas 10/37 reported a more severe disease (4 subjects reported the appearance of seasonal asthma) (p < 0.001 vs. patients submitted to SIT). Patients used less frequently cetirizine (p < 0.001) and/or salbutamol (p < 0.05) than controls not submitted to SIT. <i>Conclusion:</i> Injection SIT can be considered an effective therapeutic option in otherwise healthy elderly patients with a short disease duration whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled by drug therapies alone.
Seasonal and Interannual Variations in the Daily Cycle of Winds over the Galápagos
Authors: Hartten Leslie M. , Datulayta Pauline A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
While the daily cycle of near-surface winds over the equatorial east Pacific has been studied in some detail, little is known about the daily cycle above the surface layer. Furthermore, the causes of the observed near-surface daily cycle are not well understood. A better understanding of the structure and forcing mechanisms at work on the lower-tropospheric winds over this region may increase our appreciation for the varying importance of local and remote atmospheric and oceanic processes. This study documents the daily cycle of lower-tropospheric winds over one of the Galápagos Islands during the late 1990s, as well as how it varied seasonally and interannually, using half-hourly profiler winds. The well-known zonal semidiurnal tide is evident in the data, as is a diurnal cycle that is predominantly meridional and may be driven by the results of convection over the Andes. In addition, the high vertical resolution of the wind profiles reveals a decoupling of the daily cycle of winds below ∼500 m from those aloft during periods of cold (&lt;23°C) SSTs. This decoupling, which is not evident in long-term mean profiles that effectively filter the daily cycle, may inhibit the vertical mixing of momentum or vertical propagation of tidal or wave signatures over the region.
Statistics of Extreme Synoptic-Scale Wind Speeds in Ensemble Simulations of Current and Future Climate
Authors: van den Brink H. W. , Können G. P. , Opsteegh J. D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Statistical analysis of the wind speeds, generated by a climate model of intermediate complexity, indicates the existence of areas where the extreme value distribution of extratropical winds is double populated, the second population becoming dominant for return periods of order 103 yr. Meteorological analysis of the second population shows that it is caused when extratropical cyclones merge in an extremely strong westerly jet stream such that conditions are generated that are favorable for occurrence of strong diabatic feedbacks. Doubling of the greenhouse gas concentrations changes the areas of second population and increases its frequency. If these model results apply to the real world, then in the exit areas of the jet stream the extreme wind speed with centennial-to-millennial return periods is considerably larger than extreme value analysis of observational records implies.
Healing Potential of Meniscal Tears without Repair in Knees with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Yagishita Kazuyoshi , Muneta Takeshi , Ogiuchi Takashi , Sekiya Ichiro , Shinomiya Kenichi 
Published: December 2004

Background Few previous studies have documented the healing potential of meniscal tears that are left to heal without repair. Purpose To determine the healing rates of meniscal tears left without repair in knees with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods One hundred and ninety-two knees were evaluated at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and repeat arthroscopy. The healing rates of 41 medial and 42 lateral torn menisci without repair were evaluated by the same 2 surgeons in an identical fashion. Results Of 41 medial torn menisci left without repair, 22 (56%) were considered completely healed, 3 (7%) were incompletely healed, 11 (24%) were unhealed, and 5 (10%) had expanded unhealed lesions. Of 42 lateral torn menisci, 31 (74%) were considered completely healed, 2 (5%) were incompletely healed, 6 (14%) were unhealed, and 3 (7%) had expanded unhealed lesions. The healing rate of a medial meniscal tear was length dependent and not related to reconstructed ligament stability. Conclusions Stable meniscal tears at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction possibly could be left in situ. However, longer medial meniscal tears are thought to require additional stabilizing procedures.
cCXCR1 is a receptor for cIL-8 (9E3/cCAF) and its N- and C-terminal peptides and is also activated by hIL-8 (CXCL8)
Authors: Li Qi-Jing , Yao Min , Dueck Melissa , Feugate Jo Ellen , Parpura Vladimir , Martins-Green Manuela 
Published: December 2004

AbstractChemokines are chemotactic cytokines that play important roles in immune responses and wound healing, as well as in pathological conditions such as chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. The chemokines and their receptors are highly conserved and maintain similar functions in different species. One noteworthy exception is the chemokine interleukin (IL)8/CXC ligand 8 and its specific receptor CXCR1, which are found in humans but are not found in the traditional model organisms, mice and rats. As a consequence, we are using model organisms other than mice to study the functions of IL-8 and CXCR1, as well as the mechanisms involved in receptor activation by IL-8. Toward this goal, we have isolated and characterized a new receptor that is highly homologous to human (h)CXCR1, which we named chicken (c)CXCR1. To determine whether this receptor is activated by cIL-8 and its N- and C-terminal peptides and whether it responds to hIL-8, we expressed cCXCR1 in NIH3T3 cells, which naturally lack this receptor, and used single-cell Ca2+ imaging to detect increases in intracellular Ca2+ and immunoblot analysis to detect extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. We show that cIL-8, its N and C peptides, and hIL-8 activate cCXCR1. We further show that cIL-8 and hIL-8 stimulate chemotaxis of chicken embryonic fibroblasts, cells that express cCXCR1, and that this effect is specific for each chemokine and this receptor. These results strongly suggest that cCXCR1 is the ortholog for hCXCR1 and that chickens can be used as an effective model system to study the functions of IL-8, its terminal peptides, and its specific receptor CXCR1.
Early Carotid Artery Stenting and Angioplasty in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zaidat Osama O. , Alexander Michael J. , Suarez Jose I. , Tarr Robert W. , Selman Warren R. , Enterline David S. , Smith Tony P. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the safety of early percutaneous endovascular carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) after an ischemic stroke.

METHODS:
The neurointerventional database was reviewed for patients who underwent CAS after an acute ischemic stroke in two university hospitals. Clinical and radiological data were reviewed. Outcomes were worsening stroke, new stroke, or stroke-related death up to 30 days after the procedure. Procedure-related complications were also documented.

RESULTS:
A total of 38 patients with 39 procedures were identified. The mean age was 67 ± 15 years; 31 of 38 patients were Caucasian and 24 were female. Hypertension was found in 21 patients, peripheral vascular disease in 12, diabetes in 13, and coronary artery disease in 18. The median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 8. The carotid artery showed severe to high-grade stenosis in 28 patients, dissection was present in 6, and the rest had an acute occlusion treated with thrombolysis followed by CAS. The mean time from stroke onset to CAS was 55 ± 34 hours. The mean degree of stenosis at baseline was 86 ± 11%. In 37 procedures, complete recanalization was achieved, defined as less than 10% residual narrowing; in 2 procedures, the residual stenosis was mild (10–20%). Neurological deterioration occurred after three procedures (7.7%), with minor nondisabling stroke in two and death from intracranial hemorrhage in one.

CONCLUSION:
If deemed necessary and in certain circumstances, early CAS seems to be safe after acute ischemic stroke if infarction volume is small and neurological deficit is mild.
Xanthogranuloma of the Sciatic Nerve: Case Report
Authors: Patil Parag G. , Cummings Thomas J. , Nunley James A. , Friedman Allan H. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:
Xanthogranulomas involving the central or peripheral nervous system are extraordinarily rare. None have been reported in the lower extremity. Here, we report and characterize the first case of xanthogranuloma of the sciatic nerve.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 58-year-old woman presented with poorly localized right back and groin pain. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed an enhancing lesion of the sciatic nerve in the right gluteal region.

INTERVENTION:
The sciatic nerve xanthogranuloma was resected without complication.

CONCLUSION:
Our report indicates that xanthogranuloma, although extremely rare, may occur throughout the nervous system. Our evaluation demonstrates that such lesions involving the peripheral nervous system have similar pathological characteristics to xanthogranulomas that more commonly occur in the skin.
Metabolism of normothermic woodchucks during prolonged fasting
Authors: Reidy Shannon P. , Weber Jean-Michel 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThe energy metabolism of hibernators has not been characterized for normothermic fasting, and our goal was to quantify oxidative fuel selection of non-hibernating woodchucks Marmota monax during prolonged food deprivation. Indirect calorimetry and nitrogen excretion measurements were used to assess changes in metabolic rate(V̇O2), fuel selection and composition of nitrogen wastes, as well as seasonal differences. For reference, matching experiments were also performed on rabbits. The results show that woodchucks have a higher metabolic rate in summer (271μmol O2 kg-1 min-1) than in spring (200μmol O2 kg-1 min-1) and that fasting-induced metabolic depression is only possible in summer (-25% in 14 days). The metabolic rate of rabbits is high at all times (383 μmol O2 kg-1 min-1), but they show a more rapid depression in response to fasting (-32% in 7 days). Woodchucks have a naturally low reliance on proteins in the fed state (accounting for 8%V̇O2 in spring;17% V̇O2 in summer; vs 28%V̇O2 in rabbits)and are able to decrease it even further during fasting (spring, 5%V̇O2; summer, 6%V̇O2; vs20% V̇O2 in rabbits). This study shows that, apart from their notorious capacity for hibernation, woodchucks are particularly well adapted for normothermic fasting. Their ability to cope with prolonged food deprivation is based on a series of integrated responses eliciting deep metabolic depression and a rapid change in fuel selection to spare limited protein reserves. Information presently available on prolonged fasting suggests that such an ability for metabolic depression, possibly down to minimal levels still compatible with normothermic life, may be common among mammals. In contrast, the extreme protein sparing demonstrated in woodchucks is a unique metabolic feature of fasting champions.