bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Europeans and the Nation State
Authors: Martinotti Guido , Stefanizzi Sonia 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis chapter examines the relationship between public perceptions of government legitimacy (or satisfaction with democratic performance) at the national level and those at the supranational level, namely support for the European Community. The results are complex and not straightforward, and reveal a wide range of historical and contextual factors. From this perspective, the legitimacy of internationalized governance depends as much on what happens within nation states as on what happens between them.
A case of chromomycosis caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi and a review of reported cases of dematiaceous fungal infection in Japan
Authors: Kondo M. , Hiruma M. , Nishioka Y. , Mayuzumi N. , Mochida K. , Ikeda S. , Ogawa H. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryWe report a case of chromomycosis caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi that developed in the left buttock of a 63‐year‐old female farmer. About 4 years ago, the patient developed erythema in the left buttock, which gradually spread. At the first consultation, we noted a well‐defined, red‐brown, infiltrated erythematous plaque (8 × 6 cm). Histopathological examination revealed a granulomatous lesion, containing sclerotic cells, associated with giant cells in the upper dermis. The causative fungus was difficult to identify due to low conidiogenesis, but was eventually identified by slide culture as F. pedrosoi. Excision and skin graft were performed, and no recurrence has been observed after 2 years. In Japan, 212 cases of dematiaceous fungal infection were reported in the period from 1982 to 2001. The causative fungus was F. pedrosoi in the majority of cases (126/212; 66%), followed by Exophiala jeanselmei (36/212; 19%). Similar incidence of dematiaceous fungal infection was reported in male and female patients. The upper limbs were affected most frequently in both male and female patients. Ten cases were associated with visceral lesions.
Scutular tinea of the scrotum: report of two cases
Authors: Prochnau Auro , De Almeida Hiram Larangeira , Souza Paulo Ricardo Martins , Vetoratto Gerson , Duquia Rodrigo Pereira , Defferrari Rafael 
Published: April 2005

SummaryInfections caused by dermathophytes in the scrotal skin are uncommon especially due to Microsporum gypseum, which may form scutular or favus‐like lesions. We report two patients with this type of tinea: one immune suppressed by HIV infection and another immunocompetent without comorbidity. In the literature we found only two reports in immunocompetent patients and some in immune suppressed with similar symptoms.
Modelling skin disease: Lessons from the worlds of mathematics, physics and computer science
Authors: Gilmore Stephen 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYTheoretical biology is a field that attempts to understand the complex phenomena of life in terms of mathematical and physical principles. Likewise, theoretical medicine employs mathematical arguments and models as a methodology in approaching the complexities of human disease. Naturally, these concepts can be applied to dermatology. There are many possible methods available in the theoretical investigation of skin disease. A number of examples are presented briefly. These include the mathematical modelling of pattern formation in congenital naevi and erythema gyratum repens, an information‐theoretic approach to the analysis of genetic networks in autoimmunity, and computer simulations of early melanoma growth. To conclude, an analogy is drawn between the behaviour of well‐known physical processes, such as earthquakes, and the spatio‐temporal evolution of skin disease. Creating models in skin disease can lead to predictions that can be investigated experimentally or by observation and offer the prospect of unexpected or important insights into pathogenesis.
Liposuction for axillary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Lee Michael R , Ryman William J 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYExcessive axillary sweating is a common problem for which many patients frequently seek dermatological advice. The removal of axillary sweat glands using liposuction with tumescent anaesthesia in an outpatient setting is a relatively short and simple procedure with few complications, as seen in this case series. We present 10 patients treated with axillary liposuction under tumescent anaesthesia. Of the 10 patients treated, four relapsed with axillary hyperhidrosis and required additional liposuction to the same area. The longest time to relapse was 15 months, with 4 months being the shortest time. Six patients have not required additional liposuction, with 7 years being the longest time of remission. The complications reported were bruising in the axillae of two patients and relapse of hyperhidrosis in four patients.
Photo‐onycholysis due to sparfloxacin
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K , Sharma Nand Lal 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYThis paper describes a case of sparfloxacin‐induced photodermatitis associated with photo‐onycholysis in a 36‐year‐old man. He was being treated with sparfloxacin, streptomycin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide for pulmonary tuberculosis. He developed an exaggerated sunburn‐like rash over the face and the dorsa of hands and feet, and painful onycholysis of finger‐ and toe‐nails. Withdrawal of sparfloxacin resulted in resolution of the skin rash and nail tenderness.
Atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Sinovich Vania , Hollowood Kevin , Burge Susan 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYA 48‐year‐old woman presented with a 20‐year history of an asymptomatic depressed atrophic plaque on the abdomen. Five years earlier a punch biopsy of the same lesion had been carried out and a diagnosis of dermatofibroma was made. She was reassured and discharged. Further consultation was sought due to extension and thickening of the lesion. Re‐examination of the initial and new incisional biopsy specimens, along with histochemical staining for CD34, established the diagnosis of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. A wide local excision was carried out. There has been no recurrence at 9 months of follow up.
Rare complication of Q fever vaccination
Authors: Fairweather Peta , O'Rourke Thomas , Strutton Geoffrey 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYA 32‐year‐old woman with a past history of malignant melanoma presented with a lump in the upper left arm that was excised. Histological examination revealed a granulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis that proved to be a rare reaction to Q fever vaccination.
Men's experiences of vasectomy in the Brazilian Public Health Service
Authors: Manhoso F. R. , Hoga L. A. K. 
Published: April 2005

Background  Vasectomy was legalized in Brazil in 1996 and is freely available in some public health institutions. Nevertheless, the prevalence of vasectomy is less than 4.4%, demonstrating how rarely this contraceptive resource is used. The promotion of greater male involvement in reproductive health was one of the recommendations of the Cairo International Conference of Population and Development (ICPD).Research objective  To describe the experiences of a group of men who had had vasectomy.Method  The thematic oral history method was used. Twenty men vasectomized in a Sao Paolo State Health Service Clinic were interviewed. Each tape‐recorded narrative was analysed through transcription, textualization, and transcreation, a process used to transform the oral history into written narrative form. From each narrative a ‘vital tone’ was extracted, revealing the essence of the individual experience. All the data were analysed under an inductive and interpretative process. The similarities among histories were identified, and submitted to a process of reduction in order to develop descriptive categories.Results  The following descriptive categories were developed from the men's experiences: Misconceptions regarding vasectomy that were overcome after hearing positive results expressed by other men; Vasectomy was the last solution for a couple's troubles related to contraceptive methods; Satisfaction related to professional support received during the process of searching for a method and deciding upon vasectomy; Satisfaction was the main feeling expressed following vasectomy and they recommended this contraceptive method to other men; Men's behaviours towards postvasectomy control was divergent despite the professional guidance.Conclusions  An integrated public policy is required to promote male involvement in reproductive health. Family planning programmes must be meaningful socioculturally and the inclusion of men in these programmes is recommended. The use of anonymized videotaped narratives or the recruitment of the men themselves during counselling about this method would be helpful for the resolution of reservations related to vasectomy. All the interviewed men expressed satisfaction with vasectomy and this feeling was mainly based on the certainty of the preservation of sexual performance.Limitations  A third of those invited for interview did not attend.
Effects of age and suckling on chymosin and pepsin activities in abomasums of goat kids
Authors: ZHANG FU‐XIN , CHEN JIN‐PING , YANG FENG , LI LIN‐QIANG 
Published: April 2005

The effects of age and suckling on the chymosin and pepsin activities in abomasums of goat kids were studied using column chromatography. The results showed that the chymosin activity in abomasums of suckling kids at 5 days of age was significantly greater than other age groups (P < 0.01); chymosin activity of random suckling kids decreased with increasing age (P < 0.01); chymosin activity of weaned kids gradually decreased from 10 to 20 days (P < 0.01), and then remained unchanged (P < 0.05); pepsin activity showed a trend of increasing with the advance of age. For kids of the same age, the chymosin activity in the suckling group ranked the highest, the random suckling group the second, and the weaned group the last, but the pepsin activity was in reverse order.
Adeno‐associated virus‐mediated gene transfer of human aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase protects mixed striatal primary cultures from l‐DOPA toxicity
Authors: Doroudchi Mohammad M. , Liauw Jason , Heaton Krista , Zhen Zhu , Forsayeth John R. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAlthough l‐DOPA is the drug of choice for Parkinson's disease, prolonged l‐DOPA therapy results in decreased drug effectiveness and the appearance of motor complications. This may be due in part to the progressive loss of the enzyme, aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). We have developed an adeno‐associated virus vector (AAV–hAADC) that contains human AADC cDNA under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. Infusion of this vector into the striatum of parkinsonian rats and monkeys improves l‐DOPA responsiveness by improving AADC‐mediated conversion of l‐DOPA to dopamine. This is now the basis of a proposed therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease. A key concern has been that over‐production of dopamine in striatal neurons could cause dopamine toxicity. To investigate this possibility in a controlled system, mixed striatal primary rat neuronal cultures were prepared. Exposure of cultures to high concentrations of l‐DOPA induced the following changes: cell death in nigral and striatal neurons, aggregation of neurofilaments and focal axonal swellings, abnormal expression of DARPP‐32, and activation of astroglia and microglial cells. Transduction of cultures with AAV–hAADC resulted in efficient and sustained neuronal expression of the AADC protein and prevented all the l‐DOPA‐induced toxicities. The protective effects were due primarily to AADC‐dependent conversion of l‐DOPA to dopamine and an increase in induction of vesicular monoamine transporter resulting in dopamine storage in cultured cells. These results suggest a neuroprotective role for AADC gene transfer against l‐DOPA toxicity.
Interference of CREB‐dependent transcriptional activation by expanded polyglutamine stretches – augmentation of transcriptional activation as a potential therapeutic strategy for polyglutamine diseases
Authors: Shimohata M. , Shimohata T. , Igarashi S. , Naruse S. , Tsuji S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractOn the basis of the hypothesis that the interaction of mutant proteins with expanded polyglutamine stretches with transcriptional co‐activator, TAFII130, leads to transcriptional dysregulation, the transcriptional activation of c‐Fos and its suppression by expanded polyglutamine stretches was investigated. The phosphorylation of cAMP‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) and induction of c‐Fos in response to cAMP were strongly suppressed in Neuro2a cells expressing expanded polyglutamine. The suppression of CREB‐dependent transcriptional activation was reversibly rescued by increasing the concentration of cAMP. Expanded polyglutamine‐induced cytotoxicity was also substantially suppressed by augmenting CREB‐dependent transcriptional activation with a high concentration of cAMP. FR901228, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, was also demonstrated as rescuing the expanded polyglutamine‐induced suppression of CREB phosphorylation and c‐Fos expression. Furthermore, nuclear fragmentation was significantly suppressed by FR901228. The co‐expression of dominant‐negative CREB vectors considerably abrogated the suppressive effect of cAMP and FR901228 on the expanded polyglutamine‐induced nuclear fragmentation, suggesting that these compounds suppress polyglutamine‐induced cytotoxicity, largely, via the enhancement of CREB‐dependent transcriptional activation. These findings suggest that the interference of CREB‐dependent transcriptional activation by expanded polyglutamine stretches is involved in the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, and that the augmentation of CREB‐dependent transcriptional activation is a potential strategy in treating polyglutamine diseases.
Association of the −159 CD14 gene polymorphism and lack of association of the −308 TNFA and Q551R IL‐4RA polymorphisms with severe chronic periodontitis in Swedish Caucasians
Authors: Donati Mauro , Berglundh Tord , Hytönen Ann‐Marie , Hahn‐Zoric Mirjana , Hanson Lars‐Å. , Padyukov Leonid 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground: Severe forms of periodontitis are suggested to have a genetic basis.Objective: The aim of the present investigation was to study the association of gene polymorphisms related to some immune regulation components (G‐308A TNFA, Q551R IL‐4RA and C‐159T CD14) with severe chronic periodontitis.Materials and Methods: Sixty patients (aged 36–74 years; mean 54.5±8.5) with severe and generalized chronic periodontitis were included. The patients exhibited bone loss >50% at all teeth. Thirty‐nine periodontally healthy subjects between 35 and 78 years of age (mean 51.0±10.9) were recruited as controls. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells and genotyping was performed by combination of PCR and restriction endonuclease mapping.Results: While gene polymorphisms for TNFA and IL‐4RA did not show any association with severe chronic periodontitis, the analysis of the −159 CD14 gene polymorphism revealed significant differences between test and control groups. The proportion of subjects that exhibited the TT genotype was significantly smaller in the group with severe periodontitis than in periodontal healthy group (p=0.028; Fisher's exact test). The C allele carriage was 90% in the periodontitis group and significantly higher than in the healthy control group (72%).Conclusion: It is suggested that the −159 CD14 gene polymorphism is associated with chronic periodontitis in Caucasian subjects of a north European origin.
Clinical risk factors associated with incidence and progression of periodontal conditions in pregnant women
Authors: Moss Kevin L. , Beck James D. , Offenbacher Steven 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectives: Few large studies have investigated the progression of periodontal conditions during pregnancy in a comprehensive manner. This study aimed to identify clinical factors that were predictive of incidence/progression of periodontal measures in pregnant women adjusting for relevant predictors.Material and Methods: Periodontal examinations were conducted on 891 pregnant women prior to 26 weeks gestational age and within 48 h after delivery. Gingivitis/periodontitis incidence/progression (GPIP) was defined as four plus sites with 2+ mm increase in probing depth (PD) that resulted in PD of at least 4 mm at delivery. Multivariable models including relevant clinical variables and significant covariates were developed.Results: While several clinical measures were significantly associated with the outcome, having 10% of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) and four plus sites with PD 4 mm (PD4) were the best two predictors of GPIP (odds ratio (OR)=2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.8–4.2; OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.4–2.9, respectively), adjusting for maternal race, age, enrollment weight, smoking during pregnancy, marital status, food stamp eligibility, and private health insurance. Multivariable models assessed the impact of BOP on the PD4–GPIP relationship. PD4 was significant in the presence of BOP (low BOP OR=1.3, 95% CI=0.5–3.3; high BOP OR=3.0, 95% CI=2.2–4.3).Conclusions: Enrollment BOP and PD4 were significant predictors of PD in pregnant women, however; PD4 is only a predictor with BOP.
Implant therapy in partially edentulous, periodontally compromised patients: a review
Authors: Van der Weijden G. A. , Van Bemmel K. M. , Renvert S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAim: The purpose of the present study was to perform a review using a systematic approach to evaluate the long‐term (5 years) success of implants placed in partially edentulous patients with a history of periodontitis as evidenced by loss of supporting bone and implant loss.Material & Methods: An electronic search of the National Library of Medicine, Washington DC (Medline‐PubMed) was performed using specific search terms to identify studies assessing, in periodontitis patients, the success of implants with regard to bone level outcomes. Search was performed on abstracts registered up to October 2003.Results: The searches identified 877 abstracts. Titles and abstracts were independently screened by two reviewers (G.A.W. & K.M.B.) to identify publications that met the inclusion criteria. Review of these abstracts resulted in 13 publications for detailed review. These papers were reviewed by the three authors. Finally four papers which met the criteria of eligibility were independently selected by the three reviewers.Conclusion: Based on the limited data, it seems justified to conclude that the outcome of implant therapy in periodontitis patients may be different compared to individuals without such a history as evidenced by loss of supporting bone and implant loss.
ANALYZING DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF LARGE-SCALE SYSTEMS THROUGH MODEL TRANSFORMATION
Authors: SHIN MICHAEL E. , LEVIS ALEXANDER H. , WAGENHALS LEE W. , KIM DAE-SIK 
Published: April 2005

This paper describes model transformation for analyzing dynamic behavior of large-scale systems. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) based system model is transformed into the Colored Petri Nets (CPN) model, which is used for analyzing the scenarios of the use cases of a system and checking freedom of system deadlock at an early stage of software development. The CPN model that is executable is hierarchically structured on the basis of the functional decomposition of a large-scale system. The UML-based system model consisting of the use case model, class model and collaboration model is not executable so that the dynamic behavior of the system cannot be analyzed until implementation of the system. However, the UML-based system model has no hierarchical structure to be transformed into the hierarchical CPN model as well. The discrepancies of dynamic and structural views in the two models are resolved by transformation of the UML model into the layered, executable CPN model with three layers — the use case layer, object layer and operation layer. The model transformation is carried out using relationships among the use case model, class model, and collaboration model of the UML. With the executable CPN model transformed, the dynamic properties of the system are analyzed using the simulation technique, occurrence graph, and state space report provided by the Design/CPN tool. The approach in this paper is validated through two case studies — the gas station system and the distributed factory automation system.
Prevalence of venous thromboembolism at a teaching hospital in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Tokuda Yasuharu , Narita Masashi , Kitazono Hidetaka , Ito Hiroki , Seto Todd , Sumida Kenneth , Gelber Rebecca , Lim Hwee 
Published: April 2005

SummaryLimited data suggest that Asian Americans may have a lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than Caucasians. However, the actual prevalence of VTE among Asians remains controversial, and has not been described in Japan. We studied all 131,060 patients hospitalized at a single medical centre in Japan (January 1987 – December 1999). Patients with VTE were identified through discharge diagnoses. Hospital records were reviewed for information on patient demographics, risk factors, and diagnostic modalities. VTE occurred in 0.11% of admissions (n=141, 95%CI 0.09–0.13%). Mean age (±SD) was 64±17 years, 70% were women, 91% had deep vein thrombosis, and 29% pulmonary embolism. Among hospitalized patients 50–69 years old, VTE was significantly more common among women than men (0.31% vs. 0.08%; OR 3.88; 95%CI 1.45–6.31). We found a low prevalence of VTE in Japan compared to that reported in the US. Future studies are needed to clarify the reasons for our findings.
Lipoprotein (a) and other prothrombotic risk factors in Caucasian women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Krause Manuela , Sonntag Barbara , Klamroth Robert , Heinecke Achim , Scholz Carola , Langer Claus , Scharrer Inge , Greb Robert , von Eckardstein Arnold , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike 
Published: April 2005

SummaryFrom 1998 to 2003, 133 Caucasian women aged 17–40 years (median 29 years) suffering from unexplained recurrent miscarriage (uRM) were consecutively enrolled. In patients and 133 age-matched healthy controls prothrombotic risk factors (factor V (FV) G1691A, factor II (FII) G20210A, MTHFR T677T, 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, lipoprotein (Lp) (a), protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin (AT), antiphospholipid/anticardiolipin (APA/ACA) antibodies) as well as associated environmental conditions (smoking and obesity) were investigated. 70 (52.6%) of the patients had at least one prothrombotic risk factor compared with 26 control women (19.5%; p<0.0001). Body mass index (BMI; p=0.78) and smoking habits (p=0.44) did not differ significantly between the groups investigated. Upon univariate analysis the heterozygous FV mutation, Lp(a) > 30 mg/dL, increased APA/ACA and BMI > 25 kg/m2 in combination with a prothrombotic risk factor were found to be significantly associated with uRM. In multivariate analysis, increased Lp(a) (odds ratio (OR): 4.7/95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–10.7), the FV mutation (OR:3.8/CI:1.4–10.7), and increased APA/ACA (OR: 4.5/CI: 1.1–17.7) had independent associations with uRM.