bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular and molecular mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an overview
Authors: Di Stefano A. , Caramori G. , Ricciardolo F. L. M. , Capelli A. , Adcock I. M. , Donner C. F. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryIn the last decade, the analysis of bronchial biopsies and lung parenchyma obtained from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients compared with those from smokers with normal lung function and non‐smokers has provided new insights on the role of the different inflammatory and structural cells, their signalling pathways and mediators, contributing to a better knowledge of the pathogenesis of COPD. This review summarizes and discusses the lung pathology of COPD patients with emphasis on inflammatory cell phenotypes that predominate in different clinical conditions. In bronchial biopsies, a cascade of events takes place during progression from mild‐to‐severe disease. T lymphocytes, particularly CD8+ cells and macrophages are the prevalent inflammatory cells in the lung of healthy smokers and patients with mild COPD, while total and activated neutrophils predominate in severe COPD. The number of CD4+, CD8+ cells and macrophages expressing nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), STAT‐4 and IFN‐γ proteins as well as endothelial adhesion molecule‐1 in endothelium is increased in mild/moderate disease. In contrast, activated neutrophils (MPO+ cells) and increased nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity develops in severe COPD. In bronchial biopsies obtained during COPD exacerbations, some studies have shown an increased T cell and granulocyte infiltration. Regular treatment with high doses of inhaled glucocorticoids does not significantly change the number of inflammatory cells in bronchial biopsies from patients with moderate COPD. The profile in lung parenchyma is similar to bronchial biopsies. ‘Healthy’ smokers and mild/moderate diseased patients show increased T lymphocyte infiltration in the peripheral airways. Pulmonary emphysema is associated with a general increase of inflammatory cells in the alveolar septa. The molecular mechanisms driving the lymphocyte and neutrophilic prevalence in mild and severe disease, respectively, needs to be extensively studied. Up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory transcription factors NF‐κB and STAT‐4 in mild, activated epithelial and endothelial cells in the more severe disease may contribute to this differential prevalence of infiltrating cells.
A case–control study of dietary and erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in asthma
Authors: Broadfield E. C. , McKeever T. M. , Whitehurst A. , Lewis S. A. , Lawson N. , Britton J. , Fogarty A. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryBackground
Epidemiological evidence suggests that increased dietary ω‐6 and reduced ω‐3 fatty acid intake, may have contributed to the rising prevalence of asthma, but these hypotheses have not been tested in studies comparing both dietary intake and objective measures of polyunsaturated fatty acids.Objective
To assess whether a higher intake of ω‐6 or a lower intake of ω‐3 fatty acids increases the risk of asthma, by measuring dietary fatty acid intake by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and erythrocyte membrane fatty acids, as an objective biomarker of intake.Methods
We have compared individual fatty acid intake estimated by FFQ and by mass spectrometry of fasting erythrocyte cell membranes in 89 cases of asthma and 89 community‐matched controls.Results
The odds of asthma were increased in relation to intake of the ω‐3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (odds ratio (OR) for difference between the 25th and 75th centiles of intake=1.89, 95% CI 1.15–3.11) and docosahexaenoic acid (OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.19–3.74). There was no evidence of any difference in erythrocyte membrane levels of ω‐3 fatty acids, while the odds of asthma were reduced in relation to linoleic acid (ω‐6) membrane levels (OR=0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.95).Conclusion
These findings suggest that dietary ω‐3 fatty acids do not play a major role in protecting against asthma, and that higher levels of erythrocyte membrane linoleic acid are associated with a lower risk of asthma.
Increase in urinary leukotriene B4 glucuronide concentration in patients with aspirin‐intolerant asthma after intravenous aspirin challenge
Authors: Mita H. , Higashi N. , Taniguchi M. , Higashi A. , Akiyama K. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryBackground
Aspirin challenge of aspirin‐intolerant asthma (AIA) patients causes a significant increase in leukotriene E4 (LTE4) concentration in urine. However, knowledge on leukotriene B4 (LTB4) generation in patients with AIA is insufficient. Recent research has demonstrated that exogenously administered LTB4 is excreted as glucuronide into the urine in human healthy subjects.Objective
The purpose of this study is to estimate urinary LTB4 glucuronide (LTBG) concentration in the clinically stable condition in healthy subjects and asthmatic patients and to investigate changes in urinary LTBG concentration in patients with AIA after aspirin challenge.Methods
A provocation test was performed by intravenous aspirin challenge. After urine was hydrolysed by β‐glucuronidase, the fraction containing LTB4 was purified by high‐performance liquid chromatography and LTB4 concentration was quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Urinary LTBG concentration was calculated as the difference between the concentration obtained with hydrolysis and that without hydrolysis.Results
(1) After hydrolysis, the presence of urinary LTB4 was verified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐selected ion monitoring. (2) The urinary LTBG concentration was significantly higher in the asthmatic patients than in the healthy subjects (median, 5.37 pg/mg creatinine [range 1.2–13] vs. 3.32 pg/mg creatinine [range, 0.14–10.5], P=0.0159). (3) The patients with AIA (n=7), but not those with aspirin‐tolerant asthma (n=6), showed significant increases in LTBG and LTE4 excretions after aspirin challenge. (4) When the concentrations after aspirin challenge were analysed simultaneously, a significant linear correlation was observed between urinary LTBG concentration and urinary LTE4 concentration in patients with AIA (Spearman's rank correlation test, r=0.817, P=0.0003).Conclusion
LTBG is present in human urine, albeit at a concentration lower than urinary LTE4. In addition to a marked increase in cysteinyl‐leukotriene production, aspirin challenge induced LTB4 production in AIA patients.
An evaluation of a GP out‐of‐hours service: meeting patient expectations of care
Authors: Thompson Kate , Parahoo Kader , Farrell Brid 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground  The reorganized out‐of‐hours general practitioner (GP) service, resulting in the creation of out‐of‐hours cooperatives has been widely welcomed by the medical profession. However, GP satisfaction remains only one aspect of this reorganized service and patients’ views and levels of satisfaction must have a contribution to make to the organization and delivery of the service.Aim  To assess patient satisfaction at two out‐of‐hours cooperatives in Northern Ireland.Method  A sample of 4466 patients contacting the out‐of‐hours service was surveyed by postal questionnaires using a previously validated patient satisfaction instrument. Results  Patients who initially requested to be seen at the out‐of‐hours centre were more likely to receive the contact they requested than those who requested telephone advice or a home visit. Only 41.8% of patients requesting a home visit actually received one. Patients were generally satisfied with the service provided and most satisfied with the ‘doctor's manner’ and the ‘explanation and advice’ received. Patients who received the contact they initially requested were more satisfied with all aspects of the service than other patients. The type of contact actually received had little effect on the satisfaction levels reported by patients who received the contact they initially requested.Conclusion  The population should be made fully aware of the services provided by out‐of‐hours cooperatives to enable them to have realistic expectations. With realistic expectations, patients are more likely to receive the medical contact they request and consequently will be more satisfied with the service provided. High satisfaction level is an important outcome measure of any out‐of‐hours service as it increases patient confidence and compliance and ultimately clinical outcome.
Histopathological studies of bacterial haemorrhagic ascites of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis (Temminck & Schlegel)
Authors: Kobayashi T , Imai M , Ishitaka Y , Kawaguchi Y 
Published: August 2004

AbstractA histopathological study was carried out on ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis, with bacterial haemorrhagic ascites. The fish were obtained from culture ponds in Wakayama Prefecture in 2003. The causative agent was identified as Pseudomonas plecoglossicida by a slide agglutination test using anti‐P. plecoglossicida FPC941 serum. Histopathological studies revealed lesions in spleen, kidney, liver, intestine, heart and gills. Lesions in the spleen and haematopoietic tissue were prominent and invaded by P. plecoglossicida. Necrotic lesions accompanied by haemorrhage, fibrin deposition and oedema occurred in the splenic pulp and sheathed tissue, and in the kidney. The liver also had necrotic lesions and abscess formations. However, the intestine, heart and gills were only slightly invaded by P. plecoglossicida. No lesions or bacteria were observed in the brain.
Nodavirus infections in Israeli mariculture
Authors: Ucko M , Colorni A , Diamant A 
Published: August 2004

AbstractViral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) infections were diagnosed in five fish species: Epinephelus aeneus, Dicentrarchus labrax, Sciaenops ocellatus, Lates calcarifer and Mugil cephalus cultured on both the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts of Israel during 1998–2002. Spongiform vacuolation of nervous tissue was observed in histological sections of all examined species. With transmission electron microscopy, paracrystalline arrays and pieces of membrane‐associated non‐enveloped virions measuring approximately 30 nm in diameter were observed in the brain and retina of all species. At the molecular level, the nodavirus was detected by using a primer set that amplified the T4 region of the coat protein gene. When the same set of primers was used to search for VER in an additional fish species, Sparus aurata, it was found to produce non‐specific amplicons, giving rise to false‐positive results. This problem was overcome by using a different primer set (F1/VR3), designed on a highly conserved region of the virus gene, which amplified a fragment of 254 bp, and confirmed that S. aurata was nodavirus‐free. This set was validated on all five species of infected fish, as well as clinically healthy fish. Comparison of the coat protein genes from the Israeli isolated sequences indicated that more than one viral strain was involved. No strict host‐specificity was evident. Red Sea and Mediterranean isolated sequences grouped in distinct clusters, together with several foreign isolates from the Mediterranean area and the Far East, as phylogenetically close to the Epinephelus akaara RGNNV type.
Lichen planus induced by hepatitis B vaccination: a new case and review of the literature
Authors: Calista Donato , Morri Massimo 
Published: August 2004

Case ReportIn May 1996, as part of his routine antihepatitis B (hepB) vaccination plan, a 28‐year‐old HbsAg‐negative man, hospital worker, received his first dose (20 µg) of a recombinant vaccine (EngerixB‐B, Smith Kline and Beecham, Belgium), administered via deltoid injection. The patient was otherwise healthy and taking no medication. Thirty days after the 2nd booster dose, several pruritic, polygonal, purple, papules appeared on the volar aspect of the patient's wrists. New lesions gradually spread to the arms and trunk (Fig. 1). The clinical diagnosis of lichen planus (LP) was confirmed by histology, which revealed hyperorthokeratosis, hypergranulosis, vacuolar degeneration of the basal layer cells and a dense, band‐like lymphocytic infiltrate in the superficial dermis. The disease started to heal after treatment with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% and sun exposure during the following summer. Five days after the 3rd booster dose, in November 1996, the dermatosis relapsed on the forearms, trunk, and legs. On that occasion, routine laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, blood chemistry and liver function tests, were within normal limits. Screening serologic tests for autoantibodies including antinuclear antibodies, antidouble‐stranded DNA, anti‐SS‐A, anti‐SS‐B and anti‐Sm were all negative. As a result of the inadequate levels of antihepatitis B antibodies, less than 10 IU/l in May 1998, in a high‐risk patient who was frequently exposed to blood and its products, an additional booster dose was performed. Three days later a new recurrence of disseminated lichen planus occurred. The patient was successfully treated with prednisone 1 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. There was no recurrence the following year.Polygonal, violet, brownish papules scattered on the trunkimage
Bioavailability of betamethasone dipropionate when combined with calcipotriol
Authors: Traulsen Jette 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground  Calcipotriol and corticosteroids are commonly used treatments for psoriasis vulgaris, each with different mechanisms of action. The two agents have shown combined action, but current formulations do not permit simultaneous application. Daivobet® (LEO Pharma, Denmark) ointment contains calcipotriol and the corticosteroid, betamethasone dipropionate. Such a formulation may provide convenience and enhanced activity compared with separate applications, but it is essential that the biological activity and bioavailability of either active agent is not adversely affected by the other component.Objective  his study was designed to determine whether the bioavailability of the corticosteroid component of Daivobet® was equivalent to that in a corticosteroid‐only formulation (Diprosone®, Schering‐Plough Laboratories, France).Method  A vasoconstrictor assay measuring skin blanching was used to determine bioequivalence.Result  Skin blanching measured either by objective chromametric measurement or visual assessment showed Daivobet® to be equivalent to Diprosone®.Conclusion  The data indicate that the steroid component of Daivobet® is not unfavorably affected by the calcipotriol.
Complex intracerebral pathology in a child with epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria
Authors: Weber Peter , Gianinazzi Maria‐Pia , Bolz Dieter 
Published: August 2004

We report the case of a boy with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica mutilans Hallopeau‐Siemens (EBDM) (Fig. 1) confirmed by immunohistochemistry, although no mutation of the collagen VII gene (COL7A1) was detected in a recent analysis (pers. comm., Professor L. Bruckner‐Tuderman, Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany).Old and new lesions of the skin in the patient with epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria dystrophica mutilans Hallopeau‐SiemensimageAt the age of 9 years, the boy suffered from transitory weakness of the left arm. Some weeks later, after a period of 3 days with right‐sided hemisyndrome and motor aphasia, he was admitted to our hospital. Cranial computed tomography 96 h after the onset of the symptoms revealed bilateral frontotemporal cortical atrophy, left‐sided parietal hypodensity, and lacunae located frontally and in the basal ganglia on the right side. Magnetic resonance angiography (angio‐MRI) showed severe stenosis and occlusions of several large vessels in the basal region of the brain (Fig. 2), compatible with moyamoya syndrome. Transcranial Doppler examination suggested small cortical and meningeal arteries forming a marked collateral circulation. With the exception of anemia (hemoglobin 3.4 g/dL), all routine laboratory tests, including analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, various serologic examinations for infective agents, investigations for systemic lupus erythematosus, and coagulation parameters, yielded results within the normal range. Only antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLa) were elevated [ antibeta2‐glycoprotein‐1 IgA 116 U/mL (normal < 10 U/mL), with IgG and IgM negative; antihistone antibodies 129 U/mL (normal < 20 U/mL); anticardiolipin IgG and IgA slightly elevated (IgG 29.2 U/mL, normal < 10 U/mL; IgA 18.2 U/mL, normal < 10 U/mL); lupus anticoagulant negative]. Echocardiography revealed no pathologic findings.Angio‐MRI with signs of stenosis of the left internal carotid artery, the right internal carotid artery, the right middle cerebral artery, and the right anterior cerebral arteryimageAfter 4 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a progression of the cerebrovascular process with complete occlusion of the left internal carotid artery and left anterior cerebral artery as well as more ischemic lesions and secondary hemorrhages despite treatment with acetylsalicylic acid at a dose of 100 mg per day. At that time the right‐sided paresis and motor aphasia were stable and no further neurologic failures were observed. In a further MRI control after 1 year, an infratentorial brain stem tumor was detected in addition (Fig. 3). For ethical reasons no biopsy was performed. Follow‐up controls documented a very slow growth of the tumor, resulting in the tentative diagnosis of a low‐grade astrocytoma. The patient's health gradually improved over the next 2 years. No further strokes were observed.T2‐weighted MRI with cerebral lesion in the left cortex and infiltratively growing brain stem tumor (arrows)image
Intravascular metastatic melanoma of the vena saphena magna
Authors: Saint‐Cyr Isabelle , Boisseau‐Garsaud Anne‐Marie , Pont Frédéric , Cales‐Quist Danielle , Helenon Raymond , Chinyavong Thao 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground  Melanoma blood vessel metastases are very uncommon. We report the first recorded case of intravascular metastatic melanoma of the vena saphena magna.Case report  A 74‐year‐old woman presented with a swelling of the upper third of her left thigh and was suspected of superficial thrombophlebitis. Two intravascular black masses were excised in the vena saphena magna. Histopathologic examination showed an endovascular metastatic melanoma positively staining for HMB45 and S‐100 proteins. Acral‐lentiginous melanoma of her big toe was then found. Subcutaneous lymph node and chest metastases were discovered and treatment with dacarbazine was initiated, followed by treatment with fotemustine. The patient died 21 months after the diagnosis was made.Conclusions  Only a few cases of blood vessel metastatic melanoma have been reported. We here report the first recorded case, to our knowledge, of intravascular metastatic melanoma of the vena saphena magna. Surgical exploration allowed rapid diagnosis, and histological examination confirmed the intravascular nature of a hematogenous melanoma metastasis. This case clearly illustrates the need for histologic examination of any thrombotic material.
Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis
Authors: Rasi Abbas , Khatami Alireza 
Published: August 2004

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare cutaneous disorder characterized by recurrent cyclic eruptions with variable morphology occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. We report a case of a 40‐year‐old woman with recurrent pruritic eruptions of 8 years’ duration. The possibility of autoimmune progresterone dermatitis was raised because of the cyclic nature of the exacerbations. We used oral estrogen both to confirm the diagnosis and to treat the patient. A brief review of the clinical features of the disease is also presented.
Human T lymphotropic virus 1 and hepatitis C virus as risk factors for inflammatory dermatoses in HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Bonamigo Renan Rangel , Borges Karen , Rietjens Juliana , Arenzon Simone , Blanco Luiz Felipe , Loureiro Regina 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground  Dermatoses are common in HIV‐infected patients. Infections caused by human T lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also associated with dermatoses, and their coinfection with HIV has been described. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of HTLV‐1 and HCV in increasing the frequency of dermatological diseases in HIV‐positive patients.Methods  This cross‐sectional study included patients infected with HIV and dermatoses, who consulted the Service of Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the Health Department of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil. Their care included the taking of a history and a physical examination, complementary examinations for diagnostic purposes, HTLV‐1 and HCV serology, measurement of CD4 lymphocyte count and HIV viral load, and recording of the use of antiretroviral drugs.Results  One hundred and five HIV‐positive patients with dermatoses were evaluated. Positivity for HTLV‐1 occurred in 12 patients (12.5%) and that for HCV in 35 patients (38%). The most frequently found dermatoses were infectious and inflammatory in origin. A significant statistical association was found between HIV and HTLV‐1 coinfection, with dermatoses of inflammatory origin (P = 0.03; CI = 1.14–2.83).Conclusions  It is important to consider the high rate of positivity for HTLV‐1 and HCV in the HIV‐positive patients (12.5 and 38%, respectively). A higher risk of inflammatory dermatoses is found in patients who are simultaneously positive for HTLV‐1 and HIV, indicating the possible importance of this coinfection in the development or worsening of certain dermatological diseases.
A protocol for oral desensitization in children with IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy
Authors: Meglio P. , Bartone E. , Plantamura M. , Arabito E. , Giampietro P. G. 
Published: August 2004

Objectives: To desensitize children with severe immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated cow's milk allergy in a period of 6 months by introducing increasing daily doses of cow's milk (CM) in order to enable the child to assume 200 ml of CM daily, or to induce tolerance of the highest possible CM dose.Study design: Twenty‐one children at least 6 years old with severe IgE‐mediated CM allergy were admitted to the study. A convincing history of IgE‐mediated CM allergy or a positive double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge with CM confirmed the diagnosis. Oral desensitization was performed with increasing doses starting from 0.06 mg of CM proteins.Results: Overall, 15 of 21 children (71.4%) achieved the daily intake of 200 ml during a 6‐month period; three of 21 children (14.3%) tolerated 40–80 ml/day of undiluted CM; three of 21 children (14.3%) failed the desensitization because they presented allergic symptoms after ingesting minimal amounts of diluted CM.Conclusions: We successfully desensitized 15 of 21 children with severe IgE‐mediated CM allergy in a period of 6 months. We stress the importance of the partial outcome in those three of 21 children who could not reach the maximum amount of 200 ml/day of whole CM, but were able to tolerate 40–80 ml/day of CM. In this way we dramatically reduced the risk of severe reactions after accidental or unnoticed introduction of low quantities of CM. We do not propose generalizing this method beyond trained staff.