bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The aetiology and management of irritant diaper dermatitis
Authors: Atherton D J 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTIrritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) is a common condition caused by the combination of wearing diapers, and incontinence of urine and faeces. The available evidence suggests that maceration of the stratum corneum by water increases susceptibility to frictional damage, and epidermal permeation of irritants. The most important irritants underlying IDD appear to be digestive enzymes persisting in faeces, particularly when these are activated by a high pH.
Cutaneous tolerance of baby wipes by infants with atopic dermatitis, and comparison of the mildness of baby wipe and water in infant skin
Authors: Ehretsmann C , Schaefer P , Adam R 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTTo confirm the safety and cutaneous tolerability of a new brand of baby wet wipes, we conducted the following clinical studies: (i) a double‐blind in‐use study in 102 infants over a period of 2 weeks, to compare skin tolerance of the wipes vs. water and a cleansing material (ii) a chamber scarification test on adults to assess the skin irritation potential of the baby wipe, and (iii) a 4‐week clinical in‐use study in 60 babies with atopic dermatitis, to confirm safety and skin tolerability in a sensitive skin subpopulation. In the clinical comparison with water and cleansing material, skin conditions were assessed visually for presence and severity of erythema and diaper dermatitis. The overall skin condition was not different in the group using wipes and in the group using only water and a cleansing material, indicating comparable skin mildness for both regimes. The chamber scarification test confirmed that the lotion contained in the wipe has a very low irritation potential, lower than that of a currently marketed baby wipe and comparable to that of water under occlusive patch test conditions. The good skin tolerance of the wipes was supported by the observations of a dermatologist in the clinical study in babies with atopic dermatitis. These data strongly support the suitability of the baby wipes tested in these studies for daily cleansing of the diapered area, even for infants with sensitive skin. These data also provide useful information regarding the comparative skin mildness of baby wipes and water.
Current issues in antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of acne
Authors: Leyden JJ 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis review summarizes current information regarding the use of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of patients with inflammatory acne. A number of drugs have been used effectively as topical or systemic therapy, often in combination with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. Propionibacterium acnes exhibits high in vitro sensitivity to a wide range of antimicrobials, including ampicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, nadifloxacin, ofloxacin, minocycline, cephalexin, and gentamycin. However, not all of these drugs are equally effective in penetrating the lipid‐filled microcomedo and reducing numbers of P. acnes in the skin. Antimicrobial therapy, particularly systemic treatment, may be complicated by the potential for drug–drug interactions. Historically, the potential for antimicrobials to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives has been a concern in the treatment of acne. However, there is evidence to suggest that such an interaction does not take place in patients being treated with the antimicrobials most often used in dermatological practice. Antimicrobial therapy for acne has also been complicated by the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains of P. acnes. Increasing P. acnes resistance can be combated by judicious use of retinoids in combination with antibiotics to reduce inflammation and infection, and employment of retinoids for maintenance therapy.
Evaluation of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal abdominal wall defects by 19 European registries
Authors: Barisic I. , Clementi M. , Häusler M. , Gjergja R. , Kern J. , Stoll C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the current effectiveness of routine prenatal ultrasound screening in detecting gastroschisis and omphalocele in Europe.DesignData were collected by 19 congenital malformation registries from 11 European countries. The registries used the same epidemiological methodology and registration system. The study period was 30 months (July 1st 1996–December 31st 1998) and the total number of monitored pregnancies was 690 123.ResultsThe sensitivity of antenatal ultrasound examination in detecting omphalocele was 75% (103/137). The mean gestational age at the first detection of an anomaly was 18 ± 6.0 gestational weeks. The overall prenatal detection rate for gastroschisis was 83% (88/106) and the mean gestational age at diagnosis was 20 ± 7.0 gestational weeks. Detection rates varied between registries from 25 to 100% for omphalocele and from 18 to 100% for gastroschisis. Of the 137 cases of omphalocele less than half of the cases were live births (n = 56; 41%). A high number of cases resulted in fetal deaths (n = 30; 22%) and termination of pregnancy (n = 51; 37%). Of the 106 cases of gastroschisis there were 62 (59%) live births, 13 (12%) ended with intrauterine fetal death and 31 (29%) had the pregnancies terminated.ConclusionsThere is significant regional variation in detection rates in Europe reflecting different policies, equipment and the operators' experience. A high proportion of abdominal wall defects is associated with concurrent malformations, syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities, stressing the need for the introduction of repeated detailed ultrasound examination as a standard procedure. There is still a relatively high rate of elective termination of pregnancies for both defects, even in isolated cases which generally have a good prognosis after surgical repair. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Color Doppler sonography of the lateral thoracic (breast‐feeding) arteries: a new approach to the diagnosis of breast disease?
Authors: Obwegeser R. , Berghammer P. , Lorenz K. , Auerbach L. , Kubista E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe main arteries to the breast are the lateral thoracic artery and to a lesser extent the internal thoracic artery. In this prospective open diagnostic study involving 94 women, we compared the intraindividual differences of Doppler indices in the lateral thoracic (breast‐feeding) artery of breasts affected by cancer with those unaffected by disease.MethodsSixty‐seven consecutive patients were recruited from an outpatient unit for breast surgery and 27 volunteers were studied who were known to be without any breast disease (controls). In each patient we attempted to obtain Doppler indices from the lateral thoracic artery of both breasts. The difference in Doppler indices in each individual was assessed and statistical analysis was performed to assess whether these differences were significantly altered in women with cancer compared to healthy women.ResultsLateral thoracic arteries could be visualized in 88% of the study population. Significantly lower values for pulsatility and resistance indices and systolic/diastolic ratios were obtained in the lateral thoracic arteries of breasts affected by cancer as compared to the contralateral breasts (1.73 ± 0.39 vs. 2.05 ± 0.47, P = 0.003; 0.78 ± 0.06 vs. 0.84 ± 0.06, P < 0.0001; 4.71 ± 1.24 vs. 6.75 ± 3.38, P = 0.0008, respectively). Using the intraindividual difference of pulsatility index, resistance index and systolic/diastolic ratio to screen for malignancy, sensitivities for breast cancer of 78%, 85% and 83%, respectively, were achieved. Depending on the cut‐off level, specificity reached 94%.ConclusionThe intraindividual difference in Doppler indices in women with breast cancer may be a useful test for the diagnosis of breast lesions. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternal left ventricular transverse and long‐axis systolic function during pregnancy
Authors: Kametas N. A. , McAuliffe F. , Cook B. , Nicolaides K. H. , Chambers J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesCircumferential fiber shortening has been the dominant basis for conventional analysis by echocardiography of left ventricular systolic function during pregnancy. Results in the literature have been conflicting due mainly to the fact that geometric assumptions for the calculation of these indices are made that may not be valid due to changes in left ventricular shape during pregnancy. Left ventricular long‐axis displacement is expected to be a useful index of systolic function, independent of the changes in left ventricular geometry. The aim of this study was to compare circumferential to long‐axis shortening during left ventricular contraction in pregnant women.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 125 pregnant women at 9–42 weeks of gestation and 19 non‐pregnant female controls. Two‐dimensional and M‐mode echocardiography of the left ventricle was performed including measurement of left ventricular long‐axis displacement and activation time on the lateral, septal, anterior and inferior sides of the mitral annulus. Activation time was assessed as the time from the start of the Q‐wave of the electrocardiogram to the onset of left ventricular long‐axis shortening.ResultsMean arterial pressure and activation time decreased during pregnancy, reaching a nadir at about 19 weeks' gestational age of 4% and 13%, respectively, below non‐pregnant values; they subsequently increased towards term. Left ventricular long‐axis displacement mirrored the changes in mean arterial pressure and activation time and increased with gestational age at all four sites of the atrioventricular plane reaching a peak at about 23 weeks (+ 12% compared to non‐pregnant levels). The ejection fraction and fractional shortening remained stable until 30 and 32 weeks, respectively, and then decreased towards term.ConclusionChanges in left ventricular long‐axis performance during pregnancy occur earlier than do measures of transverse function. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
The diagnostic implications of routine ultrasound examination in histologically confirmed early molar pregnancies
Authors: Sebire N. J. , Rees H. , Paradinas F. , Seckl M. , Newlands E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveEarly ultrasound examination is being used increasingly in the diagnosis of molar pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic implications of routine ultrasound examination for histologically confirmed molar pregnancies.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of sonographic and histological findings in a series of consecutive cases referred to the National Trophoblastic Disease Surveillance Centre with suspected molar pregnancies. In 194 cases referred to the center over a 6‐month period in whom results of a preceding ultrasound examination were documented, review of ultrasound findings and final histological diagnosis was carried out.ResultsThere were 155 cases with a reviewed histological diagnosis of complete or partial hydatidiform mole. In 131 (67%) cases, the sonographic diagnosis was that of a missed miscarriage/anembryonic pregnancy with no documented suspicion of molar pregnancy, referral being on the basis of histological examination of products of conception. In 63 cases, ultrasound examination suggested molar pregnancy; in 53 (84%) of these, the diagnosis of molar pregnancy was correct. Overall, 37 of 64 (58%) complete moles had sonographic evidence of molar pregnancy compared to 16 of 91 (17%) partial moles. Of 155 histologically confirmed complete or partial hydatidiform moles, only 53 (34%) were suspected as molar sonographically.ConclusionThe majority of cases of molar pregnancy now present as missed miscarriage/anembryonic pregnancy sonographically, highlighting the importance of histological examination to diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Genetic differentiation of Glossina morsitans centralis populations
Authors: Krafsur E. S. , Endsley M. A. , Wohlford D. L. , Griffiths N. T. , Allsopp R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractVariation at mitochondrial and microsatellite loci was used to study the breeding and dispersal structure of Glossina morsitans centralis, in six natural populations from Botswana, the Caprivi Strip (Namibia), Zambia, and in a laboratory culture derived from Singida, Tanzania. Only seven mitochondrial haplotypes were found. Mean diversity averaged over the six natural populations was 0.216 ± 0.085. The fixation index FST = 0.866 indicated a high degree of genetic differentiation among populations. Fifty‐three alleles were detected among six microsatellite loci and six natural populations. Mean microsatellite diversity was 0.702 ± 0.091. Depending on the estimating model used, fixation indices varied from 0.15 to 0.225 confirming that G. m. centralis populations are strongly subdivided. For all FST estimates, positive correlations were detected between pair‐wise genetic distance measures and geographical distances. The difference in fixation indices estimated from mitochondrial or nuclear loci was explained by the greater sensitivity of mitochondrial genomes to genetic drift. Population differentiation can be explained by genetic drift and the subsequent recovery of extant populations from small, discontinuous populations. These data confirm genetically the collapse and retreat of G. m. centralis populations caused by the rinderpest epizootic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the rDNA differentiates the bark beetle forest pests Tomicus destruens and T. piniperda
Authors: Gallego D. , Galián J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe bark beetles species Tomicus destruens and T. piniperda constitute one of the main pests of European and Asian forests. T. destruens has been thought to be the same species as T. piniperda by some authors. A rapid PCR‐based method using internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA has been developed in order to identifying these two species. We have studied differences in the size of the ITS1, and differences in the sequence and restriction patterns of the ITS2 in 75 individuals of both species. The results indicate a size difference of about 100 bp in the ITS1 of T. destruens and T. piniperda. The size of the ITS2 spacer is similar in both species (≈ 600 bp). However, the sequence is consistently different between T. destruens and T. piniperda in all populations analysed, showing some characteristic indels. Differences in the restriction target in both species for the enzymes HincII and DraI produce different band patterns in agarose NuSieve 5% gel electrophoresis. These data suggest the validity of T. destruens as a phylogenetically differentiated entity from T. piniperda. The phylogenetic analysis of a 789 bp fragment of the 3′ end of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) agrees with the two groupings obtained with the ITS2, showing a phylogenetic clustering rather than a phylogeographic structure.
Characterization of a cDNA encoding a cathepsin L‐like protein of Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Lopez‐Ordoñez T. , Rodriguez M. H. , de la Cruz Hernández‐Hernández F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe interaction of Rhodnius prolixus digestive enzymes with Trypanosoma cruzi could be important for parasite survival. We report herein the complete sequence of the messenger of a cathepsin L‐like molecule (RpCat). The cDNA has 5′‐ and 3′‐ end UTRs and a methionine codon that corresponds likely to a translation initiation codon. In the deduced amino acid sequence, a region corresponding to an ERFININ domain, diagnostic of L‐cathepsins, and a possible pro‐peptide cleavage site were observed. At the C‐terminus, a nine‐amino acid sequence, almost identical to a secretion signal of human cathepsin L was found. RpCat messenger was expressed in intestines of R. prolixus adults, and from 1st to 4th but not in 5th instar nymph stages. In a similarity analysis, RpCat was grouped with L cathepsins forming a clear group separate of the B cathepsins.
Structure and evolution of the mitochondrial DNA complete control region in the Drosophila subobscura subgroup
Authors: Brehm A. , Harris D. J. , Hernández M. , Cabrera V. M. , Larruga J. M. , Pinto F. M. , González A. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe complete A + T‐rich region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been cloned and sequenced in the species of the Drosophila subobscura subgroup D. subobscura, D. madeirensis and D. guanche. Comparative analysis of these sequences with others already published has identified new sequence motifs that are conserved in Drosophila and other insects. A putative bi‐directional promoter and a stop signal are proposed to be involved in the primary mtDNA strand replication of Drosophila. This region strongly resolves relationships of the species included in a phylogenetic analysis, both for closely related species and also at deeper phylogenetic levels when only the left and central domains are taken into account.
Mitochondrial DNA variation and biogeography of eastern gorillas
Authors: Jensen‐Seaman M. I. , Kidd K. K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMitochondrial DNA variation in 109 individuals from four populations of wild living gorillas in East Africa was ascertained by sequencing the first hypervariable segment of the control region, or ‘d‐loop’, amplified from noninvasively collected hair and faeces. d‐loop haplotypes from eastern gorillas fell into two distinct clades, each with low levels of genetic diversity; most observed haplotypes within each clade differing by only one or two mutations. Both clades show evidence of population bottlenecks in the recent past, perhaps concomitant with the tropical forest reduction and fragmentation brought on by global cooling and drying associated with the last glacial maximum.
Genomic Instability Study on the Japanese Familial Ovarian Cancer without Germline Mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 by Loss of Heterozygosity Analysis
Authors: Tsuneki Ikunosuke 
Published: March 2003

Objective and Methods: In order to explore whether novel genes have been contributing to carcinogenesis of familial ovarian cancer in which no germline mutation of BRCA1 nor BRCA2 is found in the form of a tumor suppressor gene, we have attempted to perform loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis with 160 microsatellite markers. The average intermarker distance was approximately 20cM.Results: We ascertained and performed direct sequencing of available in all 63 families for mutational analysis in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Among 63 families, no germline mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene was detected in 40 affected patients in 19 families. The mean age at diagnosis of patients with tumors with no mutation, 45.7 years, was significantly younger than in the control cases, 54.2 years (p = 0.0001). It was observed that the frequency of LOH was more than 50%, only in tumor tissues from patients with no mutation but not in those with sporadic ovarian cancer in 5 regions; 5p13‐q31, 8pter‐p12, 8q24‐qter, 13q12‐34, and 17p13‐q25.Conclusions: These results suggest the possibility that novel susceptibility genes for familial ovarian cancer exist in one of the 4 regions.
Loading dose versus standard regime of magnesium sulfate in the management of eclampsia: A randomized trial
Authors: Begum Mosammat Rashida , Begum Anowara , Quadir Ehsan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective:To determine whether only loading dose of magnesium sulfate is effective in controlling convulsion in eclampsia.Study methods:This prospective study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh between July and November 1999. Eclamptic patients who were eligible for magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) therapy were randomly assigned by lottery to receive either only loading dose (n = 202) or standard regime (n = 199) of MgSO4. Besides the anticonvulsant, patients of both the groups were managed by same protocol for eclampsia management prepared by Eclampsia Working Group, Bangladesh. Efficacy of both the regimes was assessed by measuring the rate of recurrent convulsion. Results were expressed as mean ± SD and a proportion. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t‐test, Z‐test and χ2 test as appropriate. A P‐value of <0.05 was considered significant.Results:At the time of randomization there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age (22.40 ± 4.21 vs 22.49 ± 4.67 years), parity (72.77%vs 70.35% primi), type of eclampsia (84.65%vs 85.42% antepartum eclampsia), number of convulsions (5.30 ± 3.26 vs 5.48 ± 3.32 times), gestational age (35.65 ± 3.37 vs 35.13 ± 3.26 weeks), systolic blood pressure (153.19 ± 20.19 vs 154.17 ± 22.32 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (106.23 ± 13.84 vs 105.60 ± 12.88 mmHg), proteinuria (70.80%vs 72.36% had > + proteinuria) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (73.26%vs 75.88% >8) for the loading and standard regime groups. There were also no differences between the two groups in mean fit and treatment interval (6.88 ± 5.26 vs 7.12 ± 4.29 h), fit and delivery interval (11.35 ± 10.22 vs 11 ± 6.69 h) and return of consciousness (10.94 ± 8.29 vs 11.24 ± 8.37 h). The recurrent convulsion rate was almost the same in both the groups (3.96% in loading vs 3.51% in standard regime, P > 0.05). Case fatality rate was 4.45% and 5.02% in loading and standard regime groups, respectively (P > 0.05).Conclusion:Only loading dose of MgSO4 can control convulsion in eclampsia and it is as effective as standard regime.
Lipopolysaccharides and plant responses to phytopathogenic bacteria
Authors: Newman Mari‐Anne , Von Roepenack Edda , Daniels Mike , Dow Max 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTreatment of the leaves of pepper (Capsicum annuum) cv. ECW10R with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from both plant pathogenic and enteric bacteria alters several aspects of the plant response to subsequent inoculation with phytopathogenic xanthomonads. LPS pre‐treatment prevents the hypersensitive reaction caused by strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria carrying the avirulence gene avrBs1 (a gene‐for‐gene interaction) and by X. campestris pv. campestris (a non‐host interaction). Associated with this effect are the earlier synthesis of feruloyl‐ and coumaroyl‐tyramine, phenolic conjugates that are potentially antimicrobial, and alterations in the expression patterns of genes for some pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins. Similar effects on the timing of phenolic conjugate synthesis are also seen in the compatible interaction with X. campestris pv. vesicatoria, although the level of the response is lower. Recognition of LPS by plants may allow expression of resistance in the absence of catastrophic tissue damage. However phytopathogenic bacteria may have evolved mechanisms to suppress the effects of LPS (and of other non‐specific bacterial elicitors) on plant cells.