bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tick mouth parts occlusive vasculopathy: a localized cryoglobulinemic vasculitic response
Authors: Galaria Noreen A. , Chaudhary Omer , Magro C. M. 
Published: May 2003

Background:  The histologic hallmark of most arthropod bite reactions is a deep, wedge‐shaped perivascular and interstitial infiltrate comprising lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils.Methods:  We present a case series of six patients in whom tick bite reactions, when examined microscopically, were found to mimic mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.Results:  Though different in histology, clinically these lesions were indistinguishable from typical tick bite reactions.Conclusion:  As five of our six biopsy specimens were found to still harbor retained tick parts, it is possible that the actual retention of tick parts was involved in evoking this localized cryoprecipitate reaction.
Granular parakeratosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wallace Christopher A. , Pichardo Rita O. , Yosipovitch Gil , Hancox John , Sangueza Omar P. 
Published: May 2003

Background:  Granular parakeratosis is suspected to result from an error in epidermal differentiation, leading to variably pruritic, hyperpigmented‐to‐erythematous patches and plaques. Characteristic histopathologic features include a thickened stratum corneum, compact parakeratosis with retention of keratohyalin granules, vascular proliferation, and ectasia. The pathogenesis of this entity is uncertain.Methods:  We present a case of axillary granular parakeratosis and review the literature.Results:  The lesion showed a thickened stratum corneum with compact parakeratosis, slight epidermal hyperplasia, and a sparse perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Keratohyalin granules were diffusely present within the parakeratotic stratum corneum, and the retained granular layer showed focal vacuolization.Conclusions:  Granular parakeratosis is a rare form of parakeratosis most often seen in the axilla, although other intertriginous areas may be affected. Unique histopathologic findings allow for a specific diagnosis to be made. Although an irritant contact reaction appears causative, mechanical irritation may also play a role in inducing these skin changes.
An unusual dematiaceous fungal infection of the skin caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hamza Sate H. , Mercado Patricia J. , Skelton Henry G. , Smith Kathleen J. 
Published: May 2003

Background:  A case of an unusual dematiaceous fungal infection of the skin in a 43‐year‐old man with diabetes mellitus treated with steroids for reactive airway disease is presented. He developed chromoblastomycosis in the left wrist and was treated with antifungals and multiple surgical excisions.Results:  Histologic examination of the excised tissue revealed widespread suppurative granulomatous inflammation in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Thick‐walled internally septated brown fungal cells were found both inside multinucleated giant cells and extracellularly. Non‐to‐lightly pigmented septate hyphal elements, however, were also identified with special stains and, in retrospect, on one of the routinely stained sections. In culture, the organism was reported to initially grow as soft white colonies that soon turned to black and velvety.Conclusions:  The two unusual features of this case include the controversial report of the organism's initial growth in culture as soft white colonies and the presence of hyphal elements in addition to the sclerotic bodies in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. This has not been reported before in human cases of dermal infection by Fonsecaea pedrosoi.
Expression of neurotrophin receptor Trk‐C in nevi and melanomas
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Tahan Steven R. , Pasha Terri L. , Zhang Paul J. 
Published: May 2003

Background:  Neurotrophins (NTs) are growth factors for neurons and other neural crest‐derived cells. Their functions are mediated by 75‐kDa low‐affinity glycoprotein receptor (p75) NT receptor and a family of tyrosine kinase receptors (Trks) that includes Trk‐A, ‐B, and ‐C. Signal transduction through the Trk receptors has been shown to regulate growth and apoptosis of tumors of neuronal origin. In addition, Trk oncogenes have been shown to be rearranged in some non‐neuronal neoplasms. Recently, immunoexpression of NT‐3 has been shown to be significantly higher in melanomas than in banal nevi on cryostat tissue.Methods:  Since the biologic function of NT‐3 is mediated primarily through Trk‐C, we investigated Trk‐C immunoexpression on paraffin sections of 10 compound nevi and 63 melanomas.Results:  The expression of Trk‐C was relatively low in compound nevi (30%). Trk‐C expression was overall 62% in melanomas of various stages. Our data show that the expression of Trk‐C increased as melanoma progressed from in situ (58%) to papillary dermal invasion (91%), and then declined in deeper (57%) and metastatic melanomas (31%).Conclusion:  These findings suggest a possible role of Trk‐C in the progression of early stages of melanoma.
Ofuji's disease with follicular mucinosis and its differential diagnosis from alopecia mucinosa
Authors: Lee J. Yu‐Yun , Tsai Ya‐Ming , Sheu Hamm‐Ming 
Published: May 2003

Objectives:  Ofuji's disease (OD) or eosinophilic pustular folliculitis and human immunodeficiency virus‐associated eosinophilic folliculitis (HIV‐EF) both show eosinophil‐rich folliculocentric infiltrates, and it is not clear whether they are distinguishable pathologically. Follicular mucinosis (FM) has been observed in lesions of EF; such cases need to be differentiated from alopecia mucinosa (AM).Methods:  We compared various pathologic features in 13 cases of OD, 10 cases of non‐OD‐typed papular EF (seven HIV‐positive and three HIV‐negative), and five cases of AM.Results:  All cases of EF showed eosinophilic infiltrates affecting mainly the isthmus or/and sebaceous gland. Eosinophil‐rich pilosebaceous pustules or/and microabscesses were noted in 69% of the biopsy specimens of OD, 73% of papular EF, 71% of HIV‐EF, and 0% of AM. Mucin deposits, often abundant, were found in sebaceous lobules or/and isthmus in 41% of OD and 100% of AM. Compared with AM, OD with FM tended to show more numerous eosinophils, less abundant mucin, and most significantly, eosinophilic infundibular pustule or sebaceous microabscess.Conclusion:  Our study suggests that OD and HIV‐EF are indistinguishable pathologically and the diagnosis requires clinical correlation. FM was not uncommonly seen in lesions of OD. OD with FM may be difficult to differentiate from FM, especially in cases presenting with non‐annular or non‐pustular lesions, but the diagnosis might be facilitated by finding eosinophil‐rich pustule, microabscess, or infiltrate in pilosebaceous units microscopically.
Atypical fibroxanthoma with prominent sclerosis
Authors: Bruecks Andrea K. , Medlicott Shaun A. , Trotter Martin J. 
Published: May 2003

Background:  Malignant cutaneous spindle cell lesions with marked sclerosis are uncommon. Only a few cases of cutaneous leiomyosarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with sclerosis have been published.Methods:  We report a case of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) with prominent sclerosis and hyalinization occurring on the scalp of an 81‐year‐old male.Results:  Histopathologic examination revealed an exophytic, well‐delineated, focally ulcerated tumor arising in sun‐damaged skin. The lesion was composed of atypical spindle cells arranged in a fascicled and vaguely storiform pattern. Occasional multinucleated giant cells were present. The tumor cells were strongly positive for CD99 (O13), vimentin, and smooth muscle actin, and focally positive for CD68. There was striking sclerosis with hyalinization throughout the lesion.Conclusions:  Rarely, AFX may exhibit marked sclerosis with areas of complete replacement of tumor by hyalinized collagen. In a small biopsy, such hyalinization may be a diagnostic pitfall leading to an erroneous diagnosis.
Maximal oxygen uptake and power of lower limbs during a competitive season in triathletes
Authors: Galy O. , Manetta J. , Coste O. , Maimoun L. , Chamari K. , Hue O. 
Published: May 2003

Background: In order to study the effect of a competitive triathlon season on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), aerobic power (AeP) and anaerobic performance (AnP) of the lower limbs, eight triathletes performed exercise tests after: (1) a pre‐competition period (Pre‐COMP) (2) a competitive period (COMP), and (3) a low (volume and intensity) training period (Post‐COMP). The tests were a vertical jump‐and‐reach test and an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Ventilatory data were collected every minute during the incremental test with an automated breath‐by‐breath system and the heart‐rate was monitored using a telemetric system.Results: No changes in VO2max were observed, whereas AeP decreased after Post‐COMP compared to Pre‐COMP and COMP and AnP decreased during COMP compared to Pre‐COMP and Post‐COMP. In addition, second ventilatory threshold (VT2) and power output at first ventilatory threshold (VT1) and VT2 decreased after Post‐COMP.Conclusion: This study showed that six weeks of low volume and intensity of training is too long a period to preserve adaptations to training, although a stable maximal oxygen uptake throughout the triathlon season was observed. Moreover, the AnP decrease during COMP was probably in relation with the repetitive nature of the training mode and/or triathlon competitions.
Socioeconomic status and drinking patterns in young adults
Authors: Casswell Sally , Pledger Megan , Hooper Rhonda 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTAims  To investigate the relationship between several indicators ofsocioeconomic status and drinking patterns in young adulthood.Design  Data collected in a longitudinal study of young adults was analysed usingrepeated‐measures models to examine the relationship between income, occupationalactivity and educational achievement and patterns of drinking.Setting  These data were collected as part of a longitudinal study ofa birth cohort of New Zealanders. They were interviewed for themost part in a central location using a face‐to‐face methodand a computer‐assisted alcohol interview.Participants  The participants were members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Healthand Development study aged 18, 21 and 26 years. Nine hundred andsixty‐nine study members contributed to the analysis. Study membershave been found to be broadly representative of the New Zealandpopulation and cross national studies suggest findings are generalizableto other similar market economies.Measurements  Three indicators of socioeconomic status were used; educationalachievement, occupational activity and income. The educational achievementindicator at age 18 had three levels that ranged from no school qualificationsto higher school qualifications. For age 21 two additional categoriesof tertiary educational achievement were included to make five categories andfor age 26 higher tertiary degrees were included in the measureto make six categories. Five categories of occupational activitywere used. Income data was also used. Two measures of alcohol consumptionwere used. These were the frequency of drinking and the typicalquantity of alcohol consumed per drinking occasion in the past year.Findings  Frequency of drinking increased over these early adult yearsand the quantities consumed peaked at age 21 and decreased thereafterfor both males and females. Frequency of drinking was influencedby income with the higher income respondents drinking more oftenand this was persistent overtime. Quantity of drinking was mostinfluenced by educational achievement. The less well‐educated youngadult drank significantly more during a drinking occasion and atall ages. There was also a relationship between educational achievement andfrequency of drinking for males at age 18 and a relationship between women’soccupational activity and the quantities they consumed.Conclusions  The finding that the dimensions of drinking operate differently explainsthe lack of consistency in previous research, which has investigated socioeconomicstatus and the volumes of alcohol consumed. The findings of higherquantities consumed among those of lower social status may explain someof the reduced life expectancy found among those with lower socioeconomicstatus.
A comparison of treatment‐seeking pathological gamblers based on preferred gambling activity
Authors: Petry Nancy M. 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTAims  To compare and contrast gamblers with different forms of problematic gambling activities.Design, setting and measurements  Pathological gamblers completed the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and gambling questionnaires when initiating out‐patient treatment.Participants  Participants (n = 347) were categorized by their most problematic form of gambling activity: sports, horse/dog‐races, cards, slots and scratch/lottery tickets. Differences in demographics, gambling variables, and ASI composite scores were compared across groups.Findings  After controlling for demographic variables, the types of gamblers differed in severity of gambling, alcohol and psychiatric problems. Horse/dog‐race gamblers were generally older, male and less educated; they began gambling regularly at a young age and spent relatively high amounts of money gambling. Sports gamblers were young males and had intermediary gambling problems; they had relatively high rates of current substance use but few psychiatric problems. Card players spent low to moderate amounts of time and money gambling, and they generally reported few alcohol problems and little psychiatric distress. Slot machine players were older and more likely to be female. Slot gamblers began gambling later in life, had high rates of bankruptcy and reported psychiatric difficulties. Scratch/lottery gamblers spent the least amount of money gambling, but they gambled the most frequently and had relatively severe alcohol and psychiatric symptoms.Conclusions  Gambling patterns and severity of psychosocial problems vary by form of problematic gambling, and these differences may influence treatment recommendations and outcomes.
Is there a progression from abuse disorders to dependence disorders?
Authors: Ridenour Ty A. , Cottler Linda B. , Compton Wilson M. , Spitznagel Edward L. , Cunningham‐Williams Renee M. 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  Recent studies suggest that a progression occurs from alcohol abuse to alcohol dependence. Although DSM‐IV criteria for all substance use‐related diagnoses are based largely on the alcohol dependence syndrome, progression from abuse to dependence might not generalize to other substances.Aims  This study tested whether a progression from DSM‐IV abuse to dependence occurs related to the use of cannabis, cocaine and opiates.Design  Retrospective data from the DSM‐IV Substance Use Disorders Work Group (n = 1226) were reanalysed using McNemar's χ2, configural frequency analyses and survival analyses. Participants were men and women who were primarily African‐Americans or Caucasians.Settings  Participants were recruited from community and clinical settings. The measure was the Composite International Diagnostic Interview–Substance Abuse Module.Findings  For all substances, life‐time dependence in the absence of life‐time abuse was rare. Results were consistent with a progression occurring for alcohol and cannabis, but not for cocaine and opiates. Abuse and dependence occurred in the same year for 66% of the cocaine users who experienced both disorders (57% of users with any cocaine disorder) and 65% of the opiate users who experienced both disorders (46% of users with any opiate disorder). Because cocaine and opiate dependence in the absence of abuse were rare, it is possible that progressions in cocaine and opiate disorders occur more rapidly than cannabis and alcohol.Conclusions  Research is needed to clarify the mechanisms that influence progressions of substance use disorders. Potential factors leading to between‐drug variation in rate of progression of disorders are discussed.
A family history of smoking predicts heightened levels of stress‐induced cigarette craving
Authors: Erblich Joel , Boyarsky Yael , Spring Bonnie , Niaura Raymond , H. Bovbjerg Dana 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTAims  Individuals with histories of smoking in first‐degree relatives are significantly more likely to be persistent smokers themselves. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are unknown. Considerable research has demonstrated that smokers display heightened levels of cigarette craving after being exposed to stressful situations, and the magnitude of these craving responses is thought to be predictive of later cessation failure. Based on this research, we tested experimentally the hypothesis that smokers with two or more first‐degree relatives who smoked (FH+) would exhibit stronger craving reactions following stressful stimuli than smokers without such family histories (FH–).Participants  We recruited 83 smokers by advertisement (mean age = 41.2 years, 57% female, 41% completed some college, 59% African American).Setting  The study was conducted in an interview room in an urban medical center.Design  Participants were exposed to a neutral situation (changing a lightbulb) and a stressful situation (dental work) using script‐guided imagery.Measurements  Participants completed background measures of demographics, distress and smoking behavior. In addition, participants completed cigarette craving and anxiety questionnaires immediately before and after each condition.Findings  Supporting the study hypothesis, FH+ smokers (n = 39) selectively displayed stronger craving reactions to dental imagery (P < 0.03) than did FH– smokers (n = 44).Conclusion  The higher levels of stress‐induced cigarette craving demonstrated experimentally for individuals with family histories of smoking suggest one mechanism for their poorer cessation success.
Buprenorphine versus methadone maintenance treatment in an ambulant setting: a health‐related quality of life assessment
Authors: Giacomuzzi S. M. , Riemer Y. , Ertl M. , Kemmler G. , Rössler H. , Hinterhuber H. , Kurz M. 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  To compare the effects on quality of life (QOL) of oral methadone with sublingual buprenorphine.Methods  We performed an open‐label, non‐randomized, two‐site (methadone–buprenorphine) study. During 6 months we assessed the quality of life status of 53 opioid‐dependent patients admitted to a methadone or buprenorphine maintenance programme using the German version (Berlin Quality of Life Profile) of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile. Physical symptoms were measured using the Opioid Withdrawal Scale. Five hundred and thirty urine screening tests were carried out randomly to detect additional consumption.Results  Sixty‐seven opioid‐dependent subjects (38 on methadone and 29 on buprenorphine) were enrolled in the study, and 53 completed it (30 subjects treated with buprenorphine and 23 subjects with racemic methadone). The subjects were comparable on all baseline measures. At the first follow‐up (week 8), the buprenorphine‐maintained group showed significantly less additional consumption of opioids (P = 0.013) compared with the methadone group. Patients retained in the buprenorphine or methadone programme (week 24) showed no significant differences in all quality of life scores. At the end of the study period, the buprenorphine‐maintained group showed significantly less additional consumption of opioids (P = 0.001) and cocaine (P = 0.018) compared with the methadone group. The outcome measures for withdrawal symptoms after 24 weeks of treatment with buprenorphine showed slight advantages in stomach cramps, fatigue or tiredness, feelings of coldness and heart pounding.Conclusions  These results suggest that buprenorphine treatment is as effective as methadone regarding effects on quality of life and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine has the potential to reduce the harm caused by drug abuse. Further research is needed to determine if buprenorphine is more effective than methadone in particular subgroups of patients.
Alcohol drinking as a predictor of intensive care and hospital mortality in general surgery: a prospective study
Authors: Delgado‐Rodríguez Miguel , Gómez‐Ortega Antonio , Mariscal‐Ortiz Marcial , Palma‐Pérez Silvia , Sillero‐Arenas María 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTAims  To analyse whether alcohol drinking increases admission to intensive care and in‐hospital mortality in general surgery.Design and participants  A prospective cohort study on a consecutive series of 1505 hospitalized patients in a Service of General Surgery of a tertiary hospital.Measurements  Drinking pattern was defined by quantity, frequency and volume of drinking. Information on relevant confounders was obtained: smoking, body mass index, nutritional status (measured by serum albumin), cholesterol and its fractions, severity of the underlying disease and all therapeutic measures. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between drinking and both admission to intensive care and in‐hospital death.Results  Twenty‐nine (1.9%) patients died and 33 (2.1%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Drinking was heavier in men, patients without antecedents of cancer, with lower preoperative risk assessment scores, number of co‐morbidities and age and higher serum albumin levels. After adjusting for age, severity of underlying disease, smoking and serum albumin, male drinkers of 72+ g/day had an increased risk of being admitted to ICU, the effect being stronger for week‐day drinking (odds ratio, OR = 8.48; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.68–42.8). A significant association was also seen between week‐day drinking (72+ g/day) and death in men (OR = 7.19, 95% CI = 1.43–36.1). Numbers for women were too small to evaluate.Conclusion  Heavy drinking increases admission to intensive care and in‐hospital mortality in hospitalized male patients undergoing general surgery procedures.
Does retention matter? Treatment duration and improvement in drug use
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Friedmann Peter D. , Gerstein Dean R. 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTAim  This study examines whether there is a minimum threshold, continuous or non‐linear relationship between the duration of addiction treatment and improvements in drug use.Design  Longitudinal cohort study of 62 drug treatment units and 4005 clients in the US National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study, fielded from 1993 to 1995.Subjects  Baseline and 1‐year follow‐up interviews with clients in methadone maintenance, out‐patient non‐methadone, short‐term residential and long‐term residential treatment programs.Measures  Improvement in drug use is the difference between the client‐reported peak frequency of drug use (in days per month) in the year prior to the baseline interview minus the peak frequency in the year after discharge. Primary drug, and overall use of the major illicit drugs (heroin, cocaine powder, crack cocaine, and marijuana) are considered separately.Results  Controlling for multiple factors, treatment duration had a positive linear relationship with primary drug use improvement among methadone clients and an inverted‐U‐shaped relationship with overall and primary drug use improvements among out‐patient and long‐term residential clients. Improvement with longer duration is greatest for long‐term residential clients.Conclusions  Contrary to previous arguments for a sharp retention threshold for onset of treatment effects, we find smooth curves relating treatment duration to drug use improvements in methadone maintenance, out‐patient non‐methadone and long‐term residential modalities. These relationships are effectively linear for durations typically observed in single treatment episodes, but unusually long retention in out‐patient non‐methadone and long‐term residential units appear steadily less predictive of improvement.