bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the polysensitized patient: a matched case–control study
Authors: Carlsen Berit Christina , Andersen Klaus Ejner , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: July 2009

Background: Polysensitization ( ≥ 3 contact allergies) may be regarded as a special entity in patients with contact allergies. However, this group of polysensitized patients is poorly characterized. Filaggrin mutations are associated with atopic eczema and lead to impaired skin barrier which may predispose to contact allergy. Therefore, it is of interest to consider atopic eczema and contact allergies, especially in patients with multiple allergies.

Objective: To characterize polysensitized patients regarding occurrence, duration and course of dermatitis, and examine potential risk factors for polysensitization, including atopic eczema.

Methods: A questionnaire case–control study of 562 polysensitized and 1124 single/double‐sensitized individuals was performed.

Results: The results show that 45% of polysensitized and 31% of single/double‐sensitized patients had or had had atopic eczema, and atopic eczema was identified as a risk factor for polysensitization. Patients with leg ulcer constituted only a minor part of the polysensitized group and leg ulcers were not identified as a risk factor for polysensitization in this study. The influence of contact allergies on duration and course of disease diverged between the group of patients with atopic eczema and the group without atopic eczema.

Conclusion: Patients with atopic eczema were overrepresented in the group of polysensitized patients and polysensitized patients should be viewed in the light of occurrence or lack of atopic eczema.
Contact allergy to epoxy (meth)acrylates
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Jungewelter Soile , Henriks‐Eckerman Maj‐Len , Kuuliala Outi , Jolanki Riitta
Published: July 2009

Background: Contact allergy to epoxy (meth)acrylates, 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl]propane (bis‐GMA), 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐acryloxypropoxy)phenyl]‐propane (bis‐GA), 2,2‐bis[4‐(methacryl‐oxyethoxy)phenyl] propane (bis‐EMA), 2,2‐bis[4‐(methacryloxy)phenyl]‐propane (bis‐MA), and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is often manifested together with contact allergy to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin.

Objective: To analyse patterns of concomitant allergic reactions to the five epoxy (meth)acrylates in relation to exposure.

Methods: We reviewed the 1994–2008 patch test files at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) for reactions to the five epoxy (meth)acrylates, and examined the patients' medical records for exposure.

Results: Twenty‐four patients had an allergic reaction to at least one of the studied epoxy (meth)acrylates, but specific exposure was found only in five patients: two bis‐GMA allergies from dental products, two bis‐GA allergies from UV‐curable printing inks, and one bis‐GA allergy from an anaerobic glue. Only 25% of the patients were negative to DGEBA epoxy resin.

Conclusions: The great majority of allergic patch test reactions to bis‐GMA, bis‐GA, GMA and bis‐EMA were not associated with specific exposure, and cross‐allergy to DGEBA epoxy resin remained a probable explanation. However, independent reactions to bis‐GA indicated specific exposure. Anaerobic sealants may induce sensitization not only to aliphatic (meth)acrylates but also to aromatic bis‐GA.
Patients with airborne sensitization/contact dermatitis from budesonide‐containing aerosols ‘by proxy’
Authors: Baeck Marie , Goossens AN
Published: July 2009

Background: Inhalation corticosteroids (CSs), despite their wide use, rarely cause sensitization in subjects administering them.

Objective: To determine the cause of sensitization and/or of allergic contact dermatitis which occurred in air‐exposed body areas of patients reacting to corticosteroids and to budesonide, in particular.

Methods: We reviewed the patch test results and sensitization sources in patients who reacted positively to corticosteroids tested in the K.U. Leuven Dermatology department during an 18‐year period.

Results: Fifteen subjects, not themselves treated by budesonide‐containing aerosols, but taking care of/or living together with patients who used them because of a chronic respiratory affection, appeared to have been sensitized by airborne exposure and/or presented with airborne allergic contact dermatitis from them.

Conclusion: Air exposure to inhalation corticosteroids used ‘by proxy’ and to budesonide, in particular, needs to be taken into account as a potential cause of primary sensitization and/or airborne allergic contact dermatitis, sometimes also in an occupational context.
Improving toothbrushing behaviour in an institution for the disabled in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Bizarra F , Ribeiro S
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  The oral health of disabled persons is strongly associated with oral hygiene practices. However, many difficulties limit them from removing dental biofilms (plaque).

Purpose:  This pilot study evaluates changes in toothbrushing capability among 135 disabled individuals enrolled in an institution for the disabled.

Methods:  Direct observation of toothbrushing behaviour of the disabled was used to recommend changes required in daily toothbrushing programme. The simplified Debris Index (DI‐S) was used to compare plaque removal outcomes over a 3‐month period.

Results:  At baseline, of the 135 participants, 114 completed a routine toothbrushing procedure and 10 (8.8%) of them brushed all tooth surfaces. At the end of the study, 52 (48.6%) brushed all tooth surfaces. The mean difference between the initial and final DI‐S was 0.62 (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Toothbrushing was not a common procedure at this institution. This study shows that it is possible to implement daily oral hygiene maintenance in disabled individuals. Furthermore, most participants will adopt more efficient toothbrushing behaviour when monitored daily.
A dialectical analysis of an art of dental hygiene practice
Authors: Cobban SJ
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Objective: There has been little in the literature to date that speaks of an art of dental hygiene compared to science. Yet, science, conceived as the findings from research, does not apply itself; it is the knowledge, judgement and skill of practitioners to apply these findings in a particular setting that, at its highest level, informs artful dental hygiene practice. The purpose of this paper is to question whether an art of dental hygiene exists, if it is important, and how it relates to science.

Methods: The method used in the analysis contained in this paper is a dialectical approach used to examine contrary positions, i.e. whether art exists or does not exist, by outlining the structure of each position and clarifying explicit and implicit similarities and dissimilarities. A framework of conceptualizations of art from nursing has been used to examine dental hygiene literature for evidence of art.

Results: A preliminary conceptualization, substantiated within dental hygiene, sees the art of dental hygiene as abilities to grasp meaning in client encounters, establish meaningful connections with clients, perform dental hygiene actions skillfully and proficiently, rationally determine courses of dental hygiene action, and conduct dental hygiene practice morally and ethically.

Conclusions: That an art of dental hygiene exists is not in doubt and the analysis is presented. To understand better how dental hygienists make practice decisions to develop this process to its optimum – the pursuit of perfection and excellence in dental hygiene practice, we must pursue understanding the art of dental hygiene practice.
Factors that effect dental caries status of medical students in Udaipur city, India
Authors: Kumar S , Gupta A , Dixit A , Solanki K , Balasubramanyam G , Duraiswamy P , Kulkarni S
Published: July 2009

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00399.x Kumar S, Gupta A, Dixit A, Solanki K, Balasubramanyam G, Duraiswamy P, Kulkarni S. Factors that effect dental caries status of medical students in Udaipur city, India.

Abstract:  Objective:  To evaluate the effect of oral hygiene behaviour, dental anxiety, self assessed dental status and treatment necessity on dental caries status of medical students.

Methods:  The study was conducted among 345 medical students of Udaipur city, India who had provision for free dental services and the study was based on a questionnaire which consisted of two parts, first part containing questions regarding self assessment of dental status and treatment necessity along with oral hygiene behaviour and the later part comprised of Corah Dental Anxiety scale (DAS). Clinical examination was based on the WHO caries diagnostic criteria.

Results:  Females perceived greater dental anxiety than males. Individuals claiming poor dental status had higher mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score (6.67) than good (2.89) and fair (4.44). The mean decayed component among the anxious students (5.4) was almost twice that of less anxious (2.77) student population. DAS constituted the first major contributor for missing component followed by smoking status which alone explained a variance of 7.1%. The cumulative variance explained by all the independent variables on the DMFT status accounted to 56.4% with self assessed dental status alone contributing a variance of 44.9%. The most significant (P < 0.001) contributor for filled component was self assessed dental status (14.5%).

Conclusions:  Oral hygiene behaviour, dental anxiety, self assessed dental status and treatment necessity significantly affected the dental caries status of medical students.
Flexural properties of repaired heat‐polymerising acrylic resin after wetting with monomer and acetone
Authors: Bural Canan , Bayraktar Gülsen , Aydin Ismail , Yusufoğlu İbrahim , Uyumaz Natuk , Hanzade Mete
Published: July 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00321.x
 
Flexural properties of repaired heat‐polymerising acrylic resin after wetting with monomer and acetone

Objectives:  Repair strength can be improved by treating fractured surfaces of a denture.

Background:  This study investigated flexural properties of heat‐polymerised acrylic resin specimens repaired with auto‐polymerising and visible light curing (VLC) resins after the repair surfaces were wetted with monomers or acetone.

Materials and Methods:  Fifty‐four specimens (65 × 10 × 2.5 mm) were prepared and 48 of them were sectioned to simulate denture fracture. Butt‐joint designed repair surfaces were wetted with heat‐, auto‐polymerising monomers and acetone for 180 s and repaired with auto‐polymerising and VLC resins. After repairs, specimens were subjected to three‐point bending test and flexural strength, strain, fracture load, modulus of elasticity and deflection values were recorded. Data were analysed with Student t and LSD tests (p ≤ 0.05).

Results:  Overall flexural strength, strain, fracture load and deflection values of specimens repaired with VLC resin were significantly higher than the specimens repaired with auto‐polymerising resin for all types of wetting agent (p < 0.05). Within the wetting agents, heat‐ and auto‐polymerising monomers produced the best mechanical properties, while wetting with acetone did not provide superior effect over both monomers.

Conclusion:  In clinical use, wetting the repair surfaces may result in stronger repairs. The use of bonding agent in VLC resin repairs in combination with wetting agent results in improved flexural properties.
Autobiografiction: Experimental Life‐Writing from the Turn of the Century to Modernism1
Authors: Saunders Max
Published: July 2009

This essay approaches the large but surprisingly under‐theorized topic of the relation between autobiography and fiction, concentrating on the period between 1880 and 1930, arguing for a new account of the relation between Modernism and life‐writing. It introduces and analyses a key essay from 1906 by Stephen Reynolds, author of A Poor Man’s House, which, strikingly, coins the post‐modern‐sounding term ‘autobiografiction’. It argues that Reynolds’ central concept sheds light on the vexed theoretical question of the relation between autobiography and fiction, and in ways that reach further than either Reynolds or the essay’s few commentators have appreciated; in short, that ‘autobiografiction’ is potentially a much vaster topic than his essay countenances. The second section discusses the significance of the concept of ‘autobiografiction’ from the points of view of literary history and literary theory. It argues that Reynolds’ essay not only offers a powerful analysis of the literature of the previous quarter‐century, but also suggests how the literature of the following decades – of Modernism – can be reconsidered in its light. Such attention enables a re‐description of Modernism: instead of the conventional account of its quest for the impersonal, the movement can be seen as developing these fin‐de‐siècle experiments in fusing life‐writing and fiction. Reynolds’ essay appears at a pivotal moment as Edwardian authors such as Edmund Gosse evince an anxious awareness of the radical potential of autobiografiction; and when Modernists such as Joyce and Proust embark on their most profound engagements with it: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and A la recherche du temps perdu. The essay goes on to argue that the issues raised by Reynolds enable a more sophisticated theoretical approach to the relation between autobiography and fiction, and explores the ambiguities which inhere in the term ‘autobiographical’ when applied to fictional works. Where Reynolds outlines the rationale for autobiografiction in fairly defensive terms, I argue for an appreciation of its radical potentialities. The study concludes by considering the trope, identified by Philippe Lejeune in Modernism, but here traced back to Aestheticism, that fiction constitutes a writer’s true autobiography. This is placed in a broader philosophical and aesthetic context of reading fiction as autobiography, and autobiography as fiction.
Dominant, non‐MHC genetic control of food allergy in an adjuvant‐free mouse model
Authors: Parvataneni S. , Birmingham N. P. , Gonipeta B. , Gangur V.
Published: July 2009

Food allergy is a potentially fatal immune‐mediated disorder with incompletely understood mechanisms. We studied the genetic control of food allergy using major histocompatibility complex‐identical mice (H2s) and an adjuvant‐free method of sensitization. Whereas, transdermal exposure to hazelnut — a model allergenic food, elicited robust IgG1 response in both strains, an IgE response was evident only in A.SW mice. Following oral challenge, only A.SW but not SJL mice exhibited signs of systemic anaphylaxis and hypothermia. In addition, (A.SW × SJL) F1 hybrids exhibited IgE responsiveness, systemic anaphylaxis and hypothermia similar to A.SW, indicating dominant inheritance of these traits. Furthermore, whereas A.SW and F1 mice but not SJL elicited robust interleukin (IL)‐4 response, all three strains elicited IL‐5 and IL‐13 responses by spleen cells. These data demonstrate for the first time, dominant non‐MHC genetic control of food allergy and a critical role of IL‐4 but not IL‐5 or IL‐13 in this model.
The role of inhibitory neurotransmission in locomotor circuits of the developing mammalian spinal cord
Authors: Nishimaru H. , Kakizaki M.
Published: July 2009

Neuronal circuits generating the basic coordinated limb movements during walking of terrestrial mammals are localized in the spinal cord. In these neuronal circuits, called central pattern generators (CPGs), inhibitory synaptic transmission plays a crucial part. Inhibitory synaptic transmission mediated by glycine and GABA is thought to be essential in coordinated activation of muscles during locomotion, in particular, controlling temporal and spatial activation patterns of muscles of each joint of each limb on the left and right side of the body. Inhibition is involved in other aspects of locomotion such as control of speed and stability of the rhythm. However, the precise roles of neurotransmitters and their receptors mediating inhibitory synaptic transmission in mammalian spinal CPGs remain unclear. Moreover, many of the inhibitory interneurones essential for output pattern of the CPG are yet to be identified. In this review, recent advances on these issues, mainly from studies in the developing rodent spinal cord utilizing electrophysiology, molecular and genetic approaches are discussed.
Oligomeric Aβ in Alzheimer's Disease: Relationship to Plaque and Tangle Pathology, APOE Genotype and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Van Helmond Zoë , Miners James S. , Kehoe Patrick G. , Love Seth
Published: July 2009

Despite accumulating evidence of a central role for oligomeric amyloid β (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), there is scant information on the relationship between the levels and distribution of oligomeric Aβ and those of other neurodegenerative abnormalities in AD. In the present study, we have found oligomeric Aβ to be associated with both diffuse and neuritic plaques (mostly co‐localized with Aβ1–42) and with cerebrovascular deposits of Aβ in paraffin sections of formalin‐fixed human brain tissue. The amount of oligomeric Aβ that was labeled in the sections correlated with total Aβ plaque load, but not phospho‐tau load, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) severity or APOE genotype. Although soluble, oligomeric and insoluble Aβ levels were all significantly increased in AD brain homogenates, case‐to‐case variation and overlap between AD and controls were considerable. Over the age‐range studied (43–98 years), the levels of soluble Aβ, oligomeric Aβ42, oligomeric Aβ40 and insoluble Aβ did not vary significantly with age. Oligomeric Aβ1–42 and insoluble Aβ levels were significantly higher in women. Overall, the level of insoluble Aβ, but neither oligomeric nor soluble Aβ, was associated with Braak stage, CAA severity and APOEε4 frequency, raising questions as to the role of soluble and oligomeric Aβ in the progression of AD.
Cerebral Microinfarcts Associated with Severe Cerebral β‐Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Soontornniyomkij Virawudh , Lynch Matthew D. , Mermash Sherin , Pomakian Justine , Badkoobehi Haleh , Clare Ryan , Vinters Harry V.
Published: July 2009

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is common in elderly individuals, especially those affected with Alzheimer's disease. Eighteen brains with severe SCAA (SCAA) were compared with 21 brains with mild CAA (MCAA) to investigate whether the presence of SCAA in the brains of demented patients was associated with a higher burden of old microinfarcts than those with MCAA. Immunohistochemistry for CD68 was employed to highlight old microinfarcts in tissue blocks from various brain regions. Old microinfarcts, manually counted by light microscopy, were present in 14 of 18 SCAA brains and in 7 of 21 MCAA brains (P = 0.01, two‐tailed Fisher's exact test). The average number of old microinfarcts across geographic regions in each brain ranged from 0 to 1.95 (mean rank 24.94, sum of ranks 449) in the SCAA group, and from 0 to 0.35 (mean rank 15.76, sum of ranks 331) in the MCAA group (P = 0.008, two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test). Frequent old microinfarcts in demented individuals with severe CAA may contribute a vascular component to the cognitive impairment in these patients.
A case of isolation by distance and short‐term temporal stability of population structure in brown trout (Salmo trutta) within the River Dart, southwest England
Authors: Griffiths Andrew M. , Koizumi Itsuro , Bright Dylan , Stevens Jamie R.
Published: July 2009

Salmonid fishes exhibit high levels of population differentiation. In particular, the brown trout (Salmo truttaL.) demonstrates complex within river drainage genetic structure. Increasingly, these patterns can be related to the underlying evolutionary models, of which three scenarios (member‐vagrant hypothesis, metapopulation model and panmixia) facilitate testable predictions for investigations into population structure. We analysed 1225 trout collected from the River Dart, a 75 km long river located in southwest England. Specimens were collected from 22 sample sites across three consecutive summers (2001–2003) and genetic variation was examined at nine microsatellite loci. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance revealed that negligible genetic variation was attributed among temporal samples. The highest levels of differentiation occurred among samples isolated above barriers to fish movement, and once these samples were removed, a significant effect of isolation‐by‐distance was observed. These results suggest that, at least in the short‐term, ecological events are more important in shaping the population structure of Dart trout than stochastic extinction events, and certainly do not contradict the expectations of a member‐vagrant hypothesis. Furthermore, individual‐level spatial autocorrelation analyses support previous recommendations for the preservation of a number of spawning sites spaced throughout the tributary system to conserve the high levels of genetic variation identified in salmonid species.
Effect of fluticasone on markers of inflammation and quality of life in steroid‐naive patients with mild asthma
Authors: Ehrs Per‐Olof , Sundblad Britt‐Marie , Larsson Kjell
Published: July 2009

Background and Aims:  Patients with mild asthma may adapt to symptoms that may be neglected at a medical consultation. Despite active airway inflammation, indicating need for treatment symptoms may be poorly perceived and influence on quality of life. The aim was to find out if markers of asthma activity and quality of life are influenced by inhaled steroids in patients who regard themselves as free of symptoms.

Methods:  Seventy steroid‐free patients with mild asthma were treated with inhaled fluticasone (250 µg twice daily) or placebo for 3 months in a randomised, double‐blind, study. Spirometry with reversibility test, exhaled nitric oxide (NO), bronchial responsiveness to methacholine and eucapnic dry air hyperventilation and quality of life [(Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)] were assessed before and after treatment.

Results:  Fluticasone, but not placebo, decreased methacholine responsiveness. Bronchial responsiveness to dry air and exhaled NO levels was significantly lowered by fluticasone compared with placebo. Quality‐of‐life scores were high already before treatment and were not significantly altered by treatment.

Conclusion:  Treatment with an inhaled steroid in mild asthmatics altered bronchial responsiveness and exhaled NO levels but did not improve quality of life. In mild asthma, there is thus a space for improvement with regard to inflammatory parameters in patients who have only minor symptoms that are not influenced by treatment. In a long‐term perspective, the indication for treatment of surrogate markers remains, however, unclear.

Please cite this paper as: Ehrs P‐O, Sundblad B‐M and Larsson K. Effect of fluticasone on markers of inflammation and quality of life in steroid‐naive patients with mild asthma. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; DOI:10.1111/j.1752‐699X.2009.00145.x.
Clinical and high resolution computed tomography characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis lung disease
Authors: MOHD NOOR Nadiah , MOHD SHAHRIR Mohamed Said , SHAHID Mohd Shahdan , ABDUL MANAP Roslina , SHAHIZON AZURA Ahmad Mukari , AZHAR SHAH Shamsul
Published: July 2009

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease of unknown cause. A variety of pulmonary disorders have been described in association with RA. Among the most common are interstitial lung disease (ILD) and bronchiectasis.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the characteristics of RA patients with lung disease in relation to clinical characteristics, pulmonary function test (PFT) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax.

Method: This is a 6‐months cross‐sectional study involving 63 consecutive RA patients in an outpatient rheumatology clinic. Patients had a mean disease duration of 5 years and above. Disease activity and severity was assessed by Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Rheumatoid Arthritis Articular Damage (RAAD) score. Full pulmonary function test (PFT) and HRCT of thorax were performed.

Conclusions: The prevalence of RA‐ILD is 44% and 67% of patients are asymptomatic. There was significant higher proportion (68%) in patients of Chinese ethnicity who have ILD. Diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was abnormal in all patients and forced expiratory flow (FEF)25–75% was low in 16%. Restrictive pattern was 66.7% by PFT. The most common HRCT findings were reticulation (46%) followed by ground glass opacities (38.1%) and bronchiectasis (28.6%). There was no association between ILD and male gender, duration of the disease, smoking, rheumatoid factor, extra‐articular manifestations, disease activity or severity.
High incidence of rheumatic fever and Rheumatic heart disease in the republics of Central Asia
Authors: OMURZAKOVA Nazgul A. , YAMANO Yoshihisa , SAATOVA Guli M. , MIRZAKHANOVA Mavliuda I. , SHUKUROVA Surayo M. , KYDYRALIEVA Ryskul B. , JUMAGULOVA Aynagul S. , SEISENBAEV Askar Sh. , NISHIOKA Kusuki , NAKAJIMA Toshihiro
Published: July 2009

The epidemiological situation involving rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) not only remains unresolved but is also a cause of serious concern due to the rapid increase in the incidence of RF/RHD in many developing countries. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the republics of Central Asia experienced an economic decline that directly affected the public health sector of this region. This is the main cause of the high prevalence of many infectious diseases in Central Asia, including streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, which carries the risk of complications such as RF. The difficulty involved in early diagnosis of RF and the development of RHD among children and adolescents causes early mortality and sudden death, leading to economic damage in these countries due to the loss of the young working population. Among all the developing countries, Kyrgyzstan, which is located in the heart of Central Asia, has the highest prevalence of RF/RHD. The increase in the prevalence of RF in Central Asia can be attributed to factors such as the low standard of living and changes in the virulence of streptococci and their sensitivity to antibiotics.
Tetracyclines: what a rheumatologist needs to know?
Authors: ATTAR Suzan M.
Published: July 2009

Tetracyclines are broad‐spectrum antibiotics that act at the ribosomal level. They were first introduced in 1948 and were widely prescribed by dermatologists in the early 1950s for treatment of acne. More recently, biologic actions of tetracyclines affecting inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone metabolism have been researched. The therapeutic effects of tetracycline and its analogues in rheumatic diseases have also been investigated. This article will review the rheumatological use of tetracycline and its analogues.
Angiogenic growth factors inhibit chondrocyte ageing in osteoarthritis: potential involvement of catabolic stress‐induced overexpression of caveolin‐1 in cellular ageing
Authors: YUDOH Kazuo , SHI Yeqing , KARASAWA Rie
Published: July 2009

Objective:  Recently, attention has been attracted by the finding that overexpression of caveolin‐1 induces cellular senescence in age‐related diseases. We aimed to ascertain whether angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) can inhibit interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced senescence in human chondrocytes by downregulation of caveolin‐1.

Methods:  We investigated the intracellular signalling pathways involved in chondrocyte ageing. Human chondrocytes were isolated from the articular cartilage of patients undergoing arthroplastic knee surgery in osteoarthritis (OA). Chondrocytes were stimulated with or without IL‐1β (10 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor or hepatocyte growth factor (20 ng/mL). After 72‐h incubation, we observed the expression of caveolin‐1 in human chondrocytes by immunohistochemistry, and analysed the protein levels of caveolin‐1 by Western blot. We examined the time‐course of phosphorylation patterns of mammalian mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) by Western blot, and used several specific protein kinase inhibitors to evaluate the involvement of the intracellular signalling pathways. Also, chondrocyte replicative lifespan was analyzed in the presence or absence of AGFs.

Results:  Treatment with AGFs inhibited IL‐1β‐induced overexpression of caveolin‐1 in human OA chondrocytes. Treatment with AGFs all down‐regulated protein levels of IL‐1β‐accelarated expression of caveolin‐1 in chondrocytes. IL‐1β significantly decreased the cellular replicative lifespan in chondrocytes. Treatment with AGFs prevented the IL‐1β‐induced shortening of chondrocyte replicative lifespan. The specific inhibitors for MAPK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and PI3‐K cancelled the AGF‐induced downregulation of overexpression of caveolin‐1.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that AGFs downregulated IL‐1β‐induced chondrocyte ageing and overexpression of caveolin‐1 in human chondrocytes, which is mediated by kinase cascades involving the p42/44 MAP kinase and PI3‐K/Akt signalling pathways.
Anti‐nucleosome antibodies as a disease activity marker in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: SULEIMAN Suleiman , KAMALIAH Daud , NADEEM Afzal , NAING Nyi Nyi , CHE MARAINA Che Hussin
Published: July 2009

Aim:  To measure the level of anti‐nucleosome antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, to determine the sensitivity and the specificity of these antibodies in the diagnosis of the disease and to evaluate the relationship between the levels of anti‐nucleosome antibodies, anti‐dsDNA (double‐stranded DNA) and SLE disease activity.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted. All patients attended either a medical specialist clinic or were admitted to the medical wards of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia with the diagnosis of SLE (n = 90), other connective tissue diseases (n = 45) or were normal controls (n = 90) within the period from July 2004 until September 2005. They were tested for anti‐nucleosome antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and anti‐DNA antibodies by immunofluorescence. SLE disease activity was evaluated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score.

Results:  Out of 90 SLE patients, anti‐nucleosome antibodies were positive in 47 (52.2%) patients, whereas these antibodies were positive in three (6.7%) patients with other connective tissue diseases. Anti‐dsDNA antibodies were positive in 33 (36.7%) SLE patients, whereas these antibodies were positive in four (8.9%) patients with other connective tissue diseases. Anti‐nucleosome antibodies were positive in 40 (97.6%) patients with active SLE, whereas these antibodies were positive in seven (14.3%) patients with inactive SLE. Anti‐nucleosome antibodies had a stronger correlation than anti‐dsDNA antibodies with SLEDAI score. There was a significant association between anti‐nucleosome antibodies and disease activity.

Conclusion:  Anti‐nucleosome antibodies test is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of SLE, especially when the anti‐dsDNA antibodies are absent. They are additional disease activity markers in the assessment of SLE disease activity.
The infectious profiles of anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents in a Thai population: a retrospective study a the university‐based hospital
Authors: SUWANNALAI Parawee , AUETHAVEKIAT P. , UDOMSUBPAYAKUL U. , JANVITAYANUJIT S.
Published: July 2009

Aims:  Anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α (anti‐TNF) agents represented treatment advances in a number of rheumatologic diseases. However, adverse effects of anti‐TNF agents have been identified through both clinical trials and post‐marketing surveillance, especially an increased risk of serious infections. This study firstly described the infectious profiles of anti‐TNF agents in a Thai population.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed all infectious incidences from 100 consecutive medical records of patients who were treated with either etanercept or infliximab for any rheumatologic and non‐rheumatologic conditions.

Results:  Indications for anti TNF‐α agents were mainly rheumatoid arthritis (46%) and spondyloarthropathy (SpA) (41%). Seventy‐seven patients were treated with etanercept and 23 with infliximab. For those whose initial treatment was etanercept, there were two events of suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and suspected hepatitis‐B virus (HBV) reactivation. Two out of 23 patients (8.7%) who were firstly treated with infliximab had herpes zoster skin infection. Incidence of overall infection before anti‐TNF treatment were significantly higher in patient who started with etanercept (0.065 vs. 0.019 cases per person‐years in etanercept and infliximab respectively, P < 0.0001). Incidence of overall infection post‐anti‐TNF treatment were 0.122 and 0.201 cases per person‐years in patients who started with etanercept and infliximab with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The overall infection rates were significantly increased after infliximab treatment (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  Even thought there were two new events of TB and HBV reactivation after etanercept treatment, incidence of overall infection seemed to be increased after infliximab treatment. The infectious screening and monitoring with high index of suspicion as well as the pre‐emptive treatment are still important whenever either etanercept or infliximab is started.
Reduced bone density in individuals with severe hemophilia B
Authors: MANSOURITORGHABEH Hassan , REZAIEYAZDI Zahra , SAADATI Nayyereh , SAGHAFI Masoud , MIRFEIZI Zahra , REZAI Javad
Published: July 2009

Aim:  The reduced bone density in individuals with severe hemophilia A (decreased coagulation factor VIII level) and combined factor V and VIII deficiency have been reported. In the current case‐control study we tried to address bone mineral density in individuals with severe hemophilia B (decreased coagulation factor IX).

Methods:  In our case‐control study, we recruited bone density and biochemical indexes in 14 individuals with severe hemophilia B and compared obtained results with 14 age‐ and sex‐matched control group results.

Results:  Our results showed individuals with severe hemophilia B had reduced bone density in lumbar (–0.34 ± 0.97) and femur (–0.82 ± 1.37) regions, compared to the control group (0.84 ± 0.53 and 1.02 ± 1.04 respectively; P‐value = 0.000 and 0.000).

Conclusion:  The foremost complication of coagulation disorders are various types of excessive bleedings. The current study revealed severe hemophiliac B patients are prone to reduced bone density similar to severe hemophiliac A patients.
Reduced bone density in patients on long‐term warfarin
Authors: REZAIEYAZDI Zahra , FALSOLEIMAN Homa , KHAJEHDALUEE Mohammad , SAGHAFI Masoud , MOKHTARI‐AMIRMAJDI Elham
Published: July 2009

Aim:  Vitamin K is an essential factor for carboxylation of bone matrix protein. Low vitamin K may be associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). The issue of whether long‐term sodium warfarin therapy as oral anticoagulant that antagonizes vitamin K, results in decreased bone density, is controversial. Our purpose in this study was to assess the effects of warfarin on BMD.

Methods:  We performed a case control study survey of bone density in 70 patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease ‘mechanical valve replacement’ on long‐term warfarin compared with 103 randomly selected matched controls.

Results:  There was a marked reduction in BMD (g/cm2) and T‐score of lumbar spine between patients and controls (P = 0.048, 0.005). Duration of warfarin use was the only risk factor of significant importance respectively on spinal T‐score (P < 0.03).

Conclusions:  Screening of patients on long‐term warfarin for reduced bone density should be considered. We strongly suggest the prophylactic use of calcium–vitamin D supplements for these patients.
Proteus vertebral osteomyelitis
Authors: YONG Tuck Yean , LI Jordan Yuanzhi
Published: July 2009

Proteus organisms are rare causes of osteomyelitis. Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by this organism has only been reported in 21 cases over the last 75 years. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of vertebral osteomyelitis, rare causes such as P. mirabilis may need to be considered in the context of recent urinary tract infection or urological surgery. Therefore biopsy should be undertaken to establish the causative organism and determine appropriate antibiotic susceptibility.
An unusual case of knee monoarthritis
Authors: CHOUDHURY Gautam Dhar , PRAKASH Siddharth , MISRA Ramnath , AGARWAL Vikas
Published: July 2009

A 61‐year‐old woman, a known case of diabetic nephropathy on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, presented with acute onset severe pain in the right knee, of 7 days duration. She had red hot and tender knee and was unable to bear weight. The lower half of the right thigh was swollen and tender. Right knee synovial fluid revealed 130 cells/µL (all lymphocytes). The fluid was negative for crystals and bacterial cultures. Three week later she returned with worsening of her symptoms despite receiving non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and intra‐articular glucocorticoid. Magnetic resonance imaging of the right thigh showed heterogeneously hyperintense right vastus medialis muscle on T2‐weighted image, suggestive of diabetic muscle infarction. Therapy with analgesics and physiotherapy led to recovery in pain and thigh swelling. Diabetic muscle necrosis is a rare complication of diabetes mellitus and may present with abrupt onset of pain and loss of function of the involved extremity, mimicking septic/reactive arthritis or pyomyositis. A high index of suspicion may avoid delay in diagnosis.
Churg‐Strauss syndrome presenting as acute abdomen: are gastrointestinal manifestations an indicator of poor prognosis?
Authors: SINGH Reetu , SINGH Dushyant , ABDOU Nabih
Published: July 2009

Churg Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare syndrome of vasculitis of the small to medium vessels, characterized by a triad of asthma, eosinophilia and atopic sinusitis. Although asthma is the most common manifestation, it is rarely associated with poor prognosis. Severe gastrointestinal tract manifestations are associated with worse outcomes. Patients with CSS at initial presentation, like our patient, may not meet all four American College of Rheumatology criteria to establish a diagnosis; however, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to recognize the disease early in its course and treat aggressively, thereby decreasing the mortality and morbidity associated with this disease.
A case of nasal‐type NK/T cell lymphoma in a patient with dermatomyositis
Authors: PARK Jeong Ha , KIM Yun Jung , PARK Chan Kum , YOO Dae‐Hyun
Published: July 2009

The association of malignancy with dermatomyositis is well known, and the frequency is reported to be up to 30%. However, cutaneous lymphoma associated with dermatomyositis has rarely been reported. We experienced a case of nasal‐type NK/T‐cell lymphoma in a 40‐year‐old woman with a 2‐year history of dermatomyositis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cutaneous involvement of nasal‐type NK/T‐cell lymphoma developing in a dermatomyositis patient. When skin lesions are resistant to aggressive conventional treatment in dermatomyositis patients, we should consider the possibility of malignancy, especially cutaneous lymphoma.
Paediatric case report: primary antiphospholipid syndrome presented with non‐thrombotic neurological picture psychosis; treat by antidepressants alone?
Authors: SHALABY Medhat , ALHUMAYED Suliman , ALSHEHRI Amer
Published: July 2009

The classical clinical picture of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis, fetal losses and thrombocytopenia in the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant. APS can occur either as a primary disorder or secondary to a connective tissue disease, most frequently systemic lupus erythematosus. Central nervous system involvement is one of the most prominent clinical manifestations of APS, and includes thrombotic events, psychiatric features and a variety of other non‐thrombotic neurological syndromes. We present a 9‐year‐old Saudi girl who developed psychotic illness without thrombotic manifestations. Autoantibodies against cardiolipin were persistent and strongly positive while antinuclear antibodies and antibodies against double‐stranded DNA was absent. Her brain computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance arteriography and magnetic resonance venography all were normal. There was no evidence of infection, drug intake or connective tissue disorders, So a diagnosis of primary APS was likely. Starting on antipsychotics only was unsatisfactory and marked improvement occurred after combined treatment with antidepressants (imipramin 10 mg and risperidal 0.2 mg, both once daily), small‐dose aspirin (100 mg) and hydroycloroquine (100 mg) both once dialy. Unfortunately aspirin was stopped by the family and 5 months later she developed right axillary vein thrombosis. This case presented psychotic illness. Investigations revealed the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies without a thromboembolic picture, mimicking Hughes syndrome but not fulfilling the criteria needed for the diagnosis. Thus, psychosis should be appreciated as a presenting symptom for primary APS and combined treatment with antipsychotics, aspirin and antimalarials is recommended.
Type B insulin resistance in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient
Authors: OSTWAL Vikas , OAK Jyotsna
Published: July 2009

In type B insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans, the insulin resistance is due to the presence of anti‐insulin receptor antibody 1. Approximately one‐third of patients with these antibodies have an associated illness such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjögren's syndrome. This report describes a case wherein the patient had presented with uncontrolled diabetes and required > 3000 units of human insulin to control hyperglycemia. She also had features of SLE. There was complete recovery following treatment with steroids.
Methylophilaceae link methanol oxidation to denitrification in freshwater lake sediment as suggested by stable isotope probing and pure culture analysis
Authors: Kalyuhznaya Marina G. , Martens‐Habbena Willm , Wang Tiansong , Hackett Murray , Stolyar Sergey M. , Stahl David A. , Lidstrom Mary E. , Chistoserdova Ludmila
Published: July 2009

In this work we assessed the potential for the denitrification linked to methanol consumption in a microbial community inhabiting the top layer of the sediment of a pristine lake, Lake Washington in Seattle. Stable isotope probing with 13C methanol was implemented in near in situ conditions and also in the presence of added nitrate. This revealed that the bacterial population involved in methanol uptake was dominated by species belonging to the Methylophilaceae, most prominently species belonging to the genus Methylotenera. Based on relative abundance of specific phylotypes in DNA clone libraries generated from 13C labelled DNA, some of these species appear not to require nitrate to assimilate methanol while others assimilate methanol in a nitrate‐dependent fashion. A pure culture of Methylotenera mobilis strain JLW8 previously isolated from the same study site was investigated for denitrification capability. This culture was demonstrated to be able to grow on methanol when nitrate was present, in aerobic conditions, while in media supplemented with ammonium it did not grow on methanol. The denitrifying capability of this strain was further demonstrated in defined laboratory conditions, by measuring accumulation of N2O. This study provides new insights into the potential involvement of Methylophilaceae in global nitrogen cycling in natural environments and highlights the connection between global carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Gorenstein rings through face rings of manifolds
Authors: Novik Isabella , Swartz Ed
Published: July 2009

The face ring of a homology manifold (without boundary) modulo a generic system of parameters is studied. Its socle is computed and it is verified that a particular quotient of this ring is Gorenstein. This fact is used to prove that the algebraic g-conjecture for spheres implies all enumerative consequences of its far-reaching generalization (due to Kalai) to manifolds. A special case of Kalai’s conjecture is established for homology manifolds that have a codimension-two face whose link contains many vertices.
Cluster complexes via semi-invariants
Authors: Igusa Kiyoshi , Orr Kent , Todorov Gordana , Weyman Jerzy
Published: July 2009

We define and study virtual representation spaces for vectors having both positive and negative dimensions at the vertices of a quiver without oriented cycles. We consider the natural semi-invariants on these spaces which we call virtual semi-invariants and prove that they satisfy the three basic theorems: the first fundamental theorem, the saturation theorem and the canonical decomposition theorem. In the special case of Dynkin quivers with n vertices, this gives the fundamental interrelationship between supports of the semi-invariants and the tilting triangulation of the (n−1)-sphere.
Comment on “Neodymium-142 Evidence for Hadean Mafic Crust”
Authors: Andreasen Rasmus , Sharma Mukul
Published: July 2009

O'Neil
et al
. (Reports, 26 September 2008, p. 1828) presented neodymium-142 data for rocks from northern Quebec, Canada, and suggested that these rocks may represent the oldest preserved crustal section on Earth. We argue that the age of the rocks is based on a spurious correlation between rocks that are probably not co-genetic and negative
142
Nd anomalies that may be the result of an analytical artifact.
Response to Comment on “Neodymium-142 Evidence for Hadean Mafic Crust”
Authors: O’Neil Jonathan , Carlson Richard W. , Francis Don , Stevenson Ross K.
Published: July 2009

Andreasen and Sharma raise concerns about the neodymium-142 data and age that we reported for rocks from the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt in Quebec, Canada. We agree that the issue of accurate mass fractionation correction is important, but stand by our discussion of this issue in our original report and our conclusion that the variation in
142
Nd/
144
Nd ratios reflects the decay of
146
Sm caused by Sm-Nd fractionation within 300 million years of Earth’s formation.
Transient Simulation of Last Deglaciation with a New Mechanism for Bølling-Allerød Warming
Authors: Liu Z. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , He F. , Brady E. C. , Tomas R. , Clark P. U. , Carlson A. E. , Lynch-Stieglitz J. , Curry W. , Brook E. , Erickson D. , Jacob R. , Kutzbach J. , Cheng J.
Published: July 2009

Model Behavior

The initial pulse of warming during the last deglaciation, which defined the start of an interval called the Bølling-Allerød, occurred abruptly about 14,500 years ago. To date, the most detailed simulations used models of intermediate complexity, not with more sophisticated Coupled Global Climate Models (CGCMs) that can synchronously couple both oceanic and the atmospheric components. Overcoming practical and technical challenges,

Liu
et al.

(p.
310
; see the Perspective by

Timmermann and Menviel

) performed such a simulation using CCSM3, a state-of-the-art ocean-atmosphere CGCM. In contrast to previous studies, which indicated that the Bølling-Allerød was triggered by a nonlinear bifurcation between modes of deep ocean circulation in the Atlantic, the results suggest that the event was a transient response caused by the cessation of meltwater input into the surface ocean in the North Atlantic region.