bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Carnitine Essential in Children?
Authors: Giovannini M. , Agostoni C. , Salari P.C. , Acids Fatty , Acidosis Organic
Published: January 2017

Carnitine has a fundamental biological role as a long-chain fatty acid carrier across the mitochondrial membrane and in ketone body formation. Although the body normally synthesizes carnitine, in certain circumstances such as total parenteral nutrition and haemodialysis a dietary supplement may be needed to maintain adequate levels. Several considerations suggest that carnitine is a truly essential nutrient in infancy and in other situations where the energy requirement is particularly high, e.g. pregnancy and breast feeding. There are, for example, congenital deficit syndromes due to enzymatic inadequacies. There is also the possible role of carnitine in serious metabolic disorders such as organic acidaemias and, above all, it has multiple physiological functions in major metabolic pathways which are essential for development and growth.
A Double-Blind Study Comparing Oleum Horwathiensis with Placebo in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Lassus A. , Forsström S.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and tolerability of topically applied oleum horwathiensis were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 42 patients with chronic stable psoriasis. Both groups of patients, 19 receiving oleum horwathiensis treatment and 23 receiving placebo treatment for 12 weeks, showed clinically significant effects of treatment. Oleum horwathiensis was more effective than placebo throughout the treatment period but the difference was not statistically significant at any time. No changes in laboratory values attributable to treatment were recorded. The symptoms of the oleum horwathiensis-treated group continued to be less severe than those of the placebo-treated group throughout the 12 weeks of follow-up. The follow-up period, however, occurred partly during the summer and since the clinical status of the patients may have been affected by climate the difference between the treatment groups was not analysed statistically. The tolerability and cosmetic acceptance of oleum horwathiensis were remarkably good, and good clinical efficacy in scalp lesions – which was not the subject of this study – was spontaneously reported by several patients.
A Clinical Trial of Hydroxyethylrutosides in the Treatment of Haemorrhoids of Pregnancy
Authors: Wijayanegara H , Mose JC , Achmad L , Sobarna R , Permadi W
Published: January 2017

The safety and efficacy of 500 mg O-( β-hydroxyethyl)rutosides given orally twice daily in the treatment of 97 patients with first-, second-, or third-degree haemorrhoids were investigated in a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. The rutosides produced a significant ( P < 0.001) improvement in patient-assessed subjective symptoms (pain, bleeding, exudation and pruritus) compared with placebo. There was also a significant ( P < 0.0001) improvement in clinician-assessed subjective and objective signs (bleeding, inflammation and dilatation of the haemorrhoidal plexus) after 2 and 4 weeks' treatment compared with placebo. There were three mild, transient side-effects reported in the active treatment group and no drug-related problems in the pregnancy or delivery were observed. The results suggest that O-( β-hydroxyethyl)rutosides provide a safe and effective treatment for women with haemorrhoids of pregnancy.
Prevention of Appearance of Radiological Lesions in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized, Single-Blind Study Comparing Intra-Articular Rifamycin with Auranofin
Authors: Caruso I , Santandrea S , Puttini P Sarzi , Montrone F , Boccassini L , Azzolini V , Cazzola M , Dell'Acqua D
Published: January 2017

In a prospective, randomized, single-blind study of 116 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (mean disease duration 7 months), therapeutic activity of intra-articular rifamycin SV (525 mg/week) infiltration into each peripheral joint over 10 weeks was compared with that of 3 mg auranofin given orally twice daily. The incidence of side-effects was lower in rifamycin-treated patients. At the end of follow-up, the clinical variables and erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed a significant and persistant improvement both in 16 patients who continued the auranofin treatment regularly and in 55 treated with rifamycin who had completed the therapeutic cycle 62.5 months before; the latex test decreased only in the rifamycin group. In patients treated with auranofin or who changed to other commonly used antirheumatic agents, 57% of those with an initially negative radiological picture developed new radiological lesions in at least one of the small joints compared with 9% in the rifamycin group. Although the number of patients treated with rifamycin was small and the follow-up relatively short, the results of the study indicated that treatment with intra-articular rifamycin SV may prevent the appearance of radiological lesions in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and normal radiographs initially.
Ketanserin Alone and in Combination with Enalapril in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension: Assessment of the Haemodynamic Effects
Authors: de Divitiis O , Galderisi M , Celentano A , Tammaro P , Garofalo M , Palmieri V , Crivaro M , Assogna G , Zanna C
Published: January 2017

The antihypertensive and haemodynamic efficacies of ketanserin and ketanserin plus enalapril were compared. The monotherapy phase of the study involved the oral administration of 40 mg ketanserin twice daily or 20 mg enalapril once daily for 12 weeks to 25 hypertensive patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced by both drugs. Left ventricular function both at rest and during effort improved significantly with either drug. This was due to a reduction of end-systolic volume; end-diastolic volume decreased only with the use of enalapril. Combination therapy, involving 16 patients and both drugs given at the original dosage schedule for 12 weeks, resulted in further reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and an improvement in left ventricular function; indices of diastolic function were not modified. In conclusion, ketanserin and enalapril showed comparable antihypertensive and haemodynamic activities. A combination of ketanserin and enalapril increased the favourable characteristics of both drugs.
Autohaemotherapy after Treatment of Blood with Ozone. A Reappraisal
Authors: Bocci V
Published: January 2017

Autohaemotherapy, involving bland treatment ex vivo of blood with ozone and prompt reinfusion into the donor, is a procedure mainly performed in central Europe, which is claimed to have therapeutic value in circulatory disorders, viral diseases and cancer. This practice is mostly performed in private clinics, and good clinical trials have not been published, which has understandably given rise to prejudice and scepticism. By analysing possible mechanisms of action and current hypotheses, this report attempts to explain how this procedure can be useful in such disparate diseases. The current state of the art is presented objectively, the lack of toxicity is documented, and the rationale and therapeutic advantages are discussed, with the aim of eliciting interest in carrying out controlled clinical trials.
Effect of Nadifloxacin on Neutrophil Functions
Authors: Akamatsu H , Sasaki H , Kurokawa I , Nishijima S , Asada Y , Niwa Y
Published: January 2017

Recent reports indicate that nadifloxacin is an effective therapy for acne vulgaris and has a mechanism of action similar to that of the tetracyclines which act directly as antioxidants against infiltrated neutrophils. The effects of nadifioxacin on neutrophil functions, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, chemotaxis and phagocytosis were investigated. Nadifloxacin reduced the numbers of superoxide radical anions (O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (OH·) generated by neutrophils. The drug did not, however, significantly inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis nor did it decrease the levels generated in a cell-free, xanthine–xanthine oxidase system. These results indicate that the clinical effectiveness of nadifloxacin may be partly due to its inhibitory action on the generation of O2− and OH· by neutrophils leading to a reduction in oxidative tissue injury.
Efficacy of Tenoxicam on Intra-Abdominal Adhesion Prevention in a Rat Model
Authors: Yilmazlar T , Kaya E , Gürpinar E , Emiroğlu H
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tenoxicam as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on intra-abdominal adhesion prevention in a rat model. Altogether 50 Wistar-Albino rats weighing 220 – 280 g were assigned to five groups, each of which was made up of 10 rats. All the rats were anaesthetized and prepared for sterile surgery. After a mid-line laparotomy was performed, a 1 cm area of the caecum was rubbed with gauze until subserosal haemorrhage developed, and then a 5 mm-diameter part of the peritoneum on the right side of the abdominal wall was removed. Prior to complete closure, 3 ml of the test material was placed into the abdominal cavity. On the eighth day the rats were killed and the adhesion score was determined. The groups and their mean adhesion scores were as follows: control group (normal saline), 2.5; group of dilution buffer, 1.8; tenoxicam (0.125 mg/kg), 1.3; tenoxicam (0.25 mg/kg), 1.3; and tenoxicam (0.5 mg/kg), 0.9. The differences between the adhesion scores among all the groups ( P < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test), and those between the tenoxicam groups and control group ( P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test), were significant. Thus a single instillation of tenoxicam into the peritoneal cavity at the time of surgery reduced adhesion formation effectively in this model, irrespective of dosage.
A Parallel-Group Comparison of Astemizole and Loratadine for the Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Al-Muhaimeed H
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and safety of the two antihistamines, astemizole and loratadine, were compared in a double-blind study of 84 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Patients were randomized to receive orally either astemizole 10 mg once daily ( n = 40) or loratadine 10 mg once daily ( n = 44) for 1 week. No other antirhinitis medication was allowed during the study. By day 7 the mean daily symptom scores, recorded on diary cards, were lower in patients receiving astemizole than in those receiving loratadine for runny nose, itchy nose and sneezing, although not for blocked nose, and treatment differences only reached statistical significance for runny nose. After 7 days, 53.75% of patients on astemizole and 38.6% on loratadine were free of symptoms, and 87% of patients on astemizole described the treatment as good or excellent compared with 62% on loratadine. The present results suggest that astemizole may be more effective than loratadine in controlling symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis.
Ultrastructural and Enzyme Histochemical Aspects of Amyloidosis in the Bovine Renal Medulla
Authors: Gruys E.
Published: January 2017

Electron microscopic studies of bovine kidneys with amyloidosis showed macrophage-like cells in the interstitial amyloid that were either disseminated or in small groups. They had rather uniform protracted vacuoles filled with parallel fibrils. Similar vacuoles were also found in some reticular interstitial cells. In some samples electron-dense vacuoles and vacuoles containing fibrils were seen. Protracted lysosomal enzyme activity was seen in macrophage-like cells and reticular interstitial cells; these areas of activity showed green birefringence with Congo red. The vacuoles were thought to be lysosomes, and the parallel amyloid fibrils could be a consequence of intracellular formation or of phagocytosis.
A Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis of the Lungs in Young Dogs
Authors: Lucke V. M. , Kelly D. F. , Harrington G. A. , Gibbs C. , Gaskell C. J.
Published: January 2017

Clinical signs in three young dogs with primary lung neoplasms included cough, weight loss and anorexia. Chest radiographs taken in the terminal stages of the disease showed nodular and diffuse consolidation of the lungs typical of primary neoplasms. Macroscopically the lungs were infiltrated by firm, pale tissue; similar tissue replaced the enlarged bronchial lymph nodes. In two dogs similar deposits were found also in the liver and spleen. The infiltrates were composed of atypical, polymorphous lymphoreticular cells. Invasion of pulmonary blood vessels and of bronchi and bronchioles was striking. The lesions closely resembled those of lymphomatoid granulomatosis, a rare human disease of unknown cause.
Megaloesophagus and Associated Gastric Heterotopia in the Cat
Authors: Bishop L. M. , Kelly D. F. , Gibbs C. , Pearson H.
Published: January 2017

Two young adult male Siamese cats had heterotopic gastric mucosa in the dilated and inflamed oesophagi. Normally differentiated gastric mucosal glands were present and there was severe ulceration in one cat. It is uncertain whether the gastric heterotopia was a reparative change after oesophagitis or whether it represented a coincidental anatomical anomaly.
Histochemical Demonstration of Copper and Copper-Associated Protein in the Canine Liver
Authors: Thornburg L. P. , Beissenherz M. , Dolan M. , Raisbeck M. F.
Published: January 2017

Three different histochemical methods for copper detection were compared. Atomic absorption analysis was used to substantiate the tissue stains. There was good correlation between rhodanine staining and rubeanic acid-stained tissue sections. The orcein reaction for copper-associated protein did not consistently correlate with the methods demonstrating copper. Prolonged staining (72 hours) with rubeanic acid more consistently and clearly detected increased copper in canine livers than did staining with rhodanine. Seventy-two hour staining with rubeanic acid is the method of choice for histochemical detection of copper in canine liver.
When AIDS Comes Home
Authors: Ngonzi Kiiza
Published: January 2017

A PERSONAL STORY FROM UGANDA
Reaping the Whirlwind
Authors: Becker Jasper
Published: January 2017

CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY PROPAGANDA CLAIMS AIDS IS THE ULTIMATE SYMBOL OF WESTERN DECADENCE. TODAY THERE MAY BE 2 MILLION INFECTED CHINESE - BUT THERE COULD BE 30 MILLION DEAD WITHIN FIVE YEARS IF THE GOVERNMENT REFUSES TO ACT
Who Killed Jesus Christ?
Authors: Greenberg Eric J.
Published: January 2017

AN AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE SCHOLAR WHO REVIEWED TALMUDIC PASSAGES REFERRING TO JESUS CHRIST FELL INTO THE ROW SURROUNDING FILM STAR MEL GIBSON'S CONTROVERSIAL FILM ACCOUNT OF CHRIST'S FINAL DAYS
Overrated and Underexposed
Authors: D'Entremont Jim
Published: January 2017

COMMERCIAL PRESSURES HAVE EMASCULATED AIDS-RELATED FILM AND THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
The Return of ‘Our’ Nabokov
Authors: Johnson D. Barton , Johnson Sheila Golburgh
Published: January 2017

More and more of Vladimir Nabokov's works are being published officially in the Soviet Union—but not without resistance from the old guard.
Soviet Literature — What has Changed
Authors: Laird Sally
Published: January 2017

‘That's a Nice Poem — Just Make it a Bit More Cheerful’
The rapid demise of Sarajevo TV
Authors: Pejic Nenad
Published: January 2017

Sarajevo Television achievedfinancial autonomy and a democratically elected management in July 1989, reluctantly tolerated by a severely weakened Bosnian Communist Party. But its newly-won editorial independence came under political fire. With the fall of Communist-style censorship, the three ethnically-based nationalist parties that emerged from Bosnia's November 1990 multi-party elections to form the coalition government attempted to impose new forms of censorship which, according to Nenad Pejic, would be worse than any imposed by Yugoslavia's Communist rulers. He predicts that the slide towards a purely nationalist media means not only the destruction of independent voices in Yugoslavia but ofany chance ofa peacefulfuture for the region. He was interviewed by Ursula Ruston.
Turning the page without closing the book
Authors: Rolston Bill
Published: January 2017

A truth commission in the North of Ireland would be premature at this point, but the debate on truth and justice should precede any negotiations if the new society is to prosper
Memory and forgetting
Authors: Manguel Alberto
Published: January 2017

Twenty years after the start of Argentina's ‘dirty war’, the fate of its 30,000 ‘disappeared’ is still a live issue. The victims want the truth followed by justice; the guilty walk free, basking in a government amnesty
The Ex Ante Efficiency of Australian Stock Market Benchmarks
Authors: Finn Frank , Koivurinne Timo
Published: January 2017

This paper tests the ex ante efficiency of Australian benchmark portfolios over the period 1980–1996. Indices commonly used as performance evaluation benchmarks were found to be ex ante inefficient when unrestricted short selling was allowed. However, when short selling was restricted, the ex ante efficiency of the benchmarks could not be rejected. Further, the mining/resource and property sectors were not performance-enhancing additions to investment in the industrial sector over the period examined. This has important implications for the performance evaluation of managed investment funds.
Awareness, Comprehension, and Use of Newly-Mandated Nutrition Labels Among Mestiza and Indigenous Ecuadorian Women in the Central Andes Region of Ecuador
Authors: Orozco Fadya , Ochoa Diana , Muquinche Maria , Padro Manuel , Melby Christopher L.
Published: January 2017

Background:

In 2014, Ecuador became the first country in Latin America to adopt the nutritional traffic light labeling system as a public policy aimed at guiding informed food choices.

Objective:

To describe the differences in comprehension and use of the new nutrition label in 2 different ethnic populations residing in a limited resource area of central Ecuador.

Methods:

A total of 394 women (18-75 years, 54.8% indigenous and 45.2% mixed-race mestizas) were randomly selected in the Chimborazo Province and were requested by a questionnaire to provide information regarding their awareness and comprehension of the traffic light nutritional labeling system and personal use of the food label in food selection.

Results:

Indigenous women had a high percentage who lacked any formal education (43.5%) and a greater proportion were not aware of the labeling system when compared with the mestizas (84.3% vs 46%; P = .001). In both groups, the main reason for not reading labels was lack of understanding of its meaning (50% indigenous vs 32.7% mestiza; P < .05). The reported use of the labeling system for food choices was low—on average, 32% of the mestizas and 5% of the indigenous women reported using nutrition label information to guide their purchase and consumption of packaged food items.

Conclusion:

The use of nutritional labeling is low in both mestiza and indigenous Ecuadorians, although higher among the mestizas. Among the indigenous women, mostly likely owing to less education, limited nutrition-related health knowledge, and higher risk for food insecurity, the utility of the new traffic light food label is limited.
Raynaud's Phenomenon: Infrared Functional Imaging Applied to Diagnosis and Drugs Effects
Authors: Merla A. , Romani G.L. , Di Luzio S. , Di Donato L. , Farina G. , Proietti M. , Pisarri S. , Salsano F.
Published: January 2017

A non-invasive, innovative approach to the study of Raynaud's Phenomenon is proposed. A group of patients, with respect of a control group, underwent a simultaneous assessment of thermal properties of all ten fingers using infrared functional imaging (IRFI). The assessment highlighted a quite different behaviour between patients with Primary- (PRP) and those with scleroderma - Raynaud's Phenomenon (SSc) and, compared with other existing techniques, seems to be an objective and effective tool to discriminate between PRP and RP secondary to SSc.

18 healthy volunteers (Norm), 20 Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon (PRP) and 20 Secondary Scleroderma (SSc) patients were studied subsequently to clinical evaluation and nail fold capillaroscopy. High-resolution infrared imaging of finger re-warming processes, immediately after a 2 min cold stress, allowed to identify objective parameters. Temperature integral Q (the temperature evaluation of the area under the time-temperature curve along the re-warming period) provided particularly effective figures in describing thermal properties of the fingers.

Grand average Q values were (383.4 ± 12.5) °C/min, (502.9 ± 88.1) °C/min and (1022.0 ± 110.2) ±C/min for the PRP, SSc and Normal groups, respectively. Separate evaluation of the temperature integral for each finger leads to very similar results for the fingers of all the PRP patients; a different thermoregulatory response was observed in SSc patients. The sensitivity of the method in order to distinguish healthy from ill fingers was 100 %. The specificity in distinguishing SSc from PRP was 95%. In addition, IRFI parameters provided a better understanding of the impaired control of the finger's temperature in PRP and SSc with respect to the Normal group.

This pilot study also applied IRFI for the measurement of drug effects in patients with Raynaud's Phenomenon.

Sixteen out of twenty SSc patients were tested in a single 1-hour session of N-acetylcysteine infusion. IRFI clearly documented a significant increase of face and hands temperature during the drug administration. The grand average value of the finger's temperature after the 1 hour NAC administration was (29.6 ± 3.7) °C, while its value before was (27.9 ± 3.7) °C (p<0.001). N-acetylcysteine seems to act as a vasodilator in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
Ritonavir and Saquinavir Directly Stimulate Anterior Pituitary Prolactin Secretion, in Vitro
Authors: Orlando G. , Brunetti L. , Vacca M.
Published: January 2017

An association between human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) protease inhibitors (Pis) and galactorrhoea/hyperprolactinemia adverse effect has recently been reported in four HIV-1-infected women treated with Pis (indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir or saquinavir). This could be explained by a direct effect of ritonavir and saquinavir on anterior pituitary prolactin (PRL) release, and/or an indirect effect of Pis on the secretion of hypothalamic dopamine, which is the main PRL inhibitory factor. Anterior pituitaries were explanted from adult male Wistar rats, the cells were trypsin dispersed, plated into multiwell cultures and incubated for 1 h with either ritonavir or saquinavir (0.01 nM-1mM). PRL release into the incubation medium was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Hypothalamic neuronal endings (synaptosomes) were prepared by tissue homogenization, incubated with [3H]dopamine, substituting for the endogenous dopamine pool, and perfused with ritonavir or saquinavir, both basally and during depolarization (K+ 15 mM)-induced dopamine release. Beta-emission from 2 min perfusate fractions, corresponding to [3H]dopamine release, was detected by liquid scintillation scanning. We found that both ritonavir and saquinavir are able to significantly stimulate PRL secretion, with saquinavir slightly more effective than ritonavir. On the contrary, both protease inhibitors do not modify either basal or depolarization-induced dopamine release. We can speculate that HIV Pis despite a high affinity for the catalytic site of HIV protease, could also bind to and inhibit homologous mammalian proteins in the anterior pituitary that are involved in PRL secretion.
No Specific Reactivity to E. Coli Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase from Sera of Newly-Diagnosed Insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients
Authors: Konidaris C. , Mitlianga P.G. , Papadopoulos G.K.
Published: January 2017

The 65 kD isoform of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD), is one of the major autoantigens in human type 1 diabetes mellitus. This enzyme shares aminoacid identity, in select regions already determined as antigenic with its counterpart from E. coli. We tested the reactivity of diabetic and normal sera and an E. coli GAD-specific monoclonal antibody (2D9) to E. coli GAD by solid phase and competition ELISA, as well as immunoblotting to check for cross-reactivity of autoantibodies to the two antigens. Specific antibodies for E. coli GAD are present in diabetics and normal subjects without any differences in frequency and titer. The reactivity of such antibodies in ELISA could be blocked in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of excess antigen in the liquid phase. Furthermore, the monoclonal antibody against E. coli GAD does not recognise human recombinant GAD65 in an ELISA. We conclude that there is no basis for cross-reactivity between the two antigens, and antibody reactivity to GAD65 in man cannot arise from cross-reactivity to the E. coli enzyme.
Detection and Sequence Analysis of Human Polyomaviruses DNA from Autoptic Samples of HIV-1 Positive and Negative Subjects
Authors: Pietropaolo V. , Fioriti D. , Simeone P. , Videtta M. , Di Taranto C. , Arancio A. , Orsi N. , Degener A.M.
Published: January 2017

The distribution of DNA of BK and JC human polyomaviruses (BKV and JCV) was investigated in samples from autopsies of different organs in 2 groups of patients: Human Immunodeficiency Virus −1 (HIV) positive and negative. Samples from various organs were analysed by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the non-coding control and for the VP1 regions of both viruses. The results obtained showed that BKV DNA was present in both males and females with a higher prevalence in HIV-positive subject samples (spleen: 33%; kidney: 44%; brain: 22%, uterine cervix:100%; prostatic urethra: 50%). In prostatic urethra samples of HIV-positive subjects, the JCV DNA was revealed in a low percentage (33%), while it was not found at all in uterine cervix samples of both groups.

The varying presence of BK and JC viral DNA in the different organs seems to reflect the different pathogenetic attitude of these viruses. JCV was mainly present in the brain (55%), confirming its typical neurotropism and its etiological role in neurological disorders found in immunodeficient patients. BKV, on the other hand, was mainly present in the kidney (44%) and in genital organs (uterine cervix: 100%; prostatic urethra: 50%) with the latter finding favouring the hypothesis of a possible sexual transmission of BKV. Furthermore, our results confirm the crucial role of the immune system in the persistence of human polyomaviruses in the host.
Novel Shift of Jak/Stat Signalling Characterizes the Protective Effect of Aurintricarboxylic Acid (ATA) from Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Toxicity in Human B Lymphocytes
Authors: Marchisio M. , Grimley P. M. , Di Baldassarre A. , Santavenere E. , Miscia S.
Published: January 2017

Previous results demonstrated that the occurrence of death in human peripheral B lymphocytes by TNF-a was paralleled by the activation of the cytoplasmic Jak1 and Tyk2 protein kinases, along with the recruitment of transcription factors Stat3 and Stat5b. In this study we demonstrate that the balance of survival signals in the presence of TNF-α was altered by the addition of a salicylate compound, the endonuclease inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA). Apoptosis effected by TNF-α alone was suppressed by ATA and this event was paralleled by phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Jak2, Stat2, Stat4 and NF-kB, along with inhibition of caspase activation. These results confirm that among the different cellular responses evoked by TNF-α in human B cells, recruitment of Jak/Stat proteins and possible related gene modulation represent contributing factors and address the issue of the development of potential therapeutic strategies aimed at the control of systemic or local effects produced by TNF-α.
Immune Response in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus and HCV Infection
Authors: Petruzzi M. , De Benedittis M. , Loria M.P. , Dambra P. , D'Oronzio L. , Capuzzimati L. , Tursi A. , Muzio L. Lo , Serpico R.
Published: January 2017

In recent years an association between oral lichen planus (OLP) and HCV infection has been reported, but the frequency of this association seems to differ in the various geographic areas. It is clear, instead, that some abnormalities occur in the immune-regulation mechanisms of patients with OLP and it is thought to be due to the chronic antigenic stimulus of HCV that causes functional disorders of the immune system in infected patients. Possible immunologic difference between 17 patients with OLP and HCV+ and 17 patients with OLP and HCV- were investigated using standard immunofluorescence and flow cytometry techniques. The distribution of T and B cells was normal in all patients examined, while NK CD56+ cells were increased, above all in HCV- patients. About 65% of T CD4+ lymphocytes coexpressed the CD45RO isoform (p=0.002), while approximately 32% expressed CD45RA, without significant differences in comparison to HCV+ subjects (p>0.05). Moreover, almost all the CD4+CD45RO+ subpopulation coexpressed CD29 in all patients examined. No significant differences between the two groups of patients were detected as to the increase of cytotoxic T CD8+CD57+ lymphocytes. The B cells CD19+CD5+ responsible for the production of “natural” antibodies were detectable in both the examined groups, even if not in all HCV+ subjects (30% ± 10.1 in HCV- and 27% ± 19.4 in HCV+ patients; p=0.47). These findings suggest the existence of differences in lymphocyte subpopulations between OLP-HCV+ subjects and OLP-HCV- patients.
Sick Building Syndrome like Symptoms in Emergency Prefabricated Accommodation
Authors: Muzi G. , Accattoli M.P. , Dell'omo M. , Frillici C. , Sapia I.E. , Abbritti G.
Published: January 2017

The present study investigated the sources of discomfort and the symptoms reported by earthquake victims residing in temporary emergency prefabricated accommodation (prefab). The investigation was carried out by means of a questionnaire. 203 prefab occupants and 132 inhabitants of houses, who were chosen as reference population, replied in winter and 233 prefab occupants and 154 inhabitants of houses replied in summer. In both seasons more people living in prefabs identified dry air, stuffy air, stale air, dust, dampness, uncomfortable temperature and bad odours as sources of discomfort. They also complained of general symptoms (headache, irritability, insomnia, difficulty in concentration) and irritative symptoms of the eyes, upper and lower airways and skin. Multiple regression analysis identified the type of accommodation as the variable that most influenced the onset of general, ocular, upper and lower airway symptoms. Intrinsic characteristics of the prefabs (being constructed with synthetic materials, combustion sources, poor ventilation and insulation) and psychosocial factors e. losing their home, could have contributed to the onset of symptoms.
Increased Levels of NF-κB Inhibitors (IκBα and IκBγ) in the Intestinal Mucosa of Crohn's Disease Patients during Infliximab Treatment
Authors: Guidi L. , Costanzo M. , Ciarniello M. , De Vitis I. , Pioli C. , Gatta L. , Pace L. , Tricerri A. , Bartoloni C. , Coppola L. , Balistreri P. , Doria G. , Fedeli G. , Gasbarrini G.B.
Published: January 2017

The treatment with infliximab is employed successfully in Crohn's disease (CD) but predictors of efficacy are lacking. Activation of the transcription factor NF-kB has been demonstrated in CD and its inhibition is one of the mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory agents exert their effects. We evaluated the production of TNFα by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the levels of NF-κB family molecules in the intestinal mucosa during infliximab therapy in 12 patients. TNFα was assayed on supernatants of PBMC culture stimulated with PHA or LPS. Immunohistochemistry was also done on intestinal biopsies. In six patients, Western blot analysis of the NF-kB subunit Rel-A, and its inhibitors IκBα and IκBγ was performed on intestinal biopsies and PBMC. The TNFα production by LPS stimulated PBMC showed mild changes, while it was increased by PHA–stimulated PBMC after treatment. The number of inflammatory cells in the intestinal mucosa was reduced (p<0.002) by the treatment. In five out of six cases we detected an increase of the IκBα and IκBγ inhibitor levels in intestinal biopsies after treatment. An increase of IκB inhibitors levels could be one of the mechanisms by which infliximab decreases NF-κB activity and exerts its anti-inflammatory effects.
Altered Cytokine and Acute Phase Response Protein Levels in the Blood of Children with Downs Syndrome: Relationship with Dementia of Alzheimer's Type
Authors: Licastro F. , Chiappelli M. , Ruscica M. , Carnelli V. , Corsi M. M.
Published: January 2017

Down's syndrome (DS) subjects are at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients with AD often show altered levels of some immune molecules in their peripheral blood which correlate with cognitive impairment. However, whether the altered peripheral immune phenotype is a late and secondary phenomenon associated with dementia or an early impairment linked to mechanisms controlling neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) is still an unanswered question. Here we studied immune molecules in the blood of non demented children with DS to investigate whether altered peripheral immune phenotype could be present in these subjects without dementia, many years before the presentation of clinical signs of cognitive deterioration. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) were significantly higher in DS than in control children. Plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (sICAM-3), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and C reactive protein (CRP) were also increased in DS. The increase of IL-6 and CRP from DS children was similar to that found in elderly patients with clinical AD. Peripheral altered immune phenotype in healthy young subjects with DS might be an early sign of CNS alterations leading many years later to cognitive deterioration and dementia.
Mesenteric Traction Syndrome or Gut in Distress
Authors: Avgerinos D.V. , Theoharides T.C.
Published: January 2017

The mesenteric traction syndrome (MTS) remains, seventeen years after its first designation as a distinct pathologic entity, an aspect of surgical practice that has received limited attention. Apart from its symptomatology, there is mostly speculation about its exact causes and pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Even though full-blown MTS is rather rare, the advent of laparoscopic surgery has indicated that there are different stages of stress associated with open abdominal surgery. Some evidence points to the involvement of mast cell derived vasoactive mediators and suggests possible pharmacologic management.
Morphological and Cytofluorimetric Analysis of Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expanded Ex Vivo from Periodontal Ligament
Authors: Trubiani O. , Di Primio R. , Traini T. , Pizzicannella J. , Scarano A. , Piattelli A. , Caputi S.
Published: January 2017

Many adult tissues contain a population of stem cells that have the ability of regeneration after trauma, disease or aging. Recently, there has been great interest in mesenchymal stem cells and their roles in maintaining physiological structure tissues and their studies have been considered very important and intriguing after having shown that this cell population can be expanded ex vivo to regenerate tissues not only of the mesenchymal lineage, such as intervertebral disc cartilage, bone, tooth-associated tissue, cardiomyocytes, but also to differentiate into cells derived from other embryonic layers, including neurons. Currently, different efforts have been focused on the identification of odontogenic progenitors from oral tissues. In this study we isolated and characterized a population of homogeneous human mesenchymal stem cells proliferating in culture with an attached well-spread morphology derived from periodontal ligament, tissue of ectomesenchymal origin, with the ability to form a specialized joint between alveolar bone and tooth. The adherent cells were harvested and expanded ex vivo under specific conditions and analysed by FACScan flow cytometer and morphological analysis was carried out by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Our results displayed highly evident cells with a fibroblast like morphology and a secretory apparatus, probably indicating, that the enhanced function of the secretory apparatus of the mesenchymal stem cells may be associated with the secretion of molecules that are required to survive and proliferate. Moreover, the presence in periodontal ligament of CD90, CD29, CD44, CD166, CD 105, CD13 positive cells, antigens that are also identified as stromal precursors of the bone marrow, indicate that the periodontal ligament may turn out to be a new efficient source of the cells with intrinsic capacity to self-renewal, high ability to proliferate and differentiate, that can be utilized for a new approach to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
CD40-Dependent Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway Inhibits Apoptosis of Human Cultured Mesangial Cells Induced by Oxidized LDL
Authors: Deambrosis I. , Scalabrino E. , Deregibus M.C. , Camussi G. , Bussolati B.
Published: January 2017

Deposition of atherogenic lipoproteins is associated with various glomerular diseases. In particular, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) may affect mesangial cells and favour the development of glomerulosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate on cultured human mesangial cells (HMC) whether oxLDL induces apoptosis by a mechanism dependent on the inhibition of Akt survival pathway, and whether the engagement of mesangial CD40 by its ligand CD154 inhibits the apoptotic effect of oxLDL. Tunel assays demonstrated that incubation of HMC for 24h with oxLDL, but not with unmodified LDL, induced a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis of HMC associated with a decrease in Akt phosphorylation. Enzymatic kinase assay showed that also the Akt activity was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with oxLDL. Stimulation of mesangial CD40 with sCD154 rescued HMC from oxLDL-dependent apoptosis, while two unrelated pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K LY294002 and wortmannin abrogated this anti-apoptotic effect, suggesting an involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Moreover CD40 stimulation maintained an elevated phosphorylation of Akt and preserved its enzymatic activity in the presence of oxLDL. Indeed, CD154 induced a rapid enhancement in Akt enzymatic activity, that was temporarily correlated with the association of CD40 with TRAF3, TRAF6, c-Cbl and the p85 subunit of PI3K. In conclusion, these results suggest that CD40 stimulation protects HMC from toxic effects of oxLDL by promoting PI3K/Akt-dependent cell survival.
Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Dental Research: A New Approach for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Trubiani O. , Orsini G. , Caputi S. , Piattelli A.
Published: January 2017

Many adult tissues contain a population of stem cells that have the ability to regenerate after trauma, disease or aging. Recently, there has been great interest in mesenchymal stem cells and their roles in maintaining the physiological structure of tissues. The studies on stem cells are thought to be very important and, in fact, it has been shown that this cell population can be expanded ex vivo to regenerate tissues not only of the mesenchymal lineage, such as intervertebral disc cartilage, bone and tooth-associated tissues, but also other types of tissues. Several studies have focused on the identification of odontogenic progenitors from oral tissues, and it has been shown that the mesenchymal stem cells obtained from periodontal ligament and dental pulp could have similar morphological and phenotypical features of the bone marrow mesenchymal cells. In fact a population of homogeneous human mesenchymal stem cells derived from periodontal ligament and dental pulp, and proliferating in culture with a well-spread morphology, can be recovered and characterized. Since these cells are considered as candidates for regenerative medicine, the knowledge of the cell differentiation mechanisms is imperative for the development of predictable techniques in implant dentistry, oral surgery and maxillo-facial reconstruction. Thus, future research efforts might be focused on the potential use of this cell population in tissue engineering. Further studies will be carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in their maintenance and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.
Peroxiredoxin Genes are Not Induced in Myeloid Leukemia Cells Exposed to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Di Pietro R. , Fang H. , Fields K. , Miller S. , Flora M. , Petricoin E.C. , Dveksler G. , Rana R.A. , Grimley P.M.
Published: January 2017

Peroxiredoxins (Prx) comprise an extended family of small antioxidant proteins which conserve a thioredoxin-dependent catalytic function that can contribute to cell protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS generation is one of the deleterious intracellular effects of ionizing radiation, but the role of Prx during radiation treatment has not been extensively explored. Present experiments measure effects of ionizing radiation on expression of human Prx types I ( PAGA), II ( NKEF-B) and IV ( AOE372) in human myeloid leukemia cells (K562). Prx gene transcription was analyzed by amplifying with RT-PCR cDNAs complementary to each Prx-specific coding sequence and by identifying the derived products with Southern blotting procedure. Transcripts of GAPDH were used as the endogenous standard for semi-quantitative comparisons. No consistent increase in Prx gene expression was detected at time intervals up to 72 h after gamma radiation doses that caused cell cycle arrest and nuclear damage (maximum 20 Gy). Immunoblots also were consistent with a prolonged expression or stability of the Prx I/II proteins. Similarly, a cytotoxic concentration of the oxidant hemin, which stimulates rapid hemoglobinization of K562 cells, caused no induction of Prx gene expression. Our results indicate a high Prx stability in human radio-resistant leukemia cells.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil Possesses Potent Anti-Staphylococcal Activity Extended to Strains Resistant to Antibiotics
Authors: Ferrini A.M. , Mannoni V. , Aureli P. , Salvatore G. , Piccirillp E. , Ceddia T. , Pontieri E. , Sessa R. , Oliva B.
Published: January 2017

Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel essential oil (TTO) and its major component terpinen-4-ol were examined against a large number of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus to establish their anti-staphylococcal activities. Classic and established procedures were used to study M.I.C., time-kill curves, synergism and mutational frequency. The anti-staphylococcal activity of terpinen-4-ol and TTO were superior to those of antibiotics belonging to the major families (all the tested drugs are for topical use or included in ointments, eye drops or used during surgery); terpinen 4-ol and TTO were active against strains resistant to mupirocin, fusidic acid, vancomycin, methicillin and linezolid. TTO and terpinen-4-ol were bactericidal as revealed by time-kill curves; the frequency of mutational frequency to TTO was < 2.9×109. The study demonstrates good anti-staphylococcal activity of TTO and terpinen-4-ol against a large number of S.aureus isolates and suggests the possible application of these agents for topical treatment of staphylococcal infections. This is the first extensive study on the anti-staphylococcal activity of TTO. The results suggest that this compound may have application as a topical agent for the control of superficial staphylococcal infections, including activity against organisms resistant to antibiotics which can be used, or are specific, for topical use.
Relationship between Specific Serum IGE to Ascaris Lumbricoides and Onset of Respiratory Symptoms in Bangladesh Immigrants
Authors: Di Lorenzo G. , Pacor M.L. , Mansueto P. , Esposito-Pellitteri M. , Scichilone N. , Ditta V. , Lo Bianco C. , Leto-Barone M.S. , Di Fede G. , Corrocher R. , Mansueto S. , Rini G.B.
Published: January 2017

The role of helminths in asthma and/or rhinitis and in allergic sensitization is still unclear. We assessed the relationship between Ascaris-specific IgE, respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitization in Bangladesh immigrants. 246 individuals were examined from 1996 to 2001. Serum total IgE, Ascaris IgE, specific IgE to inhalant allergens, skin prick tests (SPT) and parasitological evaluation of the stool were performed. Total serum IgE were significantly higher in Ascaris-IgE positive (> 0.35 kU/L) individuals (806.5 [409.0–1436.0] kU/L vs. 207.0 [127.0–332.5] kU/L; P < 0.0001) and in subjects with respiratory symptoms (413.0 [239.0–1096.0] kU/L vs. 259.5 [147.0–387.0] kU/L), ( P < 0.0001), but not in SPT positive subjects (413.0 [179.0–894.0] kU/L vs. 404.6 [305.0–1201.0] kU/L ( P= 0.5). Ascaris-specific IgE were detected in 48 subjects with respiratory symptoms (40.0%) and in 46 subjects without respiratory symptoms (36.5%) ( P = 0.5). The SPT positivity was similar between Ascaris-IgE seropositive (38.2%) and Ascaris-IgE seronegative (38.1%) subjects ( P = 0.9). Total IgE and length of stay in Italy correlated with SPT positivity (OR 5.6 [CI 95% 1.5–19.8], P = 0.007, and OR 1.5 [CI 95% 1.3–1.7], P < 0.0001), and with respiratory symptoms (OR 13.7 [CI 95% 3.0–62.4], P = 0.0007, and OR 2.4 [CI 95% 1.9–3.0], P < 0.0001). Ascaris-IgE were negatively associated with SPT positivity (OR 0.3 [CI 95% 0.1–0.8], P = 0.02) and with respiratory symptoms (OR 0.1 [CI 95% 0.04–0.7], P = 0.01). Our findings favour the role of environmental factors in the development of respiratory symptoms in immigrants, irrespective of Ascaris-IgE.
Neonatal Eating Epilepsy: Pathophysiological and Pharmacologic Aspects
Authors: Domizio R. , Conte E. , Puglielli C. , Domizio S. , Maragni S. , Pollice R. , Casacchia M. , Sabatino G.
Published: January 2017

We report a case of neonatal Eating Epilepsy. The baby was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Chieti after delivery, with respiratory distress syndrome. In the first day of life the baby had an episode of arterial desaturation and cyanosis with EEG alterations. After laboratory and instrumental investigations we found a correlation between EEG abnormalities and GER. So we administered a combination of anticonvulsive and antacid therapy and, considering the total improvement of EEG, we diagnosed a neonatal form of “eating epilepsy”.
Antibiotic Treatment Alone for Acute Rhinosinusitis Gives a Poor Response in Allergic Children
Authors: Marseglia G.L. , Klersy C. , Barberi S. , Marseglia A. , Castellazzi A.M. , Pagella F. , Ciprandi G.
Published: January 2017

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is frequent in children. Patients with allergic rhinitis show signs of more impaired paranasal sinus functioning than normal subjects during viral colds. This study evaluated the effectiveness of administering antibiotics alone to treat ARS in both allergic and non-allergic children. We obtained informed consent from the parents of each patient enrolled in the study. 97 children, 55 males and 42 females aged between 4 and 9 years (46 of whom were allergic), suffering from ARS, were treated with amoxicilline-clavulanate (50 mg/Kg bid) for 14 days. Symptoms and endoscopic signs of illness were evaluated at baseline and immediately after treatment. Symptoms improved significantly (p<0.001) after treatment in 84 patients, equally distributed between allergic and non-allergic subjects. On the contrary, endoscopic signs disappeared only in 49 children, 9 of whom were allergic (OR 14.9, 95%CI 4.6–40.1, p<0.001). Slight to fair agreement was observed between clinical symptoms and endoscopic signs (agreement 64%, Kappa=0.28, McNemar test pO.001). Antibiotic therapy alone in the treatment of ARS may be generally insufficient to resolve symptoms, mainly endoscopic signs. Moreover, in allergic children this issue appears to be more evident.