bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The HDAC inhibitor LBH589 (panobinostat) is an inhibitory modulator of aromatase gene expression
Authors: Chen Shiuan , Ye Jingjing , Kijima Ikuko , Evans Dean
Published: June 2010

Aromatase converts androgens to estrogens. Although third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are important drugs in hormonal therapy for breast cancer in postmenopausal women, there are concerns about the side effects associated with the estrogen deprivation achieved with AIs. Expression of aromatase in breast cancer tissue is driven by different promoters than those in noncancer tissues; thus, suppression of aromatase expression in cancer tissues through the down-regulation of breast tumor–specific promoters would reduce the side effects associated with whole-body suppression of estrogen biosynthesis by AIs. We report that histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 (panobinostat) is a potent inhibitor of aromatase expression (with an IC
50
value < 25 nM). LBH589 selectively suppresses human aromatase gene promoters I.3/II, which are preferentially used in breast cancer tissue. Furthermore, using the H295R cell culture model, we found that achieving the same degree of inhibition of aromatase activity required only one-fifth as much letrozole (an AI) in the presence of 25 nM LBH589 as in the absence of LBH589. We also used an H295R/MCF7 coculture model to demonstrate the synergistic interaction of LBH589 + letrozole in suppressing the proliferation of hormone-responsive breast cancer cells. Finally, our results also indicate that LBH589 down-regulates the activity of promoters I.3/II in an epigenetic fashion. LBH589 reduces the levels of C/EBPδ, decreases the binding of C/EBPδ, and increases the levels and binding of acetyl-histones to the promoters I.3/II. These findings provide an important basis for future clinical evaluations of LBH589 in hormone-dependent breast cancer.
Olfactomedin 4 down-regulates innate immunity against
Helicobacter pylori
infection
Authors: Liu Wenli , Yan Ming , Liu Yueqin , Wang Ruihong , Li Cuiling , Deng Chuxia , Singh Aparna , Coleman William G. , Rodgers Griffin P.
Published: June 2010

Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) is a glycoprotein that has been found to be up-regulated in inflammatory bowel diseases and
Helicobacter pylori
infected patients. However, its role in biological processes such as inflammation or other immune response is not known. In this study, we generated OLFM4 KO mice to investigate potential role(s) of OLFM4 in gastric mucosal responses to
H. pylori
infection.
H. pylori
colonization in the gastric mucosa of OLFM4 KO mice was significantly lower compared with WT littermates. The reduced bacterial load was associated with enhanced infiltration of inflammatory cells in gastric mucosa. Production and expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines such as IL-1β, IL-5, IL-12 p70, and MIP-1α was increased in OLFM4 KO mice compared with infected controls. Furthermore, we found that OLFM4 is a target gene of NF--κB pathway and has a negative feedback effect on NF-κB activation induced by
H. pylori
infection through a direct association with nucleotide oligomerization domain-1 (NOD1) and -2 (NOD2). Together these observations indicate that OLFM4 exerts considerable influence on the host defense against
H. pylori
infection acting through NOD1 and NOD2 mediated NF-κB activation and subsequent cytokines and chemokines production, which in turn inhibit host immune response and contribute to persistence of
H. pylori
colonization.
BH3 mimetics antagonizing restricted prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins represent another class of selective immune modulatory drugs
Authors: Carrington Emma M. , Vikstrom Ingela B. , Light Amanda , Sutherland Robyn M. , Londrigan Sarah L. , Mason Kylie D. , Huang David C. S. , Lew Andrew M. , Tarlinton David M.
Published: June 2010

Death by apoptosis shapes tissue homeostasis. Apoptotic mechanisms are so universal that harnessing them for tailored immune intervention would seem challenging; however, the range and different expression levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic molecules among tissues offer hope that targeting only a subset of such molecules may be therapeutically useful. We examined the effects of the drug ABT-737, a mimetic of the killer BH3 domain of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that induces apoptosis by antagonizing Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and Bcl-W (but not Mcl-1 and A1), on the mouse immune system. Treatment with ABT-737 reduced the numbers of selected lymphocyte and dendritic cell subpopulations, most markedly in lymph nodes. It inhibited the persistence of memory B cells, the establishment of newly arising bone marrow plasma cells, and the induction of a cytotoxic T cell response. Preexisting plasma cells and germinal centers were unaffected. Notably, ABT-737 was sufficiently immunomodulatory to allow long-term survival of pancreatic allografts, reversing established diabetes in this model. These results provide an insight into the selective mechanisms of immune cell survival and how this selectivity avails a different strategy for immune modulation.
CXCR4 promotes differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitors and remyelination
Authors: Patel Jigisha R. , McCandless Erin E. , Dorsey Denise , Klein Robyn S.
Published: June 2010

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by episodes of autoimmune attack of oligodendrocytes leading to demyelination and progressive functional deficits. Because many patients exhibit functional recovery in between demyelinating episodes, understanding mechanisms responsible for repair of damaged myelin is critical for developing therapies that promote remyelination and prevent disease progression. The chemokine CXCL12 is a developmental molecule known to orchestrate the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of neuronal precursor cells within the developing CNS. Although studies suggest a role for CXCL12 in oligodendroglia ontogeny in vitro, no studies have investigated the role of CXCL12 in remyelination in vivo in the adult CNS. Using an experimental murine model of demyelination mediated by the copper chelator cuprizone, we evaluated the expression of CXCL12 and its receptor, CXCR4, within the demyelinating and remyelinating corpus callosum (CC). CXCL12 was significantly up-regulated within activated astrocytes and microglia in the CC during demyelination, as were numbers of CXCR4+NG2+ oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Loss of CXCR4 signaling via either pharmacological blockade or in vivo RNA silencing led to decreased OPCs maturation and failure to remyelinate. These data indicate that CXCR4 activation, by promoting the differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes, is critical for remyelination of the injured adult CNS.
Migration of engrafted neural stem cells is mediated by CXCL12 signaling through CXCR4 in a viral model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Carbajal Kevin S. , Schaumburg Christopher , Strieter Robert , Kane Joy , Lane Thomas E.
Published: June 2010

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a human demyelinating disease characterized by multifocal regions of inflammation, progressive myelin loss within the central nervous system (CNS), and eventual failure to remyelinate damaged axons. These problems suggest deficiencies in recruiting and/or maturation of oligodendrocyte progentior cells (OPCs) and highlight cell replacement therapies to promote remyelination. We have used a model of viral-induced demyelination to characterize signaling cues associated with positional migration of transplanted remyelination-competent cells. Although successful transplantation of rodent-derived glial cell types into models of MS has been performed, the mechanisms by which these cells navigate within an inflammatory environment created by a persistent virus has not been defined. Infection of the mouse CNS with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) results in an immune-mediated demyelinating disease with clinical and histologic similarities to MS. Surgical engraftment of GFP+ neural stem cells (NSCs) into spinal cords of JHMV-infected mice with established demyelination results in migration, proliferation, and differentiation of the cells into OPCs and mature oligodendrocytes that is associated with increased axonal remyelination. Treatment with anti-CXCL12 [stromal derived factor–1α, (SDF-1α)] blocking serum resulted in a marked impairment in migration and proliferation of engrafted stem cells. Moreover, small molecule–mediated antagonism of CXCR4, but not CXCR7, impaired migration and proliferation, to an extent similar to that with anti-CXCL12 treatment. These data highlight the importance of the CXCL12:CXCR4 pathway in regulating homing of engrafted stem cells to sites of tissue damage within the CNS of mice persistently infected with a neurotropic virus undergoing immune-mediated demyelination.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of 3 Oral Antiseptics Containing Octenidine, Polyhexamethylene Biguanide, or Citroxx: Can Chlorhexidine Be Replaced?
Authors: Rohrer Nadine , Widmer Andreas F. , Waltimo Tuomas , Kulik Eva M. , Weiger Roland , Filipuzzi-Jenny Elisabeth , Walter Clemens
Published: June 2010

Background.

Use of oral antiseptics decreases the bacterial load in the oral cavity.

Objective.

To compare the antimicrobial activity of 3 novel oral antiseptics with that of Chlorhexidine, which is considered the “gold standard” of oral hygiene.

Design.

Comparative in vitro study.

Methods.

Four common oral microorganisms (Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, andFusobacterium nucleatum) were tested under standard conditions and at different concentrations, by use of a broth dilution assay and an agar diffusion assay and by calculating the log10reduction factor (RF). The antimicrobial activity of each antiseptic was assessed by counting the difference in bacterial densities (ie, the log10number of colony-forming units of bacteria) before and after the disinfection process.

Results.

The oral antiseptics containing octenidine (with an RF in the range of 7.1–8.24 CFU/mL) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (with an RF in the range of 7.1–8.24 CFU/mL) demonstrated antimicrobial activity comparable to that of Chlorhexidine (with an RF in the range of 1.03–8.24 CFU/mL), whereas the mouth rinse containing Citroxx (Citroxx Biosciences; with an RF in the range of 0.22–1.36 CFU/mL) showed significantly weaker antimicrobial efficacy. Overall, octenidine and polyhexamethylene biguanide were more active at lower concentrations.

Conclusion.

Oral antiseptics containing the antimicrobial agent octenidine or polyhexamethylene biguanide may be considered as potent alternatives to chlorhexidine-based preparations.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Hydrogen Atom Abstraction from C2H6 and C4H10 by Zirconium Oxide Clusters Anions
Authors: Ma Jia-bi , Wu Xiao-nan , Zhao Yan-xia , Ding Xun-lei , He Sheng-gui
Published: June 2010

The reactions of anionic zirconium oxide clusters ZrxOy− with C2H6 and C4H10 are investigated by a time of flight mass spectrometer coupled with a laser vaporization cluster source. Hydrogen containing products Zr2O5H− and Zr3O7H− are observed after the reaction. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the hydrogen abstraction is favorable in the reaction of Zr2O5− with C2H6, which supports that the observed Zr2O5H− and Zr3O7H− are due to hydrogen atom abstraction from the alkane molecules. This work shows a new possible pathway in the reaction of zirconium oxide cluster anions with alkane molecules.
Correlation of Cooperatively Localized Rearrangement on the “Fluidized Domain" of Polymers to Their Nonexponentially Viscoelastic Behavior and Lifetime at Double Aging Processes II: Estimation of Long-term Mechanical Behavior and Lifetime of Polymeric Materials from Short-time Creep and Stress Relaxation Tests
Authors: Jin Yan , Song Ming-shi , Hu Gui-xian , Wu Da-ming
Published: June 2010

Three kinds of polymeric materials are taken as example for the verification of linear extrapolation method from unified master lines with reduced universal equations on creep and stress relaxation tests. The theoretical values of long-term mechanical behavior and lifetime for a cured epoxide, polypropylene, poly(methyl-methacrylate), and SBR rubber are directly evaluated with the universal equations on reduced creep compliance and reduced stress relaxation modulus and are compared with their predicted values by the linear extrapolation from the unified master lines of creep and stress relaxation. The results show that the theoretical values of dimensional stability, bearing ability and lifetime are in an excellent agreement with the predicted values, it shows that the linear extrapolation method is more simple and reliable. The dependences of long-term mechanical behaviors and lifetime on the different aging times are discussed.
Theoretical Study of Antiferrodistortive Phase Transition in Strontium Titanate
Authors: Cai Yu-ping , Han Dai-zhao , Ning Ru-yun
Published: June 2010

At 105 K, strontium titanate is known to undergo an antiferrodistortive transition transforming from cubic to tetragonal structure as a result of the rotation of the oxygen octahedral around a cubic axe. Based on the Curie principle, the order parameter is determined to be a third-order complete symmetry polarization tensor. To take into account of quantum effects, the dielectric permittivity is measured from Landau free energy, and the Curie Weiss-type behavior is analyzed. From crystallization chemistry viewpoint, the dielectric behavior at low temperature is connected to small radius of Sr2+, which is much easier to move around the oxygen octahedral than Ba2+ in BaTiO3 or Pb2+ in PbTiO3.
Synthesis and characterization of Fe-doped TiO
2 photocatalyst by the sol–gel method
Authors: Luu Cam Loc , Nguyen Quoc Tuan , Ho Si Thoang
Published: June 2010

Thin layers of pure TiO
2 and TiO
2 doped by different amounts of Fe
2
O
3 have been prepared by the sol–gel method with tetraisopropyl orthotitanate and Fe(NO
3)3. Physico-chemical properties of catalysts were characterized by BET Adsorption, x-ray Diffraction (XRD), FE-SEM, as well as Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained materials was investigated in the reaction of complete oxidation of p-xylene in gas phase under the radiation of UV (λ=365 nm) and LED (λ=470 nm) lamps. It has been found that the particle size of all samples was distributed in the range 20–30 nm. The content of the rutile phase in Fe-doped TiO
2 samples varied in the range 6.8 to 41.8% depending on the Fe content. Iron oxide doped into TiO
2 enables the photon absorbing zone of TiO
2 to extend from UV towards visible waves as well as to reduce its band gap energy from 3.2 to 2.67 eV. Photocatalytic activities of the TiO
2 samples modified by Fe
3+ have been found to be higher than those of pure TiO
2 by about 2.5 times.
Construction of vector fields and Riccati foliations associated to groups of projective automorphisms
Authors: Santos Fabio , Scárdua Bruno
Published: June 2010

Our main result states that given a finitely generated subgroup

G
G

of

Aut
⁡
(

C

P
(
2
)
)

\operatorname {Aut}(\mathbb {C} P (2))

, there is an algebraic foliation

F

\mathcal {F}

on a complex projective

3
3

-manifold

M
3

M^3

with a bundle structure over

C

P
(
1
)

\mathbb {C} P(1)

and fiber

C

P
(
2
)

\mathbb {C} P(2)

, such that

F

\mathcal {F}

is transverse to almost every fiber of the bundle and with global holonomy conjugate to

G
G

.
Oxford Handbook of Dialysis
Authors: Levy Jeremy , Brown Edwina , Daley Christine , Lawrence Anastasia
Published: June 2010

The Oxford Handbook of Dialysis provides a patient-centred and comprehensive guide to all aspects of dialysis, covering everything from patient preparation and details of both haemo- and peritoneal dialysis, to continuous haemofiltration techniques and complications of end stage kidney disease.
Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry
Authors: Semple David , Smyth Roger
Published: June 2010

The Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry is a new book directed at medical students, doctors coming to psychiatry for the first time, psychiatric trainees, and other professionals who may have to deal with patients with psychiatric problems. It is written by a group of experienced psychiatrists and is designed to provide easy access to the information required by psychiatry trainees on the wards or on-call.
Limited efficacy of propranolol on the reconsolidation of fear memories
Authors: Muravieva Elizaveta V. , Alberini Cristina M.
Published: June 2010

Previous studies suggested that the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol might be a novel, potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This hypothesis stemmed mainly from rodent studies showing that propranolol interferes with the reconsolidation of Pavlovian fear conditioning (FC). However, subsequent investigations in humans have produced controversial evidence about the effect of propranolol on fear memories and an effect on PTSD symptomatology has yet to be reported. Thus, it remains to be established whether propranolol interferes with the reconsolidation of fear memories at large. To address this question, we tested the effect of systemic injections of propranolol administered before or after the retrieval of an inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory elicited with different footshock intensities. In parallel, the same treatment was tested on the reconsolidation of Pavlovian FC. Propranolol showed no effect on the reconsolidation of IA, although the pre-retrieval administration resulted in a significant retrieval impairment. This impairment was transient, and memory returned to control levels at later times. In agreement with previous studies, we found that systemic administration of propranolol disrupts the reconsolidation of Pavlovian FC and that its injection following a retrieval elicited by cue exposure also interferes with the reconsolidation of contextual FC. Hence, propranolol disrupts the reconsolidation of Pavlovian FC, but has no effect on the reconsolidation of IA. The results indicate that the efficacy of systemic administration of propranol in disrupting the reconsolidation of fear memories is limited.
Plant L10 Ribosomal Proteins Have Different Roles during Development and Translation under Ultraviolet-B Stress
Authors: Ferreyra María Lorena Falcone , Pezza Alejandro , Biarc Jordane , Burlingame Alma L. , Casati Paula
Published: June 2010

Ribosomal protein L10 (RPL10) proteins are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has three RPL10 genes encoding RPL10A to RPL10C proteins, while two genes are present in the maize (Zea mays) genome (rpl10-1 and rpl10-2). Maize and Arabidopsis RPL10s are tissue-specific and developmentally regulated, showing high levels of expression in tissues with active cell division. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that RPL10s in Arabidopsis associate with translation proteins, demonstrating that it is a component of the 80S ribosome. Previously, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure was shown to increase the expression of a number of maize ribosomal protein genes, including rpl10. In this work, we demonstrate that maize rpl10 genes are induced by UV-B while Arabidopsis RPL10s are differentially regulated by this radiation: RPL10A is not UV-B regulated, RPL10B is down-regulated, while RPL10C is up-regulated by UV-B in all organs studied. Characterization of Arabidopsis T-DNA insertional mutants indicates that RPL10 genes are not functionally equivalent. rpl10A and rpl10B mutant plants show different phenotypes: knockout rpl10A mutants are lethal, rpl10A heterozygous plants are deficient in translation under UV-B conditions, and knockdown homozygous rpl10B mutants show abnormal growth. Based on the results described here, RPL10 genes are not redundant and participate in development and translation under UV-B stress.
The influence of first‐feeding diet on the Atlantic cod Gadus morhua phenotype: survival, development and long‐term consequences for growth
Authors: Koedijk R. M. , Folkvord A. , Foss A. , Pittman K. , Stefansson S. O. , Handeland S. , Imsland A. K.
Published: June 2010

Atlantic cod Gadus morhua larvae reached four‐fold (at low larval density) to 11 fold higher body mass (high larval density) at 50 days post hatch (dph) when fed zooplankton rather than enriched rotifers. A short period (22–36 dph) of dietary change affected larval growth positively if changed from enriched rotifers to natural zooplankton and negatively if prey type changed vice versa. Overall survival did not differ between the two larval groups at low larval density, but at high density the rotifer group had a higher overall survival (10·8% v. 8·9%). Long‐term growth was affected significantly by larval diet in favour of the zooplankton diet; juveniles reached a 23% higher mass in a 12 week growth period. No difference in growth performance was found between juveniles fed natural zooplankton during the larval period for 36, 22 or 14 days, but all these juveniles performed significantly better compared with the rotifer‐fed group. These findings suggest that optimal diet during a short period in the larval period can result in improved growth in both the larval and juvenile period. Improved rotifer quality may, therefore, hold a large potential for growth improvement in this species.
Community‐based epidemiological study of psychosocial effects of acne in Japanese adolescents
Authors: KUBOTA Yasuo , SHIRAHIGE Yoshie , NAKAI Kozo , KATSUURA Junko , MORIUE Tetsuya , YONEDA Kozo
Published: June 2010

In this community‐based cross‐sectional study, 1443 Japanese adolescents aged 13–19 years participated from two schools in Kagawa Prefecture. Students completed a self‐administered questionnaire to assess the prevalence of acne, knowledge about acne, self‐management of acne and emotional well‐being. A five‐item version of the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) subscale of the Short Form 36 was used to assess psychological health and depression status. Among respondents, 859 (59.5%) said they had acne (51.6% of the boys and 64.8% of the girls). A majority (56.8%) of those who said they had acne also reported a family history of acne. Of the 555 female respondents with acne, 39.1% reported experiencing acne flares in temporal proximity to menstruation. Less than half (38.8%) of respondents with acne had sought or were seeking treatment. The three most common factors believed to trigger or exacerbate acne were stress, lack of sleep and sweat. The mean MHI score of 847 students with acne was significantly lower than 475 students without acne. The mean MHI score of female students with acne was significantly lower than male students with acne. Students with acne were also significantly more depressed than those without acne and female students were significantly more depressed than male students. Acne is a common problem for Japanese teenagers and causes personal and social difficulties. Our results suggest the necessity of educational programs in school or public to ensure that adolescents are aware of acne and to encourage young people to improve their mental health through better acne treatment.
Interval sentinel lymph nodes in patients with cutaneous melanoma: A single‐institution study in Japan
Authors: MATSUMOTO Takaaki , SHIBATA Shinichi , YASUE Satoshi , SAKAKIBARA Akihiro , YOKOTA Kenji , SAWADA Masaki , KONO Michihiro , KATO Katsuhiko , SHIMOYAMA Yoshie , TOMITA Yasushi
Published: June 2010

Interval sentinel lymph nodes (ISLN) are defined as the lymph nodes located between the primary melanoma and anatomically well‐defined lymph nodal basins. It was reported that the ISLN appeared to be at the same metastatic risk as sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in the traditional nodal basins. This study aimed to examine the incidence and metastatic risk of the ISLN in melanoma patients. Between June of 1999 and December of 2008, 117 patients enrolled at Nagoya University Hospital underwent SLN biopsy for primary cutaneous melanoma with a Breslow thickness of at least 1.0 mm. Triple techniques with lymphoscintigraphy, blue dye injection and gamma probe were used for the biopsy except for 13 cases that underwent lymphoscintigraphy, ultrasonography and blue dye injection, but without gamma probe. Patients who had melanoma of the head and neck were excluded from this analysis. The SLN were identified in 253 nodal basins from 117 patients, and ISLN were found in six patients (5%). We recognized 41 (17%) SLN metastases in 246 conventional nodal basins and one (14%) in seven ISLN. Although ISLN were identified infrequently, the incidence of metastasis into the ISLN was similar to that into SLN in conventional nodal basins. It is therefore recommended that preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative recognition of ISLN should be performed.
Chronic urticaria is associated with a differential helminth–arthropod‐related atopy phenotype
Authors: DASCHNER Alvaro , RODERO Marta , DE FRUTOS Consolación , VALLS Ana , CUÉLLAR Carmen
Published: June 2010

The relationship between atopic sensitization and chronic urticaria is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization in chronic urticaria patients with (CU/As+) and without (CU/As−) sensitization against Anisakis simplex. Forty‐nine CU/As+ and 80 CU/As− patients were studied and skin prick tests (SPT) were performed against aeroallergens. We assessed sensitization in a subgroup of patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma (RCBA) and compared the prevalence with a control group of 522 non‐urticaria patients with RCBA. Forty‐five percent of CU/As− and 60.4% of CU/As+ patients displayed positive SPT to at least one aeroallergen. CU/As+ patients had a higher prevalence of sensitization against pollen, mould or dander (PMD) (52.2% vs 29.1%, P < 0.01), whereas the prevalence of house dust mite (HDM) sensitization was not statistically different (26.3% in CU/As− and 36.7% in CU/As+). However, in chronic urticaria patients with RCBA, 53.8% of CU/As− and 57.9% of CU/As+ patients differed in the prevalence of HDM sensitization compared to the control group (33.5%, P = 0.03), whereas no difference could be stated for PMD sensitization. Compared to RCBA patients, both CU/As+ and CU/As− patients have a higher clinically relevant sensitization rate against HDM, thus displaying a differential atopy phenotype.
Childhood and adulthood traumatic experiences in patients with psoriasis
Authors: SIMONIĆ Edita , KAŠTELAN Marija , PETERNEL Sandra , PERNAR Mirjana , BRAJAC Ines , RONČEVIĆ‐GRŽETA Ika , KARDUM Igor
Published: June 2010

It is well known that several psychiatric disorders may be related to childhood psychological trauma. Recent studies have associated childhood exposure to trauma to some skin diseases. Our study aimed at exploring whether psoriasis is related to the reported positive and negative traumatic life events in different age intervals beginning from early childhood to adulthood. Furthermore, we investigated differences between psoriatics with early and late onset according to traumatic experiences in different age intervals. Also, we investigated the possible correlation of traumatic experiences with the disease severity. One hundred patients with psoriasis and 101 controls (patients with skin conditions considered to be “non‐psychosomatic”) were enrolled in the study. All participants completed a specific questionnaire measuring traumatic life experiences (Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire, TAQ). The TAQ assesses positive personal experiences (competence and safety) and negative personal experiences (neglect, separation, secrets, emotional, physical and sexual abuse, trauma witnessing, other traumas and exposure to alcohol/drugs) from early childhood to adulthood. The severity of psoriasis was estimated according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), a standardized measuring instrument. The amount of positive experiences did not differ significantly among groups, except for safety scores that were higher in controls compared with both psoriatic groups (early and late onset). On the other side, negative traumatic experiences appeared more frequently in patients with psoriasis during all developmental periods. We found no correlation between severity of psoriasis and traumatic experiences. The present study demonstrates an increased history of childhood and adulthood negative traumatic experiences in patients with psoriasis compared to the control group. Our findings suggest a relationship between retrospectively reported negative traumatic experiences and psoriasis.
Incidence rate of mycosis fungoides in Isfahan (Iran)
Authors: SALEHI Mansoor , AZIMI Zahra , FATEMI Farahnaz , RAJABI Parvin , KAZEMI Mohammad , AMINI Gilda
Published: June 2010

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an extranodal non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma with primary involvement of the skin. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence rate of MF in Isfahan (Iran) and to compare the results with other reports. We collected our data from the MF clinic of Alzahra Hospital which is the main center for treatment of MF patients in Isfahan (2007–2008). Eleven cases were reported to the MF clinic of Alzahra during the study, seven of which were diagnosed as MF. The incidence rate of MF in Isfahan in 2007–2008 was 3.91/1 million persons. The age spectrum was 28–80 years and the mean 43.14 years. The male : female ratio was 3:4. In conclusion, the incidence rate of MF in Isfahan (Iran) is similar to other areas. However, the male : female ratio is opposite to that of other studies
Significant damage of the skin and hair following hair bleaching
Authors: JEONG Mi‐Sook , LEE Chang‐Moon , JEONG Won‐Ji , KIM Seong‐Jin , LEE Ki‐Young
Published: June 2010

Scalp burns can be caused by hair bleaching with excess procedures such as unnecessary heating and excessive treatment with bleaching agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and histological changes of the hair and skin after bleaching. Ammonium persulfate and hydrogen peroxide (6% or 9%) solution mixed at a ratio of 1:2 (weight ratio) were sufficiently applied to human hairs and rat skin. The bleached hairs were brightened up to yellow by increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and time of bleach treatment. After bleaching, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe that the cuticle scales of the hairs were irregular and lifted. The mechanical properties of the bleached hairs, such as tensile strength and elongation, were slightly different than the untreated hairs. The tested rat skin showed severe swelling after treatment of the bleaching agent (9% hydrogen peroxide). The rat skin bleached with 9% hydrogen peroxide exhibited epidermal thinning and subepidermal vesicle formation. The extracellular matrix of the skin was seriously disrupted after bleaching. Therefore, the use of only suitable bleaching procedures is suggested in order to avoid injuries.
Effect of hypertonic saline on electrocardiography QRS duration in rabbit model of bupivacaine toxicity resuscitated by intravenous lipid
Authors: Cave G. , Harvey M. , Prince G. , Lahner D. , Desmet J.
Published: June 2010

Intravenous lipid emulsion is established therapy for bupivacaine induced cardiotoxicity. The benefit of combined hypertonic saline and lipid treatment is unexplored. In this experiment, sedated rabbits were resuscitated from bupivacaine‐induced asystole with intravenous lipid according to the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland’s guideline, or by identical lipid dosing with hypertonic saline: 6 mEq.kg−1 21% sodium chloride. Early electrocardiography QRS prolongation was less with lipid plus hypertonic saline (mean (SD) QRS 0.19 (0.07) s lipid only vs 0.09 (0.01) s lipid plus hypertonic saline; p = 0.003) at 9 min though not different from the lipid only group at 20 min. No difference was observed in rates of circulatory return (7/10 lipid only and 9/10 lipid plus hypertonic saline; p = 0.58) or survival (5/10 lipid only and 6/10 lipid plus hypertonic saline; p = 1.00). Some benefit to cardiac conduction may be afforded by hypertonic saline co‐administered with lipid emulsion in bupivacaine‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Proteome mapping of overexpressed membrane‐enriched and cytosolic proteins in sodium antimony gluconate (SAG) resistant clinical isolate of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Kumar Awanish , Sisodia Brijesh , Misra Pragya , Sundar Shyam , Shasany Ajit Kumar , Dube Anuradha
Published: June 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

Over 60% of patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in India and Sudan have become unresponsive to treatment with pentavalent antimonials, the first line of drugs for over 60 years. The drug resistance mechanism, studied so far in in vitro selected laboratory strains, has been attributed to various biochemical parameters. The resistance to Sb (V) in Leishmania field isolates is still unexplored.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

In order to elucidate for the first time the mechanism of drug resistance in field isolates, this study was done in those clinically relevant field isolates which were either responsive or non responsive to SAG. A comparison of proteome profiles of membrane‐enriched as well as cytosolic protein fractions of these isolates has pinpointed the multiple overexpressed proteins in resistant isolates. This study has indicated their possible essential role in antimony resistance of the parasite and provides a vast field to be exploited to find much needed novel treatment strategies against VL.

AIMS

This study aimed to identify differentially overexpressed membrane‐enriched as well as cytosolic proteins in SAG sensitive and resistant clinical strains of L. donovani isolated from VL patients which are involved in the drug resistance mechanism.

METHODS

The proteins in the membrane‐enriched as well as cytosolic fractions of drug‐sensitive as well as drug‐resistant clinical isolates were separated using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and overexpressed identified protein spots of interest were excised and analysed using MALDI‐TOF/TOF.

RESULTS

Six out of 12 overexpressed proteins were identified in the membrane‐enriched fraction of the SAG resistant strain of L. donovani whereas 14 out of 18 spots were identified in the cytosolic fraction as compared with the SAG sensitive strain. The major proteins in the membrane‐enriched fraction were ABC transporter, HSP‐83, GPI protein transamidase, cysteine–leucine rich protein and 60S ribosomal protein L23a whereas in the cytosolic fraction proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), proteasome alpha 5 subunit, carboxypeptidase, HSP‐70, enolase, fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase, tubulin‐beta chain have been identified. Most of these proteins have been reported as potential drug targets, except 60S ribosomal protein L23a and PCNA which have not been reported to date for their possible involvement in drug resistance against VL.

CONCLUSION

This study for the first time provided a cumulative proteomic analysis of proteins overexpressed in drug resistant clinical isolates of L. donovani indicating their possible role in antimony resistance of the parasite. Identified proteins provide a vast field to be exploited for novel treatment strategies against VL such as cloning and overexpression of these targets to produce recombinant therapeutic/prophylactic proteins.
How do children perceive health to be affected by domestic water carrying? Qualitative findings from a mixed methods study in rural South Africa
Authors: Geere J. L. , Mokoena M. M. , Jagals P. , Poland F. , Hartley S.
Published: June 2010

Background  Nearly 50% of South African children lack access to clean safe water and many regularly carry water loads. The health effects of carrying water have not been well researched or considered when estimating the burden of disease due to suboptimal water supply. Improved access to safe water has potential to create important health and economic benefits, by reducing childhood exposure to risk factors for injury or disease. The aim of this study was to identify which domains of health children perceive as affected by water carrying.

Methods  Qualitative research was used within a broader mixed methods design to investigate children's perceptions about health and water carrying in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative data from eight semi‐structured interviews and three ‘natural group meetings’, involving a sample of 30 children, were analysed using the framework approach of Ritchie and Spencer. The results were mapped to the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF).

Results  Children broadly conceptualize and describe health to include the functions they perform and activities in which they participate. They perceived water carrying as impacting upon health in various ways, for example to make life better by facilitating water usage, or to make life worse through accidents and pain. Children's accounts demonstrate that they can identify and explain complex interactions between activities, participation and health.

Conclusions  The ICF framework facilitates the communication of children's perceptions of health and of relationships between health and water carrying. The model thus derived from their views incorporates not only commonly accepted conceptualizations of health condition, body structure and physiological function, but also of functioning through activities and social participation. Children's accounts suggest a possible association between water carrying and symptoms typical of musculoskeletal disorders. However, further research into the strength of association between water carrying and musculoskeletal disorders is needed.
Cultural perspectives of interventions for managing diabetes and asthma in children and adolescents from ethnic minority groups
Authors: Mc Manus V. , Savage E.
Published: June 2010

Both diabetes and asthma are increasingly being recognized as health problems for ethnic groups. Because of cultural differences, ethnicity is reported to be a risk factor for poorer quality in health care, disease management and disease control. Ethnic groups are at risk for poorer quality of life and increased disease complications when compared with non‐ethnic counterparts living in the same country. There is little known about how culture is addressed in interventions developed for ethnic groups. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the cultural perspectives of interventions for managing diabetes and asthma in children, adolescents and/or their families from ethnic minority groups. A total of 92 records were identified that were potentially relevant to this review following which, 61 papers were excluded. The full texts of remaining papers (n= 31) were then read independently by both authors, and agreement was reached to exclude a further 27 papers that did not meet inclusion criteria. A total of four papers were eligible for inclusion in this review. Findings indicate that despite growing concerns about health disparities between ethnic and non‐ethnic groups in relation to both asthma and diabetes in childhood, there has been little effort to develop cultural specific interventions for ethnic groups. By systematically reviewing asthma and diabetes interventions we have highlighted that few interventions have been developed from a cultural perspective. There are a limited number of interventions published that add knowledge on the specific elements of intervention that is needed to effectively and sensitively educate other cultures. More work is required into identifying which strategies or components of cultural interventions are most effective in achieving positive health outcomes for children, adolescents and/or their families from ethnic groups.
Children's conceptualization of the term ‘satisfaction’: relevance for measuring health outcomes
Authors: Taylor R. L. , Olds T. , Boshoff K. , Lane A. E.
Published: June 2010

Background  Health outcomes measurement is integral to planning and evaluating paediatric health care. Recent outcome measures have been developed to capture children's participation in everyday activities, a core component of which is the child's perceived satisfaction. Satisfaction, however, is a complex concept and it is not known how children conceptualize satisfaction and hence how it should best be measured. The purpose of this study was to explore children's conceptualization of the term ‘satisfaction’ and compare this with the description of satisfaction given in the literature to inform how satisfaction can be assessed in children.

Methods  Forty children aged between 10 and 15 years participated in eight focus groups, guided by a descriptive qualitative approach, to describe how they conceptualize ‘satisfaction’. Children with disabilities were excluded as it was considered important to first ascertain how children without disabilities conceptualize satisfaction. Recruitment occurred through seven urban and rural public schools. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results  Participants identified three methods by which a person may determine their level of satisfaction (i) making comparisons with previous experiences, and other's and self‐expectations; (ii) evaluating one's emotions; and (iii) receiving positive external feedback. Participants described drawing upon one of these methods in isolation, rather than integrating outcomes from each method into one judgement of satisfaction. Participants also demonstrated confusion between the terms ‘satisfaction’ and ‘satisfactory’.

Conclusions  Partial congruence between children's conceptualization of satisfaction and that reported in the literature was observed in this study. Not all children between the ages of 10 and 15, however, have a full understanding of satisfaction. Caution must therefore be taken when using the term satisfaction in children's assessments to minimize the potential for varying interpretations of the question. Further studies are required to explore how children with disabilities view the term satisfaction and if their understanding differs to that of typically developing children.
22q11 deletion syndrome – the meaning of a diagnosis. A qualitative study on parental perspectives
Authors: Hallberg U. , Óskarsdóttir S. , Klingberg G.
Published: June 2010

Background  The 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is one of the most common multiple anomaly syndromes, with an incidence of approximately one per 4000 newborns. Although a patient may have several not too severe symptoms, the cumulative effect may be substantial disability. The aim of this study was to explore and describe parents' experiences of the diagnostic process and of being parents of a child with 22q11DS.

Methods  Open, tape‐recorded interviews were carried out with 12 parents. The interviews were analysed in accordance with classical grounded theory.

Results  The analysis show that parents describe the disclosure of their child's medical diagnosis as two‐sided, ambivalence between relief and sorrow, and the differences between these two aspects were related to the age of the child at time of diagnosis as well as to the problems and symptoms that had led to the diagnosis. Different strategies for handling this ambivalence are presented in the categories.

Conclusions  Our conclusions are that information must be individually tailored, and there is no standard format for how to describe the syndrome to the parents. After disclosure, scheduled appointments for follow‐up on diagnosis‐related information is essential.
Loneliness of left‐behind children: a cross‐sectional survey in a sample of rural China
Authors: Jia Zhaobao , Tian Wenhua
Published: June 2010

Background  It is reported that about 28.3% of rural children estimated at 58 million were left behind in China when their parents migrated to cities to find work. These children may encounter critical situations of psychological well‐being. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to explore whether left‐behind children are lonelier than the non‐left‐behind and to highlight subpopulations that are particular at risk.

Methods  We conducted a community‐based cross‐sectional study on a representative sample in rural China. Semi‐structured questionnaires were applied to 324 left‐behind and 282 non‐left‐behind children. Logistic regression analysis was used to find out risk factors associated with loneliness.

Results  We found that whether children were left behind or not influenced their likelihood of being lonely. Compared with non‐left‐behind children, the left‐behind were 2.5 times (95% CI 1.7, 3.5) more likely to suffer from loneliness and 6.4 times (95% CI 4.2, 9.7) more likely to be very lonely. Left‐behind children who were brought up by grandparents, or having poor economic status, bad relationship and low frequency of communication with parents were prone to encounter more as well as more severe loneliness. In particular, children who had a bad relationship with parents were at highest risk for severe loneliness (OR 14.5; 95% CI 2.1, 99.5).

Conclusions  Left‐behind children are at significant risk for loneliness. More specific investigations targeted towards the psychological well‐being of these children are needed to identify the underlying preventable risk factors.
Apis mellifera has two isoforms of cytoplasmic HSP90
Authors: Xu P. J. , Xiao J. H. , Xia Q. Y. , Murphy B. , Huang D. W.
Published: June 2010

Unlike most other insects, annotated genomic data suggest that Apis mellifera has two homologous copies of the cytoplasmic gene HSP90. In this study, we did a phylogenetic analysis on these two copies with some other insects HSP90 genes, and we also manipulated a reverse transcript (RT)‐PCR to find all the putative transcripts for both copies. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that A. mellifera possesses two isoforms of cytoplasmic HSP90: The ‘traditional’ isoform clusters with cytoplasmic HSP90 of other insects. The other isoform, which occurs phylogenetically as the sister group of all insects, may be a new gene and specific to A. mellifera. The results of RT‐PCR indicate that this new isoform contains at least eight transcripts derived from the same genomic locus by complicated alternative splicing (GenBank accession numbers: FJ713701, FJ713702, FJ713703, FJ713704, FJ713705, FJ713706, FJ713707 and FJ713708, respectively). The existence of this specific HSP90 might be related to the caste differentiation of bees.
Modelling the factors influencing general and oral hygiene behaviours in adolescents
Authors: DORRI MOJTABA , SHEIHAM AUBREY , WATT RICHARD G.
Published: June 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 261–269

Background.  Health behaviour models have been mainly used to explain indicators and the development of hygiene behaviours. However, health behaviour models do not explain and predict general and oral hygiene behaviours.

Aim.  To develop and test a theoretical model of the factors influencing oral and general hygiene behaviours in male and female adolescents in Mashhad, Iran.

Design.  A representative stratified random sample of 1132 6th grade Iranian students in Mashhad, with an average age of 12.4 (SD = 0.8) years, answered a 37‐item questionnaire. The questionnaire had items on socio‐demographic characteristics, education achievement and future aspiration, Sense of Coherence, toothbrushing frequency, frequency of showering and changing underwear, and peer social networks. Confirmatory structural equation modelling was used to test the validity of the model in the whole sample and among two sexes separately.

Results.  All measurement models fitted the data. Significant correlations among latent variables were observed. Fit indices indicated good representation of the data in the whole sample. Goodness‐of‐fit statistics were significant among the two sexes.

Conclusions.  The proposed theoretical model of the factors influencing general and oral hygiene behaviours in adolescents was valid. Further studies should further investigate the properties of this model in different populations.