bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eczematous erythroderma induced by cyanamide
Authors: Abajo Patricia , Féal Carlos , Sanz‐Sânchez Tatiana , Sânchez‐Pérez Javier , Garcia‐Diez Amaro
Published: February 2007

The term cyanamide is applied to both free cyanamide (carbimide) and its calcium salt (calcium carbimide). It is extensively used as a fertilizer, herbicide and chemical intermediate (1). In the medical field, cyanamide was introduced into Canada, Europe and Japan in 1956 as a treatment for chronic alcoholism. It acts by interfering with the hepatic metabolism of ethanol by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase. When this transformation does not take place, there is an increase in acetaldehyde in the blood, resulting in unpleasant sensations (2). The rare adverse skin reactions due to cyanamide include allergic contact dermatitis (3–7), lichen planus (8, 9) and lichen‐oid eruption (9).
In vivo nickel allergic contact dermatitis: human model for topical therapeutics
Authors: Zhai Hongbo , Chang Ya‐Ching , Singh Malkiat , Maibach Howard I.
Published: February 2007

Techniques to determine efficacy of topical agents on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) may benefit from refinement. The aim of this study was to develop an in vivo human model system for the bioengineering and visual quantification of the effect of topical agents on nickel ACD, and to correlate ACD parameters. 14 nickel patch‐test‐positive subjects were included in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study after a pre‐screening procedure with a standard diagnostic patch test with nickel sulfate in 54 healthy human volunteers. 5% nickel sulfate in petrolatum in a Finn Chamber® was applied on forearm skin for 48 h to create a standardized dermatitis. Thereafter, the dermatitis was treated with a model topical agent and a placebo control while recording end‐point parameters daily for 10 days. Resolution was quantified with 4 parameters: visual scoring (VS), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Tewameter), skin blood flow volume (BFV) (laser Doppler flowmeter), and skin color (a* value) (Colorimeter). The model agent reduced cutaneous allergic reactions, especially on day 8 to 10, in comparison with the placebo control. A highly significant linear relationship exists among all parameters, except between a* and BFV. This model may provide robust biometrics for determining the efficacy of topical therapeutics on experimentally induced ACD.
Late‐type allergy to the X‐ray contrast medium Solutrast® (iopamidol)
Authors: Gall Helmut , Pillekamp Hans , Peter Ralf‐Uwe
Published: February 2007

In the past few years, there have been an increasing number of publications on delayed intolerance reactions, including rashes, following the use of X‐ray contrast media. We report a patient in whom infiltrated erythema of the face and generalized maculopapular rashes occurred on 2 occasions, within 1 day, following the use of the X‐ray contrast medium Solutrast® (iopamidol) for coronary angiography. The allergological investigations for clarification included prick tests and patch tests using a series of contrast media, as well as individual intravenous provocation tests. We found the cause to be a late‐type allergy to the active substance iopamidol contained in the contrast medium Solutrast®. We found a concomitant cross‐reactivity to the contrast media iopromid and iomeprol. All 3 contrast media represent the monomeric, non‐ionic type.
Objective non‐invasive assessment of patch tests with the laser Doppler perfusion scanning technique
Authors: Bjarnason Bolli , Flosadottir Ellen , Fischer Torkel
Published: February 2007

The laser Doppler perfusion scanning technique is an objective, non‐invasive assessment method that may be used to assess patch tests. The purpose of this paper is to focus on its clinical use in individuals with light skin, tested with non‐pigmented test materials. A laser Doppler perfusion imager® PIM 1.0 (LDPI) is used to study different set‐ups of the instrument that may affect readings. These set‐ups are studied through simulated light‐absorbing patch tests. The results have served as a base for clinical experiments comparing visual and LDPI assessments of normal skin, irritant patch‐test reactions, and more than 25,000 allergic patch‐test assessments of reactions of different intensities and control patches. This paper reviews the clinical experiments to suggest a set‐up of the LDPI for patch‐test readings. Such a set‐up makes it possible to compare intra‐ and inter‐individual test results and to obtain meaningful assessment values among users. Some subject‐related factors that may affect reading results are studied, and the effect of non‐subject related factors on readings are considered. Use of the technique is illustrated by images of perfusion and a perfusion profile of a patch‐test reaction followed over time.
Chronic fatigue syndrome and nickel allergy
Authors: Marcusson Jan A. , Lindh Gudrun , Evengard Birgitta
Published: February 2007

50 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 73 controls were patch tested with 8 metal allergens. We found an overrepresentation of allergies among the CFS patients, which was not significant. However, allergy to nickel occurred in 36% of patients in the CFS group and in 19% of subjects in the control group (p<0.05). The high frequency of nickel allergy was more noteworthy in females in the CFS group than among female controls (52% and 24%, respectively, p<0.05). Similarly, in the males the figures were 14% and 9%. We suggest that in vivo immunoactivation by ions of nickel, or metal cross‐reacting with nickel, could be an etiological factor in CFS.
Contact allergy to corticosteroids in asthma/rhinitis patients
Authors: Isaksson Marlene , Bruze Magnus , Hornblad Yngve , Svenonius Eivor , Wihl Jan Ake
Published: February 2007

Patients with asthma and/or rhinitis, when using inhalers or nasal sprays containing corticosteroids, may experience mucosal symptoms, such as congestion of the nose, itching, nose bleeding and worsening of rhinitis, but also eczema of the face sometimes spreading to flexures, and sometimes the corticosteroid simply does not help. Few patients with such symptoms have been found to be allergic to their inhaled corticosteroids (1), and no report on whether contact allergy to corticosteroids could explain treatment failures is available. This issue was investigated in 2 ways: (i) by testing asthma/rhinitis patients for corticosteroid allergy, (ii) by looking at the prevalence of tixocortol pivalate allergy among dermatitis patients with and without asthma/rhinitis, respectively.
Hypersensitivity syndrome due to 2 anticonvulsant drugs
Authors: CONILLEAU V. , DOMPMARTIN A. , VERNEUIL L. , MICHEL M. , LEROY D.
Published: February 2007

Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome is a multiorgan‐system reaction characterized by fever, pleomorphic eruption, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and hepatitis. We report a drug hypersensitivity syndrome in a 6‐year‐old Tunisian child treated for epileptic absences with sodium valproate and ethosuximide. Imputability of these 2 drugs is probable because of the chronological and clinical features. Positive rechallenge with ethosuximide confirmed the toxicity of this drug. Sodium valproate was also responsible because patch testing was positive and followed by a generalized eruption. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) antibody titers increased significantly within 15 days. There was a favourable outcome after discontinuation of the drugs and corticosteroid therapy. Our case is in teresting because this drug hypersensitivity syndrome occurred with non‐aromatic anticonvulsant drugs. It is the 1st case with ethosuximide and the 2nd with sodium valproate. We also observed a reactivation of HHV6 infection that may contribute to the development of this hypersensitivity syndrome.
Cross‐reactivity patterns of palladium and nickel studied by repeated open applications (ROATs) to the skin of guinea pigs
Authors: WAHLBERG JAN E. , LIDÉN CAROLA
Published: February 2007

Cross‐reactivity is usually studied with patch test techniques, but the relevance of a single 1–2 day exposure under occlusion can be questioned. To study relevance, animals were induced with PdCl2 or NiSO4 according to the guinea pig maximization test method and then treated for 10 days according to the repeated open application test (ROAT) method. Animals induced with PdCl2 reacted in the ROATs to PdCl2 (100%) but rarely to NiSO4. Animals induced with NiSO4 reacted in ROATs to the same degree with NiSO4 and PdCl2 (23–30%). The concordance between pre‐ROAT patch test results and ROAT outcome was high for PdCl2 (100%) and low (10–40%) for NiSO4. Patch testing seems to overestimate the risk of skin reactions when guinea pigs sensitive to PdCl2 are treated topically with NiSO4. The finding from patch test studies that animals induced with NiSO4 react only to NiSO4 but not to PdCl2 was not confirmed. Repeated open applications more adequately mimic exposure conditions than does patch testing.
Putative skin‐protective formulations in preventing and/or inhibiting experimentally‐produced irritant and allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Zhai Hongbo , Willard Paul , Maibach Howard I.
Published: February 2007

The effectiveness of skin protective formulations was evaluated in a previously‐described in vivo human model. All formulations failed to inhibit ammonium hydroxide and urea irritation. Only parafn wax in cetyl alcohol statistically (p < 0.01) reduced Rhus allergic contact dermatitis. 3 commercial formulations markedly (p < 0.001) suppressed sodium lauryl sulfate irritation. Parafn wax in cetyl alcohol was quantitatively the most effective formulation. These results suggest that some formulations may provide protective effects against certain, but not all, irritants or allergens.
Assessment of budesonide patch tests
Authors: Bjarnason Bolli , Flosadoattir Ellen , Fischer Torkel
Published: February 2007

Patch‐test technique for budesonide needs improvement. 20 subjects with positive or questionable patch‐test responses to budesonide were retested for 3 to 96 h (4 days [D]) with polyester patches coated with budesonide in serial doses (150 to 0.074 μ g/cm2). Multiple readings were taken visually and with a laser Doppler perfusion imaging technique up to 264 h (day [D]11). Additionally, all subjects were tested with 0.1% budesonide in petrolatum in Finn Chambers® for 48 h (2D) with readings taken at 72 (D3), 96 (D4) and 168 h (D7). Different dose levels and application times affected unpredictably highest assessments of reactions. No clear suppression of reactivity was observed at high doses. Time points of highest assessments of reactions varied between subjects but were generally the same for each subject with both reading methods regardless of dose levels or application times. Positive and negative subjects during the study were easily distinguished with all serial doses, regardless of assessment technique. At 2.0 μ g/cm2, the lowest dose level tested on all subjects, longer applications than 24 h (1D) were required to detect all positive subjects. 48‐h (2‐D) applications required 2 readings, optimally at 96 (D4) and 216 h (D9). The only test technique with Finn Chambers® used here did not make such distinction possible.
Thoughts on sensitizers in a standard patch test series
Authors: Bruze Magnus , Conde‐Salazar Luis , Goossens An , Kanerva Lasse , White Ian R.
Published: February 2007

Patch testing is the predominant method of establishing contact allergy. The present patch test technique is the result of a continuous process of development and improvement since its first application in the late 19th century. The perfect patch test should give no false‐positive and no false‐negative reactions. The ideal patch test should also cause as few adverse reactions as possible, particularly no patch test sensitization. Even though the history and examination of a patient with suspected allergic contact dermatitis will give clues to possible sensitizers, it is not suffcient t to patch test only with initially suspected sensitizers; unsuspected sensitizers used for patch testing frequently turn out to be the real cause of the dermatitis. Fortunately, a small number of substances are considered to account for the majority of delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, generally 20–25 test preparations consisting of chemically dened compounds, mixes of allergens, and natural and synthetic compounds, are grouped into a standard test series. The requirements to be fullled by a sensitizer in a standard patch test series are discussed in this article. A procedure of investigations is proposed before a sensitizer is included in a standard series.
In vivo testing of the protection of gloves against acrylates in dentin‐bondingsystems on patients with known contact allergy to acrylates
Authors: Andersson Thomas , Bruze Magnus , Björkner Bert
Published: February 2007

Occupational contact allergies to dental acrylates are increasing. Commonly used gloves protect poorly against acrylates. The protective efcacy in vivo of other, newer glove materials is not fully known. In this study, an open chamber system was used for testing the protection in vivo of 6 different gloves (1 vinyl glove, 2 latex gloves, 2 nitrile gloves and the 4H® glove) against a commonly used dental adhesive, ScotchbondTM 1, containing 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TREGDMA). 8 patients with known contact allergy to 2‐HEMA participated. Provocation with 50 μl of the adhesive for 7.5, 15 and 30 min was performed for each glove. The test demonstrated clear differences in the protective efcacy between the gloves. The 4H® glove gave by far the best protection, followed by one of the nitrile gloves. One of the latex gloves and the vinyl glove gave a very poor protection against the adhesive. A dose‐response relationship was observed between different application times of the acrylate product. The test model promises to be a useful clinical complement to in vitro methods in individual preventive measures against contact sensitization to acrylates.
The inuence of patch test size and design on the distribution of erythema induced by sodium lauryl sulfate
Authors: Nicholson Maria , Willis Carolyn M.
Published: February 2007

Patch testing is an invaluable tool for the experimental induction of acute irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), with a variety of chamber systems available for use. Ideally, the inammatory reactions produced should be of uniform intensity across the test area, thereby facilitating grading of the response and tissue sampling for histopathological studies. Unfortunately, annular, follicular and/ or blotchy erythema frequently occur. In this study, we set out to compare the performance of 5 patch test systems (8 mm, 12 mm and 18 mm Finn Chambers; 19 mm and 25 mm Hilltop chambers) when testing normal healthy volunteers with sodium lauryl sulfate at concentrations selected to produce mild, moderate and moderately severe reactions. Visual assessment of the patch test sites revealed good dose responses with all 5 chamber types. Uniformity of erythema across the test site was more closely linked to the actual intensity of response than the delivery system itself, mild reactions being far less likely to display homogeneous erythema than moderately severe reactions. Extra large chambers did not perform signicantly better than smaller chambers. Balancing the need for a uniform reaction pattern and adequate tissue sampling area, against the exposure risk, we conclude that 12 mm Finn Chambers represent the optimum patch test system for acute SLS‐induced irritation where histopathological investigations are the ultimate aim.
Isoeugenol is an important contact allergen: can it be safely replaced with isoeugenyl acetate?
Authors: White I. R. , Johansen J. D. , Arnau E. Giménez , Lepoittevin J.‐P. , Rastogi S. , Bruze M. , Andersen K. E. , Frosch P. J. , Goossens A. , Menné T.
Published: February 2007

The prevalence of contact allergy to the fragrance mix in individuals with eczema is up to 10%. Within the mix, isoeugenol (CAS 97–54–1) is an important individual allergen. Until May 1998, the IFRA (International Fragrance Assocation) guidelines suggested that isoeugenol could safely be used at a level of 0.2% in consumer products. In May 1998, IFRA recommended that isoeugenol should not be used at a level that exceeds 0.02% in consumer products, but did not provide guidance on allergen substitution. An alternative to isoeugenol, based on aroma and absence of guide‐lines on use, is isoeugenyl acetate (CAS 93–29–8). 155 consecutive subjects were patch tested to isoeugenyl acetate (1.2%, 0.4%, 0.13% eth.) and isoeugenol 1% pet. 6 (3.9%) had an allergic reaction to 1.2% isoeugenyl acetate at D4. The reactions to the other 2 dilutions tended to be graded. 8 individuals had at least a palpable erythema by D4 to isoeugenol 1% pet. The majority of individuals allergic to isoeugenol were also intolerant of isoeugenyl acetate. Effective labelling of fragrance substances on consumer products will facilitate monitoring of exposure.
Frequency of immediate reactions to the European standard series
Authors: Katsarou A. , Armenaka M. , Ale I. , Koufou V. , Kalogeromitros D.
Published: February 2007

Immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria) can occur after skin contact with a wide range of substances. We studied the incidence of immediate contact reactions (wheal andare) to the European standard series allergens in 664 patients. Patch tests wererst examined at 30 min for immediate patch test (IPT) reactions, and again at D2 and D4 for delayed patch test (DPT) reactions. Almost all the allergens of the European standard series caused IPT reactions. IPT reactions were most commonly seen with Myroxylon Pereirae (balsam of Peru) (113 reactions), fragrance mix (112 reactions), paraben mix (30 reactions) and clioquinol (13 reactions); these reactions were followed by DPT reactions to the same substance in 13.4%, 8.8%, 10% and 7.7%, respectively. For certain substances, patients with (+) IPT reactions had a signicantly higher incidence of DPT reactions to the same allergen, as compared to patients with (–) IPT reactions (fragrance compounds p < 0.001, formaldehyde p < 0.005, thiuram mix p < 0.01, paraben mix p < 0.05). Thus, perhaps the mechanisms involved in IPT reactions are not the same for all substances. At least for certain substances, an IPT reaction may be related to the development of a DPT reaction.
Evaluation of skin sensitization response of dialkyl (C6‐C13) phthalate esters
Authors: Medeiros Arlean M. , Devlin Dennis J. , Keller Laura H.
Published: February 2007

Isolated case reports suggest that dermal contact with some phthalate esters may result in skin sensitization. This issue was investigated in guinea pig sensitization tests, but the results were inconclusive. Consequently, 7 dialkyl phthalate esters, (diisohexyl, diisoheptyl, di(2‐ethylhexyl), diisononyl, diisodecyl, diundecyl and ditridecyl phthalates), ranging in carbon number from C6 to C13, were tested in a 104‐person panel human repeated insult patch test (HRIPT) using the modied Draize procedure. Test concentrations of 100% were selected for the induction and challenge phases of the HRIPT based upon a 24‐h occluded irritation test on 15 panelists. Under the conditions of this HRIPT, no evidence of dermal irritation or sensitization for any of the 7 phthalate esters was observed in the 104‐person panel. These HRIPT data provide evidence for the lack of experimental skin sensitization potential for the phthalate esters tested.
Direct release of the allergen tulipalin A from Alstroemeria cut flowers: a possible source of airborne contact dermatitis?
Authors: CHRISTENSEN LARS P.
Published: February 2007

The allergen tulipalin A was collected by dynamic headspace technique from cut flowers of 2 Alstroemeria hybrids and quantified and identified by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The amounts of tulipalin A released into the air were correlated with the tulipalin A and the total allergen content (tulipalin A and tuliposides) in the plant tissue, respectively. Tulipalin A was released primarily from the wounded areas, i.e. the stems, although small amounts were also emitted from the undamaged flowers in one of the hybrids. The tulipalin A concentrations in the stems of the Alstroemeria hybrids investigated were 0.06% and 0.13% of fresh weight, respectively, and the amounts directly released from the cut flowers were 0.4 and 2.2 μg (cut flower)–1 h–1, respectively. The content of tulipalin A exceeded that of tuliposides in leaves and flowers of both hybrids, whereas the content of tulipalin A in stems (in % fresh weight) was slightly lower than the content of tuliposides. The possibility that airborne tulipalin A from Alstroemeria could be a source of airborne contact dermatitis is discussed.
Effect of Different Nocturnal Illuminances on Melatonin, Prolactin, and Gonadotropins in Male Rats
Authors: Laakso Maija‐Liisa , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja , Alila Aino , Kajander Susanna , Stenberg Dag , Johansson Gunnar
Published: February 2007

We studied the role of nocturnal illuminance as a possible regulatory factor in the production and secretion of reproductive hormones. Adult male rats were kept under artificial lighting conditions (LD 12/12 hours) where the daily illuminance was 520‐550 lx and the nocturnal illuminance 0, less than 0.1, or 1‐1.5 lx. After a 7 day adaptation period, the pineal contents of melatonin, the serum levels of LH, FSH, and prolactin, and the pituitary contents of these hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay in samples taken 4 and 7 hours after the onset of light and onset of darkness. When the rats were kept in full darkness or under the minimal nocturnal illuminance (<0.1 lx), the patterns of pineal melatonin were equal. When nocturnal illuminance was 1–1.5 lx, the pineal melatonin contents at night were lower than in complete darkness. However, this illuminance level did not totally abolish the nocturnal increase of melatonin synthesis. The serum levels of LH, FSH, and prolactin were all affected by the increase of nocturnal illuminance so that the difference between the daytime and nighttime levels increased (higher values during the night). The variation of nocturnal illuminance did not change the pituitary contents of gonadotropins. The effects on pituitary prolactin were negligible as well. The results are interpreted to support the concept that nocturnal illuminance levels may regulate the secretion of the studied hormones in male rats.
Melatonin and hormonal changes in disturbed sleep during late pregnancy
Authors: Suzuki Shigehiro , Dennerstein Lorraine , Greenwood Kenneth M. , Armstrong Stuart M. , Sano Takao , Satohisa Etsuji
Published: February 2007

Abstract: Although sleep disturbance is commonly reported in pregnancy, there have been surprisingly few studies on the etiology of this condition. Since most hormones show circadian rhythmicity and maintain specific phase relationships with that of the sleep‐wake cycle, it was of interest to establish whether sleep disturbances covaried with endocrine changes. This overnight study of pregnant women compared melatonin, cortisol, and prolactin secretion rhythms in six good sleepers and six poor sleepers. The groups were compared by ratios of the areas under the various hormonal curves. Significant differences in the cortisol/melatonin ratio were found between the poor sleeper group (lower values) and the good sleeper group (higher values). Nonsignificant trends, which might be expected to become significant with larger sample sizes, were found for decreased amplitude in the cortisol rhythm and increased amplitude in the melatonin rhythm in poor sleepers. The decreased amplitude of the cortisol rhythm in poor sleepers appeared to be due to a suppression of the early morning (0500–0800) rise. Prolactin levels were high and showed no rhythmicity in both groups. These differences may reflect changes in the circadian pacemaker system of poor sleepers, with increases in melatonin release being a response to counteract poor sleep.
Comparative metrology of the evaporimeter and the DermaLab® TEWL probe
Authors: Grove Gary L. , Grove Mary Jo , Zerweck Charles , Pierce Elizabeth
Published: February 2007

Background/aims:

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements are one of the most frequently utilized of the noninvasive bioengineering techniques. Recently, Cortex Technology (Hadsund, Denmark) introduced the DermaLab® system, which can be equipped with a TEWL probe. It is based on the vapor pressure gradient estimation method of Nilsson and, thus, is quite similar to the Servo Med evaporimeter. In this paper, we compare these two commercial instruments under identical experimental conditions using both in vitro studies with physical standards as well as in vivo studies employing human volunteers.

Methods:

Five different evaporimeters and four different Dermalab® m ain units equipped with one or two TEWL probes were configured in such a way that six freshly calibrated probes of each type could simultaneously be compared in an ambient environment with known relative humidity and temperature values. In follow‐up experiments, each type of instrument was interfaced to a Pentium personal computer, and special data acquisition software was written so that changes in water loss rates could be monitored in real time. These follow‐up studies included comparing water vapor transmission rates through various membranes membranes in vitro and a modified soap chamber test using the volar forearm of adult human volunteers in vivo.

Conclusions:

Although we found very good agreement between the two instruments, our overall findings clearly demonstrate that the DermaLab® system with a TEWL probe is both more accurate and precise than the Servo Med evaporimeter when used under identical conditions. This is especially obvious when the comparisons between the two types of instruments are based on physical standards. The DermaLab® system with a TEWL probe was also found to be more sensitive and better able to resolve among detergents that differed in harshness. The superior performance of the DermaLab® system can be in part explained by the differences in the way the probes are calibrated by the factory.
Comparison of different non‐invasive test methods with respect to the effect of different moisturizers on skin
Authors: Bettinger J. , Gloor M. , Vollert A. , Kleesz P. , Fluhr J. , Gehring W.
Published: February 2007

Background/aims:

In dermatology and cosmetics, moisturizers are used to soften skin. The objectives of this study were to compare the influence of three different moisturizers on skin hydration and skin mechanics by various non‐invasive test methods and to determine the relationship between the methods used.

Methods:

In 27 test subjects, four test areas in each were treated over 3 days, three times a day. An oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion was applied without moisturizer, the same with 10% glycerol, with 10% urea, or with 10% propylene glycol, respectively. Three hours after the last treatment results were measured by using the following instruments: Corneometer CM 820, Skicon 200, Frictionmeter, and Cutometer.

Results/Conclusions:

In all procedures a significant effect, in the sense of an increase in the data recorded, could be demonstrated by glycerol‐treatment. During Corneometer, Frictionmeter, and Cutometer measurements, an additional unidirectional effect caused by the basic emulsion was seen. With all test methods, the influence of urea and propylene glycol was not significant compared to the basic emulsion. For all pretreatments there was a correlation between Corneometer data and Skicon data. Because of the low correlation coefficients between hydration parameters and mechanical parameters, it is to be assumed that other effects of glycerol‐ and basic‐emulsion‐treatment‐independent from the hydration effect – have an additional influence on the data obtained by using the Frictionmeter and the Cutometer. This indicates that the clinical effect of emulsions should not be evaluated exclusively on the basis of electrical measurements of hydration.
Analysis of the network pattern in dermatoscopic images
Authors: Fleming Matthew G. , Steger Carsten , Cognetta Armand B. , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2007

Background/aims:

Procedures have been developed for automated analysis of the pigment network in dermatoscopic images. These procedures perform complete network segmentation as well as measurement of the width of network lines and the size and shape of network holes.

Methods:

The procedures were applied to images of 16 common nevi, 22 dysplastic nevi, and 31 melanomas.

Results/Conclusions:

There were highly significant differences among the three groups on the measured parameters, and a linear discriminant function composed of mean line width and mean hole area distinguished nevi and melanomas with 80% accuracy.
Remittance spectroscopy mapping of human skin in vivo
Authors: Karamfilov Theodor , Weichold Sven , Karte Kerstin , Vilser Walthard , Wollina Uwe
Published: February 2007

Background/aims:

Remittance spectroscopy of human skin may be influenced by probe application pressure and body site.

Methods:

We investigated remittance spectroscopy qualities of human skin in vivo in different areas: a) forearm, b) frontal, c) back, d) back of the hand, e) palms and f) cheek. Twenty volunteers of skin type 2–3 free of inflammatory skin diseases, were enrolled into the study. Spectroscopy readings were performed with a fiber optic spectrometer (Ocean Optics, USA). The readings were taken with standardized force (0 and 100 pont) by applying the probe vertically to the skin surface. The remittance in relation to wavelength was registered. White light with wavelengths from 420 to 750 nm were used. Individual remittance values and their standard deviations were obtained from 20 readings each.

Results/Conclusions:

Spectroscopic patterns of skin are influenced by external force and regional factors. Standardization remains critical for the use of this approach in bioengineering of skin.
Ultrasound imaging of the leg in patients with chronic wounds
Authors: Wertheim David , Melhuish John , Williams Robert , Harding Keith
Published: February 2007

Background/aims:

A non‐invasive method of studying the extent of tissue changes may be of use in evaluating healing therapies for chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of ultrasound imaging to study the appearance of tissue in the vicinity of lesions in the lower limb.

Method:

An ATL Apogee 800 Plus ultrasound system using a broadband 11 MHz linear array scanhead was used. The system was adjusted to allow discrimination in the appearance of dermal, adipose and muscle tissue on two healthy volunteers. For four patients with leg ulcers, scans were taken of the wound and areas around the wound, using an aseptic technique.

Results:

Differences on ultrasound images could be seen between wound and areas around the wound. In a patient with a unilateral wound, differences were seen on ultrasound imaging of the wound with respect to the contralateral unaffected limb.

Conclusion:

This preliminary study suggests that broadband ultrasound imaging may be of use in detecting tissue differences in lower limbs and thus may be of value in the study of wound healing.
Time Horizon, Costs of Equity Capital, and Generic Investment Strategies of Firms
Authors: Zellweger Thomas
Published: February 2007

Recent literature (McNulty, Yeh, Schulze, & Lubatkin, 2002) states that the assumptions behind the capital asset pricing model, in particular the irrelevance of time horizon, do not correspond to the characteristics of firms that prefer long-term investment horizons. I show that family firms display a longer time horizon than most of their nonfamily counterparts, since (1) family firms display a longer CEO tenure, (2) this type of firm strives for long-term independence and succession within the family, and (3) due to the fact that family firms are overrepresented on western European stock markets in cyclical industries in which business cycles inhibit short-term success. As the annual default risk of an investment diminishes with increasing holding period (Hull, 2003), the risk-equivalent cost of equity capital of firms with longer planning horizons (e.g., family firms) can be lower as well. Based on the assumption that economic value to shareholders is created when firms invest in projects with returns above the associated cost of capital (Copeland, Koller, & Murrin, 2000), I argue that long-term-oriented firms can tackle unique investment projects represented by two generic investment strategies—the perseverance and the outpacing strategy. The first one, the perseverance strategy, represents investment strategies in which long-term-oriented firms invest in lower return but equal risk projects than their more short-term-oriented counterparts. The second one, the outpacing strategy, comprises investment projects with higher risk and equal return than the short-term competitors.
Entrepreneurial Orientation, Risk Taking, and Performance in Family Firms
Authors: Naldi Lucia , Nordqvist Mattias , Sjöberg Karin , Wiklund Johan
Published: February 2007

This article focuses on risk taking as one important dimension of entrepreneurial orientation and its impact in family firms. Drawing on a sample of Swedish SMEs, we find that risk taking is a distinct dimension of entrepreneurial orientation in family firms and that it is positively associated with proactiveness and innovation. We also find that even if family firms do take risks while engaged in entrepreneurial activities, they take risk to a lesser extent than nonfamily firms. Moreover, and most importantly for our understanding of entrepreneurial orientation in family firms, we find that risk taking in family firms is negatively related to performance. Both theoretical and practical implications of our findings are provided.
Energy metabolism in tumor cells
Authors: Moreno‐Sánchez Rafael , Rodríguez‐Enríquez Sara , Marín‐Hernández Alvaro , Saavedra Emma
Published: February 2007

In early studies on energy metabolism of tumor cells, it was proposed that the enhanced glycolysis was induced by a decreased oxidative phosphorylation. Since then it has been indiscriminately applied to all types of tumor cells that the ATP supply is mainly or only provided by glycolysis, without an appropriate experimental evaluation. In this review, the different genetic and biochemical mechanisms by which tumor cells achieve an enhanced glycolytic flux are analyzed. Furthermore, the proposed mechanisms that arguably lead to a decreased oxidative phosphorylation in tumor cells are discussed. As the O2 concentration in hypoxic regions of tumors seems not to be limiting for the functioning of oxidative phosphorylation, this pathway is re‐evaluated regarding oxidizable substrate utilization and its contribution to ATP supply versus glycolysis. In the tumor cell lines where the oxidative metabolism prevails over the glycolytic metabolism for ATP supply, the flux control distribution of both pathways is described. The effect of glycolytic and mitochondrial drugs on tumor energy metabolism and cellular proliferation is described and discussed. Similarly, the energy metabolic changes associated with inherent and acquired resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy of tumor cells, and those determined by positron emission tomography, are revised. It is proposed that energy metabolism may be an alternative therapeutic target for both hypoxic (glycolytic) and oxidative tumors.
Binding of N‐ and C‐terminal anti‐prion protein antibodies generates distinct phenotypes of cellular prion proteins (PrPC) obtained from human, sheep, cattle and mouse
Authors: Kuczius Thorsten , Grassi Jacques , Karch Helge , Groschup Martin H
Published: February 2007

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders which cause Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans, scrapie in sheep and bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. The infectious agent is a protease resistant isoform (PrPSc) of a host encoded prion protein (PrPC). PrPSc proteins are characterized according to size and glycoform pattern. We analyzed the glycoform patterns of PrPC obtained from humans, sheep, cattle and mice to find interspecies variability for distinct differentiation among species. To obtain reliable results, the imaging technique was used for measurement of the staining band intensities and reproducible profiles were achieved by many repeated immunoblot analysis. With a set of antibodies, we discovered two distinct patterns which were not species‐dependent. One pattern is characterized by high signal intensity for the di‐glycosylated isoform using antibodies that bind to the N‐terminal region, whereas the other exhibits high intensity for protein bands at the size of the nonglycosylated isoform using antibodies recognizing the C‐terminal region. This pattern is the result of an overlap of the nonglycosylated full‐length and the glycosylated N‐terminal truncated PrPC isoforms. Our data demonstrate the importance of antibody selection in characterization of PrPC.
Variation in the matrix metalloproteinase‐3, ‐7, ‐12 and ‐13 genes is associated with functional status in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ye S. , Patodi N. , Walker‐Bone K. , Reading I. , Cooper C. , Dennison E.
Published: February 2007

As matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis, we investigated whether variation in MMP genes was associated with functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A cohort of patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis were recruited and genotyped for the MMP1‐1607 1G > 2G, MMP3‐1612 5A > 6A, MMP7‐153C > T, MMP7‐181G > A, MMP12‐82A > G and MMP13‐77A > G polymorphisms. Genotypes were then analysed in relation to functional disability assessed by Steinbrocker index and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score. We detected an association between the MMP13‐77 A > G polymorphism and Steinbrocker index, with patients of the A/A genotype having higher score than patients of the A/G or G/G genotype (P = 0.005), and the association remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, presence of erosive disease, Ritchie score, prednisolone therapy and years of diagnosis (P = 0.003). We also observed a relationship of Steinbrocker index with the MMP3‐1612 5A > 6A, MMP7‐181 A > G and MMP12‐82A > G polymorphisms (P = 0.082, P = 0.037 and P = 0.045). No association was detected between the MMP1‐1607 1G > 2G and MMP7‐153C > T polymorphisms and either Steinbrocker index or HAQ score. These results suggest that MMP3, MMP7, MMP12 and MMP13 genotypes may play a role in determining functional status of rheumatoid arthritis.
IL‐18 gene promoter −137C/G and −607C/A polymorphisms in Chinese Han children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dong G. P. , Yu Z. S. , Liang L. , Zou C. C. , Fu J. F. , Wang C. L.
Published: February 2007

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease, and both environmental and genetic factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a potent pro‐inflammatory cytokine capable of inducing interferon‐gamma production that is associated with the development of T1DM. The gene for IL‐18 is located on chromosome 11q22.2‐q22.3 and has been reported to be associated with a susceptibility to T1DM. To test the putative involvement between IL‐18 gene polymorphism and predisposition to T1DM, we conducted a case‐control study in Chinese Han children. The single nucleotide polymorphisms at position −607(C/A) and −137(C/G) in the promoter region of the IL‐18 gene were analysed by sequence‐specific primers‐polymerase chain reaction in 118 patients with T1DM and 150 healthy controls. (1) The allele frequency of −607A was 41.2% and 53.0%, respectively, in patients and in control subjects (P = 0.01), but the allele frequency of −137C/G was not statistically significant (P = 0.37). (2) The distribution of CC genotype at position −607 was significantly different between patients and normal controls (P = 0.03), while the distribution of AA genotype in patients was significantly lower than that in the controls (P = 0.03). (3) Furthermore, there was a significant increase in haplotype (−137C/−607G) and genotype combination (−137GG/ −607CC) in patients compared with controls (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). The results of this study show that IL‐18 gene promoter polymorphisms confer susceptibility to T1DM in Chinese Han children. Moreover, subjects carrying AA genotype at position −607 of the promoter of IL‐18 gene may be a low risk of T1DM development.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poor Posture in School Children in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kratěnová Jana , ŽEjglicová Kristýna , Malý Marek , Filipová Věra
Published: February 2007

Background:  The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and the main risk factors of poor posture in school children in the Czech Republic.

Methods:  The cross‐sectional study examined representative sample of children aged 7, 11, and 15 years in the year 2003. From the overall number of 3600 children, 3520 (97.7%) attended and were examined in preventive checkups. Data were obtained from medical examinations and from screening questionnaires.

Results:  Poor posture was diagnosed in 38.3% children, more frequently in boys. A significantly different occurrence of poor posture was found between 7‐year‐old and 11‐year‐old children (33.0% and 40.8%, respectively). The most frequently detected defects were as follows: protruding scapulae (50% of all children), increased lumbar lordosis (32%), and round back (31%). Children with poor posture reported headache and pain in the cervical and lumbar spine more frequently. A total of 14% of children had body mass index levels over the 90th percentile, and the occurrence of poor posture was significantly less likely. On average, children spent 4 hours weekly performing sports activities and 14 hours weekly watching TV/VCR and playing computer games. No sports activities were reported by 20% of children, and these children had a significantly higher probability of poor posture than children performing sports.

Conclusions:  The results of our study can be used as an evidence with officials in the area of prevention, to support efforts to improve the health of our school children and to reduce the risk of postural damage to children’s health.
Cutaneous pyogranuloma in a cat caused by virulent Rhodococcus equi containing an 87 kb type I plasmid
Authors: Farias MR , Takai S , Ribeiro MG , Fabris VE , Franco SRVS
Published: February 2007

A 2‐year‐old intact male domestic shorthaired cat presented with a chronic, nodular, ulcerated, cutaneous lesion on the right thoracic limb. Histological and cytological examination revealed a pyogranulomatous inflammation with basophilic organisms in the macrophages. A virulent form of Rhodococcus equi containing an 87 kb type I (VapA) virulence plasmid was identified from cultures of biopsy samples. This report describes the clinicopathological features, plasmid profile and virulence of this case of R equi infection.
Detection of viruses in nasal swab samples from horses with acute, febrile, respiratory disease using virus isolation, polymerase chain reaction and serology
Authors: Dynon K , Black WD , Ficorilli N , Hartley CA , Studdert MJ
Published: February 2007

Objective  To examine the association of viruses with acute febrile respiratory disease in horses.

Design  Nasal swab and serum samples were collected from 20 horses with acute febrile upper respiratory disease that was clinically assessed to have a viral origin.

Methods  Each of the samples was inoculated onto equine fetal kidney, RK13 and Vero cell cultures, and viral nucleic acid was extracted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription PCR. PCR primers were designed to amplify nucleic acid from viruses known to cause or be associated with acute febrile respiratory disease in horses in Australia. A type specific ELISA was used to measure equine herpesvirus (EHV1 and EHV4) antibody, and serum neutralisation assays were used to measure equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) and equine rhinitis B virus 1 and 2 (ERBV1 and ERBV2) antibody titres in serum samples.

Results  Virus was isolated from 4 of 20 nasal swab samples. There were three isolations of EHV4 and one of ERBV2. By PCR, virus was identified in the nasal swab samples of 12 of the 20 horses. Of those that were positive, 17 viruses were detected as follows: one triple positive (EHV4, EHV2, and EHV5), three double positives (EHV4, ERBV and EHV2, EHV5 in two horses) and eight single positives (EHV4 in two horses, EHV2 in one horse, EHV5 in six horses and ERBV in six horses).

Conclusion  By virus isolation and PCR, 17 viruses were identified in nasal swab samples from 12 of 20 horses that had acute febrile respiratory disease consistent with a diagnosis of virus infection. Initial PCR identification and subsequent virus isolation led to the isolation of ERBV2 for the first time in Australia and the second time anywhere of ERBV2.
FISH detection of chimerism in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: AYDIN F. , OGUZ F. , ONAL A. E. , BILGEN H. , OGUZ R. , ANAK S. , ÇARIN M. , GEDIKOGLU G.
Published: February 2007

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well‐established curative therapy for various malignant and non‐malignant diseases. Successful outcome after allogeneic HSCT has been associated with donor chimerism (DC). However, the detection of residual host cells or mixed hemopoietic chimerism (MC) has indicated that donor chimerism is not obligatory following HSCT. More recently, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis has been applied to engraftment studies for the identification of polymorphic or sex chromosomes. In this study, chimerism status was evaluated in 48 sex‐mismatched HSCT pediatric patients (17 women/31 men, mean age: 9.02 ± 3.95 years, range: 2–19) by FISH and the effect of DC or MC on outcome and long‐term disease‐free survival was documented. The stem cell source was bone marrow in all cases. All of the donors were human leucocyte antigen‐identical siblings. FISH was performed on 156 specimens between days +13 and +1878. Donor chimerism was found in 47.9% (23/48) and MC was found in 52.1% (25/48) of the patients. Fifteen of 48 (31.25%) patients died, of whom 12 (80%) were MC and three patients (20%) were DC. The difference in chimerism status (MC or DC) was statistically significant between those patients who died and those still alive (χ2 = 6.813; P = 0.009).
Evaluation of reticulocyte haemoglobin content as marker of iron deficiency and predictor of response to intravenous iron in haemodialysis patients
Authors: KIM J. M. , IHM C. H. , KIM H. J.
Published: February 2007

Because serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) have a limitation in estimating iron status in haemodialysis patients, the reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr) has been proposed as a new tool. We investigate the accuracy of CHr in comparison with conventional tests and the relationship between changes in CHr and haemoglobin levels after therapy. We selected 140 haemodialysis patients receiving rHuEPO and intravenous iron supplementation and measured their complete blood count, CHr and iron parameters. Iron deficiency was defined as a ferritin <100 μg/l and/or a TS <20%. Hb, CHr, ferritin and TS levels were determined 1 month after therapy. Fifty‐three patients were iron deficient. CHr were distributed with 33.7 ± 1.4 pg in the iron sufficient group and with 29.9 ± 1.9 pg in the iron deficient group (P = 0.001). The cutoff value of CHr for detecting iron deficiency was <32.4 pg. In iron deficient patients, a significant correlation was found between CHr and TS. The change in CHr after therapy was significantly larger in iron‐deficient patients, and a lower baseline CHr is associated with a greater haemoglobin change. CHr is useful in screening iron status in dialysis patients, and a CHr cut‐off value of 32 pg is appropriate for the assessment of iron deficiency. Moreover, CHr may serve as a predictor of the response to anaemia treatment.