bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Low-Dose Captopril Given Twice Daily to Patients with Essential Hypertension Uncontrolled by a Beta Blocker plus Thiazide Diuretic
Authors: Muiesan G , Alicandri C , Agabiti-Rosei E , Fariello R , Montini E , Muiesan M L , Boni E , Cinquegrana A , Zaninelli A
Published: January 2017

Thirty-two patients with moderate to severe essential hypertension whose supine diastolic blood pressure (SDBP) was ⩾95 mm Hg following 2 weeks' treatment with the optimal dosage of beta blocker-diuretic combination were randomly assigned to the addition of either Captopril 25 mg or 50 mg b.i.d. After 6 weeks' treatment, if patients were not normalized (SDBP <95 mm Hg), the dose of Captopril was doubled for a further 6 weeks.

The addition of Captopril led to a significant fall in standing and supine diastolic and systolic blood pressure at the end of the sixth and twelfth week of treatment. There was no difference in the change in blood pressure between the two groups. At the end of the study SDBP was normalized in 66% of patients and a further 12·5% had their SDBP reduced by >10%.

Captopril 25 or 50 mg administered twice daily proved to be a very effective antihypertensive agent when added to a beta blocker-diuretic combination in patients resistant to optimal doses of these drugs.
A Comparative Trial of Depot Pipothiazine
Authors: Steinert J , Neder A , Erba E , Pugh C R , Robinson C , Priest R G
Published: January 2017

Thirty-nine chronic schizophrenic patients were selected for a 12-month double-blind evaluation of the effectiveness of pipothiazine palmitate (PPT) and flupenthixol decanoate (FPX) in the maintenance management of their illness.

Allocation was at random and, in order to allow constant injection intervals, the patients typically received every 2 weeks either 40 mg of flupenthixol decanoate or alternating injections of 100 mg of pipothiazine palmitate and placebo.

At monthly intervals the patients were assessed using both a battery of rating scales (which included the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Extrapyramidal Symptoms Rating Scale (EPS)) and a general side-effects evaluation.

At 3-monthly intervals they were also rated on the Comprehensive Psychiatric Rating Scale (CPRS) and the Zung Depression Scale. Haematological and biochemical tests were performed every 3 months.

Both drugs provided good control of psychotic symptoms and side-effects were not troublesome. No substantial difference was detected on the CPRS and the Zung scales. There was a trend in favour of PPT on the BPRS survey, detectable at 6 months and reaching statistical significance by 12 months.

We conclude that the PPT regime is at least as effective as the FPX treatment and probably more so. It is possible that even longer periods of control could be obtained with PPT.
A Multicentre Trial with Bacampicillin (Penglobe®) in the Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections in General Practice
Authors: Pauwels R , Detiège J J
Published: January 2017

Nine hundred and eleven patients were admitted to a multicentre trial with bacampicillin (Penglobe®) in respiratory tract infections. Of these it was possible to evaluate 830 with respect to efficacy and side-effects. In most cases a dosage of 400 mg × 2 was used but in severe cases 800 mg × 2 was used. The clinical outcome was assessed as good for 79% of the patients, while 17% showed an improvement and 3% a failure. The tolerance was good with an over-all incidence of 8% side-effects, of which dyspepsia was the most common.
Clinical Evaluation of Rectally Administered Ampicillin in Acute Otitis Media
Authors: Bergström B. K. V. , Bertilson S. O. , Movin G.
Published: January 2017

An ampicillin suppository was compared with amoxycillin suspension in the treatment of acute otitis media in children. Both antibiotics were given three times daily for 5 days in a daily dose of 25–50 mg/kg body weight. Safety was evaluated in 454 patients in the group given suppository and in 229 given the suspension, and 421 and 229 patients, respectively, were evaluable for efficacy. Ampicillin was rapidly absorbed and produced plasma concentrations well above the minimum inhibitory concentration for common respiratory pathogens. The overall clinical outcome was satisfactory (cured plus improved) in 89% of the patients given the suppository and in 86% given the suspension. Gastro-intestinal disturbances occurred in 28.4% of the patients given the suppository compared with 14.4% of those given the suspension. Perianal irritation was recorded in 12.1% of the patients given the suppository and in 5.2% of those given the suspension. Treatment was interrupted in 9.8% of patients given the suppository and in 0.9% of those given the suspension. In spite of these discomforts rectally administered ampicillin is considered to be a good alternative in children when oral medication is not feasible.
Indole-3-Pyruvic Acid as a Possible Hypnotic Agent in Insomniac Subjects
Authors: Silvestri R. , Mento G. , Raffaele M. , De Luca G. , Buttini G. , Casella C. , Tisano A. , De Domenico P. , Rosa A.E. Di , Perri R. Di
Published: January 2017

In a single-blind study six male patients (mean age 39.5 years) with moderate insomnia were treated with placebo for three nights, 100 mg indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) for three nights, 200 mg IPA for three nights, 100 mg IPA for two nights and placebo for two nights. Polygraphic recordings were made and total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, slow wave sleep latency, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency, number of arousals (> 1 min), percentage and duration of wakefulness after sleep onset, percentage and duration of wakefulness after sleep onset, percentage and duration of sleep stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and REM were recorded. At the end of 13 days, total sleep time, duration of stage 2 sleep and total non-REM were significantly increased when compared with baseline. Total sleep time and duration of stage 2 and total non-REM sleep on completion were significantly decreased when compared with after 200 mg IPA (night 9). Results suggest an action of IPA on human sleep similar to that of exogenous melatonin and l-tryptophan, thus confirming that IPA could be used to increase serotonin and melatonin turnover.
Evaluation by Scoring and Computerized Morphometry of Lesions of Early Mycoplasma pulmonis Infection and Ammonia Exposure in F344/N Rats
Authors: Pinson D. M. , Schoeb T. R. , Lindsey J. R. , Davis J. K.
Published: January 2017

To evaluate lesions of ammonia exposure and Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in gnotobiotic F344/N rats, groups of rats were inoculated with M. pulmonis, exposed to 76 μg/liter (100 parts per million) ammonia, or both, or served as controls. Six rats from each group were killed 3, 5, 7, and 9 days after inoculation and their respiratory organs prepared for histologic examination. Lesions were assessed by subjective scoring and computerized morphometry, and results obtained by the two methods were compared to assess agreement of results. Lesions were limited to the nasal passages. Ammonia exposure resulted in hyperplastic and degenerative changes in the anterior nasal epithelium. Lesions of mycoplasmosis were more severe in ammoniaexposed than unexposed rats, but qualitative differences in lesions were not apparent. Results of the two methods agreed in assessment of submucosal inflammatory cell accumulation. Epithelial lesions were difficult to evaluate by both methods in infected, ammonia-exposed rats. In evaluation of lesions of ammonia exposure alone, agreement was adequate. Both methods indicated that exudates were significantly greater in ammonia-exposed infected rats than in non-exposed infected rats. Thus, scoring and morphometry provided similar assessments of differences in lesion severity among the treatment groups.
Disgust-Related Olfactory Processing: The Role of Gender and Trait Disgust
Authors: Schienle Anne , Schöpf Veronika
Published: January 2017

For the rejection of disgusting and potentially health-threatening food, the sense of smell plays a critical role. We conducted two experiments in order to investigate the role of gender and trait disgust (the temporally stable tendency to experience disgust across different situations) on disgust-related olfactory processing. A total of 40 men and women (Study 1), as well as a group of women divided according to high versus low trait disgust (Study 2, n = 59), were compared with regard to their odor thresholds for carbon disulfide (which smells like spoiled food) and a control stimulus ( n-butanol). The stimuli were rated for experienced arousal, negative valence, and familiarity. In addition, all participants underwent the “Sniffin' Sticks” battery assessing general olfactory performance. We found that women had a lower carbon disulfide threshold and rated this odorant as more unpleasant than men. Trait disgust was neither associated with the detection of the odorant signaling spoilage, nor with general olfactory function. The latter finding questions the role of this personality trait for olfactory-driven food-rejection responses, at least for normosmic individuals.
Maina wa Kinyatti — Prisoner of Conscience
Authors: Kinyatti Maina wa
Published: January 2017

‘In prison or free, I will persist to demand that our people have the right to use their country, that the labour of our people should be used to feed and clothe our children, that justice and social equality should be the cornerstone of our national policy.’
The gentle revenge at the end of apartheid
Authors: Sachs Albie
Published: January 2017

In November 1989 the lawyer and writer Albie Sachs was asked by Index on Censorship to look ahead to constitutional reform and how to enshrine freedom of expression in a post-apartheid charter. It was fantasy. Then came the unbanning of the ANC on 2 February, the release of Nelson Mandela on 11 February, and his reunion with Oliver Tambo in Sweden on 12 March, which promised real change. The following are extracts from the conversation about South Africa in the future
The way we live now
Authors: Mirsky Jonathan
Published: January 2017

There's still six months to go, but Beijing's calling the shots already and the territory's busy collaborating
Multidimensional Family Therapy Reduces Self-Reported Criminality Among Adolescents With a Cannabis Use Disorder
Authors: van der Pol Thimo M. , Henderson Craig E. , Hendriks Vincent , Schaub Michael P. , Rigter Henk
Published: January 2017

Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) is an established treatment program for youth displaying multiproblem behavior. We examined whether MDFT decreased criminal offending among cannabis abusing adolescents, as compared with individual psychotherapy (IP). In a Western European randomized controlled trial comparing MDFT with IP, a sample of 169 adolescents with a cannabis disorder completed self-reports on criminal offending. Half indicated they had committed one or more criminal offenses in the 90 days before the baseline assessment. Follow-up assessments were at 6 and 12 months after randomization. The proportion of adolescents reporting nondelinquency increased during the study period, most so in the MDFT condition. In addition, MDFT lowered the number of violent offenses more than IP. This difference was not seen for property crimes. In cannabis abusing adolescents, MDFT is an effective treatment to prevent and reduce criminal offending. MDFT outperforms IP for violent crimes.
Gentrifiers in the post-socialist city? A critical reflection on the dynamics of middle- and upper-class professional groups in Warsaw
Authors: Górczyńska Magdalena
Published: January 2017

This article explores changes in residential patterns of middle- and upper-class professionals in Warsaw (considered as potential gentrifiers) during the post-socialist transition and discusses the delimitation of areas where gentrification-type social evolution has taken place. It addresses three research questions: Could the social upgrading seen in Warsaw be labelled as gentrification? What are the mechanisms of change? How have the different socio-professional subgroups that are commonly described as gentrifiers shaped this process? The analysis revealed that only a few areas could be labelled as potentially gentrified. Most social upgrading was due to intergenerational social mobility in situ. The residential choices of potential gentrifiers tended to reflect their attachment to traditionally attractive neighbourhoods and a search for better living conditions, rather than confirmed new consumption patterns and lifestyle. At the urban scale, although potential gentrifiers were attracted by new housing, this was less obvious when analysed at the level of districts. Drawing on gentrification concepts, and the theory of forms of capital (with particular attention given to the specific characteristics of Central Eastern Europe), the multifaceted role of four groups of potential gentrifiers was explored. A group characterised by a high level of economic capital underwent structural changes and significantly expanded into peripheral areas. Specialists working in the arts and culture (typically the pioneers of gentrification) reinforced their presence in several semi-central areas that were originally inhabited by blue-collar workers. Finally, a dynamically developing group of creative professionals appeared as the post-socialist forerunners of social upgrading.
Survivorship After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation According to Articular Cartilage Status
Authors: Lee Bum-Sik , Bin Seong-Il , Kim Jong-Min , Kim Won-Kyeong , Choi Jun Weon
Published: January 2017

Background:

Clinical outcomes after meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) in arthritic knees are unclear, and objective estimates of graft survival according to the articular cartilage status have not been performed.

Hypothesis:

MAT should provide clinical benefits in knees with high-grade cartilage damage, but their graft survivorship should be inferior to that in knees with low-grade chondral degeneration after MAT.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The records of 222 consecutive patients who underwent primary MAT were reviewed to compare clinical outcomes and graft survivorship. The patients were grouped according to the degree and location of articular cartilage degeneration: low-grade chondral lesions (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] grade ≤2) on both the femoral and tibial sides (ideal indication), high-grade lesions (ICRS grade 3 or 4) on either the femoral or tibial side (relative indication), and high-grade lesions on both sides (salvage indication). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with the log-rank test was performed to compare the clinical survival rates and graft survival rates between the groups. A Lysholm score of <65 was considered a clinical failure, and graft failure was defined as a meniscal tear or meniscectomy of greater than one-third of the allograft, objectively evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second-look arthroscopic surgery.

Results:

The mean (±SD) Lysholm score significantly improved from 63.1 ± 15.1 preoperatively to 85.1 ± 14.3 at the latest follow-up of a mean 44.6 ± 19.7 months ( P < .001). However, the postoperative scores were not significantly different between the 3 groups (85.7 ± 14.2 for ideal indication, 84.7 ± 17.0 for relative indication, and 84.7 ± 14.2 for salvage indication; P = .877). On MRI at the latest follow-up of a mean 23.0 ± 19.9 months and second-look arthroscopic surgery of a mean 19.3 ± 20.7 months, there were 25 (11.3%) failed MAT procedures (4 medial, 21 lateral); of these, 5 lateral MAT procedures (2.3%) went on to allograft removal. Clinical survival rates were not significantly different between the groups ( P = .256). However, on objective evaluation, the estimated cumulative graft survival rate at 5 years in the salvage indication group (62.2% [95% CI, 41.6-82.8]) was significantly lower than that in the other 2 groups (ideal indication: 93.8% [95% CI, 88.5-99.1]; relative indication: 90.9% [95% CI, 81.1-100.0]) ( P = .006).

Conclusion:

Our findings showed that MAT was an effective symptomatic treatment in knees with advanced bipolar chondral lesions. However, better graft survival can be expected when articular cartilage is intact or if chondral damage is limited to a unipolar lesion. MAT should be considered before the progression of chondral damage to a bipolar lesion for better graft survivorship and should be performed cautiously in arthritic knees.
Oligopeptide Fragments of the Enkephalin Molecule Interfere with Hematopoietic Cell Colony Formation
Authors: Breljak D. , Boranic M. , Horvat S.
Published: January 2017

Dipeptide Tyr-Gly and tripeptide Tyr-Gly-Gly representing the NH2-end of the Met-enkephalin molecule inhibited the GM-colony formation in clonal cultures of mouse bone marrow cells. Intermediate or COOH-terminal dipeptides Gly-Gly and Phe-Met respectively were inneffective. The suppressive effects were not abolished by opioid receptor blocking agent naloxone and only partly so by depletion of the accessory (adherent) cells. The results are congruent with idea that neuropeptides and products of their enzymatic degradation participate in the regulation of hematopoiesis.
Trichinella Spiralis Infection is Mediated by MCP-1 and MIP-2, While Echinococcus Granulosus is Strongly Mediated by MCP-1, but Not MIP-2
Authors: Frydas S. , Rallis T. , Theodorides I. , Patsikas M.N. , Trakatellis C. , Di Gioacchino M. , Felaco M.
Published: January 2017

The chemokine supergene family are small proteins (8–10 KD) inducible in a number of pathophysiological processes. C-X-C family members are specific largely on neutrophils; whereas C-C chemokines act primarily on monocytes, T-cells, basophils and eosinophils. A wide variety of cell types produce chemokines in response to stimuli, including: infections, mitogens and inflammatory cytokines. Here we found that parasitic diseases, such as Trichinella spiralis and Echinococcus granulosus produce, MCP-1 (β-chemokine) and MIP-2 (α-chemokine), or MCP-1, respectively. The specificity of production of these chemokines in two parasitic diseases may help to achieve therapeutic strategies in inhibiting inflammation.
Ait-082 and Methylprednisolone Singly, but Not in Combination, Enhance Functional and Histological Improvement after Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Jiang S. , Khan M. I. , Middlemiss P. J. , Lu Y. , Werstiuk E. S. , Crocker C.E. , Ciccarelli R. , Caciagli F. , Rathbone M. P.
Published: January 2017

Extracellular non-adenine based purines are neuroprotective. Preliminary studies indicate that administration of the synthetic purine 4–[[3–(1,6 dihydro-6-oxo-9- purine-9-yl)-1-oxypropyl] amino] benzoic acid (AIT-082, leteprinim potassium) to rats immediately after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), improves functional outcome. The effects of potential new agents are often compared to methylprednisolone (MPSS). We evaluated the effects of AIT-082 and MPSS, separately and in combination, on the functional and morphological outcome of acute SCI in adult rats. After standardized T11–12 spinal cord compression rats were given intraperitoneally one of the following: vehicle (saline); MPSS (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg body weight, first dose 15 min after crush); AIT-082 (60 mg/kg body weight daily, first dose 15 min after crush); or AIT-082 plus MPSS. After 1, 3, or 21 days, the rats were perfused for histological analysis. AIT-082 administrations significantly reduced locomotor impairment from 1–21 days post-operatively. At 1 and 3 days post injury, AIT-082-treatment reduced tissue swelling, tissue loss and astrogliosis at the injured cords but did not alter the extent of hemorrhage and the number of macrophages and/or microglia. MPSS reduced hemorrhage and the number of macrophages and/or microglia, but did not alter astrogliosis. At 21 days, either AIT-082 or MPSS administration improved function and morphology similarly (less tissue loss and astrogliosis). In contrast, administration of AIT-082 and MPSS together abolished the beneficial effects observed when either drug was given individually. These results suggest that MPSS and AIT-082 may exert their beneficial effects through different and potentially antagonistic pathways.
Association of Myasthenia Gravis and Antisynthetase Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Diaco M. , Ancarani F. , Montalto M. , Verrecchia E. , Evoli A. , Servidei S. , Gasbarrini G. , Manna R.
Published: January 2017

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic disease of neuromuscular transmission caused by loss of acetylcholine receptors. It can be found in association with other autoimmune disorders. We report the case of a 47-yr-old woman affected by Myasthenia gravis who complained of fever, progressive weakness of proximal limb muscle, arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon and dyspnea. Chest X-rays and CT scan showed an interstitial lung disease; laboratory data indicated an inflammatory picture and increased serum muscle enzymes. Evaluation for infectious, metabolic, iatrogenic and neoplastic aetiologies was unrevealing. The patient's clinical condition together with positive results on antisynthetase antibody assay lead to the diagnosis of antisynthetase syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the association of Myasthenia gravis with antisynthetase syndrome.
Modulation of Costimulatory Molecules CD80/CD86 on B Cells and Macrophages by Stress Proteins GroEL, GroES and DnaK
Authors: Galdiero M. , Pisciotta M.G. , Gorga F. , Petrillo G. , Marinelli A. , Galdiero E.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Heat Shock Proteins GroES, GroEL and DnaK on the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80/CD86 in B cells and macrophages. The interactions among these molecules are able to highly influence the immune response through the regulation of cytokine liberation which, on their own, are able to regulate the immunological response by a feedback mechanism. Our results showed that, on B cells, GroES and GroEL stimulated the expression of CD86 but did not induce the increase of the CD80 expression. CD86 peak expression showed a peak after 24–48 h of culture and decreaseed 60h after the stimulation. GroES and GroEL also stimulated the expression of CD80 and CD86 on macrophages. The same HSPs did not modify the expression of CD80 and CD86 on cells having characteristics of activated macrophages, the A-THP-1 cell line. DnaK did not induce any increase in the expression of CD80 and CD86 on lymphocytes or macrophages.
Role of TLR4 Receptor Polymorphisms in Boutonneuse Fever
Authors: Balistreri C.R. , Candore G. , Lio D. , Colonna-Romano G. , Di Lorenzo G. , Mansueto P. , Rini G. , Mansueto S. , Cillari E. , Franceschi C. , Caruso C.
Published: January 2017

The genetics of the interaction between host and microbes plays an essential role in the survival of the individual and attainment of longevity. The activation of toll-like receptor (TLR)4 plays a key role in natural and clonotypic immune responses. We evaluated whether TLR4 genotype is a component of genetic background protective versus rickettsiosis and whether this background influences longevity. We genotyped for +896A/G TLR4 polymorphism 78 patients affected by Boutonneuse fever, 78 age-matched controls and 78 advanced age individuals from Sicily. The +869G allele, that attenuates receptor signalling, was significantly overrepresented in patients in comparison with age-matched controls. By analyzing data according to gender, this allele was significantly higher in female patients when compared to advanced age women. Pro-inflammatory responses are programmed to resist fatal infections. So, it is not surprising that the genetic background of people that survive to an advanced age may be protective against infections. However, this seems to occur in women but not in men. In a previous study, the +896G TLR4 allele was overrepresented in advanced age men and underrepresented in men affected by myocardial infarction. Thus, previous and present results tend to agree with the suggestion that men and women may follow different trajectories to reach longevity. For men it might be more important to control atherogenesis, whereas for women it might be more important to control infectious diseases.
The Role of Apoptosis in the Pathogenesis of Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Authors: Caproni M. , Torchia D. , Antiga E. , Degl'Innocenti D. , Barletta E. , Baroni G. , Santucci M. , Fabbri P.
Published: January 2017

Apoptosis is a form of cell death that is claimed to be involved in a number of chronic inflammatory and malignant skin diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether apoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of epidermal changes in dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and, in particular, whether certain apoptosis-related markers such as Bax, Bcl-2, Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) take part in this process. For the detection of apoptotic nuclei, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling technique (TUNEL) was employed on cryostat sections. Skin lesions from six and perilesional skin from four DH patients were stained with monoclonal antibodies to Bax, Bcl-2, Fas and FasL. The same evaluation was also performed on three patients affected by bullous pemphigoid (BP) and in two healthy donors. Using TUNEL technique, a remarkable increase in the apoptotic rate within the epidermal compartment was observed in DH and BP patients in comparison with normal controls. In our immunohistochemical analysis, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was almost the same in the epidermis of perilesional/lesional DH, BP and healthy skin specimens. In DH and BP specimens both Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were increased in the dermal perivascular compartment. Fas showed a prevalently epidermal staining, both in DH and BP lesions, while FasL was distributed in perivascular and subjunctional dermis; some FasL+ cells infiltrated the DEJ and the basal layer of epidermis. This study allowed us to highlight conspicuous apoptotic phenomena in basal and suprabasal keratinocytes within lesional and perilesional skin of DH. We conclude that in DH, as well as in BP, apoptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lesions in concert with other pathogenetic mechanisms.
Determinants of Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Subjects with Rhinitis
Authors: Di Lorenzo G. , Pacor ML. , Mansueto P. , Pellitteri M. Esposito , Lo Bianco C. , Ditta V. , Leto-Barone M.S. , Napoli N. , Di Fede G. , Rini G.B.
Published: January 2017

Subjects with rhinitis but without asthma may have coexisting bronchial hyperresponsiveness, although the reasons for this are uncertain. To evaluate the factors that determine BHR in rhinitis we examined 410 patients with symptomatic rhinitis with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥ 80% of the predicted value. In all subjects a skin prick test (SPT) was performed, a determination of total serum IgE and an eosinophils count in the blood. Of the 410 subjects we found that 161 (39.3%) exhibited a methacholine PD20 of 800 mg or less (Group A), whereas 249 (60.7%) had a methacholine PD20 more of 800 mg (Group B). Despite the matched mean values for FEV1 and FVC, compared with Group B, Group A had a lower predicted forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF25%-75%) (86.7 ± 12.0 vs. 93.7±7.3, P < 0.0001). A great portion of the subjects of the Group A in respect to subjects of the Group B were exposed to passive smoke (37.8% vs. 22.0%, P = 0.0008), reported having mothers with asthma (34.1% vs. 6.0%, P < 0.0001), presented a positive skin prick test (93.7% vs. 67.0%, P < 0.0001), had higher levels of total serum IgE (geometric mean of Log10 2.46 ± 0.27 kU/L vs. 2.06 ± 0.38 kU/L, P < 0.0001) and higher blood eosinophil counts (geometric mean of Log10 2.67 ± 0.07 × 10−3 mL vs. 2.57 ± 0.09 × 10−3 mL, P < 0.0001), and reported increased nasal obstruction (2.0 (95%CI 1.8 to 2.2) vs. 0.6 (95%CI 0.5 to 0.7), P < 0.0001). Logistic regression demonstrates that nasal obstruction (OR 2.19,95%CI 1.72 to 2.80) and the presence of positive SPT (OR 6.15,95%CI 2.42 to 15.61) were the most available predictors to discriminate between subjects with BHR and subjects without BHR. In addition, BHR was positively related to blood eosinophil counts (OR= 2.80, 95%CI 1.54 to 5.07), FEF25%-75% values (OR= 2.72, 95%CI 1.23 to 5.99) and familiarity (mother) for asthma (OR = 2.45, 95%CI 1.10 to 5.46). Whereas passive smoke and total serum IgE were not positively related to BHR. Increased nasal obstruction and the presence of positive SPT were the most available predictors to discriminate between subjects with and without BHR. Finally, BHR was positively related to blood eosinophil counts, FEF25%-75% values and to familiarity (mother) for asthma.
Different Kinetics of Immunologic Recovery Using Nelfinavir or Lopinavir/Ritonavir-Based Regimens in Children with Perinatal HIV-1 Infection
Authors: De Luca M. , Miccinesi G. , Chiappini E. , Zappa M. , Galli L. , De Martino M.
Published: January 2017

The choice to include the optimal protease inhibitor (PI) in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens in children with perinatal HIV-1 infection is still under debate. Virologic and immunologic outcomes of three different regimens in an observational paediatric cohort were compared. Data from 12 saquinavir-, 18 nelfinavir-, and 10 lopinavir/ritonavir-treated children were analyzed after 4 and 24 weeks of therapy. Immunologic and virologic outcomes were compared using multivariate analysis adjusting the results for age, baseline CD4+ T-lymphocyte count and baseline viral load. Saquinavir-treated children displayed significant reduction in viral load at week 24 (but not at week 4) and no increase in CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, indicating a poor advantage in using this drug. Lopinavir/ritonavir-treated children presented lower viral loads than nelfinavir-treated children at week 4 (P=0.020) and week 24 (p<0.0001). Virologic failure occurred in 6/18 (33.3%) nelfinavir-treated children but in no child receiving lopinavir/ritonavir (P=0.013). An undetectable viral load was achieved in 9/10 (90.0%) lopinavir/ritonavir- vs. 3/18 (16.6%) nelfinavir-treated children (p<0.0001). No significant difference in CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was observed between lopinavir/ritonavir- and nelfinavir-treated children at weeks 4 and 24. However, a different kinetic of the immunologic recovery was observed. Lopinavir/ritonavir-treated children displayed higher CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts than saquinavir-treated children since the first month of therapy (week 4: P=0.042; week 24: P= 0.029) while nelfinavir-treated children took 24 weeks to reach such an outcome (P=0.034). Since lopinavir/ritonavir-based regimen controls viral replication more efficiently and restores CD4+ T-lymphocyte count more quickly than saquinavir- or nelfinavir-based HAART, it may be considered when a salvage therapy or a rapid increase in CD4+ T-lymphocytes is necessary.
Non-Invasive Evaluation of Tacalcitol Plus Puva versus Tacalcitol Plus UVB-NB in the Treatment of Psoriasis: “Right-Left Intra-Individual — Pre/Post Comparison Design”
Authors: Brazzelli V. , Barbagallo T. , Prestinari F. , Rona C. , De Silvestri A. , Trevisan V. , Borroni G.
Published: January 2017

Photochemotherapy with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) and phototherapy with UVB narrow band (UVB-NB) are used in the treatment of psoriasis. Numerous studies have shown that the additional administration of either topical or systemic antipsoriatic agents may effectively increase the efficacy of these therapies. This study aimed to compare through objective data the efficacy of topical tacalcitol in combination with PUVA or UVB-NB versus PUVA and UVB-NB monotherapy in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis. Modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration were used to monitor the restoration of skin barrier in the psoriatic plaques of 40 patients during photochemotherapy. The study was a right-left, intra-individual, pre/post comparison trial. PUVA and UVB-NB treatments were given three times a week. On those plaques localized on the right side of the body tacalcitol ointment was applied once a day, in the evening. Corneometry, TEWL and modified PASI score were used to evaluate the response to the treatment at baseline, one month and two months. Thirty-six of the forty enrolled subjects completed the study. The comparison between combination treatments and the PUVA/UVB-NB monotherapy showed no significant differences with regard to modified PASI index. However, significant differences were recorded with regard to TEWL and corneometry. The combination of tacalcitol plus PUVA or tacalcitol plus UVB-NB restored epidermal barrier functions as well as skin hydration faster than PUVA or UVB-NB monotherapy (TEWL: p=0.0050 and corneometry: p=0.003). The combination of tacalcitol plus UVB-NB allowed a better restoration of skin barrier functions than tacalcitol plus PUVA (p=0.013). In conclusion, the combination of tacalcitol plus PUVA or plus UVB-NB improves the therapeutic result. In addition, the data from TEWL and skin hydration suggest a means in which tacalcitol plus UVB-NB induces a better normalization of skin biophysical parameters.
A Pilot, Open Label, Clinical Trial Using Hydroxyzine in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Logothetis I. , Mylonas I. A. , Baloyannis S. , Pashalidou M. , Orologas A. , Zafeiropoulos A. , Kosta V. , Theoharides T. C.
Published: January 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of myelin destruction. Blood-brain-barrier (BBB) disruption precedes pathological or clinical findings and could involve mediators from perivascular brain mast cells, such as histamine and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mast cells could be activated by many triggers, including acute stress that has been correlated with MS exacerbations. We considered that the histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist hydroxyzine, which also partially inhibits brain mast cells and has anxiolytic properties, may reduce MS symptoms. This open label, pilot, clinical trial investigated the effect on MS of an oral solution of hydroxyzine (100 mg per day), together with caffeine (200 mg per day) to reduce sedation. Twenty patients (8 males; 12 females) with relapsing-remitting or relapsing-progressive MS completed the study (12 ± 1 months) and were evaluated using disability scales. Most patients on hydroxyzine (75%) remained stable or improved neurologically and all but one showed improved mood. Hydroxyzine could be used as an adjuvant in MS, but the small number of patients enrolled and the short duration of the study precludes any definitive conclusions. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study is warranted.
Evaluation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Serum Levels in Lead-Exposed Smoker Workers
Authors: Di Lorenzo L. , Vacca A. , Corfiati M. , Lovreglio P. , Soleo L.
Published: January 2017

Inorganic lead (Pb) is able to modulate the immune response even at low to moderate exposure levels. It inhibits in vitro and in vivo activities of neutrophil leucocytes and influences their blood count in humans. Neutrophil functions are governed by a number of cytokines. Pb has been shown to affect leukocyte production of some of these cytokines in vitro. The objective of this study is to assess serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels of thirty-three male lead-exposed (E) workers at a lead recycling plant as compared with twenty-eight male non-exposed (NE) workers at a food processing plant, whose current smoking habit was known. Serum TNF-α and G-CSF levels were measured by a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Blood lead levels (Pb-B) were significantly higher in E (geometric mean (GM) 30.7 μg/dl, GSD 1.7; min-max: 9.1–81.6 μg/dl) workers than controls (GM 3.6 μg/dl, GSD 1.7; min-max: 1.0–11.0 μg/dl). E workers had significantly higher serum TNF-α (median: 107.1; min-max: 11.1–623.0 pg/ml) and G-CSF levels (median: 53.0, min-max: 31.1–197.0 pg/ml) than NE workers (TNF-α: median: 12.0; min-max: 9.4–18.8 pg/ml; G-CSF: median: 34.3, min-max: 25.1–52.2 pg/ml). In particular, the TNF-α level was shown to be significantly influenced by lead exposure and smoking habit, as well as by interaction between these two factors. Both serum TNF-α and G-CSF levels were correlated with Pb-B and absolute neutrophil count. This study is the first to detect higher serum levels of G-CSF in E over NE workers. Our data confirm that exposure to low to medium doses of lead may interfere in the complex cytokine network involved in inflammation, especially in workers who are current smokers.
Expression of CD38 in Human Neuroblastoma Sh-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Orciani M. , Trubiani O. , Cavaletti G. , Guarnieri S. , Salvolini E. , Tredici G. , Di Primio R.
Published: January 2017

Human CD38 antigen is a 42–45 kDa type II transmembrane glycoprotein with a short N-terminal cytoplasmic domain and a long C-terminal extracellular region. It is widely expressed in different cell types including thymocytes, activated T cells, and terminally differentiated B cells (plasma cells) and it is involved in cellular proliferation and adhesion. CD38 acts as an ectocyclase that converts NAD+ to the Ca2+-releasing second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR). It has been also demonstrated that increased extracellular levels of NAD+ and cADPR are involved in inflammatory diseases and in cellular damage, such as ischemia. In the present study, we have characterized the expression of CD38 in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment was used to induce cell differentiation. Our results indicate that: a) even if SH-SY5Y cells have a negative phenotype express CD38 at nuclear level, ATRA treatment does not influence this pattern; b) CD38 localizing to the nucleus may co-localize with p80-coilin positive nuclear-coiled bodies; c) purified nuclei, by Western blot determinations using anti-CD38 antibodies, display a band with a molecular mass of −42 kDa; d) SH-SY5Y cells show nuclear ADP-ribosyl cyclase due to CD38 activity; e) the basal level of CD38 mRNA shows a time-dependent increase after treatment with ATRA. These results suggest that the presence of constitutive fully functional CD38 in the SH-SY5Y nucleus has some important implications for intracellular generation of cADP-ribose and subsequent nucleoplasmic calcium release.
α-Defensin Levels in Whole Saliva of Totally Edentulous Subjects
Authors: Fanali C. , Inzitari R. , Cabras T. , Pisano E. , Castagnola M. , Celletti R. , Manni A. , Messana I.
Published: January 2017

Salivary levels of α-defensins 1–4 and histatins 1, 3 and 5 were determined in 11 totally edentulous patients, 11 younger healthy adults with normal gingival mucosa (Control group I) and 8 subjects, age-matched with edentulous patients, having a minimum of 25 teeth (Control group II). Whole saliva was treated with trifluoroacetic acid and the acidic soluble fraction analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The area of the extracted ion current peaks was used for peptide quantification. Levels of α-defensinsl-4, but not of histatins, were significantly lower in totally edentulous patients with respect to both Control group I and Control group II. The two control groups did not show significant differences. The reduced level of oral α-defensins, which are mainly of crevicular origin, is most likely due to the absence of the gingival sulcus in the edentulous subjects. The near absence of α-defensins might be in part responsible for the higher vulnerability of the oral cavity to oral pathogen infections observed in totally edentulous patients.
Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells Undergoing Human Herpesvirus Type 8 Productive Infection Produce C-Type Retroviral Particles
Authors: Tinari A. , Superti F. , Ammendolia M.G. , Chiozzini C. , Hohenadl C. , Leone P. , Nappi F. , Nicoletti M. , Borsetti A. , Marchetti M. , Ensoli B. , Monini P.
Published: January 2017

Primary effusion lymphomas (PELs) are invariably infected by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) that is present in most PEL cells as latent virus but replicates in a subset of permissive cells to produce infectious progeny. Here we show that productively infected PEL cells release C-type retrovirus-like particles encoding an Mn++-dependent RT activity, which is typical of endogenous retroviruses. Strikingly, C-type particles are produced only in cells showing advanced HHV8 morphogenesis. Phorbol esters, which induce productive HHV8 replication and morphogenesis in PEL cells, increase RLP production. Phosphonoacetic acid, a blocker of HHV8 late gene expression, inhibits the production of C-type particles, whereas neutralizing anti-αIFN antibodies, which are known to increase HHV8 assembly, increases C-type particle production. These data suggest that factors expressed in advanced stages of HHV8 reactivation support endogenous C-type particle morphogenesis in PEL cells.
Antimicrobial Property of a Herbal Preparation Containing Dalbergia Sissoo and Datura Stramonium with Cow Urine against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Yadav H. , Yadav M. , Jain S. , Bhardwaj A. , Singh V. , Parkash O. , Marotta F.
Published: January 2017

In this study, a herbal preparation containing Dalbergia sissoo and Datura stramoium with cow urine (DSDS), was evaluated for its antibacterial potential against pathogenic strains of gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and gram-negative ( Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria. Antibacterial activity was compared to standard antibiotic drugs i.e. Chloramphenicol (30 mcg), Ampicillin (10 mcg), Nalidixic acid (10 mcg) and Rifampicin (30 mcg). Cow urine extract was found to be most active against both gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria. Clinical isolate of S. aureus showed higher sensitivity towards cow urine extract of DSDS than standard strains, and inhibited growth on most regulatory levels such as inhibition of protein, DNA, RNA and peptidoglycan synthesis. The results of the present study shows that the cow urine extract of DSDS may be used as a potent antiseptic preparation for prevention and treatment of chronic bacterial infections.
Size Effects of Polystyrene Nanoparticles on Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions in NC/NGA Mice
Authors: Yanagisawa R. , Takano H. , Inoue Ki. , Koike E. , Sadakane K. , Ichinose T.
Published: January 2017

Nano-sized particles are diffusing in the environment with the development of nanotechnology. Polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles are modified industrial products and pharmaceutical agents, however, adverse effects of PS nanoparticles remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PS nanoparticles with different sizes on the atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice assumed to show the skin barrier defect/dysfunction in the presence or absence of mite allergen. Male NC/Nga mice were injected intradermally with three different-sized PS nanoparticles (25, 50, or 100 nm) and/or mite allergen into their right ears. We evaluated clinical scores, ear thickening, histological findings and the local protein expression of inflammatory molecules in the ear and Ig production in serum. PS nanoparticles aggravated AD-like skin lesions related to mite allergen, which was paralleled by the local protein levels of interleukin-4, CCL2/monocyte chemotactic protein-1, CCL3/macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, and CCL4/macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta. In contrast, PS nanoparticles decreased interferon-γ expression. Furthermore, exposure to PS nanoparticles induced ear swelling and CC-chemokine expression in the absence of allergen. These effects were greater with the smaller PS nanoparticles than with the larger ones regarding overall trend. These results suggest that exposure to PS nanoparticles under skin barrier defect/dysfunction can exacerbate AD-like skin lesions related to mite allergen in a size-dependent manner. The enhancing effects may be accounted for by T helper 2-biased immune responses. Furthermore, PS nanoparticles can evoke skin inflammation via the overexpression of CC-chemokines even in the absence of allergen in atopic subjects.
Is HPV-DNA Testing a Useful Tool in Predicting Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Outcome? A Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zappacosta R. , Caraceni D. , Ciccocioppo L. , Ottaviantonio M. , Conti F. , Andreozzi S. , Petrucci F. , Rosini S.
Published: January 2017

HPV-DNA testing has entered in clinical practice. Three important questions remain controversial: 1) which is the best HPV-DNA technology? 2) Which age group should be targeted? 3) Is HPV-DNA testing predictive of disease outcome? The answers to these queries represent the endpoints of this study. The population of this retrospective study consisted of 272 women, each one having: baseline cytological diagnosis of Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL); baseline HPV-DNA reports by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) and MY09/11 consensus primers PCR; follow-up duration over 3-years; cytological report of disease status at follow-up time. Firstly, we assessed the concordance and the performances of both HPV-DNA testing, then we correlated respectively HPV-DNA results and age of patients to disease outcome. DNA testing methods agreed in 83.4% of cases (K=0.66). Baseline HPV-DNA result was not significantly associated to disease outcome (p=0.06). Within HPV-DNA positive group, we found no evidence of correlation between age and LSIL prognosis (p=0.89). Confining the analysis to age-stratified HPV-DNA negative women, the differences were statistically significant (p=0.01). In conclusion, HPV-DNA testing gives no information about the real behaviour of cervical abnormalities. These findings suggest the demand for additive markers, reflecting the risk of progression, in prevention strategy and clinical approach.
Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia of Infancy: Intravenous Immunoglobulin as First Line Therapy
Authors: Duse M. , Iacobini M. , Leonardi L. , Smacchia P. , Antonetti L. , Giancane G.
Published: January 2017

IVIG (Intravenous immunoglobulin) have significantly improved the prognosis and the quality of life of immunodeficient patients and are routinely used as substitutive therapy. Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI) is a primary humoral immunodeficiency characterized by a transient IgG defect, but is not considered as a disease that justifies substitutive treatment and thus the use of IVIG as an alternative to antibiotic prophylaxis remains controversial also in symptomatic children. We treated 13 THI children severely symptomatic with IVIG (400mg/kg/every 3 weeks) for a limited period (2 or 3 months) and followed them for 1 to 3 years. During the follow-up, the frequency of overall infections decreased approximately tenfold (from 0.39 to 0.047 infection/month per child) and no severe infections were reported. Although this study lacks untreated controls, the results suggest that the observed clinical improvement is correlated to IVIG therapy. Furthermore, our study suggests that the infused IVIG have no long-term effect on endogenous IgG production and do not lengthen the immunodeficiency condition since all children produced a normal amount of specific IgG in response to vaccination carried out 5 months after the end of infusions. In conclusion, our results suggest that IVIG may stop the vicious circle of infection-immunodeficiency and should be considered as a first line therapy in highly symptomatic THI children.