bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THEORETICAL AND MATHEMATICAL APPROACH OF SOME REGULATION MECHANISMS IN A MARINE HOST-PARASITE SYSTEM
Authors: LANGLAIS M. , SILAN P.
Published: November 2004

Host-parasite systems offer such a complex behaviour that few quantitative analysis of their coupled dynamics have been performed. Many intertwinned factors play a role, such as intensity-dependent (intra or interspecific competition, pathogeny, immunological reactions) and/or intensity-independent (abiotic factors, host ethology).

Most biomathematical approaches to host-parasite systems are concerned with infectious processes. Corresponding epidemiological models are not well-adapted to macroparasites whose demographical behaviour is quite specific: host mortality, parasite fertility and sometimes recruitment mechanisms depend on the amount of already fixed parasites on a given host and not on the mere existence of parasites. Overdispersion processes are fundamental and determine for a large part the regulation of both populations. A central issue is therefore a reliable description of these processes and their interactions with the global dynamics of the system.

Our goal is to develop a mixed deterministic and stochastic model describing the dynamics of a host-parasite system (fish-helminth parasite) having a direct cycle within a marine environment. A dynamical analysis combining a deterministic approach and a stochastic one adapted to macroparasites allows the introduction of spatial and temporal heterogeneities. A particular effort is made towards the recruitment process.
EMERGING PROPERTIES IN POPULATION DYNAMICS WITH DIFFERENT TIME SCALES
Authors: AUGER PIERRE , POGGIALE JEAN-CHRISTOPHE
Published: November 2004

The aim of this work is to show that at the population level, emerging properties may occur as a result of the coupling between the fast micro-dynamics and the slow macrodynamics. We studied a prey-predator system with different time scales in a heterogeneous environment. A fast time scale is associated to the migration process on spatial patches and a slow time scale is associated to the growth and the interactions between the species. Preys go on the spatial patches on which some resources are located and can be caught by the predators on them. The efficiency of the predators to catch preys is patch-dependent. Preys can be more easily caught on some spatial patches than others. Perturbation theory is used in order to aggregate the initial system of ordinary differential equations for the patch sub-populations into a macro-system of two differential equations governing the total populations. Firstly, we study the case of a linear process of migration for which the aggregated system is formally identical to the slow part of the full system. Then, we study an example of a nonlinear process of migration. We show that under these conditions emerging properties appear at the population level.
POSITIVITY, SPACE SCALE AND CONVERGENCE TOWARDS THE EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: GOUZÉ JEAN-LUC
Published: November 2004

All the variables of the biological models are positive. We examine the constraints that one has to put on the model to verify such a property. For a linear (differential) model, it implies that the equilibrium is stable. For the n-dimensional Lotka-Volterra models, the positive orthant is invariant, but we impose stronger constraints to prevent the solutions to go upon or below some given thresholds, that define the space scale of the model. Then we show that, under reasonable hypothesis, this implies the global convergence towards the equilibrium.
SPATIO-TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF INTRACARDIAC SIGNAL FLUCTUATIONS DURING VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA IN MAN
Authors: VINET A. , ROCQUE P. , PAGÉ P. , CARDINAL R.
Published: November 2004

The advent of multiple electrodes surface recording during the seventies has contributed importantly to improve our understanding of ventricular tachycardias (VT) mechanisms [1–7]. It has been also used to localise the arrhythmogenic substratum during open-chest surgery [8–11]. In the typical setting used at Sacré-Coeur Hospital [2], unipolar signals are collected by a set of electrodes positioned both on the epicardial surface (63 to 127 leads fixed to a sock pulled over the heart) and on the endocardial surface of the left ventricule (64 to 127 leads fixed on a balloon which is introduced through the mitral valve and inflated).

During the surgery, long sequences of VT induced by burst pacing (driving at a fixed frequency, followed by a discharge of premature stimuli) are recorded. In the standard procedure, a few beats are selected for analysis. The activation times are determined for each electrode. They should correspond to the moments where an electrical front of activation travels through the tissue beneath the electrode. From these, isochronal maps are constructed describing the spatial propagation of the activation. In this analysis, many details of possible clinical relevance may be disregarded concerning the spatiotemporal evolution and the global features of the VT's.

This paper presents some approaches to analyse globally protracted VT episodes. The first section describes some methods to speed up the determination of the activation times. The second section shows how principal component analysis [12] can be used to extract global features of the activation sequences.
THRESHOLD QUANTITIES FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN PERIODIC ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: HEESTERBEEK J. A. P. , ROBERTS M. G.
Published: November 2004

In this short note we give threshold quantities that determine the stability of the infection-free steady state for periodic deterministic systems that describe the spread of infectious diseases in populations whose individuals can be divided into a finite number of distinct groups. We concentrate on "micro-parasitic" infections, but the theory was originally developed for helminth infections. As an example, we treat a simple model of a vector transmitted infection with periodic recruitment in the vector population.
ON THE USE OF STATE-SPACE MODELS FOR THE EVALUATION OF HEALTH INTERVENTIONS
Authors: STRUCHINER CLAUDIO J. , BRUNET ROBERT C. , HALLORAN M. ELIZABETH , MASSAD EDUARDO , AZEVEDO-NETO RAYMUNDO S.
Published: November 2004

Health intervention programs, such as vaccination, can be evaluated by comparing incidence rates of infection between unprotected and protected individuals in a population. Incidence rate ratios are usually estimated by following up on time a control and treated groups in order to collect information on person-time and cases in each group, or using the Cox model. This approach can be expensive and time consuming. An alternative approach is to use prevalence data to reconstitute past incidence. Current-status data are readily available or easily gathered and can be used to estimate incidence rates. This can only be achieved, however, under certain assumptions of time homogeneity and irreversibility of the outcome of interest. We discuss a simple transmission model appropriate to evaluate health interventions that confer long term protection and expand on previous statistical procedures to estimate the relevant parameters. Nonlinear nonormal state-space models allow for the estimation of incidence rates of infection which vary with age under age-dependent differential mortality.
REACTION–DIFFUSION PREPATTERNING AND ITS POTENTIAL ROLE IN TUMOUR INVASION
Authors: CHAPLAIN M. A. J.
Published: November 2004

The growth of a solid tumour proceeds through two distinct phases: the avascular phase and the vascular phase. It is during the latter that the insidious process of invasion of surrounding tissues can and does take place. Once vascularized the tumours grow rapidly as exophytic masses. In certain types of cancer, e.g. carcinoma arising within an organ, this process typically consists of columns of cells projecting from the central mass of cells and extending into the surrounding tissue area. The local spread of these carcinoma often assume an irregular jagged shape. Experimental results have demonstrated that tumour cells secrete both growth-activating and growth-inhibiting chemicals. Using this knowledge a pre-pattern theory of cancer cell invasion is proposed. The theoretical results are compared with experimental and clinical results regarding the heterogeneity of cancer cells within multicell spheroids and the well-known invasion characteristics of carcinoma.
TOWARDS ANALYZING COMPLEX SWARMING PATTERNS IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS WITH THE HELP OF LATTICE-GAS CELLULAR AUTOMATA
Authors: DEUTSCH ANDREAS
Published: November 2004

A new discrete modeling approach for analyzing swarming behaviour in biological systems is proposed, The model is formulated as a "lattice-gas cellular automaton" based on a piecewise straight random walk with constant speed of organisms (or cells), which solely interact with other members of the swarm. Putative applications are the swarming of myxobacteria and ants, slug pattern formation of Dictyostelium, as well as the formation of pigment cell patterns in salamander larvae. The temporal dynamics of the automaton are determined by rotation and propagation operators, together with a "biological operator" which describes local interactions of organisms within a well-defined perception area.
PATTERN FORMATION IN EXCITABLE REACTION–DIFFUSION SYSTEMS: THE EIKONAL ANALYSIS ON THE TORUS
Authors: MULHOLLAND A. J. , GOMATAM J.
Published: November 2004

The excitable reaction–diffusion (R–D) systems of biological and chemical origin harbour a wealth of patterns and structures, not all of which have been modelled by the full R-D equations. The analytical and numerical facility offered by the eikonal approach to the R-D equation is exploited here in the demonstration of existence and stability of a class of solutions on a torus.
THE STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF LIPOSOMES VIEWED FROM THE ASPECT OF BENDING ENERGY
Authors: SEKIMURA TOSHIO
Published: November 2004

We investigated the structural stability of liposomes, based on the minimum principle of free energy due to bending. The stability analysis is performed mathematically and computationally, mainly for non-axisymmetric shapes of liposomes. We find that there exist realistic stable shapes (i.e., circular biconcave, elliptical, and other polygonal shapes) with minimum bending energy.
SEMI-PARAMETRIC AND NON-PARAMETRIC MODELING OF THE TEMPORAL ACTIVITY OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC PULSE GENERATOR IN CASTRATE MONKEYS
Authors: CAMPROUX A.-C. , JAIS J.-P. , THALABARD J.-C. , THOMAS G.
Published: November 2004

The luteinizing hormone (LH) is released by the pituitary in discrete pulses. Electro-physiological studies in monkeys have demonstrated that sharp intermittent increases in the electrical activity of a hypothalamic pulse generator (HPG) are associated in a one-to-one manner with the occurrence of LH pulses in the plasma and exhibits a circadian modulation. In order to investigate the temporal structure of the HPG, we develop a semi-parametric stochastic point process model generalizing the Cox's periodic regression model. We apply this approach to the study of memory range of the process underlying HPG activity, using experimental data from one ovariectomized rhesus monkey. A non-parametric approach is also described.
Cephalic Index Is Not a Useful Sonographic Marker for Trisomy 21 and Trisomy 18
Authors: Lim Kenneth I. , Delisle Marie-France , Austin Sandra J. , Wilson R. Douglas
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To evaluate whether the cephalic index (CI) in trisomy 21 (T21) and trisomy 18 (T18) fetuses is different from that in euploid fetuses, and if so, is this difference of clinical utility. Methods: Retrospective. Over an 18-month period, patients attending a single centre for routine advanced maternal age amniocentesis were recruited for a prospective study of ultrasound soft markers of aneuploidy. This prospective database was searched for cases with the following criteria: (1) occipitofrontal diameters (OFD) measured at least twice; (2) gestational age between 98 and 126 days either by ultrasound-confirmed menstrual dates or early second- trimester biometry; (3) no major central nervous system abnormalities detected on prenatal ultrasound, and (4) normal fetal karyotype. This constituted the control group. The study group consisted of all cases of prenatally diagnosed T18 and T21 identified in the same time period with criterion 2 as above. The fetuses in the study group had the OFD measured in a blinded fashion from the biparietal diameter images. CI (= mean biparietal diameter/mean OFD) was calculated for all fetuses. Pearson coefficient and regression analysis were used to determine independence of CI to gestational age in the control group. Standard descriptive statistics were used to describe interval data and two-tailed t test was used to compare means between the study and control groups. ROC curves were constructed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of CI for T18 and T21. Results: Five hundred and ninety-seven fetuses were available for analysis. There were 551 fetuses in the control group and 46 in the study group. Within the study group, there were 30 T21 and 16 T18 fetuses. Within the control group, CI was independent of gestational age (R = 0.026, p = 0.922). Mean CI for the control group was 0.802 (SD 0.040) and this was not statistical different from either the T21 group (mean 0.816, SD 0.042, p = 0.067) or the T18 group (mean 0.792, SD 0.057, p = 0.491). Area under the ROC curves was determined for both T18 and T21 and both had poor results (0.545 and 0.598, respectively). When CI was evaluated in the control group according to the two main ethnic groups in the study, there was a trend towards a statistical difference (p = 0.046) between the fetuses of Oriental and Caucasian mothers. Conclusions:In this retrospective study, CI was not found to be statistically different between the study and control groups. Although a trend towards significance was seen with T21, this difference is not clinically useful. There may be interethnic differences in the CI between fetuses. CI is not useful for aneuploidy screening by ultrasound.
Amniotic Fluid and Maternal Blood Characteristics in Severe Mid-Trimester Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Huber Agnes , Diehl Werner , Zikulnig Liza , Held Karsten R. , Bregenzer Thomas , Hackelöer B.-Joachim , Hecher Kurt
Published: November 2004

Objective: To investigate the concentrations of metabolic variables in the amniotic fluid of the recipient twin and maternal blood and to correlate them with clinical features, which are characteristic for the course of pregnancies with twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTS). Materials and Methods: In 109 pregnancies with severe mid-trimester TTS, we measured the concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), α-fetoprotein (AFP), sodium, potassium, total protein, β2-microglobulin and osmolality in the amniotic fluid of the recipient twin prior to laser coagulation of the vascular anastomoses and compared them to a control group of 92 singleton pregnancies. We measured the pulsatility index (PI) of ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms in the recipient twin and performed a retrospective chart analysis for complete maternal blood count before and after the procedure. Results: All variables, except osmolality, IL-6 and AFP were significantly lower in the TTS group. There was a significant positive correlation between PI in the ductus venosus and the amniotic fluid AFP concentrations (r = 0.355; p < 0.001). There was a significant fall in complete maternal blood count after laser therapy (p < 0.001) and a significant correlation between the amount of amniotic fluid drained and the fall of maternal Hb (r = –0.261; p = 0.03) and hematocrit (r = –0.212; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Pathophysiologic changes in TTS do not only occur at the inter-twin level of placental vascular anastomoses but also at the materno-fetal level of fluid exchanges. AFP is correlated to the severity of congestive heart failure of the recipient twin.
Hemodynamic Effects of Carvedilol Infusion and the Contribution of the Sympathetic Nervous System in Rats with Heart Failure
Authors: Abe Yuichi , Watanabe Kenichi , Sato Shinji , Nagai Yusuke , Kamal Fadia A. , Wahed Mir I.I. , Wen Juan , Narasimman Gurusamy , Ma Meilie , Suresh Palaniyandi , Takahashi Toshihiro , Tachikawa Hitoshi , Kashimura Takeshi , Tanabe Naohito , Kodama Makoto , Aizawa Yoshifusa , Yamaguchi Kenichi , Miyazaki Makoto , Kakemi Masao
Published: November 2004

We investigated the contribution of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in maintaining the blood pressure and in regulating the cardiac function during and after carvedilol administration in rats with heart failure (group F). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, percent functional shortening, and rates of intraventricular pressure rise were significantly changed by carvedilol infusion as compared with the basal values in group N (normal rats), but not in group F. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was elevated, corresponding to the enhancement of the plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentration caused by carvedilol infusion, in group N. The enhancement of the plasma NE concentration induced by carvedilol administration in group F was higher than that in group N. The value for the maximal hypertensive effect of NE intravenous infusion (Emax) was decreased, and the plasma NE concentration at half-maximal effect (EC50) was increased in group F as compared with the values in group N. These results indicate that the SNS (presynaptic) activity is increased and that the SNS receptor sensitivity in the cardiovascular regulation system is decreased in heart failure.
Drug History Overrides Opioid Reinforcement in a Rat Runway Procedure
Authors: Wakonigg Gudrun , Sturm Katja , Saria Alois , Zernig Gerald
Published: November 2004

To determine the effect of the drug history of rats on their subsequent operant behaviour in the rat runway procedure, we tested the mu opioid receptor agonists morphine and remifentanil and found a carryover of previous drug/saline experience that was not found for a food reinforcer. Previous exposure to saline significantly decreased the apparent reinforcing effect of subsequently offered morphine or remifentanil, while previous experience with morphine or remifentanil significantly increased responding for saline. This carryover of a previous learning experience on subsequent operant performance in the rat runway procedure cautions that the drug history should be considered and might even invalidate subsequent findings when testing drugs of abuse or other reinforcers.
Diagnosis of Pit and Fissure Caries Using Frequency-Domain Infrared Photothermal Radiometry and Modulated Laser Luminescence
Authors: Jeon R.J. , Han C. , Mandelis A. , Sanchez V. , Abrams S.H.
Published: November 2004

Non-intrusive, non-contacting frequency-domain photothermal radiometry (FD-PTR or PTR) and frequency-domain luminescence (FD-LUM or LUM) have been used with 659- and 830-nm laser sources to assess the pits and fissures on the occlusal surfaces of human teeth. Fifty-two human teeth were examined with simultaneous measurements of PTR and LUM and were compared to conventional diagnostic methods including continuous (dc) luminescence (DIAGNOdent), visual inspection and radiographs. To compare each method to the others, sensitivities and specificities were calculated by using histological observations as the gold standard. With the combined criteria of four PTR and LUM signals (two amplitudes and two phases), it was found that the sensitivity of this method was much higher than any of the other methods used in this study, whereas the specificity was comparable to that of dc luminescence diagnostics. Therefore, PTR and LUM, as a combined technique, has the potential to be a reliable tool to diagnose early pit and fissure caries and could provide detailed information about deep lesions. Using the longer wavelength (830-nm) laser source, it has been shown that detection of deeper subsurface lesions than the 659-nm probe provides is possible.
No Relationship between Subchronic Fluoride Intake and DNA Damage in Wistar Rats
Authors: Ribeiro D.A. , Marques M.E.A. , de Assis G.F. , Anzai A. , Poleti M.L. , Salvadori D.M.F.
Published: November 2004

Fluoride has been widely used in dentistry because it is an effective caries prophylactic agent. However, excess fluoride may represent a hazard to human health, especially by causing injury on the genetic apparatus. Genotoxicity tests form an important part of cancer research and risk assessment of potential carcinogens. In the current study, the potential DNA damage associated with exposure to fluoride was assessed by the single cell gel (comet) assay in peripheral blood, oral mucosa and brain cells in vivo. Male Wistar rats were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF) at a 0, 7 and 100 ppm dose for drinking water during 6 weeks. The results pointed out that NaF did not contribute to the DNA damage in all cellular types evaluated as depicted by the mean tail moment and tail intensity. These findings are clinically important since they represent an important contribution to the correct evaluation of the potential health risk associated with dental agents exposure.
Effects of Intravenously Administered Iron on Systemic Blood Pressure in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ullian Michael E. , Gadegbeku Crystal A.
Published: November 2004

Background/Aims: Although maintenance of iron stores by intravenous iron infusion has become increasingly common in chronic hemodialysis patients, the effects of intravenous iron on blood pressure are not clear. Methods: In 52 mostly African-American patients in an urban setting, we reviewed blood pressure data over the course of hemodialysis on days that intravenous iron was administered and on control days. Results: The drop in blood pressure from the beginning to the end of hemodialysis was more pronounced when iron was not administered (9.9 ± 1.2 mm Hg) compared to when iron was administered (4.1 ± 1.7 mm Hg; p < 0.01). In a subset of chronic hemodialysis patients, blood pressure was actually higher at the end of hemodialysis compared to at the onset (9.6% of control hemodialysis sessions and 32.7% of sessions in which iron was administered; p < 0.01). The incidence of intra-dialytic hypotension and related symptoms was similar on iron and non-iron days. Conclusion: Intravenous iron therapy, well entrenched in clinical practice for the treatment of the anemia of end-stage renal disease, may reduce the incidence and magnitude of post-dialytic hypotension.
Intravenous Vitamin D Therapy Reduces PTH-(1–84)/Large C Fragments Ratio in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kihara Takashi , Ichikawa Haruo , Morimoto Hisanori , Yano Ai , Akagi Shigeru , Nakao Kazushi , Kohmoto Hiroko , Wada Jun , Kumagai Isao , Makino Hirofumi
Published: November 2004

Background: Renal osteodystrophy is one of the major complications in patients with chronic renal failure. Large C-PTH fragments are secreted from the parathyroid glands and exert antagonistic actions against PTH-(1–84). The PTH-(1–84)/large C-PTH fragments ratio reflects both biosynthesis and processing of PTH; however the alteration of the ratio under vitamin D therapy has not been investigated. Methods: Seventeen hemodialysis patients with intact PTH levels of >300 pg/ml were enrolled. Calcitriol or maxacalcitol were administered intravenously for 78 weeks. Intact PTH, PTH-(1–84), and the PTH-(1–84)/large C-PTH fragments ratio were measured at 0, 13, 26, 52 and 78 weeks. Results: Intact PTH and PTH-(1–84) levels, which were 492.0 ± 115.7 and 303.4 ± 105.4 pg/ml, respectively, at baseline, significantly decreased at the end of the study to 268.9 ± 121.9 (p < 0.0001) and 190.7 ± 106.9 pg/ml (p = 0.0008), respectively. In contrast, large C-PTH fragments, which were 152.7 ± 53.5 pg/ml at baseline, did not significantly change at 78 weeks (144.5 ± 72.2 pg/ml, p = 0.7612). Consequently, the PTH-(1–84)/large C-PTH fragments ratio was significantly reduced from 2.25 ± 1.31 to 1.47 ± 0.89 (p = 0.0004). Conclusion: The PTH-(1–84)/large C-PTH fragments ratio reflects the change of PTH biosynthesis, processing and secretion from the parathyroid glands, and it may be a beneficial marker to evaluate the overall biological PTH action and predict bone turnover status in hemodialysis patients under intravenous vitamin D therapy.
Glomerular T Cells Are of Restricted Clonality and Express Multiple CDR3 Motifs across Different Vβ T-Cell Receptor Families in Experimental Autoimmune Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Walters Giles , Habib Anne-Marie , Reynolds John , Wu Huiling , Knight John F. , Pusey Charles D.
Published: November 2004

Experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis (EAG) is an animal model of Goodpasture’s disease which can be induced in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats by a single intramuscular injection of collagenase-digested rat glomerular basement membrane (GBM) in adjuvant. This model is characterised by anti-GBM antibody production, accompanied by focal necrotising glomerulonephritis with crescent formation and glomerular infiltration by T cells and macrophages. Previous work has shown that EAG is a T-cell-dependent disease. We proposed that intraglomerular T cells might be directly involved in pathogenesis and would be oligoclonal. In this study, EAG was induced by standard methods, the kidneys perfused with saline at week 2 and week 4, and the glomeruli separated by a sieving method. Glomerular RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. RT-PCR showed overexpression of an average of two Vβ families in each kidney analysed. However, no predominant single Vβ family was overexpressed in any of the experimental animals. CDR3 spectratyping of Fam-labelled PCR products showed a marked restriction involving different Vβ families. Sequencing demonstrated multiple CDR3 motifs, each expressed in association with different Vβ gene segments. Our results show that glomerular T cells are of restricted clonality and suggest a role for antigen-specific effector T cells in the pathogenesis of EAG.
The Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Kidney in Health and Disease
Authors: Wakelin Sonia J. , Marson Lorna , Howie Sarah E.M. , Garden James , Lamb Jonathan R. , Forsythe John L.R.
Published: November 2004

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen, angiogenic factor and enhancer of vascular permeability. Expressed in the epithelial cells of the developing glomerulus and tubular epithelium, VEGF plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the early vasculature of the kidney. Here, we review the available literature regarding the expression and function of VEGF both in the developing and healthy adult kidney. Furthermore, we highlight how VEGF expression is altered in the diseased kidney and how this modulated expression may impact on and reflect underlying functional changes occurring during the disease process. As discussed, many controversial issues remain, particularly concerning the role of VEGF in the diseased kidney. That VEGF has been proposed as a potential future therapeutic target for the management of some renal diseases requires first that the precise role of VEGF in the normal kidney and various renal pathologies be further and more clearly defined.
Bilateral Diagonal Earlobe Crease and Coronary Artery Disease: A Significant Association
Authors: Evrengül Harun , Dursunoğlu Dursun , Kaftan Asuman , Zoghi Mehdi , Tanrıverdi Halil , Zungur Mustafa , Kılıç Mustafa
Published: November 2004

Background: The association between the presence of diagonal earlobe crease (ELC) and coronary artery disease (CAD) still remains controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between bilateral ELC and CAD. Methods: 415 patients were examined for the presence or absence of bilateral ELC, angiographic evidence of CAD and coronary risk factors. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to angiographic evidence of CAD. Results: Bilateral ELC was significantly and positively correlated with CAD, hypertension, age, male gender, cigarette smoking and family history of CAD. The ELC was an independent variable for CAD. The observed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the bilateral ELC for the diagnosis of CAD were in the following order: 51.3, 84.8, 89.4 and 41.2%. Conclusion: The presence of bilateral ELC was significantly associated with CAD and coronary risk factors. The bilateral ELC was an important dermatological indicator of CAD, and it might be a useful diagnostic tool in the clinical examination of patients.
High Nickel Release from 1- and 2-Euro Coins: Are There Practical Implications?
Authors: Lachapelle Jean-Marie , Marot Liliane
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To determine the release of nickel from 1- and 2-euro coins and the ability to produce allergic contact dermatitis from the application of coins to the palmar skin of nickel-sensitized individuals. Methods: Three experiments were conducted. Experiments 1 and 2 checked the release of nickel from 1- and 2-euro coins by using the dimethylglyoxime test. In experiment 3, the elicitation of positive reactions was checked by applying coins to the palmar skin for 48 h under occlusion in nickel-sensitized and non-sensitized individuals. Results: The dimethylglyoxime test for release of nickel was positive in all cases. Positive patch test reactions to euro coins applied to the palmar skin of nickel-sensitized individuals were observed at 48 and 96 h. Conclusion: The results show that positive patch test reactions to euro coins can be obtained from nickel-sensitized individuals after 48 h of application to the palmar skin under occlusion. These results do not contradict other experiments in which repeated handling of coins was unable to provoke fingertip allergic contact dermatitis. A dose-response relationship is a credible explanation to support such potential discrepancies.
Idiopathic Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome: Cutaneous Involvement Can Be Misleading
Authors: Fardet L. , Kerob D. , Rybojad M. , Vignon-Pennamen M.D. , Schlemmer B. , Guermazi A. , Morel P. , Lebbé C.
Published: November 2004

Background: Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a severe disorder characterized by unexplained rapid transfer of considerable volumes of plasma from the intravascular to the extravascular compartment. For some cases of SCLS, no aetiology is evident and these cases are reported as idiopathic (ISCLS). Objectives: To describe the cutaneous findings in 3 patients with ISCLS. Results: Cutaneous involvement consisted in sclerosis, livedo, purpura and photodistributed maculopapular erythematous rash. Dermal mucinosis was proven by biopsy in 1 patient. No underlying disease was diagnosed during follow-up. Conclusion: The above-mentioned cutaneous findings can be present during acute attacks of ISCLS. They seem specifically related to the ISCLS and not indicative of an underlying disease.
Influence of Pimecrolimus Cream 1% on Different Morphological Signs of Eczema in Infants with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Breuer Kristine , Braeutigam Matthias , Kapp Alexander , Werfel Thomas
Published: November 2004

Background: In the published studies on the efficacy of the topical immunomodulator pimecrolimus, different eczema scores were used, and the impact on morphological key signs of eczema was not analysed. Objective: To compare the influence of pimecrolimus cream 1% on different standard eczema scores in infants with atopic dermatitis and to analyse the impact of treatment on the individual morphological key signs of eczema. Methods: Pimecrolimus cream 1% (n = 129) or double-blind vehicle control (n = 66) was administered for 4 weeks. The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigators’ Global Assessment (IGA) and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) were determined and were correlated with each other. Results: Following treatment with pimecrolimus, the EASI, IGA and SCORAD were significantly reduced on day 29 as compared with the vehicle group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). There was a close correlation between EASI, IGA and SCORAD. The single parameters of the EASI were already significantly decreased by day 4 in the pimecrolimus group as compared to vehicle (each p < 0.001). Conclusion: Treatment with pimecrolimus 1% cream leads to a rapid improvement of all morphological signs of eczema. The close correlation of different scores was shown for the first time.
Elevated Amount of Human Papillomavirus 31 DNA in a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developed from Bowenoid Papulosis
Authors: Hama N. , Ohtsuka T. , Yamazaki S.
Published: November 2004

A 50-year-old woman presented with asymptomatic, multiple black macules on the genitalia for 6 months. She presented multiple, round to irregularly shaped, black macules on her labia major and perineum. A keratotic reddish nodule was found on one of the macules. The results of laboratory investigations showed pancytopenia and a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. A lymphocyte stimulation test showed a decreased response. The histological examination of a biopsy specimen led us to the diagnosis of bowenoid papulosis (BP) for the macules and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) for the nodule. The macules and nodule were removed successfully. An elevated amount of HPV DNA was demonstrated in SCC compared with that of BP. The HPV DNA in SCC and BP was shown to be HPV-31. These observations indicated that the elevated amount of HPV-31 DNA could have led to the emergence of SCC from BP under the condition of decreased cellular immunity.
Combined Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin in Patients with Advanced Pre-Treated Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cantore M. , Rabbi C. , Fiorentini G. , Oliani C. , Zamagni D. , Iacono C. , Mambrini A. , Del Freo A. , Manni A.
Published: November 2004

Objectives: This study evaluated the clinical activity and toxicity of combination chemotherapy with irinotecan and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that had progressed despite ≧1 course of a gemcitabine-containing regimen. Methods: Thirty patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and Karnofsky performance status ≧70 received oxaliplatin 60 mg/m2 on days 1 + 15 and irinotecan 60 mg/m2 on days 1 + 8 + 15 every 4 weeks. Patients were assessed on the basis of clinical benefit response, changes in serum tumour marker CA 19-9, objective tumour response, time to progressive disease (TTP), and survival. Results: Six patients (20%) had clinical benefit response (median duration of 7.2 months). CA 19-9 levels were reduced ≧50% from baseline in 8 patients (26%) and remained stable in 8 patients. CT scans revealed that 3 patients (10%) had a partial response and 7 (23%) had stable disease. Two patients (7%) were down-staged and underwent surgery. Median TTP was 4.1 months, median survival was 5.9 months and the 1-year survival rate was 23.3%. The most serious adverse events were grade 3–4 leukopenia in 2 patients (6%), grade 3 neuropathy in 2 (6%) and grade 3 diarrhoea in 1 (3%). Conclusion: Chemotherapy with irinotecan and oxaliplatin is an active and well-tolerated combination in patients with advanced pre-treated pancreatic cancer.
Concomitant Radiochemotherapy plus Surgery in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Update of Clinical Outcome and Cyclooxygenase-2 as Predictor of Treatment Susceptibility
Authors: Distefano Mariagrazia , Ferrandina Gabriella , Smaniotto Daniela , Margariti Alessandro Pasquale , Zannoni Gianfranco , Macchia Gabriella , Manfredi Riccardo , Mangiacotti Maria Grazia , Cellini Numa , Scambia Giovanni
Published: November 2004

Objective: We have updated our findings on the efficacy of concomitant radiochemotherapy plus radical surgery in a larger series of patients (n = 54) with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). We also investigated the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in this clinical setting. Methods: Radiotherapy was administered to the whole pelvic region (1.8 Gy/day, totaling 39.6 Gy) in combination with cisplatin (20 mg/m2) and 5-fluorouracil (1,000 mg/m2) (both on days 1–4 and 27–30). Radical surgery was performed 5–6 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: A clinical complete or partial response was observed in all 53 evaluable patients (75.5 and 24.5%, respectively). At pathological examination, 23 of 51 patients (45.1%) undergoing radical surgery showed complete response to treatment, 18 patients (35.3%) only had microscopic residual disease, 6 patients (11.7%) had a partial response and 4 (7.8%) had no change in their disease. When logistic regression was applied, the FIGO stage (χ2 = 5.28, p = 0.021) and tumor to stroma COX-2 ratio (χ2 = 4.72, p = 0.029) retained an independent role in the prediction of the pathologic response to treatment. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 75.2%, with local relapse-free survival of 86.2% and metastasis-free interval of 89.9% at 3 years. Cases with a high COX-2 ratio showed a shorter DFS than cases with a low COX-2 ratio (p = 0.016). A direct association was shown between COX-2 ratio values and risk of recurrence, as assessed by Cox analysis using COX-2 ratio values as a continuous covariate (χ2 = 3.94, p = 0.047). Conclusion: This study confirms the possibility of achieving a very high rate of pathological responses in LACC patients administered chemoradiation plus surgery (3-year DFS 75.2%). Moreover, COX-2 status may play a role in the prognostic characterization and prediction of tumor response.
Correlation Analysis between Tumorous Associated Antigen Sialyl-Tn Expression and ST6GalNAc I Activity in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Vázquez-Martín C. , Cuevas E. , Gil-Martín E. , Fernández-Briera A.
Published: November 2004

Objectives: Sialyl-Tn (sTn) is a mucin carbohydrate-associated antigen that is strongly expressed in a large number of colorectal carcinomas. In this study, we combined immunohistochemical and enzymatic techniques in order to find the correlation between sTn tissue expression and the sialyltransferase activity (ST6GalNAc I) responsible for its synthesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: We compared sTn expression in healthy (n = 46), tumorous (n = 60) and transitional tissue (n = 46) from CRC patients, and correlated sTn altered expression with clinicopathologic variables of the patient. Furthermore, we determined ST6GalNAc I tissue activity employing asialo-ovine submaxillary mucin (asialo-OSM) as glycoprotein acceptor (n = 27). Results: The rates of sTn positive expression obtained for healthy, tumorous and transitional tissues were 15, 67 and 63%, respectively. These rates led to statistically significant differences between healthy and tumorous or transitional tissue (p = 0.001); sTn expression was related to the first stages of the tumor invasion in transitional tissue. As regards ST6GalNAc I activity, we found an enhancement in transitional tissue. Statistical correlation analysis did not reveal association between sTn expression and ST6GalNAc I activity. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that sTn antigen tissue expression and ST6GalNAc I activity levels were not correlated in CRC, in spite of the overexpression of the antigen in tumorous and transitional tissue.
Oxaliplatin-Induced Acute-Onset Thrombocytopenia, Hemorrhage and Hemolysis
Authors: Koutras A.K. , Makatsoris T. , Paliogianni F. , Kopsida G. , Onyenadum A. , Gogos C.A. , Mouzaki A. , Kalofonos H.P.
Published: November 2004

Background: Oxaliplatin is a novel platinum derivative with established anti-tumor activity in colorectal cancer. Acute-onset hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia associated with this drug have rarely been reported and some of these cases have been severe or even fatal. Case Report: This case report describes a patient who developed fever, chills, abdominal and back pain as well as sudden-onset severe thrombocytopenia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hemolysis immediately after treatment with oxaliplatin for metastatic colorectal cancer. The reaction appeared during the 14th cycle of chemotherapy. Corticosteroids and antihistamines were administered together with platelet transfusions. Over the next 2 days platelet count improved and the syndrome abated. The patient was discharged 4 days later. Furthermore, the reaction was accompanied by a strongly positive Coombs test and increased TNF-α and IL-10 serum levels which returned to normal following anti-inflammatory drug administration. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the possibility of acute hematological emergencies following oxaliplatin administration.
Topical Delivery of Retinyl Ascorbate Co-Drug
Authors: Abdulmajed K. , Heard C.M. , McGuigan C. , Pugh W.J.
Published: November 2004

Retinyl ascorbate (RA-AsA), an ester co-drug of vitamins A (RA) and C (AsA), is proposed as a topical antioxidant/cell division regulator for reducing UV-induced generation of free radicals and disrupted dermal cell growth. The efficacy of dermatological agents is influenced by their retention within the skin, which is increased by the interaction with skin components. Keratin is the major protein (∼95%) in the skin, and this paper reports the binding of RA-AsA, RA, AsA, retinol, ascorbic acid palmitate and retinol palmitate to three tissues – human callus, pig ear skin and bovine horn keratin. Tissue samples were incubated with solutions of compounds and the uptake measured as the ratio of bound/free compound at equilibrium. Binding to keratin was assessed using delipidised tissue, and was much higher for the polar compounds, suggesting dipolar/H-bonding interaction. Binding strength was ranked as human > porcine > bovine, but there was no distinction for highly lipophilic compounds. The binding characteristic of native tissues was complicated by lipid content of the tissues. There seemed to be a dual effect. The binding of very lipophilic materials increased with lipid content, implying that a substantial amount is dissolved in the lipid matrix. For highly polar AsA, lipid content decreased the binding, suggesting that the lipid reduced the strong polar interactions with skin protein/keratin.
Ex vivo Cutaneous Absorption Assessmentof a Stabilized Ascorbic Acid Formulation Using a Microdialysis System
Authors: Leveque N. , Muret P. , Makki S. , Mac-Mary S. , Kantelip J.P. , Humbert P.
Published: November 2004

Background: Reactive oxygen species generated by ultraviolet light result in photocarcinogenic and photoaging changes in the skin. Antioxidants protect the skin from these insults. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the ex vivo ascorbic acid penetration and its degradation in the skin after its topical application from an 8% new formulation. Method: Ascorbic acid was applied to human skin fragments. Ascorbic acid and its metabolites were collected by microdialysis and assessed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: After topical application of the new formulation, the ascorbic acid level achieved was 8.5% higher than the normal tissue value. This high ascorbic acid dermal concentration remained constant if a topical application was made every 8 h. No degradation of ascorbic acid was detected. Conclusion: Ascorbic acid penetrates rapidly after its topical application. The persistent reservoir of ascorbic acid provides an important and attractive photoprotection strategy.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients in Taiwan: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Chiang Chih-Kang , Peng Yu-Sen , Chiang Shou-Shan , Yang Chwei-Shiun , He Yang-Hsun , Hung Kuan-Yu , Wu Kwan-Dun , Wu Ming-Shiou , Fang Cheng-Chung , Tsai Tun-Jun , Chen Wang-Yu
Published: November 2004

Background/Aims: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important determinant of treatment effectiveness in dialysis patients. To our knowledge, there are no reports evaluating HRQOL of hemodialysis (HD) in Chinese patients. The purpose of this study is to present our results about HRQOL using the 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) questionnaire on Taiwanese hemodialysis patients. Methods: HRQOL was measured by using the SF-36 questionnaire in 497 HD patients in five hospitals. Results: The following attributes, male gender, age <50 years old, higher education level (HEL), marriage status, employment status (EPS), less comorbid medical condition (CMC), and non-diabetic patients (NDP) were all predicted on a better Physical Component Scale (PCS). Age <50 years old, body mass index >18.5, HEL, EPS and NDP were all predicted on a higher Mental Component Scale (MCS). Scales contributing to a summary measure of physical health, the PCS score was significantly lower in women (35.0 ± 12.3) than in men (37.9 ± 12.3). However, there was no difference in the MCS score between women and men. In multivariate analysis, age, CMC, diabetes, serum creatinine (SCr), and erythropoietin responsiveness were significant independent predictors of PCS. Diabetes, educational level, SCr, and erythropoietin responsiveness were significant independent predictors of MCS. All of the individual scales were lower in Taiwanese HD patients than in both the general Taiwanese and US population. Each of the individual scales and MCS scores were substantially lower in the Taiwan HD group than in the US HD cohort. However, the bodily pain of PCS was significantly higher in the Taiwan HD group, although the mean PCS scores for the Taiwan HD group and the US HD study participants were nearly equal at 36.3 and 36.1, respectively. Conclusion: The physical and mental aspects of quality of life are substantially lower for Taiwanese HD patients, except for higher bodily pain tolerance. A number of demographic and clinical characteristics have a significant impact on HRQOL in Taiwanese HD patients.
The Conduction of Dilation along an Arteriole Is Diminished in the Cremaster Muscle of Hypertensive Hamsters
Authors: Kurjiaka David T.
Published: November 2004

Arteriolar vasomotor responses can include a component that conducts along the vessel through gap junction channels. This study examined conducted vasomotor responses in arterioles of the hypertensive hamster. The cremaster muscle of normotensive (CHF-148) and spontaneously hypertensive (CHF-H4) hamsters was exteriorized. Micropipettes containing phenylephrine (0.1 M) or acetylcholine (ACh; 1.0 M) were positioned along second-order arterioles and diameter responses were recorded locally for every 0.4 mm upstream to 1.6 mm. Substantative local constrictions to phenylephrine(PE) were poorly conducted to the 0.4-mm site in normotensive and hypertensive hamsters. Local dilation to ACh decayed by 3 ± 1 µm/mm as it conducted along arterioles of the normotensive hamster. In contrast, conducted dilation decayed by 7 ± 1 µm/mm (p < 0.05) in the hypertensive hamster. This hypertension-induced increase in decay was reversed by α-adrenergic receptor blockade (phentolamine: 1 µM). However, arteriolar constriction to global α1- (PE) and α2- (clonidine) adrenergic agonists was unaffected by hypertension. Rather, sympathetic nervous activity was elevated in the hypertensive hamster as indicated by a greater reduction in arterial pressure upon sympathetic ablation (hexamethonium infusion: 30 mg/kg). This study provides the first evidence that vascular cell-cell communication is altered by the elevated sympathetic nervous activity observed in the hypertensive hamster.