bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐operative parent information and attitudes towards general anaesthetic induction technique in paediatric patients: An audit
Authors: Dalal P. , Fenlon S.
Published: March 2003

Introduction  It is a standard practice at our hospital to allow a parent to be present during induction of anaesthesia. Parents demonstrate a high degree of anxiety prior to their child's surgery. A struggling, crying child who then goes limp is emotionally upsetting to the parents (1). An anxious parent may increase the child's anxiety leading to various complications at induction. Adequate pre‐operative information regarding problems encountered during anaesthetic induction would help parents cope with this stress (2). The best practice would be that all the parents should be told about the preferred induction technique, intravenous or gas, an alternative technique if this fails and complications related to both. All parents should find the induction experience ‘better than’ or ‘as expected’ and be able to discuss their worries afterwards with a proficient member of the staff. The aim of this audit was to find out whether we gave adequate pre‐operative information to parents regarding anaesthetic induction and what were their attitudes towards this.

Methods  We designed a questionnaire which had two parts. Part A was filled in by the anaesthetist and part B by the parent who attended the induction.

Results  50 patients were audited over a period of 3 months. Only 40% were told about both gas and intravenous induction. Only 58% were told why either technique was chosen. 10% of the parents found the induction experience to be ‘worse than expected’. 16% of the parents felt that the information given was ‘too little’. 12% were not able to discuss their worries afterwards with a proficient member of the staff.

Conclusion  Overall, the level of satisfaction was high with 90% of the parents finding the induction experience ‘better than’ or ‘as expected’. We fell short of the standards that we set up at the beginning of the audit. To improve parental satisfaction, adequate pre‐operative information is a must. Hence, considering a preoperative educational programme seems appropriate to improve our standards. We therefore make the following recommendations:

Detailed explanation by the anaesthetist to the parent regarding the general anaesthetic induction technique.

Use of audio‐visual aids, video‐tapes showing an anaesthetic induction.

Parental visit to the induction room to familiarise themselves with the environment.

Distribution of information leaflets to the parents explaining what to expect at anaesthetic induction.

Our next step is to design an information leaflet, put it on trial and then re‐audit.
Exomphalos – a major or minor problem?
Authors: O'Neill T. , Kirby F. , O'Brien K. , Warde D.
Published: March 2003

Introduction  The mortality and morbidity statistics associated with exomphalos major remain discouraging despite advances in management techniques (1). Congenital lung pathology, in particular pulmonary hypoplasia, and thoracic maldevelopment, have been strongly allied to this condition, accounting for the high incidence of pulmonary insufficiency necessitating prolonged ventilatory support in these infants (2).

We discuss the respiratory issues in an infant with a particularly severe form of exomphalos major, and the impact of a comprehensive parental website devoted to the infants' management and progress.

Case Report  A female infant, born at 38 weeks' gestation, was referred for management of exomphalos major. Due to the extensive nature of the abdominal wall defect, primary surgical closure was impossible and initial management consisted of staged reduction by external compression of the exomphalos. This resulted in escalating cardiovascular and respiratory embarrassment, and was abandoned in favour of conservative treatment, whereby the sac was dressed and allowed to epithelialise. Thereafter the clinical course was characterised by chronic pulmonary insufficiency requiring prolonged ventilatory support.

Ventilator dependence did not significantly decrease until lung growth occurred and the sitting position was adopted, enabling weaning from conventional ventilation to genuine BIPAP at 6 months. Currently, after 11 months, we are preparing her for entry into a home ventilation programme.

Throughout this period, progress and realistic goals were discussed at multidisciplinary case conferences involving the parents. The interpreted medical management has subsequently been displayed by the parents on an elaborate, up‐to‐date website, which is part of a larger ‘Mother Of Omphalocele’ network. Although innovative, this highlights the fact that we the medical profession, should be vigilant with regard to potential public exposure of patient management. Whilst the Internet has become an integral part of our own continuing education, this case highlights a new aspect of how it may be used by our patients and their relatives to compare and contrast management policies in various institutions.
Pectinate ligament dysplasia and glaucoma in Flat Coated Retrievers. II. Assessment of prevalence and heritability
Authors: Wood J.L.N. , Lakhani K.H. , Read R.A.
Published: March 2003

Pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) in dogs is a congenital ocular abnormality affecting the iridocorneal angle, the presence of which may be associated with adult‐onset primary glaucoma. This study demonstrates a significant association between PLD and glaucoma in Flat Coated Retrievers, and also a higher prevalence of PLD in Flat Coated Retrievers compared with other breeds. It is shown that the association between PLD and glaucoma was robust and not due to a small increase in PLD with age. There was also a significant association between PLD in offspring and parents and, using the offspring–parents regression, the heritability of PLD was estimated as approximately 0.7. As glaucoma is significantly related to PLD, glaucoma may also be heritable. Thus, glaucoma can be controlled by gonioscopic examination and elimination of animals with a high degree of PLD from a breeding program. Breeding from only those animals with a moderate or low PLD value or score should limit the expected prevalence of glaucoma in the resulting population to < 0.2%. The preceding study describes in detail the PLD survey, gonioscopic technique and some initial results obtained prior to this epidemiological investigation.
The feline glaucomas: 82 cases (1995–1999)
Authors: Blocker T. , Van Der Woerdt A.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To describe signalment, ophthalmic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with glaucoma.

Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Eighty‐two cats with 93 glaucomatous eyes.

Criteria for inclusion

Medical records of all cats with glaucoma presented to the ophthalmology services at two referral specialty hospitals between 1995 and 1999 were reviewed. Cats were included if intraocular pressure (IOP) > 25 mmHg, if buphthalmos was present, or if a shallow anterior chamber was present and IOP ≥ 5 mmHg higher than the contralateral normal eye.

Results

Mean ± SD age was 9.2 ± 4.4 years. Thirty‐one cats were female; 51 were male. Breeds included 69 domestic and 13 pure‐bred cats. One eye was affected in 71 cats; both eyes in 11 cats. The most common presenting complaints and ophthalmic abnormalities were cataract, corneal edema, mydriasis, buphthalmos, cloudy eye, and blindness. Mean intraocular pressure in the affected eye was 36.4 ± 14.7 mmHg. The glaucomas were believed to be secondary in 81 eyes, primary in five eyes, and undetermined in seven eyes. The goal of medical therapy was to maintain IOP in a comfortable range we presumed to be < 30 mmHg in blind eyes, and to maintain IOP below 25 mmHg to preserve vision in visual eyes. Intraocular pressure was maintained in a comfortable range or normal range in 58% of all eyes using medical therapy alone. Surgery was performed in nine eyes after medical management failed. Sixty‐seven eyes were blind, 21 were visual, and five had decreased vision at initial presentation. With treatment, vision was retained in nine eyes, deteriorated in five eyes, and was lost in three eyes.

Conclusions

The glaucomas were most frequently secondary in cats and resulted in blindness prior to presentation in the majority of eyes in our study. Medical management controlled IOP in more than half of the eyes, and maintained vision in almost half of visual eyes.
Phylogeny of the Hymenoptera (Insecta): The state of the art
Authors: Ronquist Fredrik
Published: March 2003

The Hymenoptera form one of the major insect orders in terms of species diversity and they are also of great ecological and economic importance, notably as pollinators and natural enemies of pests. Phylogenies provide an essential framework for systematic, comparative and evolutionary research on hymenopterans. Here, I summarise what we know about the higher‐level phylogeny of the Hymenoptera based on presentations given at a recent symposium on hymenopteran phylogenetics. I identify agreement and conflict among morphological and molecular analyses and suggest important priority areas for future research.
A servant's heart: an analysis of Nightingale's correspondence to Mrs Broomhead
Authors: Freeman L. H. , Glass L. K.
Published: March 2003

During a visit to the Nightingale home at Lea Hurst, the authors discovered correspondence between Florence Nightingale and a former servant's wife. Much of her correspondence that has been studied was to well‐known people regarding major issues of public concern. This correspondence reveals Nightingale's concern for people of all stations in life. Nightingale's caring concern and strong religious faith are evident in each letter. These letters provide evidence of Nightingale's lifelong commitment to the people of her youth, regardless of their status in life.
Report cards: relevance for nursing and patient care safety
Authors: Hall L. McGillis
Published: March 2003

The emergence of health care report cards in the North American environment is outlined. While it is evident that substantial activity has emerged, the majority of these initiatives excluded nursing, or use a broad indicator for nursing that may not provide meaningful representations of the quality of nursing care provided in the system and the relevance of this care to patient care safety. Given that nurses are the primary care provider in health care settings, this represents a significant gap in health care report cards. The pioneering work of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing Report Card in the development and validation of report card indicators for nursing is discussed. Challenges related to data availability and data quality are identified. Potential opportunities for linking nursing practice outcomes to patient care quality and patient safety through a report card process are outlined.
Nursing Research in Chile
Authors: Lange Ilta , Campos Cecilia
Published: March 2003

A 1989 Pan‐American Health Organization (PAHO) study on nursing research trends in seven Latin American countries (Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico and Peru) showed that most nursing research is conducted in Brazil, followed by Colombia and Chile8.
An Action Approach to Redesigning a Patient‐Centred Unit
Authors: Simms Lillian M. , Coeling Harriet V. E. , Rosemann Marla A.
Published: March 2003

Receptiveness to innovation is critical in orchestrating change and learning to use new technology in a redesigned work environment. The patient‐centred unit redesign approach (PCURA) provides a guide for unit assessment in many healthcare settings. The backbone of the PCURA approach: work excitement and unit culture assessment.
The ICN Story – 1899‐1999
Authors: Lynaugh Joan E. , Brush Barbara L.
Published: March 2003

Despite wars, political and economic chaos and racial and religious strife the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has been held together for 100 years by a “special glue” concocted by dedicated nurses. Its ingredients: friendship, collegial support and enthusiasm. Today ICN is still thriving, leading and representing nurses from all over the world. Below, a part of its fascinating history based on Nurses of all Nations: A History of the International Council of Nurses, 1899–1999 to be published this Spring by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Change and Challenge ICN During the 1970s & 1980s
Authors: Brush Barbara L.
Published: March 2003

NEW leadership, new goals and a new found fiscal stability helped the International Council of Nurses (ICN) greatly expand its influence in international nursing during the decades of the 1970s and 1980s. While improving the socio‐economic and professional welfare of nurses remained a top priority for the organisation, ICN also increased its involvement in other global health matters. ICN was challenged by issues ranging from the apartheid policies of South Africa to nuclear testing to the emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Therapeutic touch and postmodernism in nursing*
Authors: Glazer Sarah
Published: March 2003

Abstract Therapeutic touch, a healing technique based upon the laying‐on of hands, has found wide acceptance in the nursing profession despite its lack of scientific plausibility. Its acceptance is indicative of a broad antiscientific trend in nursing. Adherents of this movement use the jargon of postmodern philosophy to justify their enthusiasm for a variety of mystically based techniques, citing such postmodern critics of science as Derrida and Michel Foucault as well as philosophical forerunners Heidegger and Husserl. Between 1997 and 1999, 94 articles in nursing journals referred to postmodernism, according to a database search. This paper criticizes the postmodern movement for abandoning the biological underpinnings of nursing and for misreading philosophy in the service of an antiscientific world‐view. It is also suggested that nursing can retain its tradition of ‘caring’ without abandoning the scientific method.
Reinstating the marginalized body in nursing science: epistemological privilege and the lived life
Authors: McDonald Carol , McIntyre Marjorie
Published: March 2003

Abstract For nursing, the presence of bodies, the body of the patient and the body of the nurse are self‐evident. Illness, pain and disability are essentially constituted as embodied experiences. Similarly, the nurse herself, in her body, is the primary and essential instrument of her practice. What is to be refuted, is the way in which the body is taken up in nursing discourse, the way in which the body of the patient and the body of the nurse are objectified, sanitized and stripped of embodied emotion and physicality. The authors propose that the ‘scientification’ of nursing limits what counts as nursing knowledge. This limitation undermines the central experience of nursing: the subjective and embodied experience of care. A number of factors contribute to the marginalization of the body and of embodied experience in nursing science. By privileging objective data and placing subjective experience outside the brackets of dominant scientific knowledge, practice disciplines such as nursing can become marginalized. To combat this marginalization, nursing and other professions have sought to situate themselves within the dominant frameworks. The result is that bodies are objectified, and person, practice, and embodied experience are subordinated to rational empirical intervention.
A feminist perspective on stroke rehabilitation: the relevance of de Beauvoir's theory
Authors: Kvigne Kari , Kirkevold Marit
Published: March 2003

Abstract The dominant view of women has changed radically during the last century. These changes have had an important impact on the way of life of women in general and, undoubtedly, on women as patients. So far, gender differences have received little attention when developing healthcare services. Stroke hits a great number of elderly women. Wyller et al. found that women seemed to be harder hit by stroke than men; they achieved lower scores in tests of motor, cognitive and ADL functions, both in the acute phase and 1 year after stroke. It is reasonable to expect that differences in outcome among male and female sufferers may in part be explained by the fact that rehabilitation services are designed primarily to meet the needs of men. de Beauvoir's feminist theory maintains that one's body is fundamental in creating the person, which is a lifelong process. Traditionally, the female body has been exposed to alienation and oppression through life. This has led women to develop a life in immanence. This we feel can be of significance in connection with rehabilitation after a stroke, particularly for elderly women. In this article we will discuss how de Beauvoir's theory can throw new light on the experiences and rehabilitation of elderly women and point to ways of improving the process of rehabilitation.
Nursing art as a practical art: the necessary relationship between nursing art and nursing ethics
Authors: Blondeau Danielle
Published: March 2003

In the last decade, nurse scholars have focused extensively on the nature of nursing and its relationship to art and science. This emphasis has also been accompanied by an increasing literature on nursing ethics. In spite of this growing interest, the relationship of nursing art and nursing ethics has been left unclear. This paper proposes that nursing must be considered as a practical art because this conception explicates the relationship of nursing art and nursing ethics. It is based on the thesis that nursing art is subordinated to nursing ethics and as such is a moral art. Different conceptions of nursing art (craft and fine art) will be explored to show their limits. This will be followed by the conception of nursing art as a practical art.
Application of a tensile‐strength test method to the evaluation of hydrating hair products
Authors: Mercelot V.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

The usual methods applied to studying the hydration state of hair (e.g. gravimetry, microscopy, evaporimetry) are mostly concerned with a limited area of the fibre. Consequently, the results obtained do not reflect the variability of the physicochemical properties of the whole fibre. Moreover, there are not many experimental methods to evaluate the hydrating power of hair care products in the literature. This study proposes a new method to measure the hydration state of treated or untreated hair by using a tensile strength test. A graphic analysis of tensile strength variation as a function of relative humidity after hair treatment allows the calculation of three hydration indexes: protection index, instant hydration index and permanent hydration index. This technique can give useful information on the behaviour of hair versus relative humidity and on the different hydrating mechanisms exhibited by hair care products.

Les méthodes couramment utilisées pour étudier l'état d'hydratation du cheveu (gravimétrie, microscopie, évaporimétrie) concernent le plus souvent une zone limitée de la fibre. En conséquencé les résultats obtenus ne reflètent pas la variabilité, des propriétés physicochimiques de la fibre entière. De plus, les méthodes expérimentales pour évaluer le pouvoir hydratant de traitements capillaires sont peu nombreuses dans la littérature. Cette étude propose une nouvelle méthode pour mesurer le taux d'hydratation de cheveux traités ou non, grâce à un test basé sur la résistance à la traction du cheveu. Une analyse graphique des variations de résistance à la traction en fonction de l'Humidité Relative après un traitement capillaire, permet de calculer trois Indices d'hydratation: Indice de Protection, Indice d'Hydratation Immédiat et Indice d'Hydratation Permanent. Cette technique apporte des informations utiles sur le comportement du cheveu en fonction de l'Humidité Relative et sur les différents mécanismes d'hydratation engendrés par les traitements capillaires. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
Vapour pressures of phenethyl alcohol and limonene in systems with water and Laureth 4
Authors: Friberg S.E. , Yin Qi , Aikens P.A.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

The vapour pressures of phenethyl alcohol and limonene in their water‐in‐oil microemulsion region were measured by head space gas chromatography of equilibrated samples. The results showed that the vapour pressure of both fragrance compounds in their mutual solutions without surfactant or water was significantly greater than that in ideal solutions. The high vapour pressure of phenethyl alcohol in such solutions was strongly reduced by addition of the surfactant, Laureth 4, a commercial nonionic surfactant, approximately teteraethylene glycol dodecyl ether. Saturation of the solutions with water gave a further reduction in the vapour pressure. The high vapour pressure of limonene was not influenced to a corresponding degree; in fact, only a small influence was found. The results were interpreted as resulting from differences in intermolecular interactions due to location of the fragrance compounds in different parts of the colloidal association structures.

On a mesuré les tensions de vapeur de l'alcool phénétylique et du limonène dans leur zone de micro‐émulsion eau‐dans‐huile par chromatographie gazeuse head space sur des échantillons équilibrés.

Les résultats montrent que la tension de vapeur des deux substances odorantes dans leurs solutions mutuelles sans tensioactif ni eau est significativement plus élevée que celle en solutions idéales. La tension de vapeur élevée de l'alcool phénétylique dans de telles solutions est fortement réduite par l'addition du tensioactif, le Laureth 4, tensioactif commercial non ionique; approximativement éther dodécylique de tétraéthylène glycol. La saturation des solutions avec de l'eau provoque une réduction supplémentaire de la tension de vapeur. La tension de vapeur élevée du limonène n'est pas affectée à un tel degré; en fait on ne constate qu'une petite influence.

Les résultats sont interprétés comme venant de différences dans les interactions intermoléculaires dues à la localisation des substances odorantes dans différentes parties des structures d'association colloïdales.
Observation of the Sweating in Lipstick by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Seo S.‐Y. , Lee I.‐S. , Shin H.‐Y. , Choi K.‐Y. , Kang S.‐H. , Ahn H.‐J.
Published: March 2003

The relationship between the wax matrix in lipstick and sweating has been investigated by observing the change of size and shape of the wax matrix due to sweating by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For observation by SEM, a lipstick sample was frozen in liquid nitrogen. The oil in the lipstick was then extracted in cold isopropanol (−70 °C) for 1–3 days. After the isopropanol was evaporated, the sample was sputtered with gold and examined by SEM. The change of wax matrix underneath the surface from fine, uniform structure to coarse, nonuniform structure resulted from the caking of surrounding wax matrix. The oil underneath the surface migrated to the surface of lipstick with sweating; consequently the wax matrix in that region was rearranged into the coarse matrix. In case of flamed lipstick, sweating was delayed and the wax matrix was much coarser than that of the unflamed one. The larger wax matrix at the surface region was good for including oil. The effect of molding temperature on sweating was also studied. As the molding temperature rose, sweating was greatly reduced and the size of the wax matrix increased. It was found that sweating was influenced by the compatibility of wax and oil. A formula consisting of wax and oil that have good compatibility has a tendency to reduce sweating and increase the size of the wax matrix. When pigments were added to wax and oil, the size of the wax matrix was changed, but in all cases sweating was increased due to the weakening of the binding force between wax and oil. On observing the thick membrane of wax at the surface of lipstick a month after molding it was also found that sweating was influenced by ageing. In conclusion, the structure of the wax matrix at the surface region of lipstick was changed with the process of flaming, molding temperature, compatibility of wax and oil, addition of pigment, and ageing. In most cases, as the size of the wax matrix was increased, sweating was reduced and delayed.
Evaluation of ’Nuez de Barinas’ (Caryodendron Orinocense) Oil for Possible Use in Cosmetic
Authors: Pérez de r. M.N. , Alfaro M. de J. , Padilla F.C.
Published: March 2003

Caryodendron orinocense, Karst., is a tree that grows along the eastern base of the Andes mountains in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is known in Venezuela as ’Nuez de Barinas, nuez or nogal de Barquisimeto’ and in other countries as ’inchi’, ’taque’, ’abay’ or ’palo de nuez’. The oil extracted from the ’nuts’ (seeds) is edible. The objective of this study was to assess the potential use of the oil extracted from the seeds in cosmetics. The organoleptic characteristics, some physical (viscosity, specific density, extensibility, UV absorbance), and chemical (fatty acid profile, titratable acidity, saponification index, unsaponifiable matter and peroxide value) characteristics, were determined by official methods. The results show a high polyunsaturated fatty acid content (75.13%) and good physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics appropriate for use in cosmetics. It was concluded that the Caryodendron oil should be useful in cosmetic formulations.
Determination of Alpha‐Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetic Products by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Narrow‐Bore Column
Authors: Nicoletti I. , Corradini C. , Cogliandro E. , Cavazza A.
Published: March 2003

This paper reports the results of a study carried out to develop a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the separation, identification and quantitative measurement of α‐hydroxy acids in commercial cosmetics using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method is successfully applied to the simultaneous identification and quantitative determination of glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric and citric acids employing a reversed phase narrow‐bore column under isocratic condition and UV detection. The method is validated by determining the precision of replicate analyses and accuracy by analyzing samples with and without adding know amount of the alpha‐hydroxy acids. The procedure is suitable for routine analyses of commercial cosmetics.
Rheology Modification of Hydrogen Peroxide‐based Applications Using Cross‐linked Polyacrylic Acid Polymers
Authors: Schmucker‐Castner J. , Desai D.
Published: March 2003

A fundamental study of the stability of hydrogen peroxide‐based gels, thickened using cross‐linked polyacrylic acid polymers, will be presented. Recent systematic experiments will demonstrate that excellent long term stability of such gels can be achieved. The study evaluates different types of cross‐linked polyacrylic acid polymers (as well as an associative acrylic polymer), several commercial sources of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide concentrations and the effect of pH. Resulting viscosities from combinations of these variables will be presented, as well as the effects of accelerated aging on percent active peroxide and viscosity of the thickened peroxide gels. The results of this study will enable the formulator to determine the appropriate polymer and conditions necessary for this optimal stability and rheological properties for hydrogen peroxide applications. This study will demonstrate that some cross‐linked polyacrylic acid polymers are very compatible and stable with H O
and that these polymers do not affect the H
O
stability under certain conditions. In addition, this study will show that certain cross‐linked polyacrylic acid polymers can produce very viscous gels and yield higher viscosities in typical permanent hair color formulas compared to many commercially available products. Because of the excellent compatibility and stability demonstrated, cross‐linked acrylic acid polymers are ideal rheological modifiers for hydrogen peroxide‐based applications. The performance benefits of using a cross‐linked acrylic acid polymer in two‐part hair color formulations will be described in detail.
Crystal Clear Transparent Lipstick Formulation Based on Solidified Oils
Authors: De Clermont‐Gallerande H. , Chavardes V. , Zastrow L.
Published: March 2003

We have developed a lipstick, the stick of which looks totally transparent.

The base, coloured or not, may contain high concentration of actives or fragrances.

The present study examines the process of determination of oils and solidifying agents.

The selecting criterion include visible spectroscopic measurements to quantify transparency of the formulated product. We have also validated the stick hardness through drop point and breakage measurements.

After several investigations, we selected a mixture of oils and solidifying agents.

The oil network obtained has been characterized through optical microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. We can show that the final product we obtained is amorphous and its solidity can be explained by chemical bonds formation.
Controlled delivery of lipophilic agents to cell cultures for in vitro toxicity and biocompatibility assays
Authors: Zülli  , Liechti  , Suter
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

In this report, we present a novel method for delivering lipophilic compounds to cell cultures. The delivery system is based on a nanoemulsion stabilized by phospholipids. These nanoemulsions are well tolerated by cell cultures, such as TK6 lymphoblastoid cells and can be used to deliver defined amounts of encapsulated lipophilic compounds into cells.

We measured the growth inhibition of TK6 lymphoblastoid cells caused by different oils, UV‐filters and fragrances to determine the biocompatibility or the toxicity of these compounds in simple cell culture experiments. Our data show that the applied nanoemulsion technology is also very suitable to study biological effects of the UV‐A‐irradiated compounds in cell culture assays.

Résumé

Dans ce compte‐rendu, nous présentons une nouvelle méthode pour dispenser des composés lipophiles à des cultures de cellules. Le système de répartition est fondé sur une nanoémulsion stabilisée par des phospholipides. Ces nanoémulsions sont bien tolérées par les cultures cellulaires, comme les cellules lymphoblastoides TK6 et peuvent etre employées pour délivrer des quantités précises de composés lipophiles encapsulés aux cellules.

Nous avons mesuré l’inhibition de la croissance des cellules lymphoblastoides TK6 provoquée par diverses huiles, des filtres UV et des parfums pour déterminer la biocompatibilité ou la toxicité de ces composés par des essais sur de simples cultures de cellules. Nos données montrent que l’utilisation de la technologie des nanoémulsions convient également à l’étude des effects biologiques des composés irradiés par des UVA dans les cultures cellulaires.
Dosage de l'octyl dimethyl PABA, de l'homosalate et de l'octyl salicylate dans les produits de protection solaire
Authors: Masse M.‐O. , Herpol‐Borremans M.
Published: March 2003

La méthode décrit le dosage de l′octyl dimethyl PABA (2‐ethylhexyl 4‐(dimethylamino)benzoate) (CAS RN 21245‐02‐3), de l′homo‐salate (3,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate) (CAS RN 118‐56‐9) et de l′octyl salicylate (2‐ethylhexyl salicylate) (CAS RN 118‐60‐5) dans les produits cosmétiques de protection solaire.

L′échantillon est mis en suspension dans le méthanol et après traitement approprié, le dosage est effectué par HPLC/UV. La précision, le rendement et la fiabilité de la méthode ont été déterminés.
New combined treatment of hypermelanosis: analytical studies on efficacy and stability improvement
Authors: Ferioli V. , Rustichelli C. , Pavesi G. , Gamberini G.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis The aim of this work was to evaluate the synergy between different lightening agents when associated; depigmenting activity was tested in vitro by monitoring the appearance of dopachrome, an intermediate in the melanogenesis process. The results obtained were compared with the depigmenting activity of each single compound, keeping the same global concentration of inhibitor.

Our studies showed that the combination of hydroquinone and kojic acid had a synergistic effect, and that the maximum inhibiting action was achieved with an equimolecular mixture. This result could serve in the cosmetics field to prepare skin‐lightening formulations that are less irritant.

We also investigated the feasibility of complexing hydroquinone with cyclodextrin and evaluated the effectiveness of the complex obtained in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
An update on vitamin K: contribution of MAFF‐funded research
Authors: Buttriss Judy , Bundy Rafe , Hughes Joyce
Published: March 2003

This paper summarises the findings with respect to vitamin K of the British Nutrition Foundation’s recent review of MAFF's Optimal Nutrition Status research programme. As well as providing an overview of current knowledge about the role that vitamin K plays in human health, the paper places in context the contribution to current knowledge of the MAFF‐funded research and summarises the priorities for future research recommended in the final report submitted to the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group, now the Foods Standards Agency.
The mechanism of effect of growth hormone on preadipocyte and adipocyte function
Authors: Nam S. Y. , Lobie P. E.
Published: March 2003

Growth hormone (GH) is not only the major regulator of postnatal somatic growth but also exerts profound effects on body composition through a combination of anabolic, lipolytic and antinatriuretic actions. GH enhancement of the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in combination with a reduction of triglyceride accumulation via inhibition of lipoprotein lipase activity appears to be the major mechanism by which GH results in a reduction of the total fat mass. Recently, much progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism by which GH affects cellular function. This review provides a brief discourse and summary of the mechanism of effects of GH on preadipocyte/adipocyte function. It is intended to provide a functional understanding of the mechanism of action of GH as it relates to adipogenesis and adipocyte function.
Do stress reactions cause abdominal obesity and comorbidities?
Authors: Björntorp P.
Published: March 2003

‘Stress’ embraces the reaction to a multitude of poorly defined factors that disturb homeostasis or allostasis. In this overview, the activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system have been utilized as objective measurements of stress reactions. Although long‐term activation of the sympathetic nervous system is followed by primary hypertension, consequences of similar activation of the HPA axis have not been clearly defined. The focus of this overview is to examine whether or not repeated activation of these two stress centres may be involved in the pathogenesis of abdominal obesity and its comorbidities. In population studies adrenal hormones show strong statistical associations to centralization of body fat as well as to obesity. There is considerable evidence from clinical to cellular and molecular studies that elevated cortisol, particularly when combined with secondary inhibition of sex steroids and growth hormone secretions, is causing accumulation of fat in visceral adipose tissues as well as metabolic abnormalities (The Metabolic Syndrome). Hypertension is probably due to a parallel activation of the central sympathetic nervous system. Depression and ‘the small baby syndrome’ as well as stress exposure in men and non‐human primates are followed with time by similar central and peripheral abnormalities. Glucocorticoid exposure is also followed by increased food intake and ‘leptin resistant’ obesity, perhaps disrupting the balance between leptin and neuropeptide Y to the advantage of the latter. The consequence might be ‘stress‐eating’, which, however, is a poorly defined entity. Factors activating the stress centres in humans include psychosocial and socioeconomic handicaps, depressive and anxiety traits, alcohol and smoking, with some differences in profile between personalities and genders. Polymorphisms have been defined in several genes associated with the cascade of events along the stress axes. Based on this evidence it is suggested that environmental, perinatal and genetic factors induce neuroendocrine perturbations followed by abdominal obesity with its associated comorbidities.
Monoclonal Antibodies in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Rai Kanti R. , Gupta Niraj
Published: March 2003

For decades, alkylating agents have been the mainstay of treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia CLL), achieving a modest response. Recently, fludarabine has been shown to induce higher and long‐lasting responses, and has, in many institutions, replaced the alkylating agents as the first‐line agent in the treatment of CLL. However, the goal of achieving higher complete responses that might translate into an improved overall survival in CLL still remains elusive. Antibody‐mediated therapy has emerged as an effective modality in the treatment of low‐grade B‐cell malignancies. Monoclonal antibodies McAb) against specific lymphocyte markers, including CD52 Campath‐1H) and CD20 rituximab), are currently being actively studied in the treatment of CLL. Initial results with Campath‐1H and rituximab in previously treated and untreated patients with CLL have been promising. We present a review of the current status of McAb and their potential role in the future for the treatment of CLL.
New Drugs for the Treament of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Cheson Bruce D. , Dancey Janet , Murgo Anthony
Published: March 2003

Novel strategies are needed to improve the prognosis of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia CLL). One approach is to identify new drugs with unique mechanisms of action. Compound GW506U78, the prodrug for arabinosylguanine, is an interesting new purine analog, which induces responses in about one‐third of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. A multicenter study is currently evaluating patients with CLL who have failed treatment with both fludarabine and an alkylating agent. Other agents in clinical development include retinoids and arsenicals which induce apoptosis, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors and the signal transduction modulators, bryostatin and UCN‐01. UCN‐01 not only inhibits protein kinase C, but also modulates the G2 checkpoint. In vitro synergy has been demonstrated with fludarabine and a phase I trial of this combination is ongoing at the National Cancer Institute, USA. Flavopiridol is a semisynthetic flavone derivative which is active against cycling as well as noncycling cells. It inhibits a variety of cyclins and induces apoptosis. The histone deacetylase inhibitor depsipeptide has selective activity against CLL cells in vitro. An increasing body of evidence has implicated angiogenesis in hematologic malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma and CLL. Several angiogenesis inhibitors are currently in clinical trials, including thalidomide, SU5416 and SU6668. Future strategies must be directed at appropriate therapeutic targets using rational combinations of these drugs and other new compounds with the goal of curing patients with CLL.
A review of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous biopsy of the gastrointestinal tract in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Bhaduri S. , Wiselka MJ. , Rogers PM.
Published: March 2003

Objective To illustrate the use of percutaneous ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the gastrointestinal tract in HIV‐infected patients to obtain a tissue diagnosis.

Design The technique was used in relation to relevant clinical situations in which a diagnosis may have only been reached by open biopsy.

Method Three HIV‐infected patients with suspected gastrointestinal tract lesions underwent percutaneous ultrasound‐guided biopsy under local anaesthetic.

Results A tissue diagnosis was made in each case resulting in initiation or continuation of appropriate therapy and avoided the need for open biopsy under general anaesthetic.

Conclusion Although the number of patients undergoing the procedure in this series was small, the technique has so far been shown to be safe and effective with few complications.
Octapeptide but not nonapeptide from HIV‐1 p24gag protein upregulates cell surface HLA‐C expression
Authors: Kozłowska A , Gorczyca W , Maćkiewicz Z , Wojciechowska I , Kuśnierczyk P
Published: March 2003

Objectives  The HLA‐Cw3 molecule has been reported to present peptides derived from HIV‐1 p24gag protein to a cytotoxic T lymphocyte clone. We have shown previously that the synthetic octapeptide 145–152 derived from the p24gag sequence upregulated cell surface HLA‐C expression on HLA‐Cw*0303+ cells. Here, we examined the question of whether the nonapeptide 144–152 also exerts a similar effect.

Methods  The HLA‐Cw*0303+ B‐LCL PAJ and control HLA‐Cw3‐negative cells B‐LCL HAJ and T‐LCL 500/C9 were used. HLA expression on peptide‐pulsed and non‐pulsed cells was evaluated using specific antibodies and flow cytofluorimetry. Binding of dansylated peptides onto different cell lines was measured spectrofluorimetrically.

Results  The HIV‐1 p24gag octapeptide upregulated cell surface HLA‐C on PAJ (Cw*0303+) cells, whereas the nonapeptide did not. HLA‐A2 expression was not affected by these peptides. Specificity of the effect of octapeptide was confirmed by the lack of HLA‐C upregulation on HLA‐Cw3– cells and by lower binding of dansylated petide to the HLA‐Cw3‐ cells HAJ and 500/C9.

Conclusions  The above results indicate that HLA‐Cw*0303 preferentially binds the octapeptide rather than the nonapeptide derived from HIV‐1 p24gag protein.
Is acute appendicitis another inflammatory condition associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)?
Authors: Aldeen T , Horgan M , Macallan D C. , Thomas V , Hay P
Published: March 2003

1

Department of Genitourinary Medicine, St George's Hospital, London, UK,

2

Department of Infectious Diseases, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland,

3

Department of Infectious Diseases and

4

Department of Histopathology, St George's Hospital, London, UK

Objective  To report the occurrence of acute appendicitis as a possible manifestation of the immune restoration inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) following the commencement of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV patients.

Design  Case‐note review of HIV patients on HAART with acute appendicitis.

Methods  Review of HIV markers, antiretroviral therapy and abdominal ultrasound results of four HIV patients with acute appendicitis and the histopathology reports on the appendix in two of the patients.

Results  From a population of approximately 350 HIV patients on HAART, we found four patients who developed acute appendicitis within 6 months of commencing or changing HAART.

Conclusion  Acute appendicitis occurring in HIV patients on HAART may represent a variant of IRIS. Further immunohistopathological and epidemiological evaluation will be needed to define this relationship fully.
Comparison of virtual phenotype and HIV‐SEQ program (Stanford) interpretation for predicting drug resistance of HIV strains
Authors: Puchhammer‐Stöckl E , Steininger C , Geringer E , Heinz FX
Published: March 2003

Objective

Drug resistant HIV strains can be identified by genotypic analysis. The prediction of resistance from the HIV pol sequence, however, requires expert interpretation which is currently provided by various interpretation programs. In the present study, the comparability of two of these programs was investigated.

Methods

One hundred and six HIV sequences obtained from patient samples were subjected to interpretation by the Stanford HIV‐SEQ program (http://hivdb.stanford.edu) and, in parallel, by virtual phenotype analysis (VircoNET TM).

Results

The overall concordance between the two assays was high with respect to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and protease inhibitors. Highly discrepant results were obtained from 22 samples (1.5% of all comparisons), and these discrepancies were significantly associated with the interpretation of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (P < 0.01), especially regarding resistance to zalcitabine (ddC), didanosine (ddI) and abacavir (ABC). Nearly all of these discrepant samples showed a sensitive virtual phenotype. Mutations at codons 69 and 74 were associated with a discrepant interpretation for ddC.

Conclusions

The prediction of resistance to certain NRTIs from a given HIV sequence may be contradictory and requires further investigation.
Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Anderson–Fabry’s disease): a case report
Authors: Massi Daniela , Martinelli Fabrizio , Battini Maria Luisa , Comin Camilla Eva , Franchi Alessandro , Gioia Olga , Santucci Marco
Published: March 2003

We report on a 14‐year‐old boy who presented with a 4‐year history of acral pains and febrile episodes. On physical examination, numerous small reddish papules were present on his abdomen, located predominantly on the periumbelical region. Renal function was within normal limits. Ophthalmological examination revealed whorled opacities of the cornea (cornea verticillata) and dilated tortuous conjunctival vessels. Histopathological examination of one of the cutaneous papules showed several dilated blood vessels in the superficial dermis surrounded by collarettes of thickened rete ridges, consistent with a diagnosis of angiokeratoma. The electron‐microscopic study of a skin specimen demonstrated the presence of dilated lysosomes with deposition of electron‐dense bodies, some of which with laminated structure, in endothelial cells and fibroblasts. These findings were regarded as indicative of Fabry’s disease. Subsequent biochemical analysis confirmed the presence of a α‐galactosidase A deficiency in leukocytes. In conclusion, we described the clinical, histopathological and submicroscopic findings of a case of Fabry’s disease, in which the combination of electron microscopic and biochemical approaches allowed the correct diagnosis.
Radiation therapy for extensive actinic keratosis
Authors: Barta U , Gräfe T , Wollina U
Published: March 2003

Actinic keratosis in the most common premalignant keratotic tumour of sun‐exposed skin. A 66‐year‐old man developed a large actinic keratosis on his scalp, which did not respond to conventional treatment. Fractionated radiotherapy with a cumulative dose of 28 Gy resulted in complete remission without relapse during a 14‐month follow‐up. In older subjects in whom conventional treatment fails, low‐dose fractionated radiation therapy is an effective alternative method.
Generalized morphoea in a patient with Felty’s syndrome
Authors: Robertson Lp , Davies Mg , Hickling P
Published: March 2003

We describe a 54‐year‐old woman with long‐standing rheumatoid arthritis complicated by Felty’s syndrome and lung involvement who developed generalized morphoea with no features of systemic sclerosis. To our knowledge this is the first description of such a case.
Topical revitalization of body skin
Authors: Flynn Timothy Corcoran , Coleman W Patrick
Published: March 2003

Topical treatments for the body are beneficial for photoageing as well as for specific disease processes, such as scars or striae. Every patient should topically apply photoprotectants in order to prevent photodamage to the skin. Tretinoin can improve body skin and has a documented use in striae. α‐Hydroxy acids can restore body skin when used on a regular basis. Antioxidants may be of benefit. Scars can be improved with a variety of topically applied agents ranging from silicone gel sheeting to super‐potent topical steroids. Chemical peeling for the body can improve the skin with the use of α‐ or β‐hydroxy acids. While topical therapy can improve body skin, adjunctive surgical therapy may be needed to correct body skin disorders or concerns fully.