bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin is linked to p65 and MMP‐9 expression in pulmonary adenocarcinoma but not in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Frey A B , Wali A , Pass H , Lonardo F
Published: May 2007

Aims:  Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein involved in tissue remodelling, cell‐mediated immunity and malignant transformation. High OPN serum levels predict poor prognosis in non‐small cell carcinoma and set patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) apart from disease‐free asbestos‐exposed individuals. Yet neither the spectrum of tissue expression nor the signalling pathways of OPN in MM and pulmonary adenocarcinoma have been characterized, although in vitro evidence links OPN to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. The aim of this study was to address these deficiencies.

Methods and results:  OPN expression was investigated immunohistochemically in 104 adenocarcinomas and 38 MM and correlated with histological features, including tumour type, grade and proliferation and with expression of activated intermediary EGFR signalling pathway molecules p65, p‐AKT, p‐ERK, p‐STAT‐3, and of metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. In MM, OPN expression was widespread (36/38) and independent of the molecular parameters studied. In adenocarcinoma, high OPN expression was correlated with expression of p65, p‐ERK and MMP‐9.

Conclusions:  Frequent OPN expression is typical of, but not specific for MM, whereas it appears to select adenocarcinoma cases with p65 and MMP‐9 expression, suggesting a link with EGFR signalling pathways.
C4d immunopositivity is uncommon in ABO‐compatible liver allografts, but correlates partially with lymphocytotoxic antibody status
Authors: Bellamy C O C , Herriot M M , Harrison D J , Bathgate A J
Published: May 2007

Aims:  To determine whether C4d immunopositivity helps recognition of humoral rejection in dysfunctional liver allografts.

Methods and results:  C4d immunopositivity was retrospectively evaluated in liver allografts. There were three staining patterns: portal venular plexus, sinusoidal and hepatocellular. The latter was related to ischaemic necrosis and not scored as positive. C4d immunopositivity was not encountered in 10 preperfusion or 15 consecutive early protocol biopsies. However, three of 12 early protocol biopsy specimens from crossmatch‐positive patients were C4d+, two showing repeated positivity on at least one further biopsy specimen, while others remained negative. C4d was also positive in 2/16 early moderate acute cellular rejections, 3/14 cases of centrilobular necroinflammation, 3/11 biliary obstructions, 3/13 chronic rejections and 1/10 primary non‐functional allografts.

Conclusion:  C4d immunopositivity is uncommon in liver allografts. There is a weak positive correlation with a positive lymphocytotoxic crossmatch and some patterns of allograft dysfunction. The morphological associations resemble those reported in lymphocytotoxic crossmatch‐positive patients, plus occasional sinusoidal and hepatocellular injury. Although the practical utility of C4d immunohistochemistry seems limited, it may identify a small subgroup of individuals in whom chronic humoral microvascular injury contributes to allograft dysfunction.
High‐grade ovarian serous carcinoma exhibits significantly higher p16 expression than low‐grade serous carcinoma and serous borderline tumour
Authors: O'Neill C J , McBride H A , Connolly L E , Deavers M T , Malpica A , McCluggage W G
Published: May 2007

Aims:  A dualistic pathway of ovarian serous carcinogenesis is now well established whereby high‐grade serous carcinoma and low‐grade serous carcinoma represent two distinct tumour types with a different underlying pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to compare expression of p16 INK4A (p16) in these two tumour types. We also included cases of serous borderline tumour, since these are considered to represent a precursor lesion of low‐grade serous carcinoma.

Methods and results:  Cases of serous borderline tumour (n = 18), low‐grade ovarian serous carcinoma (n = 22) and high‐grade ovarian serous carcinoma (n = 24) were stained with a monoclonal antibody against p16. Cases were scored both with respect to intensity of immunoreactivity (weak, 1+; moderate, 2+; or strong, 3+) and distribution (0, negative or occasional positive cells; 1+, < 10% cells positive; 2+, 10–25% cells positive; 3+, 26–50% cells positive; 4+, 51–75% cells positive; or 5+, 76–100% cells positive). An immunohistochemical composite score was also calculated (0–15) by multiplying the intensity and distribution scores. There was a statistically significant difference in p16 immunoreactivity with respect to intensity, distribution and composite score between high‐grade serous carcinoma and each of the other two groups, with the high‐grade neoplasms exhibiting stronger and more diffuse positivity. Most high‐grade serous carcinomas exhibited positivity of close to 100% of tumour cells. There was no significant difference in p16 expression between the borderline tumours and low‐grade serous carcinomas.

Conclusions:  The increased expression of p16 in high‐grade serous carcinoma compared with low‐grade serous carcinoma and serous borderline tumour is in keeping with a different underlying pathogenesis. p16 may be implicated in the development of high‐grade serous neoplasia within the ovary and elsewhere within the female genital tract.
B‐lymphocyte depletion ameliorates Sjögren's syndrome in Id3 knockout mice
Authors: Hayakawa Ikuko , Tedder Thomas F. , Zhuang Yuan
Published: May 2007

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells chronically attack the lachrymal and salivary glands. The Id3 knockout mouse is a newly established animal model for primary Sjögren's syndrome. To address the role of B cells in Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune disease, we studied the effect of CD20 monoclonal antibody treatment on the disease in Id3 knockout mice. Antibody treatment at 2‐month intervals led to efficient and sustained B‐cell depletion in Id3 knockout mice. A significant improvement of histopathology was observed accompanied by the recovery of saliva secretory function after CD20 antibody treatment. We further show that serum immunoglobulin G3, which is abnormally high in untreated Id3 knockout mice, was reduced after CD20 antibody treatment. This study establishes a new animal model for immunotherapy of Sjögren's symptoms and suggests a possible link between immunoglobulin G3 and disease pathology in Id3 knockout mice.
Suppression of innate immunity by a nasal carriage strain of Staphylococcus aureus increases its colonization on nasal epithelium
Authors: Quinn Gerry A. , Cole Alexander M.
Published: May 2007

Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is an important source of nosocomial infection and community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Previous studies by our laboratory revealed that nasal carriage of S. aureus is accompanied by subclinical inflammation, which is insufficient to prevent colonization, and that carriage might also be a result of adaptation and selection of certain S. aureus strains to the host's nasal environment. In the present study we observed that a carrier strain of S. aureus preferentially colonizes and attaches to nasal epithelial cells (NEC) compared to a non‐carrier S. aureus strain. Conversely, when naive NEC were pretreated with interleukin‐1β for 24 hr, the growth and attachment of the carrier strain of S. aureus were significantly reduced in comparison to the non‐carrier strain, emphasizing the pivotal role played by host innate immunity in the initial events of nasal carriage. While both strains up‐regulated the expression of the pattern recognition receptor, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), NEC exposed to the nasal carrier strain had a 4‐hr delay in TLR2 expression compared with NEC exposed to non‐carrier S. aureus. Moreover, even after 20 hr of colonization the expression of two principal epithelial antimicrobial peptides, human β‐defensin‐2 and human β‐defensin‐3, was negligibly induced in NEC exposed to the nasal carrier strain of S. aureus in comparison to the non‐carrier strain. These results suggest that carrier strains of S. aureus retain a competitive advantage over non‐carrier strains by delaying the host's innate response to epithelial colonization and infection.
Peptide‐β2‐microglobulin‐major histocompatibility complex expressing cells are potent antigen‐presenting cells that can generate specific T cells
Authors: Obermann Sonja , Petrykowska Susanne , Manns Michael P. , Korangy Firouzeh , Greten Tim F.
Published: May 2007

Adoptive T‐cell therapy represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. Successful adoptive immunotherapy depends on the ex vivo priming and expansion of antigen‐specific T cells. However, the in vitro generation of adequate numbers of functional antigen‐specific T cell remains a major obstacle. It is important to develop efficient and reproducible methods to generate high numbers of antigen‐specific T cells for adoptive T‐cell transfer. We have developed a new artificial antigen‐presenting cell (aAPC) by transfection of major histocompatibility (MHC) class I negative Daudi cells with a peptide‐β2‐microglobulin–MHC fusion construct (single‐chain aAPC) ensuring presentation of the peptide–MHC complex of interest. Using this artificial antigen‐presenting cell, we could generate up to 9·2 × 108 antigen‐specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells from 10 ml blood. In vitro generated T cells lysed endogenously presented antigens. Direct comparison of the single‐chain aAPC with autologous monocyte‐derived dendritic cells demonstrated that these cells were equally efficient in stimulation of T cells. Finally, we were able to generate antigen‐specific T cell lines from perpheral blood mononuclear cells of patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. The use of single‐chain aAPC represent a promising option for the generation of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells, which could be used for adoptive T‐cell therapy.
CD40‐mediated enhancement of immune responses against three forms of influenza vaccine
Authors: Hatzifoti Caterina , Heath Andrew W.
Published: May 2007

There is potential for influenza A infections to cause massive morbidity and mortality. Vaccination may be the primary defence against pandemic influenza, and potential pandemic'flu vaccines may be produced conventionally, in embryonated eggs, or as recombinant protein or synthetic peptide vaccines. However the vaccines are produced, the supply may be limiting, and it will be important to enhance the immunogenicity of the vaccines as much as possible. We have shown that conjugation to CD40 binding antibody is a very efficient way of enhancing immune responses against model antigens, but were interested in assessing the effectiveness of this system using influenza vaccines. We produced conjugates of CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and isotype control with three potential influenza vaccines: a peptide‐based vaccine containing T‐ and B‐cell epitopes from virus haemagglutinin; a whole, killed virus vaccine; and a commercially produced split virus vaccine. CD40 mAb conjugates in each case were more immunogenic, but the adjuvant effect of CD40 conjugation was greatest with the split vaccine, where antibody responses were enhanced by several hundred‐fold after a single immunization, and lymphocyte proliferation in response to antigen in vitro was also strongly enhanced.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors expression and microvascular density in benign and malignant thyroid diseases
Authors: Jebreel Ala'eddin , England James , Bedford Karen , Murphy Justin , Karsai Laszlo , Atkin Stephen
Published: May 2007

Angiogenesis is critical for the growth and metastatic spread of tumours. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent inducer of neovasculature, and its increased expression has been related to a worse clinical outcome in many diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between VEGF, its receptors (VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2) and microvessel density (MVD) in thyroid diseases. Immunostaining for VEGF and VEGF receptors was performed in 66 specimens of thyroid tissue, comprising 17 multinodular goitre (MNG), 14 Graves’ disease, 10 follicular adenoma, 8 Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 7 papillary carcinoma and 10 normal thyroid specimens. Thyrocyte positivity for VEGF and VEGF receptors was scored 0–3. Immunohistochemistry for CD31, and CD34 on the same sections was performed to evaluate MVD. Immunohistochemical staining of VEGF in thyrocytes was positive in 92% of all the thyroid tissues studied. Using an immunostaining intensity cut off of 2, increased thyrocyte staining was seen in follicular adenoma specimens, MNG and normal thyroids compared with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves’ disease (P < 0.05). Similarly, VEGF thyrocyte expression in Graves’ disease was less than other pathologies (P < 0.05). VEGFR‐1 expression and the average MVD score did not differ between the different thyroid pathologies. VEGF expression was lower in autoimmune pathologies compared to autonomous growth processes. Conversely, both VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2 were widely expressed in benign and neoplastic thyroid disease, suggesting that the up‐regulation of VEGF and not its receptors occurs as tissue becomes autonomous. There was no clear relationship between MVD measurement and thyroid pathology.
Floristic turnover in Iceland from 15 to 6 Ma – extracting biogeographical signals from fossil floral assemblages
Authors: Grímsson Friðgeir , Denk Thomas
Published: May 2007

Aim  This study aims to document the floristic changes that occurred in Iceland between 15 and 6 Ma and to establish the dispersal mechanisms for the plant taxa encountered. Using changing patterns of dispersal, two factors controlling floristic changes are tested. Possible factors are (1) climate change, and (2) the changing biogeography of Iceland over the time interval studied; that is, the presence or absence of a Miocene North Atlantic Land Bridge.

Location  The North Atlantic.

Methods  Species lists of fossil plants from Iceland in the time period 15 to 6 Ma were compiled using published data and new data. Closest living analogues were used to establish dispersal properties for the fossil taxa. Dispersal mechanisms of fossil plants were then used to reconstruct how Iceland was colonized during various periods.

Results  Miocene floras of Iceland (15–6 Ma) show relatively high floristic turnover from the oldest floras towards the youngest; and few taxa from the oldest floras persist in the younger floras. The frequencies of the various dispersal mechanisms seen in the 15‐Ma floras are quite different from those recorded in the 6‐Ma floras, and there is a gradual change in the prevailing mode of dispersal from short‐distance anemochory and dyschory to long‐distance anemochory. Two mechanisms can be used to explain changing floral composition: (1) climate change, and (2) the interaction between the dispersal mechanisms of plants and the increasing isolation of proto‐Iceland during the Miocene.

Main conclusions  Dispersal mechanisms can be used to extract palaeogeographic signals from fossil floras. The composition of floras and dispersal mechanisms indicate that Iceland was connected both to Greenland and to Europe in the early Middle Miocene, allowing transcontinental migration. The change in prevalence of dispersal modes from 15 to 6 Ma appears to reflect the break‐up of a land bridge and the increasing isolation of Iceland after 12 Ma. Concurrent gradual cooling and isolation caused changes in species composition. Specifically, the widening of the North Atlantic Ocean prevented taxa with limited dispersal capability from colonizing Iceland, while climate cooling led to the extinction of thermophilous taxa.
Interactive controls of herbivory and fluvial dynamics on landscape vegetation patterns on the Tanana River floodplain, interior Alaska
Authors: Butler Lem G. , Kielland Knut , Scott Rupp T. , Hanley Thomas A.
Published: May 2007

Aim We examined the interactive effects of mammalian herbivory and fluvial dynamics on vegetation dynamics and composition along the Tanana River in interior Alaska.

Location Model parameters were obtained from field studies along the Tanana River, Alaska between Fairbanks (64°50.50′ N, 147°43.30′ W) and Manley Hot Springs (65°0.0′ N, 150°36.0′ W).

Methods We used a spatially explicit model of landscape dynamics (ALFRESCO) to simulate vegetation changes on a 1‐year time‐step. The model was run for 250 years and was replicated 100 times.

Results Increases in herbivory decreased the proportion of early successional vegetation and increased the proportion of late successional vegetation on the simulated landscape. Erosion and accretion worked as antagonists to herbivory, increasing the amount of early successional vegetation and decreasing the amount of late successional vegetation. However, the interactive effects of herbivory and erosion/accretion were especially important in determining system response, particularly in early seral vegetation types. High erosion rates, when coupled with low herbivory, greatly increased the proportion of willow on the landscape. When coupled with high herbivory, however, they greatly increased the proportion of alder on the landscape. At low levels of herbivory, alder abundance peaked at intermediate levels of erosion/accretion.

Main conclusions Neither erosion/accretion nor herbivory produced consistent landscape patterns that could be predicted independently of the other. These findings underscore the importance of the interactive effects of biotic and abiotic disturbances in shaping large‐scale landscape vegetation patterns in boreal floodplain ecosystems – systems traditionally thought to be driven primarily by abiotic disturbance alone.
Pharmacokinetics and physiological effects of two intravenous infusion rates of morphine in conscious dogs
Authors: GUEDES A. G. P. , PAPICH M. G. , RUDE E. P. , RIDER M. A.
Published: May 2007

This study examined the pharmacokinetics and physiologic effects of two infusions rates of morphine in conscious dogs. Five adult dogs were randomly studied at weekly intervals. An initial dose of either 0.3 or 0.6 mg/kg were each followed by infusions of 0.17 and 0.34 mg/kg/h. Plasma morphine concentrations, physiological parameters, sedation and mechanical antinociception were evaluated during each infusion. Morphine was assayed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical coulometric detection and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Data were fitted to a bi‐compartment model with a rapid distribution (<1 min for both doses) and slower termination rate. For the high and low doses, respectively, mean ± SD terminal half‐life was 38 ± 5 and 27 ± 14 min, apparent volumes of distribution at steady‐state were 1.9 ± 0.5 and 1.3 ± 0.8 L/kg, with clearances of 50 ± 15 and 67 ± 20 mL/kg/min. Steady‐state plasma concentrations ranged from 93 to 180 ng/mL and 45 to 80 ng/mL in the high and low doses, respectively. Respiratory rate increased significantly, pulse oximetry remained >95% and body temperature decreased significantly during both infusions. No vomition or neuroexcitation occurred. Sedation and mechanical antinociception were both mild during the lower infusion rate, and mild to moderate during the higher infusion rate. In conclusion, morphine pharmacokinetics was not altered by increasing infusion rates, producing stable, long‐lasting plasma concentrations.
Health professionals’ attitudes toward caring for people with hepatitis C
Authors: Richmond J. A. , Dunning T. L. , Desmond P. V.
Published: May 2007

Summary.  An estimated 170 million people worldwide have hepatitis C, which is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, health professionals (HPs) are likely to care for people with hepatitis C at some stage in their careers. However, little is known about HPs’ attitudes towards treating people with hepatitis C. An analytical, cross‐sectional survey was conducted to explore the inter‐relationship among HPs’ hepatitis C knowledge and attitudes towards treating people with hepatitis C and their self‐reported clinical behaviour: Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to 3675 complementary therapists, dentists, medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, undergraduate medical and nursing students and people with hepatitis C in Victoria, Australia. Forty‐six per cent responded (n = 1510). Only HP (complementary therapists, dentists, medical practitioners, nurses and pharmacists) data is presented (n = 1347).

Most HPs demonstrated adequate hepatitis C knowledge, but some displayed intolerant attitudes toward people with hepatitis C. Their self‐reported compliance with infection control practices indicated that they frequently treated people with hepatitis C differently from other patients by using additional infection control precautions while treating patients with hepatitis C. In addition, fear of contagion and disapproval of injecting drug use emerged as barriers to their willingness to treat people with hepatitis C.

The results suggest that focusing education strategies on changing HPs’ attitudes toward people with hepatitis C, injecting drug users, and infection control guidelines rather than concentrating solely on medical information might ultimately improve patient care.
Serum adiponectin in chronic hepatitis C and B
Authors: Siagris D. , Vafiadis G. , Michalaki M. , Lekkou A. , Starakis I. , Makri M. , Margaritis V. , Christofidou M. , Tsamandas A. C. , Labropoulou‐Karatza C.
Published: May 2007

Summary. Adiponectin possesses anti‐inflammatory, insulin‐sensitizing and anti‐atherosclerotic properties. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of serum adiponectin in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C and B and correlate them with parameters exploring insulin resistance and indices of chronic liver disease. Seventy‐two patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and 73 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, matched for age and sex, were studied. All individuals were examined for serum concentrations of adiponectin, insulin, C‐peptide and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Viral parameters and liver histology were also evaluated. Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in HCV compared with HBV‐infected patients. Correlation analysis in the whole group demonstrated that serum adiponectin was positively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, globulins, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and staging score, while it was negatively correlated with body mass index, insulin, C‐peptide and HOMA‐IR. Logistic regression analysis identified type of infection (HCVvsHBV), alcohol consumption more than 25 g daily, serum total globulin and low C‐peptide as significant predictive variables associated with high adiponectin levels. Higher levels of serum adiponectin in HCV compared with HBV patients could have a role in the slower disease progression of chronic HCV infection. In addition, alcohol intake more than 25 g daily seems to be a significant predictor for hyperadiponectinaemia in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C or B. Finally, in this study, a clear positive association between adiponectin and hepatic necroinflammation or staging score was not found.
Impact of hepatitis C virus infection and other comorbidities on survival in patients on dialysis
Authors: Butt A. A. , Skanderson M. , McGinnis K. A. , Ahuja T. , Bryce C. L. , Barnato A. E. , Chang C.‐C. H.
Published: May 2007

Summary.  The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other comorbid conditions upon survival is not well quantified in patients on dialysis. We identified HCV‐infected and uninfected persons in the USRDS using claims data in 1997–1998 and followed until September 22, 2002 or death. We used Gray's time‐varying coefficients model to examine factors associated with survival. Subjects with a renal transplant were excluded. A total of 5737 HCV‐infected and 11 228 HCV‐uninfected persons were identified. HCV‐infected subjects were younger (mean age 57.8 vs 65.3 years), more likely to be male (57.6%vs 49.6%) and black (54.0%vs 36.4%). They were more likely to have a diagnosis of drug (16.5%vs 4.6%) and alcohol use (14.0%vs 3.1%), and to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infected (7.4%vs 1.8%) (all comparisons, P < 0.0005). In an adjusted Gray's time‐varying coefficient model, HCV was associated with an increased risk of mortality (P < 0.0005). The hazards were highest at the time of HCV diagnosis and decreased to a stable level 2 years after diagnosis. Other factors associated with increased risk of mortality were (P < 0.0005 unless stated) HIV coinfection; diagnosis of drug use (P = 0.001); coronary artery disease (P = 0.006); stroke; diabetes as the primary cause for renal failure; peripheral vascular disease; depression and presence of anaemia. HCV was associated with higher risk of death in patients on dialysis, even after adjusting for concurrent comorbidities. The risk was highest at the time of HCV diagnosis and stabilized over time. Clinical trials of HCV screening and treatment to reduce mortality in this population are warranted.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, and injecting risk behaviour in multiple sites in England in 2004
Authors: Hickman M. , Hope V. , Brady T. , Madden P. , Jones S. , Honor S. , Holloway G. , Ncube F. , Parry J.
Published: May 2007

Summary.  We sought to corroborate geographical differences in hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence and assess whether these can be explained by differences in injecting risk behaviour. A community recruited interview survey of 1058 injecting drug users (IDU) – including a blood spot specimen for antibody testing – was undertaken in seven cities in England. HCV prevalence varied from 27% to 74% across sites (χ2(6) = 115.3, P < 0.001). There was a significant variation in crack‐injection, prison history, injecting frequency, homelessness, groin injecting, syringe reuse and sharing between the sites. Adjustment for clustering by site and other covariates attenuated the odds ratios (OR) for most variables: e.g. crack injection changed from an unadjusted OR of >2 to an adjusted OR of 1.4 (95% CI 0.9–2.0). Remaining significant covariates included: homelessness (OR 2.2; 1.4–3.6); ever imprisonment (OR 1.7; 1.2–2.5); syringe sharing >18 months ago (OR 2.0; 1.3–3.0); injecting duration and age. Introducing site as a second level variable did not reach significance (P = 0.10). HCV prevalence among IDU reporting ‘never sharing’ was 48%. Geographical variation in HCV prevalence remains poorly explained, but should be the key focus of our surveillance effort. Measures of sharing and their interpretation require greater scrutiny.
Characteristics and survival of HIV‐infected patients not screened for hepatitis C virus infection in a hospital‐based cohort
Authors: Bénet T. , D‘Oliveira A. , Voirin N. , Livrozet J.‐M. , Cotte L. , Peyramond D. , Chidiac C. , Touraine J.‐L. , Fabry J. , Trepo C. , Allard R. , Vanhems P.
Published: May 2007

Summary.  The rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression or death of individuals coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is conflicting. The complete‐case analysis systematically used, excludes patients unscreened for HCV. Our objective was to assess if rate of survival differed between HIV‐infected patients screened and unscreened for HCV in a hospital‐based prospective cohort study. Patients were enrolled in the Lyon section of the French Hospital Database on HIV between 1 July 1992 and 31 May 2005. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyse the association of HCV screening with survival. Of 3244 patients, 299 (9.2%) were not screened for HCV. The populations screened and unscreened differed by the proportion of acquired immune deficiency syndrome at baseline, presumed route of infection, CD4 cell count category at baseline, mean duration of follow‐up, mean number of visits per year, type of antiretroviral therapy and survival. The rate of progression to death was higher for non‐HCV‐screened vs HCV‐screened patients: the incidence rate among HCV‐screened patients was 22.9/1000 patient‐years; the incidence rate among HCV‐unscreened patients was 52.4/1000 patient‐years. The adjusted hazards ratio of death was 2.48 [95% confidence interval (1.83–3.35); P < 0.001] for patients with unknown HCV status compared with others. In conclusion, unscreened or unknown HCV status was associated with an increased risk of death in our hospital cohort. Important prognostic factors are related to, or confounded by the practice of HCV screening.
Estimating the incidence of fly myiases in Australian sheep flocks: development of a weather‐driven regression model
Authors: WARDHAUGH K. G. , MORTON R. , BEDO D. , HORTON B. J. , MAHON R. J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract The blowfly, Lucilia cuprina Wiedemann (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is the primary myiasis (strike) fly of sheep in Australia. Most strike occurs in the anal−perineum area (crutch), but strike to the neck, shoulders, back and withers (body) is also important. Regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which the weekly incidence of flystrike can be explained by variations in fly abundance and/or recent changes in weather, pasture conditions or flock management. Strike and flock management data were collected by questionnaire surveys of 30–60 sheep properties in each of three major sheep‐producing areas in southeastern Australia, namely, Gunning (southern New South Wales), Inverell (northern New South Wales) and Flinders Island (Bass Strait). After using simulation modelling to remove effects due to shearing, crutching and/or insecticide treatment, pasture growth index was found to be the most important explanatory variable affecting the incidence of all forms of myiasis. Others were average weekly air temperature, the amount and frequency of rainfall, relative humidity, dung quality index and a factor denoting seasonal effects. Together, these variables accounted for 48.4% of the variation in body strike, 56.8% of that in crutch strike and 51.9% of that in other forms of strike. Prediction was improved by the inclusion of additional lagged variables describing previous strike, fly abundance and fly activity. With these additions, the variation explained increased to 60.4% for body strike, 68.0% for crutch strike and 58.3% for other strikes.
Biochip Array‐based Analysis of Plasma Cytokines in HIV Patients with Immunological and Virological Discordance
Authors: Sachdeva N. , Yoon H. S. , Oshima K. , Garcia D. , Goodkin K. , Asthana D.
Published: May 2007

Assessment of cytokines in body fluids or cells provides important information in understanding the disease process and designing treatment strategies. Recent introduction of antibody‐based protein arrays have provided investigators simultaneous and specific detection of multiple analytes in a single sample using minimum volumes. In this study, we used a biochip array system capable of measuring 12 cytokines and growth factors (IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)) in HIV patients with immunological and virological discordance (discordant) to find out differences if any, in their plasma cytokine profiles when compared with concordant HIV‐infected individuals. A sandwich chemiluminescent assay was performed with plasma specimens of 110 HIV patients (55 discordant, 55 concordant) and 22 normal healthy individuals followed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to the confirm levels of cytokines and growth factors that showed significant differences in the two groups. The discordant HIV patients showed significantly higher levels of plasma VEGF (P = 0.001) and EGF (P = 0.034) levels when compared with concordant patients. Overall, the patients showed significantly higher levels of TNF‐α, MCP‐1 and VEGF when compared with the normal healthy controls (P < 0.05). ELISA for VEGF (P < 0.001) and EGF (P = 0.004) confirmed the comparison obtained with biochip array, between the discordant and concordant patients. The results of cytokine quantitation by biochip array and ELISA confirmed that this technology is not only comparable but also has a good potential in the future applications involving measurement of multiple cytokines with limiting specimens.
Evidence of across‐shelf transport of fine‐grained sediments: turbidite‐filled shelf channels in the Campanian Aberdeen Member, Book Cliffs, Utah, USA
Authors: PATTISON SIMON A. J. , BRUCE AINSWORTH R. , HOFFMAN TREVOR A.
Published: May 2007

The shore‐normal transport of fine‐grained sediments by shelf turbidity currents has been the focus of intense debate over the last 20 years. Many have argued that turbidity currents are unlikely to be a major depositional agent on the shelf. However, sedimentological, architectural, stratigraphic and palaeogeographic data from the Campanian Aberdeen Member, Book Cliffs, eastern Utah suggests otherwise and clearly demonstrates that storm‐generated and river flood‐generated underflows can transport a significant volume of fine‐grained sediments across the shelf. These across‐shelf flowing turbidity currents cut large subaqueous channel complexes up to 7 m deep, tens of kilometres basinward of their time‐equivalent shoreface. The shelf channels were filled with organic‐rich siltstones, mudstones and very fine‐ to fine‐grained Bouma‐like sandstone beds, including wave‐modified turbidites, hyperpycnites and classical turbidites. Deposition was above storm wave base. Palaeocurrent data reveal an overwhelmingly dominant across‐shelf (east–south‐east), offshore‐directed transport trend. Tectonic activity and/or concomitant palaeogeographic reorganization of the basin may favour the generation of these turbidite‐rich shelf deposits by altering the relative balance of wave versus fluvial energy. Increased erosion and sediment supply rates, because of tectonic uplift of the hinterland, may have increased the probability of fluvial dominance along the coastline and, hence, the possibility of submarine channelization in front of the river mouths. Additionally, the coastline may have become more sheltered from direct wave energy, thus allowing the fluvial processes to dominate. Seasonal increases in rainfall and storm activity may also favour the generation of across‐shelf underflows. On wave‐dominated shorelines, isolated shelf channels and lobes are most likely to be found down‐dip of fluvial‐feeder systems in relatively high sediment supply settings. These features are also most likely to occur in systems tracts that straddle a sequence boundary, especially those which are tectonically generated, as these would enhance the potential for altering basin morphology and, hence, the balance of fluvial and wave energy. Isolated shelf channels are recognized in older and younger strata in the Book Cliffs region, implying that wave‐supported gravity flows were a recurrent phenomena in the Campanian of Utah. It is probable that isolated shelf bodies are preserved in other stratigraphic intervals in the Cretaceous Western Interior of North America, and other basins worldwide, and are currently being overlooked or misidentified. Shoreface‐to‐shelf facies models should be revised to incorporate turbidite‐rich shelf deposits in some shelf settings.
Pradofloxacin in the treatment of canine deep pyoderma: a multicentred, blinded, randomized parallel trial
Authors: Mueller Ralf S. , Stephan Bernd
Published: May 2007

A multicentre, randomized, blinded study compared the efficacy of pradofloxacin with that of a combination of amoxycillin/clavulanic acid in the treatment of deep pyoderma in dogs. Dogs with clinical lesions of deep pyoderma and a positive bacterial culture were included in the study. At each visit, they were evaluated with lesion, pruritus and general condition scores. Dogs were treated either with pradofloxacin at 3 mg kg−1once daily or with amoxycillin at 10 mg kg−1and clavulanic acid at 2.5 mg kg−1twice daily and evaluated weekly for 3 weeks and every 2 weeks thereafter until 2 weeks past clinical remission. Maximal treatment duration was 9 weeks, and maximal evaluation period was 11 weeks. Of the 56 dogs treated with pradofloxacin (group 1), 48 dogs (86%) achieved clinical remission, four dogs improved, four dogs did not respond and a recurrence of clinical signs was not seen in any patient after 11 weeks. Of the 51 dogs treated with amoxycillin/clavulanic acid (group 2), 37 dogs achieved clinical remission (73%), three dogs showed improvement, five dogs showed no response and in six dogs, clinical signs recurred within 2 weeks of cessation of therapy. These results indicate that pradofloxacin is an efficacious therapy comparable to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid for deep bacterial pyoderma in dogs.
A preliminary study of the short circuit current (Isc) responses of sweat gland cells from normal and anhidrotic horses to purinergic and adrenergic agonists
Authors: Wilson Darius C. S. , Corbett Alistair D. , Steel Cate , Pannirselvam Roshni , Bovell Douglas L.
Published: May 2007

The causal factors of equine anhidrosis have not yet been elucidated but defective electrolyte transport mechanisms in the gland are likely to be involved. To investigate this possibility, experiments were performed on cultured equine sweat gland epithelia from five free‐sweating UK horses (3 intact males, 2 mares, aged 2–4 years) and from three free‐sweating Singapore horses (1 intact male, 2 mares, aged 3–5 years) and three anhidrotic (Singapore) horses (1 intact male, 1 gelding, 1 mare, aged 3–6 years). Cultured cells from each animal were grown on permeable supports and loaded into Ussing chambers to quantify transepithelial resistance and agonist‐induced electrolyte transport by the short circuit current (Isc) technique. Transepithelial resistances across the layers of cultured cells were not significantly different between cells from UK and Singapore free‐sweating horses, but were significantly reduced in anhidrotic animals. Purinergic agonists added to the apical and basolateral aspects of the cultured cells caused similar increases in Isc between the two populations of unaffected cells, but Isc increases were significantly reduced in anhidrotic animals. Beta‐adrenergic agonist stimulation of the anhidrotic cell layers failed to elicit any change in Isc. These pilot results not only confirm earlier conclusions from anatomical findings that failure in the secretory process occurs in anhidrosis but also indicate that both of the known ion transport mechanisms are involved. The trigger for these failures warrants further investigation.
Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis‐associated seborrhoeic dermatitis in Devon Rex cats with itraconazole – a pilot study
Authors: Åhman S. , Perrins N. , Bond R.
Published: May 2007

Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis‐associated seborrhoeic dermatitis with oral itraconazole was investigated in six Devon Rex cats (DRC). The cutaneous populations of Malassezia were determined using contact plates and a swab‐wash method before and after 21 days of pulse treatment with itraconazole (5 mg kg−1 once daily, 7 days on, 7 days off, 7 days on). Before treatment, all cats had greasy seborrhoeic dermatitis involving the axillae, groin, claw folds and palmar and plantar interdigital skin, and two had similar lesions on the ventral neck. After treatment, there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in overall clinical scores and in scores at all individual sites assessed, except for the interdigital skin (P = 0.068). Population sizes of M. pachydermatis in the left and right axillae, left and right groin and palmar interdigital skin were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced, whereas the reduction in claw fold counts did not reach significance (P = 0.068). The dramatic reduction in yeast counts and an associated marked clinical improvement of the seborrhoeic dermatitis provide important pilot data on the potential value of oral itraconazole in the management of seborrhoeic dermatitis associated with M. pachydermatis in DRC.
Localized linear IgA dermatosis induced by UV light‐treatment for herpes zoster
Authors: He Chundi , Xu Honghui , Xiao Ting , Geng Long , Chen Hong‐Duo
Published: May 2007

We report a case of localized linear IgA dermatosis (LID). The patient suffered from herpes zoster on the right waist and received three localized ultraviolet (UV) light treatments. One month later he presented with bullae on the same site. Direct immunofluorescence showed deposition of linear IgA and weak C3 along the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence on the salt‐split human skin demonstrated that IgA antibodies were bound to the epidermal side. To our knowledge, this is the first case of localized LID induced by UV light treatment for herpes zoster. It is also the third case of LID induced by UV light.
Apoptosis, P53 and Bcl‐2 expression in response to topical calcipotriol therapy for psoriasis
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Barakat Manal , Abdel‐Razek Rasha , El‐Din Anbar Tag
Published: May 2007

Background  The histopathologic changes characteristic of psoriasis might be related to suppressed apoptosis. The P53 and Bcl‐2 proteins play a central role in the regulation of apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate P53 and Bcl‐2 expression and apoptotic cells in the psoriatic skin before and after topical calcipotriol therapy.

Methods  Skin biopsies were obtained from nonlesional and lesional skin of 10 patients with generalized plaque psoriasis before and after treatment with topical calcipotriol ointment. The P53 and Bcl‐2 expression was evaluated using immunoperoxidase technique and apoptotic cells by the terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT) mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) method.

Results  After topical calcipotriol therapy, keratinocytes of psoriatic skin showed significant decrease of P53 (P = 0.002) and increase of Bcl‐2 (P = 0.01) expression. On the other hand lymphocytes showed significant decrease of Bcl‐2 (P = 0.01). There were no apoptotic cells before treatment but after calcipotriol therapy, apoptosis was more detectable in keratinocytes than in lymphocytes.

Conclusions  The results of the study suggested that one of the actions of calcipotriol in psoriasis might be exerted through induction of apoptosis, especially of keratinocytes, through a P53‐independent pathway. Meanwhile, suppression of Bcl‐2 expression in lymphocytes may promote apoptosis of dermal lymphocytes leading to healing of psoriasis.
Hanging groin and persistent pruritus in a patient from Burkina Faso
Authors: Niamba Pascal , Gaulier Alain , Taïeb Alain
Published: May 2007

Onchocerciasis is a filarial disease caused by Onchocerca volvuvus which can lead to skin, bladder or ocular signs. The authors report a 6‐month history of generalized pruritus and two bilateral and symmetric masses in inguinal areas in a 57‐year‐old black woman. Skin snips and a biopsy of a subcutaneous nodule were diagnosed as onchocerciasis with hanging groin and the patient was treated with ivermectin with a dramatic improvement.

If pruritus is the most constant symptom of onchocerciasis, hanging groin is usually observed only in hyperendemic areas in association with high microfilarial density. As no protective immune response is acquired after onchocerciasis, it is recommended that observation is maintained in communities where blindness is less common but where skin manifestations remain prevalent. There is a risk of misdiagnosing onchocerciasis owing to its long incubation period and its unfamiliarity to physicians in nonendemic areas.
Skin pressure profiles and variations with body postural changes beneath medical elastic compression stockings
Authors: Liu Rong , Kwok Yi Lin , Li Yi , Lao Terence T. , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2007

Background  Medical elastic compression stockings (GCSs) are one of the most widely used mechanical compression approaches to relieve venous disorders of the lower limb. The skin pressure profiles applied by compression stockings may be altered with body postural changes, thus exerting influences on their therapeutic efficiency.

Objectives  To examine and quantify objectively the skin pressure distribution and magnitude beneath GCSs with body postural changes, and to analyze the possible reasons for skin pressure variations.

Methods  The pressure levels of four different kinds of commonly used GCS were measured using piezoelectric sensors and a multichannel measuring system in six female healthy volunteers in 10 different body positions.

Results  Body postural changes significantly influenced the skin pressure profiles (P < 0.001). Skin pressures at the ankle and on the anterior side of the leg were always highest when tested in all positions. Extension and flexion of the knee joint significantly influenced the skin pressure at the anterior and posterior aspects of the leg, especially when tested in the sitting position with the knee flexed at 90° and in the supine position with the knee flexed at more than 90° (P < 0.001). Plantar flexion of the ankle joint, such as up‐heel standing and heel‐off walking, significantly increased the skin pressure in the ankle region. Contraction, extension, and relaxation of the calf muscle did not produce large fluctuations in skin pressure when tested in positions with full knee extension.

Conclusions  Body postures may be one of the most important factors influencing the skin pressure profiles applied by compression stockings. The anatomic structure of individual legs, the special design of compression stockings, and the physical properties of stocking materials also influence skin pressure variations at different tested locations in different body positions. Appropriate leg postural changes and exercise may improve the therapeutic effectiveness of GCSs.
Basal cell carcinoma: treatment with imiquimod
Authors: Bukhardt Pérez M. P. , Ruiz‐Villaverde Ricardo , Naranjo Díaz M. J. , Blasco Melguizo J. , Naranjo Sintes R.
Published: May 2007

Background  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. There are various approaches to its treatment, but imiquimod, the immune response modifier, offers a topical, noninvasive, nonsurgical therapeutic option.

Methods  We present our experience of the treatment of 96 patients with BCCs during the period March 2002 to February 2004 at the Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínico S. Cecilio, Granada, Spain. One hundred and forty‐one tumors (nodular, superficial, and pearly/ulcerated clinical types) were treated with imiquimod.

Results  The clinical cure rate at 12 months was 80–85%.

Conclusion  Our experience indicates that imiquimod is a reasonable option for the treatment of BCC. It is low cost, can be delivered via ambulatory care, and has tolerable side‐effects.