bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study for the centralized measurement of sperm concentration
Authors: JONCKHEERE JOSEPH , CALLEWAERT NICO , GROOTENHUIS ARIJAN J. , KERSEMAEKERS WENDY M. , COOPER TREVOR G.
Published: August 2005

Despite several efforts to standardize methods of semen analysis, sperm count is known to be subject to large interlaboratory differences. This is especially a problem in multicentre clinical trial settings and protocols for the preparation of semen for centralized assessment of sperm concentration are suggested here. The stability of semen has been tested after fixation with formalin at different dilutions and at different temperatures for different sperm concentrations. Sperm concentrations in formalin‐fixed semen (at dilutions 1 + 0.5 to 1 + 19) were stable (<20% difference from original) at all concentrations (0.1 × 106/mL to 100 × 106/mL) for at least 5 days at room temperature and 4 °C. Prolonged stability up to 5 weeks at 4 °C was demonstrated for the lower dilutions (1 + 0.5 and 1 + 1). Freezing of fixed semen samples was unacceptable. These results illustrate that centralized assessment of sperm concentrations is feasible.
Aromatase and oestrogens in human male germ cells
Authors: LAMBARD SOPHIE , CARREAU SERGE
Published: August 2005

The mammalian testis serves two main functions: production of spermatozoa and synthesis of steroids, among them oestrogens are the end products obtained from the irreversible transformation of androgens by aromatase (P450arom). Up today P450arom has been demonstrated in male germ cells of all mammals so far studied (mice, rat, bank vole, bear, monkey). In man Leydig cells and immature germ cells as well as ejaculated spermatozoa express a biologically active aromatase. Moreover germ cells and spermatozoa contain oestrogen receptors (ER‐α and ER‐β) and it is of note that a truncated form of ER‐α is present in spermatozoa. These observations clearly suggest that oestrogens are likely concerned in various stages of male germ cell development.
Spontaneous viral clearance following acute hepatitis C infection: a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Micallef J. M. , Kaldor J. M. , Dore G. J.
Published: August 2005

Summary. A large number of studies have reported on spontaneous viral clearance rates in acute hepatitis C infection, however most have been small, and reported rates have varied quite widely. To improve the precision of the estimated rate of spontaneous viral clearance, a systematic review was conducted of longitudinal studies. Factors associated with viral clearance were also examined. Inclusion criteria for studies were: longitudinal assessment from time of acute hepatitis C; hepatitis C virus RNA analysis as determinant of viral clearance; untreated for acute hepatitis C. Information on study population, and factors that may influence viral clearance were extracted from each study. Viral clearance was defined among individuals with at least 6 months follow‐up following acute hepatitis C. The number of subjects with viral clearance was expressed as a proportion for each study and a weighted mean for proportion was calculated. A total of 31 studies were examined. Study populations included nine studies of post‐transfusion hepatitis, 19 of acute clinical hepatitis, and three of sero‐incident cases. In total, data was available for 675 subjects and the mean study population was 22 (range 4–67). The proportion with viral clearance ranged from 0.0 to 0.8, with a weighted mean of 0.26 (95% CI 0.22–0.29). Factors associated with viral clearance were female gender and acute clinical hepatitis C study population. Further studies are required to more clearly define predictors of clearance and guide therapeutic intervention strategies.
Characterization of T‐cell responses against immunodominant epitopes from hepatitis C virus E2 and NS4a proteins
Authors: Sarobe P. , Lasarte J.‐J. , García N. , Civeira M. P. , Borrás‐Cuesta F. , Prieto J.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  Successful clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with strong cellular immune responses against viral antigens. However, although the magnitude of these responses is clearly important for viral eradication, more studies are needed to unravel the fine specificity of the protective anti‐HCV immunity in infected patients. This was the aim of the present study. Overlapping peptides spanning the sequence of HCV E2 and NS4a proteins were used to stimulate T cells from patients with chronic hepatitis C divided into three groups: naïve patients, patients who exhibited sustained response to interferon (IFN)‐α therapy and patients who failed to respond to the treatment. Interleukin‐2 production by stimulated cells was measured in each case. Patients with sustained response to therapy had stronger responses to E2 peptides than nonresponders, whereas naïve patients demonstrated intermediate reactivity. In the case of NS4a, responses against peptides where similar in all groups of patients. Analysis of the peptides recognized by T cells showed that responses were broad and heterogeneous, and some immunodominant epitopes, preferentially recognized by patients exhibiting sustained response to treatment, were found. These results confirm the role of cellular immune responses in viral clearance, and stress the importance of immunodominant regions within HCV antigens. These viral sequences may represent valuable immunogens for preparation of therapeutic or prophylactic vaccines.
Serum lipid pattern in chronic hepatitis C: histological and virological correlations
Authors: Siagris D. , Christofidou M. , Theocharis G. J. , Pagoni N. , Papadimitriou C. , Lekkou A. , Thomopoulos K. , Starakis I. , Tsamandas A. C. , Labropoulou‐Karatza C.
Published: August 2005

Summary.  Lipoproteins are closely connected to the process of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipaemic profile in patients with chronic HCV infection, and to identify any association between serum lipid levels and viral load, HCV genotype or liver histology. Total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG) were measured in the sera of 155 patients with chronic HCV infection and 138 normal subjects, matched for age and sex. Viral parameters and liver histology were evaluated in HCV‐infected patients. Serum TC (P < 0.0005), HDL‐C (P < 0.0005) and LDL‐C (P < 0.0005) were lower in chronic hepatitis C patients compared with controls. Grading score was positively correlated with TC and LDL‐C. Patients with HCV genotype 3a had significantly lower levels of TC, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, higher viral load and higher frequency of hepatic steatosis than those with other genotypes. Logistic regression analysis identified genotype 3a (OR, 6.96; 95% CI, 2.17–22.32, P = 0.0011) as the only significant predictive variable associated with low serum cholesterol concentration. HCV infection is associated with clinically significant lower cholesterol levels (TC, LDL and HDL) when compared with those of normal subjects. This finding is more pronounced in patients infected with HCV genotype 3a. Further studies are necessary to define the pathophysiology of the relationship between lipid metabolism and HCV infection.
Zosteriform cutaneous metastases from breast adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bassioukas Konstantinos , Nakuci Mikel , Dimou Sofia , Kanellopoulou Malama , Alexis Ioannis
Published: August 2005

Cutaneous metastases from breast adenocarcinoma are usually nodular, single or multiple. Their zosteriform distribution is very rare. We present a 54‐year‐old woman with cutaneous zosteriform nodular metastases on the right side of her thorax, and infiltration of the corresponding arm, 3 months after the excision of adenocarcinoma of her right breast.
Sweet's syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) associated with adenocarcinoma of prostate and transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder
Authors: Hussein K , Nanda A , Al‐Sabah H , Alsaleh QA
Published: August 2005

Association of Sweet's syndrome (SS) with solid tumours is found in about 15% of all malignancy‐associated cases, but an association with two malignancies occurring in the same patient has been rarely reported. In the present report, we describe an 82‐year‐old male with SS in association with adenocarcinoma of the prostate and transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
Idiopathic nodular panniculitis in Niemann‐Pick disease
Authors: Bukhari I
Published: August 2005

Idiopathic nodular panniculitis is a condition characterized by the recurrent appearance of inflammatory nodules in the subcutaneous fat. In this report, an infant affected with Niemann‐Pick disease and recurrent lobular panniculitis is described and discussed.
Sildenafil citrate‐aided radiotherapy for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma of the penis
Authors: EkmekcI TR , Kendirci M , Kizilkaya O , Koslu A
Published: August 2005

We report a case of classical Kaposi's sarcoma involving multiple sites of the penis in a 62‐year‐old male who was treated with sildenafil citrate‐aided electron beam therapy, resulting in complete resolution of the lesions.
Cutaneous manifestations of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy
Authors: Rocha N , Velho G , Horta M , Martins A , Massa A
Published: August 2005

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy is an autosomal dominant amyloidosis, characterized by the systemic deposition of amyloid with a particular involvement of the peripheral nerves.

The disease generally manifests as a severe sensory, motor and autonomic neuropathy. Cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, vitreous opacities and carpal tunnel syndrome may occur in a variable association with the neuropathy.

 Trophic dermatological lesions are frequent in the more advanced stages of the disease.

 We examined the skin of 142 patients. The cutaneous manifestations more frequently observed were: xerosis (81.6%), seborrheic dermatitis (21.8%), traumatic and burn lesions (19.7%), acne (18.3%), neurotrophic ulcers (14%) and onychomycosis (10.5%).

 Among the hepatic transplanted patients (31%), seborrheic dermatitis and acne were the most frequent diagnoses.
Neurofibromatosis of atypical presentation
Authors: Tato BP , Sáez AC , Recuero JLD , Dorado MM , Fernández PR , De Paz FS
Published: August 2005

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is considered to be a heterogeneous neuroectodermal disease clinically defined by the presence of neurofibromas, multiple café‐au‐lait spots, intertriginous freckles and Lisch nodules. Mosaicism explains atypical presentations of the disease. Early mutations, before tissue differentiation, give rise to generalized disease. We report an atypical presentation of neurofibromatosis with an unusual distribution of neurofibromas, a peculiar, clinically and pathologically, neurofibroma on the trunk and the association with an ovarian serous cystoadenofibroma.
Painful penile ulceration in a patient with malignant atrophic papulosis
Authors: Aydogan K , Alkan G , Karadogan Koran S , Adim SB , Kiyici M , Tokgoz N
Published: August 2005

Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP) is a rare, obliterating vasculopathy affecting multiple systems, frequently with a poor prognosis. Although cutaneous lesions are often the initial presentation, systemic involvement is also common, usually with a fatal outcome. Involvement of the genitalia is very rare. We describe a 45‐year‐old male patient with multisytemic manifestation of MAP accompanied by painful penile ulceration. The pathogenesis of MAP is not yet fully understood and effective treatment choices are limited. In our case, the combination of pentoxifylline and dipyridamole failed to provide a beneficial effect on the progression of the disease and the patient died due to intestinal and intrathoracic manifestation of MAP. In the present case, attention should be drawn to the following clinical course and therapeutic properties: (i) we describe the second patient in the literature diagnosed with MAP and painful penile ulceration; (ii) to our knowledge, this is the first reported case with oesophageal fistula due to MAP; (iii) we could not confirm the efficacy of pentoxifylline, the recently reported treatment modality, in our patient.
Scleroderma with type III glomerulonephritis and MPO‐ANCA antibodies in the serum
Authors: Herrera‐Esparza R , Aguilar J‐L , Saucedo A , González I , López‐Robles E , Avalos‐Díaz E
Published: August 2005

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by early inflammatory infiltrates followed by fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. CREST is a relatively benign cutaneous variant of scleroderma that features calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, oesophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangiectases. Glomerulonephritis is a rare association of CREST. We are reporting a patient with CREST who developed glomerulonephritis and had anticentromere and antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) in her serum.
Lupus erythematosus associated with erythema multiforme: report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Aydogan K , Karadogan SK , Balaban Adim S , Tunali S
Published: August 2005

Rowell's syndrome (RS) is a rare presentation of lupus erythematosus (LE) with erythema multiforme‐like lesions associated with antinuclear, anti‐La (SS‐B)/anti‐Ro (SS‐A) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity. This syndrome is suggested to be a different variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus by some authors in literature. Here we present a 64‐year‐old woman with LE and a 51‐year‐old woman with LE and Sjögren syndrome (SS) who had erythema multiforme‐like eruptions and discuss the coexistence of lupus erythematosus and erythema multiforme.
Cutaneous larva migrans with folliculitis: a new clinical presentation of this infestation
Authors: Veraldi S , Bottini S , Carrera C , Gianotti R
Published: August 2005

Two patients (a 35‐year‐old woman and a 33‐year‐old man, just returned from trips to Jamaica and Barbados, respectively) presented with cutaneous larva migrans with folliculitis, a rare and atypical clinical presentation of this infestation. Histopathological examination revealed a follicular and perifollicular infiltrate prevalently consisting of lymphocytes and neutrophils, with numerous eosinophils. Both patients were successfully treated with oral albendazole.
Neutrophil dermatosis of the dorsal hands
Authors: Larsen HK , Danielsen AG , Krustrup D , Weismann K
Published: August 2005

Neutrophil dermatosis of the dorsal hands (NDDH) is a recently described skin manifestation regarded as a subset of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatotis (Sweet syndrome). We describe 5 cases with pustular and ulcerative plaques and/or bullae and vesicles of the dorsal hands. Three of the patients also had skin changes at sides other than the hands. Associated conditions were found in two patients, one patient treated with hemo‐dialysis for chronic glomerulonephritis, and one patient had suffered from a streptococcal tonsillitis prior to the eruption. Two of the patients had fever, two had neutrophil leucocytosis in peripheral blood and two had elevated sedimentation rates. Histological findings showed signs of vasculitis in biopsies from two of the patients. NDDH is discussed on the basis of prior case reports concerning the subject, and it is concluded that Neutrophil dermatosis of the dorsal hands should be regarded as a localized variety of Sweet syndrome.
An open‐label study of alefacept plus ultraviolet B light as combination therapy for chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Ortonne JP , Khemis A , Koo JYM , Choi J
Published: August 2005

Background  Alefacept, a fully human LFA‐3/IgG1 fusion protein, is a selective biological agent approved in the United States for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. In phase 3 trials, clinical improvement and prolonged off‐treatment remission of psoriasis correlated with reductions in circulating memory T cells. Reductions in pathogenic epidermal T cells in psoriatic lesions also have been noted following phototherapy with ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Because alefacept and UVB target T cells in different ways, combination therapy with these two agents may lead to greater efficacy.

Objectives  To determine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy trends of combination therapy with alefacept plus UVB light in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Methods  In an open‐label, parallel‐group study conducted at two sites, one in France and one in the United States, patients with chronic plaque psoriasis who were candidates for phototherapy received 12‐weekly intramuscular injections of alefacept, 15 mg. In addition, patients were randomized to one of three treatment arms: no UVB treatment, 6‐week UVB treatment, and 12‐week UVB treatment. UVB treatment consisted of narrowband (NB) UVB at the site in France and broadband (BB) UVB at the site in the United States. The 12‐week treatment period was followed by a 12‐week follow‐up period. Clinic visits occurred weekly during treatment and every 2–4 weeks during follow‐up.

Results  A total of 60 patients (n = 30/site) were enrolled in the study. Alefacept was well tolerated when administered in combination with UVB treatment and as monotherapy. There was no evidence of increased phototoxicity or photosensitivity with the combination. At each study site, alefacept/UVB provided a higher overall response rate and led to a more rapid onset of response compared with alefacept monotherapy. Of patients who achieved ≥ 50% reduction from baseline Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 50) at 2 weeks after the last dose of alefacept, 75–100% in the combination therapy groups maintained this response throughout follow‐up in the absence of further psoriasis therapy.

Conclusions  In patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, combination therapy with alefacept plus short‐term (6–12 weeks) UVB treatment is well tolerated with a trend toward greater and more rapid efficacy than alefacept alone.
Randomized placebo‐controlled trial of a flavonoid‐rich plant extract‐based cream in the treatment of rosacea
Authors: Rigopoulos D , Kalogeromitros D , Gregoriou S , Pacouret JM , Koch C , Fisher N , Bachmann K , Brown M , Schwarz E , Camel E , Katsambas A
Published: August 2005

Background  Biological research suggests that vascular changes may play a major role in rosacea pathogenesis. Chrysanthellum indicum is a plant‐based extract containing a unique combination of phenylpropenoic acids, flavonoids and saponosids, and has a well‐documented effect on vascular wall permeability and increase of the mechanical resistance of capillaries.

Objective  To determine the efficacy and safety of a cream containing 1%C. indicum extract with vitamin P properties in the treatment of rosacea.

Methods  This study included 246 patients diagnosed clinically as having moderate rosacea. Patients were randomly allocated to C. indicum extract‐based cream (n = 125) and placebo (n = 121) groups. Patients were advised to apply the products on their face twice a day for a 12‐week period. The patients were examined at the end of each 4‐week period. Severity of erythema (graded by reference to six photographs), surface of erythema and rosacea overall severity scores were recorded at each visit on days 0, 28, 56 and 84. Investigators carried out a final efficacy assessment at the end of week 12. Volunteers’ final overall efficacy assessment was recorded in a self‐administered questionnaire. Adverse events were identified through examination, interview and collection of comments in patients’ questionnaires.

Results  Treatment with the C. indicum extract‐based cream resulted in significant improvement (P < 0.05) in severity of erythema, overall rosacea severity compared to baseline and placebo, and investigator and patient overall efficacy assessment scores (P = 0.046 and P = 0.001, respectively) compared with placebo scores. Adverse reactions were mild, and did not differ between the C. indicum extract‐based cream and the placebo groups.

Conclusion  Chrysanthellum indicum extract‐based cream is an effective and well‐tolerated topical agent for the treatment of moderate rosacea. The mode of action of the active ingredient suggests that additional efficacy might be expected from combination with other topical treatments.
Fas (CD95) and bcl‐2 expression in active skin lesions of Behçet's disease
Authors: Bariş YS , Yildiz L , Şentürk N , Kandemır B
Published: August 2005

Over‐expression of bcl‐2 in lymphocytes has an important role in some immunological and inflammatory diseases. Fas (CD95) is a cell surface molecule that mediates receptor‐triggered apoptosis in various cells including autoreactive T cells. In this study we investigated bcl‐2 and Fas (CD95) expression in dermal lymphocytes in active skin lesions of Behçet's disease (BD) and in skin biopsy samples with chronic, non‐specific inflammations. Tissue sections of 29 skin lesions of Behçet's disease and of 10 chronic non‐spesific inflammatory process cases from the archives of the Ondokuz Mayıs University's Pathology Department were immunohistochemically stained for bcl‐2 and Fas (CD95), and lymphocytes in the dermal infiltrate were evaluated for cytoplasmic staining. bcl‐2 staining was observed in the skin lesions of 22 cases (75.8%) of Behçet's disease. bcl‐2 staining was detected in two (20%) control skin biopsy samples with non‐specific chronic inflammation. Fas (CD95) positivity was not detected in lymphocytes in Behçet's disease‐related skin lesions. Fas (CD95) staining was observed in only three skin biopsy samples with non‐specific chronic inflammation. bcl‐2 and Fas (CD95) staining values in Behçet's and non‐specific inflammation groups were significantly different (P < 0.01); differences in the bcl‐2 staining values between Behçet's patients with mucocutaneous involvement only and mucocutaneous and other systemic involvements were not significant (P > 0.05). Expression of bcl‐2 and loss of Fas (CD95) expression in dermal lymphocytes may play a role in the development of skin lesions and may account for the chronic course with periodic exacerbations in BD.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with 8% clobetasol nail lacquer: positive experience in 10 patients
Authors: Sánchez Regaña M , Martín Ezquerra G , Umbert Millet Pablo , Llambí Mateos F
Published: August 2005

Background  Treatment of nail psoriasis is difficult. Several topical therapies have been employed with poor results because drug penetration is limited in this localization. Recently, a new formulation containing 8% clobetasol‐17‐propionate in a colourless nail lacquer vehicle has shown good results in the control of nail psoriasis.

Objective  To determine the efficacy and safety of 8% clobetasol‐17‐propionate in a lacquer vehicle in nail psoriasis.

Methods  Ten patients with both nail bed and matrix psoriasis were included in the study. They were treated with a colourless nail lacquer containing 8% clobetasol‐17‐propionate that was applied once daily for 21 days and then twice weekly for 9 months.

Results  Within 4 weeks of therapy there was a reduction of all the nail alterations, including nail pain. Therapeutic response was directly related to the length of therapy. The nail parameters that responded best to therapy were onycholysis, pitting and salmon patches. Subungual hyperkeratosis and splinter haemorrhages on the other hand had moderate and poor improvement, respectively. The treatment was well tolerated in all of the patients and there were no local (i.e. atrophy and sobreinfection) or systemic secondary effects.

Conclusions  The formulation containing 8% clobetasol‐17‐propionate is a safe, effective and cosmetically highly acceptable treatment for nail bed and matrix psoriasis.
Case mix measures and diagnosis‐related groups: opportunities and threats for inpatient dermatology
Authors: Hensen P , Fürstenberg T , Luger TA , Steinhoff M , Roeder N
Published: August 2005

Objective  The changing healthcare environment world‐wide is leading to extensive use of per case payment systems based on diagnosis‐related groups (DRG). The aim of this study was to examine the impact of application of different DRG systems used in the German healthcare system.

Methods  We retrospectively analysed 2334 clinical data sets of inpatients discharged from an academic dermatological inpatient unit in 2003. Data were regarded as providing high coding quality in compliance with the diagnosis and procedure classifications as well as coding standards. The application of the Australian AR‐DRG version 4.1, the German G‐DRG version 1.0, and the German G‐DRG version 2004 was considered in detail. To evaluate more specific aspects, data were broken down into 11 groups based on the principle diagnosis.

Main outcome measure  DRG cost weights and case mix index were used to compare coverage of inpatient dermatological services. Economic impacts were illustrated by case mix volumes and calculation of DRG payments.

Results  Case mix index results and the pending prospective revenues vary tremendously from the application of one or another of the DRG systems. The G‐DRG version 2004 provides increased levels of case mix index that encourages, in particular, medical dermatology.

Conclusions  The AR‐DRG version 4.1 and the first German DRG version 1.0 appear to be less suitable to adequately cover inpatient dermatology. The G‐DRG version 2004 has been greatly improved, probably due to proceeding calculation standards and DRG adjustments. The future of inpatient dermatology is subject to appropriate depiction of well‐established treatment standards.
A guide to antibiotic resistance in bacterial skin infections
Authors: Perera G , Hay R
Published: August 2005

The emergence of bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics is not new. In this review we have tried to cover the ever increasing problems facing the treatment and containment of bacterial skin infections. We have tried to give an overview of the varied mechanisms by which bacteria gain and spread antimicrobial resistance, whilst dealing with the patterns of resistance exhibited by some of the commonly encountered organisms. Where there is evidence, we have formulated an approach on how to tackle antibiotic resistance. Where there is a lack of evidence we have formulated what we perceive to be appropriate guidelines.
Ichthyosis follicularis, alopecia and photophobia (IFAP) syndrome treated with acitretin
Authors: Khandpur S , Bhat R , Ramam M
Published: August 2005

We describe a 3‐year‐old male patient with the ichthyosis follicularis, alopecia and photophobia (IFAP) syndrome, who developed cutaneous and ocular involvement in infancy. In addition, he had growth retardation and borderline intelligence; no other systemic involvement was found on detailed investigation. A moderate response to acitretin therapy (1 mg/kg) administered for 6 months was observed, with improvement in cutaneous features and corneal erosions and no change in alopecia or photophobia.
Effect of calcipotriol on epidermal cell populations in alefacept‐treated psoriatic lesions
Authors: Van Duijnhoven MWFM , Körver JEM , Vissers WHPM , Van Vlijmen‐Willems IMJJ , Pasch MC , Van Erp PEJ , Van de Kerkhof PCM
Published: August 2005

Background and objectives  The effect of the established antipsoriatic treatment with topical calcipotriol (with a maximum of 100 g per week) in addition to systemic treatment with alefacept, a new biological agent for psoriasis, on epidermal cell populations in the psoriatic lesion was investigated using a combination of the Zenon labelling technique and microscopic image analysis. Epidermal cell populations were measured quantitatively with this sensitive method.

Patients/methods  Frozen sections of non‐treated psoriatic epidermis and psoriatic epidermis treated with either alefacept intramuscular or alefacept intramuscular in combination with topical calcipotriol for 12 weeks were compared immunohistochemically. Antibodies against keratin 6, 10 and 15 were labelled with the Zenon technique, whereas antibodies against the Ki‐67 antigen and beta‐1 integrin were covalently Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labelled. Using image analysis, these markers were measured in the epidermis in a standardized manner.

Results and conclusions  Treatment of psoriasis with alefacept resulted in a good clinical response in several patients and in a normalization of epidermal expression of the immunohistochemical parameters for differentiation and proliferation. The addition of topical calcipotriol resulted in a faster clinical improvement with a similar overall clinical response and a similar response of epidermal cell populations as compared to treatment with alefacept monotherapy after 12 weeks of treatment. This study also suggests that the appearance of keratin 15 has a predictive value for the duration of remission. It can be concluded that the addition of a low‐dose calcipotriol treatment does not contribute to the clinical efficacy of alefacept, both at the clinical level and with respect to markers for epidermal proliferation and differentiation.
No allelic variant associations of the IL‐1 and TNF gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to duodenal ulcer disease
Authors: Garcia‐Gonzalez M. A. , Savelkoul P. H. M. , Benito R. , Santolaria S. , Crusius J. B. A. , Peña A. S. , Lanas A.
Published: August 2005

Recent studies have reported the association of a pro‐inflammatory profile of genetic polymorphisms in IL‐1B, IL‐1RN, TNF‐A, and IL‐10 genes with an increased risk of non‐cardia gastric cancer. Because gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer are mutually exclusive outcomes of Helicobacter pylori infection, we aimed to investigate possible allelic variant associations of several functional polymorphisms in the IL‐1B, IL‐1RN, TNFA, and LTA genes in the susceptibility to duodenal ulcer. Genomic DNA from 118 patients with duodenal ulcer and 97 healthy controls was typed for the IL‐1B polymorphisms at positions −511, −31, and +3954, the VNTR polymorphism in intron 2 of the IL‐1RN gene, the TNFA−308, TNFA −238, and the NcoI and BsI LTA polymorphisms by PCR, SSCP and TaqMan assays. H. pylori infection and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use was investigated in patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis identified H. pylori infection (OR: 12.86; 95%CI: 3.85–43), NSAID use (OR: 11.95; 95%CI: 4.19–34.05), and family history‐ulcer (OR: 3.79; 95%CI: 1.68–8.54) as independent risk factors for duodenal ulcer. When the effect of the combinations of IL‐1 and TNF genotypes was studied we found that the distribution of all possible combinations of these eight polymorphisms was similar in duodenal ulcer patients and controls. The simultaneous carriage of alleles IL‐1RN*2/IL‐1B −31T/IL‐1B −511C/IL‐IB +3954C/TNF‐HaplotypeE negative (termed in some studies as ‘low‐producing’ alleles) was increased in H. pylori‐positive duodenal ulcer patients compared to H. pylori‐infected healthy controls (10.5% vs. 5.9%) although the difference did not reach statistical significance (OR: 1.85; 95%CI: 0.57–5.99, P = 0.41). Moreover, no differences were found with respect to H. pylori status, NSAID use, age, gender, smoking habit, type of complication, recurrence of the ulcer, and need for surgical treatment. Our data show no association between allelic variants of IL‐1 and TNF gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to and final outcome of duodenal ulcer.
Complement factor B allotypes in the susceptibility and severity of coeliac disease in patients and relatives
Authors: Da Rosa Utiyama S. R. , Da Silva Kotze L. M. , De Messias Reason I. T.
Published: August 2005

The alternative pathway of complement plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease (CD), where factor B (BF) is central to its activation. CD is a gluten‐sensitive enteropathy that results from a complex interplay between genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors. In this study we evaluated the association of BF allotypes with the susceptibility and severity of CD, and with the presence of autoantibodies. Seventy‐six non‐related patients (56 female; 20 male; 2–77 years) and 150 first‐degree relatives (87 female, 63 male; 2–75 years) were investigated. As controls, 97 healthy individuals were included (67 female;, 30 male; 1–71 years). The BF allotypes were determined by high‐voltage agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by specific immunofixation. Disease severity was evaluated by anti‐endomisial antibody (IgA‐EmA) titres and histological findings of intestinal mucosa, which showed a high correlation (r = 0.8; P < 0.00001) in samples collected simultaneously. IgA‐EmA was detected in all CD patients ingesting gluten, and in 13.3% of the relatives. The IgA‐EmA, smooth muscle, mitochondrial, liver‐kidney microsomal, nuclear, gastric parietal cells, and thyroid microsome antibodies were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. A significant decrease in BF S (P = 0.026) and an increasing tendency in BF SF allotype (P = 0.06) were observed in CD patients when compared to their relatives. On the other hand, BF S frequency was increased (P = 0.001 RR = 2.32) and BF SF (P = 0.002) decreased in the relatives when compared to the controls. No differences were observed in the distribution of BF phenotypes amongst the CD patients and the control group, and no association was found with CD severity or with the presence of autoantibodies. These results suggest BF SF as a CD susceptibility marker, and BF S as a protection marker of the disease amongst CD families in the Brazilian population.
The MCP‐1 −2518 (A to G) single nucleotide polymorphism is not associated with myocardial infarction in the Czech population
Authors: Cermakova Z. , Petrkova J. , Arakelyan A. , Drabek J. , Mrazek F. , Lukl J. , Petrek M.
Published: August 2005

Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 is the key chemokine in the process of atheroslerotic vascular inflammation. Examining already reported association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and the SNP A/G in the MCP‐1 gene (position −2518), 139 Czech patients with CAD manifested as myocardial infarction (MI) and 359 unrelated healthy control (C) subjects were genotyped by PCR‐SSP. Genotype and allele frequencies were not different in MI and C groups (allele G: MI, 20.5%; C, 23.8%, OR = 0.8, P > 0.05). No differences were detected when the patients were subdivided based on sex or the age of MI first occurrence. Further, no relationship was observed between circulating MCP‐1 levels and carriage of the G allele. The data do not support a role for the MCP‐1 −2518 single nucleotide polymorphism in susceptibility to CAD manifested by myocardial infarction.
SZNAJD COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: DA FONTOURA COSTA LUCIANO
Published: August 2005

The Sznajd cellular automata corresponds to one of the simplest and yet most interesting models of complex systems. While the traditional two-dimensional Sznajd model tends to a consensus state (pro or cons), the assignment of the contrary to the dominant opinion to some of its cells during the system evolution is known to provide stabilizing feedback implying the overall system state to oscillate around null magnetization. The current article presents a novel type of geographic complex network model whose connections follow an associated feedbacked Sznajd model, i.e., the Sznajd dynamics is run over the network edges. Only connections not exceeding a maximum Euclidean distance D are considered, and any two nodes within such a distance are randomly selected and, in case they are connected, all network nodes which are no further than D are connected to them. In case they are not connected, all nodes within that distance are disconnected from them. Pairs of nodes are then randomly selected and assigned to the contrary of the dominant connectivity. The topology of the complex networks obtained by such a simple growth scheme, which are typically characterized by patches of connected communities, is analyzed both at global and individual levels in terms of a set of hierarchical measurements introduced recently. A series of interesting properties are identified and discussed comparatively to random and scale-free models with the same number of nodes and similar connectivity.
NUMERICAL SOLUTION FOR THE FRACTIONAL REPLICATOR EQUATION
Authors: AHMED E. , EL-SAYED A. M. A. , EL-MESIRY A. E. M. , EL-SAKA H. A. A.
Published: August 2005

In this paper, we study the replicator equation for the hawk–dove (HD) and Prisoner's Dilemma (PD) games and generalized it to the fractional differential equation.
CONFIGURABLE CELLULAR AUTOMATA FOR PSEUDORANDOM NUMBER GENERATION
Authors: QUIETA MARIE THERESE , GUAN SHENG-UEI
Published: August 2005

This paper proposes a generalized structure of cellular automata (CA) — the configurable cellular automata (CoCA). With selected properties from programmable CA (PCA) and controllable CA (CCA), a new approach to cellular automata is developed. In CoCA, the cells are dynamically reconfigured at run-time via a control CA. Reconfiguration of a cell simply means varying the properties of that cell with time. Some examples of properties to be reconfigured are rule selection, boundary condition, and radius. While the objective of this paper is to propose CoCA as a new CA method, the main focus is to design a CoCA that can function as a good pseudorandom number generator (PRNG). As a PRNG, CoCA can be a suitable candidate as it can pass 17 out of 18 Diehard tests with 31 cells. CoCA PRNG's performance based on Diehard test is considered superior over other CA PRNG works. Moreover, CoCA opens new rooms for research not only in the field of random number generation, but in modeling complex systems as well.
DIFFUSIVITY OF TWO-COMPONENT ISOTHERMAL FINITE DIFFERENCE LATTICE BOLTZMANN MODELS
Authors: SOFONEA VICTOR , SEKERKA ROBERT F.
Published: August 2005

Diffusion equations are derived for an isothermal lattice Boltzmann model with two components. The first-order upwind finite difference scheme is used to solve the evolution equations for the distribution functions. When using this scheme, the numerical diffusivity, which is a spurious diffusivity in addition to the physical diffusivity, is proportional to the lattice spacing and significantly exceeds the physical value of the diffusivity if the number of lattice nodes per unit length is too small. Flux limiter schemes are introduced to overcome this problem. Empirical analysis of the results of flux limiter schemes shows that the numerical diffusivity is very small and depends quadratically on the lattice spacing.
SIMULATION OF COLLOIDAL CHAIN MOVEMENTS UNDER A MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: GRÜNZEL MAREIKE
Published: August 2005

Short colloidal chains are simulated by the slithering-snake-algorithm on a simple cubic lattice. The dipole character of the colloidal particles leads to a long range dipole–dipole interaction. The solvent is simulated by the nearest neighbor Ising model. The aligning of the dipoles under a magnetic field gives rise to the chains to align on their part with the field direction.
A NEW GENERAL ALGEBRAIC METHOD WITH SYMBOLIC COMPUTATION TO CONSTRUCT NEW TRAVELING SOLUTION FOR THE (1 +1)-DIMENSIONAL DISPERSIVE LONG WAVE EQUATION
Authors: CHEN YONG
Published: August 2005

A new algebraic method, named Riccati equation rational expansion (RERE) method, is devised for constructing multiple traveling wave solutions for nonlinear evolution equations (NEEs). With the aid of symbolic computation, we choose (1 +1)-dimensional dispersive long wave equation (DLWE) to illustrate our method. As a result, we obtain many types of solutions including rational form solitary wave solutions, triangular periodic wave solutions and rational wave solutions.
DANGEROUS SITUATIONS IN TWO-LANE TRAFFIC FLOW MODELS
Authors: MOUSSA NAJEM
Published: August 2005

This paper investigates the probability of car accidents (PCA) in two-lane traffic flow models. We introduce new conditions for the occurrence of dangerous situations (DS) caused by an unexpected lane changing vehicles. Two different lane changing rules are considered, say symmetric and asymmetric. For the symmetric rules, we investigate the influence of the Nagel–Schreckenberg parameters such as the maximal speed, the randomization probability, …, on the PCA when vehicle moves forward or changes lanes. It is found that the forward PCA is as likely as that in one-lane traffic model. As regards to lane changing, the properties of the PCA are qualitatively different from those in one-lane traffic. For the asymmetric rules, we investigate the effect of the slack parameter Δ, introduced to adjust the inversion point of lane-usage, on the PCA. Contrarily to one-lane traffic, the forward PCA in the right lane exhibits two maximums for some range of Δ; the first one is located at low density and the second at high density. The lane changing PCA from right to left is found to decrease with increase of Δ. However, no DS exist when vehicles change from left to right.
STRUCTURAL PHASE TRANSITION INDUCED BY PRESSURE IN THE ORDERED ALLOY FeRh
Authors: RAJAGOPALAN M.
Published: August 2005

First-principles density functional calculation of the total energy as a function of volume has been performed by the TB-LMTO approach for the ordered alloy FeRh in the anti-ferromagnetic state. We find that FeRh undergoes a structural phase transition from NaCl -type to tetragonal-type structure around 20.3 GPa which is in best agreement with the recent experimental observation. The calculations show that the energy of the antiferromagnetic ground state is lower than the one for the ferromagnetic state at ambient conditions.
MESOSCOPIC FIELD THEORY OF IONIC SYSTEMS
Authors: CIACH A. , STELL G.
Published: August 2005

A mesoscopic field theory for the primitive model of ionic systems with additional, short-range interactions is presented. Generic models in continuum space and with positions of the ions restricted to lattice sites of various lattices are described in detail. We describe briefly the field-theoretic methods and review the foundations of the mesoscopic description. The types of phase diagrams predicted by our theory for different versions of the model are presented and discussed. They all agree with recent simulations. On the quantitative level our theory yields an RPM tricritical-point location on the sc lattice which is in good agreement with the simulation results. Arguments indicating that the critical point in the RPM belongs to the Ising universality class are given.
PATTERN FORMATION IN SMALL ARRAYS OF LOCALLY COUPLED OSCILLATORS
Authors: ELLISON REBECCA , GARDNER VIRGINIA , LEPAK JOEL , O'MALLEY MEGHAN , PAULLET JOSEPH , PREVITE JOSEPH , REID BETH ANN , VIZZARD KATY
Published: August 2005

We investigate small two-dimensional arrays of locally coupled phase oscillators which are shown to exhibit a surprising variety of stable structures which include: single spiral waves, spiral pairs and spirals with secondary periodic core motion. This periodic core motion is not the core meander familiar to many models of active media, but is in fact induced by the boundary of the small domain. Such boundary motion was investigated by Sepulchre and Babloyantz [1993] for the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation and for the Brusselator model in a relaxation oscillation parameter regime. The current model confirms the findings in [Sepulchre & Babloyantz, 1993] and sheds new light on the origin of such motion. The model also exhibits other patterns, as well as a chaotic regime. We discuss the transition between patterns as the form of the coupling is changed as well as implications for pattern formation in general oscillatory media.
KOLMOGOROV'S ε-ENTROPY OF ATTRACTORS FOR LATTICE SYSTEMS
Authors: ZHOU SHENGFAN , JIA QIULI , YIN FUQI
Published: August 2005

In this paper, by using the element decomposition and the covering property of a polyhedron by balls of radii ε in the finite dimensional space, we obtain an upper bound of the Kolmogorov's ε-entropy of the global attractors for the first- and second-order lattice systems.
ANALYSIS OF A BLOOD CELL POPULATION MODEL
Authors: LYNCH S.
Published: August 2005

The discrete dynamics of a blood cell population model are investigated in terms of bistability, instability and chaos. For the first time, the nonlinear model of blood cell production and destruction is investigated with a feedback mechanism incorporated. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the population of blood cells is dependent upon the history of the system, and upon whether parameters (destruction and production rates) are increasing or decreasing. The system also exhibits complex dynamics, such as period-bubbling, and period-doubling and undoubling routes to and from chaos. Some clinical examples are cited in the paper.
ON GLOBAL EXPONENTIAL SYNCHRONIZATION OF CHUA CIRCUITS
Authors: LIAO XIAOXIN , CHEN GUANRONG , XU BINGJI , SHEN YI
Published: August 2005

This paper develops a theory of global exponential synchronization using two Chua circuits as the platform, for which five theorems are established by constructing new Lyapunov functions and employing the comparison principle in conjunction with the stability theory with respect to partial components.
PULSE-EXCITED RC NONAUTONOMOUS CHAOTIC OSCILLATOR STRUCTURES
Authors: ELWAKIL A. S. , ÖZOGUZ S.
Published: August 2005

Two novel circuit-independent RC nonautonomous chaotic oscillator structures are presented. Both structures rely on a periodic pulse-train as the driving force and on a comparator as the only source of nonlinearity.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF A FLUID FLOW MODEL FOR TCP LIKE BEHAVIOR
Authors: MICHIELS WIM , NICULESCU SILVIU-IULIAN
Published: August 2005

This note focuses on the stability analysis of some classes of nonlinear time-delay models, encountered as fluid models for TCP/AQM network. By combining analytical and numerical tools, the attractors of these models, as well as the local and global behaviors of the solutions are studied. Among others, the presence of a chaotic attractor is shown, which supports the proposition that TCP itself as a deterministic process can cause or contribute to chaotic behavior in a network.

The main goals of the paper are firstly to provide qualitative and quantitative information on the dynamics of the models under consideration, and secondly to illustrate the capabilities of computational tools for stability and bifurcation analysis of delay differential equations to analyze fluid flow models.
THE PISTON — CONNECTING ROD — CRANKSHAFT SYSTEM AS A TRIPLE PHYSICAL PENDULUM WITH IMPACTS
Authors: AWREJCEWICZ JAN , KUDRA GRZEGORZ
Published: August 2005

The triple physical pendulum with barriers is used to model a piston — connecting rod — crankshaft system of a mono-cylinder combustion engine. Among other results, a peculiar motion of the piston — connecting rod — crankshaft model is reported, i.e. six sliding stages of the piston along the cylinder per one engine cycle are illustrated. In spite of its simplicity, the introduced model can serve as the first step in a more advanced modeling taking into account various technological details. In particular, the proposed model can be considerably useful for the investigations of impacts between the piston and the cylinder aiming at the reduction or total elimination of this source of harmful noise.
SYMMETRY REDUCTIONS AND A POSTERIORI FINITE ELEMENT ERROR ESTIMATORS FOR BIFURCATION PROBLEMS
Authors: CHIEN C.-S. , JENG B.-W.
Published: August 2005

We discuss efficient continuation algorithms for solving nonlinear eigenvalue problems. First, we exploit the idea of symmetry reductions and discretize the problem on a symmetry cell by the finite element method. Then we incorporate the multigrid V-cycle scheme in the context of continuation method to trace solution branches of the discrete problems, where the preconditioned Lanczos method is used as the relaxation scheme. Next, we apply the symmetry reduction technique to the two-grid finite element discretization scheme [Chien & Jeng, 2005] to solve some nonlinear eigenvalue problems in physical science. The two-grid centered difference discretization scheme described therein was also implemented for comparison. Sample numerical results are reported.