bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permeation study of five formulations of alpha‐tocopherol acetate through human cadaver skin*
Authors: Mahamongkol H. , Bellantone R.A. , Stagni G. , Plakogiannis F.M.
Published: September 2005

Alpha‐tocopherol (AT) is the vitamin E homologue with the highest in vivo biological activity. AT protects against the carcinogenic and mutagenic activity of ionizing radiation and chemical agents, and possibly against UV‐induced cutaneous damage. For stability consideration, alpha‐tocopherol is usually used as its prodrug ester, alpha‐tocopherol acetate (ATA), which once absorbed into the skin is hydrolyzed to alpha‐tocopherol, the active form. The objective of this research was to characterize in vitro the permeation properties of ATA from various solutions and gel formulations. Permeation studies were conducted using modified Franz diffusion cells and human cadaver skin as the membrane. Specifically, 5% (w/w) alpha‐tocopherol acetate was formulated in the following vehicles: ethanol, isopropyl myristate, light mineral oil, 1% Klucel_gel in ethanol, and 3% Klucel_gel in ethanol (w/w). The receiver temperature was 37°C. Samples from the receiver were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 30, 36, and 48 h and analyzed by HPLC for concentrations of alpha‐tocopherol acetate and alpha‐tocopherol. The permeabilities of ATA through human cadaver skin were 1.0 × 10–4, 1.1 × 10–2, 1.4 × 10–4, 2.1 × 10–4, and 4.7 × 10–4 cm/h for the ethanol solution, isopropyl myristate solution, light mineral oil solution, 1% Klucel_gel, and 3% Klucel gel, respectively. The results show that the formulation had relatively minor effects on the permeability coefficients of ATA through cadaver skin in all cases except for the isopropyl myristate solution.
Modified superoxide dismutase for cosmeceuticals
Authors: Kang N.‐G. , Lim J.‐M. , Chang M.‐Y. , Park S.‐G. , Cho W.‐G. , Choi S.‐Y.
Published: September 2005

A human Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase was fused with a transcriptional transactivator protein transduction domain of HIV‐1 to produce a novel anti‐aging ingredient for cosmeceuticals, transcriptional transactivator superoxide dismutase (Tat‐SOD). Stability tests and evaluation of the transduction efficacy and enzymatic activity suggest Tat‐SOD is an effective active ingredient for anti‐aging treatment.
Mapping penetration of cosmetic compounds into hair fibers using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS)
Authors: Hornby S. B. , Appa Y. , Ruetsch S. , Kamath Y.
Published: September 2005

In this communication, penetration of vegetable oils into hair fibers has been investigated by the TOF‐SIMS (Time‐Of‐Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) method. In earlier work [1], the method was found suitable to study the penetration of coconut and mineral oils into human hair. Therefore, the study has been extended to a group of vegetable oils with different types of unsaturation in the fatty acid components. Different patterns of penetration have been observed for oils of different molecular structure. The general pattern which emerges from this study is that polyunsaturated oils do not penetrate at all, or do so only sparingly into the structure of hair. Most of these molecules seem to penetrate only into the cuticular region of the hair fiber. Oils with polyunsaturated fatty acids seem to have difficulty in penetrating hair. It is possible that these molecules do not fit into the fiber's cell membrane complexes, which are known to be the diffusion pathways in the keratin fiber. On the other hand, monounsaturated oils, such as olive oil, with more compact molecular structure seem to penetrate readily into the hair fiber.
Emotional and psychological effects of fragrance in men's skin care
Authors: Abriat A. , Barkat S. , Bensafi M. , Rouby C. , Guillou V.
Published: September 2005

It has been demonstrated for visual and olfactory stimuli that an increase in heart rate, skin conductance, facial electromyogram activity and breathing rate correlates with negative and/or excited emotional states and a decrease with positive and/or relaxed emotional states. It was the aim of this study to explore the psychophysiological status of emotional moods associated with use of a men's skincare range. Therefore, in a 5‐day habituation phase 19 male volunteers (mean age 32 years) used three perfumed products (a shaving mousse, cleansing gel and hydrating cream) for their morning shaving routine and assessed their mood before and after by means of self‐assessment manikins and a general mood estimate questionnaire. In a second study phase the psychophysiological parameters heart rate, skin conductance and facial electromyogram activity of the resting subjects were recorded after exposure to three different odors, the fragrance of the men's products of the habituation phase, a control fragrance and the solvent dipropylene glycol. During the habituation phase the cosmetics had positive effects on the mood behavior of the subjects. These positive effects could be confirmed by the objective measurements of peripheral nervous system parameters in the second study phase.
A look behind the salt curve: the link between rheology, structure, and salt content in shampoo formulations
Authors: Penfield K.
Published: September 2005

The salt curve is well documented in the literature, whereby the viscosity of a solution initially increases with the addition of salt but then decreases with further increases in salinity. This paper examines the rheological behavior of eight common shampoo bases made with sodium lauryl ether sulfate or a mixture of ammonium lauryl ether sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. Dynamic rheological measurements reveal that in all eight cases the salt effect is due to a variation in micellar relaxation time. The profile of the relaxation time vs. salt concentration was found to mirror the variation with salinity in measured entanglements per micelle. The roles of increased micellar branching, decreased micelle length, and increased micellar flexibility at higher salinity are outlined here.
The effect of a therapeutic trial of high‐dose rabeprazole on symptom response of patients with non‐cardiac chest pain: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial
Authors: DICKMAN R. , EMMONS S. , CUI H. , SEWELL J. , HERNÁNDEZ D. , ESQUIVEL R. F. , FASS R.
Published: September 2005

Background:  Therapeutic trials with high‐dose lansoprazole and omeprazole have been shown to be sensitive clinical tools for diagnosing patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐related non‐cardiac chest pain.

Aim:  To determine the clinical value of a therapeutic trial of high‐dose rabeprazole over 7 days in detecting patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐related non‐cardiac chest pain.

Methods:  Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study. Patients referred by a cardiologist after a comprehensive cardiac work‐up were enrolled into the study. Oesophageal mucosal disease was determined by upper endoscopy and 24‐h oesophageal pH monitoring assessed acid exposure. Patients were then randomized to either placebo or rabeprazole 20 mg am and 20 mg pm for 7 days. After a washout period of 1 week, patients crossed over to the other arm of the study for an additional 7 days. Patients completed a daily diary assessing severity and frequency of chest pain throughout the baseline, treatment and wash‐out periods. The rabeprazole therapeutic trial was considered as a diagnostic tool, if chest pain scores improved ≥50% from baseline.

Results:  Of the 35 patients enrolled, 16 (46%) were diagnosed as gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐positive and 19 (54%) as gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐negative. Of the gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐positive patients, 12 of 16 (75%) had a significant symptom improvement on rabeprazole when compared with 3 of 16 (19%) on placebo (P = 0.029). Of the gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐negative group, only two of 19 (11%) improved significantly on the medication and four of 19 (21%) on placebo (P = 0.6599). The calculated sensitivity and specificity of the rabeprazole therapeutic trial was 75% and 90%, respectively.

Conclusions:  A rabeprazole therapeutic trial is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐related non‐cardiac chest pain patients.
Personal view: passing the buck and taking a free ride – a game‐theoretical approach to evasive management strategies in gastroenterology
Authors: SONNENBERG A.
Published: September 2005

Background:  ‘Free‐riding’ physicians enjoy the status, prestige and income of their profession without fully contributing to its overall mission. By shifting the costs of potential medical complications and difficult patient encounters to other physicians, they reap the benefits of their profession without carrying its full weight.

Aim:  To describe this phenomenon in terms of decision analysis and characterize the parameters affecting its occurrence.

Methods:  The interaction between two physicians is modeled as a non‐zero‐sum game. Two strategies of either contributing to patient management or taking a free ride are available to both physicians. The four possible outcomes are arranged in a two‐by‐two game matrix.

Results:  Physicians practice medicine because their personal benefit exceeds their cost. High cost to the physician results in a high probability of taking a free ride and copping out from potentially risky management. Increasing the benefit decreases the probability of free riding. As the number of possible encounters with other physicians increases, the probability of free riding increases and the probability for effective management by each individual physician decreases.

Conclusion:  If individual gastroenterologists felt less threatened by administrative repercussions and medico‐legal consequences of untoward events, each one of them would contribute more to effective patient management.
Carriage of CARD15 variants and smoking as risk factors for resective surgery in patients with Crohn's ileal disease
Authors: LAGHI L. , COSTA S. , SAIBENI S. , BIANCHI P. , OMODEI P. , CARRARA A. , SPINA L. , CONTESSINI AVESANI E. , VECCHI M. , DE FRANCHIS R. , MALESCI A.
Published: September 2005

Background:  It is controversial whether CARD15 variants are truly associated with a more severe form of Crohn's disease. The relative role of CARD15 genotype and smoking in Crohn's disease progression is also debated.

Aim:  To investigate the association between CARD15 variants and history of resective surgery in patients with Crohn's ileal disease, taking into account smoking as a possible confounding factor.

Methods:  We originally assessed CARD15 genotype in 239 north Italian Crohn's disease patients (mean follow‐up: 10.1 ± 8.1 years). We then focused on 193 patients with proven ileal involvement, 70 of whom (36.3%) carried CARD15‐mutated alleles (G908R, R702W, L1007fs).

Results:  Carriage of CARD15 variants was positively associated with family history and ileal‐only disease and negatively associated with uncomplicated behaviour at maximal follow‐up (P < 0.05). Ileal resection was the only variable independently associated with CARD15 variants at multivariate analysis (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.6–9.2; P = 0.003). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that ileal resection was favoured both by CARD15 variant‐carriage (P = 0.01) and by smoking (P = 0.05), but smoking did not affect progression to surgery in variant carriers (P = 0.31). Thirteen of 14 (93%) patients being resection‐free at 15‐year follow‐up, had CARD15 wild‐type genotype (P = 0.01), whereas only seven (50%) had never smoked (P = 1.0).

Conclusions:  In summary, CARD15 variant‐associated Crohn's ileitis is virtually committed to stricturing and/or penetrating disease and, eventually, to resective surgery. Smoking accelerates progression to surgery in patients with wild‐type CARD15 genotype, but it seems to exert no additional effect in CARD15‐variant carriers.
Gender specific association of CYP2C9*3 with hyperlipidaemia in Chinese
Authors: Luo Chen‐Hui , Wang An , Zhu Rong‐Hua , Zhang Wei‐Xia , Mo Wei , Yu Bang‐Ning , Chen Guo‐Lin , Ou‐Yang Dong‐Sheng , Duan Xiao‐Hong , El‐Aty A. M. Abd , Zhou Hong‐Hao
Published: September 2005

Aims

To investigate the association of CYP2C9*3 and *6 with hyperlipidaemia in Chinese.

Methods

Four hundred and seventy‐six Chinese participated in the study, including 211 uncomplicated hyperlipidaemic patients and 265 healthy controls. PCR‐RFLP was used to identify CYP2C9*3 and *6.

Results

CYP2C9*6 was not detected in this study. The allelic frequency of CYP2C9*3 was 0.039 (95% CI 0.022, 0.056). A nonsignificant difference existed in CYP2C9*3 frequencies between males and females (P = 0.605, OR = 1.194, 95% CI 0.610, 2.336), patients and controls (P = 0.063, OR = 0.506, 95% CI 0.244, 1.049) in the total population. However, in the female group, CYP2C9*3 frequency in patients with hyperlipidaemia was significantly lower than that in controls (P < 0.0001, OR = 0.062, 95% CI 0.008, 0.476).

Conclusions

The association of CYP2C9*3 with hyperlipidaemia was specific for females in this Chinese population.
Usage of paracetamol‐containing combination analgesics remains high in primary care
Authors: Usher Cara , Teeling Mary , Bennett Kathleen , McGowan Bernie , Feely John
Published: September 2005

Aims

Paracetamol‐containing combination analgesics are widely prescribed but the use of paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene (co‐proxamol) is particularly controversial. We aim to examine the prescribing patterns of the paracetamol‐containing analgesics in Ireland.

Methods

A national primary care prescribing database was used to investigate patterns of usage. Twenty‐six thousand three hundred and eighteen patients who were new to therapy with paracetamol and paracetamol‐containing analgesics between January and June 2002 were identified as follows: no previous analgesic medication in the 6 months prior to enrolment into the study, and followed up for at least 12 months from the time of enrolment. Duration of therapy and the number of prescriptions received post enrolment were analyzed according to age. Odds ratios for receiving long‐term (>1 month) compared with short‐term (1 month) prescriptions for co‐proxamol, paracetamol only or a paracetamol combination‐type analgesic were calculated for women vs. men, and in those aged over 65 vs. those aged under 65 years.

Results

Co‐proxamol was the most commonly prescribed analgesic, accounting for 42% of all prescriptions dispensed during 2003. Long‐term use of paracetamol‐containing analgesic preparations was uncommon, with 56.7% receiving only 1 month's prescription during the study period. However, women (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.07, 1.28, P < 0.0001) and those over 65 years (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.57, 1.86, P < 0.0001) were more likely to receive a follow‐up prescription for co‐proxamol, but also for paracetamol (women, OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.16, 1.39; over 65 year olds, OR = 2.67, 95%CI 2.44, 2.93) and the paracetamol combinations (women, OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.20, 1.47; over 65 year olds, OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.53, 1.87).

Conclusions

Co‐proxamol was the most commonly prescribed paracetamol‐containing analgesic preparation in Ireland. The results may indicate inappropriate use in primary care.
Reduced in vivo oxidative stress following 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate supplementation in patients with early‐onset thrombosis and 677TT methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype
Authors: Coppola Antonio , D'Angelo Armando , Fermo Isabella , Mazzola Giuseppina , Minno Matteo Nicola Dario Di , Cajani Alessia , Sala Angelo , Folco Giancarlo , Tremoli Elena , Minno Giovanni Di
Published: September 2005

The protective role of folate in vascular disease has been related to antioxidant effects. In 45 patients with previous early‐onset (at age <50 years) thrombotic episodes and the 677TT methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype, we evaluated the effects of a 28d‐course (15 mg/d) of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) on homocysteine metabolism and on in vivo generation of 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α (8‐iso‐PGF2α), a reliable marker of oxidative stress. At baseline, patients’ fasting total homocysteine (tHcy) was 11·5 μmol/l (geometric mean) and urinary excretion of 8‐iso‐PGF2α was 304 pg/mg creatinine, with the highest metabolite levels in the lowest quartile of plasma folate distribution (P < 0·05). After 5‐MTHF supplementation, plasma folate levels increased approximately 13‐fold (P < 0·0001 versus baseline); tHcy levels (6·7 μmol/l, P < 0·0001) and urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2α (254 pg/mg creatinine, P < 0·001) were both significantly lowered, their reduction being proportional to baseline values (r = 0·98 and r = 0·77, respectively) and maximal in patients with the lowest pre‐supplementation folate levels (P < 0·05). The effects on folate (P < 0·0001) and tHcy (P = 0·0004) persisted for at least up to 2 months after withdrawing 5‐MTHF. In parallel with long‐lasting tHcy‐lowering effects, a short‐course 5‐MTHF supplementation reduces in vivo formation of 8‐iso‐PGF2α in this population, supporting the antioxidant protective effects of folate in vascular disease.
Multicentre phase III trial on fludarabine, cytarabine (Ara‐C), and idarubicin versus idarubicin, Ara‐C and etoposide for induction treatment of younger, newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Russo Domenico , Malagola Michele , de Vivo Antonio , Fiacchini Mauro , Martinelli Giovanni , Piccaluga Pier P. , Damiani Daniela , Candoni Anna , Michielutti Angela , Castelli Maurizio , Testoni Nicoletta , Ottaviani Emanuela , Rondoni Michela , Pricolo Giancarla , Mazza Patrizio , Zuffa Eliana , Zaccaria Alfonso , Raspadori Donatella , Bocchia Monica , Lauria Francesco , Bonini Alessandro , Avanzini Paolo , Gugliotta Luigi , Visani Giuseppe , Fanin Renato , Baccarani Michele
Published: September 2005

Fludarabine plus cytarabine (Ara‐C) and idarubicin (FLAI) is an effective and well‐tolerated induction regimen for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This phase III trial compared the efficacy and toxicity of FLAI versus idarubicin plus Ara‐C and etoposide (ICE) in 112 newly diagnosed AML patients <60 years. Fifty‐seven patients received FLAI, as the first induction–remission course, and 55 patients received ICE. Post‐induction treatment consisted of high‐dose Ara‐C (HDAC). After HDAC, patients in complete remission (CR) received a second consolidation course (mitoxantrone, etoposide, Ara‐C) and autologous stem cell transplantation (auto‐SCT) or allogeneic (allo)‐SCT, according to the age, disease risk and donor availability. After a single induction course, CR rate was 74% in the FLAI arm and 51% in the ICE arm (P = 0·01), while death during induction was 2% and 9% respectively. Both haematological (P = 0·002) and non‐haematological (P = 0·0001) toxicities, especially gastrointestinal (i.e. nausea, vomiting, mucositis and diarrhoea), were significantly lower in FLAI arm. In both arms, relapses were more frequent in patients who were not submitted to allo‐SCT. After a median follow‐up of 17 months, 30% and 38% of the patients are in continuous CR in FLAI and ICE arm respectively. Our prospective randomised study confirmed the anti‐leukaemic effect and the low toxic profile of FLAI as induction treatment for newly diagnosed AML patients.
All‐trans retinoic acid‐induced downregulation of annexin II expression in myeloid leukaemia cell lines is not confined to acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Authors: Olwill Shane A. , McGlynn Hugh , Gilmore William S. , Alexander H. D.
Published: September 2005

Most acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) patients suffer from disordered haemostasis. APL can be treated successfully in most instances by all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy, which induces endpoint maturation of the leukaemic promyelocytes with the characteristic t(15;17). Annexin II (AnII), a profibrinolytic protein, has been implicated in the bleeding manifestation seen in APL. Our group has shown previously that high levels of AnII are expressed on other acute myeloid leukaemia subtypes that are sometimes associated with disordered haemostasis, albeit less frequently than APL. This study examined the effects of ATRA on AnII expression and cell differentiation, on myeloid leukaemia cell lines to determine whether a regulatory influence on AnII may contribute to the return of haemostatic stability in APL following treatment. The results confirmed that AnII expression in the APL cell line (NB4) was significantly downregulated in response to ATRA (P < 0·01), with associated morphological and immunophenotypical evidence of myeloid differentiation. ATRA also downregulated AnII expression on other myeloid cell lines, albeit to a lesser extent than observed on NB4 cells. The results provide evidence that ATRA may resolve the hyperfibrinolysis in APL by downregulation of AnII expression.
Titre and affinity of propylthiouracil-induced anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies are closely associated with the development of clinical vasculitis
Authors: Ye Hua , Gao Ying , Guo Xiao-Hui , Zhao Ming-Hui
Published: September 2005

Substantial evidences suggested that propylthiouracil (PTU) could induced anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies in sera from patients with hyperthyroidism, however, only a subgroup of the PTU-induced anti-MPO antibody positive patients developed clinical evident vasculitis. The aim of this study is to compare the titres and affinities of PTU induced anti-MPO antibodies in sera from patients with hyperthyroidism with and without clinical vasculitis. Anti-MPO antibody positive sera from patients diagnosed hyperthyroidism with (n = 13) and without (n = 14) clinical evident vasculitis were collected. The titre was determined by MPO-ELISA and expressed as logarithm value (lgT). The affinity constant (aK) of anti-MPO IgG was measured by antigen inhibition assay. The titre and aK values were compared between patients with and without vasculitis. In patients with vasculitis, the mean lgT of anti-MPO antibodies was 3·62 ± 0·66; the median aK was 4·47 × 107M−1. In patients without vasculitis, the mean lgT was 2·54 ± 0·29; the median aK was 0·14 × 107M−1, and both were significant lower than those in patients with vasculitis (t = 5·464; P = 0·000 & z = −4·373; P= 0·000, respectively). We concluded that the titre and affinity of anti-MPO antibodies might be associated with the development of clinical vasculitis in patients with PTU-induced ANCA.
Functional profile of human influenza virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity is influenced by interleukin-2 concentration and epitope specificity
Authors: Boon A C M , De Mutsert G , Fouchier R A M , Osterhaus A D M E , Rimmelzwaan G F
Published: September 2005

The ability of influenza A virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to degranulate and produce cytokines upon antigenic restimulation was studied in four HLA-A*0101 and HLA-A*0201 positive subjects. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of these subjects were stimulated with influenza A virus in the presence of high or low interleukin (IL)-2 concentrations. CD8+ T cell populations specific for the HLA-A*0101 restricted epitope NP44-52 and the HLA-A*0201 restricted epitope M158-66 were identified by positive staining with tetramers of peptide major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) (NP-Tm and M1-Tm, respectively). Within these populations, the proportion of cells mobilizing CD107a, or expressing interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor-(TNF)-α upon short-term peptide restimulation was determined by flow cytometry. Independent of IL-2 concentrations, large subject-dependent  differences  in  the  mobilization  of  CD107a  and  expression  of  IFN-γ and TNF-α by both NP- and M1-specific T cells were observed. In two of the four subjects, the functional profile of NP-Tm+ and M1-Tm+ cells differed considerably. Overall, no difference in the proportion of NP-Tm+ or M1-Tm+ cells expressing CD107a was observed. The proportion of M1-Tm+ cells that produced IFN-γ (P < 0·05) was larger than for NP-Tm+ cells, independent of IL-2 concentration. When cultured under IL-2hi concentrations higher TNF-α expression was also observed in M1-Tm+ cells (P < 0·05). The IL-2 concentration during expansion of virus-specific cells had a profound effect on the functionality of both M1-Tm+ and NP-Tm+ cells.
Detection of apoptosis-specific autoantibodies directed against granzyme B-induced cleavage fragments of the SS-B (La) autoantigen in sera from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Huang M , Ida H , Kamachi M , Iwanaga N , Izumi Y , Tanaka F , Aratake K , Arima K , Tamai M , Hida A , Nakamura H , Origuchi T , Kawakami A , Ogawa N , Sugai S , Utz P J , Eguchi K
Published: September 2005

The objective of this study was to detect autoantibodies against granzyme B cleavage products in sera from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Cell lysates derived from human salivary gland (HSG) cell lines were incubated with granzyme B. The susceptibility to the generation of cleavage fragments of SS autoantigens was assayed by immunoblotting using sera from 57 primary SS patients, 17 primary SS patients with malignant lymphoma (ML), 28 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and 20 healthy controls. A 27 kD protein was recognized by serum autoantibodies in 8 (14·0%) of 57 primary SS patients, 5 (29·4%) of 17 SS patients with ML, 2 (7·1%) of 28 SLE patients, but not in 20 normal subjects. This protein was recognized by anti-SSB (La) monoclonal antibodies. Granzyme B-treated recombinant La protein was also shown to migrate as a discrete 27 kD protein by SDS PAGE. Blocking studies demonstrated the existence of an apoptosis-specific B cell epitope present in sera from 2 of 8 primary SS patients and in 2 of 5 primary SS patients with ML which recognized the 27 kD protein. Granzyme B-induced La fragments are generated during cytotoxicity in vitro. This is the first report describing autoantibodies in sera from primary SS patients that specifically recognize fragments of the La protein that are produced by the granzyme B protease.
Expression of immunoglobulin E-dependent histamine-releasing factor in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome of childhood
Authors: Toyabe S , Kaneko U , Hara M , Uchiyama M
Published: September 2005

Concanavarin-A (conA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) from patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) produce putative factors that increase vascular permeability. These factors are expressed in the nephrotic phase but are reduced in the convalescent phase. To identify the genes that are expressed only in the nephrotic phase, we performed cDNA subtraction using conA-stimulated PBMNC from three patients with INS. We isolated several gene transcripts in all three subtracted cDNA libraries. Among these genes, IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor (HRF) was overexpressed in the nephrotic phase not only at the mRNA level but also at the protein level in another 10 patients with INS. Moreover, we found increased secretion of HRF from conA-stimulated PBMNC in the nephrotic phase. The results suggest that HRF is involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
Cross-recognition between histones and La/SSB may account for anti-DNA reactivity in SLE patients
Authors: Touloupi E , Routsias J G , Tzioufas A G
Published: September 2005

Antibodies to La/SSB are detected in sera of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The vast majority of anti-La/SSB positive sera contain antibodies directed towards a linear B-cell epitope of La/SSB spanning the sequence 349–364aa (pep349–364). The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluctuation of antibody levels to major B-cell epitopes of La/SSB over time and investigate for their possible crossreactions. Sequential sera from 15 SLE and 15 pSS patients, followed from 3 to 10 years were obtained. All patients with SLE were positive for anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB and anti-dsDNA antibodies and patients with pSS were positive for anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies. Sera from 30 patients with SLE without anti-La/SSB antibodies and 30 healthy individuals served as disease and negative control respectivelly. All sera tested for the presence of anti-pep349–364 antibodies, using a specific ELISA. Specific anti-pep349–364 IgG was purified from sera of SLE patients and evaluated for cross reactivity against dsDNA and histones. In all SLE sera the levels of anti-pep349–364 antibodies varied in time and fluctuated in parallel with anti dsDNA antibodies. Anti-pep349–364 IgG purified from 7 SLE patients. Five out of 7 were found to react with calf thymus DNA in ELISA. All purified (7/7) anti-pep349–364 IgG preparations reacted with histone H1 and failed to produce a positive immunofluorescence pattern in Crithidia luciliae anti-dsDNA assay which lacks histones. Competative inhibition experiments demonstrated that histone H1 could inhibit completely the binding of anti-pep349–364 IgG to pep349–364 while pep349–364 inhibited by 70% the binding of anti-pep349–364 IgG to histone H1. These findings indicate that a subgroup of SLE patients possess cross-reacting anti-histone H1 antibodies and anti-pep349–364 antibodies, which can be faulty considered as anti-dsDNA reactivity in regular ELISA techniques.
Reduced iC3b-mediated phagocytotic capacity of pulmonary neutrophils in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Morris M R , Doull I J M , Dewitt S , Hallett M B
Published: September 2005

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a neutrophil-dominated chronic inflammation of the airways with persistent infections. In order to investigate whether neutrophils contribute to an inadequacy in the pulmonary defence mechanism, the phagocytic activity of pulmonary and peripheral blood neutrophils from CF and non-CF respiratory patients were compared. Neutrophils were isolated from both the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 21 patients with CF (12 male, 9 female; mean age 7·5 years, range 0·25–16·4 years) and 17 non-CF subjects (9 male, 8 female; mean age 5·4 years, range 0·2–13·1 years). The ex vivo phagocytic rate of normal pulmonary neutrophils to internalize zymosan particles opsonized with iC3b was faster than that of circulating neutrophils (P < 0·05), but the maximum capacity (9 particles/cell) was similar. In contrast, pulmonary neutrophils from patients with CF had a lower phagocytic capacity than circulating neutrophils either from the same patients or from normal subjects. This deficiency could not be attributed to (i) the cell surface density of CR3 (CD18/CD11b) receptors, which were not significantly different between the other groups (ii) the signalling ability of the CR3 receptors, using cytosolic free Ca2+ signalling as the receptor activity read-out or (iii) a decrease in cellular ATP concentration. As CFTR was not detectable on neutrophils from any source by either histochemistry or Western blotting, it was concluded that the reduced phagocytic capacity was not the direct result of a CFTR mutation, but was attributed to a failure of neutrophil phagocytic priming during translocation into the CF lung.
The disease progression in the keratin 14 IL-4-transgenic mouse model of atopic dermatitis parallels the up-regulation of B cell activation molecules, proliferation and surface and serum IgE
Authors: Chen L , Lin S-X , Overbergh L , Mathieu C , Chan L S
Published: September 2005

We have previously characterized the keratin 14 interleukin-4-transgenic (IL-4-Tg) mouse model of atopic dermatitis as a chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease typified by skin infiltration of inflammatory cells and early up-regulation of Th2 cytokines and late surge of Th1 cytokines. In the present study, we examined the involvement of B cells. Systematic examinations of the following immunological parameters on B cells were carried out in non-Tg control mice and in IL-4-Tg mice at before disease onset and early and late disease stages so that we could determine the immunological sequence of events leading to the disease development: surface expressions of IA/IE, activation and costimulatory molecules, proliferation under LPS or IgM stimulation, quantification of cell surface and serum IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a. Our results showed that as the disease progresses from before onset to early disease and to late disease, there is a parallel increase in surface markers of B cell activation (IA/IE, CD44, CD69, CD80 and CD86), in B cell proliferation, and in cell surface and serum IgE. Significant increases of Th2-driven serum IgG1 and IgE in early disease was followed by significant increase of Th1-driven IgG2a in late disease. Importantly the significant increases of activation molecule (IA/IE), proliferation (to LPS), and surface IgE on B cells of the IL-4-Tg mice precedes the up-regulation of serum IgE and disease onset. These data suggest that activated B cells may play a role in atopic dermatitis disease development by up-regulating serum IgE concentration, which serves as a marker of disease onset.
Enhancement of NF-κB activity by resveratrol in cytokine-exposed mesangial cells
Authors: Uchida Y , Yamazaki H , Watanabe S , Hayakawa K , Meng Y , Hiramatsu N , Kasai A , Yamauchi K , Yao J , Kitamura M
Published: September 2005

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin, has been considered as a potential anti-inflammatory agent because of its suppressive effect on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). However, we recently found that treatment of glomerular mesangial cells with resveratrol significantly and dose-dependently enhanced NF-κB activation triggered by proinflammatory cytokines. This finding was evidenced by different reporter assays as well as by expression of an endogenous NF-κB-dependent gene, intercellular adhesion molecule-1. The NF-κB promoting effect of resveratrol was also observed in renal tubular LLCPK1 cells, but not in HepG2 hepatoma cells. In all cell types tested, treatment with resveratrol alone did not affect NF-κB activity. The enhanced activation of NF-κB by resveratrol progressed for at least 24 h and was accompanied by sustained down-regulation of an endogenous NF-κB inhibitor, IκBβ, but not IκBα. Although expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was suppressed by resveratrol, nitric oxide, a negative regulator of NF-κB, was not involved in the regulation of NF-κB by resveratrol. These data elucidated, for the first time, that resveratrol may enhance activation of NF-κB under certain circumstances.
Prevalence of the −295 T-to-C promoter polymorphism of the interleukin (IL)-16 gene in periodontitis
Authors: Folwaczny M , Glas J , Török H-P , Tonenchi L , Paschos E , Malachova O , Bauer B , Folwaczny C
Published: September 2005

Interleukin (IL)-16 is involved in the regulation of the expression of several proinflammatory cytokines, i.e. tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)-1β. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of the −295 promoter polymorphism of the interleukin (IL)-16 gene in periodontal disease. A total of 123 patients with periodontal disease and 122 healthy controls were genotyped for the −295 IL-16 promoter polymorphism. Genotyping has been performed by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes as well of haplotypes within both study groups were compared using the Pearson χ2 test at a level  of  significance  of  5% (P < 0·05).  The  distribution  of  genotypes  for  the −295 IL-16 gene polymorphism showed no significant difference between periodontitis patients and healthy control subjects (P = 0·886). Also stratification analysis according to the disease severity revealed no significant difference regarding the genotype distribution among both study groups. Herein the IL-16 −295 gene polymorphism was not associated with chronic periodontitis.
Reactivity of T cells from women with antibodies to the human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a to peptides encompassing the HPA-1 polymorphism
Authors: Jackson D J , Murphy M F , Soothill P W , Lucas G F , Elson C J , Kumpel B M
Published: September 2005

The human platelet antigen-1a (HPA-1a) is the most common alloantigenic target in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT). Treatment currently depends on the outcome in previous pregnancies. HPA-1 specific T cell responses were determined in 14 HPA-1a alloimmunized women during or after pregnancies affected by NAIT. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with peptides encompassing the Leu33Pro polymorphism (residues 20–39 and 24–45 in both Leu33 (HPA-1a) and Pro33 (HPA-1b) forms) or control recall antigens in the presence of autologous sera and T cell proliferation was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Control antenatal and postpartum sera suppressed T cell proliferation and use of such sera was avoided. Most patients (86%) responded to the HPA-1a peptides with 64% also having weaker T cell proliferation to the HPA-1b peptides; 14% had no activity towards any peptide despite responding to control antigens. Administration of IVIG during pregnancy appeared to reduce T cell reactivity to HPA-1 peptides. Postnatal anti-HPA-1a T cell responses from women who had a severe history of NAIT (an intracranial haemorrhage in a previous fetus) were greater than those from women with a mild history. This assay may have the potential to predict disease severity if performed prior to or early in pregnancy.
Identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced genes in human mast cells using suppression subtractive hybridization: up-regulation of IL-8 and CCL4 production
Authors: Sun Genlou , Liu Fang , Lin Tong-Jun
Published: September 2005

Mast cells have recently been found to be a major player in the host defence against bacterial infection through secretion of potent mediators. Identification of bacteria-induced mast cell mediators and intracellular signalling molecules involved during bacterial infection remains a major area of investigation. Recently we found an active interaction between mast cells and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. To further characterize specific genes in mast cells modulated by P. aeruginosa, we used a new approach for the study of mast cell–bacteria interaction; the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). SSH approach does not require a prerequisite knowledge of target genes and does not rely on the availability of the assay reagents for the specific genes. Using SSH, 94 clones were randomly selected from the subtracted cDNA library for differential screening leading to the identification of 14 P. aeruginosa–up-regulated transcripts. Sequence analysis revealed that expression of IL-1, IL-8 and CCL4 was increased by human mast cells after P. aeruginosa infection. Increased production of IL-1, IL-8 and CCL4 was confirmed at the protein levels. In addition, sequence analysis of the clones also suggests that ribosomal protein S3 and cytochrome b as well as additional 4 uncharacterized genes may potentially be involved in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. Thus, SSH is an effective approach by identifying potential molecular targets for the study of mechanisms involved in P. aeruginosa and mast cell interaction.
Integrating remote sensing in fisheries control
Authors: KOURTI N. , SHEPHERD I. , GREIDANUS H. , ALVAREZ M. , ARESU E. , BAUNA T. , CHESWORTH J. , LEMOINE G. , SCHWARTZ G.
Published: September 2005

Abstract  To complement existing fishery control measures, in particular the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), a pilot operational system to find fishing vessels in satellite images was set up. Radar is the mainstay of the system, which furthermore includes fully automated image processing and communication protocols with the authorities. Different image types are used to match different fisheries – oceanic, shelf and coastal. Vessel detection rates were 75–100% depending on image type and vessel size. Output of the system, in the form of an overview of vessel positions in the area highlighting any discrepancies with otherwise reported positions, can be at the authorities within 30 min of the satellite image being taken – fast enough to task airborne inspection for follow up.
Fisheries and cage culture of three reservoirs in west Java, Indonesia; a case study of ambitious development and resulting interactions
Authors: ABERY N. W. , SUKADI F. , BUDHIMAN A. A. , KARTAMIHARDJA E. S. , KOESHENDRAJANA S. , BUDDHIMAN  , DE SILVA S. S.
Published: September 2005

Abstract  The interactions between cage culture and wild fishery activities in three Indonesian reservoirs, Saguling, Cirata and Jatiluhur, of the greater Ciratum watershed, West Java, were evaluated using historical data and interviews with cage culture operators. In all three reservoirs, cage culture of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and later of common carp and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), were encouraged as an alternative livelihood for persons displaced by the impoundment. Currently, a two‐net culture system, locally known as ‘lapis dua’, in which in the inner cage (7 × 7 × 3 m) is used for common carp culture and the outer cage (7 × 7 × 5/7 m) is stocked with Nile tilapia, is practised. On average each cage is stocked with approximately 100 kg fingerlings each of common carp and Nile tilapia. The numbers of cages and production of cultured fish has increased in the reservoirs, but total and per cage production began to decline from about 1995 in Saguling from 2200 kg cage−1 in 1989 to <500 kg cage−1 in 2002, and in Cirata from a peak of approximately 2300 kg cage−1 in 1995 to approximately 400 kg cage−1 in 2002. In Jatiluhur, which has a considerably lower cage density, total fish production and production per cage has increased since 2000, and currently is approximately 4000 kg cage−1, close to production in the early years of cage culture activities. The cage culture operations also resulted in substantial nutrient loading, estimated at 3.2, 15.2 and 3.1 t of nitrogen and 134, 636 and 128 kg of phosphorous per year in the maximum years of production for Saguling, Cirata and Jatiluhur reservoirs, respectively. In later years, when cage culture production was high, fish kills occurred in the cages, and in Jatiluhur reservoir coincided with a dramatic decline in wild fishery catches. An attempt is made to determine the maximum number of cages for each of the reservoirs that will bring long‐term sustainability of cage culture operations and the wild fisheries in the three reservoirs.
Effects of pH and predation by Chaoborus larvae on the plankton of a shallow and acidic forest lake
Authors: IRFANULLAH HASEEB MD. , MOSS BRIAN
Published: September 2005

1. Eutrophic acid lakes are not common. Delamere Lake in Cheshire, U.K. is shallow and acid (mean pH 4.5) with a very high phytoplankton crop (mean 290 μg chlorophyll a L−1), dominated by Dictyosphaerium pulchellum. Rotifers were dominant in the pelagic waters but small cladocerans (Alona guttata, Chydorus sphaericus and Scapholeberis mucronata) were occasional in the littoral waters. Chaoborus flavicans larvae were the top predators in this fishless lake. Two mesocosm experiments were carried out in which pH and Chaoborus populations were manipulated.

2. Progressively higher concentrations of D. pulchellum were maintained in the elevated pH treatments (pH 6 and 8; P < 0.001) with increased amounts of a Chlamydomonas species at the end of the experiment. Highest species richness was seen at ambient pH. Thus the low pH of Delamere Lake alone did not control the structure of the phytoplankton community. Keratella quadrata showed significantly higher abundance at pH 6 than in other pH treatments (P < 0.001). Species richness of rotifers was unaffected by pH.

3. Most Cladocera were C. sphaericus. Although never seen in the open lake, Daphnia pulex appeared in all the pH treatments. Low pH did not control small Cladocera abundance in Delamere Lake, but probably hampered reproduction in Daphnia. Negative correlations between chlorophyll a concentrations and Daphnia in the mesocosms (r2 = 0.215, P < 0.05), however, indicated the potential of large‐bodied daphniids in controlling phytoplankton.

4. Neither different combinations of Chaoborus instars (none, instars 1 and 2 and instars 3–5) nor different densities of instars 3–5 (0.15, 0.5 and 1.0 L−1) had a negative impact on Cladocera. Daphnia pulex remained unaffected in the experiment, perhaps because of its large size, and C. sphaericus because of its high reproductive rate compensating predatory losses.

5. Very low pH in Delamere Lake might suppress Daphnia by hampering its reproduction. Consequently, Daphnia may be vulnerable to invertebrate predation even at low predator density in the lake.
Morphological adaptations of emergent plants to water flow: a case study with Typha angustifolia, Zizania latifolia and Phragmites australis
Authors: ASAEDA TAKASHI , FUJINO TAKESHI , MANATUNGE JAGATH
Published: September 2005

1. Water velocity plays an important role in shaping plant community structure in flowing waters although few authors have yet attempted to explain the adaptation of plants to flow.

2. We aimed to test two hypotheses, that: (i) some emergent macrophytes reconfigure their shoot distribution in fast currents and form clumps, and (ii) the shape and morphology of such clumps minimises drag caused by the current. The study focuses on three emergent macrophytes that co‐occur along a gradient of water velocity.

3. The species showed a clear zonation in response to water depth and current velocity. Phragmites australis occupied shallower and more slowly flowing water than Typha angustifolia and Zizania latifolia, which had similar preferences.

4. Both T. angustifolia and Z. latifolia shoots were more clumped at high velocity, whereas they were more randomly distributed at low flow or in stagnant water. Because of the low shoot density, water flowed more easily through T. angustifolia clumps, whereas Z. latifolia clumps had a high shoot density and large amounts of trapped litter, causing stagnant water in the centre of the clump. The clumps of Z. latifolia with a high density of shoots were longer and narrower than T. angustifolia clumps. Phragmites australis was less tolerant of flow than the other two species and large amounts of litter trapped in the clumps impaired flow.

5. The shoot distribution of both T. angustifolia and Z. latifolia is reconfigured at high flow and this minimises drag on the clumps.
Karl von Raumer: a pioneer of German military geology
Authors: Rose Edward P.F.
Published: September 2005

Napoleon Bonaparte was in 1798 the first general to involve geologists as such in a military campaign. But geologists were attached to his army as civilians, without military rank or command function. In contrast, the Prussian general (later Field Marshal) Gebhard von Blücher has generally been credited with first making use of a geologist in military uniform: Professor Karl von Raumer, during the 1813–14 war of German liberation from French Napoleonic domination. Authors have claimed that Blücher consulted Raumer for information on the terrain of Silesia before triumphing over the French at the Battle of the Katzbach in 1813, and that Raumer was therefore the first geologist to help plan a military operation. But is this true? Did Raumer in effect initiate German military use of geology – pioneering the widespread use of geologists, many of them professors, in the 20th century German army?