bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratinocytes enriched for epidermal stem cells differ in their response to IFN‐γ from other proliferative keratinocytes
Authors: Zeitvogel Jana , Werfel Thomas , Wittmann Miriam
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  The epidermis has a pool of adult stem cells [epidermal stem cells (ESC)]. Although the localization of ESC is well described, we lack a clear understanding of their role in perturbed conditions such as inflammation. One of the most important mediators in inflammatory skin diseases acting on keratinocytes (KCs) is interferon gamma (IFN‐γ). The assumption that ESC might generate a protected niche prompted us to investigate their response to the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IFN‐γ. In this study, we isolated two populations of KCs according to their adherence ability. ESC enriched by adherence showed a higher CD29 and CD49f expression compared with other KCs. Surprisingly, surface expression of CD54 was more inducible upon IFN‐γ stimulation in short‐term cultures of the ESC subpopulation. In contrary to that, a markedly lower induction of IL‐18 and reduced basal production of CCL2 were observable in ESC. No differences in IFN‐γ‐induced interleukin (IL)‐10, CXCL10, CCL22 or transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 secretion were detectable between the two keratinocyte subpopulations. These results suggest that ESC respond to IFN‐γ with a ‘restricted’ pattern of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and do not build up an anti‐inflammatory microenvironment by means of TGF‐β or IL‐10. Activated ESC possess the capability to interact with infiltrating lymphocytes via CD54. In conclusion, the ESC compartment might actively contribute to the immunological properties of the skin organ.
Heparanase 1: a key participant of inner root sheath differentiation program and hair follicle homeostasis
Authors: Malgouries Sylvain , Donovan Mark , Thibaut Sébastien , Bernard Bruno A.
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Heparanase is a heparan sulphate endo‐glycosidase which was previously detected in the outer root sheath of murine hair follicles. Heparanase overexpression was reported to improve mouse hair (re)growth. In this study, we investigated its involvement in human hair biology. Immunofluorescence detection was used to explore heparanase distribution in both anagen and catagen hair follicles. Heparanase functionality was assessed in in vitro cultured hair follicles, in the presence of a heparanase activity inhibitor. Our results showed that heparanase expression was (i) primarily located in the inner root sheath (IRS) of human hair follicle, and there (ii) restricted to anagen phase. Furthermore, inhibition of heparanase in in vitro cultured hair follicles induced a catagen‐like process. Hair shaft retreat upward was accompanied by a decrease in Ki67‐positive cells, the formation of an epithelial strand as evidenced by K14 keratin expression, and the loss of IRS as assessed by transglutaminase 1 and desmoglein labelling. IRS distribution of heparanase and the induction of catagen‐like involution of hair follicles when a potent heparanase inhibitor is added suggest that heparanase is a key actor of IRS differentiation and hair homeostasis.
TNF‐α stimulates Akt by a distinct aPKC‐dependent pathway in premalignant keratinocytes
Authors: Faurschou Annesofie , Gniadecki Robert
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is an important proinflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Some of these effects are mediated by the stimulatory effect of this cytokine on the Akt signalling pathway, which renders keratinocytes less susceptible to proapoptotic stimuli and enhances cell growth. We have recently shown that TNF‐α‐induced Akt activation may promote the early stages of skin cancer. In this work, we demonstrate that in the premalignant keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, TNF‐α activates Akt, ERK1/2 and p38. The specific peptide blocking the activity of the atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) species ζ and ι/λ abrogated the effects of TNF‐α on Akt and ERK1/2 but increased the activation of p38. The TNF‐α‐dependent phosphorylation of Akt–ERK1/2 was slightly decreased by NFκB inhibition and in the presence of p38 blockers. Akt/ERK signalling but not p38 activation was abolished in the presence of the iron chelator desferroxamine that blocks formation of hydroxyl (˙OH) radicals. Thus, the TNF‐α signalling in keratinocytes seems to bifurcate into an aPKC‐, NFkB‐ and ˙OH‐dependent pathway resulting in the activation of survival and mitogenic pathways mediated by Akt and ERK1/2, and a signalling pathway conveyed by p38 that contributes to Akt activation but is suppressed by aPKC. Our data may be utilized in the development of more selective anti‐TNF‐α therapeutic strategies.
Ultraviolet A induces transport of compatible organic osmolytes in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Warskulat Ulrich , Brookmann Stefanie , Felsner Ingo , Brenden Heidi , Grether‐Beck Susanne , Häussinger Dieter
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Compatible organic osmolytes, such as betaine, myo‐inositol and taurine, are involved in cell protection. Human dermal fibroblasts accumulate these osmolytes and express mRNA specific for their transporting systems betaine‐/γ‐amino‐n‐butyric acid (GABA) transporter (BGT‐1), sodium‐dependent myo‐inositol transporter (SMIT) and taurine transporter (TAUT). Taurine uptake was about sixfold higher than that of betaine and myo‐inositol. Compared with normoosmotic (305 mOsm/l) control, hyperosmotic exposure (405 mOsm/l) led to a twofold induction of osmolyte uptake. Ultraviolet A (UVA) upregulated osmolyte transporter mRNA levels and increased osmolyte uptake. Taurine inhibited UVA‐induced interleukin‐6 (Il‐6) mRNA expression by 40%. Furthermore, Il‐6 accumulation in the supernatants of UVA‐irradiated dermal fibroblasts was much slower when cells were preincubated with taurine. These data indicate that taurine accumulation seems to be part of the fibroblast response to UVA radiation and may protect against UVA‐induced Il‐6 overexpression.
Animal models of psoriasis: a critical appraisal
Authors: Schön Michael P.
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Although there is no naturally occurring disorder in laboratory animals that mimics the complex phenotype of psoriasis, a large number of spontaneous or genetically engineered mutations in rodents, immunological reconstitution approaches or xenotransplantation models have shed light on specific aspects implicated in the pathophysiology and therapy of psoriasis. Animal models have helped to elucidate functions of inflammatory mediators or to unravel the contribution of innate or adaptive immune mechanisms, keratinocytes or endothelial cells to chronic hyperproliferative inflammatory skin disorders. However, given that several distinct manipulations of molecular pathways, resident cutaneous cell types or immigrating immunocytes result in remarkably similar phenotypes in experimental animals, it appears that interfering with cutaneous homeostasis in general may ultimately initiate a rather uniform reaction pattern that mirrors some features of psoriasis. This limitation of animal models generated without the use of human material may, at least in part, be overcome by xenotransplantation of human skin onto immunocompromised animals. The latter approach has been employed in preclinical investigations to study the role of immune cells and/or to predict the efficacy of some therapeutic compounds. This brief review delineates approaches to generate animal models of psoriasis and discusses their strengths and limitations for psoriasis research.
Osmoregulation in populations of an endangered hardyhead (Atherinidae: Craterocephalus fluviatilis McCulloch, 1912) from different salinity regimes
Authors: Wedderburn S. D. , Walker K. F.
Published: June 2008

Abstract –  Fragmented populations of freshwater fish may develop genotypic and phenotypic differences as adaptations to local habitat conditions. These differences contribute significantly to biological diversity and may lead to speciation. In the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia, the Murray hardyhead Craterocephalus fluviatilis, listed as ‘endangered’ by the World Conservation Union, has a wide but fragmented distribution that is apparently related to salinity. To determine whether this pattern has a physiological basis, we compared osmoregulation in fish from two isolated populations in different salinity regimes (Wyndgate: 0.4–1.5‰; Disher Creek: c. 1.0–45‰). In laboratory trials, fish from both populations remained healthy at high salinities (5–65‰). The Disher Creek population maintained a significantly lower blood osmotic concentration than the Wyndgate population at salinities ≤1‰, suggesting that there is a physiological difference between them. The findings have implications for the conservation of C. fluviatilis and other fish populations whose distributions are fragmented by salinity.
Stages of the Demographic Transition from a Child's Perspective: Family Size, Cohort Size, and Children's Resources
Authors: Lam David , Marteleto Letícia
Published: June 2008

This article provides a new characterization of stages of the demographic transition from the perspective of children competing for resources within families and cohorts. In Stage 1 falling mortality increases the size of both families and birth cohorts. In Stage 2 falling fertility overtakes falling mortality to reduce family size, but population momentum causes continued growth in cohort size. In Stage 3 falling fertility overtakes population momentum to produce declining cohort size. We apply our framework to census microdata for eight countries and to United Nations population projections for a larger set of countries. The results suggest that most countries spend two to three decades in Stage 2, with declining family size offset by increasing cohort size. From the perspective of children aged 9–11, many countries enter Stage 3 between 2000 and 2010. Other countries, especially in Africa, will continue to experience increasing cohort size for several more decades.
Intergenerational Coresidence in Developing Countries
Authors: Ruggles Steven , Heggeness Misty
Published: June 2008

Newly available census microdata from IPUMS‐International are used to assess trends in intergenerational coresidence in 15 developing countries. Contrary to expectations, we find no general decline in intergenerational coresidence over the past several decades. There have been, however, significant changes in the configuration of intergenerational coresidence. Families in which a member of the older generation is household head—a configuration consistent with traditional patriarchal forms in which the older generation retains authority—are becoming more common in most of the countries. Intergenerational families headed by a member of the younger generation—the configuration one would expect if intergenerational coresidence were motivated by a need for old‐age support—are on the decline in most of the countries. Multivariate analysis reveals that intergenerational families headed by the older generation are positively associated with measures of economic development. These findings are at variance with widely accepted social theory. We hypothesize that housing shortages, economic stress in the younger generation, and old‐age pensions may contribute to the change. More broadly, in some developing countries rising incomes may have allowed more people to achieve their preferred family structure of intergenerational coresidence following traditional family forms.
Demography, Culture, and Policy: Understanding Japan's Low Fertility
Authors: Boling Patricia
Published: June 2008

Insights into the causes of Japan's prolonged and sharp fall in total fertility rate come from comparing Japan with France. The two countries share dirigiste administrative approaches, family policy reform undertaken under the auspices of pragmatic right wing parties and justified on pronatalist grounds, and involvement of demographic experts in crafting and shepherding such policies. But the countries differ with respect to their total fertility rates (France 1.98, Japan 1.29) and the effectiveness of their family policies. Thus comparing them can help identify areas of divergence that might explain these differences and assist in the project of theory building. Several salient explanations are rooted in Japan's labor market: it exacts high opportunity costs from parents who interrupt their careers to raise children, keeps ideal workers from having much time for their families, assumes and reinforces a traditional gender ideology, and hires few young workers into good jobs.
Natural Increase: A New Source of Population Growth in Emerging Hispanic Destinations in the United States
Authors: Johnson Kenneth M. , Lichter Daniel T.
Published: June 2008

Updated US Census Bureau estimates and race/ethnic‐specific birth and death data for the post‐2000 period are used to highlight the increasing role of natural increase as an engine of population growth in emerging Hispanic destinations. Newly emerging Hispanic growth areas are distinguished from established and high‐growth areas from the 1990s. The findings document that recent Hispanic population gains have been generated increasingly by natural increase—the excess of Hispanic births over deaths. Hispanics accounted for 46 percent of the population gain and 53 percent of the natural increase in nonmetro America in 2000–2005. Yet, Hispanics represented only 5.4 percent of the nonmetro population in 2000. In metro areas, they accounted for 50 percent of the population gain and 47 percent of the natural increase, although they comprised only 14 percent of the metro population. Current trends suggest that the ascendancy of the US Hispanic population is likely to continue unabated, whether restrictive immigration legislation is enacted or not. The growth of the Hispanic population, caused increasingly by natural increase, has taken on a demographic momentum of its own.
d‐Amino acids in the brain:d‐serine in neurotransmission and neurodegeneration
Authors: Wolosker Herman , Dumin Elena , Balan Livia , Foltyn Veronika N.
Published: June 2008

The mammalian brain contains unusually high levels ofd‐serine, ad‐amino acid previously thought to be restricted to some bacteria and insects. In the last few years, studies from several groups have demonstrated thatd‐serine is a physiological co‐agonist of theN‐methyld‐aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptor – a key excitatory neurotransmitter receptor in the brain.d‐Serine binds with high affinity to a co‐agonist site at the NMDA receptors and, along with glutamate, mediates several important physiological and pathological processes, including NMDA receptor transmission, synaptic plasticity and neurotoxicity. In recent years, biosynthetic, degradative and release pathways ford‐serine have been identified, indicating thatd‐serine may function as a transmitter. At first,d‐serine was described in astrocytes, a class of glial cells that ensheathes neurons and release several transmitters that modulate neurotransmission. This led to the notion thatd‐serine is a glia‐derived transmitter (or gliotransmitter). However, recent data indicate that serine racemase, thed‐serine biosynthetic enzyme, is widely expressed in neurons of the brain, suggesting thatd‐serine also has a neuronal origin. We now review these findings, focusing on recent questions regarding the roles of glia versus neurons ind‐serine signaling.
d‐Amino acids in the brain: structure and function of pyridoxal phosphate‐dependent amino acid racemases
Authors: Yoshimura Tohru , Goto Masaru
Published: June 2008

d‐Serine serves as a co‐agonist of the N‐methyl d‐aspartate receptor in mammalian brains, and its behavior is probably related to neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. d‐Serine is synthesized by a pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent serine racemase. In this minireview, we provide a detailed discussion on the reaction mechanism of the PLP‐dependent amino acid racemase on the basis of its 3D structure. We compared the eukaryotic serine racemase with bacterial alanine racemase, the best‐studied enzyme among the PLP‐dependent amino acid racemases, and thus suggested a putative reaction mechanism for mammalian d‐serine synthesis.
d‐Amino acids in the brain: the biochemistry of brain serine racemase
Authors: Baumgart Florian , Rodríguez‐Crespo Ignacio
Published: June 2008

It has been recently established that in various brain regions d‐serine, the product of serine racemase, occupies the so‐called ‘glycine site’ within N‐methyl d‐aspartate receptors. Mammalian brain serine racemase is a pyridoxal‐5′ phosphate‐containing enzyme that catalyzes the racemization of l‐serine to d‐serine. It has also been shown to catalyze the α,β‐elimination of water from l‐serine or d‐serine to form pyruvate and ammonia. Serine racemase is included within the group of type II‐fold pyridoxal‐5′ phosphate enzymes, together with many other racemases and dehydratases. Serine racemase was first purified from rat brain homogenates and later recombinantly expressed in mammalian and insect cells as well as in Escherichia coli. It has been shown that serine racemase is activated by divalent cations like calcium, magnesium and manganese, as well as by nucleotides like ATP, ADP or GTP. In turn, serine racemase is also strongly inhibited by reagents that react with free sulfhydryl groups such as glutathione. Several yeast two‐hybrid screens for interaction partners identified the proteins glutamate receptor interacting protein, protein interacting with C kinase 1 and Golga3 to bind to serine racemase, having different effects on its catalytic activity or stability. In addition, it has also been proposed that serine racemase is regulated by phosphorylation. Thus, d‐serine production in the brain is tightly regulated by various factors pointing at its physiologic importance. In this minireview, we will focus on the regulation of brain serine racemase and d‐serine synthesis by the factors mentioned above.
Production of biologically active forms of recombinant hepcidin, the iron‐regulatory hormone
Authors: Gagliardo Bruno , Faye Audrey , Jaouen Maryse , Deschemin Jean‐Christophe , Canonne‐Hergaux François , Vaulont Sophie , Sari Marie‐Agnès
Published: June 2008

Hepcidin is a liver produced cysteine‐rich peptide hormone that acts as the central regulator of body iron metabolism. Hepcidin is synthesized under the form of a precursor, prohepcidin, which is processed to produce the biologically active mature 25 amino acid peptide. This peptide is secreted and acts by controlling the concentration of the membrane iron exporter ferroportin on intestinal enterocytes and macrophages. Hepcidin binds to ferroportin, inducing its internalization and degradation, thus regulating the export of iron from cells to plasma. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel method to produce human and mouse recombinant hepcidins, and to compare their biological activity towards their natural receptor ferroportin. Hepcidins were expressed in Escherichia coli as thioredoxin fusion proteins. The corresponding peptides, purified after cleavage from thioredoxin, were properly folded and contained the expected four‐disulfide bridges without the need of any renaturation or oxidation steps. Human and mouse hepcidins were found to be biologically active, promoting ferroportin degradation in macrophages. Importantly, biologically inactive aggregated forms of hepcidin were observed depending on purification and storage conditions, but such forms were unrelated to disulfide bridge formation.
Physiological changes in tissues denervated by spinal cord injury tissues and possible effects on wound healing
Authors: Rappl Laurie M
Published: June 2008

There are many metabolic and physiological changes that happen to the tissues below the level of a spinal cord injury. These deficits are examined in relation to the series of events that has to take place for wound healing – the “wound healing cascade”. The conclusion is that every step of the wound healing process is impaired by the physiological deficits inherent post‐spinal cord injury. This may explain, in part, why pressure ulcers on these patients are so difficult to close and to maintain closed.
Use of chlorhexidine‐impregnated patch at pin site to reduce local morbidity: the ChIPPS Pilot Trial
Authors: Wu Stephanie C , Crews Ryan T , Zelen Charles , Wrobel James S , Armstrong David G
Published: June 2008

Pin tract infection is one of the most common complications associated with the use of external fixation. While some studies have identified the potential benefit of chlorhexidine gluconate‐impregnated polyurethane dressings to reduce the incidence of catheter‐related bloodstream infections, we are unaware of any published studies that evaluate the effectiveness of similar technologies in reducing the risk for external‐fixation‐related pin tract infections. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate‐impregnated polyurethane dressing in reducing percutaneous‐device‐related skin colonisation and local infections. In this initial retrospective cohort, data were abstracted for two groups of consecutive patients undergoing surgery involving external fixation at an interdisciplinary foot and ankle surgical unit. All patients received surgical treatment of their foot/ankle pathology along with application of a hybrid external fixator. Twenty patients (45% male, age 54·5 ± 3·69 years) received chlorhexidine gluconate‐impregnated polyurethane dressing and twenty (55% male, age 55·8 ± 3·22 years) received standard pin care. There was a significantly higher rate of pin tract infection in patients who received standard pin care compared with those who received chlorhexidine gluconate‐impregnated polyurethane dressings (25% versus 0%, P = 0·047). There was no significant difference in any of the descriptive study characteristics (age, gender, diabetes and presence of neuropathy). The results of this initial study suggest that chlorhexidine gluconate‐impregnated polyurethane dressing may be effective to reduce the incidence of pin tract infections and help decrease morbidity associated with external fixation.
What are the most effective interventions in preventing diabetic foot ulcers?
Authors: Lavery Lawrence A , Peters Edgar JG , Armstrong David G
Published: June 2008

Although many studies have shown strong associations between certain causal factors and patients with foot ulcers, it is unclear how many of these factors interact. A model that could help identify unique causal pathways and pivotal factors associated with the development of foot ulcers may lead to earlier intervention as well as less frequent and less severe complications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the responsible causal pathways associated with foot ulcers in persons with diabetes, to determine the frequency of components of the pathway and to identify pivotal events of the pathway. Eighty‐seven patients with 103 existing or recently healed ulcers were prospectively evaluated. The data used in the pathway analysis reflected seven variables that have been associated with the development of foot ulcers. The data were interpreted to assess which component causes and pivotal events were responsible for the present ulcer. A cluster analysis was used to confirm findings from the descriptive analysis. Twenty‐four pathways were identified. The seven most common unique pathways accounted for 64·1% of the cases. The results of the cluster analysis showed four consistent, dominant clusters: (i) neuropathy, deformity, callus and elevated peak pressure; (ii) peripheral vascular disease; (iii) penetrating trauma and (iv) Ill‐fitting shoe gear. These results suggest that there is a finite number of key factors that, if identified and addressed with appropriate intervention strategies, may reduce the risk for the cascade of events towards ulceration and subsequent amputation.
A prospective study of blanchable erythema among university hospital patients
Authors: Konishi Chie , Sugama Junko , Sanada Hiromi , Okuwa Mayumi , Konya Chizuko , Nishizawa Tomoe , Shimamura Kimi
Published: June 2008

This study aimed to determine the predictive accuracy and factors deteriorating blanchable erythema. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a 832‐bed university hospital in Japan. Skin condition, risk factors, care plans and practices were measured everyday for 4 weeks by direct assessments and chart review by research staff. Blanchable erythema developed in 62 (24·9%) and a pressure ulcer in 8 (3·2%) patients. Six of the 62 blanchable erythema patients worsened to pressure ulcer of either stage I or II. Calculating the accuracy of blanchable erythema for predicting pressure ulcer development, sensitivity was 75%, specificity 77% and positive likelihood ratio 3·26. The factors found to deteriorate blanchable erythema were K‐scale ‘pressure’ and inadequate support surface management to a patient whose condition was deteriorating. These results suggested that the value of positive likelihood ratio means small effect to the clinical use. However, if adequate support surface management were implemented to blanchable erythema patients, the incidence of pressure ulcer would probably fall to 0·8%.
The hypothesis of ‘biophysical matrix contraction’: wound contraction revisited
Authors: Farahani Ramin Mostofizadeh , Kloth Luther C
Published: June 2008

Wound contraction is an orchestrated phenomenon that contributes to closure of wounds that heal by secondary intention. However, excessive and premature contraction results in scarring. Although the exact mechanism of contraction is unknown, the wound closure process is accompanied by and followed by changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the wound and periwound tissues during the biological transformation. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) induces a contractile phenotype in the cellular–extracellular matrix. Meanwhile, various external and internal mechanical stresses lead to microdeformations of the wound milieu with resultant upregulation of TGF‐β. Furthermore, the mechanical strain exerted on collagen fibres and other piezoelectric tissues leads to development of piezoelectric current in the wound site, which acts synergistically with TGF‐β. TGF‐β and mechanical strain regulate the orientation of collagen fibres parallel with the skin surface, which minimises the induction of piezoelectricity through the action of internal forces because of improper angulation of collagen fibres and these forces. The resulting dominance of external forces guides the contractile activity towards restoration of the original unwounded tissue architecture and functional activity of the previously wounded milieu. The aforementioned contractile activity proceeds into the remodelling phase of wound healing as the level of TGF‐β is reduced and myofibroblasts undergo apoptosis.
In vivo microvascular response of murine cutaneous muscle to ibuprofen‐releasing polyurethane foam
Authors: Ring Andrej , Goertz Ole , Muhr Gert , Steinau Hans‐Ulrich , Langer Stefan
Published: June 2008

In view of their pain‐relieving effect, the non steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are more and more used as a pain‐reducing component in modern wound dressings. To analyse the effect on new blood vessel growth, implants from Biatain Ibu™, a polyurethane foam containing ibuprofen, were inserted into the dorsal skinfold chamber of BALB/c mice. Implants from ibuprofen‐free polyurethane foam Biatain™ served as controls (n = 10 per group). Blood vessel growth and the functional vessel density (FVD) as a parameter for microvascularisation of implant’s border zone were assessed by intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVFM). IVFM was performed on days 3, 7 and 12 after implantation. Direct comparison showed no significant differences in FVD (mm/mm2) for the border zone of the ibuprofen‐releasing implants versus controls on day 3 (185·49 ± 4·75 versus 197·17 ± 5·21) and day 7 (229·60 ± 8·53 versus 247·99 ± 5·39). However, the IVFM showed a significant increased FVD for ibuprofen‐releasing implants (301·30 ± 8·44 versus 279·24 ± 5·78) on day 12 (P < 0·05). Also, a significant increase of FVD was detected for the ibuprofen‐releasing implants throughout the implantation time of 12 days. This study shows that local release of small‐dose ibuprofen from a polyurethane dressing does not decrease new blood vessel growth during the implantation time of 12 days. In the end, the microvascularisation of implant’s border zones in both groups was found comparatively undisturbed.
Mathematical model for wound healing following autologous keratinocyte transplantation
Authors: Renner Regina , Teuwen Isabell , Gebhardt Carl , Simon Jan C
Published: June 2008

In times of increasing economical pressure on the health care systems, it is important to optimise the outpatient treatment of chronic wounds. Another aim of wound healing research is to discover agents to accelerate healing. Wound healing trajectories or healing velocities can provide information to demonstrate the endpoints for wound healings. A great problem in clinical trials is to specify these parameters. Therefore, we developed a mathematical model for more transparency. In this initial project, we observed 19 wounds to construct the wound healing trajectories after transplantation of autologous keratinocytes, and the results are so encouraging that investigation in this area will continue. The developed mathematical model describes the clinical observed healing process. It was possible to find parameters to distinguish between old and young patients, retrospectively or prospectively calculate the healing rates and to determine exactly the endpoint of healing. Therefore, our model might be very useful in practices or for studies.
Povidone–iodine: use in hand disinfection, skin preparation and antiseptic irrigation
Authors: Durani Piyush , Leaper David
Published: June 2008

Iodine and its antibacterial properties have been used for the prevention or management of wound infections for over 150 years. However, the use of solutions (tincture) of iodine has been replaced by the widespread use of povidone–iodine, a water‐soluble compound, which is a combination of molecular iodine and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The resultant broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity is well documented and its efficacy, particularly in relation to resistant micro‐organisms such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has been shown. In the clinical environment, there is no general agreement regarding the ‘best’ antiseptic and the practice varies widely. This article reviews the studies that have assessed the efficacy of povidone–iodine in hand disinfection and skin preparation and its use as an antiseptic irrigant. Although there is a distinct lack of well‐designed, randomised controlled trials evaluating antiseptic efficacy, selection should be based on the next best available evidence. This evidence suggests that the use of povidone–iodine as an agent of choice is dependent on the clinical need but is also likely to be influenced by personal preference.
Treatment with bone marrow‐derived stromal cells accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats
Authors: Kwon David S , Gao Xiaohua , Liu Yong Bo , Dulchavsky Deborah S , Danyluk Andrew L , Bansal Mona , Chopp Michael , McIntosh Kevin , Arbab Ali S , Dulchavsky Scott A , Gautam Subhash C
Published: June 2008

Bone marrow stem cells participate in tissue repair processes and may have a role in wound healing. Diabetes is characterised by delayed and poor wound healing. We investigated the potential of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) to promote healing of fascial wounds in diabetic rats. After manifestation of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic state for 5 weeks in male adult Sprague–Dawley rats, healing of fascial wounds was severely compromised. Compromised wound healing in diabetic rats was characterised by excessive polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, lack of granulation tissue formation, deficit of collagen and growth factor [transforming growth factor (TGF‐β), epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet‐derived growth factor PDGF‐BB and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)] expression in the wound tissue and significant decrease in biomechanical strength of wounds. Treatment with BMSC systemically or locally at the wound site improved the wound‐breaking strength (WBS) of fascial wounds. The improvement in WBS was associated with an immediate and significant increase in collagen levels (types I–V) in the wound bed. In addition, treatment with BMSCs increased the expression of growth factors critical to proper repair and regeneration of the damaged tissue moderately (TGF‐β, KGF) to markedly (EGF, VEGF, PDGF‐BB). These data suggest that cell therapy with BMSCs has the potential to augment healing of the diabetic wounds.
Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation: a pilot study describing a new method for treating infected wounds
Authors: Gabriel Allen , Shores Jaimie , Heinrich Cherrie , Baqai Waheed , Kalina Sharon , Sogioka Norman , Gupta Subhas
Published: June 2008

This data review reports the results of 15 patients who were treated with Vacuum‐Assisted Closure® (VAC) negative pressure therapy system in addition to the timed, intermittent delivery of an instilled topical solution for management of their complex, infected wounds. Prospective data for 15 patients treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)‐instillation was recorded and analysed. Primary endpoints were compared to a retrospective control group of 15 patients treated with our institution‘s standard moist wound‐care therapy. Culture‐specific systemic antibiotics were prescribed as per specific patient need in both groups. All data were checked for normality of distribution and equality of variance and appropriate parametric and non parametric analyses were conducted. Compared with the standard moist wound‐care therapy control group, patients in the NPWT‐instillation group required fewer days of treatment (36·5 ± 13·1 versus 9·9 ± 4·3 days, P < 0·001), cleared of clinical infection earlier (25·9 ± 6·6 versus 6·0 ± 1·5 days, P < 0·001), had wounds close earlier (29·6 ± 6·5 versus 13·2 ± 6·8 days, P < 0·001) and had fewer in‐hospital stay days (39·2 ± 12·1 versus 14·7 ± 9·2 days, P < 0·001). In this pilot study, NPWT instillation showed a significant decrease in the mean time to bioburden reduction, wound closure and hospital discharge compared with traditional wet‐to‐moist wound care. Outcomes from this study analysis suggest that the use of NPWT instillation may reduce cost and decrease inpatient care requirements for these complex, infected wounds.
Intermittent pneumatic compression in immobile patients
Authors: Partsch Hugo
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this study is to stress the value of using intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) in immobile patients. The use of IPC helps prevent limb oedema and the associated skin changes frequently seen on the legs of the immobile patient. Oedema formation is caused by an increase of fluid extravasation, while skin changes including leg ulcers are mainly because of a deficiency of the venous and lymphatic pumps. Conventional compression stockings and bandages impede leg swelling but are less efficient in supporting the deficient veno‐lymphatic pump when patients are unable to move. In this situation, actively compressing the limb using IPC is a very meaningful and effective treatment option. Because of a lack of literature on the specific indication of IPC in immobile patients, experimental studies and randomised controlled trials in similar situations are reviewed. IPC is a very effective although underused treatment modality, especially in immobile, wheelchair‐bound patients. By inflation and deflation of the air‐filled garments, IPC produces cycles of pressure waves on the leg, thus mimicking the working and resting pressures applied by compression bandages. IPC not only reduces leg swelling but also augments the veno‐lymphatic pump, which is essential for the restoration of the damaged microcirculation of the skin.
Relationship Factors in the Development and Maintenance of ED: Implications for Treatment Effectiveness
Authors: McCabe Marita P.
Published: June 2008

Introduction

With the advent of effective medical treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), there has been a reduced focus in recent years on the role of relationship in the development of this disorder.

Aim

This article examines the contribution of relationship factors to the success or otherwise of different treatment approaches for ED.

Main Outcome Measures

The results of findings in the literature on the association between relationship factors and the development and maintenance of ED.

Methods

This article reviews and evaluates the literature that relates to the role of relationship factors in the development and maintenance of ED.

Results

The current review demonstrates that relationship dynamics are frequently dysfunctional among men with ED. Research demonstrates that addressing these problems is likely to improve the effectiveness of therapy. However, there have been limited studies conducted in this area; many of these studies are methodologically flawed, and so it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.

Conclusion

There needs to be further research on the association between relationship factors and ED. Suggestions for future research that include combined medical and psychological interventions for ED are proposed.
The effects of urea fertilisation and genotype on yield, nitrogen use efficiency, δ15N and δ13C in wheat
Authors: Serret M.D , Ortiz‐Monasterio I , Pardo A , Araus J.L
Published: June 2008

New methodologies to assess nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in field crops could help in the characterisation of large numbers of genotypes and growing conditions. The effects of chemical nitrogen fertilisation on yield: nitrogen taken up by the crop, NUE and its components utilisation efficiency (UTE) and uptake efficiency (UPE) and the stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) composition of mature grains and straw were evaluated. A set of 24 wheat genotypes generated over the past four decades by International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and the Mexican Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research were studied under well‐irrigated field conditions. Five concentrations of urea were applied as a source of N fertilisation. Fertilisation significantly decreased δ15N and increased δ13C, but δ15N was the isotopic trait most strongly correlated with absolute changes in yield and crop nitrogen (N) accumulation caused by different levels of N fertilisation. Both grain δ15N and grain δ13C correlated positively with NUE and UTE. Differences across genotypes in δ13C correlated positively with UTE and negatively with grain N content within each of the N levels assayed. Genotypic differences in δ15N correlated negatively with total grain N accumulated but only at the intermediate levels of N fertilisation. We conclude that under our experimental conditions, natural abundances of 15N and 13C may provide complementary information on how nitrogen fertiliser is used by the plant. However, whereas grain yield and biomass, as well as total N accumulated and NUE, increased in the most recent genotypes, only a tendency for higher δ15N was observed and there was no clear trend for δ13C. Changes in NUE were paralleled by changes in UPE rather than UTE.
A typology of sloping and mountainous olive plantation systems to address natural resources management
Authors: Fleskens L.
Published: June 2008

Olive plantation systems occur in a wide variety throughout the Mediterranean, especially in sloping and mountainous areas. Recent drivers of change, including the widespread introduction of mechanisation, increased use of (chemical) inputs and (drip)irrigation have considerably added to this diversity. The various systems have very different resource use patterns and environmental and social performances. This article attempts to grasp these differences and to link systems characteristics to options for natural resources management in the spirit of contemporary agricultural policies that seek to promote a more sustainable agriculture. Cluster analysis was employed to classify 28 olive plantation systems distinguished by regional typologies developed for six study areas: Trás‐os‐Montes (Portugal), Córdoba and Granada/Jaén (both in Spain), Haffouz (Tunisia), Basilicata/Salerno (Italy) and West‐Crete (Greece). Six types of olive plantation systems resulted: (a) very extensive, (b) traditional extensive, (c) semi‐intensive low input, (d) semi‐intensive high input, (b) intensive and (e) organic. Natural resources management options to address soil erosion, low biodiversity, wildfire risk and excessive water use are explored for each of these systems. In the discussion, it becomes evident that an important quality for a typology lies in its capacity to differentiate likely future development pathways. If options are known, policy‐makers can make choices as to what the desired pathway is and what instruments to design to facilitate it.
Ability of Reptalus quinquecostatus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) to inoculate stolbur phytoplasma to artificial feeding medium
Authors: Pinzauti F. , Trivellone V. , Bagnoli B.
Published: June 2008

Laboratory trials were carried out on wild individuals of Reptalus quinquecostatus (Cixiidae), a potential vector of stolbur phytoplasma to grapevine, to assess its ability to inoculate the phytoplasma in artificial feeding medium. Seventy‐seven specimens of the cixiid were tested on a sucrose–TE (Tris–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) diet and 62 of them survived less than 24 h. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays performed on the insect bodies detected the presence of stolbur phytoplasma, with an infection rate of 32.5%. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the tuf gene, amplified by PCR, revealed Vergilbungskrankheit type I (VK‐I) in 20 specimens, VK‐II in 4 specimens and both types in 1 specimen. Ten of the 25 infected R. quinquecostatus specimens successfully inoculated VK‐I in the sucrose solution, that is, a 40% inoculation efficiency despite the brief survival. The results indicate that R. quinquecostatus is a competent species to transmit the stolbur phytoplasma in artificial conditions. The repeated observation of adults feeding on grapevine strengthens the hypothesis that the species is a vector of stolbur phytoplasma to this plant.
Incidences and progression of tomato chlorosis virus disease and tomato yellow leaf curl virus disease in tomato under different greenhouse covers in southeast Spain
Authors: Velasco L. , Simón B. , Janssen D. , Cenis J.L.
Published: June 2008

Epidemics of whitefly‐transmitted Tomato chlorosis virus, Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus have been present in the south east of Spain since the 1990s. A survey was performed in 40 greenhouses and nethouses during 2003 to establish the relationship between the disease incidence and the quality of greenhouse or nethouse coverings, providing a physical protection of crops against whiteflies. For tomato chlorosis virus disease (ToCD), the incidence correlated with the type of greenhouse cover and was most reduced under higher quality covers. Control of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) was achieved only for crops grown in the highest quality greenhouses. TYLCD incidence in tolerant tomatoes remained below 100% within the 5 months of sampling, despite the disease progress rate at the initial stage of the cultivation being higher than that of ToCD, which did reach 100% incidence in many greenhouses. Linear regression analysis showed that the development of ToCD and TYLCD in most of the greenhouses was best described by the monomolecular model and the Gompertz model, respectively. Tomato infectious chlorosis virus was not detected in parallel surveys carried out during this study, although it has been described previously in the area studied.
Galactolipid depletion in blast fungus‐infected rice leaves
Authors: Zhou L. , Zhang Y. , Rao L. , Cao Y. , Peng Y.
Published: June 2008

This research focuses on galactolipid depletion in blast fungus‐infected rice leaves. Two major galactolipids, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), from rice leaves were isolated and purified. The chemical structure of MGDG was identified as 1,2‐dilinolenyl‐3‐O‐β‐d‐galactopyranosyl‐sn‐glycerol, and that of DGDG as 1,2‐dilinolenyl‐3‐O‐[α‐d‐galactopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐O‐β‐d‐galactopyranosyl]‐sn‐glycerol. Both the MGDG and DGDG content in the incompatible blast fungus race‐infected leaves decreased more than those in the compatible blast fungus race‐infected leaves during the infection process. Active oxygen species had the ability to peroxygenate and de‐esterify MGDG or DGDG in vitro, suggesting that active oxygen species play an important role in galactolipid depletion during the process of rice blast fungus invasion. Other possible functions of rice galactolipids during disease resistance are also discussed.
The radial alignment of dark matter subhaloes: from simulations to observations
Authors: Knebe Alexander , Yahagi Hideki , Kase Hiroyuki , Lewis Geraint , Gibson Brad K.
Published: June 2008

We explore the radial alignment of subhaloes in two-dimensional projections of cosmological simulations. While most other recent studies focused on quantifying the signal utilizing the full three-dimensional spatial information any comparison to observational data has to be done in projection along random lines-of-sight. We have a suite of well-resolved host dark matter haloes at our disposal ranging from 6 × 1014 to 6 × 1013h-1 M⊙. For these host systems, we do observe that the major axis of the projected two-dimensional mass distribution of subhaloes aligns with its (projected) distance vector to the host's centre. The signal is actually stronger than the observed alignment. However, when considering only the innermost 10–20 per cent of the subhalo's particles for the two-dimensional shape measurement, we recover the observed correlation. We further acknowledge that this signal is independent of subhalo mass.
Self-consistent simulations of nuclear cluster formation through globular cluster orbital decay and merging
Authors: Capuzzo-Dolcetta R. , Miocchi P.
Published: June 2008

We present results of fully self-consistent N-body simulations of the motion of four globular clusters moving in the inner region of their parent galaxy. With regard to previous simplified simulations, we confirm merging and formation of an almost steady nuclear cluster, in a slightly shorter time. The projected surface density profile shows strong similarity to that of resolved galactic nuclei. This similarity reflects also in the velocity dispersion profile which exhibits a central colder component as observed in many nucleated galaxies.
The radial distribution of Type Ia supernovae in early-type galaxies: implications for progenitor scenarios
Authors: Förster Francisco , Schawinski Kevin
Published: June 2008

We study the radial distribution of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in morphologically selected early-type host galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and discuss its implications for the progenitor systems of SNe Ia. While new observations of early-type galaxies suggest that they contain small fractions of young stellar populations, they are also the most likely hosts for long time-delay SNe Ia. We find that there is no statistically significant difference between the radial distribution of SNe Ia and the light profile of their early-type host galaxies, which are dominated by old, metal-rich stellar populations. This confirms the commonly accepted idea that some SN Ia progenitors have time delays of the order of several Gyr.