bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focal adhesion kinase regulates laminin‐induced oligodendroglial process outgrowth
Authors: Hoshina Naosuke , Tezuka Tohru , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Kozuka‐Hata Hiroko , Oyama Masaaki , Yamamoto Tadashi
Published: November 2007

In the central nervous system (CNS), myelination of axons occurs when oligodendrocyte progenitor cells undergo terminal differentiation, and initiate process formation and axonal ensheathment. Although Fyn, a member of the Src‐family kinases (SFKs), plays an important role in this differentiation process, the substrates of Fyn in oligodendrocytes are largely unknown. Using mass spectrometric analysis, we identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a tyrosine‐phosphorylated protein in the rat‐derived CG4 oligodendrocyte cell line. Tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK was enhanced during differentiation of CG4 cells in a Fyn‐dependent manner. In addition, phosphorylation of FAK was stimulated by laminin, one of the ligands for integrin. Knockdown of FAK expression in CG4 cells suppressed process outgrowth on laminin. Rac1 and Cdc42 activities, which are required for oligodendrocyte process formation, were down‐regulated in FAK‐knockdown cells. Expression of wild‐type (WT) FAK in FAK‐knockdown CG4 cells restored outgrowth of processes, but the Y397F mutant lacking the autophosphorylation site did not. These results suggest that FAK/Fyn‐mediated activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 is critical for laminin‐induced outgrowth of oligodendrocyte processes.
Retracted: A reduction state potentiates the glucocorticoid response through receptor protein stabilization
Authors: Kitagawa Hirochika , Yamaoka Ikuko , Akimoto Chihiro , Kase Ikuko , Mezaki Yoshihiro , Shimizu Takafumi , Kato Shigeaki
Published: November 2007

The intracellular redox state regulates all biological processes including gene expression. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a hormone‐dependent transcription factor, is affected by the redox state. GR translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is regulated by oxidative stress. The molecular mechanism of how the redox state affects GR transcriptional regulation, however, has not been clarified. We identified a deoxidizing agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl2), that potentiates the GR transcriptional effects by stabilizing endogenously expressed GR protein as well as exogenously over‐expressed one without affecting GR mRNA level. Consequent GR protein stabilization enhanced co‐factor recruitments on the target gene promoters. These results support the existence of a novel redox‐dependent mechanism of GR transcriptional regulation mediated by receptor protein stabilization.
Crystal structure of human DAAM1 formin homology 2 domain
Authors: Yamashita Masami , Higashi Tomohito , Suetsugu Shiro , Sato Yusuke , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Shirakawa Ryutaro , Kita Toru , Takenawa Tadaomi , Horiuchi Hisanori , Fukai Shuya , Nureki Osamu
Published: November 2007

Reorganization of the actin filament is an essential process for cell motility, cell–cell attachment and intracellular transport. Formin proteins promote nucleation and elongation of the actin filament, and thus are key regulators for this process. The formin homology 2 (FH2) domain forms a head‐to‐tail ring‐shaped dimer, and processively moves towards the barbed end. Dishevelled‐associated activator of morphogenesis (DAAM) is a Rho‐regulated formin implicated in neuronal development. Here, we present the crystal structure of human DAAM1 FH2 dimer at 2.8 Å resolution. This is the first dimeric structure of the mammalian formin. The core structure of human DAAM1 is similar to those of mouse mDia1 and yeast Bni1p, whereas the orientations of the FH2 dimeric rings are different between human DAAM1 and yeast Bni1p, despite their similar dimer interactions. This difference supports the previous prediction that the dimer architecture of the formin is highly flexible in the actin‐free state. The results of the actin assembly assays using the DAAM1 mutants demonstrated that the length of the linker connecting the N‐terminal domain and the core region is crucial for the activity.
TFIIH controls developmentally‐regulated cell cycle progression as a holocomplex
Authors: Matsuno Motomi , Kose Hiroyuki , Okabe Masataka , Hiromi Yasushi
Published: November 2007

Basal transcription factor, TFIIH, is a multifunctional complex that carries out not only transcription but also DNA repair and cell cycle control. TFIIH is composed of two sub‐complexes: core TFIIH and Cdk‐activating kinase (CAK). In vitro studies suggest that CAK is sufficient for cell cycle regulation, whereas core TFIIH is required for DNA repair. However, the TFIIH complexes that perform these functions in vivo have yet to be identified. Here, we perform an in vivo dissection of TFIIH activity by characterizing mutations in a core subunit p52 in Drosophila. p52 mutants are hypersensitive to UV, suggesting a defect in DNA repair. Nonetheless, mutant cells are able to divide and express a variety of differentiation markers. Although p52 is not essential for cell cycle progression itself, p52 mutant cells in the eye imaginal disc are unable to synchronize their cell cycles and remain arrested at G1. Similar cell cycle phenotypes are observed in mutations in another core subunit XPB and a CAK‐component CDK7, suggesting that defects in core TFIIH affect the G1/S transition through modification of CAK activity. We propose that during development the function of TFIIH as a cell cycle regulator is carried out by holo‐TFIIH.
Evidence that SV40 VP1–DNA interactions contribute to the assembly of 40‐nm spherical viral particles
Authors: Tsukamoto Hiroko , Kawano Masa‐aki , Inoue Takamasa , Enomoto Teruya , Takahashi Ryou‐u , Yokoyama Naoki , Yamamoto Noriaki , Imai Takeshi , Kataoka Kohsuke , Yamaguchi Yuki , Handa Hiroshi
Published: November 2007

The simian virus 40 (SV40) particle is mainly composed of the major capsid protein termed VP1. VP1 self‐assembles into virus‐like particles (VLPs) of approximately 40 nm in diameter when over‐expressed in bacteria or in insect cells, but purified VP1 does not form such a structure under physiological conditions, and thus, the mechanism of VP1 assembly is not well understood. Using a highly purified VP1 assembly/disassembly system in vitro, here we provide evidence that DNA is a factor that contributes to VP1 assembly into 40‐nm spherical particles. At pH 5, for example, VP1 preferentially assembles into 40‐nm particles in the presence of DNA, whereas VP1 assembles into tubular structures in the absence of DNA. Electron microscopic observations revealed that the concentration of DNA and its length are important for the formation of 40‐nm particles. In addition, sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis and DNase I‐sensitivity assays indicated that DNA of up to 2000 bp is packaged into the 40‐nm particles under the conditions examined. We propose that DNA may facilitate the formation of 40‐nm spherical particles by acting as a scaffold that increases the local concentration of VP1 and/or by acting as an allosteric effector that alters the structure of VP1.
The effect of the canal‐filled area on the bacterial leakage of oval‐shaped canals
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Murad C. , Paciornik S. , Reis C. M. , Coutinho‐Filho T.
Published: November 2007

Aim  To compare the sealing ability and the canal‐filled area (gutta‐percha + sealer) of three current filling techniques in oval‐shaped canals.

Methodology  A total of 50 oval‐shaped root canals were prepared and root filled as follows: G1: lateral condensation (n = 10), G2: System B (n = 10) and G3: Thermafil system (n = 10). All teeth were mounted in a two‐chamber apparatus and the coronal access was exposed to human saliva. The appearance of turbidity in the BHI broth over a 15‐week period was observed. A cross section of each tooth was made 5 mm from the apex and the samples were prepared for microscopic analysis. Digital image measurements of the cross‐sectional area and the area filled by gutta‐percha and sealer were performed. Log‐rank and Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyse the leakage data. Student’s t‐test was used to analyse the filled‐area data.

Results  Overall, 30% of the specimens of G1 and G2 and 20% of G3 demonstrated leakage after 15 weeks and no significant difference was found amongst the groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of canal‐filled area was 68, 70 and 78%, respectively (P > 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed no significant relation between the pattern of bacterial leakage and canal‐filled area (P = 0.128).

Conclusions  No significant difference in apical sealing and canal‐filled area in oval‐shaped canals was seen between the three filling techniques. No significant correlation was found between the quality of the apical seal and the filled‐area of the root canal space.
Frequency of root‐filled teeth and prevalence of apical periodontitis in an adult Turkish population
Authors: Gulsahi K. , Gulsahi A. , Ungor M. , Genc Y.
Published: November 2007

Aim  To report the frequency and distribution of root‐filled teeth as well as the prevalence of apical periodontitis in an adult population in Turkey.

Summary  Digital panoramic radiographs of 1000 patients who were examined at the Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry between December 2004 and May 2005 were evaluated. Patients ageing <15 years and those with less than nine remaining teeth were excluded. The coronal and periapical status of all the teeth with the exception of third molars was examined according to the criteria proposed by De Moor et al. (2000). Statistical analysis was performed with the Rao and Scott adjusted chi‐square test for the comparison of clustered binary data. In all, 24 433 teeth were examined. A total of 346 teeth (1.4%) had radiographic signs of apical periodontitis, and 812 were root filled (3.3%). Of the 812 root‐filled teeth, 148 (18.2%) had apical periodontitis. Of the 23 621 nonroot‐filled teeth, 198 (0.8%) had apical periodontitis. The number of root‐filled teeth in male subjects was significantly less than that in female subjects (P < 0.001), but the presence of apical periodontitis in male subjects was significantly higher than that in female subjects (P < 0.05).

Key learning points

The prevalence of apical periodontitis and the frequency of root‐filled teeth with apical periodontitis were lower than in comparable populations in other countries.

The number of root‐filled teeth was comparable to that found in other epidemiologic studies.
The relative importance of environment, human activity and space in explaining species richness of South African bird orders
Authors: Wilson John W. , Van Rensburg Berndt J. , Ferguson J. Willem H. , Keith Mark
Published: November 2007

Aim  To assess the relative importance of environmental (climate, habitat heterogeneity and topography), human (population density, economic prosperity and land transformation) and spatial (autocorrelation) influences, and the interactions between these predictor groups, on species richness patterns of various avifaunal orders.

Location  South Africa.

Methods  Generalized linear models were used to determine the amount of variation in species richness, for each order, attributable to each of the different predictor groups. To assess the relationships between species richness and the various predictor groups, a deviance statistic (a measure of goodness of fit for each model) and the percentage deviation explained for the best fitting model were calculated.

Results  Of the 12 avifaunal orders examined, spatially structured environmental deviance accounted for most of the variation in species richness in 11 orders (averaging 28%), and 50% or more in seven orders. However, orders comprising mostly water birds (Charadriiformes, Anseriformes, Ciconiformes) had a relatively large component of purely spatial deviance compared with spatially structured environmental deviance, and much of this spatial deviance was due to higher‐order spatial effects such as patchiness, as opposed to linear gradients in species richness. Although human activity, in general, offered little explanatory power to species richness patterns, it was an important correlate of spatial variation in species of Charadriiformes and Anseriformes. The species richness of these water birds was positively related to the presence of artificial water bodies.

Main conclusions  Not all bird orders showed similar trends when assessing, simultaneously, the relative importance of environmental, human and spatial influences in affecting bird species richness patterns. Although spatially structured environmental deviance described most of the variation in bird species richness, the explanatory power of purely spatial deviance, mostly due to nonlinear geographical effects such as patchiness, became more apparent in orders representing water birds. This was especially true for Charadriiformes, where the strong anthropogenic relationship has negative implications for the successful conservation of this group.
Shifts in the ecological behaviour of plant species between two distant regions: evidence from the base richness gradient in mires
Authors: Hájková Petra , Hájek Michal , Apostolova Iva , Zelený David , Dítě Daniel
Published: November 2007

Aim  Water pH and conductivity are known to be major environmental factors controlling the species composition of nutrient‐poor wetlands. Based on the analysis of two large data sets of species co‐occurrence, sampled along the entire pH/calcium gradient, we explored whether species exhibit similar or different ecological behaviour in the two regions.

Location  West Carpathians (central Europe) and Bulgaria (south‐eastern Europe), situated 800 km apart. Bulgaria represents a range margin for many mire species.

Methods  The probability of occurrence of the 41 most common species along the pH and conductivity gradients was assessed using logistic regression fitted by means of generalized additive models. The species optimum and amplitude were determined. To check the possible effect of competitive release, we estimated where the potential maximum number of species (maximum overlap in realized niches) occurs along the base richness gradient.

Results  Most of the 41 frequently occurring species showed a significant response to water pH and ln‐transformed conductivity (approximating total mineral richness) in both regions. Eight species showed a shift in pH optimum greater than one unit, while 12 species showed the same or a larger shift along the conductivity gradient. Nearly all these striking shifts were connected to an extension of species tolerance towards mineral‐poor acid habitats in Bulgaria, which causes links between species and measured factors to be conspicuously weaker in Bulgaria than in the West Carpathians. Regarding ecological amplitude, 24 species exhibited a wider tolerance to water conductivity in the West Carpathians, whereas 17 species exhibited a wider tolerance in Bulgaria.

Main conclusions  A distinctive variation in the realized niche was observed in a large portion of the species examined. Niche shifts between local populations of the same species were similar to those of closely related vicariant species. Ecotypic adaptation within species is a possible explanation for this pattern. Other possible explanations (competitive release, specific habitat conditions, compensation for climate) seem to be less justified. The local populations of rich‐fen species may have adapted to mineral‐poor acid conditions in the high crystalline mountains of Bulgaria during dry periods of pleniglacials.

Nomenclature  Marhold & Hindák (1998); for Balkan elements not included in this source, Andreev et al. (1992).
Patterns of post‐glacial spread and the extent of glacial refugia of European beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Authors: Magri Donatella
Published: November 2007

Aim  Establishing possible relationships between the magnitudes of the glacial distribution of the European beech, Fagus sylvatica L., and its post‐glacial spread.

Location  Europe.

Methods  A database of over 400 pollen records has been used to locate Fagus populations at the end of the last glacial and during the post‐glacial in Europe and to assess the areal extent of their past distribution.

Results  The rate of late‐glacial and post‐glacial increase in the number of pollen sites where Fagus was locally present conforms well to a logistic model of population growth. This suggests that the area occupied by beech populations expanded exponentially from the glacial refugia for a duration of over 10,000 years, until about 3500 yr bp. In the past three millennia beech populations increased at a slower rate, tending towards an equilibrium value.

Main conclusions  The conformity of the increase in beech distribution to the classical logistic model of population growth indicates that: (1) a multiplicative biological process was the main factor shaping the pattern of the post‐glacial expansion of F. sylvatica in Europe, (2) climate conditions, human activity and competition may have influenced its rate of spread, and (3) beech populations did not expand with a moving closed front, but with a diffuse spread from scattered nuclei. The distribution of Fagus in Europe at the end of the last glacial appears to have been of two orders of magnitude less extensive than at present. Pleistocene refugia were likely to have been a mosaic of sparse stands of small populations scattered in multiple regions. Fagus populations appear to have increased very slowly and to a moderate extent in southern Europe, where they are now declining slightly. The central European populations increased quickly and extensively, reaching northern Europe, and are now approaching their carrying capacity.
Predicting cover types in a mountain range with long evolutionary grazing history: a GIS approach
Authors: Cingolani A. M. , Renison D. , Tecco P. A. , Gurvich D. E. , Cabido M.
Published: November 2007

Aim  To determine how the distribution and cover of different vegetation types are affected by physical factors and livestock in a mountain range with a long evolutionary history of grazing.

Location  Upper vegetation belt of the Córdoba mountains (1700–2800 m a.s.l., 31º34′ S, 64º50′ W) in central Argentina.

Methods  Using GIS, we analysed the relationships of plant cover types to physical features (physiography and topography) and indicators of accumulated livestock pressure (distance to human settlements and roads) through multinomial logistic regression. We predicted a present vegetation map which was validated with a real map. We then constructed two maps simulating minimum and maximum values of accumulated livestock pressure for the whole area. Map comparisons allowed evaluation of the possible influence of livestock, both in extension and intensity.

Results  Both physical features and livestock pressure influenced the occurrence of vegetation units. The overall accuracy of the predicted map at the pixel level was low (26%) indicating low habitat specificity of the vegetation units. We suggest that some part of the unaccounted for variance was due to livestock pressure patterns that were not fully captured by our indicators. Our models proved adequate for predicting the total percentages of vegetation units at coarser scales. The extrapolations showed that under a history of low livestock pressure, such as in sites far away from human settlements and roads, the area would be dominated by woodlands, tussock grasslands and natural rock outcrops. Under a history of heavy livestock pressure, in turn, rock exposed by erosion, tussock grasslands and natural rock outcrops would dominate.

Main conclusions  Vegetation units showed low habitat specificity, and were associated with accumulated livestock pressure, indicating that livestock and its associated activities are important factors structuring the landscape and have important consequences for the integrity of the ecosystem. Results suggest that although this system evolved with large herbivores, it has experienced irreversible degradation processes, and intensification of current domestic livestock pressure is likely to lead to even more land degradation.
Distribution patterns of the genus Pacifigorgia (Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae): track compatibility analysis and parsimony analysis of endemicity
Authors: Vargas Sergio , Guzman Hector M. , Breedy Odalisca
Published: November 2007

Aim  We analysed the distribution patterns of the eastern Pacific octocoral genus Pacifigorgia and deduced its ancestral distribution to determine why Pacifigorgia is absent from the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean of central America, and the Antilles. We also examined the current patterns of endemism for Pacifigorgia to look for congruence between hot spots of endemism in the genus and generally recognized areas of endemism for the eastern Pacific.

Location  The tropical eastern Pacific and western Atlantic, America.

Methods  We used track compatibility analysis (TCA) and parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) to derive ancestral distribution patterns and hot spots of endemism, respectively. Distributional data for Pacifigorgia were gathered from several museum collections and from fieldwork, particularly in the Pacific of Costa Rica and Panama.

Results  A single generalized track joined the three main continental eastern Pacific biogeographical provinces and the western Atlantic. This track can be included within a larger eastern Atlantic–eastern Pacific transoceanic track that may be the oldest transoceanic track occurring in the region. PAE results designate previously recognized eastern Pacific biogeographical provinces as Pacifigorgia hot spots of endemism. The number of endemic species, which for other taxonomic groups is similar among the eastern Pacific provinces, is higher in the Panamic province for Pacifigorgia.

Main conclusions  We propose that the absence of Pacifigorgia from the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean of central America, and the Antilles is the result of an ancient absence of the genus from these areas rather than the consequence of a major, recent, extinction episode. The Cortez province and the Mexican province appear together as a result of either non‐response to vicariance or dispersal across the Sinaloan Gap. We posit that the Central American Gap acts as a barrier that separates the Panamic province from the northern Cortez–Mexican province.
Cross‐cultural adaptation of a pre‐school screening instrument: comparison of Korean and US populations
Authors: Heo K. H. , Squires J. , Yovanoff P.
Published: November 2007

Background  Accurate and efficient developmental screening measures are critical for early identification of developmental problems; however, few reliable and valid tests are available in Korea as well as other countries outside the USA. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) was chosen for study with young children in Korea.

Methods  The ASQ was translated into Korean and necessary cross‐cultural adaptations were made. The translated version was then distributed and completed by 3220 parents of young children between the ages of 4 months and 5 years. Reliability was studied including domain correlations, internal consistency, and performance of identification cut‐off scores for the Korean population. Rasch analyses including tests of Differential Item Functioning, contrasting Korean and US samples were also performed.

Results  In general, internal consistency of the Korean ASQ was high, with overall correlations 0.75 for communication, 0.85 for gross motor, 0.74 for fine motor, 0.72 for problem solving, and 0.65 for personal‐social. Validity, including concurrent validity, also had strong evidence. Mean scores of children on the Korean translation of the ASQ and the US normative sample were generally similar. Rasch analyses indicated the majority of items functioned similarly across the Korean sample.

Conclusions  In general, the ASQ was translated with cultural appropriateness in mind and functioned as a valid and reliable parent‐completed screening test to assist in early identification of young children with developmental delays. Further research is needed to confirm these results with a larger and more diverse Korean sample.
Psychiatric morbidity and social functioning among adults with borderline intelligence living in private households
Authors: Hassiotis A. , Strydom A. , Hall I. , Ali A. , Lawrence‐Smith G. , Meltzer H. , Head J , Bebbington P.
Published: November 2007

Background  Approximately one‐eighth of the population will have DSM‐IV borderline intelligence. Various mental disorders and social disability are associated with it.

Method  The paper uses data (secondary analysis) from a UK‐wide cross‐sectional survey of 8450 adults living in private households. Data were collected on psychiatric disorders, intellectual level, social functioning and service use.

Results  In total, 12.3% of the sample had borderline intelligence. The prevalence of psychotic disorder was not significantly increased, but the group showed significant social disadvantage and increased rates of neurotic disorders, substance misuse and personality disorders when compared with their counterparts of normal intelligence. The borderline group was more likely to receive psychiatric medication, but not talking therapies. They appear to use significantly more services, including emergency services.

Conclusion  Adults with borderline intelligence are more likely to suffer from treatable mental disorders and an excess of substance misuse. Services should be aware of hidden morbidity in this group.
Statistical analysis of sand grain/bed collision process recorded by high‐speed digital camera
Authors: WANG DAWEI , WANG YUAN , YANG BIN , ZHANG WEI , Lancaster Nick
Published: November 2007

A high‐speed digital camera was employed to record the sand grain/bed collision process. With image processing and a statistical method, a series of parameters of the collision process were obtained. The results show that the collision process of a grain with rebounding can be represented by two parameters: the kinetic energy restitution coefficient and the collision angle. Both parameters satisfy a normal distribution, and they are dependent on one another. With an increase of the collision angle, the distribution of the kinetic energy restitution gradually reduces from a broad to a narrow range with low values. The percentage of vertical velocity restitution coefficients greater than 1 can reach 70% or more, which ensures that the settling time of the sand grains in the air increases and that they receive more energy from the air to progress the saltation movement.
Authigenic seep‐carbonates cementing coarse‐grained deposits in a fan‐delta depositional system (middle Miocene, Marnoso‐arenacea Formation, central Italy)
Authors: CONTI S. , FONTANA D. , LUCENTE C.C.
Published: November 2007

Seep‐carbonates (13C‐depleted) are present at different levels within the Miocene terrigenous succession of Deruta (Marnoso‐arenacea Formation, central Italy); they are associated with pebbly sandstones and conglomerates in a tectonically active fan‐delta slope depositional system. Most of these seep‐carbonates are included in slide/slump horizons as scattered blocks. The occurrence of seep‐carbonates is clear evidence of the flow of methane‐rich fluids pervading the sediments. Fluids, probably of biogenic origin, may have reached the sea‐bottom through thrust faults and selectively infiltrated the more permeable coarse‐grained horizons deposited along the slope. Different stages of fluid emissions are documented: slow flux stage, corresponding to the development of large carbonate bodies and dense chemosynthetic communities; and fast fluid flow associated with intense carbonate brecciation, pipes and veins. Large amounts of authigenic carbonates are reworked by slope failures triggered by tectonics and fluids reducing sediment strength; in situ cementation of slide blocks may also have occurred due to remobilization of methane‐rich fluids by mass‐wasting processes.
Do head lice spread in swimming pools?
Authors: Canyon Deon , Speare Richard
Published: November 2007

This study investigated the potential for head lice transmission in swimming pools using an in vitro experiment and a field trial. In the former study, head lice were submerged for 20 min in aqueous solutions at 25 ± 1 °C: deionized water, sea water, salt solutions (30, 60, 120 and 240 g/l), and chlorinated water (0.2, 2 and 5 mg/l). In all trials, lice located on cut hairs became immobile and did not respond to physical prodding. After entering stasis, no movement was observed until after rescue from submersion and a brief recovery period (0–1 min). Upon recovery, all lice fed and no mortality was observed within the next 4 h. In the field trial, four naturally infected individuals swam in a chlorinated pool for 30 min. No loss of lice or head to head transfer was observed. These results indicated that although head lice survive immersion, head lice transmission is unlikely to occur via the water of swimming pools.
Depression and anxiety in patients with Behçet's disease compared with that in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Taner Ender , Coşar Behcet , Burhanoğlu Sabri , Çalıkoğlu Emel , Önder Meltem , Arıkan Zehra
Published: November 2007

Background  Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, episodic disease with an often devastating course. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depression and anxiety levels in patients with BD and to compare them with those in patients with psoriasis.

Methods  Patients were collected from the Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. One hundred and twelve patients with BD and 95 patients with psoriasis were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated by Beck's depression inventory (BDI), Beck's anxiety inventory (BAI), automatic thoughts questionnaire (ATQ), and Beck's hopelessness scale (BHS).

Results  The group with BD had higher scores for BDI, BAI, ATQ, and BHS than the group with psoriasis (P < 0.05). Almost one‐half of the patients with BD had depression. BAI only was higher in the younger BD group than in the corresponding psoriasis group, whereas all test scores were higher in the older BD group than in the corresponding psoriasis group. There was a strong correlation between the duration of BD and BDI, ATQ, and BHS scores, which was not observed in the psoriasis patients. BD increased the depression risk four‐fold in this sample, and BD with a duration of over 3 years increased the depression risk 12‐fold.

Conclusions  In the present study, BD patients had higher levels of psychopathology than did psoriasis patients in terms of psychologic test scores. The duration of illness affected the severity of the psychiatric symptoms in the BD group, but not in the psoriasis group. The duration of illness was a major risk factor for the development of depression in BD. These findings indicate the need for early recognition of psychiatric symptoms in patients with BD.
Xeroderma pigmentosum: a Turkish case series
Authors: Gül Ülker , Kılıç Arzu , Gönül Müzeyyen , Çakmak Seray Külcü , Soylu Seçil
Published: November 2007

Background  Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare, autosomal recessive genodermatosis in which affected individuals exhibit sun sensitivity, cutaneous pigment abnormalities, and a high incidence of skin cancers of sun‐exposed skin.

Methods  We studied the clinical features of 12 XP patients from Turkey, who were followed for 5 years.

Results  Consanguinity was confirmed in 10 cases. The onset of hyperpigmented macules and photosensitivity was between the ages of 6 months and 5 years (average age, 25 months). The first appearance of cutaneous tumors was at 3–28 years of age (average age, 12 years). In nine of the 12 patients, cutaneous malignancies were confirmed histopathologically, and all nine were squamous cell carcinomas. One patient developed both squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.

Conclusions  This study presents the epidemiological and clinical features of Turkish XP patients. We believe this study will provide new data for further studies in the future.
Correlation between some Th1 and Th2 cytokine receptor gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus in Chinese patients
Authors: Xu Yao , Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Li Yu‐Mei , Gong Juan‐Qin , Li An‐Sheng , Chen Min , Liu Jun
Published: November 2007

Background  Genetic factors seem to play a significant role in the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Some researchers have described amino acid polymorphisms within the interleukin‐4 receptor (IL‐4R) [isoleucine50valine (Ile50Val), arginine576glutamine (Arg576Gln), etc.], the IL‐10R (G241A and G520A), and the interferon‐γ receptor (IFN‐γR) [valine14methionine (Val14Met) and glutamine64arginine (Gln64Arg)].

Methods  The Ile50Val genotypes were examined by the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction‐single‐strand conformation polymorphism (RT‐PCR‐SSCP) method and DNA sequencing. The RT‐PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT‐PCR‐RFLP) method was used to detect the Arg576Gln, G241A, G520A, Val14Met, and Gln64Arg genotypes.

Results  There were significant differences in the genotype frequencies of Ile50/Ile50, G520/G520, and G520/A520 between the SLE group and healthy control group. There was a positive correlation between the IL‐4R Ile50/Ile50 genotype and the susceptibility to SLE (P = 0.022). This was also found for the IL‐10R G520/G520 (P = 0.004) and G520/A520 (P = 0.055) genotypes. The risk of SLE susceptibility was increased in individuals with the genotype combinations Ile50/Ile50 and Gln576/Arg576 (P = 0.056) and G241/G241 and G520/G520 (P = 0.004). The IFN‐γR2 Arg64/Arg64 genotype decreased the risk of SLE (P = 0.047). A decreased risk of development of SLE was detected in individuals with the genotype combination IFN‐γR2 Arg64/Arg64 and IFN‐γR1 Val14/Val14 (P = 0.004).

Conclusions  The IL‐4R Ile50/Ile50 and IL‐10R2 G520/G520 and G520/A520 genotypes were shown to determine the susceptibility to SLE in a Chinese population, as were the combinations Ile50/Ile50 and Gln576/Arg576, and G241/G241 and G520/G520.
Isotopic response of fungal granuloma following facial herpes zoster infections – report of three cases
Authors: Huang Ching‐Wen , Tu Mei‐Eng , Wu Yu‐Hung , Lin Yang‐Chih
Published: November 2007

Background  An isotopic response is the occurrence of a new skin disease at the site of another unrelated, healed skin disorder.

Methods  We report three cases of unilateral granulomatous fungal infection in immunocompetent patients at sites of resolved herpes zoster on the face. Diagnoses were made by potassium hydroxide preparation, histopathologic findings, and fungal culture. Two patients had Candida albicans folliculitis, and the other was infected with both Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Results  The patients responded well to antifungal therapy.

Conclusions  Localized isotopic fungal infections, although rare, can occur in immunocompetent patients.
Immunoglobulin variable region gene analysis to the autoantibody‐secreting B cells from tumors in association with paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome
Authors: Wang Jing , Bu Dingfang , Zhu Xuejun
Published: November 2007

Objectives We have studied the role of lymphoproliferative tumors in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and the origin of the autoantibodies in PNP. Objectives of this study is to understand the characteristics of immunoglobulin genes of the B‐cells isolated from the tumor which can produce auto‐antibody.

Methods Total RNA of the tumor cells was then isolated and the mRNA was reversely transcribed into cDNA. VHand VLgenes were amplified and cloned and their sequences were analyzed.

Results 49 VHgenes (527 to 577 bp) and 36 VLgenes (445 to 454 bp) sequences were cloned from five tumors. All of the IgVLwere mostly homologous to IGKV4‐01 germ‐line gene. The frequency of IgVHgerm‐line gene usage in a decreasing order was IGHV3‐23 > IGHV3‐9 > IGHV4‐31 > IGHV4‐59. There was more nucleotide changes occurred in complementary determining regions (CDR) than those in the framework regions (FR) in the VHand VLof B cell clones. In both VHand VL, the probability (P) that the number of observed replacement mutations (R) in the CDRs would occur by random chance was low.

Conclusions The clones of B‐lymphocytes in the tumors carrying possibly functional rearranged immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes were isolated and there were high incidences of somatic mutations in CDRs and relatively conserved sequences in framework region.
Skin tag as a cutaneous marker for impaired carbohydrate metabolism: a case–control study
Authors: Rasi Abbas , Soltani‐Arabshahi Razieh , Shahbazi Nasim
Published: November 2007

Background  Skin tags are common benign skin tumors usually occurring on the neck and major flexors of older people. A possible association with impaired carbohydrate metabolism has been suggested in previous studies, but the results are not conclusive.

Objective  To investigate and compare the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients with skin tag and a control group.

Patients and methods  A case–control study was conducted in individuals over 15 years old, comparing cases (n = 104) with at least three skin tags and age‐, sex‐, and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls (n = 94) without skin tag. Cases and controls were recruited from patients consecutively seen at an academic outpatient dermatology clinic. All patients underwent a standard 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose.

Results  Patients with skin tag had higher frequency of diabetes than the control group (23.07% vs. 8.51%, χ2‐test, P = 0.005). The difference in the frequency of IGT was not significant (13.46% vs. 10.63%, χ2‐test, P = 0.543). There was a positive correlation between the total number of skin tags and the mean fasting plasma glucose (Pearson correlation, r = 0.260, P = 0.031); patients with more than 30 skin tags were particularly at an increased risk of diabetes (52.0%). No correlation was found between the number of skin tags and BMI. We did not find any correlation between the anatomical localization of skin tags and impaired carbohydrate metabolism, except for skin tags under the breast in women.

Conclusion  These results show an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with multiple skin tags. With regard to the importance of early diagnosis of diabetes, we recommend a high level of suspicion for impaired carbohydrate metabolism in patients with skin tag.
Seasonal pattern of the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: a hospital‐based study in a Mediterranean country
Authors: Nikolaou Vasiliki , Stratigos Alexander J. , Antoniou Christina , Sypsa Vana , Stefanaki Irene , Papadopoulos Othonas , Danopoulou Ifigenia , Hampsas Gregorios , Plaka Michaella , Polydorou Dorothea , Katsambas Andreas D.
Published: November 2007

Background  Several investigators have described a seasonal variation in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. Limited data exist on the seasonality of melanoma diagnosis in Southern European countries.

Patients and methods  The seasonal pattern of diagnosis was analyzed in 404 Greek patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma (CM) between 1996 and 2004. A summer‐to‐winter ratio was determined overall and in relation to gender, age, anatomic site, histopathologic type, and tumor thickness.

Results  The summer‐to‐winter ratio was 1.53 for all patients (95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.15–2.02) with a ratio of 1.83 for women (95% CI: 1.20–2.78) and 1.28 for men (95% CI: 0.87–1.88). A seasonal pattern of melanoma diagnosis was observed for patients younger than 50 years of age (1.70, 95% CI: 1.05–2.74) and between 50 and 69 years (1.64, 95% CI: 1.05–2.56), for melanoma located on the upper or lower extremities (2.50, 95% CI: 1.12–5.56 and 2.23, 95% CI: 1.19–4.18, respectively), for superficial spreading and nodular melanomas (1.73, 95% CI: 1.12–2.69 and 1.52 95% CI: 0.96–2.41) and for melanomas with a tumor thickness of 1–2 mm (1.69, 95% CI: 0.91–3.12) and > 4 mm (2.13, 95% CI: 1.04–4.35).

Conclusions  No major differences were seen in the seasonal distribution of CM diagnosis in a Mediterranean population compared to previously reported results. A better ascertainment of the skin during the summer and an increased awareness due to the melanoma screening campaigns are the more likely reasons for the seasonality of melanoma diagnosis in Greece.
Pemphigus vulgaris in Iran: a clinical study of 140 cases
Authors: Esmaili Nafiseh , Chams‐Davatchi Cheyda , Valikhani Mahin , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Balighi Kamran , Hallaji Zahra , Barzegari Masoumeh , Akhyani Maryam , Ghodsi Zahra S. , Mrotazavi Hossein , Naraghi Zahra S. , Toosi Siavash
Published: November 2007

Background  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. It varies in its clinical profile and epidemiologic characteristics in different parts of the world.

Objective  To determine the clinical features of PV in Iran in a prospective manner.

Methods  The study included 140 patients with newly registered PV attending our dermatology clinic between January 2003 and June 2004.

Results  The mean age at the onset of the disease was 41.5 ± 15.7 years, with a female to male ratio of 1.59 : 1. At presentation to our clinic, both skin and mucosal involvement was observed in 95 patients (67.9%). Cutaneous lesions without the involvement of the mucous membranes were seen in nine patients (6.4%), and exclusive mucosal involvement was present in 36 patients (25.7%). The most common initial localization of the disease was the oral cavity, which was involved in 93 patients (77.5%). The most frequent cutaneous and mucosal sites involved were the thorax and oral cavity, respectively.

Conclusion  Although minor differences were noted, the results of this study are in relatively good agreement with the literature with regard to the age, gender, and initial presentation of PV in Iran. Some skin sites, such as the scalp, thorax, and axilla, may be more commonly affected in men. Patients with initial mucosal lesions were significantly younger than those with initial cutaneous involvement. Mucosal lesions other than the oral mucosa may be more common than previously thought.
Expression of minichromosome maintenance 5 protein in proliferative and malignant skin diseases
Authors: Liu Houjun , Takeuchi Satoshi , Moroi Yoichi , Lin Nengxing , Urabe Kazunori , Kokuba Hisashi , Imafuku Shinichi , Dainichi Teruki , Uchi Hiroshi , Furue Masutaka , Tu Yating
Published: November 2007

Background  The entire minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family (MCM2–7) play roles in the initiation and elongation of DNA replication. Many studies have demonstrated that MCM proteins may be better indicators of a wide variety of proliferative or cancer cells in malignant tissues.

Objectives  To characterize the pattern and frequency of MCM5 expression in proliferative and malignant skin diseases in comparison with those of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).

Methods  Twelve normal skin specimens, 12 specimens of psoriasis, 21 specimens of bowenoid papulosis (BP), 16 specimens of Bowen's disease (BD), 38 specimens of skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 11 specimens of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for MCM5 and PCNA.

Results  MCM5 protein was expressed in the lower layers of epidermis in psoriasis, while MCM5 protein were present throughout the tumor cells in BP, BD, and moderately/poorly differentiated SCC. MCM5 protein was preferentially expressed in the periphery of well‐differentiated SCC or bigger nests of BCC, although some small nests of BCC seemingly showed diffuse staining patterns. The percentages of MCM5‐positive cells were 15.7% in normal skin, 21.8% in psoriasis, 75.9% in BP, 83.8% in BD, 63.5% in well‐differentiated SCC, 77.5% in moderately differentiated SCC, 79.8% in poorly differentiated SCC, and 21.2% in BCC in average. Well‐differentiated SCC showed a significantly lower percentage of positive cells than did moderately differentiated SCC or poorly differentiated SCC. MCM5 staining basically show a similar staining pattern to that of PCNA, but more cells tended to be stained with MCM5 than with PCNA.

Conclusions  Our results demonstrate pattern and frequency of MCM5 expression in various skin diseases and suggest that MCM5 may be a useful marker to detect cell proliferation in skin tissue sections.
Comparison of the Tzanck test and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cutaneous herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus infections
Authors: Ozcan Atilla , Senol Mustafa , Saglam Hulya , Seyhan Muammer , Durmaz Riza , Aktas Elif , Ozerol I. Halil
Published: November 2007

Background  Although the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections is usually made clinically, the Tzanck test, electron microscopy, viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serologic tests can be utilized to verify the diagnosis.

Methods  We conducted a study on a total of 98 patients (77 patients with recurrent herpes simplex and 21 patients with herpes zoster) to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the Tzanck test in comparison with PCR.

Results  In herpes virus infections, the general positivity rates of the Tzanck test and PCR were 61.2% and 79.6%, respectively. The difference between the positivity rates of the two tests was statistically significant. The positivity rates of the tests differed according to the type and duration of the lesions.

Conclusions  Although PCR was superior to the Tzanck test, the Tzanck test has also been proven to be a reliable diagnostic method, with a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 100%. We recommend the use of this easy, quick, reproducible, and inexpensive diagnostic test more often in dermatologic practice, especially in cutaneous herpes virus infections.
Clindamycin phosphate scavenges hydroxyl radical
Authors: Sato Emiko , Kato Masatoshi , Kohno Masahiro , Niwano Yoshimi
Published: November 2007

Background  Clindamycin phosphate (CLDMP) is effective against Gram‐positive and anaerobic bacteria, and is known to have anti‐inflammatory properties.

Methods  To further study the anti‐inflammatory properties of CLDMP, we examined the scavenging effects on superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical using an electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping method.

Results  In a hypoxanthine–xanthine oxidase reaction system, CLDMP did not scavenge superoxide anion. In a Fenton reaction system, however, CLDMP reduced the level of hydroxyl radical, and the scavenging activity of CLDMP against hydroxyl radical was more potent than that of mannitol. As the concentration which inhibits the formation of hydroxyl radical by 50% (IC50) of CLDMP was changed by the addition of a 10‐fold amount of a spin trapping agent, 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide, it is strongly suggested that CLDMP scavenges hydroxyl radical directly.

Conclusion  This is the first report of the direct scavenging effect of CLDMP on hydroxyl radical, and the effect may improve the inflammatory response caused by invading bacteria.